Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014

While the stock market struggled to build momentum at the beginning of this year, Warren Buffett stayed true to his philosophy and continued to invest in his favorite companies. Courtesy of a new filing, we now have a peek at how the Oracle of Omaha deployed capital in the first-quarter.

Many institutional investment recently filed their mandatory 13-F with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The filing is a quarterly report of equity holdings required by managers that oversee more than $100 million in qualifying assets and must be filed within 45 days of the end of each quarter. The 13-F provides a glance at what firms did in the previous quarter, but investors should keep in mind that hedging and trading strategies of each fund are still unknown.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRKA) made several changes during the first three months of the year. The company raised its stakes in Wal-Mart (WMT), U.S. Bancorp (USB), International Business Machines (IBM), and DaVita Healthcare Partners (DVA). There was also a new position in Verizon Communications (VZ) worth $524.4 million. However, Berkshire Hathaway reduced its positions in General Motors (GM), DirectTV (DTV), and Phillips 66 (PSX).

Top Solar Stocks To Watch Right Now: YPF Sociedad Anonima(YPF)

YPF SOCIEDAD ANONIMA, an energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Argentina. The company also involves in refining, marketing, transportation, and distribution of oil and a range of petroleum products, petroleum derivatives, petrochemicals, LPG, and bio-fuels; and gas separation and natural gas distribution operations. As of December 31, 2010, it had proved reserves of approximately 531 million barrels of oil and 2,533 billion cubic feet of gas; and retail distribution network of 1,622 YPF-branded service stations for automotive petroleum products. The company?s crude oil transportation network includes approximately 2,700 kilometers of crude oil pipelines with approximately 640,000 barrels of aggregate daily transportation capacity of refined products; crude oil tankage of approximately 7 million barrels; and terminal facilities at 5 Argentine ports. In addition, it participates in 3 power stations with an aggregate installed capacity of 1,622 megawatts. The company was founded in 1977 and is based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. YPF SOCIEDAD ANONIMA is a subsidiary of Repsol YPF, S.A.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Matt DiLallo]

    In order to expand, Chevron has been working�on a joint venture agreement�with YPF� (NYSE: YPF  ) , which is the national drilling company in the country and a key holder in the Vaca Muerta field. The $1.5 billion venture would help jump-start the development of that field and could be worth up to $15 billion in total future investments. Foreign investments like Chevron's will be important in developing the play; its estimated that about $3 billion would be required just to get the shale gas extraction started, with upwards of $25 billion needed to develop Vaca Muerta's shale oil and gas potential.

  • [By Matt DiLallo]

    After lots of speculation, oil and gas giant Chevron (NYSE: CVX  ) has finally come to terms on a joint development agreement with Argentine national oil company YPF (NYSE: YPF  ) . The $1.24 billion deal will help further the development of oil and gas at Argentina's Vaca Muerta formation. Vaca Muerta, which in Spanish means "dead cow," holds more hope for both Chevron and Argentina than that name might imply, as it's estimated to hold 27 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil.

  • [By Jonathan Yates]

    That is very easy to fix, however. Investors should look at the recent example of YPF SA (NYSE: YPF), the Argentine oil giant. Actions by the government of Argentina drove down the share price. Since then, the country has worked to make YPF SA, and Argentia, more attractive to investors. As a result, YPF SA is up more than 90 percent for 2013. Much of the economic health of Brazil rests on the performance of Petrobras, so more beneficial actions from the Government of Brazil should be expected.

  • [By Dan Carroll]

    That's all Chevron's stock has done today, however, falling along with the broader energy sector. Strangely, Chevron's stock is on the downswing despite a release of good news. The Supreme Court of Argentina unfroze Chevron's assets in the South American nation, lifting an earlier embargo that had gone on for months. Chevron is looking to team up with Argentinian state-run energy firm YPF (NYSE: YPF  ) in developing the Vaca Muerta shale field, the world's second-largest shale-oil basin.

