Saturday, October 25, 2014

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014

Our latest featured stock is a global media measurement and distribution company serving the entertainment, television, and advertising industries, notes small-cap expert Jim Oberweis, Jr., editor of The Oberweis Report.

Rentrak (RENT) offers technology that merges television viewership, advanced demographics, and actual consumer behavior information across multiple platforms, devices, and distribution channels.

Rentrak processes and aggregates data from hundreds of billions of transactions from multiple screens wherever entertainment content is viewed, whether at the box office, on a television screen, over the Internet, on a smart phone, or other portable device.

It measures these transactions whether purchased, rented, recorded, downloaded, or streamed from multiple channels. These content databases measure viewership across every screen and are fused with third-party consumer segmentation and purchase databases.

By linking multiscreen viewership information with information about the products those viewers consume and prefer, Rentrak provides its clients with the knowledge necessary to more precisely target their advertising.

Top 10 Healthcare Technology Companies To Own For 2015: Sterling Financial Corporation(STSA)

Sterling Financial Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Sterling Savings Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, commercial organizations, and corporations in the United States. Its deposit products include transaction (checking) accounts, savings accounts, money market demand accounts, certificates of deposit, interest and non-interest bearing checking accounts, and time deposits. The company?s loan portfolio comprises commercial lending products, such as lines of credit, receivable and inventory financing, equipment loans, and term real estate financing for owner-occupied properties; multifamily residential and commercial real estate loans; one-to four-family residential loans; and consumer loans for automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles, and lines of credit for personal use. Sterling Financial Corporation also markets fixed income and equity products, mutual funds, annuities, and other financial products. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 72 branches in Washington, 67 branches in Oregon, 13 branches in California, 18 branches in Idaho, and 8 branches in Montana, as well as 169 automated teller machines. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Spokane, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Sterling Financial (STSA) is engaged in the business of purchasing, managing and collecting portfolios of defaulted consumer receivables, as well as offering accounts receivable management and payment services. This stock closed up 2% to $26.84 in Thursday's trading session.

    Thursday's Volume: 589,000

    Three-Month Average Volume: 188,505

    Volume % Change: 201%

    From a technical perspective, STSA bounced modestly higher here right above its 50-day moving average of $25.61 with above-average volume. This move is quickly pushing shares of STSA within range of triggering a big breakout trade. That trade will hit if STSA manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $27.47 to its 52-week high at $27.57 with high volume.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in STSA as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $25.61 or above more near-term support at $25, and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 188,505 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then STSA will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $30 to $32.50.

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    Washington state-based Sterling Financial Bank (NASDAQ: STSA  ) has added a California asset to its portfolio. The lender announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to buy Commerce National Bank, headquartered in affluent Orange County. The price is $15.10 per share in cash. All told, the value of the transaction is just shy of $43 million.

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014: Continental AG (CON)

Continental AG is a Germany-based holding company and automotive industry supplier. It operates two business groups: Automotive Group and Rubber Group. The Automotive Group is divided into Chassis & Safety division, Powertrain division and Interior division. The Chassis & Safety division focuses on the areas of networked driving safety, brakes, driver assistance, chassis, active and passive safety and sensor technology for the avoidance of accidents and injury. The Powertrain division specializes in the powertrain solutions. The Interior division focuses on information, communication and networking solutions. The Rubber Group is divided into Tire division and ContiTech divisions. The Tire division comprises Passenger and Light Truck Tires, including tires for motorcycles. The ContiTech division develops and manufactures functional parts, components and systems for the automotive industry. In February 2014, it acquired Veyance Technologies Inc. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ruth David]

    Schaeffler AG, the largest investor in Hanover, Germany-based Continental AG (CON), raised 950 million euros on Sept. 17 by selling a 4 percent stake in Europe�� second-largest car-parts maker to reduce debt. Telegraaf Media Groep NV, the publisher of the largest Dutch newspaper, exited its holding in German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG on Sept. 6, making proceeds of about 391 million euros.

  • [By Jonathan Morgan]

    Volkswagen, Europe�� biggest automaker, gained 3.7 percent to 168.40 euros. Daimler AG, the third-biggest luxury-vehicle maker, rose 3.9 percent to 49 euros, its highest price since August 2011. Continental AG (CON), Europe�� second-largest auto-parts maker, added 3 percent to 100.30 euros. A measure of carmakers posted the best performance of the 19 industry groups on the Stoxx Europe 600 Index.

