Top 10 Home Building/Services Stocks with Highest Dividend Yield: UMH, LEG, SKY, MDC, HOFT, GFA, WHR, FLXS, KBH, DEER (Apr 29, 2011)

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tdp2664 Epic Stock Picks Below are the top 10 Home Building/Services stocks with highest dividend yields for the last 12 months, UPDATED TODAY before 4:30 AM ET. One Chinese company (DEER) is on the list. UMH Properties, Inc (AMEX:UMH) has the 1st highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 6.96%. Its dividend payout ratio was 138.20% for the last 12 months. Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) has the 2nd highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 4.40%. Its dividend payout ratio was 87.70% for the last 12 months. Skyline Corporation (NYSE:SKY) has the 3rd highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.69%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MDC) has the 4th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.45%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Hooker Furniture Corporation (NASDAQ:HOFT) has the 5th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.25%. Its dividend payout ratio was 133.46% for the last 12 months. Gafisa SA (ADR) (NYSE:GFA) has the 6th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.35%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) has the 7th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.29%. Its dividend payout ratio was 21.15% for the last 12 months. Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLXS) has the 8th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.10%. Its dividend payout ratio was 15.26% for the last 12 months. KB Home (NYSE:KBH) has the 9th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.10%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Deer Consumer Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DEER) has the 10th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.01%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months.

Top 10 Focus Stocks of The Day: VTAL, LOOP, GFRE, SRDX, PACR, VCI, CRR, FTNT, FBC, GPRO (Apr 29, 2011)

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tdp2664 Epic Stock Picks Below are today's top 10 focus stocks. These momentum stocks are attracting a lot of interest from traders. One Chinese company (GFRE) is on the list. Vital Images, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTAL) is today's 1st best focus stock. Its daily price change was 31.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -10% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $17 on the stock. It is rated positively by 0% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 15% based on analysts' average estimate. LoopNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOOP) is today's 2nd best focus stock. Its daily price change was 28.1% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -11% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $16 on the stock. It is rated positively by 13% of the 8 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on analysts' average estimate. Gulf Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ:GFRE) is today's 3rd best focus stock. Its daily price change was 25.0% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 250% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $12 on the stock. It is rated positively by 100% of the 2 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on analysts' average estimate. SurModics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRDX) is today's 4th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 22.1% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 10% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $16 on the stock. It is rated positively by 40% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 13% based on analysts' average estimate. Pacer International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PACR) is today's 5th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 17.6% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 19% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $7 on the stock. It is rated positively by 33% of the 12 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 13% based on analysts' average estimate. Valassis Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VCI) is today's 6th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 16.2% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 40% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $42 on the stock. It is rated positively by 89% of the 9 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 17% based on analysts' average estimate. CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE:CRR) is today's 7th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 14.9% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -17% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $135 on the stock. It is rated positively by 33% of the 12 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 25% based on analysts' average estimate. Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) is today's 8th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 14.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 3% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $49 on the stock. It is rated positively by 65% of the 17 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 17% based on analysts' average estimate. Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:FBC) is today's 9th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 13.6% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 68% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $3 on the stock. It is rated positively by 25% of the 4 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 6% based on analysts' average estimate. Gen-Probe Incorporated (NASDAQ:GPRO) is today's 10th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 13.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -14% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $68 on the stock. It is rated positively by 50% of the 24 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 14% based on analysts' average estimate.

TODAY’S STOCK MARKET DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE DJI, S&P 500, NASDAQ INDEX TRENDS, Close NOTES

