Top 10 China Companies To Watch For 2015

Top 10 China Companies To Watch For 2015: BHP Billiton Limited(BHP)

BHP Billiton Limited, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified natural resources company worldwide. The company engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas; mining and refining of bauxite into alumina, and smelting of alumina into aluminum metal; and mining of copper, silver, lead, zinc, molybdenum, uranium, gold, diamonds, and titanium minerals, as well as development of potash deposits. It also involves in the mining and production of nickel products, manganese ore, and manganese metal and alloys, as well as in the mining of iron ore, metallurgical coal, and thermal coal. BHP Billiton Limited sells its copper, lead, and zinc concentrates, and alumina to smelters; copper cathodes to wire rod mills, brass mills, and casting plants; uranium oxide to electricity generating utilities; rough diamonds to diamond buyers and diamond manufacturers; nickel products to stainless steel, specialty alloy, foundry, chemicals, and refractory ma terial industries; metallurgical coal to steel producers; and energy coal to power stations, power generators, and industrial users. The company, formerly known as BHP Limited, was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  Right now, there are several Australian assets up for grabs because mining giants Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO  ) and BHP Billiton (NYSE: BHP  ) are both looking to shed their coal assets. This could be an opportune time for a company like Peabody to strengthen its international presence or a competitor like Alpha Natural Resources to trade up from its Central Appalachian assets and expand outside the U.S.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-10-china-companies-to-watch-for-2015.html

Hot Recreation Stocks For 2015

Hot Recreation Stocks For 2015: Nikon Corp (NINOF)

NIKON CORPORATION is mainly engaged in the manufacture and sale of image and video equipment. The Company operates in four business segments. The Precision Equipment segment offers semiconductor exposure apparatus and liquid crystal (LC) exposure apparatus. The Image segment provides digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, compact digital cameras and interchangeable lens. The Instruments segment offers microscopes, measuring machines and semiconductor inspection equipment. The Others segment provides LC photomask substrates and optical components. As of March 31, 2013, the Company has 87 subsidiaries and 10 associated companies. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks opened lower Thursday, as gains for the yen and losses for Wall Street conspired to drive the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) down 1.2% to 15,333.35, extending Wednesday's 0.6% loss. The Topix fell 0.7%, with the U.S. dollar (USDJPY) slipping to 102.46 yen, down from around 楼102.80 at the start of the previous session, but off its lows in late Wednesday trade. Electronics firms and other techs helped lead the loss, with Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) falling 1.4%, Nikon Corp. (JP:7731) (NINOF) off 2.4%, and Alps Electric Co. (JP:6770) 1.8% lower. The Nikkei Asian Review reported Thursday that Japan looked set to post its first trade deficit for electronics goods this year. Shares of Yahoo Japan Corp. (JP:4689) (YAHOF) lost 1.! 4%, even as Bloomberg reported the firm was offering its stake in market-research firm Macromill Inc. (JP:3730) to U.S. private-equity firm Bain Capital at a premium to its most recent close. Shares of Macromill were untraded. Among gainers, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp. (JP:9432) (NTT) rose 2.1%, following a 1.1% gain for its U.S.-listed shares.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/hot-recreation-stocks-for-2015.html

Hot Building Product Companies For 2015

Hot Building Product Companies For 2015: Nustar Energy L.P.(NS)

NuStar Energy L.P. engages in the terminalling, storage, and transportation of petroleum products primarily in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. The company operates in three segments: Storage, Transportation, and Asphalt and Fuels Marketing. The Storage segment operates terminal and storage facilities for petroleum products, specialty chemicals, crude oil, and other liquids; and crude oil storage tanks. Its terminals also offer pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch, emergency response, and other ship services. The Transportation segment transports refined petroleum products, crude oil, and anhydrous ammonia. This segment operates refined product pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota; and owns anhydrous ammonia pipelines located in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Nebraska. The Asphalt and Fuels Marketing segment refines crude oil to produce asphalt and other refined products. This segment also purchases gasoline and other refined petroleum products for resale. As of December 31, 2010, the company had 65 terminal and storage facilities providing approximately 80.4 million barrels of storage capacity; 5,605 miles of refined product pipelines with 21 associated terminals that offer storage capacity of 4.6 million barrels, as well as 2 tank farms providing storage capacity of 1.2 million barrels; 2,000 miles of anhydrous ammonia pipelines; 812 miles of crude oil pipelines with 16 associated storage tanks comprising storage capacity of 1.9 million barrels; and 2 asphalt refineries with a combined capacity of 104,000 barrels per day, as well as 2 associated terminal facilities with a combined storage capacity of 5.0 million barrels. Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. ! serves as the general partner of the company. NuStar Energy L.P. was founded in 1999 and is based in Sa n Antonio, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  Only five privately held firms will participate in this two-year contract (extendable up to five years). No publicly traded firms at all were chosen to participate -- but publicly traded firms did still win a few of the day's smaller contracts, among them:

  A $76.1 million contract modification awarded to the Bell-Boeing Joint Project Office, a joint venture between Textron  (NYSE: TXT  ) and Boeing (NYSE: BA  ) , which instructs the JPO to delivery one single additional CV-22 tiltrotor aircraft to the U.S. Air Force by December 2016. A $39.4 million fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for Sysco (NYSE: SYY  ) to provide "prime vendor food and beverage support" to the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Job Corps in Florida through April 16, 2019. A $32.3 million option exercise for NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE: NS  ) subsidiary Shore Terminals LLC to provide "petroleum storage services" to the U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps through Nov. 30, 2016. A $7.7 million undefinitized contract modification compensating Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT  ) for "non-recurring sustainment activities" performed on behalf of the government of the United Kingdom, related to the latter's purchase of F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets. This contract has a completion date of June 201
• [By Robert Rapier]

  But it is important to note that ETE also has interests in Sunoco Logistics Partners (NYSE: SXL) and Regency Energy Partners (NYSE: RGP).

  Finally, consider NuStar Energy (NYSE: NS) and its general partner NuStar GP Holdings (NYSE: NSH). Like ETE, NSH went public in 2006 and has also significantly outperformed its limited partner since:
  
  
  

  The vast majority of partnerships don’t have a publicly-traded GP. But in each! of these! three cases in which the GP is publicly traded, the GP tends to outperform the LP units on long-term gains, an advantage somewhat offset by the typically higher LP yield.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-building-product-companies-for-2015-2.html

Top Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2015

Top Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2015: G&K Services Inc (GK)

G&K Services, Inc., incorporated on December 1, 1934, provides branded uniform and facility services programs. The Company serves a base of approximately 170,000 customers. The Company serves customers in all industries, including automotive, warehousing, distribution, transportation, energy, manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceutical, retail, restaurants, hospitality, government, healthcare and many others. The Company provides service to customers of almost every size, from Fortune 100 companies to small and midsize firms. The Company has one million people within its customer base who wear G&K work apparel every work day. In January 2014, the Company announced that it has sold its direct sale program business.

The Company's customer focused relationships involve customers renting or directly purchasing uniforms and providing facility products and services to meet a variety of critical needs in the workplace, including Image, Organization safety and se curity, Brand awareness, Employee retention, Employee protection and Product protection. The Company also offers facility services programs that provide a range of dust control, maintenance, hand care and hygiene products and services. They include floor mat offerings (traction control, logo, message, scraper, anti-fatigue), towel products (shop, kitchen, bar, bath, dish, continuous roll, microfiber), mop offerings (dust, microfiber, wet), fender covers, selected linen items and restroom hygiene products. The Company's providing of regularly scheduled weekly service of these products and services helps the Company's customers maintain a clean, safe and attractive environment within their facilities for their employees and customers.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, t! o see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on G&K Services (Nasdaq: GK  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-oil-service-companies-to-watch-for-2015.html

U.S. Confronts China's Hacking: Will Your Investments Be Collateral Damage?

The United States is calling China to account for its hacking efforts at companies like U.S. Steel (NYSE: X  ) . This is more than just a public relations stunt, especially for a country like China that takes its public image very seriously. What kind of consequences could this U.S. move have?

Who cares about a loser?
Why hack a steel mill that's lost investors over $25 a share over the last five years? Seriously, five consecutive years of red ink suggests that U.S. Steel isn't a big threat to China. But taking a look at why U.S. Steel is bleeding helps explain the allure.

The steel industry is in the midst of a supply glut. That's left prices weak, and companies like U.S. Steel complaining that foreign competition has been selling steel products into the U.S. market at prices below the cost of production. Such dumping is often prevalent from countries where the government has a big hand in industry. Like China.

(Source: EPA)

U.S. Steel has been involved in a number of trade cases in the steel industry to try to stop dumping. One of note was a 2009 case against China over tubular steel used in the oil and gas drilling industry. U.S. steel makers won that case, getting levies of nearly 90% imposed on Chinese imports.

U.S. steel makers have since brought a similar case against other countries. Although not tied to China, there are close links. For example, there's the concern that Chinese steel is going to other countries before being sold in the United States. Or, just as bad, Chinese exports are forcing other countries to dump their steel into the U.S. market.

The pot and kettle are both black
While the goal of China's alleged hacking is currently unknowable, getting a handle on U.S. Steel's trade case plans is certainly a solid reason for what U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has called, "economic espionage." And U.S. Steel's computers were hardly alone in this, since the accusation involved a total of five U.S. companies.

