Ahead of the opening bell, Dow Jones industrial average index futures dipped 0.2%, Standard & Poor's 500 index futures shed 0.3% and Nasdaq index futures lost 0.3%.
On Wall Street Tuesday, the Dow fell 0.2% to 15,750.67 and the broader S&P 500 closed 0.2% lower at 1,767.69. The Nasdaq composite inched up to 3,919.92.
TUESDAY: Stocks mostly down as Dow retreats from record
Asian stock markets fell after a highly anticipated meeting of Chinese leaders did not announce bold reforms to overhaul a growth model that is running out of steam.
The Shanghai composite index fell 1.8% to 2, 087.75. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index declined 1.9% to 22,463.83. Japan's Nikkei 225 index lost 0.2% to 14,567.16.
Top 10 Biotech Companies To Watch In Right Now: Verint Systems Inc (VRNT)
Verint Systems Inc. (Verint), incorporated in February 1994, is engaged in Actionable Intelligence solutions and value-added services. More than 10,000 organizations use Verint Actionable Intelligence solutions to capture, distill, and analyze complex and underused information sources, such as voice, video, and unstructured text. In the security intelligence market, it offers communications and cyber intelligence, video and situation intelligence, and public safety solutions help government and commercial organizations to protect people and property. On March 30, 2011, the Company acquired Rontal Engineering Applications Ltd. On August 2, 2011, the Company acquired a privately held provider of communications intelligence solutions, data retention services, and network performance management, based in the Americas region. On August 4, 2011, the Company acquired Vovici Corporation (Vovici). On October 7, 2011, the completed the acquisition of Global Management Technologies (GMT). On November 1, 2011, the Company acquired certain technology and other assets for use in its Communications Intelligence operating segment. On November 10, 2011, the Company acquired certain technology and other assets for use in its Enterprise Intelligence operating segment in a transaction. On January 5, 2012, the Company acquired a privately held provider of Web intelligence technology, based in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. In February 2014, Verint Systems Inc has completed its acquisition of KANA Software, Inc, a portfolio company of Accel-KKR.
The Enterprise Intelligence Solutions Segment
The Company is a provider of enterprise intelligence software and services. Its solutions enable organizations to extract and analyze information from customer interactions and related operational data. It markets these solutions under the Impact 360 brand to contact center, back-office, and branch and remote office operations, to other customer-facing departments, such as sale! s and marketing. These solutions comprise a range of enterprise workforce optimization and voice of the customer solutions and services, which include Internet protocol (IP) and Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) voice recording, quality monitoring, voice of the customer analytics (speech, text, and enterprise feedback management), workforce management, e-Learning and coaching, performance management, and desktop and process analytics. These solutions can be deployed stand-alone or in an integrated fashion.
The Company�� Impact 360 is an unified portfolio of workforce optimization and voice of the customer solutions. Its portfolio of Enterprise Intelligence Solutions include Quality Monitoring, Full-Time and Compliance Recording, Workforce Management, Voice of the Customer Analytics (Speech, Text, and Enterprise Feedback Management), Performance Management, e-Learning and Coaching, Desktop and Process Analytics, Workforce Optimization and Voice of the Customer for Small-to-Medium Sized Businesses and Public Safety. Quality Monitoring records multimedia interactions based on user-defined business rules and provides interaction assessment functionality, including intelligent evaluation forms and automatic delivery of calls for evaluation according to quotas or contact-related criteria. Its Full-Time and Compliance Recording provides contact center recording for compliance, sales verification, and monitoring in IP, traditional TDM, and mixed telephony environments. It includes encryption capabilities to help support the payment card industry data security standard and other regulatory requirements for protecting sensitive data. Workforce Management Helps enterprises forecast staffing requirements, deploy the appropriate level of resources, and evaluate the productivity of their customer service staff. It also includes optional strategic planning capabilities. Its speech analytics solutions analyze call content for the purpose of identifying business trends, building containment and customer s! ervice st! rategies, and quality monitoring programs. Its text analytics analyze structured and unstructured data in multiple text sources include e-mail, chat sessions, blogs, contact center notes, white mail, survey comments, and social media channels. Its enterprise feedback management solutions provide enterprise-wide customer feedback capabilities through surveys and online communities to centralize and simplify survey management, deployment, and analysis across survey platforms, including interactive voice response, e-mail, social media, and mobile devices. Performance Management Provides a view of key performance indicators (KPIs), with performance scorecards and reports on customer interactions, customer experience trends, and contact center, back-office, branch, remote office, and customer service staff performance. e-Learning and Coaching Enables enterprises to deliver Web-based training to customer service staff desktops, including learning clips created from recordings and other customized materials to staff needs and competencies. Desktop and Process Analytics Captures information from customer service employee interactions with their desktop applications to provide insights into productivity, training issues, process adherence, and bottlenecks. Workforce Optimization and Voice of the Customer for Small-to-Medium Sized Businesses is designed for smaller companies (with contact centers), which face the same business requirements as their larger competitors. Public Safety includes quality assurance, forecasting and scheduling, speech analytics, performance scorecards, citizen surveys, incident investigation and analytics, and full-time and compliance recording solutions under the brand Impact 360 for Public Safety Powered by Audiolog. Its public safety solution allows first responders (police, fire departments, emergency medical services, etc.) in the security intelligence market to deploy workforce optimization solutions to record, manage, and act on incoming assistance requests and related data.
