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On Saturday, August 12, I was honored to be a Keynote Speaker for a program called, V-WISE or Veteran Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship. V-WISE is a premier training program in entrepreneurship and small business management for women veterans, operated by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. My speech was directed at the female entrepreneurs to help them in their journey.
Unfortunately, their day of learning was interrupted by the tragic and repugnant events in Charlottesville. When I stood up to address the audience about my life as an entrepreneur, my first thought was to stick to the topic. But then, I had a brief, Ah-ha moment. I realized that one of the first lessons of an entrepreneur, and frankly for all of us, is to define who you are and what you stand for. A true entrepreneur must have purpose and passion of conviction and live by their values, or they will never succeed.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: National Oilwell Varco, Inc.(NOV)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Lauren Pollock]
Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Tuesday’s session are Applied Materials Inc.(AMAT), Red Hat Inc.(RHT) and National Oilwell Varco Inc.(NOV)
- [By Tony Daltorio]
But the best investment in this sector, according to Moors, is National Oilwell Varco Inc. (NYSE: NOV).
He calls it the “one company that stands to benefit most directly from what is happening in the equipment sector.”
- [By Jim Robertson]
On Tuesday, our Elite Opportunity Pronewsletter suggestedgoing long on large cap oilfield equipment manufacturer and technology stock National-Oilwell Varco, Inc (NYSE: NOV):
- [By Shauna O’Brien]
Jefferies reported on Monday that it has lifted its price target on National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NOV).
The firm has reaffirmed a “Buy” rating on NOV, and has raised the company’s price target from $84 to $91. This price target suggests a 14% increase from the stock’s current price of $78.24.
Analyst Brad Handler noted that NOV’s weak margin will likely rebound in 2014 and the chances of a dividend increase are high.
Looking forward, the firm has lifted its order estimates for FY2013 from $10.8 billion to $11.3 billion. FY2014 earnings estimates have been raised from $6.40 to $6.50 per share and FY2015 estimates have been increased from $7.65 to $7.95 per share.
National-Oilwell Varco shares were up 76 cents, or 0.97% during pre-market trading Monday. The stock is up 14% YTD.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: OSI Systems, Inc.(OSIS)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Bryan Murphy]
If shareholders of OSI Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSIS) and American Science & Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASEI) — makers of weapons detection systems — are getting a little nervous, that’s understandable. Never has either company’s share of the market been so threatened. Indeed, an up-and-coming company called Patriot One Technologies Inc. (CVE:PAT, OTCMKTS:PTOTF) fired another volley at American Science & Engineering and OSI Systems, announcing yet-another institution had asked for a real-life demonstration (on their premises) of the brand-new kind of anti-terrorism technology that Patriot One’s been developing for years.
The CMR1000 (‘CMR’ is an short for Cognitive Microwave Radar) is nothing less than incredible. It works not unlike a X-ray machine at an airport, but also not unlike a more conventional metal detector you might find at an airport or at the entryway to a building. In all regards though, it’s better than both. By using high-frequency microwaves that are harmless to humans, the CMR1000 can even pinpoint exactly what kind of metallic weapon it is… a semi-automatic pistol versus a revolver, or a machete versus a pocket knife.
This capability overcomes the key shortcoming of most threat-detection apparatus in use today…
… which doesn’t work very well, by the way. A recent internal investigation performed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) found that undercover investigators were able to smuggle fake explosives and weapons through checkpoints in 95% of trials, which they conducted at dozens of America’s busiest airports.
Patriot One Technologies is mostly excited about the launch of the CMR1000, however, because it’s not a mere threat-detection tool. Word will quickly spread that it’s a threat-deterrent tool; the easiest way combat violent action is not letting it happen in the first place, and the best way to do that to accurately find and accurately identify what the threat is, right down to
- [By Bryan Murphy]
Look out OSI Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:OSIS), and step aside American Science & Engineering, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASEI). You may be the key names in weapons detection and security screening right now, but an up-and-comer called Patriot One Technologies Inc. (CVE:PAT, OTCMKTS:PTOTF) is about to unleash a rival product that turns heads, and steals your customers.
Weapons detection tools in a world that’s always got terrorism threats lurking around every corner are no laughing matter, though were it any other subject, the results would be laughable. See, as advanced as the x-ray and screening products made by American Science & Engineering and OSI Systems may be, they just don’t work well enough.
Case in point: A recent internal investigation performed by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) found that undercover investigators were able to smuggle fake explosives and weapons through checkpoints in 95% of trials, which they conducted at dozens of America’s busiest airports. What’s the point?
