Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now

Still gathering momentum in anticipation of corporate earnings, the markets rallied again today. Wall Street got some help from the Federal Reserve, which released the minutes of its latest meeting earlier than expected today. Bulls cheered the release, which suggested the central bank will only slow quantitative easing efforts when the job market improves markedly. Ending at an all-time record close, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) added 128 points, or 0.88%, to finish at 14,802.�

Health care was one of the strongest sectors today, and Merck (NYSE: MRK  ) shares didn't disappoint, adding 2.9% to lead the Dow. A Jefferies analyst raised his price target on the shares to $48, citing his bullish view on pharmaceuticals, because of compelling valuation. The company also announced that the FDA will review Merck's application to market an antifungal drug it's trying to hawk in Europe as well.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: Fortress Investment Group LLC (FIG)

Fortress Investment Group LLC (Fortress) is a global investment management firm. Its offering of alternative investment products includes private equity funds, liquid hedge funds and credit funds. In addition, it offers traditional investment products. As of December 31, 2011, it managed alternative assets in three businesses: Private Equity, Liquid Hedge Funds and Credit Funds. Private Equity is a business, which manages assets under management (AUM) consisted of two business segments: private equity funds, which make investments in debt and equity securities of public or privately held entities in North America and Western Europe, and publicly traded alternative investment vehicles, which it refer to as Castles, which invest in real estate and real estate related debt investments. Liquid Hedge Funds invest globally in fixed income, currency, equity and commodity markets and related derivatives. Credit Funds is a business, which manages AUM consisted of two business segments: credit hedge funds which make investments in assets, opportunistic lending situations and securities, on a global basis and throughout the capital structure, as well as non-Fortress originated funds, for which Fortress has been retained as manager as part of an advisory business, and credit private equity (PE) funds, which are consisted of a family of credit opportunities funds focused on investing in distressed and undervalued assets, a range of long dated value funds focused on investing in undervalued assets with cash flows and long investment horizons, a range of real assets funds focused on investing in tangible and intangible assets in four principal categories (real estate, capital assets and natural resources), a family of Asia funds, including Japan real estate funds and an Asian investor based global opportunities fund, and a range of real estate opportunities funds.

Private Equity Funds

The Company�� private equity business is made up of a series of funds named the Fortress Investment Funds! and organized to make control-oriented investments in cash flow generating, asset-based businesses in North America and Western Europe. Investors in its private equity funds contractually commit capital at the outset of a fund, which is then drawn down as investment opportunities become available, generally over a one to three year investment period. Management fees of 1% to 1.5% are generally charged on committed capital during the investment period of a new fund, and then on invested capital (or net asset value (NAV), if lower). It also earns a 10% to 25% share of the profits on each realized investment in a fund.

The Company manages two companies: Newcastle Investment Corp. and Eurocastle Investment Limited, which it calls its Castles. It earns management fees from each Castle equal to 1.5% of the company�� equity. In addition, it earns incentive income equal to 25% of the company�� funds from operations (FFO) in excess of specified returns to the Company�� shareholders. In addition to these fees, it also receives from the Castles, for services provided, options to purchase shares of their common stock in connection with each of their common stock offerings.

Liquid Hedge Funds

The Fortress Macro Funds, and Fortress�� legacy macro-strategy funds, the Drawbridge Global Macro Funds, apply an investment process based on macroeconomic fundamental, market momentum and technical analyses. The funds have the flexibility to allocate capital dynamically across a range of global strategies, markets and instruments as opportunities change, and are designed to take advantage of a range of sources of market, economic and pricing data to generate trading ideas. The fund invests in developed markets; they also invest in emerging markets if market conditions present opportunities for attractive returns. The funds pursue global macro directional and relative value strategies. Management fees are charged based on the AUM of the Fortress Macro Funds at a rate between 1.5%! and 2% a! nnually, depending on the investment and liquidity terms elected by investors. It earns incentive income of between 15% and 25% of the fund�� profits, generally payable annually, depending on the investment and liquidity terms elected by investors. In other words, an incentive income payment establishes a high water mark, such that the fund must earn a cumulative positive return from that point forward in order for Fortress to earn incentive income. Investors in the Fortress Macro Funds may invest with the right to redeem without paying any redemption fee either monthly, quarterly, or annually after three years. Investors with three-year liquidity may redeem annually before three years, subject to an early redemption fee payable to the funds.

