For years, satirical late night TV host Stephen Colbert has been running a series on his show called "Better Know a District," which highlights one of the 435 U.S. congressional districts and its representative. While I am no Stephen Colbert, I�am�brutally inquisitive when it comes to the 5,000-plus listed companies on the U.S. stock exchanges.
That's why I've made it a weekly tradition to examine one seldom-followed company within the�Motley Fool CAPS�database and make a�CAPScall�of outperform or underperform on that company.
For this week's round of "Better Know a Stock," I'm going to take a closer look at Swift Transportation (NYSE: SWFT ) .
What Swift Transportation does
Swift is a transportation services trucking and intermodal company in North America. The company primarily transports discounted consumer goods, perishable and non-perishable foods, and manufactured goods. As of the end of 2012 Swift operated 15,300 tractors, 52,800 trailers, and had 8,700 intermodal containers.
Top 5 Safest Companies To Watch In Right Now: ICG Group Inc (ICGE)
ICG Group, Inc. (ICG), formerly Internet Capital Group, Inc., acquires and builds Internet software and services companies. ICG operates in two business segments: the core reporting segment and the venture reporting segment. The Company�� core reporting segment includes those companies in which its management provides strategic direction and management assistance. Its venture reporting segment includes companies to which it generally devote less capital than it does to its core companies and, therefore, in which it holds relatively smaller ownership stakes than it does in the core companies. As of December 31, 2011, its equity core companies consisted of Channel Intelligence, Inc., Freeborders, Inc. and WhiteFence, Inc. As of December 31, 2011, its venture companies consisted of Acquirgy, Inc., GoIndustry-DoveBid plc and SeaPass Solutions Inc. In April 2012, it acquired MSDSonline Inc. In December 2012, the Company aquired 85% of interest in Procurian Inc. In February 2013, Google Inc acquired Channel Intelligence, Inc. one of the consolidated companies of ICG.
The Company is focused on the software and services markets, particularly on companies in the cloud-based software and services sector. Once the Company acquires an interest in a company, it works to assume an active role in the development and growth of the Company, providing both strategic guidance and operational support. The Company provides strategic guidance to its companies relating to, among other things, market positioning, business model and product development, strategic capital expenditures, mergers and acquisitions and exit opportunities. In addition, it provides operational support to help its companies manage day-to-day business and operational issues and implement the practices in the areas of finance, sales and marketing, business development, human resources and legal services.
GovDelivery Holdings, Inc.
GovDelivery Holdings, Inc. (GovDelivery) is a provider of government-to-citizen com! munication solutions. GovDelivery�� digital subscription management software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform enables government organizations to provide citizens with access to relevant information by delivering new information through e-mail, mobile text alerts, really simple syndication (RSS) and social media channels from United States and United Kingdom government entities at the national, state and local levels.
Investor Force Holdings, Inc.
Investor Force Holdings, Inc. (InvestorForce) is a financial software company specializing in the development of online applications for the financial services industry. InvestorForce provides pension consultants and other financial intermediaries with a Web-based enterprise platform that integrates data management with robust analytic and reporting capabilities in support of their institutional and other clients. InvestorForce�� applications provide investment consultants with the ability to conduct analysis and research into client, manager and market movement and to produce timely, automated client reports.
Procurian Inc.
Procurian Inc. (Procurian) is a specialist in procurement solutions, which partners with transformational business to drive sustainable changes to their cost structures on an accelerated basis. Procurian integrates superior market intelligence with its customers��businesses to optimize spending and deliver savings.
Channel Intelligence, Inc.
Channel Intelligence, Inc. (Channel Intelligence) is a technology and marketing services company that helps retailers, manufacturers and other advertisers make their products and services easier for consumers to find and buy online and in local retail stores. Through its technologies and product database, Channel Intelligence offers online marketing services, such as display advertising, manufacturer-based content and where-to-buy, paid search, shopping engine management, social marketing, Web storefronts, order manage! ment and ! robust performance analytics. With its range of services, Channel Intelligence helps its customers support their consumers through all phases of the sales funnel, from lead generation to consideration to purchase and delivery.
