Riverbed Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:RVBD) is flush with news announcements today. The information technology services provider rejected a takeover bid, and pre-announced preliminary, fourth quarter fiscal-year 2013 results.
Riverbed Technology, Inc. provides solutions to the fundamental problems associated with information technology (IT) performance across wide area networks (WANs) in the United States and internationally.
The company says good things are happening at the tech company, at least better than expected. Management upped guidance to Non-GAAP revenue for Q4'13 in the range of $284 million to $285 million, compared to the company's previous guidance of $270 million to $276 million. Non-GAAP earnings are expected to be in the range of $0.30 to $0.31 per diluted share, versus previous guidance of $0.26 to $0.27 per diluted share.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: SK Telecom Corporation Ltd.(SKM)
SK Telecom Co., Ltd. provides wireless telecommunications services using code division multiple access (CDMA) and wide-band CDMA technologies. It offers cellular voice services, such as wireless voice transmission services; and wireless global roaming services. The company also provides wireless data transmission services, such as wireless Internet access services, which allow subscribers to access online digital contents and services, as well as to send and receive text and multimedia messages. In addition, it offers broadband Internet and fixed-line telephone services, such as video-on-demand and IP TV services; and local, domestic, and international long-distance fixed-line telephone services to residential and commercial subscribers. Further, the company provides wireless entertainment-related contents and services, wireless finance-related contents and m-commerce services, and wireless news and search services; and international calling services, such as direct-dial, pre and post paid card calling services, bundled services for corporate customers, voice services using Internet protocol, Web-to-phone services, and data services. Additionally, it offers satellite digital media broadcasting services; telematics services; and fixed-line and online community portal services. The company also operates 11th Street, an online shopping mall; and T Store, an online open marketplace for mobile applications. As of March 31, 2011, SK Telecom Co. had 26 million wireless subscribers. It has strategic alliances with Bridge Alliance; Orange SA; Telecom Italia Mobile S.p.A.; T-Mobile International AG & Co; and Teliasonera Mobile Networks AB. The company was formerly known as Korea Mobile Telecommunications Co., Ltd. and changed its name to SK Telecom Co., Ltd. in March 1997. SK Telecom Co., Ltd. was founded in 1984 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Chris Neiger]
SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM ) launched the world's first 4G LTE-Advanced network in South Korea today, providing the fastest available data speeds for the same price as 4G LTE.�
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Syneron Medical Ltd. (ELOS)
Syneron Medical Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, manufacture, development, marketing, and sale of aesthetic medical products worldwide. The company develops products based on its proprietary Electro-Optical Synergy (ELOS) technology, which uses the synergy between electrical energy and optical energy to provide aesthetic medical treatments. Its products target a range of non-invasive aesthetic medical procedures, including hair removal, wrinkle reduction, rejuvenation of the skin�s appearance through the treatment of superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, acne treatment, treatment of leg veins, treatment for the temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite and thigh circumference, ablation and resurfacing of the skin, laser-assisted lipolysis, and topical skin brightening products. It also develops, manufactures, and markets non-invasive technologies for fat cell destruction and body sculpting; and Viador system, a handheld device with a radiofrequency-needle array for use in transdermal delivery of biologic drug-products via a system-specific skin patch. The company sells its products to dermatologists, plastic and cosmetic surgeons, other qualified practitioners, and aestheticians and medical spas through direct sales force and distributors; and to home-use consumers directly, as well as through retailers and a chain of distributors. Syneron Medical Ltd. was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Yokneam Illit, Israel.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Eric Volkman]
Syneron Medical (NASDAQ: ELOS ) has put a familiar person on its CEO throne. The company named Shimon Eckhouse as its new chief executive, effective immediately. He succeeds Louis Scafuri, who will "remain available" to the firm through the current quarter to aid in the transition.
- [By Seth Jayson]
Syneron Medical (Nasdaq: ELOS ) reported earnings on May 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.
The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Syneron Medical met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.