The Fortress Asia Macro Funds invest in global fixed income, commodities, currency and equity markets, and their related derivatives, thematically related to the Asia-Pacific region through a fundamental macroeconomic strategy, which focuses on liquid investments. The funds��investment program focuses on global trading and capital flows. Management fee rates for these funds range from 1.5% to 2% and it earns incentive income equal to 20% of their profits. Commodities Funds invests across multiple sectors within the commodity asset class ranging from energy to metals to agriculture and within the cyclical, industrial, and commodity equity universe. Management fee rates for these funds range from 1.5% to 2% and it earns incentive income equal to 20% of their profits. The Fortress Partners Fund�� investments are made both in Fortress Funds and in funds managed by other managers, and in direct investments that are sourced either by Fortress personnel or by third parties with whom it has relationships. Management fee rates for these funds range from 1% to 1.5% and it earns incentive income generally equal to 20% of the profits from direct investments only.

Credit Funds

The Company�� credit hedge funds are designed to exploi! t pricing! anomalies, which exist between the public and private finance markets. It has developed a network consisted of internal and external resources to source transactions for the funds. The funds are able to invest in a range of financial instruments, ranging from assets, opportunistic lending situations and securities throughout the capital structure with a value orientation.

The Drawbridge Special Opportunities Funds form the core of the Company�� credit hedge fund investing strategy. The funds acquire a portfolio of investments throughout the United States, Western Europe and the Pacific region. Management fees are charged based on the AUM of the Drawbridge Special Opportunities Funds at a rate generally equal to 2% annually. It earns incentive income of 20% of the fund�� profits, payable annually, and subject to achieving cumulative positive returns since the prior incentive income payment. Investors in the Drawbridge Special Opportunities Funds may redeem annually on December 31. The Worden Funds invest in a portfolio of undervalued and distressed investments in North America and Western Europe, but also in Australia, Asia and elsewhere on an opportunistic basis. Management fees are charged based on the AUM of the Worden Funds at a rate generally equal to 2% annually. It earns incentive income of 20% of the funds��profits.

The Company�� credit PE funds are of families of funds. They have management fee rates between 1% and 1.5% and generate incentive income of between 10% and 20% of a fund�� profits subject to the fund achieving a minimum return as a whole. Fortress through Fortress Credit Opportunities Funds make opportunistic credit-related investments. In addition to its Fortress Investment Fund family of funds, it has a private equity fund product, the Long Dated Value family of funds, which focuses on making investments with long dated cash flows. Its Real Assets Funds invest in tangible and intangible assets. The investment program of these funds focuses on di! rect inve! stments in four principal investment categories: real estate, capital assets and natural resources, but also may include indirect investments in the form of interests in real estate investment trusts (REITs), master limited partnerships, corporate securities, debt securities and debt obligations, including those that provide equity upside, as well as options, royalties, residuals and other call rights. The investments are located in North America and Western Europe. Fortress Japan Opportunity Funds focus to invest in Japanese real estate-related performing, sub-performing and non-performing loans, securities and similar instruments. Real Estate Opportunities Funds make opportunistic commercial real estate investments.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James K. Glassman]

   Fortress Investment Group (symbol: FIG) is a New York City firm that manages hedge funds, private-equity funds and other accounts. Its stock traded as high as $34 in 2007, before plunging toward the abyss. Fortress’s funds have been performing well, and the firm is raking in billions of dollars in new money. In addition, because many formerly laggard funds have rebounded, Fortress is in a position to start collecting more in performance-incentive fees. If you subtract the cash and investments on Fortress's balance sheet from its market value, the stock trades at just 7 times estimated 2013 profits.

