Friday, January 24, 2014

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now

We reaffirmed our Neutral stance on specialty retailer, Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY), based on the company�� strong quarterly performance, impressive outlook and store growth initiatives. However, company�� margin performance is a cause of concern, given the soft trends witnessed of late.

Why Reiterate?

Bed Bath & Beyond ��a leading operator of merchandise and home furnishing stores in the U.S. ��enjoys a strong countrywide network of more than 1,100 stores and has a focus on offering merchandise to suit consumer preferences.

We remain impressed by the company�� initiatives of expanding and renovating stores, boosting online presence, incorporating technological advancements and revivifying its merchandise mix to enhance productivity. Such measures bode well for future sales.

Bed Bath & Beyond�� efforts are paying off well, as evinced by its first-quarter fiscal 2013 earnings that rose 4.5% to 93 cents per share, benefiting from the performances of World Market (Cost Plus Inc.) and Linen Holdings. Moreover, the company�� earnings were in line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Tatmar Ventures Inc. (TAT.V)

Highway 50 Gold Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral resource properties in Canada and the United States. The company explores primarily for gold and silver ores. It owns interests in the Golden Brew property located in Lander County, Nevada; and the Lookout Property situated in Fort Steele Mining Division, British Columbia. The company was formerly known as Tatmar Ventures Inc. and changed its name to Highway 50 Gold Corp. in July 2011. Highway 50 Gold Corp. was incorporated in 2004 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Southwest Bancorp Inc.(OKSB)

Southwest Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for the Stillwater National Bank and Trust Company and Bank of Kansas. The company, through its subsidiaries, offers commercial and consumer lending, deposit and investment services, and specialized cash management and other financial services in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. It provides various deposit and personal banking services that include commercial deposit services, such as SNB Digital Lockbox, commercial checking, money market, and other deposit accounts; and retail deposit services, such as certificates of deposit, money market accounts, checking accounts, NOW accounts, savings accounts, and automatic teller machine access. Southwest also offers commercial real estate loans, working capital and other commercial loans, construction loans, loans to small businesses, student loans, residential real estate loans and mortgage banking services, personal lines of credit, and other installment loans. In addition, the company provides Internet banking services under the name SNB DirectBanker; personal brokerage and credit cards; business and health consulting services; insurance services; and integrated document imaging and cash management services. It operates 6 in Texas, 11 offices in Oklahoma, and 8offices in Kansas; and loan production offices on the campus of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and in Houston, Texas. The company was founded in 1894 and is headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Top Consumer Stocks For 2015: Interphase Corporation(INPH)

Interphase Corporation and subsidiaries provides solutions for long term evolution (LTE) and WiMAX, interworking gateways, packet processing, network connectivity, and security for applications in the communications and enterprise markets. The company offers telecom and enterprise I/O products, such as network connectivity, interworking, multi-core packet processors, and wireless baseband modules. The network connectivity products comprise T1/E1 communication controllers that primarily support SS7 signaling; OC-3/STM-1 ATM network interface cards (NICs); and Ethernet NICs. The interworking products include OC-3/STM-1 interworking modules; and broadband access gateway and media converter appliances. The multi-core packet processors comprise GigE and 10 GigE packet processors. The wireless baseband modules include LTE eNodeB and WiMAX base station modules. It also provides engineering design services, such as specifications gathering, program management, detailed design, and rapid prototyping; and electronics manufacturing services, which comprise supply chain, branding and control, production assembly, integration, and testing and delivery. Interphase Corporation sells its broadband telecommunications products to telecom equipment manufacturers for inclusion into telecommunications and networking infrastructure solutions designed for use in wireless carrier networks; and enterprise products to server manufacturers for integration into server platforms for delivery of high-performance application platforms for enterprise networking. The company markets its products through its direct sales force, manufacturers? representatives, and value-added distributors. Interphase Corporation was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in Plano, Texas.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: ValueVision Media Inc.(VVTV)