Top 10 Tech Stocks To Own Right Now

China, however, has already called the bluff, basically saying that the U.S. is doing the same thing. In fact, the very public black eye involving U.S. spying on the leaders of supposed allies makes clear that the United States is about as pure as yellow snow when it comes to this type of stuff. And then there was the Stuxnet computer worm that helped delay Iran's nuclear ambitions—it was supposedly a U.S./Israel collaboration.

(Source: Dagmar, via Wikimedia Commons)

These examples aren't an effort to suggest we shouldn't be doing such things, just that China has a valid point. And this case raises tensions with the giant nation at a time when tensions are already running high. For example, China is openly feuding with U.S. ally Japan over control of a series of islands that just happen to have natural gas reserves around them.

A pound of flesh
Even if the U.S. government is right in bringing this suit, you have to wonder who loses. It's hard to believe that the five accused hackers will ever see the inside of a U.S. courtroom, so this is definitely about making a statement. But China can do that, too.

For example, the country just announced that it is banning the use of Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) Windows 8 on government computers. In an ironic twist the country is claiming that security concerns are to blame. However, if China actually jettisons Microsoft-based computers the software maker could miss out on an important upgrade cycle in the country.

Industry watcher Canalys explained to Bloomberg that, "China's decision to ban Windows 8 from public procurement hampers Microsoft's push of the OS to replace XP, which makes up 50 percent of China's desktop market." Piracy concerns aside, Microsoft looks like it just got dragged into a fight that it didn't start.

Change is hard
Chinese relations with the United States are destined to be difficult. This indictment is just one example of what will be ongoing tension between an up and coming global player and the current heavyweight. However, companies from U.S. Steel to Microsoft could easily get caught in the middle. Watch this public spat and pay close attention to the exposure, direct and indirect, you have to China in your portfolio.

You don't want to miss this
The Economist compares this disruptive invention to the steam engine and the printing press. Business Insider says it's "the next trillion dollar industry." And everyone from BMW, to Nike, to the U.S. Air Force is already using it every day. Watch The Motley Fool's shocking video presentation today to discover the garage gadget that's putting an end to the Made In China era... and learn the investing strategy we've used to double our money on these 3 stocks. Click here to watch now!

10 Best Specialty Retail Stocks To Watch Right Now

10 Best Specialty Retail Stocks To Watch Right Now: Vitamin Shoppe Inc (VSI)

Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., incorporated on September 27, 2002, is a specialty retailer and direct marketer of vitamins, minerals, herbs, specialty supplements, sports nutrition and other health and wellness products. During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company marketed over 400 different brands, as well as its own brands, which include Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech and True Athlete. The Company sells its products through two segments: retail and direct. In the Company's retail segment, the Company had a total of 286 new stores during the fiscal 2012. As of January 26, 2013, the Company operated 579 stores in 42 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Ontario, Canada, primarily located in high-traffic regional retail centers. In the Company's direct segment, the Company sells its products directly to consumers through the Internet, primarily at www.vitaminshoppe.com. On February 14, 2013, Vitamin Shoppe Mariner, Inc. acquired Super Supplements, Inc.

Retail

The Company's retail segment includes its retail store format. Its retail stores are is located in diverse geographic and demographic markets, ranging from urban locations in New York City, to suburban locations in Plantation, Florida and Manhattan Beach, California. As of January 26, 2013, the Company leased the property for all of its 579 stores. The Company's primary warehouse and distribution center and corporate headquarters are consolidated into a leased, 230,000 square-foot facility.

Products

The Company offers a selection of vitamins, minerals, herbs, homeopathic remedies, specialty supplements, such as fish oil, probiotics, glucosamine and Co Q10, sports nutrition, weight management, as well as natural bath and beauty, pet supplements and options for a healthy home. The Company's offers includes approximately 17,500 stock keeping! units (SKUs) from over 400 brands. The Company offers products to its as sortment in its Vitamin Shoppe, BodyTech, True Athlete and O! ptimal Pet brands, which include products, such as Ultimate Man, Ultimate Women, Whey Tech Pro 24 and Natural Whey Protein. The Company also offers an assortment from national brands, such as Optimum Nutrition, USP Labs, Garden of Life, Cytosport, Nature's Way, Solaray and Solgar. This assortment is designed to provide the Company's customers with a selection of available product in order to help them achieve their health and wellness goals.

The vitamin and mineral product category includes multi-vitamins, which many consider to be a foundation of a healthy regimen, lettered vitamins, such as Vitamin A, C, D, E, and B-complex, along with trace minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, chromium and zinc. Certain herbs can be taken to help support specific body systems, including ginkgo to support brain activity and milk thistle to help support liver function, as well as other less common herbs, such as holy basil for stress support and blood sugar control and black c ohosh for menopause support. Herbal products include whole herbs, standardized extracts, herb combination formulas and teas.

Categories of specialty supplements include omega fatty acids, probiotics and condition specific formulas. Certain specialty supplements, such as organic greens, psyllium fiber and soy proteins, are taken for added support during various life stages. Folic acid is specifically useful during pregnancy. Super antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q-10, grapeseed extract and pycnogenol, are taken to address specific conditions. High ORAC (oxygen radical absorptive capacity) fruit concentrates like gogi, mangosteen, pomegranate and blueberry are taken to prevent oxygen radical damage. Other specialty supplement formulas are focused to support specific organs, biosystems and body functions. The Company offers approximately 3,000 SKUs in sports nutrition.

The C! ompany's ! other category include natural beauty and personal care, diet and weigh t management supplements, natural pet food, and low carb foo! ds. Natur! al beauty and personal care products offer an alternative to traditional products that often contain synthetic and/or other ingredients that the Company's customers find objectionable. The Company offers approximately 3,000 SKUs for its other category. The Company's natural pet products include nutritionally balanced foods and snacks along with condition specific supplements such as glucosamine for joint health. Its variety of diet and weight management products range from low calorie bars, drinks and meal replacements to energy tablets, capsules and liquids.

The Company competes with Vitamin World, GNC, Whole Foods, Costco, Wal-Mart, Rite-Aid, Walgreens, Amazon.com, Puritan's Pride, Vitacost.com, Bodybuilding.com, Doctors Trust, Swanson and iHerb.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Vitamin Shoppe Inc (NYSE: VSI), Books-A-Million, Inc (NASDAQ: BAMM) and Perfumania Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ: PERF) have the dubious distinction of beingthe worst performing small capspecialty retail stocks for this year (according to Finviz.com) with losses of 4.85% and3% and a gain of 0.61%, respectively, since the start of the year (See my previous article: This Years Best Performing Small Cap Specialty Retail Stocks? UNTD, TA & HZO). I should mention that the definition of specialty retail stocks might vary from one stock screener to another, but whats clear is that these three small cap retail stocks have been heading in the wrong direction for investors for much of this year. With that in mind, what sort of performance should investors expect from these small cap specialty retail stocks on Black Friday and for the all important holiday season? Here is what you need to be aware of:

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  Sales growth this last quarter was up only about 6%, but net income per share was up 21%. They pay a $0.! 60 divide! nd which gives them a dividend yield of 1.4%. Their cash flow yield is 4.6%, so they could easily raise their dividend. They are by far the leader in a very fragmented industry. I believe both [Vitamin Shoppe (NYSE: VSI  ) ] and GNC will do well and I think they may make a fair pairing in a portfolio. Stability versus growth.
  
  They do have $1.1 billion in debt. But they generate about $200 million in cash flow a year and they have $174 million in cash, so that shouldn't be a problem. Their cash flow is very high, so in my opinion, is reason enough to believe they will beat the S&P 500 over the next ten years.

• [By Jeremy Bowman]

  What: Shares of the Vitamin Shoppe (NYSE: VSI  ) were looking under the weather today, falling as much as 10% after a disappointing earnings report.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/10-best-specialty-retail-stocks-to-watch-right-now.html

4 Stocks Under $10 in Breakout Territory

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- At Stockpickr, we track daily portfolios of stocks that are the biggest percentage gainers and the biggest percentage losers.

>>5 Stocks Set to Soar on Bullish Earnings

Stocks that are making large moves like these are favorites among short-term traders because they can jump into these names and try to capture some of that massive volatility. Stocks that are making big-percentage moves either up or down are usually in play because their sector is becoming attractive or they have a major fundamental catalyst such as a recent earnings release. Sometimes stocks making big moves have been hit with an analyst upgrade or an analyst downgrade.

Regardless of the reason behind it, when a stock makes a large-percentage move, it is often just the start of a new major trend -- a trend that can lead to huge profits. If you time your trade correctly, combining technical indicators with fundamental trends, discipline and sound money management, you will be well on your way to investment success.

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy for Short-Week Gains

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at a several stocks under $10 that are making large moves to the upside.