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014: SAIC Inc(SAI)

SAIC, Inc. scientific, engineering, systems integration, and technical services and solutions to various branches of the U.S. military, agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the other U.S. government civil agencies, state and local government agencies, foreign governments, and customers in select commercial markets. Its Government segment provides a range of technical services and solutions in the areas of systems engineering and integration, software development, cyber security, data processing and analysis, secure information sharing and collaboration, IT outsourcing, communication systems and infrastructure, command and control, logistics, research and development, environmental consulting, energy and utilities, design and construction, securing critical infrastructure, disaster preparedness and recovery, homeland security product, geospatial solutions, and modeling and simulation. The compan y?s Commercial segment provides consulting, systems integration, and managed IT services, as well as customizable IT software solutions to oil and gas customers; and enterprise information technology optimization, business intelligence, enterprise resource planning maintenance, and staff augmentation services to select commercial customers, and state and local government customers. In addition, it offers business, engineering, energy, and infrastructure consulting services; language translation, interpretation, and training services; architectural design services; and information systems and communications, and rapid prototyping of technical solutions and products focused on support to intelligence and special warfare operations. SAIC, Inc. was formerly known as Science Applications, Inc. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    The U.S. Department of Defense awarded nine new contracts on Monday worth some $1.121 billion in aggregate. While one single IT contract claimed the bulk of the awards, there were other, smaller winners as well. Here are a few of them:

  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    Next Monday, SAIC (NYSE: SAI  ) will release its latest quarterly results. Even though the stock has soared to two-year highs recently, investors appear nervous about the company's earnings prospects going forward.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The U.S. Department of Defense awarded multiple contractors shares in some 17 contracts Tuesday, valued at up to $1.3 billion in combined dollar value. Most of the funds awarded went to a series of 13 contractors working on a single cyber-defense project -- but there were a few other winners. Among them:

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    SAIC (NYSE: SAI  ) is continuing its habit of paying out a little over a dime per share in quarterly distributions. The company on Monday declared a regular dividend of $0.12 per share, to be paid on July 30 to shareholders of record as of July 15.

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014: ProShares Short FTSE Xinhua China 25 (YXI)

ProShares Short FTSE China 25 (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks daily investment results that correspond to the inverse (opposite) of the daily performance of the FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (the Index). The Index consists of 25 of the largest and most liquid Chinese stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This free float adjusted Index caps the weight of any of constituent stock at 10% to ensure broad representation of the Chinese economy. The Fund seeks investment results for a single day only, not for longer periods. The Index is compiled and calculated by FTSE International Limited (FTSE) on behalf of FTSE/Xinhua Index Limited (FXI). The Fund will typically concentrate its investments in issuers of one or more particular industries to the same extent that its underlying Index is so concentrated. The Fund�� investment advisor is ProShare Advisors LLC. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By pamatlarge]

    Three short ETFs are designed to profit from China�� economic downward slide. The ProShares Short FTSE China 25 (YXI), an unleveraged ETF, holds shares in iShares FTSE China Large-Cap (FXI) swaps. Investors looking to magnify their returns can choose from two leveraged short ETFs: ProShares Ultra Short FTSE China 25 (FXP) and Direxion Daily China Bear 3x Shares (YANG). Both ProShares Ultra Short and Direxion Daily hold shares that increase in value three times faster than an unleveraged ETF. The downside is that the per share price of these leveraged ETFs also drops three times faster.

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014: Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund Inc (ETF)

Aberdeen Emerging Markets Smaller Company Opportunities Fund Inc (the Fund), formerly Aberdeen Emerging Markets Telecommunications and Infrastructure Fund, Inc., non-diversified management investment company. The Fund�� principal investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund�� net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, are invested in equity and debt securities of emerging markets telecommunications companies and of infrastructure companies. In addition, under normal market conditions, at least 20% (but not more than 24.9% at the time of purchase) of the Fund�� net assets will be invested in equity and debt securities of companies in the infrastructure industry. Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited (AAML) serves as the Fund�� investment adviser with respect to all investments. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By inthemoneystocks]

    Millions of soccer fans around the world await the most important global sporting event, the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Many media outlets have already started to hype different stocks, as well as statistics about the event. This brings about a question for us traders: Who is going to win and how can we profit? As technical traders, who study and trade from the charts, we are one step ahead of the news, and possibly even the game! With that in mind, let's look to the iShares MSCI Brazil Index (ETF) (NYSEARCA:EWZ) to help us pick the winning nation by analyzing the chart.