ValueVision Media, Inc., an interactive retailer, engages in marketing, selling, and distributing products to consumers through televisions (TVs), telephone, online, mobile, and social media. The company offers fine and fashion jewelries comprising gold, sterling silver, and platinum products; gemstone products; and men?s and women?s watches. It also offers home and electronics products, such as home decor, mattresses, bed and bath textiles, kitchen appliances, dining accessories, and a various furnishings; and consumer electronics, including TVs, computers, GPS devices, cameras, camcorders, and video game systems. In addition, the company offers beauty products, such as skincare, cosmetics, and hair care products; and health and fitness products comprising nutritional supplements, and workout gear and accessories. Further, it offers fashion apparel, outerwear, and accessories, including handbags and footwear. Its principal form of product exposure is its TV shopping net work, ShopNBC, which markets brand name and private label products. The company?s other distribution channels also include its Internet retailing Web sites, such as ShopNBC.com and ShopNBC.TV, which provide a range of consumer merchandise; and digital platforms comprising mobile and social media. ValueVision Media, Inc. has strategic alliances with GE Capital Equity Investments, Inc. and NBC Universal, Inc. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Charming Shoppes Inc.(CHRS)

Charming Shoppes, Inc. operates as a specialty apparel retailer primarily for women in the United States. The company operates retail stores and related e-commerce Web sites under the LANE BRYANT, CACIQUE, LANE BRYANT OUTLET, FASHION BUG, FASHION BUG PLUS, and CATHERINES PLUS SIZES brand names. Its retail stores offer plus-size, junior, and misses sportswear, dresses, coats, and intimate apparel, as well as accessories and casual footwear. The company also sells food and specialty gifts through its Figi's Gifts in Good Taste catalog and related e-commerce Website, as well as through third-party retailers' stores. In addition, it operates FIGI'S Gallery that offers home decor, bedding, housewares, jewelry, garden accents, apparel, collectibles, gifts, and other items through its catalog and e-commerce Website. As of March 27, 2012, the company operated 1,857 retail stores in 48 states. Charming Shoppes, Inc. was founded in 1940 and is headquartered in Bensalem, Pennsylvania .

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc. (MMC)

Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., a professional services company, provides advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. It operates in two segments, Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting. The Risk and Insurance Services segment provides risk management and insurance broking, reinsurance broking, and insurance program management services for businesses, public entities, insurance companies, associations, professional services organizations, and private clients. The Consulting segment offers advice and services to the managements of organizations in the area of human resource consulting, comprising retirement and investments, health and benefits, outsourcing and talent; and strategy and risk management consulting, such as management, economic, and brand consulting. The company also provides investment consulting services for endowments and foundations in the United States; health and benefit recordkeeping, and employee enrollment technology; human resource knowledge, data, and solutions for professionals in various industries; and Medicaid policy consulting services. It principally serves customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Asia Pacific, and Continental Europe. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Reuters]

    Wendy Maeda/The Boston Globe via Getty Images NEW YORK -- Walgreen is moving 120,000 employees to a private health insurance exchange from coverage provided directly from carriers, the company will announce Wednesday. The pharmacy chain will join 17 other large employers on the Aon Hewitt Corporate Health Exchange as part of a growing movement to offer employees fixed dollar amounts to purchase their own plans on such exchanges. The end-cost to employees depends on the plan chosen, but they typically get more options than under traditional arrangements. Private exchanges mimic the coverage mandated as part of the Affordable Care Act. Enrollment in the public exchanges starts Oct. 1. "What happens to employer contributions over time? Will they put in as much as they put in the past? These are unanswered questions but potential negatives," says Paul Fronstin, a senior research associate with the Employee Benefit Research Institute. The benefit to Walgreen and other employers is unknown at this point, as their cost-savings aren't clear. Of the 180,000 Walgreen (WAG) employees eligible for health care insurance, 120,000 opted for coverage for themselves and 40,000 family members. Another 60,000 employees, many of them working part-time, weren't eligible for health insurance. Aon Hewitt (AON) says other participants in its program include retailer Sears Holding (SHLD) and Darden Restaurants (DRI). These new additions raise enrollment to 330,000 from 100,000 last year, and Aon Hewitt estimates enrollment will jump to 600,000 next year, a fivefold increase from 2012. By 2017, nearly 20 percent of employees nationwide could get their health insurance through a private exchange, according to Accenture Research (ACN). A recent report by the National Business Group on Health said that 30 percent of large employers are considering moving active employees to exchanges by 2015. Other major providers of private exchanges include Mercer, a division of Marsh & Mc

