Saturday, May 31, 2008

Book Review: The Intelligent Portfolio

The book, The Intelligent Portfolio: Practical Wisdom on Personal Investing from Financial Engines by Christopher L. Jones, is a very comprehensive book which covers risk versus rewards, past performance versus future expected returns, market timing versus long term investing, and investing in individual stocks versus investing in mutual funds. He also discusses diversification, fees and expenses, and the tax consequences of investing. All of his recommendations are backed up with extensive research and presented in an easy-to-understand manner.

The following is an excerpt from his book about retirement investing:

An Unnecessary Gamble
The Biggest Mistake in Retirement Investing
By Christopher L. Jones
Author of The Intelligent Portfolio: Practical Wisdom on Personal Investing from Financial Engines

One of the most common mistakes made in the retirement investing world, particularly among 401(k) participants, is over-concentration in an employer's stock. In an analysis of more than 100,000 401(k) participants from companies offering stock in their 401(k) plan, more than 54 percent of employees had stock concentration levels that were greater than 20 percent of their total account, an amount that is enough to significantly decrease their median forecasts. In fact, loading up on your employer stock is even worse than loading up on a random individual security. Why? Because chances are your job (and hence your future income) is likely to be highly correlated with how the company stock performs. If bad things happen to the industry or the stock of your employer, you are likely not only to lose your money on the investment, but possibly your job as well. As the unhappy former employees of Enron can attest, this double whammy effect can be devastating, particularly if you are nearing retirement. This implies that you should be even less likely to want to hold the stock of your employer than you would be to hold the stock of a random company. Unfortunately, surveys suggest that many employees do exactly the opposite, loading up on their employer stock in their retirement plan.
People often confuse a good company with a good stock. Your company may be the most amazing, creative, world-dominating, run-by-geniuses firm around, but that does not mean that the stock is undervalued. Chances are, all that good stuff about the company is already factored into its price by the market. To determine that something is undervalued, you have to have information about the future prospects of the firm that are not understood by the market. If it is public, you can bet that the markets have already digested the information. If the new information is private, you are prohibited by law from trading on it (this is called insider information). Never make the mistake of assuming that a great company implies a great stock.
Sometimes the impact of stock volatility can be counterintuitive. Consider an investor at the beginning of January in 1997. Let's say this investor consulted a magical genie and was offered a stock pick that would return an average of 37 percent per year for the next six years guaranteed. The genie states that there would be many bumps along the road, but the investment was guaranteed to have average annual returns of 37 percent. The investor does a quick calculation in his head and determines that if he invests $100,000 in the stock and gets an average annual return of 37 percent, then he stands to make about $560,000 over the next six years. Not a bad deal, right? Sure, there will be some volatility, but those guaranteed average annual returns look pretty good. The investor thanks the genie and promptly goes off to invest his $100,000 in the recommended stock.
Fast forward six years later to December 31, 2002. As promised by the genie, the stock pick has achieved annual returns of 37 percent over the six-year period. But the investor is astonished to see that his account balance is only $80,130. He actually lost 20 percent of his money! What the heck happened?
The stock in this example (JDS Uniphase Corp.) actually did have average annual returns of 37 percent over the period January 1, 1997, through December 31, 2002. But the growth rate (which takes into account the impact of the volatility) was an anemic -3.6 percent per year. The average return was pretty good, but the volatility of the stock's performance killed the growth rate.
The stock had extraordinary performance in the period leading up to early 2000, but this was matched by equally poor performance in 2001 and 2002. The result was that average returns were strongly positive for the six year period, but the overall cumulative performance was poor. This is an extreme example, but clearly demonstrates the danger of focusing too much attention on average returns without considering the impact of volatility. Remember that volatility matters a lot in accumulating wealth over time.
The above is an excerpt from the book The Intelligent Portfolio by Christopher L. Jones Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; May 2008;$27.95US/$30.99CAN; 978-0-470-22804-3 Copyright © 2008 Christopher L. Jones
Reprinted with the permission of FSB Associates.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Top REIT's Yielding Over 10%

If you are looking for a high income and you think that real estate has bottomed out, you should take a look at real estate investment trusts, which avoid taxation at the corporate level because they pass through at least 90% of their taxable income to their shareholders. Sometimes a portion of the income may be non-taxable.

All of the following stocks have yields of 10% or more, PE ratios below 17, and PEG ratios below 2.2. Remember, dividends are subject to change or termination, however, most of these stocks have been paying dividends for at least a few years.

Arbor Realty Trust, Inc. (ABR) is a debt oriented REIT that invests in real estate bridge and mezzanine loans, mortgage-backed securities, and discounted mortgage notes. They have paid quarterly dividends since 2004. This company pays a yield of 17.6%, the stock has a PE of 3 and a PEG of 0.39 .

Gramercy Capital Corp. (GKK) is a debt REIT that holds first mortgage loans, mezzanine financing, preferred equity bridge loans, and permanent loans. They have paid quarterly dividends since 2004. This company pays a yield of 15.4%, the stock has a PE of 3 and a PEG of 0.37 .

Northstar Realty Finance Corp. (NRF) is a commercial oriented REIT that invests in mortgages secured by income-producing real estate properties, commercial mortgage backed securities, REIT unsecured debt, and credit tenant loans, and net lease properties. They have paid quarterly dividends since 2005. This company pays a yield of 14.5%. The stock has a PE of 3 and a PEG of 0.48 .

Anthracite Capital Inc. (AHR) is a commercial oriented REIT that invests in commercial mortgage-backed securities also known as CMBS, secured debt backed, mezzanine loan financing and equity. They have paid quarterly dividends since 1998. This company pays a yield of 12.7%. The stock has a PE of 6 and a PEG of 1.27 .

Capital Trust, Inc. (CT) is a REIT that invests in structured commercial real estate mortgage investments, B Notes, subordinated CMBS, corporate mezzanine loans, first mortgage loans, and real estate mezzanine loans. They have paid quarterly dividends since 1987. This company pays a yield of 11.2%. The stock has a PE of 6 and a PEG of 0.91 .

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NLY) is a REIT that invests in mortgage pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations, agency callable debentures, and FHA and FNMA loans. They have paid quarterly dividends since 1997. This company pays a yield of 10.7%. The stock has a PE of 12 and a PEG of 1.88 .

GMH Communities Trust (GCT) is a REIT that housing specializes in housing for college and university students, along with military housing. They have paid quarterly dividends since 2004. This company pays a yield of 10.0%. The stock has a PE of 16 and a PEG of 2.19 .

If you like high income stocks, you should also look at high yield utility stocks and you might also want to look at monthly dividend stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Investment in Show Business: Marilyn Monroe's Last Movie

Want to buy your way into show business? Want to dip your foot in the entertainment industry. How about buying Marilyn Monroe's last film, "On Set With 'The Misfits'". This 47 minute 8mm silent color movie is being auctioned by Julien's Auctions at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

An Arresting Piece of Real Estate

If you are looking for very unusual real estate to invest in, how about buying a jail? The 14,000 square foot brick Victorian building, based in Skowhegan, Maine, was formerly a prison. The building which was built in 1897, is being offered at $200,000.