WhiteFence, Inc.
WhiteFence, Inc. (WhiteFence) is a Web services provider used by household consumers to compare and purchase essential home services, such as electricity, natural gas, telephone and cable/satellite television. WhiteFence reaches customers directly through company-owned Websites and through its network of exclusive channel partners that integrate the Web services applications into their own business processes and Websites.
Acquirgy, Inc.
Acquirgy, Inc. (Acquirgy) specializes in direct response marketing services and technology, which provides customers with a range of direct marketing products and services. Acquirgy helps market its products and services on the Internet and through other media channels, such as television, radio, and print advertising.
GoIndustry-DoveBid plc (GoIndustry)
GoIndustry-DoveBid plc (GoIndustry) is an in auction sales and valuations of used industrial machinery and equipment. GoIndustry combines traditional asset sales experience with e-commerce technology and advanced direct marketing to service the needs of multi-national corporations, insolvency practitioners, dealers and asset-based lenders worldwide.
SeaPass Solutions Inc.
SeaPass Solutions Inc. (SeaPass) develops and markets processing solutions that enables insurance carriers, agents and brokers to transmit and receive data in real time by leveraging existing systems to interact automatically. The Company�� technology allows information to be accessed in real time, which increases efficiency across all lines of the insurance business.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
ICG Group (NASDAQ: ICGE) was also up, gaining 9.77 percent to $15.39 after the company announced the sale of Procurian to Accenture plc (NYSE: ACN) for $375 million in cash.
Hot Trucking Companies For 2014: NanoTech Entertainment Inc (NTEK)
NanoTech Entertainment, Inc. (NanoTech), formerly Aldar Group, Inc., is a provider of gaming technology for the coin-op arcade, casino gaming and consumer gaming markets. The Company operates as a manufacturer, developing technology and games, and then licensing them to third parties for manufacturing and distribution. As of June 30, 2009, the Company�� products included MultiPin, Xtreme Rally Racing, NanoNET Online System, Pinball Wizard, Mot-Ion Adapter, Opti-Gun Adapter and Retr-IO Adapter. In April 2009, the Company acquired NanoTech Entertainment, Inc. In July 2013, NanoTech Entertainment Inc completed the acquisition of Clear Memories, Inc. of Napa California. Effective August 9, 2013, NanoTech Entertainment Inc acquired Worldwide Global Entertainment, a developer of prepackaged software.
The Company�� physics engine and motion sensors allow MultiPin to accurately recreate the experience of a mechanical pinball machine, while providing players with a variety of classic and modern pinball games to choose from. Xtreme Rally Racing is a driving machine that features three modes of game play: Xtreme Off-Road-Race Head to Head against other players and the computer to checkpoints while driving anywhere on the map with no preset course; Timed Rally Stages-Classic Rally Racing on real world courses. Players will be able to race in five different countries on real world rally courses, and Xtreme Stadium Racing-Custom Stadiums designed for Xtreme racing, including a figure eight multi-lap course with huge jumps. NanoNET Online System is remote operator control of machines, including diagnostics, accounting reports, and automatic software updates and enhancements downloaded over the net.
The Company has created the input device designed to give the pinball players a way to experience real pinball controls on their personal computer. Based on the technology developed for the MultiPin product it has built a controller that lets people play pinball using traditional controls and! the ability to shake and nudge the table. The Mot-Ion adapter is a universal serial bus (USB) adapter that allows do it yourself Pinball enthusiasts to build their own cabinet using real pinball controls providing analog inputs for nudging and bumping. The OptiGun adapter is a USB adapter that allows players to connect Arcade Light Guns to any USB based system. The Retr-IO adapters provide a standard JAMMA interface for USB based systems.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Nyxio Technologies Corp (OTCMKTS: NYXO), COREwafer Industries Inc (OTCMKTS: WAFR) and NanoTech Entertainment, Inc (OTCMKTS: NTEK) are three small cap stocks in some very diverse industries. In fact, one of these stocks just bought a 3D ice sculpture business. So will investors see their investment melt with that small cap stock�along with the other two? Here is a closer look to help you decide for yourself:��
Hot Trucking Companies For 2014: Recon Technology Ltd.(RCON)
Recon Technology, Ltd. provides hardware, software, and on-site services to companies in the petroleum mining and extraction industry in the People?s Republic of China. The company offers equipment, tools, and other hardware related to oilfield production and management; and develop and sell industrial automation control and information solutions. Its oil and gas production and transportation equipment comprise heating furnaces, burners, and separators. Recon Technology, Ltd.?s oil and gas development tools and equipment include packers of fracturing, production packers, and water injection packers; and oil and gas production increasing techniques consist of fissure shaper technique to increase perforation depth, sand prevention in oil and water well technique, water locating and plugging technique, fracture acidizing technique, and electronic broken-down service. Its automation systems and services comprise pumping unit controllers that monitors the pumping units and co llects data for load, pressure, voltage, startup, and shutdown control; RTU for monitoring natural gas wells and collecting gas well pressure data; wireless dynamometer and wireless pressure gauge; electric multi-way valve for oilfield metering station flow control; and natural gas flow computer system to measure the flow. The company?s automation systems and services also consist of Recon SCADA oilfield monitor and data acquisition system for supervision and data collection; EPC service of pipeline SCADA system for pipeline monitoring and data acquisition; EPC service of oil and gas wells SCADA system for monitoring and data acquisition of oil, and natural gas wells; EPC service of oilfield video surveillance and control system to control the oil and gas wellhead area and measure station area; and technique service for digital oilfield transformation. Recon Technology, Ltd. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By James E. Brumley]
Anybody who was lucky enough to get into a Recon Technology, Ltd. (NASDAQ:RCON) position before October 7th, then congratulations - you're up big-time. Now get out. Instead, a better use of that capital is Mitek Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:MITK). While RCON is overbought and ripe for a pullback, MITK is itching to stage a breakout.
Hot Trucking Companies For 2014: Leap Wireless International Inc.(LEAP)
Leap Wireless International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides digital wireless services under the ?Cricket? brand name in the United States. The company offers unlimited local and the U.S. long distance services from various Cricket service area and unlimited text messaging services, as well as mobile Web, 411 services, navigation, and data back-up. It also provides BridgePay, a flexible payment option for customers to use and pay for the company?s cricket wireless service; handsets and devices with various features; cricket broadband service, an unlimited mobile broadband service that allows customers to access the Internet through their computers; Cricket PAYGo Service, a pay-as-you-go unlimited prepaid wireless service designed for customers who prefer the flexibility and control offered by traditional prepaid services; and Muve Music Service, an unlimited music download service for mobile handsets in select cricket markets. In addition, the company off ers voice and data roaming services. It markets its cricket handsets and services, primarily through company-owned retail stores and kiosks, as well as through authorized dealers and distributors, including premier dealers, local market authorized dealers, national mass-market retailers, and other indirect distributors. As of December 31, 2010, the company offered services in 35 states and the District of Columbia to approximately 5.5 million customers. Leap Wireless International, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By mitu77]
GE as of late announced it was building another plant in Lafayette which will produce its new line of motors called LEAP Engines. Leading Edge Aviation Propulsion (LEAP) Engine was produced by CFM International, which is a joint wander of GE Aviation and Snecma, a France based organization. Jump Engine's configuration is a more current form of low weight turbine of SAFRAN which was utilized as a part of Genx Engine.
- [By Whitney Kisling]
Bullish options trading in Leap Wireless International Inc. (LEAP) reached the highest level since November prior to the announcement of its takeover by AT&T Inc. (T)
Hot Trucking Companies For 2014: Players Network (PNTV)
Players Network (PNTV), incorporated on March 16, 1993, is a global media and entertainment company engaged in the development of Digital Networks. The Company distributes broadband video and other social media content over a range of Internet enabled devices and cable television channels. The Company�� platform is designed to deliver video content and develop digital social communities, including Vegas On Demand TV. The Company operates a video on demand (VOD) television channel, also named Vegas On Demand, which consists of original programming that is distributed over its own VOD channels to approximately 24,000,000 homes over the Internet with distribution partners, which include, Comcast, Hulu, Blinkx, Google, and YouTube Video, for DVD home video, and various mobile platforms. Vegas On Demand TV offers its audience the ability to connect to Vegas Insiders through programming, which captures sex appeal, entertainment, and the non-stop adrenaline rush of the Las Vegas gaming lifestyle. Players Network�� content goes beyond poker, casino action, sports betting, and racing, to lifestyle programs about entertainment and fine living.
PNTV�� Media Network operates across all distribution platforms from television screens to mobile devices, gaming consoles, computers and tablets. The Company�� platform has two main membership categories: the Consumer/User who visits its digital communities and partakes in viewing ad-supported and pay-per-view premium videos, purchases products and connects with Insiders, who are its Premium Members. Players Network�� Programming Brands include Vegas On Demand focuses on Gaming lifestyle and produces programming about Horse Racing, Sports Betting, Casino Games and Poker; Vegas On Demand, which is about Las Vegas lifestyle and covers celebrity, night clubs, poolside experiences and entertainment, and Sexy Sin City TV covers the adult and sexy side of Las Vegas after dark. The Company�� productions include gaming instruction, gaming news, instruct! ion on sports and racing wagering, gaming entertainment, tournaments, events and travel. The Company has a library of 1,550 gambling and gaming lifestyle videos, including several series of both long and short form content. Some of these series include Players Network originals; Hidden Vegas, Tattoo Tails, which include 30 originally produced hours of programming from the World Series of Poker, which Players Network had the rights to produce and air live. Players Network produced over 50 videos at the Hooters Hotel and Casino, 28 new gaming instructional videos aimed at slots and video poker players, a series of 23 videos on magic entitled Hocus Pocus, The Best of Vegas series and Neon Buzz, an entertainment report which covered red carpet events.
The Company competes with ESPN, the Travel Channel, E! and the Food Network.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap entertainment or gaming stocks Soul and Vibe Interactive Inc (OTCBB: SOUL), Elray Resources Inc (OTCMKTS: ELRA) and Players Network (OTCMKTS: PNTV) focus on entertaining consumers. However, its important to remember that consumers can be very fickle when it comes to entertainment or games. So should you be entertaining any of these small caps? Here is a closer look and a reality check:
Hot Trucking Companies For 2014: Westell Technologies Inc.(WSTL)
Westell Technologies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the design, distribution, marketing, and servicing a range of broadband, digital transmission, remote monitoring, power distribution, and demarcation products used by telephone companies and other telecommunications service providers. It operates in three segments: Customer Networking Systems (CNS) equipment, Outside Plant Systems (OSP) equipment, and ConferencePlus services. The CNS equipment segment provides networking and high-speed transmissions products, such as modems, routers, versatile gateway devices, and wireless broadband home routers that allow service providers to deliver broadband services over existing copper, fiber, coax, or wireless infrastructures. The OSP segment offers next generation outdoor cabinets; enclosures; power distribution; fiber, Ethernet, and coax edge connectors; remote monitoring equipment; and DS1 and DS3 transmission plugs. This segment also markets and sells power distribu tion and remote monitoring solutions. The ConferencePlus services segment provides audio, Web, and video conferencing services to businesses and individuals. This segment sells its services directly to Fortune 1000 companies, and indirectly through its private reseller programs. The company offers its products through field sales organizations and selected distributors in the United States, as well as in Canada and Europe. Westell Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Aurora, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Geoff Gannon]
1. Steel Excel (SXCL)
2. FormFactor (FORM)
3. Imation (IMN)
4. Tuesday Morning (TUES)
5. Pacific Biosciences (PACB)
6. Maxygen (MAXY)
7. Westell (WSTL)
8. Volt Information Sciences (VISI)
9. Yasheng Group (YHGG) - [By Rich Smith]
Late last month, the networking equipment maker had to scramble when its acting chief financial officer, Tom Minichiello, announced plans to retire on July 12 to become the new CFO at Westell Technologies (NASDAQ: WSTL ) . On Friday, though, just as the deadline was happening, Tellabs announced that it has found a replacement.
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