Cytokinetics

Cytokinetics ( CYTK), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery and development of novel small-molecule therapeutics that modulate muscle function for the potential treatment of serious diseases and medical conditions. This stock closed up 4.7% to $5.17 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $4.95-$5.22

52-Week Range: $3.96-$14.28

Tuesday's Volume: 1.05 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 1.45 million

From a technical perspective, CYTK surged sharply higher here with decent upside volume. This spike higher on Tuesday is quickly pushing shares of CYTK within range of triggering a big breakout trade. That trade will hit if CYTK manages to take out Tuesday's intraday high of $5.22 to its recent gap-down-day high of $5.45 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CYTK as long as it's trending above its recent breakout levels of $4.73 to $4.78 and then once it sustains a move or close above $5.22 to $5.45 with volume that hits near or above 1.45 million shares. If that breakout hits soon, then CYTK will set up to re-fill some of its previous gap-down-day zone from April that started above $13.

Procera NetworksPKT/">PKT) provides intelligent policy enforcement solutions based on deep packet inspection technology that enable mobile and broadband network operators and entities to manage and control their private networks. This stock closed up 6.2% to $9.85 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $9.38-$9.96

52-Week Range: $8.33-$16.48

Tuesday's Volume: 276,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 353,109

From a technical perspective, PKT ripped sharply higher here back above its 50-day moving average of $9.75 with lighter-than-average volume. This move also pushed shares of PKT into breakout territory, since it flirted with or took out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $9.52 to $9.89. Shares of PKT tagged an intraday high of $9.96 before it closed just below that level at $9.85. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if PKT manages to take out Tuesday's intraday high of $9.96 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in PKT as long as it's trending above Tuesday's low of $9.38 and then once it sustains a move or close above $9.96 with volume that hits near or above 353,109 shares. If that move starts soon, then PKT will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $10.81 to $11.50, or even $12.

Avanir Pharmaceuticals

Avanir Pharmaceuticals (AVNR), together with its subsidiaries, is engaged in acquiring, developing and commercializing novel therapeutic products for the treatment of central nervous system disorders primarily in the U.S. This stock closed up 4.1% to $5.04 a share in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $4.80-$5.09

52-Week Range: $2.62-$6.00

Tuesday's Volume: 3.72 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 3.09 million

From a technical perspective, AVNR spiked notably higher here right above some near-term support at $4.57 with above-average volume. This spike higher on Tuesday is quickly pushing shares of AVNR within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That trade will hit if AVNR manages to take out Tuesday's high of $5.09 to some more near-term overhead resistance at $5.22 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in AVNR as long as it's trending above Tuesday's low of $4.80 or above more near-term support at $4.57 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 3.09 million shares. If that breakout materializes soon, then AVNR will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 52-week high of $6.

On Track Innovations

On Track Innovations (OTIV) designs, develops and markets cashless payment solutions. This stock closed up 7.4% to $2.45 in Tuesday's trading session.

Tuesday's Range: $2.29-$2.47

52-Week Range: $0.91-$4.38

Tuesday's Volume: 464,724

Three-Month Average Volume: 195,738

From a technical perspective, OTIV ripped higher here with strong upside volume. This sharp spike higher on Tuesday is starting to push shares of OTIV within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if OTIV manages to take out some key near-term overhead resistance levels at $2.55 to $2.58 and then once it clears more resistance at $2.63 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in OTIV as long as it's trending above Tuesday's low of $2.29 or above more support at $2.20 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 464,724 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then OTIV will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $3.15 to $3.45.

Top 5 Gas Stocks To Invest In 2015

To see more stocks that are making notable moves higher, check out the Stocks Under $10 Moving Higher portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

RELATED LINKS:

>>4 Big Stocks to Trade (or Not)

>>5 Stocks Poised for Breakouts

>>5 Stocks Under $10 Set to Soar

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Roberto Pedone, based out of Delafield, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on technical analysis for small- and large-cap stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. Roberto studied international business at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany. His work has appeared on financial outlets including

CNBC.com and Forbes.com.

You can follow Pedone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zerosum24 or @zerosum24.

HighTower, Focus Add Wirehouse Advisors

May has been a busy time for recruiters, who are eager to get deals signed before advisors take their summer vacations. While several independent broker-dealers have been successful at attracting breakaway brokers, the wirehouses and other employee channels have drawn their fair share of advisors from rivals.

HighTower said Monday that the Ezzell Group of Sacramento, Calif., has affiliated with the independent advisor group. The team moved from Merrill Lynch and oversees nearly $300 million in client assets.

 “The Ezzell Group will build equity in their own businesses and retain 100 percent autonomy over their practices, while leveraging the HighTower platform to lower operating risk and increase access to world-class investment solutions,” said HighTower CEO Elliot Weissbluth, in a press release. “Network teams have access to the industry’s best investment solutions and a robust services and technology platform to fuel their growth starting on day one.”

The Ezzell Group incluces Jason Ezzell, managing director and founder, and Alec Fisher, senior manager.

Ezzell joined Merrill Lynch in 1999 and specializes in individual wealth management, deferred-compensation plans, concentrated stock and option plans and business-succession planning.

Fisher develops holistic financial plans based on individual client needs, goals and tolerance for risk. The team serves the Sacramento and San Francisco areas.

“HighTower’s culture of transparency and integrity reflects the values that inform every one of our client relationships,” said Ezzell in a statement. “The firm’s sophisticated technology and deep operational resources will be invaluable in driving our growth and enabling us to go above and beyond for our clients.”

Focus Financial said Tuesday that a team of former-Wells Fargo advisors joined its partner firm, LVW Advisors, in Rochester, N.Y. Joseph Zappia and Ted Garofola, CFP, previously part of the Zappia Investment Group at Wells Fargo have joined LVW to launch LVW Family Wealth.

The team previously managed about $400 million in client assets.

“Lori Van Dusen and the team at LVW are truly among the very best in the country, and we are thrilled to support this noteworthy firm achieve their growth objectives through high caliber transactions,” noted Rudy Adolf, CEO of Focus Financial Partners, in a press release. “We remain committed to supporting the transition of advisors, like Lori and Joseph, out of the wirehouses as RIAs continue to gain market share. Our track record with transitions and mergers speaks for itself and we are proud to support this continuing trend.”

The latest advisor move was facilitated by Focus Connections, a program aimed at helping wirehouse teams make successful transitions into independent firms, the firm says. LVW was itself launched through the program in 2011 and now has $2 billion in client assets under management.

“Joe [Zappia] has been an industry peer for years, and I am delighted to have someone with such deep investment and financial planning expertise as part of our team,” said Lori Van Dusen, CEO of LVW, in a press release. “With the ongoing support and counsel of Focus, we continue to look for like-minded partners, like Joe, as we expand our offering and add talent.”

“As our industry evolves, we felt strongly that becoming fiduciaries and partnering with LVW Advisors would allow us to best serve our clients’ interests,” explained Zappia, in a statement. “I am excited about leveraging this partnership and using our combined experience to serve the needs of high-net-worth families, who will benefit from the firm’s state-of-the-art infrastructure that supports sophisticated investments typically unavailable to private clients.”

Other Recruits

Commonwealth Financial Network said last week that it recruited an advisor team with more than $150 in assets under management. The team used to be affiliated with MassMutual Financial Group.

The Glen Ellyn, Ill.-based advisors, Joe Esposito and Keith Kiker, used Commonwealth’s virtual recruiting platform, the IBD says.

With the moves of Esposito and Kiker, the Advisor Center, which is used by a number IBDs, has facilitated the transition of an estimated $1.22 billion in AUM since its launch in late 2012, according to Commonwealth. A total of 33 advisors have joined 18 different firms in the Advisor Center’s online community.

Top 5 Cheapest Companies To Buy Right Now

“Working with the team at the Advisor Center was a great experience from start to finish,” added Keith Kiker, CFP. “Tom [Daley] and his staff were very hands-on throughout the process and willing to meet with us to provide further clarification about our options whenever needed. Most importantly, the team was product agnostic and showed no bias towards certain firms when it came to discussing options with us.”

Wells Fargo Advisors said Wednesday that it added one team from Morgan Stanley (MS) to its independent channel (FiNet), while an advisor from Merrill Lynch and a rep from UBS joined its traditional employee-channel. The team and individual reps each move to the firm with more than $1 million in yearly fees and commissions.

In Salem, Ore., Summit Wealth Management, led by financial advisor Richard Lee, along with Brandon Blair, Mike Costa and Barbara Hacke Resch, moved to Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network from Morgan Stanley on May 2.

Also earlier this month, financial advisor Milton Schwartz joined Wells Fargo Advisors in Sumter, S.C., where he reports to branch manager Roy Creech and South Carolina complex manager Scott Spang.

Most recently, Schwartz served as branch manager for Merrill Lynch’s Sumter branch, where he managed more than $135 million in client assets and produced more than $1.1 million in annual revenue. He has about 27 years of industry experience, according to Wells.

Financial advisor David Spell moved to WFA in nearby Charleston, S.C., where he will report to branch manager Rod Connell, as well as to Spang. He moved from UBS Financial Services, where he managed more than $86 million in client assets and produced more than $1 million in annual revenue.

Spell, who has more than 12 years of experience, joined the firm on March 27.

Earlier in May, Raymond James said it recruited Senior Vice Presidents of Investments Jeffery Tomaszewski and Gary Rigby to the Ocala, Fla., office of Raymond James & Associates, its employee broker-dealer.

The team came to Raymond James from Merrill Lynch, where they managed more than $280 million in client assets and had annual fees and commissions of approximately $1.6 million.