'The Job' Video

There aren't too many videos on YouTube that relate to business or finance. However, there is one called The Job which is pretty funny. YouTube is a subsidiary of Google (GOOG) which trades on NASDAQ.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Top Stocks Going Ex-Dividend Week of June 2

The technique of 'Buying Dividends' is buying stocks shortly before they go ex-dividend and selling after the ex-dividend date at break even or at a slight profit, but taking advantage of the fact that you earn the dividend with your money tied up for just a very short period of time. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of 'buying dividends', you should check out my previous article called Buying Dividends.

The following stocks all go ex-dividend next week, have yields of 3.5% or greater, P/E's at or below 15, and PEG ratios below 2.0.

Triangle Capital Corporation ( TCAP ) 6/3/2008 10.28% P/E: 9 PEG: 0.46

Bank of America Corporation ( BAC ) 6/4/2008 7.37% P/E: 15 PEG: 2.00

Euroseas Ltd. ( ESEA ) 6/4/2008 6.83% P/E: 8 PEG: 1.21

Reynolds American, Inc. ( RAI ) 6/6/2008 6.17% P/E: 11 PEG: 1.56

National Australia Bank Ltd. ADR ( NABZY ) 6/2/2008 5.18% P/E: 12 PEG: 1.36

Pepco Holdings, Inc. ( POM ) 6/6/2008 3.96% P/E: 14 PEG: 1.27

TELUS Corporation ( TU ) 6/6/2008 3.74% P/E: 12 PEG: 0.90

First Merchants Corporation ( FRME ) 6/4/2008 3.69% P/E: 14 PEG: 1.76

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Monday, May 26, 2008

Top Uranium Stocks


Some facts about uranium:

1. It is about 70% more dense than lead.
2. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in most rocks and water.
3. It has the highest atomic weight of the naturally occurring elements.
4. It was discovered in 1789 and named after the planet Uranus.
5. Its radioactive properties were uncovered in 1896.
6. It was first used as a fuel in the nuclear power industry in 1934.
7. One kilogram of uranium-235 can theoretically produce about as much electricity as 1500 tons of coal.

The following companies are involved in the uranium industry in some way, however, for some of the larger companies, uranium is a small part of their business. All these companies trade either on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.

BHP Billiton (BHP) is an Australian company which mines and produces uranium, along with numerous other minerals and natural resources such as aluminium, base metals, diamonds, coal, iron ore, manganese, and petroleum. The stock has a PE of 19 , a PEG of 2.36 , and a yield of 1.30% .

Cameco (CCJ) is a Canadian company that develops and produces uranium around the world. The stock has a PE of 36 , and a yield of 0.60% .

Denison Mines Corp. (DNN) is a Toronto, Ontario company that develops and produces uranium, oil and gas, diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, lead, nitrate, silver, vanadium, phosphate, iodine, sulphate, and zinc. The stock has a PE of 34 .

Rio Tinto plc (RTP) is British based company that mines and produces uranium, aluminum, copper, coal, diamonds, gold, borax, nickel, zinc, lead, silver, potash, alumina, gypsum, molybdenum, sulphuric acid, and titanium. The stock has a PE of 22 , a PEG of 0.65 , and a yield of 1.30% .

Uranerz Energy Corp. (URZ) is a Vancouver, Canada based company which explores for and develops uranium properties. It has leases, options, and claims in Wyoming, Saskatchewan, Canada, Mongolia; and Texas The stock has recently generated negative earnings. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

US Energy Corp. (USEG) is a Wyoming based company that explores for and develops uranium, molybdenum, gold, lead, zinc, silver, and oil and gas. The stock has a PE of 1.05. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

USEC Inc. (USU) is a Maryland based company that supplies low enriched uranium for commercial nuclear power plants. The stock has a PE of 11 , and a PEG of 1.0 .

If you think that the future of the uranium industry looks grim, then maybe you should check out some green stocks, such as solar energy stocks and wind power stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Top Tax Free Dividend Stocks

When the stock market is volatile or in a bearish mode, investors turn towards income producing securities. The baby boomers are also starting to reach retirement age, and are looking for income, tax reduction, and safety. Tax free dividend stocks, or more correctly, tax free closed end funds, fill this need. These CEF's invest in municipal bonds which interest that is tax free for Federal tax purposes, and exempt from state income taxes for residents of the state in which the bonds are issued.

One of the highest tax free yielding stocks [CEF's are referred to as stocks for the purpose of this article] is BlackRock Municipal Income Trust (BFK) which yields 6.3%. The CEF has been paying monthly dividends since 2002. It invests in municipal bonds of various governmental agencies including industrial and pollution control, hospital, housing, transportation, education, water, sewer, and power.

If you are a Florida resident, you might want to take a look at BlackRock Florida Municipal Income Trust (BBF), which yields 5.9%. They have been paying monthly dividends since 2001. They invest in hospital, water, sewer, education, housing, power, transportation, and pollution control municipal bonds.

For Californians, you may want to consider the Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund (NAC), yielding 5.3%. They have paid monthly dividends since July of 1999.

Texans should consider a Texas CEF called Nuveen Texas Quality Income Municipal Fund (NTX), that yields 5.1%. Their dividends have been paid since October of 2001.

A New York CEF that pays about 5.5% is the PIMCO New York Municipal Income Fund II (PNI). They have been paying monthly dividends since August 2002.

BlackRock New Jersey Municipal Bond Trust (BLJ) is worth examining by New Jersey residents, as it yields 5.4%. They have been paying dividends since June 2002.

For Massachusetts residents, there is the Van Kampen Massachusetts Value Municipal Income Trust (VMV), which yields 5.4%. Their monthly dividends have been paid since 1995.

If you live in Pennsylvania, there is the Van Kampen Pennsylvania Value Municipal Income Trust (VPV), yielding 5.7%. They have had monthly dividends paid since September of 1995.

For a list of over 200 tax exempt stocks in an Excel that you can sort, change, and download, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Surf the Wave Power Stocks

Wave power, is the capture of the energy from waves on the surface of the ocean. It is one of the newer forms of renewable or 'green' energy under development, not as advanced as solar energy, fuel cells, wind power, ethanol, geothermal companies, and flywheels. However, interest in wave power is increasing and may be the wave of the future in coastal areas [no pun intended]. All of the following companies participate in wave power, however for most of the following stocks, wind power is only a very small part their business.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PCG) is building the first American commercial wave power plant in Northern California, in conjunction with Finavera, which will be located 2.5 miles offshore and is expected to begin operating in four years, powering about 1500 homes. The contract to begin the project was signed in 2007. The stock has a PE of 15 , a PEG of 1.77 and a yield of 3.9% .