  • [By Victor Selva]

    Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)

    An ETF is a special type of fund that invests in a portfolio of stocks or bonds. The aim is to mimic the performance of a specified index. As well as the shares, they are traded in the secondary market at any time (market hours) and investors can sell short.

  • [By Rich Bieglmeier]

    [Related -SPDR Gold Trust (ETF) (GLD): What Will Move Gold As Ukraine Crisis Eases?]

    Back to atomic Number 79; iStock thought a 3-T review of gold might be timely as many investors might be wondering if the recent vertical drop is a buying opportunity or if it is best to stand on the sidelines.

  • [By Mani]

    [Related -SPDR Gold Trust (ETF) (GLD): Is It Time To Buy Gold?]

    UBS strategist Edel Tully expects gold will remain bid so long as Ukraine/Russia tensions remain high, but that needs to come from fresh longs as gross shorts are now much reduced.

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014: Delphi Automotive PLC (DLPH)

Delphi Automotive PLC (Delphi), incorporated on May 19, 2011, is a global vehicle components manufacturer and provides electrical and electronic, powertrain, safety and thermal technology solutions to the global automotive and commercial vehicle markets. As of December 31, 2012, the Company operated 126 manufacturing facilities and 15 technical centers utilizing a regional service model that enables it to serve its global customers. The Company operates through four segments: Electrical / Electronic Architecture; Powertrain Systems; Electronics and Safety and Thermal Systems. In October 2012, the Company acquired FCI Group�� Motorized Vehicles Division.

The Company�� Electrical / Electronic Architecture segment provides complete design of the vehicle�� electrical architecture, including connectors, wiring assemblies and harnesses, electrical centers and hybrid power distribution systems. Its Powertrain Systems segment provides systems integration of full end-to-end gasoline and diesel engine management systems, including fuel handling, fuel injection, combustion, electronic controls and test and validation capabilities. Its Electronics and Safety segment provides critical components, systems and advanced software for passenger safety, security, comfort and infotainment, as well as vehicle operation, including body controls, reception systems, infotainment and connectivity systems, hybrid vehicle power electronics, passive and active safety electronics, displays and mechatronics. Thermal Systems segment provides powertrain cooling and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as compressors, systems and controls, and heat exchangers for the vehicle markets.

Electrical/Electronic Architecture

The Company�� offers complete electrical/electronic architectures for its customer-specific needs. Connectors are engineered for use in the automotive and related markets, but also have applications in the aerospace, military and telematics sector! s. Electrical centers provide centralized electrical power and signal distribution and all of the associated circuit protection and switching devices, thereby optimizing the overall vehicle electrical system. Distribution systems are integrated into one optimized vehicle electrical system, which can utilize smaller cable and gauge sizes and ultra-thin wall insulation.

The Company competes with Lear Corporation, Leoni AG, Molex Inc, TE Connectivity, Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.

Powertrain Systems

The Company offers products for complete engine management systems (EMS) and other products to help optimize performance, emissions and fuel economy. The gasoline EMS portfolio features fuel injection and air/fuel control, valvetrain, ignition, sensors and actuators, transmission control products, and powertrain electronic control modules with software, algorithms and calibration. The diesel EMS product line offers common rail fuel and air injection system technologies. The Powertrain Systems segment also supplies integrated fuel handling systems for gasoline, diesel, flexfuel and biofuel configurations. It also includes diesel and automotive aftermarket and original equipment service in the Powertrain Systems segment.

The Company competes with BorgWarner Inc., Bosch Group, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd. and Magneti Marelli S.p.A.