For the past several years Patriot One Technologies has been working on a technology, called the CMR1000, that changes everything.
The CMR1000 (‘CMR’ is an short for Cognitive Microwave Radar) is an amazing device. It works not unlike a X-ray machine at an airport, but also not unlike a more conventional metal detector you might find at an airport or at the entryway to a building. In all regards though, it’s better than both. By using high-frequency microwaves that are harmless to humans, the CMR1000 can even pinpoint exactly what kind of metallic weapon it is… a semi-automatic pistol versus a revolver, or a machete versus a pocket knife. Most important, the CMR1000 boasts a (very) high detection-accuracy rate of 93%.
And it’s almost ready… ready enough to officially unveil this April at the ISC West (International Security Conference) in Las Vegas, and immediately begin taking orders for initial deliveries around the middle of
- [By Jim Robertson]
Small cap homeland security and screening stocks like FLIR Systems (NASDAQ: FLIR), OSI Systems (NASDAQ: OSIS),Varex Imaging Corp (NASDAQ: VREX) and Patriot One Technologies (OTCQB: PTOTF) stand to benefit fromTrumps focus on border andinternal security in general. Heres what you need to know about all four:
- [By Paul Ausick]
OSI Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIS) dropped 36% Wednesday to post a new 52-week low of $53.80 after closing at $84.07 on Tuesday. The 52-week high is $96.64. Volume was around 9 million, around 6 times the daily average of about 155,000. Short seller Muddy Waters called OSI “rotten to the core” in a new report this morning.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, AG(AWH)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Elizabeth Balboa]
The insurance firms of Allied World Assurance Company Hldgs Ltd (NYSE: AWH) and Fairfax Financial extended the offering period for purchase of outstanding Allied World shares from June 30 to July 5.
- [By Lisa Levin]
Here is the list of stocks going ex-dividend on Friday.
Douglas Dynamics Inc (NYSE: PLOW) – $0.2350 dividend, 2.9183 percent yield
Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) – $0.4500 dividend, 2.6758 percent yield
PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) – $0.0900 dividend, 1.7078 percent yield
Leidos Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LDOS) – $0.3200 dividend, 3.0851 percent yield
Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) – $0.6800 dividend, 4.1756 percent yield
Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (NYSE: HPP) – $0.2000 dividend, 2.36
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: LyondellBasell Industries NV(LYB)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Chad Tracy]
In a classic contrarian move, he purchased more shares of troubled plastics-maker LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE: LYB), even as the company was sliding toward bankruptcy.
- [By Chad Tracy]
TransCanada is not the only company that stands to profit from the possible Keystone XL approval. Refiners such as Valero and LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE: LYB), as well as construction companies Deere & Co. (NYSE: DE) and Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR) all stand to gain if Keystone XL gets the green light.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Pinnacle Entertainment Inc.(PNK)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Pinnacle Entertainment (PNK) has gained 56% this year; Las Vegas Sands (LVS) has climbed 38%. And Deutsche Bank has nice things to say about both today.
Bloomberg
First Pinnacle. Deutsche Bank’s Carlo Santarelli ponders the stock’s big move and comes away still seeing value in its shares. He writes:
When we upgraded PNK in April, our thesis centered on the FCF strength of the combined entities [Pinnacle completed its acquisition of Ameristar Casinos on Aug. 14], a handful of favorable catalysts, easing regional gaming comps, & an inexpensive relative valuation. Given the shares’ sizeable move since then, we believe it is worth revisiting the investment case. Post the announcement of several asset sales and the closing of the transaction, we are adjusting our estimates, raising our PT to $30 from $24, and maintaining our bullish view at current levels given what we still believe to be an attractive free cash flow valuation, meaningful potential synergy realization beyond the $40 mm of announced benefits, and a free option on a lagging regional recovery.
Santarelli also revisited Las Vegas Sands and there too, he likes what he sees. He writes:
With…LVS at [a share price level] that have been challenging to break from over the last year plus, we believe this time is different and hence we see continued upward momentum…In the case of LVS, we see; 1) meaningful mass market strength continuing through year end, setting the stage for upward company and market estimate revisions for 2014, 2) continued cash flow appreciation and capital returns serving as downside protection and positive catalysts, and 3) continued shared gains, largely driven by table optimization and mass market strength, driving both estimates and sentiment.