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014: Hub Group Inc (HUBG)

Hub Group, Inc., incorporated on March 8, 1995, is an asset-light freight transportation management companies. The Company offers intermodal, truck brokerage and logistics services. The Company operates distinct business segments: Mode, which includes the acquired Mode business acquired by the Company on April 1, 2011, and Hub, which is all business other than Mode. Both segments offer intermodal, truck brokerage and logistics services. Hub operates through a network of operating centers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Hub services a diversified customer base in a broad range of industries, including consumer products, retail and durable goods. Mode markets and operates its freight transportation services primarily through its network of independent business owners (IBOs) who enter into contracts with Mode. Mode's company managed operation includes a business arranging for the transportation of raw materials and finished products for a food producer and, to a lesser extent, other highway brokerage, intermodal and logistics operations.

Intermodal

As an intermodal marketing company (IMC), the Company arranges for the movement of its customers freight in containers and trailers, typically over long distances of 750 miles or more. The Company contracts with railroads to provide transportation for the long-haul portions of the shipment and with local trucking companies, known as drayage companies, for pickup and delivery. As part of the Company's intermodal services, the Company negotiates rail and drayage rates, electronically tracks shipments in transit, consolidate billing and handle claims for freight loss or damage on behalf of its customers.

The Company uses its network to access containers and trailers owned by leasing companies, railroads and steamship lines. The Company is able to track trailers and containers entering a service area and reuses that equipment to fulfill the customers' outbound shipping requirements. As of December 31, 2012, ! Hub had access to approximately 9,111 rail-owned containers for the Company's dedicated use on the Union Pacific (UP) and the Norfolk Southern (NS) rails. In addition to these rail-owned containers, as of December 31, 2012, the Company had a total of 14,756 53-inch private containers for use on the UP and NS. The Company financed 6,167 of these containers with operating leases and the Company owns 8,589 containers.

As of December 31, 2012, approximately 66% of the Company's drayage needs were met by its subsidiary, Comtrak Logistics, Inc. (Comtrak), which assists its customers. Comtrak has terminals in Atlanta, Birmingham, Charleston, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus (OH), Dallas, Harrisburg, Huntsville, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Memphis, Nashville, Newark, Los Angeles, Perry (FL), Philadelphia, Savannah, Seattle, St. Louis, Stockton, and Titusville (FL). As of December 31, 2012, Comtrak owned 260 tractors, leased or owned 448 trailers, employed 296 drivers and contracted with 2,178 owner-operators.

Truck Brokerage (Highway Services)

The Company is a truck broker in the United States. As part of the truck brokerage services, the Company negotiates rates , track shipments in transit and handle claims for freights loss and damage on behalf of its customers.

Logistics and Other Services

Hub's logistics business operates under the name of Unyson Logistics. Unyson Logistics consists of a network of logistics professionals dedicated to developing, implementing and operating customized logistics solutions. Unyson offers a range of transportation management services and technology solutions, including shipment optimization, load consolidation, mode selection, carrier management, load planning and execution and Web-based shipment visibility. Unyson Logistics operates throughout North America, providing operations through its main operating location in St. Louis with additional support locations in Bosto! n, Chicag! o, Cleveland and Minneapolis. Certain Mode agents provide logistics services. The Company's multi-modal transportation capabilities through both the Hub and Mode segments include small parcel, heavyweight, expedited, less-than-truckload, truckload, intermodal and railcar.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Hub Group (NASDAQ: HUBG) surged 3.13% to $44.20. The volume of Hub Group shares traded was 388% higher than normal. Hub Group reported its Q1 earnings of $0.33 per share on revenue of $848.40 million. Longbow Research upgraded Hub Group from Neutral to Buy.

  • [By Vera Yuan]

    ��reight transportation management company Hub Group, Inc. (HUBG) rose as investors began to focus on margin improvement opportunities due to indications of improving intermodal pricing as well as company-specific cost improvement initiatives.

