Big Pharma & Biotech
The next five years are expected to reflect a significant imbalance between new product introductions and patent losses.Lincoln Electric (LECO)
<b>Lincoln Electric</b> (<a href=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/leco>LECO</a>) is pursuing a multi-year strategy to become more cost competitive by building manufacturing facilities in Eastern Europe, India, China and SE Asia. The company is using acquisitions to expand its manufacturing capabilities, broaden distribution networks and access growth markets. <P ALIGN="left"> Also, Lincoln Electric is implementing various cost-control measures to align with the current demand. Though the company is currently witnessing weak demand across its markets, we believe LECO will post strong growth on an economic recovery, boosted by its investments in emerging markets. <P ALIGN="left"> Moreover, Lincoln Electric has a strong financial position. LECO recently increased its dividend by 3.7%. We are upgrading the rating on the stock from Neutral to Outperform.SpeedRenter.com Announces New Clients: Ogden & Company and Dominium
The Wisconsin-Based Apartment Locating Site Will Enhance Its Service Offerings to the Midwest With the Acquisition of These Two New Clients
John Murphy: DEFINING SANTA CLAUS RALLY — BEST THREE MONTH SPAN ENDS IN JANUARY — SECTOR SEASONALITY FAVORS ENERGY — SEVERAL SECTORS END SEASONAL RUNS DURING JANUARY
We're right in the middle of the Santa Claus rally and two-thirds of the way through the strongest period of the year for stocks. According to the Stock Traders Almanac, the Santa Claus rally...Anything Green Online and Custom Cravo Farms Complete Merger Agreement, File for OTC BB
TUCSON, AZ--(Marketwire - December 29, 2009) - Anything Brands Online (
Small Cap Emerging (EWX): Rowland’s top fund for 2010
For his top fund selection for 2010, fund specialist Ron Rowland turns to the SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap (NYSE: EWX).
In his All Star Investor, he suggests, "This is the easiest way to gain access to the small cap stocks of all the emerging markets, as it includes stocks from more than 20 countries countries."
"SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap excludes stocks with a market caps exceeding $2 billion (US) -- the ones that dominate traditional cap-weighted emerging market ETFs.
"Historically, the growth of emerging market economies has been predominately export driven -- the large cap companies that produce and export products to the U.S., Europe, Japan, and other consuming nations.
"There are also a few large cap companies (banks, utilities, and construction) within each emerging market nation that help provide the infrastructure needed.
"The major change now underway is the growth of the middle class within each of these countries. The people of the emerging market nations are becoming more prosperous and are becoming significant consumers themselves.
"In addition to economic growth via exports, many of these nations are now experiencing rapid internal growth. The large cap and export oriented companies will still do well, but the real opportunity is in the small cap segment of emerging markets.
"These small cap companies are undervalued compared to their large cap brethren and are better positioned to benefit from the internal growth of each nation."
Gafisa (GFA): Paul Goodwin’s top stock for 2010
"My pick for the top stock of 2010 is Gafisa (NYSE: GFA), a Brazilian homebuilder and developer," says emerging markets specialist Paul Goodwin.
In his Cabot China & Emerging Markets Report, he explains, "This is an experienced growth company in a country with an excellent economic engine." Here's the advisor's review.
"Gafisa has been growing fast and has a huge future. Brazil doesn’t get much publicity in an investing world focused on China, but its economy is also growing at a sustainable 5% a year and it’s a lot less dependent on exports than China.
"Gafisa has completed nearly 1,000 projects and the company is active in 21 of Brazil’s 26 states as it moves outside its traditional markets of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
"Brazilian interest rates have been coming down and the middle class is growing—up 24% in just the last four years—which will boost demand for housing.
"Gafisa reported a 358% surge in earnings in Q3 on a 128% jump in revenue and the backlog of developments on the board is strong.
"As for the stock, GFA has made a strong recovery from its late-2008 lows, but the stock’s P/E ratio of 21 is still quite reasonable for a strong growth issue.
"The stock has been trading sideways since August 2009, perambulating in a range with a core of support at 30. It looks like an excellent base for a new rally, and 2010 should see the breakout.
"This is an experienced growth company in a country with an excellent economic engine and the stock pays a small dividend—that’s an attractive package!"
Lincoln Electric (LECO)
<b>Lincoln Electric</b> (<a href=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/leco>LECO</a>) is pursuing a multi-year strategy to become more cost competitive by building manufacturing facilities in Eastern Europe, India, China and SE Asia. The company is using acquisitions to expand its manufacturing capabilities, broaden distribution networks and access growth markets. <P ALIGN="left"> Also, Lincoln Electric is implementing various cost-control measures to align with the current demand. Though the company is currently witnessing weak demand across its markets, we believe LECO will post strong growth on an economic recovery, boosted by its investments in emerging markets. <P ALIGN="left"> Moreover, the company has a strong financial position. LECO recently increased its dividend by 3.7%. We are upgrading the rating on Lincoln Electric stock from Neutral to Outperform.The St. Joe Company (JOE)
<b>The St. Joe Company</b> (<a href=http://www.zacks.com/stock/quote/joe>JOE</a>) is one of the largest real estate developers in Florida, which has been hit hard by the downturn in the U.S. housing industry. Large price declines have led to significantly high levels of inventory and operations have deteriorated rapidly. <p> St. Joe has also recorded huge asset impairment charges related to write-down of assets. The company is currently in a defensive mode and continues to reduce capital expenditures to conserve cash. <p> Our recommendation for the company is Underperform as we anticipate it to perform well below the broader market. However, if St. Joe can weather the current storm, the share price may eventually rise.FLIR Systems Announces Acquisition of Directed Perception, Inc.
PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwire - December 28, 2009) - FLIR Systems, Inc. (
Directed Perception, based in Burlingame, California, has earned a world-wide reputation as a pioneer and leader in high-performance pan-tilts in security and surveillance, maritime, military, robotics, and scientific instruments markets. Directed Perception's full-line of pan-tilt systems support payloads ranging from 6 to 90 pounds. The acquisition of Directed Perception will enhance and differentiate FLIR's pan-tilt-zoom camera systems for both commercial and military markets through lower cost, improved functionality and ease-of-use.