• [By Andrew Feinberg]

  52-Week High: $4.83
  
  52-Week Low: $2.86
  
  Annual Revenue: $648 million
  
  Projected 2013 Earnings Growth: 36.4% 
  
  Fortress Investment Group (symbol: FIG) is a New York City firm that manages hedge funds, private-equity funds and other accounts. Its stock traded as high as $34 in 2007, before plunging toward the abyss. Fortress’s funds have been performing well, and the firm is raking in billions of dollars in new money. In addition, because many formerly laggard funds have rebounded, Fortress is in a position to start collecting more in performance-incentive fees. If you subtract the cash and investments on Fortress's balance sheet from its market value, the stock trades at just 7 times estimated 2013 profits.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: New Sage Energy Corp(NSG.V)

New Sage Energy Corp., a development stage company, focuses on the exploration and development of oil and gas properties in the U.S. Gulf States region and Latin America. The company was formerly known as Consolidated New Sage Resources Ltd. and changed its name to New Sage Energy Corp. in May 2007. New Sage Energy Corp. was incorporated in 1980 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Best Construction Stocks To Buy Right Now: Span-America Medical Systems Inc.(SPAN)

Span-America Medical Systems, Inc. engages in the manufacture and distribution of various therapeutic support surfaces and related products utilizing polyurethane and other foam products for the medical, consumer, and industrial markets in the United States and Canada. Its medical products consist of polyurethane foam mattress overlays; therapeutic support surfaces, which include non-powered and powered therapeutic support surfaces; patient positioners; seating products; and Selan skin care creams and lotions for health care facilities, including acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health care providers. The company offers pressure management products, including Geo-Matt, PressureGuard, Geo-Mattress, Span-Aids, Isch-Dish, and Selan products. Its consumer product line consists primarily of convoluted and contour-cut mattress overlays, and pillows for the consumer bedding market; and industrial product line includes foam products used in various industr ies, such as water sports equipment, automotive, photographic film, durable goods, and electronics industries. The company was founded in 1970 and is based in Greenville, South Carolina.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: Lance Inc.(LNCE)

Snyder?s-Lance, Inc. manufactures, markets, and distributes snack food products primarily in the United States. Its products include pretzels, sandwich crackers, kettle chips, cookies, potato chips, tortilla chips, other salty snacks, sugar wafers, nuts, and restaurant style crackers. The company sells its products principally under the Snyder?s of Hanover, Lance, Cape Cod, Krunchers!, Jays, Tom?s, Archway, Grande, Stella D?oro, O-Ke-Doke, EatSmart, and Padrinos brand names. It also purchases and sells cakes, meat snacks, and candy under its brands, as well as partner brand products for resale. Snyder?s-Lance, Inc. sells its products through direct-store-delivery network, distributors, and direct sales to grocery/mass merchandisers, convenience stores, club stores, discount stores, food service establishments, drug stores, schools, military and government facilities, recreational facilities, offices, and other independent retailers. The company was formerly known as L ance, Inc. and changed its name to Snyder?s-Lance, Inc. in December 2010. Snyder?s-Lance, Inc. was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina with additional offices in Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: Masimo Corporation(MASI)

Masimo Corporation, a medical technology company, develops, manufactures, and markets noninvasive patient monitoring products worldwide. The company offers Masimo Signal Extraction Technology (SET), which provides the capabilities of measure-through motion and low perfusion pulse oximetry to address the primary limitations of conventional pulse oximetry; and Masimo rainbow SET products that monitor multiple blood measurements, including oxygen content, carboxyhemoglobin, methemoglobin, hemoglobin, pleth variability index, respiration rate, Halo Index, and In Vivo Adjustment. It develops, manufactures, and markets a family of patient monitoring solutions comprising circuit boards, monitors and devices, sensors, and cables; Masimo SafetyNet, a remote monitoring and clinician notification system; and software for Rainbow measurements, as well as other future measurements or features. The company sells its products to hospitals and the emergency medical response organizations through its direct sales force and distributors, as well as to original equipment manufacturer partners in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Canada, and Australia. Masimo Corporation was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: Telestone Technologies Corp.(TSTC)