Hot Stocks To Own For 2014: Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (VTA)
Van Kampen Dynamic Credit Opportunities Fund (the Fund) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund focuses to invest primarily in loan and debt instruments (and loan-related or debt-related instruments) (collectively, credit securities) of issuers that operate in a variety of industries and geographic regions located throughout the world. The Fund's investment adviser is Van Kampen Asset Management (the Adviser). The Fund's investment subadviser is Avenue Europe International Management, L.P. (the Subadviser).
The Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including borrowings for investment purposes) in any combination of credit securities, including senior secured floating rate and fixed-rate loans (Senior Loans); second lien or other subordinated or unsecured floating rate and fixed-rate loans or debt, and other debt obligations, including high-yield, high-risk obligations (such as securities that are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized credit rating organization or unrated securities that are deemed to be of comparable quality). The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its assets in structured products, including collateralized debt and loan obligations (collectively, structured products). The Fund may also invest in swaps, including credit default, total return, index and interest rate swaps. To the extent that the Fund invests in structured products or swaps that adjust exposure to credit securities, such investments will be counted for purposes of the Fund's 80% policy.
The Fund may invest in credit securities of any credit quality, and may invest without limitation in obligations below investment grade. Any of the Fund's investments may be issued by non-stressed, stressed and distressed issuers, including issuers in bankruptcy, provided that with respect to the portion of the Fund's assets to be managed by the Subadviser, the Subadviser will generally not invest in securities that at the time of investment have a total! yield above the applicable Avenue-Credit Thresholds. The Fund may invest in credit securities of any maturity or duration, and although the Fund will not be managed for maturity or duration, given the nature of the Fund's portfolio, the Fund's portfolio will likely have a low average duration (generally, four years or less). In addition, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities obtained through debt restructurings or bankruptcy proceedings. The Fund may utilize credit securities derivative instruments.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Harry Domash, Publisher, DividendDetective and Winning Investing]
If you're worried about rising interest rates then Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities, ticker (VTA), invests in below investment-grade floating rate bank loans. In other words, these are called senior loans.
They're bank loans that adjust their payouts based on prevailing interest rates, so if interest rates go up, these loans will pay higher dividends, so this is a good hedge if you are concerned about rising interest rates.
Another one that's really performed, and it's paying a 6.9% yield right now, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities, ticker (GOF), that's actually Claymore Guggenheim, holds corporate and government backed, that it's mostly investment-grade and it's paying a 10.1% yield right now, which is pretty high. Those are three that I could recommend right now.
Steven Halpern: Well, we really appreciate you joining us today and sharing your expertise. Thank you.
Harry Domash: You're welcome.
Subscribe to the Dividend Detective here...
- [By John Dowdee]
The following 10 funds satisfied all of these conditions:
BlackRock Float Rate Strategies (FRA). This CEF sells at a discount of 3%, which is low compared to an average premium of 2% over the past year. The distribution has been managed at 6.1% and a small amount (less than 10%) has been return of capital (ROC). However, this has not negatively affected net asset value (NAV) so has not been destructive. The fund holds 447 securities, with 90% in floating rate loans. FRA utilizes 27% leverage and has an expense ratio of 1.7%, including interest payments. Eaton Vance Floating Rate (EFR). This CEF sells at a 1% premium, which is low compared to an average premium of 5% over the past year. The distribution is 6.2%, none of which was ROC. The fund holds 800 securities, with 90% in floating rate loans. About 85% of the securities are from U.S. companies. EFR utilizes 35% leverage and has an expense ratio of 1.8% including interest payments. ING Prime Rate Trust (PPR). This CEF sells for a premium of 2%, which is below the average premium of 5%. It has a distribution of 6.8%, none of which was ROC. The fund has 350 holdings, virtually all in senior loans and from US companies. PPR utilizes 29% leverage and has a high expense ratio of 2.1%, including interest payments. Invesco VK Dynamic Credit Opportunities (VTA). This CEF sells for a discount of 5%, which is below the average discount of 1%. It has a distribution of 7.1%, none of which was ROC. The fund has 495 holdings, with 76% in floating rate loans. About 25% of the loans are from non-US companies. VTA utilizes a relatively low 20% leverage but still has a high expense ratio of 2.1%, including interest payments. Invesco VK Senior Income (VVR). This CEF sells for a discount of 1%, which is below the average premium of 3%. It has a distribution of 7.1%, none of which was ROC. The fund has over 500 holdings, with 89% in floating rate loans. Almost all (95%) securities are from US companies. VVR ut