  • [By Keith Speights]

    Flourishing
    While the federal Obamacare exchanges flail, private health insurance exchanges are flourishing. For example,�Mercer, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC  ) ,�announced in April that several large insurers -- including Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare -- would be part of its Mercer Marketplace private exchange. Mercer Marketplace allows employers to contribute a defined amount for its employees to use on health coverage. Employees use the system to shop around for the insurance plans that best meet their needs.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Progressive (PGR) was downgraded from Strong Buy to Market Perform at Raymond James, while Marsh & McLennan (MMC) was cut to Outperform from Strong Buy.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Terra Tech Corp (TRTC)

Terra Tech Corp., formerly Private Secretary, Inc., incorporated on July 22, 2008, through its subsidiary GrowOp Technology Ltd. (GrowOp Technology) specializes in controlled agricultural technologies. The company integrates breed hydroponic equipment with technology to create solutions for the cultivation of indoor agriculture. It works with horticulturists, engineers, and scientists, to develop and manufacture products for the urban agricultural industry. Its products are utilized by horticulture enthusiasts, local urban farmers, as well as green house growers. Its products can be found through specialty retailers throughout the United States. In April 2013, the Company acquired Edible Garden and its line of locally grown hydroponic produce.

The Company operates in two markets: Commercial AG and Retail AG. The Company�� products include commercial hydroponic and aeroponic systems with automated dosing systems (ADS); digital atmospheric controllers, such as lighting, humidity and carbon dioxide, and commercial greenhouse manufacturing. GrowOp Technology services medical cannabis industry, as well as the small scale traditional hydroponic cultivator. GrowOp Tech manufactures a range of indoor gardening equipment distributed through retail partners throughout the United States and Europe. In addition to its product line it is the creators of mobile controlled agricultural facilities, the BIG Bud and the little Bud, on the market. Its products include high intensity discharge (HID) and light emitting diode (LED) lighting systems, filtration, nutrients, portable hydroponic chamber, and environmental controllers.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.(PNK)

Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. owns, develops, and operates casinos, and related hospitality and entertainment facilities in the United States. It operates casinos, such as L'Auberge du Lac in Lake Charles, Louisiana; River City Casino and Lumiere Place in St. Louis, Missouri; Boomtown New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana; Belterra Casino Resort in Vevay, Indiana; Boomtown Bossier City in Bossier City, Louisiana; and Boomtown Reno in Reno, Nevada. The company also operates River Downs racetrack in southeast Cincinnati, Ohio. As of May 26, 2011, it operated seven casinos and one racetrack. The company was formerly known as Hollywood Park, Inc. and changed its name to Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. in February 2000. Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. was founded in 1935 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Travis Hoium]

    What: Shares of Ameristar Casinos (NASDAQ: ASCA  ) and Pinnacle Entertainment (NYSE: PNK  ) fell as much as 11% today after the government brought into question the merger of the two companies.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK) has gained 56% this year; Las Vegas Sands (LVS) has climbed 38%. And Deutsche Bank has nice things to say about both today.

    Bloomberg

    First Pinnacle. Deutsche Bank’s Carlo Santarelli ponders the stock’s big move and comes away still seeing value in its shares. He writes:

    When we upgraded PNK in April, our thesis centered on the FCF strength of the combined entities [Pinnacle completed its acquisition of Ameristar Casinos on Aug. 14], a handful of favorable catalysts, easing regional gaming comps, & an inexpensive relative valuation. Given the shares’ sizeable move since then, we believe it is worth revisiting the investment case. Post the announcement of several asset sales and the closing of the transaction, we are adjusting our estimates, raising our PT to $30 from $24, and maintaining our bullish view at current levels given what we still believe to be an attractive free cash flow valuation, meaningful potential synergy realization beyond the $40 mm of announced benefits, and a free option on a lagging regional recovery.

    Santarelli also revisited Las Vegas Sands and there too, he likes what he sees. He writes:

    With…LVS at [a share price level] that have been challenging to break from over the last year plus, we believe this time is different and hence we see continued upward momentum…In the case of LVS, we see; 1) meaningful mass market strength continuing through year end, setting the stage for upward company and market estimate revisions for 2014, 2) continued cash flow appreciation and capital returns serving as downside protection and positive catalysts, and 3) continued shared gains, largely driven by table optimization and mass market strength, driving both estimates and sentiment.

