Saturday, August 30, 2008

South Dakota Stocks


What is today the state of South Dakota was actually acquired by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 for $15 million. Jefferson’s investment has definitely paid huge dividends. Some interesting facts about South Dakota follow:

1. There is no corporate income tax.
2. There is no personal income tax.
3. South Dakota has a population of about 800,000.
4. The state gross product in 2007 was $34,000 million.
5. Forbes Magazine ranked Sioux Falls as the Best Small Place to do business in 2008.
6. The South Dakota housing market is among the most affordable in the country.
7. Mt. Rushmore National Memorial is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
8. 10% of Dakota’s gross product is produced by the manufacturing industry.
9. Tourism generates over $1 billion in revenues each year.
10. Black Hills, South Dakota is the leading gold mining center in the United States.

The following companies are headquartered in South Dakota. They all have a market cap of over $500 million.

Black Hills Corp. (BKH) controls an energy company that delivers energy to customers in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The stock has a PE of 16, a PEG of 2.04. It pays a yield of 4.1%.

Verasun Energy Corp. (VSE) produces and sells ethanol and byproducts of ethanol. The stock has a PE of 10, and a PEG of 1.52.

Northwestern Corp. (NWE) delivers energy to customers in South Dakota, Montana, and Nebraska. The stock has a PE of 15, a PEG of 1.49. It pays a yield of 5.2%.

Daktronics Inc. (DAKT) produces and sells electronic scoreboards, and electronic displays. The stock has a PE of 16, a PEG of 2.1, and it pays a yield of 0.5%.

Raven Industries (RAVN) is in the business of making and selling industrial, agricultural, military and aerospace equipment. The stock has a PE of 25, a PEG of 1.67, and it pays a yield of 1.2%.

Check out stocks from some other states: Nevadastocks, Idaho stocks, and Colorado stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Ways to Invest in the Czech Republic


With the Russian invasion of Georgia, attention has been focused on Eastern Europe and any investment opportunities or bargains there. The Czech Republic is one of the larger countries in that part of the world. Here are some interesting facts about the country:

1. It is a pluralist multi-party parliamentary representative democracy.
2. They have a flat tax.
3. Their annual GDP growth has recently been approximately 6%.
4. It has the highest ranking compared to the former Comecon countries in the Human Development Index.
5. It ranks 35th out of all countries for GDP based on purchasing power parity.
6. Most of the country's economy has been privatized.
7. It has has abolished border controls with all of its neighbors.
8. The Programme for International Student Assessment ranks the Czech education as the 15th best out of all countries.
9. 4.6% of their electricity comes from renewable sources, including hydropower.
10. They have the most Wi-Fi subscribers in the European Union.

Here are some stocks, funds, and an ETF connected with the Czech Republic.

KOMERCNI BANKA (KMBNY.PK) is a Czech Republic-based commercial banking company based in Prague. Net profit margin for the latest quarter increased 41.10%, and return on average equity rose 27.13%.

TELEFONICA 02 CZECH (TFATF.PK) (TFAOF.PK) provides telecommunications services, including voice and data services, primarily in the Czech Republic. Net profit margin for the latest quarter increased 21.22%, and return on average equity rose 17.12%.

ZENTIVA NV (ZTVAF.PK) develops and markets pharmaceutical products, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, pain and central nervous system diseases. Net profit margin for the latest quarter increased 8.96%, and return on average equity rose 17.97%.

CZECH REPUBLIC RESOURCES (CZHC.PK) has a goal of exploitation of resources, such as minerals and ores, from mines in central Europe. This is an extremely low cap stock and should therefore be considered extremely speculative.

CESKE ENERGETICKE ZAVODY (CZAVF.PK) is an electric utility in the Czech Republic.

Central Europe & Russia Fund (CEE) is an ETF that has about 6% of its portfolio invested in the Czech Republic.

Metzler/Payden European Emerging Markets fund (MPYMX) is a mutual fund that invests about 12% in stocks of the Czech Republic.

Eastern European Equity fund (VEEEX) is an equity mutual fund that invests about one twelfth of its assets in the Czech Republic.

You can find information on stocks of other European countries at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

You should also check out the previous articles on Ukraine stocks and Kazakhstan stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Friday, August 29, 2008

Utah Stocks


Utah’s arid land is not very suitable for agriculture, but it is rich in minerals, making it very profitable for the mining industry. Strategically located, Utah’s economy is one of the strongest in the nation. Some interesting facts about Utah are:

1. Utah has recently cut personal income taxes by $400 million. Beginning January 1, 2008, Utah applies a fixed tax rate of 5% to all taxpayers.

2. They have incentives for corporations to relocate to Utah, and may award eligible companies up to $500,000.

3. The mining industry in the state focuses primarily on copper, gold, molybdenum, and magnesium.

4. The aerospace industry, together with the military industry, are very important to Utah’s economy.

5. There are 7 universities and colleges in the Utah offering programs geared toward the aerospace industry.

6. Electric energy in Utah is among the cheapest in the country.

7. Utah’s call centers employ over 31,000 people.

8. More than 4,000 IT companies are located in the State, most in Salt Lake County.

9. The manufacturing industry accounts for almost 10% of all employment in Utah.

10. The nutritional supplement industry in Utah produces up to 20% of the nutritional supplements found in the United States.

The following companies are all headquartered in Utah, and have market caps over $600 million.

Questar Corp. (STR) is in the business of producing and selling natural gas and oil in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. The stock has a PE of 16, a PEG of 1.57, and it pays a yield of 0.9%.

Huntsman Corp. (HUN) sells various types of chemical products that are later utilized in industries from refrigeration, to footwear. The stock generated a loss of 54 cents per share. It has a forward PE of 15, and it pays a yield of 3.1%.

Myriad Gentics Inc. (MYGN) is in the biotechnology industry. The company makes and sells molecular diagnostic products utilized by the health industry. The stock has a PE of 65.

Zions Bancorp. (ZION) renders banking services in the United States. The stock has a PE of 8, a PEG of 1.37, and it pays a yield of 6.9%.

Energy Solutions (ES) renders services to government and commercial clients. The services it provides are cleaning of nuclear plants, usually involving radioactive materials, and the disposal of such materials. The stock has a PE of 60, a PEG of 1.85, and it pays a yield of 0.5%.

Omniture Inc. (OMTR) designs and markets software, aimed at the management of businesses. The stock generated a loss of 33 cents per share; it has a forward PE of 26, and a PEG of 1.25.

Extra Space Storage (EXR) business activities include the purchase, conditioning, sell, and rental of self-storage space. The stock has a PE of 30, a PEG of 1.91, and it pays a yield of 6.5%.

Nu Skin Enterprises Inc. (NUS) is in the business of creating nutritional supplements. The stock has a PE of 21, a PEG of 1.21, and it pays a yield of 2.6%.

Skywest Inc. (SKYW) is an airline in the United States. It flies to the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The stock has a PE of 7, a PEG of 0.7, and it pays a yield of 0.7%.

Headwaters Inc. (HW) engages in the delivery of products and services to the coal industry and the non-conventional energy industry. The stock has generated a loss of $1.15 per share and it has a forward PE of 15.

Check out stocks from some other states: Arizonastocks, Oregon stocks, and Nevada stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Stockerblog.com Exclusive: Interview with Ken Fisher – Part 4

The Great Humiliator, plus What Warren Buffett has which No One Else Does

Stockerblog.com had the pleasure of recently interviewing Ken Fisher, head of the $45 billion Fisher Asset Management, a very long time Forbes columnist, and author of the books Super Stocks, The Wall Street Waltz, 100 Minds That Made the Market, and The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't.

He is also coming out with a new book in the Fall, The Ten Roads to Riches: The Way the Wealthy Got There (And How You Can Too!), published by Wiley.

If you missed Part 1 of the interview, you can see it here, and if you missed Part 2, you can see it here, and Part 3 is here.

Stockerblog.com: I really liked the humor in the book, The Only Three Questions That Count, especially your definition of 'politics'. Can I reprint that definition?

Fisher: Of course.

If you don't know the origin of the word 'politics', let me enlighten you. The word politics comes from the Greek 'poli' meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'small blood-sucking creatures.'

Stockerblog.com: Can you talk real briefly about the stock market being The Great Humiliator [TGH]?