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Shaw Communications Inc.(SJR)
Shaw Communications Inc., a diversified communications company, provides broadband cable television, Internet, digital phone, telecommunications, and satellite direct-to-home (DTH) services primarily in Canada and the United States. It offers cable television services, including analog and digital video services with access to HD channels, premium and VOD channels, music channels, and an interactive program guide. The company provides high speed Internet access services to residential and small business subscribers, as well as various Internet services for small and medium sized business customers. Its digital phone services include local and long distance calling, as well as calling features. The company also manages fiber network that serves as the primary Internet backbone for its broadband Internet customers, and provides Internet, data, and voice connectivity services to large and medium businesses, and other organizations. In addition, it distributes digital video an d audio signals to residences and businesses; and redistributes television and radio signals via satellite to cable and other operators, as well as provides uplink and network management services for conventional, specialty, and pay broadcasters on a contract basis. Further, the company provides satellite tracking and messaging services to the trucking industry, as well as integrates and manages satellite data networks with land-based telecommunications; and owns and leases satellite transponders that receive and amplify digital signals and transmit them to receiving dishes located within the footprint covered by the satellite. It serves approximately 3 million customers. The company was formerly known as Capital Cable Television Co. Ltd. Shaw Communications was founded in 1966 and is based in Calgary, Canada.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By GURUFOCUS]
Shaw Communications Inc. (SJR) provides broadband cable television, Internet, home phone, telecommunication, and satellite direct-to-home services in Canada and the United States. Yield: 4.1%
- [By Rich Duprey]
Canadian cable TV provider�Shaw Communications� (NYSE: SJR ) announced yesterday�three months of dividend payments on its Class A and Class B stock. It said the payouts would be $0.085 per share on the Class B shares and�$0.084792�per share on the Class A shares.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Vulcan Materials Company(VMC)
Vulcan Materials Company engages in the production and sale of construction aggregates, as well as asphalt mix, ready-mixed concrete, and cement primarily in the United States. The company operates in four segments: Aggregates, Concrete, Asphalt Mix, and Cement. The Aggregates segment produces construction aggregates, which principally include crushed stone, sand, and gravel. Its aggregates are used in public and private sector construction projects, including highways, airports, water and sewer systems, industrial manufacturing facilities, and residential and nonresidential buildings, as well as railroad track ballast. The Concrete segment produces and sells ready-mixed concrete in California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia; and block and pre-cast beams, as well as resells purchased building materials for use with ready-mixed concrete and concrete block. The Asphalt Mix segment produces and sells asphalt mix in Arizona, Californi a, and Texas. The Cement segment produces and sells Portland and masonry cement in bulk and bags to the concrete products industry. This segment also imports cement, clinker, and slag to resell and export, as well as to blend, bag, or reprocess into specialty cements. In addition, this segment mines, produces, and sells calcium products for the animal feed, paint, plastics, water treatment, and joint compound industries. The company was formerly known as Virginia Holdco, Inc. and changed its name to Vulcan Materials Company in November 2007. Vulcan Materials Company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sue Chang and Ben Eisen]
Vulcan Materials Co. (VMC) �shares rose 8.5% after the construction-material company said Thursday its fourth-quarter profit rose to 8 cents a share from 3 cents a share a year ago.
- [By Eric Volkman]
Vulcan Materials (NYSE: VMC ) has elected to maintain its dividend. The company declared a quarterly common stock distribution of $0.01 per share, to be paid on Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 28. That amount matches each of the company's disbursements stretching back to December 2011.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of Vulcan Materials (VMC) have surged today after the sand and gravel maker reported better-than-forecast earnings driven by sales of concrete and cement.
Getty ImagesShares of Vulcan have gained 7.6%, and given a lift to other cement makers today, including Martin Marietta Materials (MLM), which has risen 4.9% and reports earnings on Thursday, Cemex (CX), which has advanced 1.5%, and Texas Industries (TXI), which is up 4.9%.