    He also likes Wynn Resorts (WYNN), despite its 34% gain.�Santarelli writes:

    As for WYNN, we believe near-term estimates continue to take a back seat to capital return

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Cogent Holdings Limited (KJ9.SI)

Cogent Holdings Limited, an investment holding company, provides full-service logistics management services to corporations in Singapore. It offers transportation management services, including trucking services for laden and empty containers between the ports and its warehouses or other designated destinations; transportation services for oil and gas equipment, such as equipment used for the construction of oil rigs; the transportation of petroleum and chemical products from Jurong Island; and freight coordination services, such as trade and inbound customs documentation, as well as dry hubbing services. The company also provides warehousing management services comprising storage space for electronic components, non-perishable items, and other general products, as well as chemicals and hazardous materials; and packing, palletisation, forklift handling, and chemical drumming services for petrochemical-related customers. In addition, it offers container depot management ser vices, including depot premises operation, as well as cleaning, maintenance, and repair works for containers. Further, the company provides automotive logistics management services comprising processing, transportation, and storage of motor vehicles, as well as assisting customers in port and customs clearance, vehicular transportation, warehousing, and delivery activities; de-registration and export of second-hand motor vehicles; repossession of cars; and removal and towing of accident vehicles. It operates a fleet of approximately 100 prime movers, trucks, and lorries, as well as 400 trailers; and manages and leases approximately 3.5 million square feet of warehousing space and premises. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is based in Singapore.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.(BECN)

Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. distributes residential and non-residential roofing materials. The company?s residential roofing products include asphalt shingles, synthetic slates and tiles, clay and concrete tiles, slates, nail base insulation, metal roofing, felt, wood shingles and shakes, nails and fasteners, metal edgings and flashings, prefabricated flashings, ridges and soffit vents, gutters and downspouts, and other accessories. Its non-residential roofing products comprise single-ply roofing; asphalt; metal; modified bitumen; built-up roofing; cements and coatings; insulation?flat stock and tapered; commercial fasteners; metal edges and flashings; skylights, smoke vents, and roof hatches; and sheet metal products, including copper, aluminum, and steel. The company also provides complementary building products, such as vinyl siding; red, white, and yellow cedar siding; fiber cement siding; soffits; house wraps; vapor barriers; and stone veneer, as well as vinyl windo ws, aluminum windows, wood windows, turn-key windows, and wood and patio doors. In addition, it offers specialty lumber products comprising redwood, red cedar decking, mahogany decking, pressure treated lumber, fire treated plywood, synthetic decking, PVC trim boards, millwork, and custom millwork. Further, the company provides waterproofing systems, building insulations, air barrier systems, gypsum, moldings, cultured stone, and patio covers. Its customer base consists of contractors, home builders, building owners, and other resellers. Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. distributes its products through 194 branches in 38 states of the United States; and 6 Canadian provinces. The company was founded in 1928 and is based in Peabody, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Luke Jacobi]

    Beacon Roofing Supply (NASDAQ: BECN) fell 7.11 percent to $34.25 after Robert W. Baird downgraded the stock from Outperform to Neutral.

    Commodities

  • [By Lauren Pollock]

    Beacon Roofing Supply Inc.'s(BECN) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings declined slightly as higher costs offset a jump in sales. “We continued to experience a challenging pricing environment, which drove down our gross margins from the prior year,” Chief Executive Paul Isabelle said. Results missed estimates, sending shares down 4.4% to $34.50 in light premarket trading.

  • [By Investment Contrarians]

    In the small-cap area, take a look at the suppliers to the housing market. Beacon Roofing Supply, Inc. (NASDAQ: BECN) is a stock that you should keep an eye on. The company supplies builders and roofing companies with roofing supplies.