Fisher: I just made it up out of thin air. To my thinking, there is a human tendency for people to want to think they're smart, and because they think their smart, they think they can do well in the market, and this cuts across a broad swath of society. Then they forget what they're up against, which is something which is not a requirement, like that you're smarter than me or I'm smarter than you, but are either one of us smart enough to be smarter than the market. Most of the smartest people I've known are not smart enough to be smarter than the market, and they don't restrict themselves to know something that other people don't know, trying to be smarter about the same things everybody else does, and they forget that the market will just do them in. That's that part about how you're not smarter than the market so you've got to be more humble, and what the market knows how to do is deliver that humbleness to you.

Another way to see that is, in a different part of the book [Only Three Questions that Count], I talk at length about how the more people attempt to beat the market the fewer there are people that actually accomplish that. Most people don't beat the market, only a tiny percent beat the market by more than a few percent in the very long term.

The most legendary people in the industry are still wrong a lot, and if you are right seventy percent of the time in a very long term, that implies you're wrong thirty percent of the time. So that means even if you are a legend, you better be pretty comfortable with being wrong a lot. Forget about being left of the legend, somebody who is legendary was wrong a lot and they better have been comfortable with being wrong a lot.

This is a part that our society today doesn't understand because as soon as someone makes a mistake in public, there's a whole world of people who want to pounce on you. This would apply to whoever it is.

The only person that escapes that, and I never fully understood why, is Warren Buffett. He has this quality where when he makes a mistake, no one gives him any flack for it at all. He is the only person that I've seen who appears to be completely Teflon.

But anybody else, if you make a mistake, they jump on you. Everybody makes mistakes. Take baseball batting where the best batters still strike out a lot, and they have to be comfortable striking out a lot. They're still the best batters but part of the key is striking out a lot. With investing, the odds and the numbers are a little different from the odds and the numbers on the baseball batter, but the same principle applies. So that's the part about being up against The Great Humiliator, because The Great Humiliator is going to deliver a wrongness to you with a vengeance.


End of Part 4 of the Interview – Stay tuned for future segments of the interview over the next several days, where Fisher discusses stock market myths, favorable sectors and much more.

Fisher obviously didn't provide any stock recommendations for the interview, but many can be found in his Forbes column. For example, in the September 1 issue, he favors Anglo American (AAUK), Hewlett-Packard (HPQ), ENI (E), CF Industries (CF), and CNH Global (CHN).

His book, <The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't, which would make a great gift for any investor, is available at Amazon.

Author does not own any of the above mentioned stocks.

Interview by Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Copyright 2008 Stockerblog.com, All rights reserved. Reprinting without permission is prohibited.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Top Stocks Going Ex Dividend Mid September

Buying dividends is the technique of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling shortly after the ex date at approximately the same price, yet being entitled to the dividend. This generally works only in rising markets.

If you are interested in buying dividends, there are several stocks in several different sectors and industries to choose from. Remember that you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date in order to be entitled to the dividend, and you can't sell the stock until after the ex date.

All of the following stocks have market caps over $500 million, PEs below 20, PEGs below 2, and yields over 2.5%.

Regions Financial Corporation (RF) Ex date: 9/15/2008 Yield: 4.9% PE: 6 PEG: 1.15 .

The Corporate Executive Board Company (EXBD) Ex date: 9/11/2008 Yield: 4.4% PE: 18 PEG: 1.39 .

United Bankshares, Inc. (UBSI) Ex date: 9/10/2008 Yield: 4.2% PE: 13 PEG: 1.62 .

National Financial Partners Corp. (NFP) Ex date: 9/12/2008 Yield: 4.1% PE: 15 PEG: 1.20 .

Bancolombia S.A. (CIB) Ex date: 9/17/2008 Yield: 3.7% PE: 9 PEG: 1.16 .

Shaw Communications Inc. (SJR) Ex date: 9/11/2008 Yield: 3.2% PE: 15 PEG: 0.87 .

Corus Entertainment Inc. (CJR) Ex date: 9/11/2008 Yield: 3.1% PE: 12 PEG: 0.89 .

Pacer International, Inc. (PACR) Ex date: 9/17/2008 Yield: 2.8% PE: 12 PEG: 0.93 .

Harleysville Group Inc. (HGIC) Ex date: 9/11/2008 Yield: 2.7% PE: 14 PEG: 1.70 .

The Black & Decker Corporation (BDK) Ex date: 9/10/2008 Yield: 2.6% PE: 9 PEG: 1.14 .

For more details on dividend definitions, check out definitions of dividend dates. If you like dividend stocks, you should check out the the High Yield Utility stocks and the Monthly Dividend Stocks at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Stockerblog.com Exclusive: Interview with Ken Fisher – Part 3

How Ken Fisher's Investing Style Differs from Jim Cramer, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett

Stockerblog.com had the pleasure of recently interviewing Ken Fisher, head of the $45 billion Fisher Asset Management, a very long time Forbes columnist, and author of the books Super Stocks, The Wall Street Waltz, 100 Minds That Made the Market, and The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't.

He is also coming out with a new book in the Fall, The Ten Roads to Riches: The Way the Wealthy Got There (And How You Can Too!), published by Wiley.

If you missed Part 1 of the interview, you can see it here, and if you missed Part 2, you can see it here.

Stockerblog.com: I noticed that Jim Cramer wrote a forward to your book, and I wanted to ask a Cramer versus Fisher question. I noticed that you have a couple major differences in investing techniques. One is Jim Cramer says you shouldn't have more than five stocks, you say that you shouldn't have more than five percent in a stock, which works out to 20 stocks minimum or I think you mentioned in your book up to 60 stocks if you own foreign stocks in your portfolio.

Fisher: I wouldn't mind owning hundreds. That's was you're trying to accomplish.

Stockerblog.com: Do you think for the average investor that that is still reasonable?

Fisher: Well let's think this through for a second. Anything I say is not meant to be a criticism of anything Jim Cramer says; but by definition, the average investor isn't very good, and therefore the average investor should probably just be passive. The average investor is going to do better if they're just passive than if they have stocks because one of the things we know is, in most of history, most active investors lag the market. So if you're an average investor that lags the market or you're worse than average you would improve your performance by going passive.

The requirement that I point out in my book, in finance theory and reality, to do better in the market, is to somehow know something that other people don't know. Now if you really do that, and if you really know a lot, and you're really confidant you know a lot, you concentrate that in a few stocks. The history of people who have done concentration has been very mixed, from person to person. It's not like the people who concentrate do better and the people who don't concentrate do worse or vice versa. That dilemma is in the knowing something.

So if you really know something - so lets' go in a different direction. Bill Gates didn't get to be Bill Gates by being diversified. So if you really know something, just go start a business. Just own one stock.

Warren Buffett is often thought of as an advocate of concentration. My father was an advocate of concentration. Now I want you to think about Warren Buffett correctly because there's only two ways to think about him. One, the guy who owns one stock, and that's Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A), or two, the other way, what does Berkshire Hathaway own, a bunch of public stocks, and a bunch of private companies that he owns lock, stock , and barrel. He's actually got a very large number of companies, a lot more than five stocks, a lot more than ten stocks, a lot more than twenty stocks. So he's either diversified or he's one stock and not diversified at all. I'm not suggesting that either is good or bad.

My point is, it really comes down to the fact that the average investor is probably not going to do very well being an active investor. The average investor doesn't have the time. Now if you don't have much time, and you need to know something about what you're investing in that people don't know, you will end up with fewer things. On the other hand, if you buy five things that you don't know much about, your getting real random.

Let me go in a different direction. I run a lot of money. If I'm going to take a lot of money, and let's say put it into smaller stocks, that means I'm going to own more stocks. People never get these things the way I would have them get them. They would say 'Gee, at your size, you can't do small cap?' If you think about it, which most people don't, and if I was much bigger than I am, I could do negative market caps if I wanted to. Because you could by any stocks you want, and then you could put your cap above them or below them if you wanted to. It's real easy to create synthetic market caps and drive that into your portfolio by simply taking the stocks that you own and then you sell short a bigger cap index, and that will drive your cap down.
Technically in a portfolio engineering, and I don't think enough people think in terms of that engineering quality, it's not impossible at all, not that you necessarily want to, to put your market cap through the roof and to the floor synthetically.