Electronics and Safety

The Company offers a range of electronic and safety equipment in the areas of controls, security, infotainment, communications, safety systems and power electronics. Electronic controls products consist of body computers and security systems. Infotainment and driver interface portfolio consists of receivers, advanced reception systems, digital receivers, satellite audio receivers, navigation systems, displays and mechatronics. Safety electronics includes occupant detection systems, collision warning systems, advanced cruise control technologies a! nd collis! ion sensing. Electric and hybrid electric vehicle power electronics includes power modules, inverters and converters and battery packs.

The Company competes Autoliv AB, Bosch Group, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Harman International Industries and Panasonic Corporation.

Thermal Systems

The Company offers energy efficient thermal system and component solutions for the automotive market and continues to develop applications for the non-automotive market. Its automotive thermal products are designed to meet customers��needs for powertrain thermal management and cabin thermal comfort. Powertrain cooling products include condenser, radiator, fan module and charge air cooling heat exchangers assemblies. Climate control portfolio includes HVAC modules, with evaporator and heater core components, compressors and controls.

The Company competes with Denso Corporation, MAHLE Behr Industry, Sanden Corporation, Valeo Inc. and Visteon Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    JPMorgan’s Ryan Brinkman and team note that Delphi Automotive (DLPH) could be in the firing line. They explain:

    We learned that Delphi is the supplier in question of the ignition switches [General Motors] is recalling on 1.6 mn affected vehicles. The ignition switch was produced by a predecessor entity to the current post-bankruptcy Delphi Automotive, potentially shielding the supplier from liability, but we nevertheless expect Delphi to incur costs to assist�[General Motors] in fixing the affected vehicles, which we believe both�[General Motors] and Delphi are committed to doing in as expeditious a manner as possible. Delphi management commented that a typical ignition switch is an inexpensive part, sometimes costing as little as $2 to $5 to produce (suggesting a total recall cost of ~$3.2 mn to $8.0 mn, ex-labor, or ~$0.01 to $0.02 of EPS), and that swapping the ignition for a new one is not labor intensive ��potentially done in only a few minutes. This contrasts with other recalls with which Delphi has been involved, which can sometimes necessitate replacement of a costlier component or one that is in a hard-to-reach area, such as deep within an engine, and was described as relatively straight-forward.

  • [By Holly LaFon]

    In the last several weeks, three hedge and mutual fund managers sold shares of their holdings where they own 5% or more of the company, according to GuruFocus Real Time Picks. Most of the managers made large gains on these sales, with one exception. John Paulson reduced his stake in Delphi (DLPH), Third Avenue reduced its stake in Skyline Corp. (SKY), and NWQ Managers reduced its stake in PrivateBancorp (PVTB) and Bob Evans Farms (BOBE). John Paulson and Delphi Auto Plc (DLPH)

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Morgan Stanley’s strategists are no fans of consumer sectors–staples or discretionary–but that doesn’t mean all consumers stocks are stinkers, as stocks like Delphi Automotive (DLPH) and Macy’s (M) look primed to shine.

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014: Qlik Technologies Inc.(QLIK)

Qlik Technologies Inc. engages in the development, commercialization, and implementation of software products and related services for user-driven business intelligence that enables customers to make business decisions primarily in the Americas, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and Africa. It provides QlikView Business Discovery platform, which helps people create and share insights and analysis in groups and across organizations. Business users can explore data, ask and answer their own stream of questions, and follow their own path to insight on their own and in teams and groups. The company also offers maintenance and professional services. It sells its products to a range of industry verticals, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, pharmaceuticals, retail, manufacturing, technology, and healthcare through its direct sales force, as well as through an indirect channel partners comprising distribution partners, value-added resellers, system integrators, and original equipment manufacturers to license and support its software platform. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Garrett Cook]

    Shares of Qlik Technologies (NASDAQ: QLIK) got a boost, shooting up 12.48 percent to $26.31 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

  • [By Ant贸nio Costa]

    Qlik Technologies Inc(NASDAQ: QLIK) Looks good as it breaks to new highs. Looking at the technical daily chart above, it shows very strong upward momentum as the stock is above all EMAs, with both 200-day and 50-day exp moving average going up. In addition, CMF and MACD also show very bullish signs.