“We looked for a couple years and considered half a dozen firms during our due diligence process,” said Rigby, in a press release. “After meeting with senior leadership, we found the type of customer service Raymond James provides and the corporate culture permeating the firm to be a great fit for our needs and the needs of our clients.”

Gay rights bill gets Senate vote

WASHINGTON — The Senate is poised to vote today on a bill prohibiting workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, but its prospects in the House remain dim.

Speaker John Boehner reaffirmed his long-standing opposition to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act Monday. "The Speaker believes this legislation will increase frivolous litigation and cost American jobs, especially small business jobs," said Boehner press secretary Michael Steel.

Today's scheduled procedural vote in the Senate — which needs 60 of the 100 senators to move forward — could clear the way for the first vote since 1996, when a similar bill failed in the Senate by a single vote.

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The bill passed a Senate committee in July on a bipartisan 15-7 vote. Republicans Orrin Hatch of Utah, Mark Kirk of Illinois and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska all voted for it in committee.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, is a co-sponsor, and Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. said Monday he supports the bill because it "raises the federal standards to match what we have come to expect in Nevada."

With at least five Republicans in favor, the bill can pass with the support of 53 Democrats and the two independents.

Hatch's support is especially noteworthy. He voted against the proposal the last time it came up for a vote in 1996, saying it would result in a "litigation bonanza."

''The moral and religious sensibilities of millions of Americans will be overridden by this legislation,'' Hatch said in 1996, when he was chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. But proponents won his support with a provision that would exempt religious schools and organizations.

That exemption does not go far enough for some social conservatives, however. Faith and Freedom Coalition founder Ralph Reed says he opposes workplace discrimination. "But this bill opens a Pandora's box of assaults on religious ! freedom, litigation, and compliance costs for businesses and nonprofits that will be a nightmare," he said.

A 2009 report by the Government Accountability Office found "relatively few employment discrimination complaints based on sexual orientation and gender identity" in the 22 states that have such laws.

Contributing: Erin Kelly of Gannett News Service

Follow @gregorykorte on Twitter.

5 Ways Military Families Struggle With Money Matters

This Memorial Day, we celebrate the millions of men and women in uniform who work hard to defend the U.S. and keep us safe. But increasingly, military personnel are turning to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to defend themselves and their families from troubling practices among financial institutions.

Source: User DVIDSHUB via Flickr.

Back in March, the CFPB's Holly Petraeus, wife of Iraq-war commander David Petraeus, and her Office of Servicemember Affairs issued a report on the complaints that military personnel and their families brought against financial institutions. The report highlights more than 14,000 complaints since the CFPB started handling consumer complaints back in 2011, reflecting the extent to which military families have trouble in working with financial institutions and having their specific needs met. In particular, complaints have risen by almost 150% from 2012 to 2013, and the report highlighted several areas of greatest concern for our military personnel in handling their money matters.

1. Mortgages
The CFPB has addressed 4,700 mortgage complaints, making up about a third of its total military complaint volume. Most of those complaints deal with situations in which military personnel aren't able to make payments and therefore ask for help with loan modifications or have to deal with collection efforts and foreclosure proceedings. In particular, many financial institutions remain ignorant of programs designed specifically to help military personnel, including those who need help relocating pursuant to a permanent change of station order. With military members enjoying certain protections, the CFPB notes that financial institutions should be more aware of those protections in their dealings with military customers.

2. Debt collection
The CFPB has taken debt-collection complaints for less than a year now, but already, it has had 3,800 complaints filed. Military personnel face a wide variety of issues on the collection front, with the most common being collection agencies trying to collect a debt that the service member doesn't actually owe. Questionable communication tactics and illegal threats from debt collectors are also frequent issues for which the CFPB received complaints. Just like their civilian counterparts, military personnel have to deal with aggressive debt collection agencies that take full advantage of how busy members of the military are, hoping that they'll just pay rather than questioning the debt and taking advantage of their rights. Some have said that debt collectors threaten to contact their commanding officers or bring their cases before a court-martial for demotion or removal of security clearance.

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3. Credit cards
Credit-card complaints made up 1,700 of those that the CFPB received, with billing disputes being the most prevalent. In addition to common issues among civilian and military personnel, the CFPB noted that card companies often fail to follow the provisions of the Servicemember's Civil Relief Act, which affords special protection to members of the military during periods of deployment. As a result of these mistakes, service members often have to have errors on their credit histories remedied, causing further hassle and hardship.

4. Bank accounts and service
About 1,500 military-personnel complaints relating to bank accounts and services went to the CFPB, with nearly half of all complaints relating to opening, closing, or managing accounts. In particular, the complex patchwork of fees and charges led to a huge number of complaints both in account management and in deposit and withdrawal issues, with transaction holds, overdrafts, and ongoing service fees raising concerns among many military personnel. Despite efforts to make fees more transparent, the CFPB has clearly seen ongoing difficulty among those in the military in navigating those fees and figuring out how to avoid them.

5. Other complaints
The CFPB has recently started taking complaints in several new areas, including money transfer and payday loan services. Although relatively few complaints have come in, these are areas that affect military members especially hard, as distances between family members often require money-transfer services while the difficulty that those left behind face in dealing with personal finances makes payday loans look attractive. Military members face the threat of scams from fraudulent money-transfer entities as well as sky-high fees on payday loans that can be difficult to understand.

Need to file a complaint? Here's how.
Both military and civilian personnel have the right to file financially related complaints with the CFPB. To get more information, visit the CFPB website here. By doing so, you can defend yourself and your family from financial institutions who aren't treating their customers the right way.

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Michael Kitces: The 2014 IA 25 Extended Profile

One has to wonder how Michael Kitces does it: the advisor, blogger, Twitterphile, industry speaker and NextGen founder is constantly evolving and taking on new challenges not only so that he stays ahead of the curve, but so that his peers can do so as well.

“It’s just the way I am—I’m hard-wired to look a couple of years down the road,” Kitces told IA in an interview.

Indeed, helping advisors “stay ahead” is really the catalyst for Kitces reviving his popular Nerd’s Eye View blog, available via Kitces.com, about three years ago. After launching the blog in 2008, Kitces admitted that for a while there was “no readership and no momentum,” but in the fall of 2010, “I reinvented myself and got active on social media and have been running the blog ever since.”

Since then, he said, his blog, website and Twitter following has experienced “incredible growth.” Kitces.com gets 50,000 unique visits per month, and he has more than 13,000 Twitter followers.

Kitces also likes to help advisors stay ahead of trends by speaking at industry events—he spoke at a whopping 70 or more conferences in 2013 and said his calendar for this year is filling up “rapidly.”

One recent trend that Kitces alerted advisors to via his blog is what he calls “the crisis of differentiation.” Said Kitces to IA: “It wasn’t all that long ago that comprehensive financial planning made you unique; that’s not true anymore.” Just being a “comprehensive financial advisor is not enough,” he said, and advisors must find out what differentiates them and build toward a niche.

Just being a holder of the CFP credential isn’t enough anymore either, he said. Getting your CFP is “a starting point; you have to specialize now after you get your CFP”—what he calls the “post-CFP” education—to truly demonstrate expertise and differentiate.

Advisors, Kitces said, are “slowly getting” the fact that they have to define their uniqueness “because of more competition and slow growth rates.”

On his blog, Kitces wrote that there’s a growing range of post-CFP educational programs available, albeit an advisor must navigate the “’alphabet soup’ of available programs.” However, he wrote, “from designations designed to deepen subject matter expertise, to those built outright to support a stand-alone niche unto itself, there are a large number of choices available to those who have completed CFP certification and are now asking: ‘What’s next?’”

A founder of NextGen, Kitces will officially be “kicked out” of NextGen this year when he turns 37. “I pounded the table saying we should have an age limit,” he recalled. NextGen continues to “survive and grow” in large part because “we forced the leadership to be young and to rotate.”

But Kitces isn’t leaving the younger advisors—or clients—behind. In early April, he launched with Alan Moore the XY Planning Network, a platform dedicated to helping young planners build a fee-only business targeting Gen X and Gen Y clients.

Members of the XY Planning Network, which Kitces said now includes 20 founding members, will offer fee-only financial planning services on an “affordable” monthly retainer, and may choose to offer investment management services but without what Kitces calls “cumbersome asset minimums.”

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Members, who “must offer monthly retainers and be willing to work with clients virtually,” should be “live and active” on the network by June 1, he said.

Most in the Gen X and Gen Y generation “certainly aren’t going to meet someone’s asset management minimums; they live on cash flow and live from month to month, so we’re trying to meet people where they are,” Kitces said.

He added that he’s “always found that most financial advisors work with clients within 10 years of their own age,” who are within their “interest group.”

“The monthly model can open the door for a viable business providing a continuous, ongoing financial planning relationship, in a manner similar to the AUM model but without the asset minimums that are simply inaccessible to the majority of Gen X and Y consumers,” Kitces said.

The XY Planning Network will also provide members with a community based “brain trust” to learn from other members’ experiences.

Private forums containing video chat and text messaging systems, along with virtual and live events, will provide a community for these young professionals who want to serve their peers. 

AOL, Inc. (AOL): $2 Million Insider Buy Worth Considering

Insider buying remained somewhat constant last week with 158 companies reporting purchase records.

