Top Sliver Companies To Own In Right Now

Before the opening bell on Wednesday�morning, alcoholic beverages company�Brown-Forman (BF-B)�reported its fourth�quarter and FY2014�earnings, posting higher sales for both periods compared to last year.

BF-B’s�Earnings in Brief

Brown-Forman�reported fourth�quarter sales�of $893 million, which are up 3% from last year’s Q4 sales of $866 million. Net income�for the quarter came in at $132 million, or 62 cents per share, up 17% from last year’s Q4 figure of $113 million, or 52 cents per share. BF-B beat analysts’ estimates of 58 cents EPS, but revenues came in below expectations of $923.73 million. For the full-year, BF-B reported a 4% gain in sales and an 11% gain in diluted EPS.

CEO Commentary

Top Sliver Companies To Own In Right Now: CPFL Energia S.A.(CPL)

CPFL Energia S.A., through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, distribution, and sale of electricity in Brazil. It generates electricity through hydroelectric, thermal, biomass, and wind power plants. The company also involves in the provision of energy commercialization, consultancy, and advisory services to agents in the energy sector; manufacture, commercialization, rental, and maintenance of electromechanical equipment; and provision of administrative services, as well as telephone answering services. It has an installed generating capacity of 2,309 MW. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Toward the end of trading Friday, the Dow traded down 0.60 percent to 16,947.43 while the NASDAQ declined 0.75 percent to 4,557.59. The S&P also fell, dropping 0.83 percent to 1,980.97.

  Leading and Lagging Sectors Cyclical consumer goods & services shares fell by just 0.50 percent in trading on Friday. Top gainers in the sector included ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance NASDAQ: (ULTA), up 17.5 percent, and 1-800-Flowers.com (NASDAQ: FLWS), up 4.5 percent. In trading on Friday, utilities shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.89 percent. Meanwhile, top decliners in the sector included Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais - CEMIG (NYSE: CIG), down 4.7 percent, and CPFL Energia SA (NYSE: CPL), off 4.3 percent. Top Headline Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) reported better-than-expected fiscal first quarter earnings. The Orlando, Florida-based company reported a quarterly loss of $19.3 million, or $0.14 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $42.2 million, or $0.32 per share. Excluding non-recurring items, the company earned $0.32 per share. Its sales surged to $1.6 billion versus $1.53 billion. However, analysts were expecting earnings of $0.30 per share on revenue of $1.6 billion. Equities Trading UP Conversant (NASDAQ: CNVR) shares shot up 30.25 percent to $34.79 after Alliance Data Systems (NYSE: ADS) announced its plans to buy Conversant for $35 per share. Shares of ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance (NASDAQ: ULTA) got a boost, shooting up 17.69 percent to $114.72 after the company reported upbeat second-quarter results and raised its outlook. The company also unveiled a five-year plan for impressive growth. Sportsman's Warehouse Holdings (NASDAQ: SPWH) shares were also up, gaining 15.89 percent to $7.00 after the company reported stronger-than-expected fiscal second-quarter results. Equities Trading DOWN Shares of Ruckus Wireless (NASDAQ: RKUS) were down 5.19 percent to $14.35. Buckingham
• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Leading and Lagging Sectors
  Utilities sector gained 1.12 percent, with Companhia Paranaense de Energia (NYSE: ELP) moving up 4.3 percent to gain the top spot. Among leading sector stocks, gains came from Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (NYSE: SBS), CPFL Energia SA (NYSE: CPL) and Companhia Energ茅tica de Minas Gerais SA (NYSE: CIG).

Top Sliver Companies To Own In Right Now: OraSure Technologies Inc.(OSUR)

OraSure Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells oral fluid diagnostic products and specimen collection devices in the United States and internationally. It also manufactures and sells medical devices used for the removal of benign skin lesions by cryosurgery or freezing. The company offers OraQuick ADVANCE HIV-1/2, a point-of-care qualitative test for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and type 2; OraQuick HCV, a point-of-care qualitative test for antibodies to the hepatitis C virus; OraSure QuickFlu Rapid Flu A&B Test, a point-of-care qualitative test for antibodies to influenza Types A and B, including H1N1 infections; OraSure, an oral fluid collection device for the detection of antibodies to HIV-1 in an oral fluid sample in a laboratory setting; and Intercept, an oral fluid collection device for oral fluid drugs of abuse testing in a laboratory setting. In addition, it provides MICRO-PLATE DOA Assays that are used to detect the drugs in an oral fluid sample collected with intercept device; cryosurgical freezing systems for the removal of warts and other benign skin lesions; and cryosurgical systems for the removal of common and plantar warts. Further, OraSure Technologies sells immunoassay tests and reagents for insurance risk assessment, substance abuse testing, and forensic toxicology applications; an oral fluid Western blot HIV-1 confirmatory test for confirming positive HIV-1 test results obtained from the use of OraSure collection device; and Q.E.D., a point-of-care saliva alcohol test. The company sells its products through direct sales, strategic collaborations, and distributors to clinical laboratories, hospitals, clinics, community-based and other public health organizations, distributors, government agencies, physicians? offices, and commercial and industrial entities. It has collaboration agreement with Merck & Co. Inc. OraSure Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is based in Beth lehem, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Keith Speights]