Siemens AG (SI) is a joint venture partner of Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation, a leader in advanced hydro power technology and services, which owns Wavegen, Scotland's first wave power company. The stock has a PE of 8 , a PEG of 0.81 and a yield of 1.6% .

Ocean Power Technologies, Inc (OPTT) develops proprietary systems that generate electricity through ocean waves. Their PowerBuoy system is used to supply electricity to local and regional electric power grids. The company recently generated negative earnings of $1.38 per share. This is a very low cap stock of $95 million and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Finavera Renewables (FNVRF.PK) is a Vancouver, Canada based company which is building a wave farm 2.5 miles off the California coast near Humboldt County, and will be using their product called the Aquabuoy. They are also working on projects in British Columbia. The company has been generating negative earnings. This is an extremely low cap stock of $40 million and should therefore be considered extremely speculative.

Pelamis Wave Power, formerly known as Ocean Power Delivery, is a privately held company which has several owners including various venture capital funds and Norsk Hydro ADR (NHYDY.PK). Norsk Hydro has a PE of 5 and a yield of 5.5% .

Endesa SA ADS (ELEYY.PK) is a Spanish electric utility which is developing, in partnership with Pelamis, a full scale wave power farm off Aguçadoura, Portugal which should eventually power 15,000 homes. The stock has a net profit margin of 20.8% and a return on average equity of 4.04%.

RWE AG ADR (RWEOY.PK) is a management holding company with six divisions involved in power and energy. They are developing wave power stations in Siadar Bay on the Isle of Lewis off the coast of Scotland. The stock has a PE of 24 and a yield of 3.9% .

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Book Review: The Drunkard's Walk

Last month, I wrote about the top selling books on stocks for April. This month, I just finished reading an amazing book called The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives, by Leonard Mlodinow. What a fascinating book. It is somewhat in the style of Freakonomics yet it is also completely different.

Mlodinow writes in a style that makes mathematics, probability, and statistics easy to understand, bringing in interesting descriptions of historical figures and mixing in modern real life examples of how probabilities work, and not in ways that you would intuitively think.

Here's an example. Do you remember the TV show Let's Make a Deal? The contestant chooses one of three curtains, one of which has a great prize behind it and the other two with junk prizes. The contestant chooses one curtain which remains closed. The host opens one of the two remaining curtains, showing a junk prize behind it. He offers the contestant the opportunity to change the choice to the third curtain. Are the odds on sticking with the first choice the same as making a switch? If you think the odds are 50/50, you and 92% of all other Americans would be wrong. Mlodinow explains it in a very thorough yet very understandable way why the probabilities show that you would be far better off switching your choice.

He brings in several references throughout the book relating to finance and the stock market. He has a great discussion, and graphs, about how the performance of mutual fund managers that do well during a five year period has absolutely nothing to do with how they will perform during the next five years.

It is amazing how much randomness plays in the life of individuals and society as a whole. Not only did I like the book, but I liked the title and liked the book cover. The hardback book cover has holes in it with letters peeking though, revealing a 'secret code'. I highly recommend The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives as a great read.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Wind Energy Related Stocks


Do you know when the first recorded use of a windmill was? It was first used in the 1st Century AD. Can you guess what it was used for? It was used to power an organ.

Last year, I wrote an article about the stocks of companies that are involved directly in the windmill, wind power, and wind energy business. Unfortunately, most of them were either foreign companies or pink sheet stocks or both. However, there are many companies involved in the wind energy business on a peripheral basis, such as the manufacturers of the material used in windmill blades. Here are some wind energy related stocks, all of which have market caps over $900 million.

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) has an AMSC Power Systems division which markets electrical systems used in wind turbines, electronic power products that regulate wind farm voltage, proprietary wind energy system designs to wind farm manufacturers, and consulting services to the wind farm industry. The company has a market cap of $1.24 billion. This Massachusetts company has recently generated negative earnings of 65 cents per share.

Brookfield Asset Management (BAM) is a Canadian based asset management holding company which has a division that develops wind power throughout Canada, along with the operation of hydroelectric power facilities, interconnections, and transmission facilities throughout North America. The stock has a market cap of $22.4 billion. They have a PE of 29 , a PEG of 3.34 and pays a yield of 1.50% .

Broadwind Energy, Inc. (BWEN.OB) is a Naperville, Illinois company which manufactures wind energy products including steel fabricated towers, internal tower components, and other large fabricated components. The company has a market cap of $1.8 billion and recently generated negative earnings of 7 cents per share.

Clipper Windpower (CRPWF.PK) is the British manufacturer and marketer of wind turbines, and develops wind power electrical generating projects in North and South America and Europe. The company recently generated negative earnings. Queen Elizabeth II of England has just purchased the world’s largest wind turbine from the company, which is 492 feet high and will produce 7.5 megawatts a year.

Otter Tail Corp. (OTTR) is an electric utility which also manufacturers and markets wind towers. They have a PE of 22 , a PEG of 2.68 and pays a yield of 3.20% .

Owens Corning (OC) produces glass fiber reinforced composite materials used in wind energy, transportation, electronics, and the marine industry. Their WindStrand™ product is longer, lighter, and less costly than other blades, according to the company. They have a PE of 43 , a PEG of 4.32 .

Trinity Industries Inc. (TRN) is a Dallas, Texas based company which has an Energy Equipment division which manufactures structural wind towers. The company has a market cap of $3 billion. They have a PE of 10 , a PEG of 1.08 and pays a yield of 0.80% .

Zoltek Companies (ZOLT) is a supplier of carbon fiber for windmill blades to major wind energy companies. The company has a market cap of $959 million. They have a PE of 145 , a PEG of 0.92 .

Don't forget to check out the top Green Week Stocks.

Author owns OTTR.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Toy Company Sells Whips

Hasbro Inc. (HAS), the large manufacturer of games and toys, has come out with the Indiana Jones FX Whip for $19.95. The whip make sound effects and plays the theme song. Hasbro trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

iPod Phonographs

Here is a type of product you don't see every day, a phonograph for Apple (AAPL) iPods, called the Phonofone II. It has a retro look, similar to an old phonograph player, that doesn't require any electricity. It acoustically increases the music that comes out of standard earphones attached to iPhones. The sound strength reaches 55 decibels. The price is only $500.

Author owns AAPL.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Dead Cat Bounce Stocks

A 'Dead Cat Bounce' takes place when a stock has a slight rise after a sharp drop. To utilize this type of investment opportunity, you would want to find a stock with favorable financials (although although great financials are not absolutely necessary) that has had a significant drop, with the anticipation that the stock should have a slight rise after the drop.

The following stocks all have market caps over $250 million, P/E ratios below 20, and PEG ratios below 1.7, plus they have all just traded at 52 week lows. Three of the stocks pay dividends. You may not consider these true dead cat bounces, because for some, the drop was gradual, not sharp.