Of the companies on the list, AOL, Inc. (NYSE:AOL) is one worth consideration as the internet service/information provider satisfies a number of iStock's insider buying characteristics.

Bottom Fishing More than one buyer Large Purchase

AOL is a global Web services company with a range of brands and offerings, and a global audience. The Company's business spans online content, products and services, which it offers to consumers, publishers and advertisers. It generates advertising revenues from AOL Properties through the sale of display advertising and search and contextual advertising. It offers a range of display advertising, including text and banner advertising, mobile, video and rich media advertising, sponsorship of content offerings, and local and classified advertising.

[Related -AOL, Inc. (AOL): What To Watch In Q4 Results?]

Bottom Fishing:

AOL's stock price got punished for earnings that disappointed Wall Street. Shares closed at $43.90 prior to reporting EPS and $34.85 the following day; a steep drop that put AOL within whisper distance of the 52-week low of $32.19.

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More than one Buyer:

[Related -AOL, Inc. (AOL) Q3 Earnings Preview: What To Expect?]

Although the size disparity hardly could be larger, Director Eve Burton and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Timothy M. Armstrong both saw value post-EPS and bought AOL shares.

Large Purchase:

Armstrong, who has an annual salary of $3.18 million, purchased 55,600 AOL shares at $36.08 for a total investment of $2,006,048. Two million bucks, not matter how much you make, is a statement of confidence from the CEO. This is head-honcho's first open market buy. His previous activity was limited to acquiring AOL at no cost i.e. exercising options.

Burton purchased 700 shares at $36.95 for an investment of $25,865.

Studies have shown that executives and directors outperform "professional" money managers because they know the intrinsic value of the underlying company. Timothy M. Armstrong provided $2 million reasons why he thinks $36.08 is the place to buy. 

Best Computer Hardware Companies For 2015

Best Computer Hardware Companies For 2015: IceWEB Inc (IWEB)

IceWEB, Inc. (IceWEB), incorporated in 1994, manufacture and market unified data storage, purpose built appliances, network and cloud attached storage solutions and deliver on-line cloud computing application services. The Company's customer base includes the United States government agencies, enterprise companies, and small to medium sized businesses (SMB). The Company has three product offerings: Iceweb Unified Data Network Storage line of products, Purpose Built Network/Data Appliances and Cloud Computing Products/Services. In October 2013, IceWEB Inc completed its acquisition of Computers and Tele-Comm, Inc. and KC-NAP, LLC of Kansas City (collectively CTC).

IceWEB Unified Data Storage line of products

IceWEB is a provider of Unified Data Storage solutions. Its storage systems make it possible to operate and manage files and applications from a single device and consolidate file-based and block-based access in a single storage platform, whi ch supports Fibre Channel SAN, IP-based SAN (iSCSI), and NAS (network attached storage). A unified storage system simultaneously enables storage of file data and handles the block-based I/O (input/output) of enterprise applications. One advantage of unified storage is reduced hardware requirements. The IceWEB Storage System is an all-inclusive storage management system, which includes de-duplication; unlimited snapshots; thin provisioning; local or remote, real-time or scheduled replication; capacity and utilization reporting, and integration with virtual server environments.

Purpose Built Network and Data Appliances

Purpose Built Network and Data Appliances are devices, which provide computing resources (processors and memory), data storage, and specific software for a specific application. The primary appliance products that IceWEB has built have! been centered on a single large business partner, ESRI Corporation. IceWEB and ESRI have collaborated to create ultra-high performance IceWEB/ESRI GIS systems tha! t allow customers to access data with speed. ESRI Corporation takes responsibility for marketing to their customers and business partners, via their worldwide sales and consultancy organization.

Cloud Computing Products and Services

Cloud computing products and services consist of cloud computing services and cloud storage appliances. IceWEB provides IceMAIL, a packaged software service that provides network hosted groupware, e-mail, calendaring and collaboration functionality. Online services were expanded to include IcePORTAL, which provides customers with a complete Intranet portal and IceSECURE a hosted e-mail encryption service. Originally such hosted services were referred to as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Such services, hosted across the Internet are commonly referred to as Cloud Computing. A cloud storage appliance is a purpose built storage device configured for either branch office or central site deployment, which allows the housing and delivery of customer data across not only their internal networking infrastructure, but also to make that data available to employees or business partners securely via the Internet (often called the cloud).

The Company competes with EMC, Network Appliance, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, Hitachi Data Systems, IBM, Compellent Technologies and Isilon.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  What's the Catch with Dephasium Corp? According to various disclosures, transactions of $2k, $2.5k, $3k, $4k, $7.5k, $12.5k and $15k have or will occur to mention Dephasium Corp in various investment newsletters. Dephasium Corp has been getting plenty of off and on attention for a couple of months now, but what's been pretty strange is the company issuing a press release to announce that an unidentified third party, witho! ut the DP! HS's approval, has listed its shares on the Boerse Berlin Stock Exchange. The press release warned that this could be the first salvo in a "significant naked shorting attack directed at the Company" given that the Berlin exchange is one of few stock exchanges in the world that allows listing and trading of a company's stock without the consent or authorization of the company being listed in order to facilitate short-selling. A quick look at Dephasium Corp's financials reveals no revenues; net losses of $10k (most recent repor ted quarter), $17k and $11k plus net income of $388k; and $51k to cover $9k in current liabilities at the end of March. In other words, Dephasium Corp isn't making money but someone else is trying to make some from it.

  IceWEB, Inc. (OTCBB: IWEB) Seems to Be Making Progress

  Small cap IceWEB is a provider of Unified Data Storage appliances for cloud and virtual environments, as well as the highly secure, scalable IceBOXTM BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Private Digital Cloud Solution. On Friday, IceWEB fell 8.57% to $0.0320 for a market cap of $9.01 million plus IWEB is down 54.3% over the past year and down 81.7% over the past five years according to Google Finance.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  So far the brewing recovery effort from IceWEB, Inc. (OTCBB:IWEB) has remained off most traders' radars. That may be about to change, however. That's why you may want to go ahead and take a speculative plunge on IWEB now, on faith that the clues we're seeing now will indeed end up as they're suggesting.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-computer-hardware-companies-for-2015-3.html

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now

This year has shaped out to be quite kind for equity investors as bullish price action remains the dominant theme on Wall Street. iShares is looking to take advantage of all the euphoria with their latest product launch aimed at investors in search of �a ��ore��holding to fill out their portfolio�� equity component; the latest addition to the issuer�� towering lineup of nearly 300 exchange-traded products is the MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) .�

What Is ��uality��The newly launched QUAL is actually a twist on an existing benchmark, the broad MSCI USA Index.��The iShares fund takes a factor-based approach in trimming down the starting universe by employing a series of fundamental metrics screens to narrow down only the highest-quality of companies. The methodology behind QUAL is based on three metrics of quality: high return on equity, stable year-over-year EPS growth, as well as low debt-to-equity .

The result is a portfolio comprised of roughly 125 U.S. large and mid-cap securities with a tilt towards the consumer discretionary, energy, and information technology sectors. QUAL is expected to be seeded with Arizona State Retirement System funds, similar to the three other factor-based ETFs that the firm rolled out this past April which are also based around the MSCI USA Index. QUAL is also expected to charge 0.15% in annual expense fees, similar to the previously mentioned sister ETFs which are:

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Elbit Systems Ltd. (ESLT)

Elbit Systems Ltd. engages in the design, development, manufacture, and integration of defense systems and products worldwide. The company operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, unmanned aircraft systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, electronic warfare (EW) suites, airborne warning systems, electronic intelligence systems, data links, artillery systems, military communications systems, and radios. Its activities include military aircraft and helicopter systems, helmet mounted systems, commercial aviation systems and aero structures, land vehicle systems, electro-optic and countermeasures systems, homeland security systems, EW and signal intelligence systems, and various commercial activities, as well as command, control, communications, computer, and intelligence and cyber systems. The company also provides a range of support services fo r its defense systems and products. Elbit Systems Ltd. markets its systems and products as a prime contractor or subcontractor to various governments and defense contractors. The company was founded in 1966 and is based in Haifa, Israel.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  The Department of Defense awarded more than $562 million worth of contracts�on Wednesday. Publicly traded companies receiving contracts included:

  Eaton Corporation (NYSE: ETN  ) , which was awarded a maximum $12 million firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract to supply various oil nozzles and parts to the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps with a May 22, 2015, performance completion date.
  � Elbit Systems (NASDAQ: ESLT  ) subsidiary M7 Aerospace, awarded a $15.2 million option extension on a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract for logistics support for 12 Navy/Marines UC-35 and seven Navy C-26 transport aircraft through May 2014.
  � Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC  ) , winner of a $15.3 million modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract funding continued systems development and demonstrations of the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System. This is the same�drone that the Royal Australian Air Force recently expressed interest in acquiring.

  Curiously, the DOD clarified that the actual purpose of the latter contract is not so much to perform work on the new drone per se but rather to pay for an upgrade of software being used in the project -- from Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) Windows XP operating system to Windows 7.

• [By Louis Navellier]

  DL has seen solid sales and profit growth and was upgraded to an ����by Portfolio Grader back in April of last year. DL stock remains a ��trong buy��today.