! The Company competes with Aspect Software, Inc., HP company, Genesys Telecommunications, NICE Systems Ltd. (NICE).
The Video and Situation Intelligence Solutions Segment
The Company is a provider of networked IP video solutions and a provider of situation intelligence solutions to optimize security and enhance operations. Its solutions, marketed under the Nextiva brand, include IP video management software and services, edge devices for capturing, digitizing, and transmitting video over different types of wired and wireless networks, video analytics, network video recorders, and physical security information management. Its networked IP video portfolio enables organizations to deploy an end-to-end IP video solution with analytics or evolve to IP video solutions. Its situation intelligence solutions enable organizations to view, correlate, and analyze information from various stand-alone systems and sensors. It is engaged in the networked IP video market with Nextiva, an end-to-end, networked IP video solution portfolio. Its IP Video Management Software simplifies management of video and geographically dispersed video surveillance operations, with a suite of applications, which includes automated system health monitoring, policy-based video distribution, networked video viewing, and investigation management. It is designed for use with industry-standard servers and storage solutions and for interoperability with other enterprise systems. Edge Devices captures, digitizes, and transmits video across enterprise networks. It includes IP cameras, bandwidth-efficient video encoders to convert analog images to IP video for transmission over IP networks, and wireless devices, which perform both video encoding and wireless IP transmission. Video Analytics Analyzes video content to detect anomalies and activities of interest, such as perimeter intrusion, unattended objects, camera tampering, and vehicles moving in the wrong direction. It also includes industry-specific analytics applicati! ons. Netw! ork Video Recorders Performs networked video recording utilizing secure, embedded operating systems and market-specific data integrations for applications, which require local storage, as well as remote networking.
The Company�� Physical Security Information Management (Situation Intelligence) captures and integrates information from various stand-alone security and public safety systems, such as access control, video, intrusion, fire and public safety, first responder, and other mobile device systems. Its Video Intelligence solutions are deployed across a range of industries, including banking, retail, critical infrastructure, government, corporate campuses, education, airports, seaports, public transportation, and homeland security. Its video solutions include video analytics and data integrations.
The Company competes with 3VR, Tyco, Genetec Inc., March Networks Corporation, Milestone Systems A/S, NICE and Schneider Electric Limited.
The Communications and Cyber Intelligence Solutions Segment
The Company is a provider of communications intelligence solutions and a developer of cyber intelligence solutions, which help law enforcement, national security, intelligence, and civilian government agencies detect, investigate, and neutralize criminal and terrorist threats and detect and thwart cyber-attacks. Its portfolio includes solutions for communications interception, service provider compliance, mobile location tracking, open source Web intelligence, cyber intelligence and tactical communications intelligence. These solutions can be deployed stand-alone or collectively. The Company is engaged in the market for communications intelligence solutions and a developer of cyber intelligence solutions, which are marketed under the RELIANT, VANTAGE, STAR-GATE, ENGAGE, FOCALINFO, and CYBERVISION brand names. Its Communications Interception enables the interception, monitoring, and analysis of information collected from a range of communications networks, inc! luding fi! xed and mobile networks, IP networks, and the Internet. It includes lawful interception solutions designed to intercept specific target communications pursuant to legal warrants and mass interception solutions for investigating and proactively addressing criminal and terrorist threats. Communications Service Provider Compliance enables communication service providers to collect and deliver to government agencies specific call-related and call-content information in compliance with Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and other compliance regulations and standards. It includes a scalable warrant and subpoena management system. Its Mobile Location Tracking tracks the location of mobile network devices for intelligence and evidence gathering, with analytics and workflow designed to support investigative activities. It provides real-time tracking of multiple targets, real-time alerts, and investigative capabilities, such as geospatial fencing and events correlation. Its Open Source Web Intelligence features advanced data collection, text analysis, data enrichment and analytics. Tactical Communications Intelligence provides portable communications interception and location tracking capabilities for local use or integration with centralized monitoring systems, to support tactical field operations. Its Cyber Intelligence designed to provide network-based cyber security, including malware detection capabilities for high-speed networks, for national cyber protection organizations.