Stockerblog.com: Do you do much or any shorting for your clients?

Fisher: Rarely, but will, to get the market cap where I want it to be when it's different from the stocks I own.


End of Part 3 of the Interview – Stay tuned for future segments of the interview over the next several days, where Fisher discusses stock market myths, favorable sectors and much more.

Fisher obviously didn't provide any stock recommendations for the interview, but many can be found in his Forbes column. For example, in the July 21 issue, he favored Dow Chemical (DOW), Rohm & Haas (ROH), Franklin Resources (BEN), Ball Corp. (BLL), and Merck (MRK).
His book, 100 Minds That Made the Market, which would make a great gift for any investor, is available at Amazon.

Author does not own any of the above mentioned stocks.

Interview by Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Copyright 2008 Stockerblog.com, All rights reserved. Reprinting without permission is prohibited.

New Mexico Stocks


Roswell is one of the most famous cities in the State where a UFO supposedly crashed in 1947. But what really seems out of this world is the beauty of the state itself. Some interesting facts about New Mexico follow:

1. It ranks number 3 in U.S. natural gas production.
2. It ranks number 5 in U.S. oil production.
3. The state is a leader in production of uranium and potassium.
4. Los Alamos research center is a leader in nuclear, solar and geothermal energies research and development.
5. New Mexico’s population is of about 2 million.
6. In 2003 the state cut personal taxes by 40%.
7. The state’s maximum personal income tax is 4.9% for 2008.
8. New Mexico’s corporate franchise tax fee is only $50 a year.
9. The state has film production tax rebate of up to 15% on production expenditures.
10. The state also offers incentives for the aerospace industry.

The following are companies headquartered in New Mexico:

PNM Resources Inc. (PNM) is an energy company that operates mainly through its subsidiaries such as: Public Service Company of New Mexico. The stock has a PEG of 1.8 and it pays a yield of 7.30%.

Emcore Corp. (EMKR) provides semiconductor components for the solar power markets. The stock has a forward PE of 31.

First State Bancorp (FSNM) is a bank that provides services to businesses. The stock pays a yield of 6.60%.

Thornburg (TMA) is a mortgage lender. It renders capital to the housing market. The stock has a forward PE of 1.26. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Santa Fe Gold Corp (SFEG) is a mining corporation that buys and explores mineral properties. They recently generated negative earnings of one cent per share. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Alamogordo Financial Corp (ALMG) is a holding company for the Alamogordo Federal Savings bank.

Titan Technologies (TITT) is in the business of licensing technologies, mainly those that involve the construction of tire recycling facilities. They recently generated negative earnings of one cent per share. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Advanced Optic Elec (ADOT) is a technology company rendering image display and recognition technologies. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

New Mexico Software Inc (NMXC) produces and sells inter based software for the video and audio industries. They recently generated negative earnings. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Cell Robotics Intl (CRII) makes and sells laser based medical equipment and other scientific instruments. This is a very low cap stock and should therefore be considered very speculative.

Check out stocks from some other states: Hawaii stocks, Alaska stocks, and Oregon stocks.

Author owns TMA.

By Stockerblog.com

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Stockerblog.com Exclusive: Interview with Ken Fisher – Part 2

What We Can Learn from Financial History

Stockerblog.com had the pleasure of recently interviewing Ken Fisher, head of the $45 billion Fisher Asset Management, a very long time Forbes columnist, and author of the books Super Stocks, The Wall Street Waltz, 100 Minds That Made the Market, and The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't.

He is also coming out with a new book in the Fall, The Ten Roads to Riches: The Way the Wealthy Got There (And How You Can Too!), published by Wiley.

If you missed part one of the interview, you can see it here.

Stockerblog.com: Why don't we jump to your 100 Minds that made the Market book, which I really enjoyed. Do you have two or three favorites out of the one hundred?

Fisher: Not particularly, it all depends on what mood I'm in at a point in time.

Stockerblog.com: I noticed that one of the themes that caught my eye when going through all the individuals in the book is who escaped and who didn't escape the crash of 1929. Do you think there are any trading lessons that can be learned from their backgrounds?

Fisher: I think it's hard to draw general conclusions like that. You can view that in several different ways, and in the past, I have. One is that people who think against the crowd have always had an advantage. The other is, and I wrote about this in another one of my books, The Wall Street Waltz, Americans who paid attention to what was going on overseas tended to have a tremendous advantage over those who didn't, because overseas started going down long before we did in America. It's completely true today that there is still even more so than ever an advantage in thinking globally first and America second. And that would have been particularly useful to people. Then there's the Joe Kennedy mentality that when shoe shiners, barbers, and beauticians can tell you how to get rich, you have to remember there's no free lunch.

Those are probably the two main lessons. Another one of the points I make in the Wall Street Waltz, is that counter to common mythology, valuations were not terribly high in 1929. That is, somebody would like to believe that the PE was sky high and people ignored it. The PE was actually middling. It was neither particularly high nor particularly low. Profit margins were very fat. The fat profit margins were the euphoria, not the level of the valuations relative to the earnings, the presumption that the earnings would be maintained forever.

Stockerblog.com: Do you think there's much interest these days in financial history, by investors or people in general?

Fisher: Not much, no. I think the interest in financial history has waned in that my parents' generation had this infatuation that linked back before World War II; and today, most people act as if the world started when World War II ended. There's a presumption, which has a little bit of validity but not a lot of validity, everything is so different that history isn’t terribly important. There's a little bit of that.

For example, when you do a long term data study, invariably the further you go back, the dirtier the data are. The notion of good old data is an oxymoron. There's old data, there's good data, but there's not good old data. One of the dilemmas about thinking of financial history is there's an awful lot of grays, as opposed to blacks and whites, you need a lot of history to interpret those grays. Most people don't have the desire to have that much history.

Stockerblog.com: Do you think financial history should be taught in colleges, more than just teaching Keynesian theory and that type of thing, more about the people who were involved in Wall Street.

Fisher: When I was a kid, history business cycles was a mandated class, and basic undergraduate economics, at most universities. That's no longer true today. In my mind, but nobody's asking me, other than you, but if it were up to me, I would change an awful lot of the college curriculum. A lot of the college curriculum is screwy. I would make it very different than it is, but the educators of the world aren't asking me for my opinion on that subject.

I would have a requirement for a lot more history in most majors. I don't think they teach nearly enough history across the board. I have a lot of young people that work at my firm, and one of the things that they actually marvel at is, the ones who are in the 35 year old range, how in their lifetime, they saw education change: getting softer and fuzzier and the theme that everybody gets a ribbon, everybody gets a prize, you didn't fail. That's a whole different topic but education, starting with when I was young, with the Vietnamese War, has become softer, and softer, and softer.

End of Part 2 of the Interview – Stay tuned for future segments of the interview over the next several days, where Fisher discusses how his investing technique differs from Jim Cramer, stock market myths, favorable sectors and much more.

Fisher obviously didn't provide any stock recommendations for the interview, but many can be found in his Forbes column. For example, in the June 16 issue, he favored Enersis (ENI), Veolia Environment (VE), General Electric (GE), Nokia (NOK), and Intel (INTC).
His book, 100 Minds That Made the Market, which would make a great gift for any investor, is available at Amazon.

Author does not own any of the above mentioned stocks.

Interview by Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Copyright 2008 Stockerblog.com, All rights reserved. Reprinting without permission is prohibited.

Nevada Stocks


Nevada is more than Las Vegas. Its banking and finance industries are very strong, as is also the construction industry, but there is yet a lot more. Check out the following interesting facts:

1. Nevada is a state without usury limits, which has attracted many credit card companies to establish in the state.
2. Nevada, after California, produces the most geothermal energy in the nation.
3. Nevada produces about 10% of the world’s gold supply.
4. Nevada has no corporate income tax.
5. No franchise tax
6. The state has no personal income tax.
7. There is no state tax.
8. Nevada permits one-individual corporations.
9. There are more than 300,000 companies incorporated in the state of Nevada.
10. The state does not require that the directors of a company be stockholders.

The following companies have market caps of over $1 billion and are headquartered in Nevada.