  Great International Stocks: Elbit Systems (ESLT)

  Elbit Systems (ESLT) is an Israeli company that sells its products and services to the defense and aerospace industries.

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Nucor Corporation(NUE)

Nucor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of steel and steel products in North America and internationally. It operates through three segments: Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials. The Steel Mills segment produces hot and cold-rolled sheet steel; plate steel; structural steel comprising wide-flange beams, beam blanks, and sheet piling; and bar steel, such as blooms, billets, concrete reinforcing bar, merchant bar, and special bar quality products. The Steel Products segment offers steel joists and joist girders, steel deck, fabricated concrete reinforcing steel, cold finished steel, steel fasteners, metal building systems, light gauge steel framing, steel grating and expanded metal, and wire and wire mesh products. The Raw Materials segment produces direct reduced iron (DRI); brokers ferrous and nonferrous metals, pig iron, hot briquetted iron, and DRI; supplies ferro-alloys; and processes ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal products. The company?s operations also include various international trading companies that buy and sell steel and steel products. It sells its hot-rolled steel and cold-rolled steel to steel service centers, fabricators, and manufacturers; steel joists and joist girders, and steel deck to general contractors and fabricators; and cold finished steel and steel fasteners to distributors and manufacturers. The company?s products are used by contractors in constructing highways, bridges, reservoirs, utilities, hospitals, schools, airports, stadiums, and high-rise buildings. Nucor Corporation was founded in 1940 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jonathan Yates]

  Steel industry stocks such as ArcelorMittal, Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE), and AK Steel Holding (NYSE: AKS) are undervalued. As an example, AK Steel Holding is selling at a price-to-sales ratio of 0.14. That means that each dollar of sales is valued at more than an 80 percent discount in the stock price. It is much the same for Nucor Corporation, too. ArcelorMittal is selling at a deep discount priced to the value of its assets (0.39) and the amount of its sales (0.44).

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Nucor’s (NUE) side-bet on natural gas looks to be a loser, as the steel company called a halt to its natural-gas project with Encana (ECA) today.

  Reuters

  Bloomberg details impact of that decision:

  The move will reduce Nucor�� 2014 capital expenditure by about $400 million, the�Charlotte, North Carolina-based company said in a statement today. In July it had forecast spending of $1.1 billion next year…

  Nucor also said today it will earn 35 to 40 cents a share in the fourth quarter, compared with 43 cents a year earlier. The average of 18 estimates compiled by Bloomberg was for profit of 40 cents. Nucor�� projection includes 6 cents per share of inventory expenses, compared with a 14-cent credit a year earlier, the company said.

  The news has hit Nucor’s shares today. Its stock has dropped 1.4% to $51.30, even as U.S. Steel (X) has gained 0.3% to $27.20, AK Steel (AKS) has gained 1.2% to $6.10 and Steel Dynamics (STLD) has decline 0.1% to $18.95. Encana is little changes at $17.95.

  Citigroup’s Brian Yu explains that the earnings announcement is good news for AK Steel, U.S. Steel and Steel Dynamics:

  As expected, the company noted improved profitability from their sheet unit, despite the three week planned outage at their Berkeley County mill, due to a series of price hikes. Bar and structural mills saw weaker performance in 4Q due to planned outages for upgrades at their SBQ mill in Norfolk and structural mill in Blytheville. NUE�� comments and guidance have positive implications for sheet producers AKS and X as well as STLD.

  Shares of Nucor have gained 19% this year, while US Steel is up 14%, AK Steel has risen 33% and Steel Dynamics has advanced 38%.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Investors might have been steeling themselves for more losses in steel stocks after Nucor (NUE) offered disappointing guidance–but that was more than offset by price increases at ArcelorMittal (MT).

  ASSOCIATED PRESS

  Shares of Nucor have gained 0.6% to $49.75 at 2:43 p.m., while ArcelorMittal has risen 1.4% to $15.31, US Steel (X) has jumped 4.6% to $25.31, AK Steel (AKS) has climbed 4.4% to $6.39 and Steel Dynamics (STLD) has advanced 1.6% to $16.95.

  Nucor said it would earn 30 to 35 cents a share during the first quarter, below forecasts for 48 cents. Cowen’s Anthony B. Rizzuto and team explain what happened:

  Weather was the main culprit as the frigid temperatures disrupted customer demand, decreased the amount of railcar availability and exacerbated the already seasonally weak performance for [Nucor's] fabricated constructions productions business. In addition, imports have negatively impacted pricing and margins at the company’s bar and sheet mills.

  Nomura’s Curt Woodworth and team lowered their first-quarter estimates but had some good news for steel stocks too:

  Ahead of mid-quarter updates from the mini-mills ([Nucor and Steel Dynamics]) and [AK Steel], which we expect within the coming week, we lower 1Q-14 estimates for our steel coverage, though we continue to have a positive view of equity performance going forward.

  Despite today’s gains, it’s been a tough year for steel stocks. Nucor is off 6.8%at $49.76, US Steel has fallen 14% to $25.31, AK Steel has plunged 22% to $6.38, Steel Dynamics has declined 13% to $16.95 and ArcelorMittal has dropped 14% to $15.31.

Best Value Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Telecom Italia SpA (TIT)

Telecom Italia SpA is an Italy-based company engaged in the communications sector. It operates in the fixed and mobile national and international telecommunications sector. Its activities are divided into five business units. The Domestic unit provides telephone and data services on fixed line and mobile networks for retail voice customers and wholesale operators, as well as develop fiber optic networks. The Brazil unit offers mobile services using Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technologies. The Argentina unit operates in fixed telecommunications through Telecom Argentina and in mobile telecommunications through Telecom Personal, and in Paraguay it operates in mobile telecommunications through Nucleo. The Media unit produces of multimedia music platforms, satellite channels and television broadcasting platforms. The Olivetti unit operates in the sector of office products and services for Information Technology. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jonathan Morgan]

  Telecom Italia SpA (TIT) jumped 6.2 percent to 65.6 euro cents. The phone company that was stripped of its investment-grade rating is seeking at least 9 billion euros for its controlling stake in Brazilian wireless carrier Tim Participacoes SA (TIMP3), according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

• [By Zahra Hankir]

  Brazil�� Ibovespa extended its weekly decline to 3.3 percent. Mobile carrier Tim Participacoes SA (TIMP3) sank after parent Telecom Italia SpA (TIT)�� chief executive officer said its Brazilian assets are strategic, damping speculation the local unit will be sold.

• [By Tom Stoukas]

  Telecom Italia SpA (TIT) rose 5.2 percent to 61 euro cents amid speculation Chief Executive Officer Franco Bernabe will resign. Bernabe plans to tell the board at a meeting scheduled for Oct. 3 that he�� ready to step down after losing the backing of Telco SpA, the Telefonica SA-led holding company that owns 22.4 percent of the carrier, according to a person with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential.

• [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

  Telecom Italia (TIT) SpA gained 1.7 percent as Telefonica SA agreed to increase its stake in the phone operator. Nokia Oyj added 2.4 percent after a U.S. judge found that HTC Corp. violated two of its patents. Total (FP) SA climbed 2.6 percent after Barclays Plc raised its rating on the oil producer. Burckhardt Compression Holding AG slid 7.3 percent after saying fiscal first-half net income will decline from the year-earlier period.

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Telecom Italia S.P.A.(TI)

Telecom Italia S.p.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides fixed-line and mobile telecommunications, Internet, and media services. The company also operates in office and system solutions. Its portfolio ranges from consumer-focused convergent communications services to business-oriented advanced ICT solutions. The company?s integrated range of offerings, proprietary platforms, and network architecture leverage the potential of fixed-line and mobile broadband to offer convergent solutions for communication, Web surfing, always-in-touch services, and serve as a gateway to the digital world from the home, the office, and on the move, from fixed-line telephone, cell phone, PC, or TV. Its business portfolio covers various categories of business needs, from freelance professionals to SMEs, corporations, institutions, and public government bodies. The company?s Web offerings combine Italy?s Virgilio portal with Web 2.0 ventures, such as Yalp!, a TV community where users p ublish their own content and create their own TV channels. Its media operations span traditional broadcasting over analogue and digital networks, and mobile broadcasting through TIM/MTV partnership vehicle, MTV Mobile. The company has operations in Italy, Latin America, Germany, Holland, and the Mediterranean basin. As of December 31, 2009, it provided fixed telecommunications services with approximately 16.1 million physical accesses in Italy. The company?s wholesale customer portfolio consisted of approximately 6.2 million accesses for telephone services; and broadband portfolio had approximately 8.7 million accesses in Italy, as well as 30.8 million mobile telephone lines. Telecom Italia was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Milan, Italy.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  Don't forget the cash flow
  With austerity measures hitting home in Europe, it's fairly easy to understand why Telecom Italia (NYSE: TI  ) (NYSE: TI-A  ) , Italy's largest telephone service provider, has struggled mightily. Unlike in the U.S., where a landline or cell phone are viewed as practical necessities, consumers in Italy have had no problem giving up their landlines, or businesses postponing their network expansion, until Italy's economy improves. In fact, in Telecom Italia's first-quarter report, we saw EBITDA decline 10%, to $3.5 billion, and overall sales dip 8%.