The Associated Press has the details on Vulcan’s earnings beat:
For the three months ended Sept. 30, Vulcan Materials Co. earned $41.4 million, or 31 cents per share. Last year, it earned $14.3 million, or 11 cents per share.
The 2012 third quarter was weighed down by some restructuring charges and exchange offer costs. The recent quarter did not have any of these charges or costs.
The latest quarter also benefited from a bigger gain on the sale of property, equipment and other items than a year ago.
Earnings from continuing operations were 32 cents per share for the recent quarter.
Revenue increased 13 percent to $775.2 million from $687.6 million.
Analysts, on average, expected earnings of 26 cents per share on revenue of $750.7 million, according to FactSet.
Sterne Agee’s Todd Vencil and�Kevin Bennett hone in on pricing:
Pricing wasn�� quite as strong as management had guided, but we don�� think that is an indication of negative demand trends…
We’re not concerned that the relative softness in price growth represents a negative indicator for demand. A number of factors, including shifts in geographic and product mix, could easily account for the change…
And by the looks of things, neither are investors.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC (NKA)
Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC owns and operates natural gas storage assets in North America. It owns or contracts for approximately 185.5 billion cubic feet of total gas storage capacity. The company owns and operates gas storage facilities in Alberta, Canada, as well as in northern California and Oklahoma, the United States. Its gas storage customers include financial institutions, producers, marketers, power generators, pipelines, and municipalities. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Emma O��rien]
S&P 500 futures lost 0.8 percent by 7:22 a.m. in Tokyo, after the measure slid 1.1 percent last week in its first decline this month. Contracts on Australia�� S&P/ASX 200 Index dropped 0.2 percent and Nikkei 225 Stock Average (NKA) futures lost 0.5 percent by 3 a.m. in Osaka. The greenback retreated 0.3 percent to 97.91 yen, while U.S. Treasury futures climbed. West Texas Intermediate oil and copper futures sank 0.8 percent.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Shire PLC (SHPG)
Shire plc (Shire), incorporated on January 28, 2008, is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that focuses on meeting the needs of the specialist physician. Shire focuses its business on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, human genetic therapies (HGT) and regenerative medicine (RM), as well as opportunities in other therapeutic areas. As of December 31, 2012, the Company�� products included VYVANSE/VENVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), ADDERALL XR (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine), INTUNIV (extended release guanfacine), EQUASYM (methylphenidate hydrochloride) modified release (XL), LIALDA (mesalamine)/ MEZAVANT(mesalazine), PENTASA (mesalamine), RESOLOR (prucalopride), FOSRENOL (lanthanum carbonate), XAGRID (anagrelide hydrochloride), REPLAGAL (agalsidase alfa), ELAPRASE (idursulfase), VPRIV (velaglucerase alfa), FIRAZYR (icatibant) and DERMAGRAFT(Human Fibroblast-Derived Dermal Substitute). As of December 31, 2012, the Company�� products under development included INTUNIV (extended release guanfacine), VYVANSE/VENVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), INTUNIV, Guanfacine Carrier Wave, LIALDA (mesalamine)/MEZAVANT (mesalazine), RESOLOR (prucalopride), RESOLOR (prucalopride), SPD 557(M0003), XAGRID, VYVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), REPLAGAL (agalsidase alfa), HGT-4510, HGT-2310, HGT-1410, HGT-1110, HGT-3010, and DERMAGRAFT. On January 31, 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved VYVANSE for the maintenance treatment of ADHD in adults. In March 2013, it announced the acquisition Of Premacure AB. In January 2014, Shire Plc sold its DERMAGRAFT assets to Organogenesis Inc. In January 2014, Shire Plc acquired 79.5% interest in ViroPharma Inc.
VANSE/ VENVANSE
VYVANSE is a New Chemical Entity (NCE) and is the pro-drug stimulant for the treatment of ADHD, where the amino acid l-lysine is linked to d-amphetamine. VYVANSE is therapeutically inactive until metabolized in the body. The United Stat! es Food and Drug Administration approved VYVANSE as a once-daily treatment for children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD in February 2007, for adults in April 2008 and for adolescents aged 13 to 17 in November 2010. VYVANSE is available in the United States in six dosage strengths: 20 milligram, 30 milligram, 40 milligram, 50 milligram, 60 milligram and 70 milligram. Health Canada approved VYVANSE for the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 in February 2009, and for adolescents and adults in November 2010. In April 2012, ANVISA, the Brazilian health authority, granted marketing authorization approval for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6-12.