He also likes Wynn Resorts (WYNN), despite its 34% gain.Santarelli writes:
As for WYNN, we believe near-term estimates continue to take a back seat to capital return
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Koppers Holdings Inc.(KOP)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Monica Gerson]
Koppers Holdings Inc. (NYSE: KOP) is estimated to report its quarterly earnings at $0.09 per share on revenue of $364.50 million.
DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc (NASDAQ: XRAY) is expected to report its quarterly earnings at $0.63 per share on revenue of $734.75 million.
- [By Zacks]
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Zacks Investment Research
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Newfield Exploration Company(NFX)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Dan Caplinger]
Wednesday was an up-and-down day for the stock market, which lost substantial ground early in the day only to climb back toward the unchanged mark by the end of the session. A slight rise for the Dow Jones Industrials led to yet another record-high close, and although other major market benchmarks weren’t quite as lofty, they nevertheless finished with only modest losses on the day. Generally favorable news and sentiment helped the market bounce back during the day, but some stocks still finished lower. Newfield Exploration (NYSE:NFX), Global Blood Therapeutics (NASDAQ:GBT), and Nautilus (NYSE:NLS) were among the worst performers on the day. Below, we’ll look more closely at these stocks to tell you why they did so poorly.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Lear also sees strong “upside potential” forConcho Resources (CXO), Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) and Newfield Exploration (NFX) as well performance improves in the Permian/STACK, and also writes positively on Devon Energy (DVN).
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Large Caps. Our E&P coverage is pricing in $61/bbl WTI and $3.30 gas, and with a lower crude forecast the group is looking less compelling. We argue names that continue to demonstrate resource improvement at the low-end of the cost curve, namely in the Permian and STACK remain attractive, such as Concho Resources (CXO), Devon Energy (DVN), Newfield Exploration (NFX) and Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD). Noble (NBL) remains a compelling value, though has yet to commit to an accelerated US onshore drilling program.
- [By Lisa Levin]
In trading on Wednesday, energy shares fell by 1.27 percent. Meanwhile, top losers in the sector included Newfield Exploration Co. (NYSE: NFX), down 9 percent, and Parker Drilling Company (NYSE: PKD), down 14 percent.
- [By Chris Lange]
The S&P 500 stock posting the largest daily percentage loss ahead of the close Wednesday was Newfield Exploration Co. (NYSE: NFX) which traded down about 7% at $28.44. The stocks 52-week range is $24.41 to $50.00. Volume was 2.5 million versus the daily average of 2.7 million shares.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Teck Resources Ltd(TCK)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Benzinga News Desk]
Stephens (Equal-Weight) and Citi (Sell) both downgraded Atwood Oceanics (NYSE: ATW).
Sell-Side's Most Noteworthy Calls
Investec downgraded Anheuser-Busch (NYSE: BUD) to Hold.
Deutsche Bank downgraded Freeport McMoRan (NYSE: FCX) to Hold.
Goldman Sachs upgraded Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) to Buy.
Barclays upgraded Teck Resources (NYSE: TCK) to Overweight.
BTIG started Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) at Neutral.
Deal Talk
U.S. oil refiner Tesoro (NYSE: TSO) said it would buy Western Refining (NYSE: WNR) for $4.1 billion to add refineries in Texas, New Mexico and Minnesota. The combined company will have refining capacity of over 1.1 million barrels per day. Tesoro has refineries in California, Washington, Alaska, Utah and North Dakota.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Westar Energy, Inc.(WR)
Advisors’ Opinion:
- [By Dan Caplinger]
Yet even on a good day, some stocks couldn’t keep up, and Ocwen Financial (NYSE:OCN), Westar Energy (NYSE:WR), and United Rentals (NYSE:URI) were among the worst performers. Below, we’ll look more closely at these stocks to tell you why they did so poorly.
- [By Lisa Levin]
On Thursday, utilities shares rose by 0.02 percent. Top gainers in the sector included Westar Energy Inc (NYSE: WR), Westar Energy Inc (NYSE: AT), and NRG Energy Inc (NYSE: NRG).
- [By Lisa Levin]
In trading on Thursday, utilities shares fell by 0.34 percent. Meanwhile, top losers in the sector included Westar Energy Inc (NYSE: WR), down 7 percent, and Companhia de Saneamento Basico (ADR) (NYSE: SBS), down 5 percent.
- [By Jayson Derrick]
According to a report by Bloomberg, Westar Energy Inc (NYSE: WR) is a potential takeover target from rival Ameren Corp (NYSE: AEE) and a consortium of investors, including Toronto-based Borealis Infrastructure Management and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Top 10 Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: Peak Resorts, Inc.(SKIS)
Advisors’ Opinion:
