Sunergy Announces Finalization of Acquisition of Mining Interest in Ghana
SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - July 29, 2009) - Sunergy Inc. (
Regis Corp. (RGS)
We maintain our Sell rating on shares of Regis Corp. (<a href=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/rgs>RGS</a>). <p> The offerings of common stock and convertible notes will likely strengthen the company's balance sheet and provide management with additional flexibility to withstand the economic recession. <p> However, these capital raises also significantly dilute current shareholders, and we note that the company's operating environment remains weak. As such, we maintain our Sell rating on the shares at this time.Software Sector
Generally speaking, a downturn is when investment in IT is most critical because these investments can make operations more efficient. This idea is one reason why we think that the tech sector would weather a downturn better than other parts of the economy. SAP, Fiserv and Intuit offer opportunities.VimpelCom (VIP)
VimpelCom (<a href=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/vip>VIP</a>) is the second largest cellular carrier in Russia with over 25% market share and continued expansion in regions of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), operating GSMbased wireless services. <p> We are encouraged with VimpelCom's successful sales growth trend and the company's ability to retain subscribers on a recurring basis, even as overall economic factors remain weak. <p> Additionally, the ongoing expansion initiatives into emerging Asian markets are expected to boost opportunity in wireless. We reiterate our Buy rating while we account for global economic factors, ongoing geopolitical events in Russia (surrounding countries) and weaker local exchange rates against the U.S. dollar which may affect near-term earnings.Advent Software Enters Into Definitive Agreement for Sale of MicroEdge Subsidiary to Vista Equity Partners
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - July 28, 2009) - Advent Software, Inc. (
John Murphy: THE S&P 500 IS WITHIN 2% OF 1000 RESISTANCE BARRIER AT NOVEMBER HIGH AND IN A SHORT-TERM OVERBOUGHT CONDITION –SO IS THE QQQQ WHICH HAS LED THE RALLY
I wrote recently that an upside breakout in the S&P 500 could push it back to the high of last November near 1000. It is now trading within 20 points (or 2%) of that potential resistance barrier....SymPowerco Acquires Majority Stake in HMSI, HHHI
GARDNERVILLE, NV--(Marketwire - July 28, 2009) - SymPowerco Corporation (
Itron (ITRI): Energy savings from smart meters
"I'm adding Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) to my diversified portfolio of stocks in the alternative energy space," says Elliott Gue.
In The Energy Strategist, he explains, "The firm will benefit from both the HR 2454 bill (a cap-and-trade system designed to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions) and the stimulus bill which included direct subsidies aimed at promoting efficiency and building a more intelligent electric grid."
"Itron is a leading play on energy efficiency and smart grid technologies, a key, near-term component of cutting carbon emissions.
"Itron is already a leader in automatic meters. Traditional gas and electric meters require a utility technician to manually read each display in each home and business.
"Automatic meters, however, transmit data via a radio signal directly to technicians, accelerating the meter reading process and cutting costs for utilities.
"Itron has a 50% market share for automatic meters in the US and close to a third globally. Smart meters are the next step.
"These meters will not only transmit data about how much energy a residence or business uses but also valuable data about how energy is used. This information can be used to cut costs and enhance efficiency.
"For example, businesses could benefit from performing certain energy-intensive tasks at off-peak hours when total demand for power is low.
"Data from smart meters could be used to identify those potential savings or even to automatically manage power demand.
"The European Union (EU) recently passed a mandate to upgrade the majority of meters to more advanced automatic and smart meters, a policy that should juice Itron's revenues.
"Meanwhile, HR 2454 is likely to help accelerate investments in smart meters in the US as well. Buy Itron. "
Intron (ITRI): Energy savings from smart meters
"I'm adding Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) to my diversified portfolio of stocks in the alternative energy space," says Elliott Gue.
In The Energy Strategist, he explains, "The firm will benefit from both the HR 2454 bill (a cap-and-trade system designed to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions) and the stimulus bill which included direct subsidies aimed at promoting efficiency and building a more intelligent electric grid."
"Itron is a leading play on energy efficiency and smart grid technologies, a key, near-term component of cutting carbon emissions.
"Itron is already a leader in automatic meters. Traditional gas and electric meters require a utility technician to manually read each display in each home and business.
"Automatic meters, however, transmit data via a radio signal directly to technicians, accelerating the meter reading process and cutting costs for utilities.
"Itron has a 50% market share for automatic meters in the US and close to a third globally. Smart meters are the next step.
"These meters will not only transmit data about how much energy a residence or business uses but also valuable data about how energy is used. This information can be used to cut costs and enhance efficiency.
"For example, businesses could benefit from performing certain energy-intensive tasks at off-peak hours when total demand for power is low.
"Data from smart meters could be used to identify those potential savings or even to automatically manage power demand.
"The European Union (EU) recently passed a mandate to upgrade the majority of meters to more advanced automatic and smart meters, a policy that should juice Itron's revenues.
"Meanwhile, HR 2454 is likely to help accelerate investments in smart meters in the US as well. Buy Itron. "
Bottarelli’s bets: A three-fold strategy
"My best advice is three-fold: be sure that you own metals exposure; diversify with international exposure; and own a position that'll strengthen when the U.S. Dollar begins to fall," says Bryan Bottarelli.
The trading expert, with Bottarelli Research, was recently interviewed by Ian Wyatt, editor of SmallCap Investor Pro and offers a trio of favorite ETFs for metals, currency and international exposure..
"Play #1: Metals Exposure
"This play comes in the form of the Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (NYSE: GDX), which I consider the best all-encompassing metals play your money can buy.
"The GDX tracks the performance of the AMEX Gold Miners index, which invests at least 80% of its total assets in companies involved in the gold mining industry.
"By owning the GDX, you get exposure to major metals companies like Agnico Eagle Mines, Barrick Gold, Goldcorp, and Newmont Mining.
"Without question, this is the very best way to own all of these major metals companies using one liquid and simple to follow basket.
"Play #2: International Exposure
"The second play comes in the form of the iShares MSCI Brazil Index (NYSE: EWZ). You probably don't realize this, but over the last 5 years, the best performing fund (rated #1 overall by Barron's) is the iShares MSCI Brazil Index with a 32.74% return.
"It beat out China, gold, value and growth, technology, small-cap funds, you name it. And guess what? Brazil is just getting started. Under Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the country's average monthly salary has climbed 22% since 2003.
"This means that the country's lower-class citizens are becoming active consumers. When a country's population collectively and simultaneously increases their economic position, that's when you see the most powerful growth.
"By owning the EWZ, you can not only diversify away from the United States, but you can also profit from Brazil's powerful growth.
Play #3: A falling U.S. dollar
"The third play comes in the form of the Currency Shares Canadian Dollar Trust (NYSE: FXC), which tracks the price performance of the Canadian dollar.
"Since Canada's countryside is so rich in metals, their currency is backed by one of the strongest gold/silver deposits on earth. This will offer the Canadian dollar strength that's not enjoyed by the U.S. dollar.
"Plus, since Canada does not suffer from the same financial troubles as the United States, their currency looks to be a solid out-performer for the remainder of the year."