The Company competes with Bosch Security Systems, Cisco Systems, Inc., United Technologies Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Aqsacom Inc., BAE Systems, JSI Telecom, NICE, Pen-Link, Ltd., RCS S.R.L., Rohde & Schwarz, Trovicor, SS8 Networks, Inc. and Sophos, Plc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lisa Levin]
Verint Systems (NASDAQ: VRNT) shares rose 3.88% to $48.75. The volume of Verint Systems shares traded was 881% higher than normal. Verint reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and issued a strong full-year forecast. Verint reported its adjusted earnings of $0.91 per share on revenue of $257.1 million.
- [By shash63]
In January, Nice Systems (NICE) had announced that it is in discussion with Verint Systems (VRNT) for possible acquisition. This acquisition will cost Nice Systems $1.5 billion. After this acquisition, the combined sales of both companies is expected to be around $1.5 billion annually, and it will control 70% of the voice recording market, and 50% of the video recording market. This acquisition shouldn�� face any hurdles as Verint System recently purchased the controlling stake of its holding company, Comverse Technologies, thus becoming an independent company. This deal will make it simpler for Nice System to acquire Verint Systems.
Hot Asian Companies For 2014: PIMCO 1-5 Year US TIPS Index Exchange-Traded Fund (STPZ)
PIMCO 1-5 Year US TIPS Index ETF, formerly Pimco 1-5 Year U.S. TIPS Index Fund, is an exchange traded fund (ETF) designed to capture the returns of the shorter maturity subset of the Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) market by tracking The BofA Merrill Lynch 1-5 Year US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index. The BofA Merrill Lynch 1-5 Year US Inflation-Linked Treasury Index is an unmanaged index comprised of the United States Treasury Inflation Protected Securities with at least $1 billion in outstanding face value and a remaining term to final maturity of at least one year and less than five years. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Benjamin Shepherd]
While there are several exchange-traded funds (ETFs) devoted to TIPS, my favorite is PIMCO 1-5 Year US TIPS Index (NYSE: STPZ).
This ETF has one of the lowest durations of any of the TIPS funds at 2.7 years, so it won’t take much of a ding based on shifting interest rates.
Hot Asian Companies For 2014: Select Medical Holdings Corporation(SEM)
Select Medical Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiary, Select Medical Corporation, operates specialty hospitals and outpatient rehabilitation clinics in the United States. The company?s Specialty Hospitals segment offers long term acute care hospital services and inpatient acute rehabilitative hospital care. This segment provides services for various medical conditions, such as respiratory failure, neuromuscular disorders, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, non-healing wounds, cardiac disorders, renal disorders, and cancer. As of December 31, 2011, it operated 110 long term acute care hospitals and 9 inpatient rehabilitation facilities in 28 states. The Outpatient Rehabilitation segment operates clinics; and provides physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation services. It offers medical rehabilitation services on a contract basis at nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living and senior care centers, schools, and worksites. This segment also pro vides specialized programs, such as functional programs for work related injuries, hand therapy, and athletic training services. As of December 31, 2011, it operated 954 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 32 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical Holdings Corporation was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sean Williams]
A simple numbers game
For hospital operators like Select Medical (NYSE: SEM ) , the future is just a numbers game as long as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act gets implemented on Jan. 1, 2014.
Hot Asian Companies For 2014: Innotrac Corporation(INOC)
Innotrac Corporation provides order processing, order fulfillment, and call center services to corporations that outsource these functions. It receives clients? orders through inbound call center services, electronic data interchange, or the Internet; picks, packs, verifies, and ships items; tracks inventory levels through an automated perpetual inventory system; and warehouses data and handles customer support inquiries. The company offers a range of fulfillment and customer support services to e-commerce/direct-to-consumer, retail, direct marketing, telecommunications, and business-to-business clients. Its fulfillment services include warehouse management, automated shipping solutions, real-time inventory tracking and order status, purchasing and inventory management, channel development, zone skipping and freight optimization modeling, product sourcing and procurement, packaging solutions, back-order management, returns management, and e-commerce consulting and integra tion. The company?s customer support services comprise inbound call center services, technical support and order status, returns and refunds processing, cross-sell/up-sell services, collaborative chat, and intuitive e-mail responses. It operates seven fulfillment centers and one call center in the continental United States. Innotrac Corporation was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lauren Pollock]
Corporate support service provider Innotrac Corp.(INOC) on Monday confirmed the company has been in recent talks regarding a potential takeover bid worth nearly $109 million. The company, which didn’t name the potential buyer, said it had been engaged in discussions for “a few weeks” under an agreement that would�result in investors receiving $8.20 a share.