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (CRBC) is a bank holding company which operates in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, and Indiana The stock has a PE of 6.1 and a PEG of 0.87 .

Callaway Golf Company (ELY) is a manufacturer and marketer of golf clubs and golf balls. The stock has a PE of 15.1 and a PEG of 1.40 The company pays a yield of 2%.

Cathay General Bancorp (CATY) is the holding company for Cathay Bank, which operates primarily in California. The stock has a PE of 6.4 and a PEG of 0.67 The company pays a yield of 2.6%.

Dollar Financial Corp. (DLLR) provides financial services such as check cashing, consumer loans, money orders, and electronic tax filing. The stock has a PE of 9.6 and a PEG of 0.59 .

Capitol Bancorp Ltd. (CBC) is a Lansing, Michigan based bank holding company. The stock has a PE of 15.2 and a PEG of 1.69 The company pays a yield of 3.7%.

Iconix Brand Group, Inc. (ICON) markets various consumer brands including Bongo, Badgley Mischka, Joe Boxer, Rampage, Mudd, London Fog, Mossimo, Danskin, Rocawear, Cannon, and Royal Velvet. The stock has a PE of 12.7 and a PEG of 0.55 .

Quanex Building Products Corporation (NX) is a manufacturer and marketer of building products materials and components. The stock has a PE of 18.1 and a PEG of 1.36 .

Author has owned ELY for many years.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Monday, May 19, 2008

Top Stocks Going Ex-Dividend Week of May 26

If you are unfamiliar with the concept of 'buying dividends', you should check out my previous article called Buying Dividends. But basically the technique is buying stocks shortly before they go ex-dividend and selling after the ex-dividend date at break even or at a slight profit, but taking advantage of the fact that you earn the dividend with your money tied up for just a very short period of time.

The following stocks all go ex-dividend next week, have yields of 5% or greater, P/E's below 25, and PEG ratios below 2.0.

Cherokee Inc. (CHKE) 5/28/2008 10.2% PE: 16.0 PEG: 1.60

Great Plains Energy Incorporated (GXP) 5/28/2008 6.3% PE: 12.5 PEG: 1.92

The Blackstone Group L.P. (BX) 5/28/2008 6.0% PE: 21.1 PEG: 1.19

Briggs & Stratton Corporation (BGG) 5/29/2008 5.6% PE: 20.7 PEG: 1.97

SunTrust Banks, Inc. (STI) 5/29/2008 5.5% PE: 14.4 PEG: 1.74

Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (MI) 5/28/2008 5.0% PE: 15.3 PEG: 1.88

France Telecom SA ADR (FTE) 5/29/2008 5.0% PE: 8.7 PEG: 0.70

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Canadian Life Sciences Stocks

Last week, I wrote an article about Canadian Technology Companies. But beyond technology, mining, and oil, Canada is home to over 135 publicly traded life sciences related companies. The following Canadian stocks have market caps above $250 million, and trade either on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.

MDS Inc. (MDZ) is an Ontario based developer of products and services for the development of drugs, and the treatment of diseases, including pharmaceutical contract research services and contract manufacturing services for the radio therapeutics industry. The stock has a PE of 3, and a PEG of 3.46.

Biovail Corporation (BVF) is a Mississauga, Ontario based company that manufactures pharmaceutical products used to treat central nervous system disorders, pain management, and cardiovascular diseases including Wellbutrin XL and and Wellbutrin SR/Zyban for the treatment of depression, Ultram ER for the treatment of chronic pain, and Zovirax Ointment for the treatment of genital herpes. The stock has a PE of 13, a PEG of 1.75, and a yield of 11.8%.

Cardiome Pharma Corp.(CRME) is a British Columbia based developer of cardiovascular drugs. The company recently generated negative earnings of 1.36 cents per share.

QLT Inc. (QLTI) is a British Columbia based developer of ophthalmology and dermatology pharmaceutical products. The company recently generated negative earnings of 1.68 cents per share.

Angiotech Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ANPI) is a British Columbia based producer of medical products for diseases and complications associated with medical device implants and surgical interventions. The company recently generated negative earnings of 82 cents per share, but has a forward P/E of 20.

Transition Therapeutics Inc. (TTHI) is a Toronto, Ontario based biopharmaceutical company which develops products for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and diabetes. The company recently generated negative earnings of 71 cents per share.

By the way, if you are looking for information on high income Canadian stocks, check out Top Canadian Income Trusts.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Top Israeli Stocks


Earlier this month was the 60 year anniversary of the country of Israel. Last year I wrote an article about the highest yielding Israeli stocks. Since the Country just had its 60 year anniversary, now may be time to take a second look as Israel. Here are some interesting facts about the country:

1. It is ranked 22nd in per capita Gross Domestic Product.
2. It is ranked 23rd in terms of the Human Development Index.
3. They are the foreign country with more stocks listed on NASDAQ than any other country.
4. Warren Buffett purchased Iscar, an Israeli toolmaker for $4 billion.
5. The Tel Aviv 100 Index was up about 150% over the last five years.
6. Intel, Cisco, IBM, Microsoft, Motorola, Lucent, and Oracle have made major investments in Israel.

All of the following stocks have market caps above $300 million.

Alvarion (ALVR) is a provider of WiMAX and non-WiMAX wireless broadband systems throughout the world. The stock has a PE of 47 and a PEG of 1.87 .

Amdocs Ltd. (DOX) is a provider of communications software and services. Although the company has its headquarters in Missouri, it has major operations in Israel. The stock has a PE of 18 and a PEG of 1.04 .

Blue Square Israel Ltd. (BSI) is an operator of Israeli supermarkets. The stock has a PE of 12.5 and a yield of 10.50% .

Ceragon Networks (CRNT) makes and markets point-to-point wireless backhaul solutions. The stock has a PE of 26 .

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (CHKP) develops and sells security software. The stock has a PE of 18 and a PEG of 1.45 .

Elbit Systems (ESLT) manufactures and markets defense systems and products. The stock has a PE of 31 and a PEG of 1.95 , with a yield of 1.30% .

First Israel (ISL) is a closed end fund that invests in Israeli equities. The stock has a PE of 4.5 and a yield of 1.90% .

Given Imaging (GIVN) manufactures and sells diagnostic products used to detect disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. The stock has a PE of 33 and a PEG of 3.91 .

NICE Systems (NICE) develops and sells integrated, scalable multimedia digital recording platforms and operational risk management software solutions. The stock has a PE of 52 and a PEG of 0.93 .

Ormat Technologies (ORA) is involved in the geothermal and recovered energy power business. The stock has a PE of 46 and a PEG of 2.03 , with a yield of 0.40% .

Partner Communications Co. (PTNR) operates a mobile telecommunications network. The stock has a PE of 13 and a PEG of 1.84 , with a yield of 6.10% .

Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) makes and sells pharmaceuticals including Copaxone for multiple sclerosis and Azilect for Parkinson's disease. The stock has a PE of 22 and a PEG of 1.05 , with a yield of 1% .

Zoran (ZRAN) is a provider of integrated circuits, software, and platforms for digital television applications. The stock has a PE of 11 and a PEG of 1.21 .

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Buying Dividends: Top 7 Stocks Going Ex-Dividend Next Week

One way that you can earn very high returns is utilizing a technique called 'buying dividends'. Buying dividends is the process of buying a stock just before it goes ex-dividend and selling it shortly after the ex-dividend date at the same [or at a higher] price as the cost price. The ex-dividend date is the date after which a buyer of the stock is no longer entitled to the dividend. In other words, if an investor purchases a stock on or after the ex-dividend date, the investor will not receive the dividend; however, if the stock is purchased prior to the ex-dividend date, the investor will receive the dividend on what is called the payment date. Another way to look at it is an investor can sell a stock on the ex-div date or later and still get the dividend.

Does it work? Let me give you an example. Last month, I bought United Online Inc. (UNTD) for 10.89 per share on April 11 and sold it on May 12, the ex-dividend date, for 11.56 per share, a return of over 6% before commission and before adding in the dividend, but that's really not relevant. The stock pays a dividend of 20 cents per share, which provided a return of 1.8% over 30 days. Annualized, it worked out to about 22%. [Full disclosure: author still owns UNTD in a retirement account.]

But I need not have tied up my money for a month. I could have bought the stock for 11.31 [closing price] on Friday, May 9, and sold it Monday, May 12, for 11.91 [closing price]. The gain on the stock was 60 cents, plus the 20 cent dividend is a return of 80 cents or 7% over a period of three days [before commission]. The annualized return is ridiculously high at 860%. But even if you broke even on the purchase and sale price, just the return on the dividend provided a 215% annualized return.

Generally, stocks are supposed to drop by the amount of the dividend on the ex-dividend date, similar to mutual funds, which always drop by the dividend amount. But in strong markets, the price of the stock can hold its value. This technique works often in bull markets, sometimes in flat or choppy markets, but for bear markets? Forget it. Sometimes you can sell the stock on the ex-dividend date, sometimes you have to hold the stock for a few days, and sometimes you have to hold the stock for a few weeks in order to sell the stock at what you paid or higher. In other words, this technique doesn't always work. But if it is a stock worth holding for the long term, what do you have to lose?

If you just want to buy a stock for the long term, look for the best ones that pay quarterly or provide monthly dividends. But if you are looking for a quick return in a short period of time, you might want to try buying dividends. The following are seven stocks with relatively low P/E ratios, low PEG ratios, high yields, and are going ex-dividend next week.

Genesis Lease Limited ( GLS ) ex-div date: 5/19/2008 yield: 11.75% P/E: 15 PEG: 1.38 Dividend: 0.47

Partner Communications Company Ltd ( PTNR ) ex-div date: 5/23/2008 yield: 6.20% P/E: 12 PEG: 1.76 Dividend: 0.35

Advanta Corp. ( ADVNB ) ex-div date: 5/21/2008 yield: 8.90% P/E: 6 PEG: 0.51 Dividend: 0.2125

Advance America, Cash Advance Centers ( AEA ) ex-div date: 5/22/2008 yield: 5.90% P/E: 14 PEG: 1.17 Dividend: 0.125

Journal Communications, Inc. ( JRN ) ex-div date: 5/22/2008 yield: 5.41% P/E: 10 PEG: 1.42 Dividend: 0.08

Community Capital Corporation ( CPBK ) ex-div date: 5/21/2008 yield: 4.46% P/E: 10 PEG: 0.99 Dividend: 0.15

Carnival Corporation ( CCL ) ex-div date: 5/21/2008 yield: 3.76% P/E: 14 PEG: 0.96 Dividend: 0.4

By the way, the stocks that pay semi-annual dividends pay dividend payments that are on average higher than the payments made on quarterly paying stocks, so it may we worth taking a closer look at dividend buying with those stocks.

Author owns UNTD.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

Highest Yielding Semi-Annual Dividend Payers

Who would want to look for a stock that only pays twice a year? I recently wrote articles about stocks that pay monthly, and the highest yielding stocks that pay quarterly. There may be a few reasons. Maybe an investor owns some corporate or municipal bonds, but wants some income coming in, plus growth potential, during the months that no bond income is coming in. Also, an investor may prefer to receive fewer larger checks as opposed to receiving smaller checks more often.

One thing that is interesting to note is that nine out of the top ten semi-annual dividend stocks are foreign companies, which have ADR's that trade in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange.

CPFL Energia S.A. [ADR] ( CPL ) is a Brazilian based generator and distributor of electricity. It has paid dividends since 2005. The stock has a PE of 12 and a PEG of 0.78 . The stock pays a yield of 7.41% .

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. ( RT ) is a casual dining restaurant operator. It has paid dividends since 1990. The stock has a PE of 12 and a PEG of 0.91 . The stock pays a yield of 6.17% .

Allied Irish Banks, plc. [ADR] ( AIB ) is a Dublin, Ireland based banking, investment banking, and asset management services company. Dividends have been paid since 2002. The stock has a PE of 6 and a PEG of 0.34 . The stock pays a yield of 7.46% .

Pearson PLC [ADR] ( PSO ) is a publisher of textbooks and testing and software services. It has been paying dividends since 2001. The stock has a PE of 18 and a PEG of 2.00 . The stock pays a yield of 6.01% .

Westpac Banking Corporation [ADR] ( WBK ) is an Australian based banking and financial services company. It has paid dividends since 1989. The stock has a PE of 11 and a PEG of 1.28 . The stock pays a yield of 5.14% .

Barclays PLC [ADR] ( BCS ) is in the business of banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services. It has paid semi-annual dividends since 1087. The stock has a PE of 7 and a PEG of 0.56 . The stock pays a yield of 10.17% .

Tomkins plc [ADR] ( TKS ) is in the business of engineering and manufacturing transmission products, fluid power products, axles and wheels, frames, trailers, automotive accessories, and grease guns. It has paid dividends since 1992. The stock has a PE of 9 and a PEG of 1.71 . The stock pays a yield of 9.40% .

ING Groep N.V. [ADR] ( ING ) is the Dutch based banking, investments, life insurance, and retirement services company. Dividends have been paid since 1997. The stock has a PE of 6 and a PEG of 0.95 . The stock pays a yield of 6.74% .

Lloyds TSB Group plc [ADR] ( LYG ) is the large British banking company. It has paid dividends since 2002. The stock has a PE of 8 and a PEG of 1.31 . The stock pays a yield of 8.45% .

Bank of Ireland [ADR] ( IRE ) is an Irish based provider of banking and financial services. The stock has a PE of 5 and a PEG of 0.28 . The stock pays a yield of 5.03% .