  Progress has also been made on the diagnostic front. The FDA approved OraSure Technologies' (NASDAQ: OSUR  ) OraQuick home HIV test in July 2012. OraQuick allows an individual to use a mouth swab and find out the results within 40 minutes. The test hasn't exactly leaped off store shelves as of yet, though. OraSure reported only $1.5 million in gross sales for the OraQuick home test during the most recent quarter.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  OraSure Technologies (Nasdaq: OSUR  ) reported earnings on May 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), OraSure Technologies beat slightly on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Best Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: IDGlobal Corp (IDGC)

ID Global Corporation (IDGC), incorporated on March 1, 2006, is a diversified holdings company with a focus on emerging and middle market investment opportunities in North America. The Company seeks to invest in emerging and private companies. The Company acts as a catalyst between the companies to raise and infuse capital when required.

The Company offers finance, social media and eco friendly products so that companies can independently manage and operate their business. IDGC through its debt and equity investments, controls interests in private companies, as well as special situation start-ups.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks IDGlobal Corp (OTCMKTS: IDGC), Embarr Downs Inc (OTCMKTS: EMBR) and SourcingLink.net, Inc (OTCMKTS: SNET) have been getting some extra attention in various investment newsletters or investor alerts lately as at least two of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions or other types of investor relations activities. Of course, there is nothing wrong with properly disclosed promotions or investor relations activities. But just how hot are these two small cap stocks? Here is a closer look and a quick reality check:

Top Sliver Companies To Own In Right Now: Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (GNK)

Genco Shipping & Trading Limited engages in the ocean transportation of drybulk cargoes through the ownership and operation of drybulk carrier vessels worldwide. It transports iron ore, coal, grain, steel products, and other drybulk cargoes. The company charters its vessels primarily to trading houses, which include commodities traders; producers; and government-owned entities. Its fleet consists of 53 drybulk carriers, including 9 Capesize, 8 Panamax, 17 Supramax, 6 Handymax, and 13 Handysize drybulk carriers with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 3,810,000 dwt. The company, through its subsidiary, Baltic Trading Limited, operates a fleet of two Capesize, four Supramax, and three Handysize drybulk carriers with an aggregate carrying capacity of approximately 672,000 dwt. Genco Shipping & Trading Limited was incorporated in 2004 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By FinanceGuru]

  The second contrarian indicator is that the short interest in DryShips has increased significantly. They're topped only now by Genco Shipping (GNK), which is currently poised to be heading into bankruptcy.

Top Sliver Companies To Own In Right Now: Proto Labs Inc (PRLB)

Proto Labs, Inc. (Proto Labs), incorporated in 1999, is an online and technology-enabled quick-turn manufacturer of custom parts for prototyping and short-run production. Proto Labs provides Real Parts, Really Fast to product developers worldwide. The Company utilizes computer numerical control (CNC), machining and injection molding to manufacture custom parts for its customers. The Company focuses its services to the millions of product developers who use three-dimensional computer-aided design (3D CAD), software to design products across a diverse range of end-markets. The Company has established its operations in the United States, Europe and Japan, three of the geographic markets where these product developers are located. Its manufacturing services include CNC machining and plastic injection molding. In August 2013, Proto Labs, Inc. purchased the Plymouth Industrial Building at 2600 Niagara Lane, Plymouth, MN.

Proto Labs has developed software and advanced manufacturing processes that automate much of the skilled labor conventionally required in quoting, production engineering and manufacturing custom parts. The Company�� Firstcut and Protomold services offer many product developers the ability to outsource their low-volume, quick-turn custom parts manufacturing. Its Firstcut service uses commercially-available CNC machines to cut blocks of material into one or more custom parts based on the 3D CAD model uploaded by the product developer. The Firstcut service is well suited to produce small quantities, typically in the range of one to ten parts. Its Protomold service uses its 3D CAD-to-CNC machining technology for the automated design and manufacture of aluminum injection molds, which are then used to produce custom injection-molded plastic parts on commercially-available equipment. Its Protomold service is used for both prototype and short-run production.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Paul Ausick]

  We have tracked the key short interest changes as of September 13 in the following 3D printer and services companies: 3D Systems Inc. (NYSE: DDD), Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), The ExOne Co. (NASDAQ: XONE) and Proto Labs Inc. (NYSE: PRLB).