Hot Asian Companies For 2014: Cohu Inc.(COHU)
Cohu, Inc. engages in the development, manufacture, sale, and servicing of test handling and burn-in related equipment, and thermal sub-systems for the semiconductor industry worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Semiconductor Equipment, Microwave Communication Systems, and Video Cameras. The Semiconductor Equipment segment develops, manufactures, and sells pick-and-place semiconductor test handlers, burn-in related equipment, and thermal sub-systems to semiconductor manufacturers and semiconductor test subcontractors. It also develops, manufactures, and sells gravity-feed and test-in-strip semiconductor test handling equipment used in final test operations. The Microwave Communication Systems segment develops, manufactures, and sells microwave communications equipment, antenna systems, and associated equipment, which are used in the transmission of video, audio, and telemetry. These products have applications in unmanned aerial vehicles, law enforcement, secu rity and surveillance, and electronic news gathering. Its customers include government agencies, law enforcement and public safety organizations, unmanned air vehicle program contractors, television broadcasters, entertainment companies, professional sports teams, and other commercial entities. The Video Cameras segment develops, manufactures, and sells closed circuit video or CCTV cameras, equipment, and systems for security, surveillance, and traffic monitoring. It also offers accessories, which include monitors, lenses, and camera test equipment. This segment serves end-users, government agencies, original equipment manufacturers, contractors, and value-added resellers. Cohu, Inc. markets its products through direct sales force and independent sales representatives. The company was formerly known as Cohu Electronics, Inc. and changed its name to Cohu, Inc. in 1972. Cohu, Inc. was founded in 1947 and is based in Poway, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Udovich]
Small cap stocks Vimicro International Corporation (NASDAQ: VIMC), Cohu, Inc (NASDAQ: COHU) and View Systems Inc (OTCBB: VSYM) are also surveillance and security stocks because they�also offer products that can be used to keep an eye on us���for better or for worst. After all and go to any public space (whether its a shopping mall, entertainment venue or even a street corner), you will probably see (or maybe not see) some sort of security or surveillance equipment. With that in mind, here is a look at three small cap surveillance and security stocks you may have overlooked:
Hot Asian Companies For 2014: Apollo Residential Mortgage Inc (AMTG)
Apollo Residential Mortgage, Inc. is a holding company, which conducts its business primarily through ARM Operating, LLC and its other operating subsidiaries. The Company is a residential real estate finance company that invests in residential mortgage assets in the United States. The Company invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) that are issued or guaranteed as to principal and/or interest by a federally chartered corporation, such as Fannie Mae (Freddie Mac), or an agency of us the United Sates Government, such as Ginnie Mae (collectively, the Agencies, with RMBS being issued or guaranteed by the Agencies being referred to as Agency RMBS), whose underlying collateral includes fixed rate mortgages, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) and interest-only and inverse interest-only securities (collectively, Agency Derivatives). The Company also invests in RMBS that are not issued or guaranteed by the United Sates government Agency (non-Agency RMBS) and considers investing in residential mortgage loans and other residential mortgage assets. As of December 31, 2011, the Company held a diversified portfolio. The Company is externally managed and advised by ARM Manager, LLC.
The assets that the Company targets for investment: Agency RMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, residential mortgage loans and other residential mortgage assets. Agency RMBS includes primarily whole pool Agency RMBS, and Agency collateralized mortgage obligations. Non-Agency RMBS includes highly rated, as well as non-investment grade and unrated, tranches backed by Alt-A mortgage loans, subprime mortgage loans and prime mortgage loans. Residential mortgage loans includes prime mortgage loans, jumbo mortgage loans, Alt-A mortgage loans and subprime mortgage loans. Other residential mortgage assets consist of interest-only and principal-only Agency RMBS and non-Agency RMBS, inverse floating rate and floating rate securities, and other Agency and non-Agency RMBS derivative securities, as well as other financial assets, includi! ng common stock, preferred stock and debt of other real estate-related entities.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Tim Melvin]
I sat down this morning and spent some time looking for cheap stocks that might do well regardless of market action in 2014. While bargains are scarce there are still a few to be found. One such bargain is mortgage REIT Apollo Residential Mortgage (AMTG). The stock is trading at less than 80% of quarter-end book value, and management also announced a $50 million share buyback at the same time. There may be some erosion of book value as they look to adopt more credit-sensitive portfolio policies, but I doubt it will be substantial.
- [By Rich Duprey]
Residential mortgage-backed securities REIT�Apollo Residential Mortgage (NYSE: AMTG ) announced yesterday its second-quarter dividend of $0.70 per share, the same rate it's paid for the past three quarters after lowering the payout almost 18% from $0.85 per share.
No comments:
Post a Comment