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) builds resorts worldwide, it is also the owner of the Venetian resort in Las Vegas. The stock has a PEG of 3.43.

Wynn Resorts Ltd. (WYNN) builds and operates casinos and resorts, such as the Wynn which it owns and operates. The stock has a PE of 29.7, and a PEG of 1.59.

MGM Mirage (MGM) posses and administers resorts throughout the country. The stock has a PE of 8.14, and a PEG of 2.05.

International Game Technology (IGT) produces and sells gaming equipment in the domestic and international markets. The stock has a PE of 18.45, a PEG of 1.6, and it pays a yield of 2.40%.

Sierra Pacific Resources (SRP) generates and delivers energy in the south of the state. The stock has a PE of 12.07, a PEG of 0.9. It pays a yield of 2.80%.

Ormat Technologies (ORA) its main business is the generation of geothermal energy, both nationally and internationally. The stock has a PE of 43.18, a PEG of 1.99, and it pays a yield of 0.40%.

Bally Technologies (BYI) produces and delivers gaming systems and other equipment related to the gaming industry around the globe. The stock has a PE of 21.33, a PEG of 0.65.

Southwest Gas Corp. (SWX) purchases, and sells natural gas in Arizona, California and Nevada. The stock has a PE of 15.22, a PEG of 2.38, and it pays a yield of 3.20%.

Boyd Gaming Corp (BYD) is a gaming company that operates in the United States. Its stock has a PE of 24.18, a PEG of 0.98. It pays a yield of 4.30%.

Employers Holdings, Inc. (EIG) is an insurance company specialized in commercial properties and casualty insurance. The stock has a PE of 7.15, a PEG of 0.98, and it pays a yield of 1.40%.

Check out stocks from some other states: Hawaii stocks, Alaska stocks, and Oregon stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Monday, August 25, 2008

Idaho Stocks


It looks like everything can be negotiated in Idaho. In 2005 the town of Santa, Idaho changed its name to SecretSanta.com for one year, in return for $20,000. More recently new fiscal legislation passed with the aim of stimulating the economy statewide. Some interesting facts about Idaho are next:

1. $19.17 million reduction on corporate income tax legislation just passed.
2. Idaho is 5th nationally for entrepreneurial action
3. Idaho’s top agricultural products are dairy products, cattle and calves and potatoes.
4. Idaho’s mining sector includes silver, phosphate rock and gold.
5. Service industries are the largest sector of Idaho’s economy.
6. Idaho’s financial sector grew 7% between 2005 and 2007.
7. The mining industry generates 4,100 jobs in the state.
8. Idaho’s Sun Valley is one of the country’s favorite tourist destinations.
9. Idaho’s gross product in 2004 was $43.6 billion.
10. 1 out of3 potatoes comes from Idaho.



The following companies are headquartered in Idaho. They all have a market cap of over $200 million.

Micron Technology (MU) makes and sells semiconductor devices throughout the world. The company recently generated negative earnings of 1.86 per share.

Idacorp Inc Holding Co. (IDA) generates, distributes and markets electric energy. The stock has a PE of 17.46, a PEG of 2.38, and it pays a yield of 4%.

Coeur D'alene (CDE) mines properties in the United States, South America, Australia and Africa. The stock has a PE of 20.11, and a PEG of 0.69.

Hecla Mining Co. (HL) operates mines and markets silver, gold, lead and zinc. The stock has a PEG of 9.41.

Coldwater Creek Inc (CWTR) is a retailer of women’s clothes, and accessories, and it operates mainly in the United States. The stock has a PEG of 32.06.

American Ecology Corp. (ECOL) is a waste management company specializing in radioactive and hazardous waste in the United States. The company has a PE of 26.68, a PEG of 1.26, and it pays a yield of 2.30%.

MWI Veterinary Supplies, Inc (MWIV) supplies veterinary health products in the United States. Also pet foods and nutritional supplements. The stock has a PE of 25.91, and a PEG of 1.38.

Boise, Inc. (BZ) produces and markets packaging and paper items of a wide range. They have a forward PE of 7.

NightHawk Radiology Holdings, Inc. (NHWK) renders radiology services to hospitals throughout the United States. The stock has a PE of 27.36, a PEG of 0.83.

International Isotopes Inc. (INIS) makes nuclear medicine calibration and reference standards. They recently generated negative earnings of one cent per share.

Check out stocks from some other states: Hawaii stocks, Alaska stocks, and Oregon stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Stockerblog.com Exclusive: Interview with Ken Fisher – Part 1

The Price Sales Ratio

Stockerblog.com had the pleasure of recently interviewing Ken Fisher, head of the $45 billion Fisher Asset Management, a very long time Forbes columnist, and author of the books Super Stocks, The Wall Street Waltz, 100 Minds That Made the Market, and The Only Three Questions That Count: Investing by Knowing What Others Don't.

He is also coming out with a new book in the Fall, The Ten Roads to Riches: The Way the Wealthy Got There (And How You Can Too!), published by Wiley.

Stockerblog.com: Talking a little about the Price to Sales Ratio, which you discussed extensively in your Super Stocks book, and mentioned in your latest book, Only Three Questions That Count , that it isn't as useful, how did you happen to find and utilize that ratio to begin with?

Fisher: In a world a long time ago, long before there was wide access to computing, I used to try to look at companies that were hemorrhaging badly that had everyone scared to death of them and losing lots of money. I would, in those days, go looking through the Wall Street Journal, looking at was then a very broad display of earnings reports, showing company revenue and profit or loss per share. So I would look for companies with huge losses and then I would sort around among them and then I would look at ones that had low market values in relations to sales, as a way to see upside leverage, to see if they could turn their operating loss condition around.

The fundamental question was, if the company is losing money, if it made X profit margin, what would its P/E be today, and that kind of led me to the price sales ratio as a way to normalize that. It was all in a world where any form of screening was difficult to do whereas today most forms of screening are quite trivial to do.

Stockerblog.com: Now I know you say that the PE ratio is no longer an indicator for undervalued stocks …

Fisher: I didn't say that. I said it's not nearly what it once was. I didn't suggest that there is no utility to it; in fact, in my Forbes column, I'll say company X sells at a PE of X and Y times revenue and Z yield as a way to get perspectives on the same issue.

That realm of the profitless company, 30 years ago was no man's land, and there was tremendous inefficiency there. In a world where most paid attention to PE and where, by then, the ravages of inflation had already made prices to book hard to compare company A to company B because inflation distorts book value, the price sales ratio appeared to be a current way to get a sense of how big is the stock compared to how big is the company, and that you could extrapolate from that in the future, profit margin Y, what the PE would be.

Stockerblog.com: Do you think the PS can still be used today to compare companies within an industry or within a sector?

Fisher: It's not as useful as it once was because , one, screening is so easy, that there is less value from screening as there once was and, two, the price sales ratio today is a well known concept, so because it's a well known concept, people use it so it has less value then that which is unknown.

Stockerblog.com: So it's built into the market now.

Fisher: I wouldn't say completely, because, it's still true, and it's verified by all kinds of behavioral studies, there tends to be a natural behavioral tendency for people to overreact to problems as well as overreact to successes. So when a company is losing money, and hemorrhaging badly, people tend to be overly scared away from it. So there's still something there but not as much as there once was.

End of Part 1 of the Interview – Stay tuned for future segments of the interview over the next several days, where Fisher discusses his thoughts on education, how his investing technique differs from Jim Cramer, stock market myths, favorable sectors and much more.

Fisher obviously didn't provide any stock recommendations for the interview, but many can be found in his Forbes column. For example, in the May 19 issue, he favored Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBV), with a PE of 7, a PS of 1.87, and a PEG of 0.42; Novartis AG (NVS) with a PE of 10, a PS of 3.06, and a PEG of 2.17; Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS-A) (RDS-B), with a PE of 6, a PS of 0.49; and Sara Lee Corp. (SLE) with a forward PE of 12, a PS of 0.73, and a PEG of 2.

His latest book, Only Three Questions That Count, is available at Amazon. You can also check out the review of the book .

Author does not own any of the above mentioned stocks.

Interview by Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Copyright 2008 Stockerblog.com, All rights reserved. Reprinting without permission is prohibited.