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    Shares of Qlik Technologies (NASDAQ: QLIK) got a boost, shooting up 14.28 percent to $26.73 after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

Hot International Companies To Invest In 2014: Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (Northrop Grumman), incorporated on January 16, 2001, provides products, services, and integrated solutions in aerospace, electronics, information and services to its global customers. As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated in four segments: Aerospace Systems, Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Technical Services. The Company conducts most of its business with the United States Government, principally the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community. It also conducts business with local, state, and foreign Governments and domestic and international commercial customers. Effective as of March 31, 2011, the company completed the spin-off of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII). HII operates the Company�� former shipbuilding business. In September 2012, it acquired M5 Network Security Pty Ltd.

Aerospace Systems

Aerospace Systems is engaged in the design, development, integration and production of manned and unmanned aircraft, spacecraft, high-energy laser systems, microelectronics and other systems and subsystems. Aerospace Systems��customers, primarily domestic government agencies, use these systems in a number of different mission areas, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; communications; battle management; strike operations; electronic warfare; missile defense; earth observation; space science; and space exploration. The segment consists of four business areas: Strike & Surveillance Systems; Space Systems; Battle Management & Engagement Systems; and Advanced Programs & Technology. Strike & Surveillance Systems designs, develops, manufactures and integrates tactical and long-range strike aircraft systems, unmanned systems, and missile systems. Key programs include the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance system, B-2 stealth bomber, F-35 Lightning II (F-35), F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter, Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft syste! m, and Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP).

Space Systems designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates spacecraft systems, subsystems and electronic and communications payloads. Its main programs include the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) payload and many restricted programs. The Battle Management & Engagement Systems designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates airborne early warning, surveillance, battlefield management, and electronic warfare systems. Key programs include the E-2 Hawkeye, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS), Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft system, EA-6B Prowler and its next generation platform, the EA-18G Growler, and Long Endurance Multi Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV). Advanced Programs & Technology creates advanced technologies and concepts. Its programs include the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS), and other directed energy and advanced concepts programs.

Electronic Systems

Electronic Systems is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and support of solutions for sensing, understanding, anticipating, and controlling the environment for its global military, civil, and commercial customers and their operations. Electronic Systems provides a variety of defense electronics and systems, airborne fire control radars, situational awareness systems, early warning systems, airspace management systems, navigation systems, communications systems, marine systems, space systems, and logistics services. The segment consists of five business areas: Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance Systems; Land & Self Protection Systems; Naval & Marine Systems; Navigation Systems; and Targeting Systems. Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems delivers products and services for space satellite applications, airborne and ground-based surveillance, multi-sensor processing, analysis, and dissemination for com! bat units! and national agencies both domestically and internationally, providing battlespace awareness, missile defense, and command and control. Key products include the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), Defense Support Program (DSP), ground processing, exploitation and dissemination systems, the TPS-78/703 family of ground based surveillance radars, and the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar.

Land & Self Protection Systems delivers products, systems, and services that support ground-based, helicopter and fixed wing platforms (manned and unmanned) with sensor and protection systems. These systems perform threat detection and countermeasures that defeat infrared and radio frequency (RF) guided missile and tracking systems. The division also provides integrated electronic warfare capability, communications, and intelligence systems; unattended ground sensors; automatic test equipment; and advanced threat simulators. Key programs include the U.S. Marine Corps Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) multi-mission radar; the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and strategic international and NATO allies; the AN/ALQ-131(V) electronic countermeasures pod; the LR-100 high-performance radar warning receiver (RWR)/electronic support measures (ESM)/electronic intelligence (ELINT) receiver system; the U.S. Army�� STARLite Synthetic Aperture Radar for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); the U.S. Army Vehicle Intercom Systems (VIC-3 and VIC-5); the U.S. Army Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS); the U.S. Air Force Joint Threat Emitter (JTE) training range system; and the Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER) system that enable airborne platforms to track individual persons or vehicles.