ADDERALL XR
ADDERALL XR is an extended release treatment for ADHD, which uses MICROTROL drug delivery technology and is designed to provide once-daily dosing. It is available in 5 milligram, 10 milligram, 15 milligram, 20 milligram, 25 milligram and 30 milligram capsules and can be administered either as a capsule or sprinkled on soft food. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved ADDERALL XR as a once-daily treatment for children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD, for adults in and for adolescents aged 13 to 17. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (Teva) and Impax Laboratories, Inc. (Impax) commenced commercial shipment of their authorized generic versions of ADDERALL XR in April and October 2009, respectively. Shire receives royalties from Impax�� sales of authorized generic ADDERALL XR.
INTUNIV
INTUNIV is a selective alpha-2A receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of ADHD. Alpha-2A-adrenoceptors strengthen working memory networks by inhibiting cAMP-HCN channel signalling in the prefrontal cortex (Cell. 2007; 129:397-410). INTUNIV is non-scheduled and has no known potential for abuse or dependence. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved INTUNIV in September 2009, as a once-daily monotherapy treatment of ADHD in children and adolesce! nts aged ! 6 to 17. It is available in 1 milligram, 2 milligram, 3 milligram and 4 milligram tablets.
EQUASYM
Shire has acquired from UCB the worldwide rights (excluding the United States, Canada and Barbados) to EQUASYM (methylphenidate hydrochloride) IR and XL for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18. At December 31, 2012,EQUASYM XL was commercially available in 10 countries in 10mg, 20mg and 30mg strengths. EQUASYM XL is marketed in Mexico and South Korea under the trade name METADATE CD.
LIALDA/MEZAVANT
LIALDA is indicated for the induction ofmild to moderately active UC and for the maintenance of remission of UC. The addition of the indication for maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis was approved by Health Canada in February 2011, and by the United States Food and Drug Administration in July 2011. LIALDA is once-daily oral formulation of mesalamine indicated for the induction and maintenance of remission. As of December 31, 2012, LIALDA/MEZAVANT (this product is marketed outside the United States as MEZAVANT) was commercially available in 19 countries either directly or through distributor arrangements.
PENTASA
PENTASA controlled release capsules are approved in the United States (marketed by Shire in the United States and by Ferring outside of the United States) and indicated for the induction of remission and for the treatment of patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. PENTASA is an ethylcellulose-coated, controlled release capsule formulation designed to release therapeutic quantities of mesalamine throughout the gastrointestinal tract. PENTASA is available in the United States in 250 milligram and 500 milligram capsules.
RESOLOR
RESOLOR (prucalopride), a 5-HT4 receptor agonists that stimulates gastrointestinal motility and acts primarily on different parts of the lower gastrointestinal tract (enterokinetic). In October 2009, RESOLOR was appr! oved by t! he EMA throughout the European Union as a once daily oral treatment for symptomatic treatment of chronic constipation in women in whom laxatives fail to provide adequate relief. In July 2010, Swissmedic granted RESOLOR marketing authorization in Switzerland for the treatment of idiopathic chronic constipation in adults. RESOLOR is available in milligram and 2 milligram dose strengths, both for once-daily dosing. At December 31, 2012, RESOLOR was available in six European Union countries. Formulated as a chewable tablet, FOSRENOL is available in 500 milligram, 750 milligram and 1,000 milligram dosage strengths.
XAGRID
XAGRID (anagrelide hydrochloride) is marketed in Europe for the reduction of elevated platelet counts in at-risk ET patients. XAGRID has been granted orphan drug status in the European Union. In the United States, anagrelide hydrochloride is sold by the Company under the name AGRYLIN for the treatment of thrombocythemia secondary to a MPD.
REPLAGAL
REPLAGAL is for the treatment of Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a genetic disorder resulting from a deficiency in the activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, which is involved in the breakdown of fats. REPLAGAL is a human alpha-galactosidase A protein made in human cells that replaces the deficient alpha-galactosidase A with an active enzyme to ameliorate certain clinical manifestations of Fabry disease. At December 31, 2012, REPLAGAL was approved in 46 countries.