  • [By Lee Samaha]

    It's been a volatile year for the roofing industry, and over the last three months, investors have seen more downside. Roofing materials distributor Beacon Roofing Supply (NASDAQ: BECN  ) is down 11.5% in the last three months, and building products manufacturer Owens Corning (NYSE: OC  ) fell 5.5% in the same period -- all in a year when many commentators thought this sector would outperform.�

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: James Hardie Industries SE (JHX)

James Hardie Industries plc, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells fiber cement products and systems for interior and exterior building construction applications primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Europe. Its products principally include fiber cement interior linings, exterior siding products, and related accessories products. The company offers fiber cement products with various patterned profiles and surface finishes for a range of applications, including external siding and soffit lining, internal linings, facades, floor and tile underlay, lattice, fencing, decorative columns, flooring, and ceiling applications; and manufactures and sells fiber reinforced concrete pipes. Its products are used in various markets, such as new residential construction, which include single and multi-family housing; manufactured housing that comprise mobile and pre-fabricated homes; repair and remodeling; and various commerc ial and industrial applications, such as stores, warehouses, offices, hotels, motels, schools, libraries, museums, dormitories, hospitals, detention facilities, religious buildings, and gymnasiums. The company markets its fiber cement products and systems under various Hardie brand names, such as HardieBacker; and other brand names, such as Artisan Lap and Artisan Accent Trim by James Hardie, Cemplank and Prevail siding, Scyon, and Stria siding. The company sells its products directly, as well as through distributors, large home center retailers, small to medium size dealer outlets, and specialist distributors to dealers or lumber yards, consumers, builders, real estate developers, and distributor/hardware stores. James Hardie Industries plc was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ian Sayson]

    Exporters dropped. Samsung Electronics slipped 2.9 percent to 1.329 million won in Seoul. Canon Inc., the world�� biggest camera maker, fell 1.1 percent to 3,215 yen in Tokyo. James Hardie Industries SE (JHX), a building materials supplier that gets about 70 percent of sales from the U.S., tumbled 2.8 percent to A$9.37 in Sydney.

Hot Specialty Retail Stocks To Own Right Now: United Technologies Corporation(UTX)

United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company?s Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, as well as provides maintenance and repair services. Its Carrier segment offers heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, controls, services, and energy-efficient products for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation applications. The company?s UTC Fire and Security segment provides electronic security products comprising intruder alarms, and access control and video surveillance systems; fire safety products, such as specialty hazard detection and fixed suppression products, fire extinguishers, fire detection and life safety systems, and other firefighting equipment; systems integration, video surveillance, installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and mon itoring, response, and security personnel services. Its Pratt and Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for the commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; industrial gas turbines; geo thermal power systems; and space propulsion systems, as well as provides fleet management, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The company?s Hamilton Sundstrand segment supplies aerospace products, such as power generation, management and distribution, flight control, engine control, environmental control, auxiliary power units, and propeller systems; and industrial products, including air compressors, metering pumps, and fluid handling equipment under the Sullair, Sundyne, and Milton Roy names. Its Sikorsky segment manufactures military and commercial helicopters, as well as offers aftermarket helicopter and aircraft parts and services. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Travis Hoium]

    The one Dow stock moving significantly lower after reporting earnings is United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) . The stock has fallen 0.7% today after the company reported a 16% rise in revenue to $14.39 billion. The problem is that revenue fell short of the $14.94 billion estimate, and the company said sequestration might have a $0.10 per-share impact on full-year earnings. I don't think this was a terrible report, especially when you consider that EPS of $1.39 actually beat estimates by $0.09, but investors are concerned about growth, and United Technologies didn't show nearly enough in the first quarter. �

  • [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET.COM]

    United Technologies provides essential and highly demanded technology products and services to companies large and small across the globe. It is being reported that the company will no longer be putting 4,000 employees on unpaid leave due to the Government shutdown. The stock has been exploding to the upside and is now trading near all time high prices. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenues have been rising, however, investors have had mixed feelings about recent earnings announcements. Relative to its peers and sector, United Technologies has been a year-to-date performance leader. Look for United Technologies to OUTPERFORM.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    That company was United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) , whose Pratt & Whitney subsidiary snagged a $648.8 million contract, modifying a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract related to the production of F135 jet engines for Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT  ) F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. Monday's award extends the period for performing technical baseline review design, verification, validation, and qualification work on the new engine. The awarded funds will also pay for the production of two spare flight test engines and associated spare parts.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    Following on Boeing's (NYSE: BA  ) contract win six months ago, in which it was awarded $895 million to begin upgrading the U.S. Air Force's fleet of C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft, we learned of a second beneficiary of the contract today: United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) .

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