By the way, if you are looking for tax free dividends, check out Top Tax Exempt Dividend Stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.


By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Watch Out Boeing: Competition from China

Boeing Co. (BA) and Airbus, a division of EADS (EADSY.PK), have a big competitor on the horizon, China Commercial Aircraft. This Shanghai based aircraft manufacturer has plans to develop larger size aircraft that will carry over 150 passengers. Supposedly, China will require about 2,650 additional aircraft over the next five years.

Technology Companies in Canada?

Yes, there are a lot of publicly traded technology companies in Canada, including a couple of well known names. Canada isn't just the home of oil and mining stocks, it has plenty of tech, life sciences, and many other industries. All of the following companies are based in Canada, have market caps over $325 million, and trade either on the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ.

Research in Motion Limited ( RIMM ) is the Waterloo, Ontario based company that was the developer of the BlackBerry. It was named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers according to Maclean's Magazine. The stock has a PE of 59 and a PEG of 1.01 .

Nortel Networks Corporation ( NT ) is a Toronto based multinational telecommunications and networking equipment manufacturer. The stock has a forward PE of 8.5 and a PEG of 2.29 .

CAE Inc. ( CGT ) this Quebec based company, originally known as Canadian Aviation Electronics, is a major flight simulator company which sells to airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and defense. The stock has a PE of 22 and a yield of 0.30% .

CGI Group Inc. ( GIB ) is a Quebec City based company involved in the business of information technology management and business process services. The stock has a PE of 17 and a PEG of 1.17 .

Open Text Corporation ( OTEX ) is an Ontario based company in the business of Enterprise Content Management solutions. The stock has a PE of 55 and a PEG of 0.91 .

Celestica Inc. ( CLS ) is an Ontario based electronics manufacturer in the areas of communications, computing, consumer, industrial, aerospace, and defense. The stock has a PE of 41 and a PEG of 0.74 .

Ballard Power Systems Inc. ( BLDP ) is a British Columbia based manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for materials handling, cogeneration, and back-up power. The stock has a PE of 12 .

Sierra Wireless Inc. ( SWIR ) is a British Columbia based manufacturer and marketer of wireless modems and wide area wireless networks. The stock has a PE of 14 and a PEG of 0.47 .

SXC Health Solutions Corp. ( SXCI ) is an Ontario pharmacy benefit management services and healthcare information technology solutions company. The stock has a PE of 27 and a PEG of 1.42 .

Don't forget to check out Canadian Income Trusts and Canadian bank stocks and Canadian oil royalty trusts.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Venture Capitalists Fund Non-stick Chewing Gum Company

A British company, Revolymer, that makes non-stick chewing gum has raised 10 million British pounds or approximately $20 million from venture capitalists, including IP Group. The gum won't stick to shoes or sidewalks. The gum is called, what else, Clean Gum.

Friday, May 09, 2008

Gene Therapy Stocks


Gene therapy is the process of inserting genes into human cells and tissues for the treatment of diseases, including hereditary diseases. The first gene therapy procedure was performed in 1990 on a four-year old girl who was born with severe combined immunodeficiency, a rare genetic disease, also known as 'bubble boy' disease or SCID.

Gene therapy can also involve the use of stem cells. In 1993, a baby was tested with genetic screening before birth which showed that he had SCID. Cord Blood was removed from the baby boy's placenta and umbilical cord immediately after he was born and the stem cells were extracted, mixed with retroviruses, and injected with working ADA genes into the boy's blood stream. The boy's T-cells made their own ADA enzymes for a period of four years after the treatment.

The saving and storing of cord blood has become very popular recently, and is a growing industry. Even Richard Branson, founder and head of Virgin Records and Virgin Atlantic Airways, is jumping on the bandwagon, by setting up a cord blood bank.

The following are a selection of some of the larger publicly traded companies involved in a significant way in gene therapy. All of the following stocks have market capitalizations above $300 million.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNY) develops therapeutic products based on RNA interference. It is working on therapeutics for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infection, hypercholesterolemia, liver cancer, Huntington's disease, Ebola virus viral hemorrhagic fever, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, pandemic flu, Parkinson's disease, and cystic fibrosis. The stock has a market cap of $1.13 billion. Latest reported earnings were negative.

Cell Genesys' (CEGE) is a biotechnology company that develops cell-based cancer immunotherapies and oncolytic virus therapies. Their therapies are used to treat prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and recurrent bladder cancer. The stock has a market cap of $307 million. Latest reported earnings were negative.

Enzo Biochem Inc. (ENZ) makes and sells biomedical research products and tools used in the fields of gene expression, non-radioactive labeling and detection, apoptosis, cell cycle, cytoskeletal research, DNA damage and repair, immunology and cancer research. The stock has a market cap of $336 million. Latest reported earnings were negative.

Genzyme (GENZ) is a biotechnology company involved in the products and therapies relating to renal, therapeutics, transplants, biosurgery, and genetics. They are working on a first phase 2 gene therapy trial, which investigates the proprietary HIF-1-alpha gene for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease, and have an ongoing phase 1-2 gene therapy trial for Parkinson's disease. They are also working in gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration and lysosomal storage disorders. The stock has a market cap of $18.5 billion. The stock has a PE of 41 and a PEG of 0.94.

Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS) is a biopharmaceutical company involved in RNA-based drugs. The company has 18 drugs in development, to treat familial hypercholesterolemia patients, type 2 diabetes, kidney glucose issues, advanced prostate cancer, advanced lung cancers, tumor progression, multiple sclerosis, eye diseases, and respiratory diseases. The stock has a market cap of $1.09 billion. Latest reported earnings were negative.

Onyx Pharmaceuticals (ONXX) develops and markets oral anticancer therapies used to prevent cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis through the process of inhibiting proteins that signal or support tumor growth. The stock has a market cap of $1.93 billion. The stock has a forward PE of 26 and a PEG of 4.47.

For more related information, check out stem cell stocks and cord blood stocks. Even the state of California has issued stem cell municipal bonds.

Author does not own any of the above. Picture of the gene therapy using an Adenovirus vector is courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Diamond and Jewelry Stocks


Some facts about diamonds:
1. 130 million carats are mined every year.
2. They are the hardest known natural material.
3. The word diamond comes from the ancient Greek word for "invincible" or "untamed".
4. About half of all diamonds come from central and southern Africa.
5. Other major diamond producing companies include Canada, India, Russia, Brazil, and Australia.
6. A blue diamond sold for about $8 million last year.

The following are some of the major diamond mining companies and jewelry retailers.

Harry Winston Diamond Corporation (HWD) is involved in the mining and marketing of diamonds, and retailing fine jewelry and watches. This Toronto, Canada based company was founded in 1980. They own almost half of the Diavik Diamond Mine located in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The stock has a PE of 17, a PEG of 1.19, and pays a yield of 0.7%.

Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. (MDM) is a Toronto, Canada based natural resource property exploration and development company which mines for diamonds. The company recently reported negative earnings of minus one cent per share.

Anglo American PLC (AAUK) which trades on NASDAQ, is a miner of platinum, gold, diamonds, coal, and industrial minerals. The stock has a P/E of 12, a PEG of 0.44, and pays a yield of 2.6%, with a market cap of $88 billion.

Rio Tinto plc (RTP) is a company that mines for everything from iron ore to aluminum to copper to diamonds to coal to talc. Although they are based in London, they have operations in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. This stock has a P/E ratio of 22, a PEG of 0.59, and a yield of 1.3%.

BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) and BHP Billiton plc (BBL) is the world's largest mining company, iron ore, diamonds, manganese, coal, copper, nickel, petroleum and bauxite. The Australian BHP Billiton Limited and the British BHP Billiton Plc trade separately with separate shareholders but they operate as one business with the same boards of directors and one management organization. The P/E is 19, the PEG is 2.02, and the yield is 1.3%.

Signet Group plc (SIG), operates H.Samuel The Jeweler, Ernest Jones, The Diamond and Watch Specialist, and Leslie Davis retailers in the United Kingdom and Kay Jewelers, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry, and other retailers in the United States. The stock has a PE of 12, a PEG of 0.94 and a yield of 4.8%.

Zale Corporation (ZLC) is a jewelry retailer which has six brands: Zales Jewelers , Zales Outlet , Gordon's Jewelers , Bailey Banks & Biddle , Peoples Jewellers and Mappins Jewellers. The stock has a PE of 33.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF), founded in 1837, is one of the top jewelry companies in the world, with over 60 U.S. stores and over 100 international locations. The metric carat as a weight standard for gems was developed by a Tiffany gemologist. The New York City flagship store is home to the 128-carat Fancy Yellow Tiffany Diamond. The stock has a PE of 19, a PEG of 1.2, and a yield of 1.4%.

Blue Nile Inc. (NILE), founded in 1999, is a leading web based retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, and the largest online retailer of certified diamonds. The stock has a PE of 44 and a PEG of 2.02.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Stock Market Contests

Looking for a way to make money from the stock market without investing any money? How about entering a stock trading contest.

CNBC.com Grand prize of $500,000 with a first prize of $250,000, a second prize of $100,000 and three third place prizes of $50,000.

TheStreet.com $5,000 each week

WallStreetSurvivor.com $100 daily prizes, $600 weekly prizes, first place: 7 nights in Aura Cozumel Resort - Wyndham Grand Bay, $600/night plus 2RT Air Tickets ($900 each) Total Value: $6,000

Stock Market Blogger Passed Away

James 'Jethro' Paul Alfandre, who wrote The Jethro Stockwatch Club blog, and was a contributor to the TradingGoddess blog, passed away yesterday. He specialized in technical analysis and charts.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Myspace Founder's Home Burglarized

The Hollywood Hills home of MySpace Founder, Brad Greenspan, was burglarized last weekend. Greenspan is founder of Intermix/eUniverse Inc., which helped start the MySpace web site. He bought the house in 2004 for $2.9 million. MySpace is owned by News Corp. (NWS, NWS-A), which trades on the New York Stock Exchange.

Oil Equipment Swallowed by Giant Sinkhole

A huge southeast Texas sinkhole, 150 feet deep and 600 feet wide, is eating up oil field equipment and trucks. Investigators think it may be caused an old salt dome underneath.

Mother's Day Stocks


May 11 is Mother's Day, so if you haven't done the shopping for your mother and/or wife, then you better get a move on. You may want to consider a gift of some shares in companies that may participate in sales of Mother's Day related products. Here are a few that can benefit from from the widely celebrated day, including chocolate, flowers, and jewelry. Don't forget the greeting card and gift wrap.

Hershey (HSY), founded in 1894, is the largest manufacturer of chocolate in North America and one of the largest chocolate and candy companies in the world. Hershey's Kisses were invented in 1901. Hershey chocolate chips were introduced in 1928. The stock has a P/E of 47, a PEG of 3, with a favorable yield of 3.1%.

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Inc. (RMCF) is a very low cap stock [and should therefore be considered very speculative], based in Durango, Colorado, which makes and markets caramels, creams, mints, and truffles. The company, which was founded in 1981, has over 300 franchise locations in 40 states, along with Canada and the United Arab Emirates. The P/E is 14, and their yield is 3.3%.

1-800-Flowers.com Inc. (FLWS), the largest publicly traded flower seller, also sells plants, gourmet foods, cookies, cakes, candies, wine, gift baskets, and other gifts. They have a P/E of 22 and a PEG of 1.2. 1-800-Flowers is being purchased by United Online (UNTD), the Internet and media services company that owns NetZero, Juno, and Classmates.

Tiffany & Co. (TIF), founded in 1837, is one of the top jewelry companies in the world, with over 60 U.S. stores and over 100 international locations. The metric carat as a weight standard for gems was developed by a Tiffany gemologist. The New York City flagship store is home to the 128-carat Fancy Yellow Tiffany Diamond. The stock has a PE of 19, a PEG of 1.2, and a yield of 1.4%.

Blue Nile Inc. (NILE), founded in 1999, is a leading web based retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry, and the largest online retailer of certified diamonds. The stock has a PE of 44 and a PEG of 2.02.

A couple other jewelry companies are Signet Group plc (SIG), with a PEG of 0.94 and a yield of 5.2%, and Zale Corporation (ZLC) with a PE of 32.

American Greetings Corp. (AM), founded in 1906 and based in Cleveland, Ohio, is the largest publicly-traded greeting card company in the world. The stock has a PE of 12, a PEG of 1.1, and a yield of 2.6%.

CSS Industries Inc. (CSS) markets gift wrap, gift bags, boxed greeting cards, gift tags, tissue paper, decorations, and decorative ribbons and bows. The stock has a PE of 13, and a yield of 2%.

Author owns UNTD.

By Stockerblog.com

Top Non-ADR Pink Sheet Stocks

The Pink Sheets are the arena where stocks trade that don't trade on any other exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. Many foreign stocks have American Depositary Receipts, also known as ADR's, that trade on the Pink Sheets, and the Pinks have been a haven for many penny stock scams, but there are also many solid US companies that trade there also.

There was a rumor going around that the Pink Sheets company may be considering going public through an IPO. Do you know where the name Pink Sheets came from? These over-the-counter stocks were originally listed on long pieces of pink paper, showing the name of the market maker and the current bid and ask prices.

The following stocks all have market caps over $320 million. Caution should be exercised before investing in Pink Sheet stocks including these, due to low trading volume and wide bid and ask price spreads.