Naval & Marine Systems delivers products and services to defense, civil, and commercial customers supporting smart navigation, shipboard radar surveillance, ship control, mac! hinery co! ntrol, integrated combat management systems for naval surface ships, high-resolution undersea sensors (for mine hunting, situational awareness, and other applications), unmanned marine vehicles, shipboard missile and encapsulated payload launch systems, propulsion and power generation systems, and nuclear reactor instrumentation and control. Key products include Integrated Bridge and Navigation Systems, Voyage Management System, Integrated Platform Management Systems, Integrated Combat Management System, AN/WSN-7 Inertial Navigator, anti-ship missile defense and surveillance radars (Cobra Judy, AN/SPQ-9B, AN/SPS-74), propulsion equipment, missile launch, and sonar systems for the Virginia-class submarine, and launch system support for the Ohio-class submarine.

Navigation Systems delivers products and services to defense, civil, and commercial customers supporting situational awareness, inertial navigation in all domains (air, land, sea, and space), embedded Global Positioning Systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, acoustic sensors, cockpit video monitors, mission computing, and integrated avionics and electronics systems. Key products include the Integrated Avionics System, the AN/TYQ-23 Aircraft Command and Control System, Fiber Optic Acoustic Sensors, and a robust portfolio of inertial sensors and navigation systems. Targeting Systems delivers products and services supporting airborne combat avionics (fire control radars, multi-function apertures and pods), airborne electro-optical/infrared targeting systems, and laser/electro-optical systems including hand-held, tripod-mounted, and ground or air vehicle mounted systems. Key products include fire control radars for the B-1B, F-16 (worldwide), F-22 U.S. Air Force, and F-35; AN/APN-241 navigation/weather radar; the AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING family of targeting pods; Distributed Aperture EO/IR systems; and the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR). In addition, the Electronic Systems segment also includes the Advanced Co! ncepts & ! Technologies Division (AC&TD), which develops next-generation systems and architectures.

Information Systems

Information Systems is a provider of advanced solutions for the DoD, national intelligence, federal civilian, state and local agencies, and commercial and international customers. Products and services focus on the fields of command, control, communications, computers (C4) and intelligence; airborne reconnaissance; intelligence processing; air and missile defense; decision support systems; cybersecurity; information technology; and systems engineering and integration. The segment consists of three business areas: Defense Systems; Intelligence Systems, and Civil Systems. Defense Systems is a provider of net-enabled Battle Management, C4 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems, decision superiority, and mission-enabling solutions and services in support of the national defense and security of our nation and its allies. Defense Systems is a developer and integrator of many of the DoD�� programs-of-record, particularly for command and control (C2) and communications for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and Joint Forces. Major products and services include C4ISR Integration, Mission Systems Integration, Military Communications and Networks, Battle Management C2 and Decision Support Systems, Tactical and Operational C2, Ground and Maritime Combat Systems, Air and Missile Defense, Combat Support Solutions and Services, Enterprise Infrastructure and Applications, Defense Logistics Systems, Identity Management and Biometric Solutions, Cloud Computing, Maritime Mission Systems and Force and Critical Infrastructure Protection. Systems are installed in operational and command centers worldwide and across all DoD services and joint commands.

Intelligence Systems is focused on the delivery of intelligence-related systems and services to the United States Government and the international security community. Intelligence Systems focuses ! on missio! n areas, including Airborne Intelligence, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems, Cybersecurity, Geospatial Intelligence, Pervasive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Ground Systems, Multi-Source Intelligence Data Fusion, and Dynamic Cyber Defense. Its offerings include intelligence sensing, processing, exploitation and dissemination systems, extremely Large-Scale Data Information Management, Intelligence and Prime Systems Integration, Knowledge Discovery Processes, ISR/Communications Quick Reaction Capability Solutions, Sensor Systems, Support to Special Operations, Cyber-SIGINT Mission Management/Multi-Intelligence, Language Services/Intelligence Analysis, Cyber Exploitation, Satellite Ground Stations, Weather Services, Geospatial Systems, Product Generation and Dissemination, Counter Narco-Terrorism, Drug Enforcement Operations, Geo-Intelligence Tradecraft Training, Enterprise Information Technology, Ground-Based Sensing, Studies and Analysis, Sustainment, Operations and Maintenance. Civil Systems provides specialized information systems and services in support of critical civilian government missions, such as homeland security, health, cybersecurity, civil financial, law enforcement and public safety. Primary customers are federal civilian agencies with some state and local and international customers. Civil Systems develops and implements solutions that combine a deep understanding of civil government domains with core expertise in prime systems integration, enterprise applications development, and high value information technology service, including cybersecurity, advanced networking and cloud computing.