ELAPRASE
ELAPRASE is a treatment for Hunter syndrome (also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II or MPS II). Hunter syndrome is a genetic disorder mainly affecting males that interferes with the body's ability to break down and recycle waste substances called mucopolysaccharides, also known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). ELAPRASE was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and granted marketing authorization by the EMA for the long term treatment of patients with Hunter ! syndrome.! ELAPRASE has been granted orphan drug by both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the EMA. ELAPRASE received approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan. At December 31, 2012, ELAPRASE was approved in 51 countries.
VPRIV
VPRIV is a treatment for Type 1 Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is an inherited genetic disorder, which results in a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase. VPRIV was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in February 2010, for the long-term treatment of patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease. The EMA approved the marketing authorization for the use of VPRIV in August 2010. VPRIV was authorized as an orphan medicine through the Centralised Procedure in Europe. At December 31, 2012, VPRIV was approved in 38 countries.
FIRAZYR
FIRAZYR is a peptide-based therapeutic developed for the symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of HAE. In July 2008 the EMA granted marketing authorization throughout the European Union for the use of FIRAZYR for the symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of HAE, and in May 2011 approved FIRAZYR for self-administration after training in subcutaneous injection technique by a healthcare professional. In August 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval for FIRAZYR in the United States for treatment of acute attacks of HAE in adults aged 18 and older. After injection training, patients may self-administer FIRAZYR. FIRAZYR has been granted orphan drug by both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the EMA. At December 31, 2012, FIRAZYR was approved in 38 countries globally.
DERMAGRAFT
DERMAGRAFT is a bio-engineered skin substitute that assists in restoring damaged tissue. DERMAGRAFT is indicated for use in the treatment of full-thickness Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) greater than six weeks in duration, which extend through the dermis, but without tendon, muscle, joint capsu! le, or bo! ne exposure. DERMAGRAFT is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Class III medical device for the treatment of DFUs. DERMAGRAFT is also approved for the treatment of DFUs in South Africa, Israel and Singapore.
The Company competes with Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Janssen-Cilag, Novartis, Medice, Eli Lilly, Warner Chilcott, Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc., ARYx Therapeutics, Theravance, Inc., Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Albireo, Actelion Ltd., Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc, Genzyme, CSL Behring, Pharming Group N.V., ViroPharma, Dyax Corporation, Organogenesis, Healthpoint, Soluble System, KCI, Smith & Nephew, Aurobindo and Apotex.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Udovich] Viropharma Inc. An international biopharmaceutical company, Viropharma has a pipeline focused on providing patients and physicians with new therapeutic alternatives for unmet medical needs where there are few treatment options available. In mid-September, Viropharma was soaring thanks to buyout rumors. Specifically, unnamed sources�have said that Viropharma was working with the Goldman Sachs Group Inc after attracting interest from suitors that include European drugmakers Sanofi SA (NYSE: SNY), which has been expanding into treatments of rare diseases since its 2010 acquisition of Genzyme Inc,�and Shire PLC (NASDAQ: SHPG), which develops treatments for rare illnesses such as Fabry disease. However, it should be noted that Deutsche Bank sees ViroPharma's base case valuation�at $38 per share, but the company's full value could be as high as $52 per share if the potential buyer has a Hereditary Angioedema sales force already in place. Bloomberg has since reported that the�JMP Group Inc. now says Viropharma could fetch as much as $60 a share while Akiva Felt of Oppenheimer has estimated the�company could fetch as much as $50 a share in a competitive bidding situation. On Monday, small cap Viropharma rose 0.26% to $39.26 (VPHM has a 52 week trading range of $22.12 to $40.89 a share) for a market cap of $2.57 billion plus the stock is up 76.5% since the start of the year, up 30% over the past year and up 186.1% over the past five years.