Zimbabwe Inflation Breaks Above 11,200,000%


The inflation rate in Zimbabwe is so bad that the country recently came out with a 100,000,000,000 dollar bill. In spite of the runaway inflation and an election dispute, the Zimbabwe stock market was rising for a while.

If you believe the government of Zimbabwe, the inflation rate in that country for the month of June was 'only' 11.2 million percent. However, many economists believe that the actual inflation rate is much, much higher.

Stockerblog.com has created this graph showing the country's inflation rate for the last ten years. It is using a logarithmic scale so that it doesn't look so bad.

Colorado Stocks


Colorado is a state of thriving companies. The state’s industries are many and varied; from aerospace & satellite, to agriculture, bioscience, mining and natural resources, financial services, manufacturing and telecommunication. Some great key facts to know about Colorado are:
1. Over 100 companies are in the aerospace industry in Colorado.
2. The aerospace and satellite industry provide the state with around 130,000 jobs.
3. The agricultural industry generates over 105,000 jobs in the state.
4. Colorado’s top ranch and commodity products are cattle and diary products.
5. There are 380 bioscience companies in the state, employing over 16,000 people.
6. Colorado’s nanotechnology industry is number 6 in the country with 75 companies in 20 cities around the state.
7. Colorado ranks number 11 in the country for oil production.
8. Legislation passed requires that Colorado produce 10% of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2015.
9. The state is number 11 in the production of wind power.
10. 35.5% of the population has a bachelor’s degree, making it the second most educated state.

The following are 10 companies headquartered in the State of Colorado with market caps over $1 billion.

Western Union Co. (WU) facilitates money transfers worldwide and other services. The stock has a PE of 22.68 and a PEG of 1.47. It pays a yield of 0.10%.

Newmont Mining Co. (NEM) is engaged in the production of gold. The company owns many properties around the world. The stock has a PE of 25.26 and a PEG of 1.27. It pays a yield of 0.90%.

Dish Network Corporation (DISH) delivers satellite television to customers throughout the United States. The stock has a PE of 14.12, a PEG of 1.43.

Liberty Entertainment Corp. (LMDIA) has as Its main subsidiary DiecTV. The company is engaged in the delivery of satellite television. The stock has a PE of 2.41 and a PEG of 0.38.

Prologis (PLD) is a real estate investment trust. The company operates in North America, Europe and Asia. The stock has a PE of 16.29, a PEG of 2.17, and it pays a yield of 4.20%.

Liberty Global Inc. (LBTYA) the company engages in high speed internet, voice and video services. The stock has a PE of 250.27 and a PEG of 10.44.

Molson Coors Co. (TAP) makes and sells beers, and other beverages. The stock has a PE of 21.4 and a PEG of 1.37. It pays a yield of 1.60%.

Liberty Media Interactive (LINTA) makes and markets different consumer products. The stock has a PE of 16, and a PEG of 1.31.

Quest Communication International Inc. (Q) operating three different segments provides voice, data and Internet services in America. The stock has a PE of 2.62, a PEG of 2.94, and it pays a yield of 8.40%.

Discovery Holding (DISCA) supplies network services to industries around the world. The stock has a PEG of 3.06.

Check out stocks from some other states: Hawaii stocks, Alaska stocks, and Oregon stocks.

Author owns Q.

By Stockerblog.com

Friday, August 22, 2008

Arizona Stocks


Did you know that Arizona has helium? As a matter of fact Arizona is home to some of the richest helium containing gas in the world. A recent increase in the value of helium caused great interest in the quest for this gas.

But there is much more in Arizona than Helium; currently Arizona produces 200 barrels of oil and 1 million cubic feet of gas everyday from wells around the state. Additionally Arizona produces the most non-fuel minerals in the country.

Other interesting facts about Arizona are:

1. Arizona produced more than 60% of copper mined in the U.S in 2007.
2. Arizona’s copper industry generated a combined revenue for the state of $4.719 Billion in 2006.
3. The mining industry employs 22,000 people.
4. Arizona’s 2007 total gross state product was $247,028 million.
5. Arizona has passed legislation requiring that 15% of its energy come from renewable sources by the year 2025.
6. Sun shines in the state 85% of the time, which makes it very appealing to solar energy.
7. One of Arizona’s major crops is lettuce, it produces over 1 million metric tons per year.
8. Arizona does not observe Daylight Savings Time
9. The Grand Canyon is one of Arizona’s major touristic attractions.
10. Arizona’s estimated population is 6 million.

The following 10 stock companies are headquartered in Arizona with market caps of over $1 billion.

Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX) explores, and mines properties in North America, South America, Indonesia, and Africa. The stock has a PE of 10.69, PEG of 0.83, and pays a yield of 2%.

Southern Copper Corp, (PCU) is engaged in the production, and sell of copper, molybdenum, zinc, silver, lead and gold. The stock has a PE of 9.86, PEG of 8.41, and it pays a yield of 9.60%.

First Solar Inc. (FSLR) designs, makes and markets solar electric equipment. The stock has a PE of 90.87, and a PEG of 1.24.

Apollo Group Inc. (APOL) and its subsidiaries are in the business of providing educational programs at levels from high school to university. The stock has a PE OF 31.08, and a PEG of 1.57.

Microchip Technology Inc (MCHP) makes and sells semiconductor products for multiple applications. The stock has a PE of 23.3 and a PEG of 1.53. It pays a yield of 4.10%.

Allied Waste Ind. (AW) is a waste management company , providing the following services from collection to recycling and disposal of nonhazardous waste. The stock has a PE of 17.99, and a PEG of 1.21.

Avnet Inc (AVT) is in the business of distribution of computer software and different electronic components. The stock has a PE of 9.45, and a PEG of 0.61.

ON semiconductor Corp. (ONNN) makes and sells power and data management around the world. The stock has a PE of 17.95 and a PEG of 0.96.

Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (PNW) is in the business of producing, transporting and delivering electricity in the United States. The stock has a PE of 10.34, a PEG of 3.39 and pays a yield of 6.10%.

Petsmart Inc. (PETM) sells foods and goods for animals. It also provides different services. The stock has a PE of 16.77 and a PEG of 1.04. It pays a yield of 0.50%.

Check out stocks from some other states: Hawaii stocks, Alaska stocks, and Oregon stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Stockerblog.com

Thursday, August 21, 2008

What Do Jerry Seinfeld and Microsoft Have in Common?

Pretty soon, you will see on the news and all over the Internet that Jerry Seinfeld will be the comedian representative for Microsoft (MSFT) in upcoming commercials that the company is planning. These commercials to promote Microsoft's software will also be a challenge to Apple's (AAPL) 'Get A Mac' commercials.

By the way, Microsoft just went ex-dividend a couple days ago.

Author owns both MSFT and AAPL.

Top High Priced Share Stocks

Everyone is looking for a low share price bargain. But what about the high priced shares? There are plenty of great stocks, besides Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK-A), that sell for over $100 a share.

Here are some stocks, all trading in excess of $100 a share, that have P/E ratios less than 20, PEG ratios less than 1, market caps above $15 billion, and all but one pay a dividend.

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) the large investment banking firm, has the highest priced shares on the list at about $154 per share. The stock has a P/E of 8 , a PEG of 0.43 and pays a yield of 0.9% .

CNOOC Limited (ADR) (CEO) is the explorer and producer of crude oil and natural gas off the coast of China which sell for around $143 per share. The stock has a P/E of 15 , a PEG of 0.40 and pays a yield of 3.3% .

Transocean Inc. (RIG) provides offshore contract oil and gas drilling services. It sells for about $133 per share. The stock has a P/E of 8 , a PEG of 0.28 .

Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. (DO) is another offshore oil and gas drilling contractor including deepwater drilling. $114 per share. The stock has a P/E of 14 , a PEG of 0.71 and pays a yield of 0.5% .

Siemens AG (ADR) (SI) is the huge German electronics and electrical engineering conglomerate. It sells for roughly $110 per share. The stock has a P/E of 17 , a PEG of 0.96 and pays a yield of 1.7% .

Hess Corp. (HES) is a developer and producer of oil and natural gas. It sells for about $109 per share. The stock has a P/E of 13 , a PEG of 0.62 and pays a yield of 0.4% .

Continental AG (CTTAY) is a German auto parts maker. It sells for approximately $103 per share. The stock has a P/E of 15 , a PEG of 0.97 and pays a yield of 2.91% .