Technical Services

Technical Services is a provider of logistics, infrastructure, and sustainment support, while also providing an array of modernization, high technology, and training and simulation services. The segment consists of three business areas: Defense and Government Services; Training Solutions; and Integrated Logistics and Modernization. De! fense and! Government Services provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of combat vehicles, engineering and high technology services for nuclear security and space missions, civil engineering work, military range work, launch services, and range-sensor-instrumentation operations. The division�� customer base includes the United States Army, Department of Energy, the DoD, NASA, and the intelligence community. Training Solutions provides training to senior military leaders, international and peacekeeping forces. The division designs and develops future conflict training scenarios, and provides warfighters and allies with live, virtual, and constructive training programs. The division offers training applications ranging from battle command to professional military education. Primary customers include the DoD, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security. Integrated Logistics and Modernization provides life cycle product and weapon system sustainment and modernization. The division is focused on providing direct support to warfighters and delivering aircraft MRO; subsystem MRO and modernization; supply chain management services, warehousing and inventory transportation, field services and mobilization, sustaining engineering, maintenance, repair and overhaul supplies, and on-going weapons maintenance and technical assistance. The division specializes in quick reaction capability and deployed operations in support of customers. Primary customers include the DoD, as well as international military and commercial customers.

The Company competes with Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Raytheon Company, General Dynamics Corporation, L-3 Communications Corporation, SAIC, BAE Systems Inc., EADS and Finmeccanica SpA.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Katie Spence]

    Both are technological masterpieces, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. More importantly, Congress likes Northrop Grumman's (NYSE: NOC  ) unmanned Global Hawk, but the Air Force prefers Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT  ) manned U-2. Now the battle lines are being drawn with Congress telling the Air Force to use the GH, but the Air Force fighting back for the U-2. Here's what you need to know.�

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Shares of Rockwell Collins have gained 0.8% to $73.89 today, while Lockheed Martin (LMT) has gained 0.7% to $123.90, and Northrop Grumman (NOC) has ticked up 0.2% to $95.10. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) has gained 0.3% to $169.62.

  • [By Philip Springer]

    This week, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel proposed a defense budget that would reduce the US Army to its smallest force since before World War II. And we were woefully under-prepared for that war.

    The proposals will face powerful resistance from members of Congress, veterans��organizations, arms manufacturers and more. Complete details of the proposed federal budget are to be released next week.

    The timing is unfortunate. For example, consider this headline from last night: “Russia says it will respect the ‘territorial integrity’ of Ukraine.” Maybe. But such statements are meaningless.

    Amid considerable other global unrest these days, reducing our spending on defense seems imprudent. However, various constraints that have built up over time require it, or reductions elsewhere.

    Fifty years ago, the military made up nearly half of government spending. Now it’s about 17 percent. Entitlements were one-third of the budget then. Now they’re approaching two-thirds. “This is a time for reality,” Hagel said.

    Under the new approach, the emphasis is to shift from the longstanding goal of being able to fight two wars simultaneously, such as in Europe and Asia; and toward such threats as cyber warfare and terrorism.

    For instance, the size of the active-duty military would decline by 13 percent and the reserves by 5 percent in coming years. But Special Operations forces would grow by 6 percent.

    Inevitably, this would mean increased risk in the event of a second crisis. ��ou have fewer troops, fewer ships, fewer planes,��Hagel said.� ��eadiness is not the same standard. Of course there�� going to be risk.��br>
    The Army currently is scheduled to drop to 490,000 troops from a post-9/11 peak of 570,000. Under the new proposal, the Army would decline to between 440,000 and 450,000 based on the current mandate to impose a military spending cap of about $496 billion for fis

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