• [By Harry Boxer]

  HARRY:  It is.  More than 10 years, I visited 3-D systems and saw a demo, and it was like whoa.  They weren’t even public then.  Of late, SSYS (Stratasys), Proto Labs (PRLB), EX1; those are the four big ones in the industry.  There is a little buy-out tech company called Orvganovo (ONVO) that is now bio-printing organs for testing.

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Short interest in Proto Labs Inc. (NYSE: PRLB) increased by 6.6% to 3.03 million shares, or 14.6% of the company’s float. Shares were down about 8.5% in the two-week period and closed Thursday at $71.93, up about 84% year to date. The stock’s 52-week range is $35.86 to $89.97.

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Another potential earnings short-squeeze trade is Proto Labs (PRLB), which produces CNC machined and injection molded plastic parts and is set to release its numbers on Thursday before the market open. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect Proto Labs to report revenue of $40.25 million on earnings of 35 cents per share.

  Just recently, Piper Jaffray said its survey indicates demand tracked ahead of plan for the 3D printing/rapid prototyping market during the June quarter. With that in mind, piper expects impressive second-quarter results from names like Proto Labs.

  The current short interest as a percentage of the float for Proto Labs is very high at 16%. That means that out of the 18.19 million shares in the tradable float, 7.41 million shares are sold short by the bears. The bears have also been increasing their bets from the last reporting period by 16.8%, or by about 438,000 shares. If the bears are caught pressing their bets into a strong quarter, then shares of PRLB could explode higher post-earnings as the shorts rush to cover some of their bets.

  From a technical perspective, PRLB is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last six months, with shares soaring higher from its low of $39.64 to its recent high of $67.40 a share. During that move, shares of PRLB have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of PRLB within range of triggering a major breakout trade post-earnings.

  If you're in the bull camp on PRLB, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above its all-time high at $67.40 a share (or its intraday high on Wednesday if greater) with high volume. Look for volume on that move that hits near or above its three-month average action of 427,395 shares. If that breakout triggers, t

Top Sliver Companies To Own In Right Now: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.(RCL)

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. operates in the cruise vacation industry worldwide. It owns five cruise brands, which comprise Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises, and CDF Croisi�es de France. The Royal Caribbean International brand provides various itineraries and cruise lengths with options for onboard dining, entertainment, and other onboard activities primarily for the contemporary segment. It offers surf simulators, water parks, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls, and shore excursions at each port of call, as well as boulevards with shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. The Celebrity Cruises brand operates onboard upscale ships that offer luxurious accommodations, fine dining, personalized services, spa facilities, venue featuring live grass, and glass blowing studio for the premium segment, as well as resells computers and other media devices. The Pullmantur brand provides an array of onboard activities and serv ices to guests, including exercise facilities, swimming pools, beauty salons, gaming facilities, shopping, dining, complimentary beverages, and entertainment venues serving the contemporary segment of the Spanish, Portuguese, and Latin American cruise markets. The Azamara Club Cruises brand offers various onboard services, amenities, gaming facilities, fine dining, spa and wellness, butler service for suites, and interactive entertainment venues for the up-market segment of the North American, United Kingdom, German, and Australian markets. The CDF Croisieres de France brand offers seasonal itineraries to the Mediterranean; and various onboard services, amenities, entertainment venues, exercise and spa facilities, fine dining, and gaming facilities for the contemporary segment of the French cruise market. As of December 31, 2011, the company operated 39 ships with a total capacity of approximately 92,650 berths. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. was founded in 1968 and is headqua rtered in Miami, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Wolfe]

  Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL)

  Chairman and CEO Richard Fain has made the largest insider buy this week, buying nearly one million dollars worth of shares.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  This is a dinner bell for Carnival's smaller rivals. Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL  ) is introducing its latest vessel -- Quantum of the Seas -- this week. Online chatter claims that Disney (NYSE: DIS  ) is about to expand its growing fleet by 50% when it announces two new ships later this month.�(A Disney spokeswoman claims that new ships won't be announced at next week's media event, but there's clearly excitement about the cruise industry outside of Carnival.)

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) was maintained Buy and its target was raised by $2 to $46 at Argus.

  Vodafone Group PLC (NASDAQ: VOD) was started with an Outperform rating by Raymond James.