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Peregrine Semiconductor Corp (PSMI)

Peregrine Semiconductor Corporation (Peregrine), incorporated in February 1990, is engaged in the design, manufacturing and marketing radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) for the aerospace and defense, broadband, industrial, mobile wireless device, test and measurement equipment, and wireless infrastructure markets. The Company is provider of RFICs. Its products include RF switches-antenna, RFswitches-broadband and general purpose, digital attenuators, synthesizers, mixers/upconverters, prescalers, variable gain amplifiers, digitally tunable capacitors, DC-DC converters and power amplifiers. Its UltraCMOS technology enables the design, manufacture, and integration of multiple radio frequency (RF), mixed signal, and digital functions on a single chip. Its solutions target a range of applications in the aerospace and defense, broadband, industrial, mobile wireless device, test and measurement equipment, and wireless infrastructure markets.

As of December 25, 2010, The Company offers a portfolio of more than 120 RFICs, including switches, digital attenuators, mixers/upconverters, and prescalers, and it is developing power amplifiers (Pas), digitally tunable capacitors (DTCs), and DC-DC converters. During the fiscal year ended December 25, 2010, its products were sold to more than 1,400 module manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), contract manufacturers, and other customers, including such companies as Amalfi Semiconductor, Inc., The Boeing Company, EPCOS AG, Ericsson AB, Hitachi Media Electronics Company, Ltd., Hitachi Metals, Ltd., Humax Co., Ltd., Itron, Inc., LG Innotek Co., Ltd., Mini-Circuits, Inc., Motorola, Inc., Murata Manufacturing Company, Ltd., Planet Technology Corp., Rockwell Collins, Inc., Rohde & Schwarz, Inc., SIPAT Co., Ltd., Skyworks Solutions, Inc., Sony Corporation, Source Photonics, Inc., and Thales Alenia Space.

RF switches-antenna

RF Switches are utilized in the RF section of mobile devices to route RF signals between! the antenna and the handset core, through one or more signal paths. For mobile handsets, its switch products offer up to 10 RF signal paths with integrated digital bus support and onboard voltage regulation.

RFswitches-broadband and general purpose

The Company�� broadband and general purpose RF switches deliver combination of broadband linearity, settling time, and isolation while routing RF signals to their respective transmit or receive paths. Its attributes are being used by the OEMs of LED and plasma digital televisions (DTVs), set top box, cable infrastructure, test and measurement devices

Digital Attenuators

The Company provides digital step attenuators that are used to control the amplitude of an RF or analog signal. The products include digital control circuitry integrated with an RF attenuator core and are used in third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) cellular base stations, repeaters, and point-to-point nodes.

Synthesizers

The Company�� frequency synthesizers provide an electronic system for generating any of a range of frequencies from a single fixed timebase or oscillator. Its synthesizers provide low-power, ultra-low phase noise, programmable frequency synthesis for defense, broadband, industrial, and wireless infrastructure markets.

Mixers/Upconverters

The Company�� mixers/upconverters are used to translate encoded voice/data signals from one frequency to another to enable radio transmission. Its mixers / upconverters are incorporated into mixer modules and provide industry linearity, which is a metric to maximizing wireless data transmission rates. These attributes are critical in 3G and 4G cellular base station designs.

Prescalers

The Company�� prescalers operate in the C, X, and Ku bands to divide the frequency of a wireless signal in order to extend the operating range of a synthesizer beyond its base capability. Its prescalers complem! ent its f! requency synthesizer line, providing its customers with design.

Variable Gain Amplifiers

The Company�� Variable Gain Amplifiers (VGAs) are used in both the receiving and transmitting path of a radio system to maintain a signal�� strength at a level necessary for other circuits to operate optimally. Its DVGA is the monolithic integrated circuit (IC) to integrate three functional blocks, including digital attenuators, RF/IF amplifiers and a common serial interface onto a single IC.

DC-DC Converters

The Company�� frequency-configurable DC-DC converters efficiently perform voltage conversion using a high frequency switching technique that minimizes system noise. Its DC-DC converters are designed to enable a distributed power management architecture designed for satellite applications, replacing inefficient drop out regulators and central converters.

Power Amplifiers

The Company�� PAs amplify RF signals in order to generate the necessary power required to establish a radio link between a base station and a mobile device. With its UltraCMOS technology the Company has the ability to integrate its PAs on a single chip with other RF, mixed signal, and digital components.

The Company competes with Hittite, M/A-COM, NEC, Renesas, RFMD, Skyworks, Sony, Toshiba and TriQuint Semiconductor.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lee Jackson]

  Peregrine Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ: PSMI) is a lesser known name that is a top stock to buy at Deutsche Bank. The company recently released a new radio frequency (RF) switch specifically designed for broadband cable systems. With HD content exploding, this could be a huge home run for the company. Deutsche Bank has a $14 price target for the stock, the same as the consensus target.

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Amicus Therapeutics Inc.(FOLD)

Amicus Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of orally-administered, small molecule drugs for the treatment of various human genetic diseases. Its drugs are known as pharmacological chaperones, which selectively bind to the target protein, enhance the stability of the protein, help it fold into the three-dimensional shape, and allow proper trafficking of the protein, thereby increasing protein activity, enhance cellular function, and reduce cell stress. The company primarily focuses on lysosomal storage disorders and diseases of neurodegeneration. Its products under development include Amigal, which is in phase III for the treatment of Fabry disease; AT2220, which completed phase I study for the treatment of Pompe disease; and Plicera, that has completed phase I study for the treatment of Gaucher disease. The company has license and collaboration agreement with Glaxo Group Limited to develop and commerc ialize Amigal. The company was founded in 2002 and is based in Cranbury, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  5. You've got to know when to FOLD 'em
  Investing in biotech upstarts can be pretty risky, and Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FOLD  ) investors learned that the hard way this week.

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: NCR Corp (NCR)

NCR Corporation (NCR), incorporated on January 02, 1926, is a technology company, which provides products and services, which enable businesses to connect, interact and transact with their customers and enhance their customer relationships by addressing consumer demand for convenience, value and individual service. NCR�� portfolio of self-service and assisted-service solutions serve customers in the financial services, retail, hospitality, travel and gaming and entertainment industries and include automated teller machines (ATMs), self-service kiosks and point of sale (POS) devices, as well as software applications, which can be used by consumers to enable them to interact with businesses from their computer or mobile device. NCR complements these product solutions by offering a portfolio of services to help customers design, deploy and support its technology tools. NCR also resells third-party networking products and provides related service offerings in the telecommunications and technology sectors. The Company operates in four segments: Financial Services, Retail Solutions, Hospitality (formerly Hospitality and Specialty Retail), and Emerging Industries. Its product and service offerings include ATMs and Other Financial Products, Self-Service Kiosks, Point of Sale, Check and Document Imaging, Services, and Consumables. In June 2012, the Company acquired POS Integrated Solutions, a reseller of the NCR Aloha solution for restaurants; Wyse Sistemas de Informatica Ltda., a provider of software solutions, including the Colibri suite of hospitality software, and Radiant Distribution Solutions (RDS), a NCR Hospitality hardware distribution partner. In June 2012, Coinstar, Inc.�� wholly owned subsidiary, Redbox Automated Retail, LLC, acquired certain assets of the Company�� self-service entertainment DVD kiosk business. In November 2012, NCR acquired Retalix Ltd. In January 2013, the Company purchased uGenius Technology, Inc. In February 2013, the Company acquired Retalix Ltd. In January 2014, NCR Co! rp completed the acquisition of Digital Insight Corporation.

ATMs and Other Financial Products

The Company provides financial institutions, retailers and independent deployers with financial-oriented self-service technologies, such as ATMs, cash dispensers, and software solutions, including the APTRA application suite as well as consulting services related to ATM security, software and bank branch optimization. ATM and other financial product solutions are designed to quickly and reliably process consumer transactions and incorporate advanced features such as automated check cashing/deposit, automated cash deposit, Web-enablement and bill payment (including mobile bill payment).

Point of Sale

The Company provides retail and hospitality oriented technologies such as point of sale terminals, bar-code scanners, software and services to companies and venues worldwide. Combining its retail and hospitality industry, software and hardware technologies, and consulting services, its solutions are designed to enable cost reductions and improve operational efficiency while increasing customer satisfaction.

Self-Service Kiosks

The Company provides self-service kiosks to the retail, hospitality, travel and gaming, and entertainment industries and also owns and operates self-service kiosks in the entertainment industry. Its versatile kiosk solutions can support retail self-service functions, including self-checkout, wayfinding, bill payment and gift registries. It provides self check in/out kiosk solutions to airlines, hotels and casinos, which allows guests to check-in/out without assistance. These solutions create pleasant and convenient experiences for consumers and enable its customers to reduce costs. Its kiosks for the hospitality industry provide consumers the ability to order and pay at restaurants while enabling its customers to streamline order processing and reduce operating costs.

Check and Document Imaging

The ! Company�� check and document imaging offerings provide end-to-end solutions for both traditional paper-based and image-based check and item processing. These solutions utilize advanced image recognition and workflow technologies to automate item processing, helping financial institutions efficiency and reduce operating costs. Consisting of hardware, software, consulting and support services, its comprehensive check and document imaging solutions enable check and item-based transactions to be digitally captured, processed and retained within a flexible, scalable environment.