- [By Anna Prior]
Shire(SHPG) PLC has agreed to buy ViroPharma for $4.2 billion, extending its bet on the market for medicines treating rare diseases. The purchase price of $50 a share is a 27% premium to ViroPharma’s closing share price on Friday and a 64% premium to the price in September before speculation of a deal emerged. Shire’s American depositary shares rose 3.7% to $139.36 premarket, while ViroPharma’s shares jumped 26% to $49.58.
- [By Alexander Maxwell]
The market for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers has been growing and larger companies have been taking notice. Many large pharmaceutical companies have their own treatments for chronic diabetic foot ulcers. The space has also caused some major acquisitions. In 2011, Shire� (NASDAQ: SHPG ) acquired�a drug called Dermagraft for the treatment of slow-healing diabetic foot ulcers, through its $750 million acquisition of�Advanced BioHealing. Dermagraft has been a rather lucrative product for Shire, with $153.8 million in sales�last year. As the market continues to grow, I would look for more partnerships with large pharmaceutical companies, and of course more research and development dollars being devoted toward the chronic diabetic foot ulcers indication.
- [By George Budwell]
Shire plc (NASDAQ: SHPG ) is in the process of buying orphan drug-specialist ViroPharma (NASDAQ: VPHM ) for $4.2 billion, strengthening Shire's already robust commercial drug portfolio for rare diseases. The deal is expected to be finalized no later than Jan. 9, after Shire extended its tender offer to acquire all outstanding ViroPharma shares last week.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Bridgepoint Education Inc (BPI)
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (Bridgepoint), incorporated in May 1999, is a provider of postsecondary education services. The Company�� academic institutions include Ashford University and University of the Rockies. Its institutions deliver programs primarily online, as well as at their traditional campuses. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had 86,642 total students enrolled in its institutions. Bridgepoint�� institutions conduct ongoing faculty and student assessment processes and provide a range of student services. The Company is also focused on developing new technologies, such as through Waypoint Outcomes, Constellation, and the development of its institutions' mobile learning platforms. The Company has developed Constellation to replace third party textbooks with digital course materials. Constellation materials are displayed in a browser-based platform. In January 2012, Bridgepoint introduced Thuze.
Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs online, as well as bachelor's degree programs at its campus in Clinton, Iowa. Ashford University consists of four colleges: the College of Business and Professional Studies, the College of Education, the College of Health, Human Services and Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts. University of the Rockies is a graduate institution that offers master's and doctoral degree programs in the social and behavioral sciences. Classes at University of the Rockies are presented in a progressive online format, as well as at its campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Waypoint Outcomes provides learning and assessment software to K-12 and higher education institutions nationwide.
Constellation provides mobile access to students over the Internet, as well as on a variety of devices, including Web-enabled smartphones and tablet devices. Constellation is a cloud-based and is compatible across operating systems, browsers and mobile technologies. The Company has developed Constellation-enabled courses pri! marily in core classes to reach students. As of December 31, 2011, approximately 76% of Bridgepoint�� institutions' students had taken a Constellation-enabled course. As of December 31, 2011, it had 32 Constellation titles available. Thuze is a cloud-based, multi-platform, collaborative learning environment for students to interact with their course digital materials and with each other. Thuze provides students with the resources to work from both their desktop computers and also from their tablets and smartphones. It launched Thuze as a pilot program with publishers in higher education. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company deployed new mobile application technology at Ashford University. The Company has online students from all 50 states and from the District of Columbia. It has students from 69 different countries. As of December 31, 2011, over 34,400 students have graduated from the Company�� institutions, with approximately 15,200 students graduating from its institutions, during 2011.
Students finance their education at the Company's institutions through Title IV programs and Non-Title IV funding sources. Title IV programs includes The Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Federal Direct Loan Programs. FFEL and Federal Direct Loan Programs consist of two loans: Stafford loans, which are either subsidized or unsubsidized, and PLUS loans, which are made available to graduate and professional students, as well as parents of dependent undergraduate students. Non-Title IV funding sources include other funding sources, which consist of cash, private loans, state grants, corporate reimbursement, military benefits and institutional loans. The Company has engaged Affiliated Computer Services, Inc. (ACS) to provide call center and transactional processing services for the online financial aid student populations at its institutions, including services related to disbursement eligibility review and Title IV fund returns. If Bridgepoint�� engagement with ACS were terminate! d, it wou! ld handle these processing services using its own resources or engage another third party vendor.
The Company�� institutions provide student support services, including academic, administrative and technology support. As of December 31, 2011, Bridgepoint�� institutions offered approximately 1,430 courses, 85 degree programs and 140 specializations. Its institutions offer programs and specialization areas through Ashford University's four colleges: the College of Business and Professional Studies; the College of Education; the College of Health, Human Services and Science; and the College of Liberal Arts, and through the University of the Rockies' two schools: the School of Organizational Leadership and the School of Professional Psychology. The Company�� leads are primarily generated from online sources. Its main source of leads is third party online lead aggregators. It also purchases keywords from search providers to generate online leads directly. In addition, the Company has an in-house team focused on generating online leads.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jim Royal]
Earlier this week, Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI ) revealed that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges had approved the company's Ashford University application for accreditation for five years. Investors had been concerned about this accreditation issue for the last year or so, and shares jumped on the news. They're now up about 50% from where my Special Situations portfolio bought in late April.
- [By Jim Royal]
One of my favorite reasons to reinvest in stocks I already own is when an uncertain, but favorable catalyst occurs, but the stock does little. So my Special Situations portfolio is adding $1,000 to each of the following three stocks: Cincinnati Bell (NYSE: CBB ) , Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI ) , and First Financial Northwest (NASDAQ: FFNW ) . Read on to see why.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Pinecrest Energy Inc (PNCGF.PK)
Pinecrest Energy Inc. (Pinecrest), formerly Antler Creek Energy Corp., is a Canada-based junior oil and gas exploration company. Pinecrest is engaged in the acquisition, exploitation and development of petroleum and natural gas-related assets primarily in Western Sedimentary Basin. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 (fiscal 2010), Pinecrest was engaged in two (0.4 net) wells that were drilled in the southeast Saskatchewan Bakken. On July 14, 2010, the Company acquired the Loon Properties. On July 14, 2010, Pinecrest acquired the Red Earth #1 Properties. On July 15, 2010, the Company acquired the Red Earth #2 Properties. Advisors' Opinion:- [By MLP Trader]
Here are the current top five companies in the list:
CompanySymbolEV/BOEPD/NetbackPrice/NAVEV/DACFPinecrest(PNCGF.PK)53564%4.0XLightstream(LSTMF.PK)131753%4.5XNovus(NOVUF.PK)133290%4.1XZargon(ZARFF.PK)138664%5.6XTwin Butte(TBTEF.PK)155885%5.5XOf the larger companies, one that remains obstinately near the top of the list is Lightstream . Lightstream trades at 40% of its book value and a whopping 13.4% yield.
Top 10 Information Technology Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Alterra Capital Holdings Ltd(ALTE)
Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides specialty insurance and reinsurance products to corporations, public entities, and property and casualty insurers in North America, Europe, and internationally. It offers professional liability products, which include errors and omissions insurance, employment practices liability insurance, and directors and officers insurance; excess liability products, such as excess umbrella liability insurance, excess product liability insurance, excess medical malpractice insurance, and excess product recall insurance; and property insurance, as well as provides airline, general aviation, and aerospace insurance. The company also offers reinsurance products consisting of agriculture, auto, aviation, credit/surety, general casualty, marine and energy, medical malpractice, professional liability, property, whole account, and workers? compensation reinsurance. In addition, it offers general liability, inland mari ne, and ocean marine insurance; accident and health insurance and reinsurance, financial institutions insurance, and surety reinsurance; and employers? and public liability insurance, and medical malpractice insurance, as well as life and annuity reinsurance. The company was formerly known as Max Capital Group Ltd. and changed its name to Alterra Capital Holdings Limited in May 2010. Alterra Capital Holdings Limited was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Steve Symington]
About that whale...
If that weren't enough, Markel also announced this morning it has officially completed its $3 billion acquisition of Alterra (NASDAQ: ALTE ) , which, as I noted back in February, was a radical departure from Markel's typically smaller buyout targets. While it will undoubtedly take some time to fully integrate Alterra's operations, management expressed excitement for Alterra's ability to help Markel expand its global footprint in the insurance and reinsurance market.
No comments:
Post a Comment