To see a list of really high priced shares, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Monday, August 18, 2008

Top 14 Stocks Going Ex Dividend Early September

If you are interested in buying dividends, there are lots of stocks in several different sectors and industries to choose from. Keep in mind that you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date in order to be entitled to the dividend, and you can't sell the stock until after the ex date.

Buying dividends is the technique of buying stocks before the ex date and selling shortly after the ex date at roughly the same price, yet being entitled to the dividend. This generally works only in bull markets.

All of the following stocks have market caps over $500 million, PEs below 20, PEGs below 2, and yields over 2%.

ArcelorMittal (MT) Ex-div date: 9/2/2008 Yield: 2.0% PE: 8 PEG: 0.46

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) Ex-div date: 9/3/2008 Yield: 3.1% PE: 19 PEG: 1.62

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) Ex-div date: 9/3/2008 Yield: 3.7% PE: 15 PEG: 1.97

The Pepsi Bottling Group, Inc. (PBG) Ex-div date: 9/3/2008 Yield: 2.2% PE: 13 PEG: 1.42

PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) Ex-div date: 9/3/2008 Yield: 2.4% PE: 20 PEG: 1.78

Sealed Air Corp. (SEE) Ex-div date: 9/3/2008 Yield: 2.0% PE: 16 PEG: 1.45

The Stanley Works (SWK) Ex-div date: 9/3/2008 Yield: 2.6% PE: 12 PEG: 1.07

V.F. Corporation (VFC) Ex-div date: 9/5/2008 Yield: 3.0% PE: 14 PEG: 1.32

Ameren Corporation (AEE) Ex-div date: 9/8/2008 Yield: 6.1% PE: 13 PEG: 1.86

Constellation Energy Group, Inc. (CEG) Ex-div date: 9/8/2008 Yield: 3.0% PE: 14 PEG: 1.16

Pepco Holdings, Inc. (POM) Ex-div date: 9/8/2008 Yield: 4.4% PE: 14 PEG: 1.39

Reynolds American, Inc. (RAI) Ex-div date: 9/8/2008 Yield: 6.0% PE: 11 PEG: 1.58

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) Ex-div date: 9/8/2008 Yield: 2.7% PE: 7 PEG: 0.85

TELUS Corporation (TU) Ex-div date: 9/8/2008 Yield: 5.0% PE: 9 PEG: 0.63

For more details on dividend definitions, check out definitions of dividend dates.

Author owns PEP.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Supermodels Outperform the Dow


Three top celebrities, Gisele Bündchen, Heidi Klum, and Angelina Jolie, all of which had celebrity stock indexes created by Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com and implemented a Stockpickr.com, have had their indexes updated and compared to the Dow Jones Industrial Average. The one thing that these three women have in common, other than the fact that they are wealthy, successful celebrities [two supermodels and one movie star who was also a model], is that all three of their indexes have outperformed the Dow over the last six months.

Their indexes are based on the companies that they are connected to in some way, such as acting as celebrity spokesperson. Over the last six months, Gisele Bündchen's index was up 1.6%, Heidi Klum's index was down only 0.7%, and Angelina Jolie's index was down 10%, yet all were better than the Dow which was down 10.3%. Their portfolios are as follows:

Gisele Bundchen
Volkswagon (VLKAY.PK)
Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL)
Vivo Participacoes (VIV)
News Corp. (NWS-A)
Sony (SNE)
Procter & Gamble (PG)
Disney (DIS)

Heidi Klum
Limited (LTD)
McDonalds (MCD)
Volkswagon (VLKAY.PK)
Target (TGT)
Procter & Gamble (PG)
Nike (NKE)
Jones Apparel Group Inc. (JNY)
Hennes & Mauritz AB (HNNMY.PK)

Angelina Jolie
Sony (SNE)
Viacom (VIA-B)
Time Warner (TWX)
News Corp. (NWS-A)
General Electric (GE)
Disney (DIS)
Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF)
Comcast (CMCSA)

Assumptions:
These are price-weighted indexes, similar to the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Dividends were included.

Check out additional details on Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum, and Angelina Jolie.

Author owns DIS, MCD, and TWX.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Stocks in Oregon?


When you think of Oregon, you don't normally think of the stock market. However, Portland is the home of a couple of well known Fortune 500 companies. Here are some interesting facts about Oregon:

1. Oregon has no sales tax.
2. It produces 95% of the domestic hazelnuts in the United States.
3. It is the third largest producer of wine in the U.S. with 303 wineries.
4. It is the largest producer of softwood lumber in the U.S.
5. It has one of the largest salmon-fishing industries in the world.
7. Portland has the largest number of breweries of any city in the world.
7. Oregon has the 27th largest Gross State Product in the U.S.
8. Oregon is one of six states with a revenue limit.
9. 55% of state revenues are spent on public education.
10. Last year, Moodys increased Oregon's general obligation bond ratings to Aa2 from Aa3.

The following are stocks of companies that are headquartered in Oregon with market caps above $1 billion.

Nike Inc CL B ( NKE ) designs, manufactures, and sells footwear, apparel, equipment, and other related products. The stock has a PE of 17 , a PEG of 1.16 , and pays a yield of 1.5% .

Precision Castparts Corp ( PCP ) makes and markets metal components in the US and the UK. The stock has a PE of 13 , a PEG of 0.68 , and pays a yield of 0.1% .

Flir Systems Inc ( FLIR ) makes and sells thermal imaging and infrared camera systems. The stock has a PE of 37 , a PEG of 1.49 .

Stancorp Financial Group Inc ( SFG ) is a provider of group insurance products including life and disability insurance. The stock has a PE of 11 , a PEG of 0.93 , and pays a yield of 1.4% .

Schnitzer Steel Industries Inc ( SCHN ) is in the business of recycling ferrous and nonferrous metals, and used and salvaged vehicles. The stock has a PE of 12 , a PEG of 0.69 , and pays a yield of 0.1% .

Porland General Electrical Co ( POR ) is an electric utility which serves the state of Oregon. The stock has a PE of 13 , a PEG of 2.08 , and pays a yield of 3.9% .

Columbia Sportswear ( COLM ) designs and sells outdoor apparel. The stock has a PE of 11 , a PEG of 1.57 , and pays a yield of 1.6% .

Mentor Graphics Corp. ( MENT ) produces software and hardware design products for electronic design automation. The stock has a PE of 1268 , a PEG of 0.91 .

Northwest Natural Gas Co. ( NWN ) is a distributor of natural gas in Oregon and southwest Washington. The stock has a PE of 18 , a PEG of 3.55 , and pays a yield of 3.3% .

Fei Co. ( FEIC ) provides instruments for nanoscale imaging, analysis, and prototyping. The stock has a PE of 28 , a PEG of 2.8 .

For stocks from other states, check out Hawaii stocks, Alaska stocks and Puerto Rico stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Saturday, August 16, 2008

Utilities With Heavy Oil and Gas Exposure

One way to analyze electric utility stocks is to look at what types of fuel they use to run their generators, and how much exposure to oil and natural gas that they have. If you believe the price of oil and gas has peaked and will continue to drop, then it may be time to take a close look at the electric utility stocks with the highest usage of these fuels.

Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (PNW) has one of the heaviest exposures, with 24% of their electric energy coming from oil and natural gas. About 35% comes from coal and 21.5% from nuclear. This Phoenix, Arizona based company has a PE of 10, a PEG of 3.55 and a yield of 6%.

Westar Energy Inc. (WR) generates about 34% of its energy from natural gas, with 56% from coal and 9% from nuclear. This utility which serves Kansas has a PE of 13, a PEG of 3.28 and a yield of 5%.

Entergy Corp. (ETR) has about 18% of its fuel sources coming from oil and natural gas. 12% is from coal and 33% from nuclear, with the rest purchased. Entergy serves Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, including the City of New Orleans, where it is based. The stock has a PE of 16, a PEG of 1.19 and a yield of 3%.

OGE Energy Corp. (OGE) has 29% of its energy coming from natural gas, with 51% from coal. They serve the south central United States. The stock has a PE of 13, a PEG of 3.15 and a yield of 4.2%.

Alliant Energy Corp. (LNT) has 28% of its electricity generated from natural gas and 6% from oil. The company serves Iowa and southern Minnesota. The stock has a PE of 9, a PEG of 2.45 and a yield of 4.1%.

Cleco Corp. (CNL), another Louisiana based company, with 14% exposure to natural gas. The stock has a PE of 12, a PEG of 1.09 and a yield of 3.5%.

If you like utility stocks, you should take a look at Highest Yielding Electric Utilities and Highest Yielding Natural Gas Utilities. You can also find an Excel database of utility stocks, which you can download, add to and sort, at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

SEC Naked Short List

On July 15, 2008, the Securities and Exchange Commission came out with an emergency order which said that effective July 21, no short selling may take place in any of the following stocks unless the trader "borrowed or arranged to borrow the security or otherwise has the security that is being shorted available to borrow in its inventory prior to effecting such short sale and delivers the security on settlement date". In other words, strictly enforcing the "no naked short sale" rule.

Maybe there are investment opportunities here, maybe not. Many of these stocks have negative earnings, and for several of them, the PEG ratio is not available.

Allianz SE ( AZ ) has a PEG of 2.29 .

Bank of America Corporation ( BAC ) has a PEG of 1.87 .

Barclays PLC ( BCS ) has a PEG of 0.79 .

BNP Paribas Securities Corp. ( BNPQF.PK )

Citigroup Inc. ( C )

Credit Suisse Group ( CS )

Daiwa Securities Group Inc. ( DSECY )

Deutsche Bank Group AG ( DB ) has a PEG of 5.53 .

Fannie Mae ( FNM )

Freddie Mac ( FRE )

Goldman, Sachs Group Inc ( GS ) has a PEG of 0.67 .

HSBC Holdings PLC ADS ( HBC ) has a PEG of 12.65 .

J. P. Morgan Chase & Co. ( JPM ) has a PEG of 1.96 .

Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. ( LEH )

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ( MER )

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. ( MFG )

Morgan Stanley ( MS ) has a PEG of 0.79 .

Royal Bank ADS ( RBS )

UBS AG ( UBS )

Author owns AZ and is short C.


By Stockerblog.com

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Book Review: Super Cash – The New Hedge Fund Capitalism

I just finished reading SuperCash: The New Hedge Fund Capitalism by James Altucher, and just the suggested web sites given throughout are worth more than the price of the book. This book covers the numerous strategies for various asset classes that are used by hedge funds to make substantial amounts of money.

The book doesn't cover just the standard stock trading and hedging techniques to make money, it covers investments in the 'exotics', such as taxi medallions, rare coins, delinquent credit card debt, subprime auto loans, and many others. Altucher also gives news twists to different investing techniques. For example, if a stock is removed from the S&P 600, should you buy it or sell it. If you think it's better to sell the stock because of all the mirroring ETF's and mutual funds dumping the stock, you would be wrong. Read Chapter 11 to find out why.

He also covers short selling, arbitrage, PIPE's and even investments in art work. These are just a few of the many, many ways that Altucher gives that are used by hedge funds but much of which can be performed by the average investor. If you want to learn about hedge fund techniques beyond just stock trading, get a copy of SuperCash: The New Hedge Fund Capitalism.

Review by Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Monday, August 11, 2008

Highest Yielding China Stocks


With all the attention being focused on the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, investors are also refocusing on Chinese stocks. However, in order to reduce risk, investors prefer the stocks that pay dividends. These are the highest yielding stocks based in China.

Yazhou Coal Mining ( YZC ) is involved in the mining, transportation, and sale of coal. The stock has a PE of 3.27 , a PEG of 2.21 , and a yield of 7.7% .

Huaneng Power International ( HNP ) is a regional electric utility. The stock has a PE of 10.67 , a PEG of 3.34 , and a yield of 6.0% .

Aluminum Corp China ( ACH ) is in the business of bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminum smelting. The stock has a PE of 3.06 , a PEG of 0.52 , and a yield of 4.7% .

Sinopec Shanghai ( SHI ) produces petroleum products, petrochemicals, and plastics. The stock has a PE of 44.23 , and a yield of 4.0% .

Petrochina Corp. ( PTR ) explores for and produces petroleum and natural gas. The stock has a PE of 12.08 , a PEG of 0.84 , and a yield of 3.7% .

China Mobile Limited ( CHL ) is a mobile telecommunications company. The stock has a PE of 21.64 , and a yield of 2.7% .

China Telecom Corp. ( CHA ) is a provider of wireline telecommunications and broadband services. The stock has a PE of 12.55 , a PEG of 2.53 , and a yield of 2.0% .

China Petroleum & Chemical ( SNP ) is an an integrated oil and gas, and chemical company. The stock has a PE of 15.29 , a PEG of 0.5 , and a yield of 1.9% .

China Life Insurance Co ( LFC ) is a provider of life insurance and annuities. The stock has a PE of 7.78 , a PEG of 0.19 , and a yield of 1.6% .

China Unicom Ltd ( CHU ) is an an integrated telecommunications provider. The stock has a PE of 18.76 , a PEG of 1.54 , and a yield of 1.4% .

For an Excel database of over 50 Chinese stocks that can be downloaded, changed and sorted, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Olympic Stocks

The 2008 Summer Olympics are here, and there are several publicly traded companies that are official Worldwide Olympic Sponsors. If you think that being connected to the Olympics can help these companies, it may be worth taking a closer look at these stocks.

Coca Cola (KO) is the famous beverage company. The stock has a PE of 22 , a PEG of 1.9 and pays a yield of 2.70% .

General Electric (GE) the conglomerate involved in technology, media, and financial services. The stock has a PE of 14 , a PEG of 1.22 and pays a yield of 4.20% .

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) famous for its Bandaids, makes and markets various health care products. The stock has a PE of 17 , a PEG of 1.98 and pays a yield of 2.60% .

Kodak (EK) makes and sells photography and digital imaging products. The stock has a PE of 8 , a PEG of 9.59 and pays a yield of 3% .

Lenovo Group (LNVGY.PK) makes and sells technology products and services. The stock has a PE of 13 and pays a yield of 4.70% .

Manulife (MFC) is a life, group life and health insurance company. The stock has a PE of 14 , a PEG of 0.96 and pays a yield of 2.80% .

McDonalds (MCD) is the operator of McDonalds fast food restaurants. The stock has a PE of 17 , a PEG of 1.57 and pays a yield of 2.30% .

Visa (V) is the credit card processing company. The stock has a PE of 27 , a PEG of 1.42 and pays a yield of 0.60% .

If you want an Excel database of all the publicly traded Worldwide Olympic Sponsors, along with the Sponsors, Exclusive Suppliers, and Beijing 2008 Partners, a total of 18 stocks, go to WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author owns KO, MCD, and V.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Currency Shares, or Why I Like Forbes Magazine

Forbes Magazine has turned up the most innovative investments. As an example, many, many years ago, before Apple Computer (AAPL) became public, I read an article in Forbes about how a publicly traded closed end venture capital fund called the Nautilus Fund happened to be an early stage investor in Apple Computer and owned lots of the company shares. When I read that article, I bought shares of Nautilus for myself and my family, and became hooked on Forbes. When Apple went public, Nautilus distributed the proportionate shares of Apple to each investor.

I also learned about CurrencyShares in a recent Forbes article. I might have stumbled upon these investments eventually but Forbes was the first place I saw a reference to them. CurrencyShares are exchange traded funds set up as trusts to track various currencies. So if you think a currency is going to go up in relation to the dollar, you don't have to buy a foreign exchange contract or go to a bank or foreign exchange office and buy large amounts of currency. Instead, you can buy shares in one of the CurrencyShares which trade on the New York Stock Exchange, just like a stock.

If you think the currency is going the other direction in relation to the dollar, you have a couple options [no pun intended]; you can either short the CurrencyShares or you can buy puts on the trust shares. Here are the CurrencyShares that are currently available.

CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust (FXA), which has a goal of tracking the price of the Australian Dollar, has had a 12.89% year to date return and pays a yield of 5.4%.

CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust (FXB), which has an objective of tracking the price of the British pound, had a 2.46% year to date return and a 4.8% yield.

CurrencyShares Canadian Dollar Trust (FXC) had a year to date return of negative 1.35% with a 3.3% yield.

CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE), with an objective of tracking the Euro, which recently celebrated its ten year anniversary, has had a return year to date of 9.65% and a 3.2% yield.

CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust (FXY), which attempts to track the Japanese Yen, has had a year to date return of 4.80%.

CurrencyShares Mexican Peso Trust (FXM) has had a 9.43% year to date return and a yield of 5.8%.

CurrencyShares Swedish Krona Trust (FXS) has had a 9.39% year to date return and a 2.9% yield.

CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust (FXF) has had a 11.62% year to date return and pays a yield of 1.26%.

Too bad that there is no simple way to trade the Zimbabwe currency.

Author owns puts on FXE.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Saturday, August 09, 2008

How Much Does Your Stock Need to Recover?

Let's say that a stock drops 10% one day, goes up 10% the next day, then drops 10%, rises 10%, drops 10% and finally on the sixth day, goes up 10%. Did you break even? If you said yes, you would be wrong, Your investment would be down to 97.03% of its original value.

For most stock traders, this information is second nature. However, there are a lot of new investors and 'mathematically challenged' investors and traders who have a difficult time understanding this.

But it is necessary to know because this is why so many stock market experts say it is so important to limit your losses as much as possible.

Here is an example that's easy to understand. You invest in a stock that sells for $100 per share. The stock drops 50% to $50 per share. The stock would have to increase by 100%, or in other words, it would have to double, to break even. So a 100% increase to make up a 50% loss.

If you need assistance calculating the recovery percentages, you can check out the Stock Recovery Analysis at 18stocks.com.

Hands Free Stocks

Two significant hands-free laws went into effect on July 1. In California, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles, the law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, however, motorists 18 and over may use a "hands-free device." In the state of Washington, the law is virtually the same, prohibiting the use of a wireless device such as a cell-phone being held to your ear while you are driving. Because of these new laws, there may a trading opportunity with the companies that make the Bluetooth headsets.

Unfortunately, you can't invest in Aliph, maker of the stylish Jawbone headsets, although two venture capital companies, Sequoia Capital and Khosla Ventures, own part of the company. However, there are plenty of other companies that make these headsets.

Plantronics (PLT) makes Bluetooth headsets, telephone headset systems, and accessories, The stock has a PE of 17, a PEG of 3.6, and a yield of 0.8%.

Motorola (MOT) makes headsets as a small part of its overall mobile telecom business. The stock has a forward PE of 26 and a PEG of 13. They pay a yield of 2.2%.

Nokia (NOK) the mobile phone company, also puts out headsets. The stock has a PE of 12, a PEG of 0.84, and a 2.9% yield.

Sony Ericsson is a joint venture between Sony (SNE), the Japanese electronics and media company and Ericsson (ERIC),the Swedish telecommunications company.

Parrot (PAOTF.PK), which rarely trades on the Pink Sheets in the US, is based in Paris, France, and is one of the leading manufacturers of hands-free mobile telephone devices. The stock has a PE of 12.

Samsung Electronics (SSNLF.PK) is one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers, which is based in South Korea, also makes headsets. This is a high priced stock that sells for over $600 per share.

There is even a Blackberry brand BlueTooth headset. The BlackBerry products are produces by Research in Motion (RIMM), which has a PE of 49, and a PEG of 1.01.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (MC) makes headsets through its Panasonic brand of electronic products. They have a PE of 15 and a PEG of 1.48.

For other telecom related companies, check out High Yield Telephone Stocks, and Brazilian Telecom Stocks.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

12 Highest Yielding Stocks Going Ex-Dividend End of August

If you are looking to buy dividends, there are plenty of high yielding stocks to choose from. Remember, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date in order to be entitled to the dividend, and you can't sell the stock until after the ex date.

All of the following stocks have market caps over $800 million and yields over 3%.

The New York Times Company (NYT) a diversified media company. Ex-div date: 8/28/2008 Market cap: $1.9 billion Yield: 6.92% .

Park National Corporation (PRK) is a multi bank holding company. Ex-div date: 8/22/2008 Market cap: $825.7 million Yield: 6.25% .

Integrys Energy Group, Inc. (TEG) an electric and natural gas utility. Ex-div date: 8/27/2008 Market cap: $3.8 billion Yield: 5.36% .

BT Group plc (BT) is a communications and broadband company. Ex-div date: 8/20/2008 Market cap: $30.3 billion Yield: 5.32% .

Carnival plc (CUK) the ADR of the cruise line. Ex-div date: 8/20/2008 Market cap: $29.4 billion Yield: 4.56% .

Carnival Corporation (CCL) the cruise line. Ex-div date: 8/20/2008 Market cap: $28.4 billion Yield: 4.26% .

Thomson Reuters Corporation (TRI) is a provider of financial, legal, tax and accounting, scientific, healthcare, and media information. Ex-div date: 8/19/2008 Market cap: $25.1 billion Yield: 4.16% .

Vtech Holdings Limited (VTKHY.PK) is a telephone manufacturer. Ex-div date: 8/25/2008 Market cap: $1.4 billion Yield: 4.08% .

Northeast Utilities System (NU) is a a public utility holding company. Ex-div date: 8/27/2008 Market cap: $3.8 billion Yield: 3.26% .

Sara Lee Corp. (SLE) sells packaged, fresh, and frozen products. Ex-div date: 8/29/2008 Market cap: $9.3 billion Yield: 3.19% .

STMicroelectronics N.V. (STM) makes semiconductor products. Ex-div date: 8/18/2008 Market cap: $10.2 billion Yield: 3.17% .

Vulcan Materials Company (VMC) produces construction materials. Ex-div date: 8/25/2008 Market cap: $7.0 billion Yield: 3.04% .

If you need a refresher on dividend definitions, check out definitions of dividend dates.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com

Monday, August 04, 2008

Nanotech is Big Business


Nano means extremely small, and mathematically means one billionth. Nanotechnology is the science of manufacturing and utilizing extremely small particles and devices, sometimes as small as single atoms and molecules. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, which is approximately 80,000 times thinner than a human hair. Nanomaterials include carbon nanotubes used in electronics, body armor and cancer treatments, nanoclays which are used in composite materials, and nanoscale metals, alloys, and oxides, used in the energy and renewable energy industries.

The following are the top stocks ranked by the PEG ratio, and all have market caps over $1 billion that are involved in the nanotechnology field.

Amkor Technology Inc. (AMKR) is in the business of microelectromechanical systems, microelectronic assembly and testing. The stock has a PE of 6 and a PEG of 0.74 .

ABB (ABB) has a nanotechnology research relating to surface structures and material parameters. The stock has a PE of 14 and a PEG of 0.76 .

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) manufactures microprocessors and microcontrollers. The stock has a PE of 14 and a PEG of 0.76 .

Boeing Company (BA) along with Ford Motor Company and Northwestern University formed an alliance to conduct nanotechnology research. They have also produced nanotech electromagnetic oscillatory jet actuators. The stock has a PE of 11 and a PEG of 0.82 .

Eaton Corp. (ETN) makes micro and nano connectors. The stock has a PE of 12 and a PEG of 0.85 .

JDS Uniphase Corp. (JDSU) produces a power delivery system can be used to drive sensors, gauges, actuators, nanotechnology, and micro-electromechanical systems. The stock has a PE of N/A and a PEG of 0.86 .

Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) Their QSR group at HP Labs researches the fabrication of nanometer-scale structures. The stock has a PE of 13 and a PEG of 0.88 .

RF Micro Devices Inc. (RFMD) makes and sells radio frequency components and system solutions for the mobile communications industry. The stock has a PE of 122 and a PEG of 0.93 .

Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) involved in nanotechnology and MEMS technology with their 3-axis accelerometer, a motion signal processing product, and consumer applications of nanotechnology. The stock has a PE of 13 and a PEG of 0.98 .

Cabot Microelectronics Corp. (CCMP) develops proprietary Advanced Nanoscale Surface Technology is designed to deliver Angstrom level finishes. The stock has a PE of 19 and a PEG of 0.99 .

An Excel list of 49 nanotechnology stocks along with a description of their connections to nanotechnology, which can be downloaded, sorted, changed, and added to can be found at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com.

Author does not own any of the above.

By Fred Fuld at Stockerblog.com