Maxim Integrated Products Inc. (MXIM.PK) is a Sunnyvale, California based company that makes and sells analog linear and mixed-signal integrated circuits, such as data converters, interface circuits, operational amplifiers, and power supplies. The stock has a PE of 14 , and a PEG of 0.87 . The company has a yield of 3.70% .

Navistar International Corp. (NAVZ.PK) is a manufacturer of commercial trucks, school buses, and mid-range diesel engines. The stock has a PE of 16.5 , and a PEG of 3.44 .

Comverse Technology Inc. (CMVT.PK) develops and markets multimedia communication and information processing software. The stock has a PE of 32 , and a PEG of 1.38 .

Ciba Holding Inc (CSBHY.PK) manufactures specialty chemicals for plastics, coatings, paper and other They also provide water treatment products and services. The stock has a PE of 11. The company has a yield of 7.70% .

ACE Aviation Holdings, Inc. (ACEAF.PK) holds a 75% direct ownership interest in Air Canada, along with interested in various other aviation related companies. The stock has a PE of 2 .

Verint Systems Inc. (VRNT.PK) manes and markets security and business intelligence related analytic software-based solutions. The stock has a PE of 24 , and a PEG of 0.94 .

Ulticom, Inc. (ULCM.PK) makes and markets service enabling signaling software . The stock has a PE of 16.5 .

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Happy Birthday Euro

Today is the 10 year anniversary of the agreement to establish the Euro. (The currency actually started going into use by consumers on January 1, 2002.) Against the dollar, it has performing extremely well.

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Free Viagra in Chile

The mayor of Lo Prado, Chile is now distributing Viagra, manufactured by Pfizer Inc. (PFE), for free to men every week. The catch is, for men to receive it, they must be over 60 years old. The cost of the program to the city is $20,000.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Will Air Courier Stocks Start Flying

During the last couple years, the air courier stocks have significantly underperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average. They have been hit hard by by the high cost of fuel, so maybe there might be a contrarian opportunity with these stocks. Here are the publicly traded air courier stocks.

FedEx Corporation (FDX) is one of the leading air courier and logistics companies in the United States. They also own FedEx Kinkos. The stock has a PE of 15 , and a PEG of 1.44 . The yield is 0.4% .

TNT N.V. (ADR) (TNTTY.PK) is a Dutch based global express and mail delivery services company. They have operations in 65 countries and deliver to over 200 companies. The stock has a PE of 12 .

United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) is the largest package delivery company in the world. They have 6.1 million customers in more than 200 countries. The stock has a PE of 174 , and a PEG of 1.49 . The yield is 2.40% .

ABX Holdings, Inc. (ABXA) is a provider of air cargo transportation and related services. The stock has a PE of 8 .

Air T, Inc. (AIRT) is a provider of overnight air cargo services. This is a very low cap stock and should be considered very speculative. The stock has a PE of 7 .

Alpine Air Express, Inc. (APNX.OB) is a provider of air cargo services. This is a very low cap stock and should be considered very speculative. The stock has a PE of 12 .

AirNet Systems, Inc. (ANS) operates a national air transportation network. This is a very low cap stock and should be considered very speculative. The stock has a PE of 8 .

Author owns AIRT.

By Stockerblog.com

Get Paid a Million Dollars to Stay Married

How2 would you like to get paid $10,000 or $100,000 or $1,000,000 just to stay married? There is a website called utango.com, which allows married couples to earn up to $800 cash back annually, from dollars spent online or offline at over 300 program merchants. In addition, you can earn $10,000 at year 10, $100,000 at year 20, and one million dollars at the 30th year.

Friday, May 02, 2008

Place a Bet on Horse Racetrack Stocks


With the 134th Kentucky Derby taking place this weekend, investors are taking a closer look at horse racing stocks. The stakes for the Derby are over $1.4 million and over 150,000 spectators are expected.

Did you happen to see that the Ryanair CEO didn't bet on his own horse and lost out on 33 to 1 odds? By the way, if you want a free horse race handicapping program, check out the one at horsetip.com. The following are some of the stocks involved in the horse racing industry.

Churchill Downs Inc. (CHDN), the home of the legendary Kentucky Derby, owns several racetracks, off-track betting facilities, and Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions. Their P/E is 42 and their PEG is 3.83, with a yield of 1%. Latest quarterly revenue growth was up 10.9%. Their earnings call is scheduled for May 7.

Canterbury Park Holding Corp. (ECP) operates year-round pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast and live horse races, along with track concessions and a card club, at the Canterbury Park Racetrack in Minnesota which it owns and operates. The stock has a P/E of 14 and recently released their financials. Although their earnings for the year were up, their latest quarterly earnings year over year were down over 41.8%.

Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment Inc. (DDE) owns Dover Downs Raceway, a harness racing track with pari-mutuel wagering. The company has a P/E of 11 and pays a yield of 2.9%.

Magna Entertainment Corp. (MECA) owns several horse racetracks and off track facilities. Although quarterly revenues were up, earnings have been negative. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

MTR Gaming Group Inc. (MNTG) owns racetracks in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. They have a forward P/E of about 21, and a PEG of 1.51. Quarterly earnings were down, however revenues were up by 40%.

Penn National Gaming Inc. (PENN) owns racetracks and off-track wagering facilities in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ontario. The P/E is 25 and the PEG is 1.18. Latest quarterly revenues were up 2.9% and earnings were down 5.1%.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Brazilian Stock Market Makes All Time High above 17,000

Standard & Poor's just increased the ratings of Brazilian debt to investment grade, giving them a BBB- rating. This caused an already rising Brazilian stock market to spike up above the 17,000 level on the Sao Paulo index. Brazilian stocks have been strong market performers over the last couple years.

Tea with Alan Greenspan, Dinner with Forbes, Tickets to Jim Cramer's Show

Yes, you can have Tea with Alan Greenspan at the Four Seasons in DC, Dinner with one of the Forbes brothers in the Wine Cellar of Malcolm Forbes' Townhouse in Greenwich Village , or Tickets to Jim Cramer's CNBC show MAD MONEY. These are4 all available at the CharityBuzz.com online charity auction to benefit the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, the DC based international human rights advocacy group.

There are also several other interesting financial related lots including a Tour of the US Treasury by Wendy Paulson, Secretary Paulson's Wife.

The current bid on 'Tea and Subprime Sympathy with Alan Greenspan and Andrea Mitchell at The Four Seasons in Washington, D.C.' is $13,500 (last year, he went for $45,000). Get you bid in now because the next bid level is $16,000. The top bid so far for Jim Cramer's show is $7.000, and dinner for five with Forbes is $3,250.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

$4.10 a Gallon for Regular


I thought four dollars a gallon was an aberration, usually that high priced gas station in San Mateo, California that always shows up on the news. However, it seems that $4 a gallon stations are starting to become ubiquitous. I just paid $4.10 per gallon, and that's for Regular. Check out the photo. I'm glad I don't have a diesel vehicle.