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014: Goldsearch Ltd (GSE)

Goldsearch Limited (Goldsearch) is an Australia-based minerals company. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company was engaged in the exploration of gold and other minerals and investment activities. It operates in five segments: Mineral Exploration Sweden, Minerals Exploration Australia-Victoria, Minerals Exploration Australia-Other, Investments and Administration. Its other projects include the Mary Kathleen joint venture in Queensland and the Musgrave joint venture in South Australia. It held 16,000 square kilometres of tenements within the Musgrave Ranges of northwestern South Australia that were in joint venture between Goldsearch and Independence Group. During fiscal 2012, the Company held investments in Morning Star Gold NL (MCO) and Musgrave Minerals Ltd (MGV). On June 30, 2012, the Company had sold off its total investment in Independence Group NL (IGO). Its subsidiaries include: Caytale Pty Limited, Chiljill Pty Limited and Miltonpak Pty Limited. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Another environmental services player that looks ready to trigger a near-term breakout trade is GSE Holdings (GSE), which provides geosynthetic containment solutions for environmental protection and confinement applications. This stock has been hammered by the bears so far in 2013, with shares down big by 55%.

    If you take a look at the chart for GSE Holdings, you'll notice that this stock recently ripped sharply higher back above its 50-day moving average of $2.32 a share with heavy upside volume. Following that move, shares of GSE have started to trend sideways between $2.60 on the downside and $2.95 on the upside. Shares of GSE are now starting to move within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent range.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in GSE if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.79 to $2.95 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 221,545 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then GSE will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $3.50 to $4 a share.

    Traders can look to buy GSE off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below support at $2.60 or below its 50-day moving average at $2.32 a share. One could also buy GSE off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014: Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT)

Federal Realty Investment Trust (the Trust) is an equity real estate investment trust (REIT) specializing in the ownership, management, and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties located in metropolitan markets in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, as well as in California. As of December 31, 2011, the Trust owned or had interest in community and neighborhood shopping centers and mixed-use properties, which are operated as 87 retail real estate projects, consisting approximately 19.3 million square feet. On December 30, 2011, it acquired an 8.1 acre land parcel adjacent to Plaza El Segundo. In January 2012, the Company acquired 89.9% interest in Montrose Crossing. In January 2013, the Company acquired East Bay Bridge shopping center. In April 2013, it acquired a shopping center on 9 acres directly across from the Noroton Heights train station. In January 2014, Federal Realty Investment Trust acquired controlling interest in two shopping centers totaling 285,600 square feet in affluent Monmouth County, New Jersey.

The Company�� portfolio includes retail in many formats ranging from regional community and neighborhood shopping centers, which are anchored by grocery stores to mixed-use properties, which are centered around a retail component but also include office, residential and/or hotel components. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company signed leases for a total of 1,417,000 square feet of retail space, including 1,294,000 square feet of comparable space leases. As of December 31, 2011, the real estate projects were 93.4% leased and 92.4% occupied. As of December 31, 2011, it owned a 30% interest in seven retail real estate projects totaling approximately one million square feet. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned 90.9% interest in joint venture properties, which were leased and occupied.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Brad Thomas]

    REITs mentioned: (VTR), (OHI), (O), (DLR), (HCP), (HTA), (KIM), (FRT), (SPG), and (SKT).

    Note: This article is intended to provide information to interested parties. As I have no knowledge of individual investor circumstances, goals, and/or portfolio concentration or diversification, readers are expected to complete their own due diligence before purchasing any stocks mentioned or recommended.

  • [By Ken McGaha] rong>These Businesses Aren�� Cheap By Any Measure

    Value investors, such as myself, seem to always be compulsive about business fundamentals when assessing fair value. The numbers here do not paint a pretty picture in terms of compelling value.

    Company Ticker

    KRC

    KIM

    EGP

    FRT

    Dividend Yield

    2.25%

    3.88%

    3.34%

    2.54%

    Payout Ratio

    1,031%

    171%

    199%

    147.91%

    5-Div. Gwth.

    -9.61%

    -12.64%

    0.54%

    3.69%

    2014 P/E Ratio

    22.79

    16.69

    18.85

    25

    5-yr. Proj. Gwth.

    7.2%

    4.3%

    6.3%

    6.5%

    Price/Cash Flow

    22.12

    15.77

    17.92

    24.88

    Being a value oriented investor, I am always looking for ways to mitigate my risk and increase my upside potential through the acquisition of valuable assets at distressed prices. That is not what I see here. Each of these businesses are trading at huge multiples to their projected earnings growth rates for the next 5 years.