Telestone Technologies Corporation offers wireless local-access network technologies and solutions primarily in the People?s Republic of China. Its access-network solutions include the research and development, and application of access network technology. The company designs and sells electronic equipments, such as wireless fiber-optic distribution system products, RFPA products, passive components, repeaters, radio frequency peripherals, and base station antennas used to provide access network solutions for 2G, 3G, broadband access, and CATV networks. It also offers project design, project management, installation, maintenance, and other after-sales services. In addition, Telestone provides various solutions to the telecommunications industry, which cover indoor and outdoor environments comprising hotels, residential estates, office buildings, airports, exhibition centers, underground stations, and highways and tunnels. Further, the company engages in the design, develop ment, production and installation, and trading of wireless telecommunication coverage system equipment. It also markets its products to 29 countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Mongolia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, and Vietnam. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Beijing, China.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: HILTON FOOD GROUP PLC ORD GBP0.10(HFG.L)

Hilton Food Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail meat packing for international food retailers in Europe. Its product range includes fresh items, such as roasting joints, steaks, chops, and minces; and barbecue ranges, ready to cook products, marinated meats, and convenience products, which comprise meat cuts and serving sauces. The company operates in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Hilton Food Group plc was founded in 1994 and is based in Huntingdon, the United Kingdom.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: Asia Pacific Breweries Ltd(A46.SI)

Asia Pacific Breweries Limited engages in the brewing, sale, export, and distribution of beer and stout. It offers a portfolio of approximately 40 beer brands and brand variants, including Tiger beer, Heineken, Anchor beer, ABC Extra Stout, Baron?s Strong Brew, and Bintang beer in 60 countries comprising Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands, China, and Mongolia. The company was formerly known as Malayan Breweries Limited and changed its name to Asia Pacific Breweries Limited in 1990. Asia Pacific Breweries Limited was founded in 1931 and is based in Singapore. Asia Pacific Breweries Limited is a subsidiary of Asia Pacific Investment Pte Ltd.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: Linde AG (LNAGF.PK)

Linde AG is a German company engaged in the gases and engineering sector. It operates two divisions: Gases and Engineering, as core divisions, as well as Gist. The Gases Division includes Healthcare, producing medical gases; and Tonnage, as its two global business units; as well as the two business areas Merchant and Packaged Gases, offering liquefied and cylinder gases, and Electronics. The Company�� products are used in the energy sector, for steel production, chemical processing, environmental protection and welding, as well as in food processing, glass production and electronics. The Engineering division offers planning, project development and construction of turnkey industrial plants used in fields, such as petrochemical and chemical industries, in refineries and fertilizer plants, to recover air gases, to produce hydrogen and synthesis gases, to treat natural gas, and in the pharmaceutical industry. As of August 13, 2012, the Company acquired Lincare Holdings Inc.

Top 10 Companies To Watch In Right Now: High Liner Foods Com Npv(HLF.TO)

High Liner Foods Incorporated engages in manufacturing and marketing prepared and packaged frozen seafood products in North America. It provides breaded and battered fish and other seafood products; raw fillets and shellfish; cooked shellfish; and value-added products, such as sauced, glazed, breaded, and battered seafood, as well as breaded cheese sticks, entrees, and breaded chicken. High Liner Foods Incorporated offers its products under High Liner, FPI, Mirabel, Royal Sea, Sea Cuisine, Fisher Boy, Viking, Icelandic Seafood, Samband of Iceland, Seastar, and Seaside names, as well as under private labels. The company sells its products directly and through distributors to retail stores, club stores, hotels, restaurants, and health care and educational organizations. High Liner Foods Incorporated was founded in 1899 and is headquartered in Lunenburg, Canada.