Consumables

The Company develop, produce and market a complete line of printer consumables for various print technologies. These products include two-sided thermal paper (2ST), paper rolls for receipts in ATMs and POS solutions, inkjet and laser printer supplies, thermal transfer and ink ribbons, labels, laser documents, business forms, and specialty media items such as photo and presentation papers. Consumables are designed to optimize operations and improve transaction accuracy, while reducing overall costs.

Services

The Company provides maintenance and support services for its product offerings and also provides other services, including site assessment and preparation, staging, installation and implementation, systems management and complete managed services. It also offers a range of software and services, such as Software-as-a-Service, hosted services, and online, mobile and transactional services and applications, such as bill pay and digital signage. In addition, it is also focused on expanding the resale of third party networking products and related service offerings to a base of customers in the telecommunications and technology sectors and servicing third-party computer hardware from select manufacturers.

The Company competes with Diebold, Inc., Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co., Hyosung, IBM, Wincor, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, ToshibaTec, Dell, Honeywell, Micros Syste! ms, Verif! one, Datalogic, SITA and IER.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  NCR Corp.(NCR), a maker of automatic teller machines, has agreed to pay $1.65 billion to acquire outsourced online banking firm Digital Insight Corp., a move to address rising consumer interest to bank across multiple channels.

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- Wall Street hedge-fund investor David Einhorn was active in the last quarter of 2013, taking new stakes in technology and energy companies, while trimming existing holdings in insurer Aetna (AET) , NCR Corp (NCR) and WPX Energy (WPX) , according to an SEC filing Friday. Einhorn's Greenlight Capital picked up stakes in Anadarko Petroleum (APC) , BP (BP) , McDermott Intl. (MDR) , Micron Technolgy (MU) and Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) , according to the latest 13F filing. He trimmed stakes in Aetna, Einstein Noah (BAGL) and WPX Energy, according to the filing.

Best Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Hercules Offshore Inc.(HERO)

Hercules Offshore, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides shallow-water drilling and marine services to the oil and natural gas exploration and production industry in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and internationally. Its services comprise oil and gas exploration and development drilling, well services, platform inspection, and maintenance and decommissioning services in various water provinces. As of May 10, 2011, the company owned and operated a fleet of 50 jackup rigs, 17 barge rigs, 65 liftboats, 3 submersible rigs, and 1 platform rig. It serves national oil and gas companies, integrated energy companies, and independent oil and natural gas operators. The company was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, shallow-water oil and gas driller Hercules Offshore (NASDAQ: HERO  ) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

• [By Travis Hoium]

  What: Shares of Hercules Offshore (NASDAQ: HERO  ) dropped as much as 11% today after a rig standing over a ruptured well collapsed.

  So what: A fire broke out on one of Hercules's rigs yesterday, and there are now reports that the rig has collapsed and the fire has yet to be contained. All workers were evacuated and there's no evidence yet of oil escaping from the natural gas well, but the company will be on the hook for massive repair costs at the very least.

Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs

Related STKL Morning Market Movers SunOpta Outlines Details for Added Expansion of Aseptic Processing, Packaging Capabilities Related CXDC Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs Morning Market Movers

SunOpta (NASDAQ: STKL) shares reached a new 52-week high of $12.76 after the company reported upbeat Q1 earnings.

China XD Plastics Company (NASDAQ: CXDC) shares rose 6.34% to touch a new 52-week high of $8.39 after the company reported its Q1 earnings of $0.34 per share.

Windstream Holdings (NASDAQ: WIN) shares gained 0.43% to touch a new 52-week high of $9.24. Windstream's trailing-twelve-month ROE is 22.79%.

The WhiteWave Foods Company (NYSE: WWAV) surged 1.57% to reach a new 52-week high of $31.07. WhiteWave Foods shares have jumped 61.25% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 14.97% in the same period.

Posted-In: 52-Week HighsNews Intraday Update Markets Movers

© 2014 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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3 Champion Tech Stocks That Will Make a Comeback

Popular Posts: Bottom-Fishers in Groupon Stock Will Get Pummeled3 Champion Tech Stocks That Will Make a ComebackApple: AAPL Stock WILL Reach $700 Recent Posts: 3 Champion Tech Stocks That Will Make a Comeback Bottom-Fishers in Groupon Stock Will Get Pummeled 3 Important Earnings Reports to Watch This Week View All Posts

The Dow is at a new all-time high, as is the S&P 500. The Nasdaq Composite and the large-cap tech stocks found in the Nasdaq 100 … well, that's a different story. Both of these indices are well off their all-time highs of some 14 years ago. More recently, the past couple of months have been particularly hard on techs, with the QQQ down 2.8% since its March high.

The selling in the sector, including some of the biggest bellwether tech stocks of the past several years, has caused many shareholders to wonder if once-mighty champions have now suffered a crushing blow from the right hand of rotation into sectors such as energy, industrials and even Treasury bonds.

Understandably, some of the biggest and most widely held tech stocks have been reeling, but is this a reason to run the other way, or should investors be jumping into some of the biggest and best beaten-down companies before they make a victorious comeback?

Here are three tech stocks that will come off the canvas and fight their way back to victory.

Amazon (AMZN)

The online seller of everything has been one of the greatest corporate success stories ever, and one of the greatest tech stocks in Wall Street history. For so many years, CEO Jeff Bezos's formula of pouring nearly every dime of revenue back into Amazon (AMZN) at the expense of a strong bottom line (or a dividend to shareholders) was embraced wildly by investors of all stripes.

Recently, however, Amazon saw a decline in Q1 operating income due largely to a substantial 28% increase in shipping costs worldwide. The news was interpreted as a big negative for AMZN stock, and the result was a ramped up decline in the shares, which have plummeted more than 10% since Apr. 24.

In fact, AMZN stock has really taken it on the chin in 2014 — down more than 24%, year-to-date.

Yet for Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and anyone who is a long-term investor, I think AMZN stock here at the $300 level represents a battered bargain that can lead you up the river toward some very big profits in the years to come. How big are the potential gains? Well, consider that over the past five years, AMZN stock has posted a total return of more than 300%. I'd say that kind of gain deserves championship accolades.

Netflix (NFLX)

Video streaming service Netflix (NFLX) has basically changed the way we consume entertainment, and the impact the company is having on the entire old guard media delivery mechanisms has been both revolutionary and ridiculously rapid. I don't know anyone who doesn't regularly "binge watch" TV series such as House of Cards or Breaking Bad, and one of the only ways to do this is via Netflix.

Now, for the past five years, investors have been binging on NFLX stock, which has posted a five-year total return of more than 800%. Yes, that ride has been fraught with a lot of volatility, but like any good TV action hero, NFLX stock has proven it can overcome adversity. The latest round of dings has come since NFLX stock hit its March 4 high. Shares are down some 23% since then, partly due to the wider selloff in tech, but also due to talk of competition from a new streaming service created by powerhouses Apple (AAPL) and Comcast (CMSCA).

The way I see it, competing tech stocks had better get to it soon, because news today from network services firm Sandvine revealed that Netflix continues to increase its share of fixed-line web traffic in North America. A Sandvine report said that, so far in 2014, Netflix has accounted for 34% of data flowing to consumers during peak times (a 2% bump from the second half of 2013).

The growth of Netflix is a trend that shows no signs of abetting anytime soon, and if the company can execute in markets such as Europe, NFLX stock could easily bounced back into the $450 range — about a $100 (nearly 30%) higher than its current price level.

Tesla (TSLA)

The juggernaut electric carmaker Tesla Motors (TSLA) is not only an auto manufacturer; it's also a huge technology play. CEO Elon Musk has proven himself to be the kind of leader that inspires confidence, and more importantly big profits, for TSLA stock investors. That confidence, alongside the impressive revenue and earnings Tesla have brought in, has driven TSLA stock to an 900% gain over the past five years. So far in 2014, TSLA stock is up nearly 28%, and that's despite a recent slip of 25% since the stock hit its most recent high on March 4.

The latest round of selling in TSLA stock came despite what I think was a strong Q1 top- and bottom-line that beat expectations. Still, Wall Street took the opportunity to "sell the news" in TSLA stock, and the result was a steep drop in the shares on May 8, one day after the company's earnings reveal.

I suspect TSLA stock is one of those situations where, in order to keep jolting higher, Tesla has to come in with outrageously impressive revenue and earnings. Simply coming in with good numbers is likely going to be met with more sell-the-news trade, and that's certainly understandable after such a massive run in the stock.

But if you are looking for a true champion that dominates a niche market, and one whose market penetration is just now getting started, then there is no denying the ability of Tesla to come roaring back to victory.

Expansion in China is just one of the near-term catalysts that could give TSLA stock another major spark, but then there's the planned release of the company's Model X, as well as a lower-priced version of the Model S sedan. Production of these vehicles will be possible thanks to Tesla's new battery "Gigafactory," which it plans to invest about $4 million to $5 million to create.

The bottom line here is that Tesla, and TSLA stock, will almost certainly be much higher in the years ahead than it is right now. That means the latest 25% pullback is your opportunity to take this profitable ride at a discount.

As of this writing, Jim Woods was long AMZN, TSLA.