    In terms of the prices to free cash flow, KIM and EGP trade at multiples that would be reasonable for world-class businesses that are dominant in a critical industry. But a commercial REIT? I don�� think so. The price to cash flow multiples for KRC and FRT are simply outrageous for these businesses and would be very difficult to justify for any business. Are you really willing to buy a business that will take between 22 and 25 years to earn enough money to pay you back? Not me.

    Excellent Management Can Justify High Valuations

    Quite often in my life, I have come across people who failed to understand the distinction between price and cost or price and value. A business that appears to be expensive on the surface can, and sometimes does, offer an excellent value due to the existence of exceptional manage

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014: Ryder System Inc.(R)

Ryder System, Inc. provides transportation and supply chain management solutions. It operates in three segments: Fleet Management Solutions (FMS), Supply Chain Solutions (SCS), and Dedicated Contract Carriage (DCC). The FMS segment offers leasing, contract maintenance, contract-related maintenance, and commercial rental of trucks, tractors, and trailers primarily in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It also offers fleet support services, such as fuel, insurance, safety, administration, environmental management, and information technology services. In addition, this segment sells its used vehicles through 55 company owned retail sales centers, as well as through its Web site, Usedtrucks.Ryder.com. Its customers include small businesses and enterprises operating in transportation, grocery, lumber and wood products, food service, and home furnishings industries. The SCS segment provides supply chain consulting solutions in North America and Asia. It offers di stribution management, transportation management, and professional services, as well as various support services, such as information technology and engineering solutions. This segment primarily serves automotive, electronics, high-tech, telecommunications, industrial, consumer goods, consumer packaged goods, paper and paper products, office equipment, food and beverage, and general retail industries. The DCC segment offers vehicles and drivers as part of a transportation solution in the United States. It combines the equipment, maintenance, and administrative services of a service lease with drivers and additional services, such as routing and scheduling, fleet sizing, safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, technology and communication systems support, and other technical support. This segment serves energy and utility, metals and mining, retail, construction, healthcare products, and food and beverage industries. The company was founded in 1933 and is based in Mia mi, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Damian Illia]

    Required Rate of Return (r)

    The capital asset pricing model (CAPM) estimates the required return on equity using the following formula: required return on stock = risk-free rate + beta of j x equity risk premium

  • [By jaggom]

    The ASF (R) 165 will also be available for its new customers, targeting the LED and industrial markets. The production is in progress in the Arizona plant in the U.S. with a production furnace capable of producing high-quality 165 kilogram boules in high volume. The ASF 165 will definitely give its customers a competitive advantage and lower cost of ownership, by providing a sapphire furnace that will significantly increase capacity and reduce costs as it provides 40% increase in Boule size compared to the current ASF 115. In addition, the company is anticipating strong demand for this product category in the coming months.

Top 10 Managed Healthcare Companies For 2014: Bayer AG (BAYN)

Bayer AG is a German management holding company with core competencies in the field of health care, nutrition and high-tech materials. It's business operations are organized into three subgroups: HealthCare, involved in the research, development and manufacture of health products for people and animals, CropScience, engaged in the crop protection and non-agricultural pest control, and MaterialScience, that provides polymers, and develops solution for a range of applications, supported by the service companies Bayer Business Services, Bayer Technology Services and Currenta. It operates through numerous subsidiaries, affiliated companies as well as joint ventures located in Europe, Latin America, Africa, Middle East, North America as well as the Asia/Pacific region, such as Bayer Chemicals AG in Germany, Cotton Growers Services Pty. Limited in Australia and Bayer Israel Ltd in Israel, among others. In July 2013, it acquired Steigerwald Arzneimittelwerk GmbH. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jonathan Morgan]

    German stocks declined the most in more than two months as a report showed that Germany�� auto market plummeted last month, while Bayer AG (BAYN) and BASF SE (BAS) fell.

  • [By Jonathan Morgan]

    Bayer AG (BAYN) and BASF SE gained, following their European peers higher. Commerzbank AG (CBK), the country�� second-biggest lender, slid 3.7 percent. Deutsche Bank AG (DBK) dropped the most in more than a month after JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded the shares.

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