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dow2664 At mid day on Friday the major market indexes were trending with mixed results. Strong earnings continue to drive stocks higher but the Nasdaq continues to fluctuate close above and below the breakeven point as Research in Motion, the maker of the Blackberry, reported weak sales. Multiple reports were due out on the economic calendar for today. The Commerce Department reported earlier that both personal spending and income increased in March, exceeding economists expectations. Personal spending rose by 0.6%, but was down from 0.7% in the prior month. Personal income rose by 0.5%, increasing from 0.3% in the prior month. Core PCE prices rose just 0.1% after a 0.2% increase in the prior month. The Chicago PMI for April showed a reading of 67.6, which is down from 70.6 in March and fell just short of economist’s anticipated reading of 68. The final reading on Consumer Sentiment for April from the University of Michigan came in at 69.8, just slightly above the preliminary reading of 69.6. Japan’s Nikkei is closed today for holiday observance. The London Stock Exchange is also closed today for the royal wedding. Approaching close the major market indexes are trending in the green. The Dow gained 45.98 points or 0.36% to 12809.29. The Nasdaq was up 0.38 points or 0.01% to 2872.97. The S&P 500 increased 2.98 points or 0.22% to 1363.46. The Treasuries 10-year yield was flat at 3.31%. Oil rose 0.80 to $113.66 a barrel. The staggering price of crude oil has driven gas prices up with an increase shown for the last 38 consecutive days. Consumer are currently paying an average price reaching $3.90 a gallon nationwide with some states topping the $4 mark, beating record highs of $4.114 a gallon. Gold increased 16.80 to $1548 an ounce. Silver was flat at $47.52 an ounce. Author: Pamela Frost

Analyst Actions on Chinese Stocks: CEA, CHA, CHU, JKS, LFC, LFT, NOAH, SNP … (Apr 29, 2011)

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tdp2664 China Analyst Below are today's Analyst Actions on U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks . China International Capital Corporation maintained Hold rating and HK$3.80 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. (NYSE:CEA). DBS Vickers maintained Hold rating and HK$3.20 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. (NYSE:CEA). Yuanta reiterated Buy rating and HK$5.30 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Telecom Corporation Limited (NYSE:CHA). DBS Vickers maintained Buy rating on China Telecom Corporation Limited (NYSE:CHA), with HK$5.2 price target on the company's Hong Kong-listed shares. Macquarie maintained Neutral rating and HK$15 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (NYSE:CHU). Collins Stewart reiterated Buy rating on JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:JKS), and maintained $37 price target. JPMorgan reiterated Neutral rating and HK$32 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Life Insurance Company Ltd. (NYSE:LFC). Deutsche Bank reiterated Buy rating and $45 price target on Longtop Financial Technologies Ltd (NYSE:LFT). JPMorgan maintained Overweight rating on Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE:NOAH), and raised price target from $21.50 to to $22.50. Standard Chartered reiterated Outperform rating on Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE:NOAH), and maintained $20 price target. Roth Capital Partners reiterated Buy rating on Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE:NOAH), and raised price target from $22 to $23. Standard Chartered maintained In-Line rating and HK$8.00 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (NYSE:SNP). DBS Vickers maintained Hold rating and HK$8.50 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (NYSE:SNP). Credit Suisse maintained Neutral rating and $9.50 price target on ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL). Roth Capital Partners reiterated Buy rating on ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL), and cut price target from $13 to $12. Brean Murray maintained Buy rating on ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL), and cut price target from $15 to $14. Bank of America reiterated Buy rating on WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:WX), with $21 price objective. Piper Jaffray maintained Overweight rating and $19 price target on TAL Education Group (NYSE:XRS). BNP Paribas maintained Hold rating on Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. (NYSE:YZC), and raised price target from HK$29.61 to HK$29.66 on the company's Hong Kong-listed shares.

Gold Silver Surge; Spot gold Per Gram Kilo Ounce Spot Silver Kilo Ounce Price; Money Invest Profit Contract gold and silver News

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dow2664 Gold hits record today. Money positioned with contract gold today and many positioned with the precious metal to invest and profit. Precious metals gold and silver price per ounce rates both moved higher during the last trading session of the week as the dollar sunk lower versus other currencies. Specifically, the dollar fell versus the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen. Gold trends spiked higher as investors chose to invest in the safe haven metal while the dollar was posting weak. Stocks pushed higher during this trading day however and the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved green to close by over 60 points. Stocks notched higher on the strength of positive earning reports. Gold and Silver contract rates both moved higher in the economic environment. June contract gold posted an end of day electronic contract price positive by 1.16 percent at 1549. May contract silver posted an end of day electronic contract price positive by 1.89 percent at 48.42 per troy ounce. Spot gold price per kilo and gram were posting green at session’s end today as were spot silver price per kilo and ounce rates. Specifically, spot silver price per kilo was green by 11.48 at 1539.28 and spot silver price per ounce was higher by .36 at 47.88. Spot gold price per gram was green by .97 at 50.19 and spot gold per kilo was higher by 974.81 at 50191.17. Author: Camillo Zucari

4 Tech Players Reinventing the Automobile

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tdp2664 InvestorPlace There are a plethora of companies gunning to cram your car with every conceivable electronic gadget New ideas are necessary in the auto industry right now — March sales for General Motors (NYSE: GM ) Honda (NYSE: HMC ), Ford (NYSE: F ) showed growth, but automakers can always use new toys to lure customers into buying the big machine. Here are four companies whose technology is changing the game. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) It’s hard to judge at this point just how great of an impact Google will ultimately have on the auto industry. It’s not outside the realm of possibility for the company’s self-driving fleet of Toyota (NYSE: TM ) Priuses to actually become consumer products at some point. In 2011, though, Google is making changes in the auto industry in the same way it’s changing the mobile phone industry — through software. Google is partnering with the Department of Energy to make a definitive database of refueling stations for hybrid and electric car owners. The GeoSVE database is, naturally, built on Google Maps. With the Android operating system now making it into vehicles — Saab is testing the Android-based IQon in car entertainment and information system right now — Google will be telling us where to refuel our cars as they entertain us in them before eventually just driving for us. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) Apple’s iPad isn’t just altering the face of consumer computing technology. The ultimate hipster device is also fundamental in how Volkswagen is updating the original hippie machine.  VW debuted the Bulli , an updated model of its famous Microbus, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and one of its key features is an integrated iPad mounted on the dashboard. The tablet syncs with Bulli’s Bluetooth and handles GPS navigation. It can even display content directly on the speedometer screen — a keen way to sell a goofy looking vehicle. Apple’s iPhone has already been providing carmakers like Mercedes-Benz with a platform for dedicated vehicle apps, now the tablet’s is doing its part. That said, do drivers really need to be playing Angry Birds on the turnpike? HTC Though the company’s specific plans aren’t detailed just yet, a Thursday report at Engadget noted that Taiwanese smartphone manufacture HTC is hiring an “automotive business development director.” HTC is already in the on-board computer business — its Think+ onboard navigation and communication PC came equipped in Luxgen 7 MPV cars back in 2009. Given the strong sales of the company’s Android phones on Verizon’s (NYSE: VZ ) network in the past 12 months, it’s likely that HTC is developing a new on-board PC system that integrates with its mobile devices, much in the same way as GM’s MyLink system integrates smartphones with its many lines of vehicles. Who will use HTC’s system is the big question, however. Leviton In fairness, Leviton’s latest gadget isn’t something for inside the car so much as the garage. The electric equipment company partnered with Ford earlier this year to release a $1,500 charging station for that company’s electric cars, namely the hybrid Focus. The compact charging station is also smaller than other home units and can just hang on the wall, provided it’s close to a 240-volt outlet. Cheaper than other chargers and easy to pick up at retailers like Best Buy (NYSE: BBY ), Leviton’s charging station is one more product out there making an electric car seem somewhat more appealing to consumers. As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks named here. Follow him on Twitter at  @ajohnagnello  and  become a fan of  InvestorPlace on Facebook.

Options Lunch With the New Exchange

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tdp2664 InvestorPlace Your intraday option s trading update. Does the option world need another exchange? Shelly Brown and his team at the Miami International Securities Exchange think so and are preparing to file with regulators all the paper work needed to get the trading going. Brown, senior VP, strategic planning with the Princeton, N.J-based exchange, told Options Lunch the Miami exchange (MISE for short?) will offer all new technology, quick-order action and huge bandwidth. "We are starting from scratch and building options trading systems. (Current options exchanges) have legacy systems," originally built for equity trading, said Brown. "We will be more flexible, provide more through-put and faster speeds." Brown is a veteran of the options trading world. He has been with the NASDAQ OMX, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange when NASDAQ swallowed it, and most recently was with PEAK 6 Investments, owner of the OptionsHouse brokerage. There are now nine options exchanges in the U.S. Total options trading volume set a record in March with more than 417 million contracts changing hands. The overall leader was the Chicago Board Options Exchange which dominates index options with such products as the so-called "Fear Index," the CBOE Volatility Index (CBOE: VIX ), and the S&P Index Options (CBOE: SPX ). The top exchange for equity options in March was the NASDAQ OMX PHLX which held nearly 24% of that market. Brown says Miami International plans to file all the right forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the next three months. The goal is to begin trading in the second quarter of 2012, he said. According to reports, the Miami exchange has about 20 employees and a second office in Miami. Good luck to the MISE team. But watch your tails, there are some big cats out there. High Options Volume by Strike Top trading strike is the Industrial SPDR (NYSE: XLF ) with the XLF Jun11 40 Call trading a little more than 101,000 contracts, up .04 to .43. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) selling off a little with the MSFT AprWk5 26 Call trading about 65,000 contracts. Its down .88 to .03. Time is ticking. Citigroup (NYSE: C ) Jan12 7.5 Call trades about 52,000 contracts, unch at .02. Also busy is iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE: IWM ) with several strikes including the IWM May 11 88 Put trading 43,525 contracts, down .38 to 2.23.

Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) In Huge Global Downsizing

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Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) has announced a large number of firings across the world over the next 24 months. Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) In Huge Global Downsizing Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC), the Japanese electronic giant, has announced that it will fire about 17,000 employees globally in two years to restructure its business and to streamline operations. The company, which acquired Sanyo Electric Co. in 2009, has dismissed about 17,000 employees in the last year. The company had decided to cut its workforce by 4.6% to 350,000 employees by the end of March 2013. Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) president Fumio Ohtsubo said, “This comes as a result of uncompromising efforts to turn every business unit into a shape that is globally competitive”. Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) stocks were at 12.38 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -14.0% change in the stock price over the past 3 months. Panasonic Corp. (NYSE:PC) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.5 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.5 Zack’s Rank: 6 out of 8 in the industry

Options Lunch With the New Exchange

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InvestorPlace
Your intraday option s trading update. Does the option world need another exchange? Shelly Brown and his team at the Miami International Securities Exchange think so and are preparing to file with regulators all the paper work needed to get the trading going. Brown, senior VP, strategic planning with the Princeton, N.J-based exchange, told Options Lunch the Miami exchange (MISE for short?) will offer all new technology, quick-order action and huge bandwidth. "We are starting from scratch and building options trading systems. (Current options exchanges) have legacy systems," originally built for equity trading, said Brown. "We will be more flexible, provide more through-put and faster speeds." Brown is a veteran of the options trading world. He has been with the NASDAQ OMX, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange when NASDAQ swallowed it, and most recently was with PEAK 6 Investments, owner of the OptionsHouse brokerage. There are now nine options exchanges in the U.S. Total options trading volume set a record in March with more than 417 million contracts changing hands. The overall leader was the Chicago Board Options Exchange which dominates index options with such products as the so-called "Fear Index," the CBOE Volatility Index (CBOE: VIX ), and the S&P Index Options (CBOE: SPX ). The top exchange for equity options in March was the NASDAQ OMX PHLX which held nearly 24% of that market. Brown says Miami International plans to file all the right forms with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the next three months. The goal is to begin trading in the second quarter of 2012, he said. According to reports, the Miami exchange has about 20 employees and a second office in Miami. Good luck to the MISE team. But watch your tails, there are some big cats out there. High Options Volume by Strike Top trading strike is the Industrial SPDR (NYSE: XLF ) with the XLF Jun11 40 Call trading a little more than 101,000 contracts, up .04 to .43. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) selling off a little with the MSFT AprWk5 26 Call trading about 65,000 contracts. Its down .88 to .03. Time is ticking. Citigroup (NYSE: C ) Jan12 7.5 Call trades about 52,000 contracts, unch at .02. Also busy is iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE: IWM ) with several strikes including the IWM May 11 88 Put trading 43,525 contracts, down .38 to 2.23.

Options Lunch With the New Exchange

Your intraday option s trading update. Does the option world need another
exchange? Shelly Brown and his team at the Miami International Securities
Exchange think so and are preparing to file with regulators all the paper work
needed to get the trading going. Brown, senior VP, strategic planning with the
Princeton, N.J-based exchange, told Options Lunch the Miami exchange (MISE for
short?) will offer all new technology, quick-order action and huge bandwidth.
"We are starting from scratch and building options trading systems. (Current
options exchanges) have legacy systems," originally built for equity trading,
said Brown. "We will be more flexible, provide more through-put and faster
speeds." Brown is a veteran of the options trading world. He has been with the
NASDAQ OMX, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange when NASDAQ swallowed it, and most
recently was with PEAK 6 Investments, owner of the OptionsHouse brokerage. There
are now nine options exchanges in the U.S. Total options trading volume set a
record in March with more than 417 million contracts changing hands. The overall
leader was the Chicago Board Options Exchange which dominates index options with
such products as the so-called "Fear Index," the CBOE Volatility Index
(CBOE: VIX ), and the S&P Index Options (CBOE: SPX ). The top exchange for
equity options in March was the NASDAQ OMX PHLX which held nearly 24% of that
market. Brown says Miami International plans to file all the right forms with
the Securities and Exchange Commission in the next three months. The goal is to
begin trading in the second quarter of 2012, he said. According to reports, the
Miami exchange has about 20 employees and a second office in Miami. Good luck to
the MISE team. But watch your tails, there are some big cats out there. High
Options Volume by Strike Top trading strike is the Industrial SPDR (NYSE: XLF )
with the XLF Jun11 40 Call trading a little more than 101,000 contracts, up .04
to .43. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) selling off a little with the MSFT AprWk5 26
Call trading about 65,000 contracts. Its down .88 to .03. Time is ticking.
Citigroup (NYSE: C ) Jan12 7.5 Call trades about 52,000 contracts, unch at .02.
Also busy is iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE: IWM ) with several strikes
including the IWM May 11 88 Put trading 43,525 contracts, down .38 to 2.23.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Gets FDA Approval

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Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)'s prostate cancer drug has been approved by the U.S. FDA. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) Gets FDA Approval The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has announced that they have approved Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ)'s Zytiga, in combination with prednisone, to treat patients with late-stage castration-resistant prostate cancer who have received prior chemotherapy. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has signed a $1 billion deal for Cougar in 2009, the small company is developing breast cancer and multiple myeloma drugs in addition to its treatment for prostate cancer. Zytiga, an oral drug, targets a protein called cytochrome, which plays an important role in the production of testosterone. The product is designed to decrease the production of testosterone, which can stimulate cancer cell growth. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) company shares are currently standing at 65.38. Price History Last Price: 65.38 52 Week Low / High: 56.86 / 65.74 50 Day Moving Average: 60.25 6 Month Price Change %: 1.7% 12 Month Price Change %: 0.3%

Top 10 Most Widely Followed Small Cap Stocks: STP, SPWRA, CAKE, YGE, LEAP, SNV, MYGN, WERN, KNX, HERO (Apr 29, 2011)

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China Analyst

Below are the top 10 most widely followed Small Cap stocks, UPDATED TODAY before 4:30 AM ET, based on the number of brokerage analysts following them. Two Chinese companies (STP, YGE) are on the list.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the 1st most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 44 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 11 brokerage analysts. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) is the 2nd most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 38 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 13 brokerage analysts. The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ:CAKE) is the 3rd most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 12 brokerage analysts. Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the 4th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 12 brokerage analysts. Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP) is the 5th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 7 brokerage analysts.

Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) is the 6th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 6 brokerage analysts. Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:MYGN) is the 7th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 27 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 10 brokerage analysts. Werner Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WERN) is the 8th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 26 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 15 brokerage analysts. Knight Transportation (NYSE:KNX) is the 9th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 26 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 12 brokerage analysts. Hercules Offshore, Inc. (NASDAQ:HERO) is the 10th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 25 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 8 brokerage analysts.

Gold Silver Surge; Spot gold Per Gram Kilo Ounce Spot Silver Kilo Ounce Price; Money Invest Profit Contract gold and silver News

dow2664

Gold hits record today. Money positioned with contract gold today and many positioned with the precious metal to invest and profit. Precious metals gold and silver price per ounce rates both moved higher during the last trading session of the week as the dollar sunk lower versus other currencies. Specifically, the dollar fell versus the euro, the British pound and the Japanese yen. Gold trends spiked higher as investors chose to invest in the safe haven metal while the dollar was posting weak. Stocks pushed higher during this trading day however and the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved green to close by over 60 points. Stocks notched higher on the strength of positive earning reports. Gold and Silver contract rates both moved higher in the economic environment. June contract gold posted an end of day electronic contract price positive by 1.16 percent at 1549. May contract silver posted an end of day electronic contract price positive by 1.89 percent at 48.42 per troy ounce. Spot gold price per kilo and gram were posting green at session’s end today as were spot silver price per kilo and ounce rates. Specifically, spot silver price per kilo was green by 11.48 at 1539.28 and spot silver price per ounce was higher by .36 at 47.88. Spot gold price per gram was green by .97 at 50.19 and spot gold per kilo was higher by 974.81 at 50191.17. Author: Camillo Zucari

Gold Silver Surge; Spot gold Per Gram Kilo Ounce Spot Silver Kilo Ounce Price; Money Invest Profit Contract gold and silver News

Gold hits record today. Money positioned with contract gold today and many
positioned with the precious metal to invest and profit. Precious metals gold
and silver price per ounce rates both moved higher during the last trading
session of the week as the dollar sunk lower versus other currencies.
Specifically, the dollar fell versus the euro, the British pound and the
Japanese yen. Gold trends spiked higher as investors chose to invest in the safe
haven metal while the dollar was posting weak. Stocks pushed higher during this
trading day however and the Dow Jones Industrial Average moved green to close by
over 60 points. Stocks notched higher on the strength of positive earning
reports. Gold and Silver contract rates both moved higher in the economic
environment. June contract gold posted an end of day electronic contract price
positive by 1.16 percent at 1549. May contract silver posted an end of day
electronic contract price positive by 1.89 percent at 48.42 per troy ounce. Spot
gold price per kilo and gram were posting green at sessions end today as were
spot silver price per kilo and ounce rates. Specifically, spot silver price per
kilo was green by 11.48 at 1539.28 and spot silver price per ounce was higher by
.36 at 47.88. Spot gold price per gram was green by .97 at 50.19 and spot gold
per kilo was higher by 974.81 at 50191.17. Author: Camillo Zucari

4 Tech Players Reinventing the Automobile

tdp2664
InvestorPlace
There are a plethora of companies gunning to cram your car with every conceivable electronic gadget New ideas are necessary in the auto industry right now — March sales for General Motors (NYSE: GM ) Honda (NYSE: HMC ), Ford (NYSE: F ) showed growth, but automakers can always use new toys to lure customers into buying the big machine. Here are four companies whose technology is changing the game. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) It’s hard to judge at this point just how great of an impact Google will ultimately have on the auto industry. It’s not outside the realm of possibility for the company’s self-driving fleet of Toyota (NYSE: TM ) Priuses to actually become consumer products at some point. In 2011, though, Google is making changes in the auto industry in the same way it’s changing the mobile phone industry — through software. Google is partnering with the Department of Energy to make a definitive database of refueling stations for hybrid and electric car owners. The GeoSVE database is, naturally, built on Google Maps. With the Android operating system now making it into vehicles — Saab is testing the Android-based IQon in car entertainment and information system right now — Google will be telling us where to refuel our cars as they entertain us in them before eventually just driving for us. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) Apple’s iPad isn’t just altering the face of consumer computing technology. The ultimate hipster device is also fundamental in how Volkswagen is updating the original hippie machine.  VW debuted the Bulli , an updated model of its famous Microbus, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and one of its key features is an integrated iPad mounted on the dashboard. The tablet syncs with Bulli’s Bluetooth and handles GPS navigation. It can even display content directly on the speedometer screen — a keen way to sell a goofy looking vehicle. Apple’s iPhone has already been providing carmakers like Mercedes-Benz with a platform for dedicated vehicle apps, now the tablet’s is doing its part. That said, do drivers really need to be playing Angry Birds on the turnpike? HTC Though the company’s specific plans aren’t detailed just yet, a Thursday report at Engadget noted that Taiwanese smartphone manufacture HTC is hiring an “automotive business development director.” HTC is already in the on-board computer business — its Think+ onboard navigation and communication PC came equipped in Luxgen 7 MPV cars back in 2009. Given the strong sales of the company’s Android phones on Verizon’s (NYSE: VZ ) network in the past 12 months, it’s likely that HTC is developing a new on-board PC system that integrates with its mobile devices, much in the same way as GM’s MyLink system integrates smartphones with its many lines of vehicles. Who will use HTC’s system is the big question, however. Leviton In fairness, Leviton’s latest gadget isn’t something for inside the car so much as the garage. The electric equipment company partnered with Ford earlier this year to release a $1,500 charging station for that company’s electric cars, namely the hybrid Focus. The compact charging station is also smaller than other home units and can just hang on the wall, provided it’s close to a 240-volt outlet. Cheaper than other chargers and easy to pick up at retailers like Best Buy (NYSE: BBY ), Leviton’s charging station is one more product out there making an electric car seem somewhat more appealing to consumers. As of this writing, Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks named here. Follow him on Twitter at  @ajohnagnello  and  become a fan of  InvestorPlace on Facebook.

4 Tech Players Reinventing the Automobile

There are a plethora of companies gunning to cram your car with every
conceivable electronic gadget New ideas are necessary in the auto industry right
now March sales for General Motors (NYSE: GM ) Honda (NYSE: HMC ), Ford (NYSE:
F ) showed growth, but automakers can always use new toys to lure customers into
buying the big machine. Here are four companies whose technology is changing the
game. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) Its hard to judge at this point just how great of
an impact Google will ultimately have on the auto industry. Its not outside the
realm of possibility for the companys self-driving fleet of Toyota (NYSE: TM )
Priuses to actually become consumer products at some point. In 2011, though,
Google is making changes in the auto industry in the same way its changing the
mobile phone industry through software. Google is partnering with the
Department of Energy to make a definitive database of refueling stations for
hybrid and electric car owners. The GeoSVE database is, naturally, built on
Google Maps. With the Android operating system now making it into vehicles Saab
is testing the Android-based IQon in car entertainment and information system
right now Google will be telling us where to refuel our cars as they entertain
us in them before eventually just driving for us. Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) Apples
iPad isnt just altering the face of consumer computing technology. The ultimate
hipster device is also fundamental in how Volkswagen is updating the original
hippie machine.  VW debuted the Bulli , an updated model of its famous
Microbus, at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and one of its key features is an
integrated iPad mounted on the dashboard. The tablet syncs with Bullis Bluetooth
and handles GPS navigation. It can even display content directly on the
speedometer screen a keen way to sell a goofy looking vehicle. Apples iPhone
has already been providing carmakers like Mercedes-Benz with a platform for
dedicated vehicle apps, now the tablets is doing its part. That said, do drivers
really need to be playing Angry Birds on the turnpike? HTC Though the companys
specific plans arent detailed just yet, a Thursday report at Engadget noted that
Taiwanese smartphone manufacture HTC is hiring an automotive business
development director. HTC is already in the on-board computer business its
Think+ onboard navigation and communication PC came equipped in Luxgen 7 MPV
cars back in 2009. Given the strong sales of the companys Android phones on
Verizons (NYSE: VZ ) network in the past 12 months, its likely that HTC is
developing a new on-board PC system that integrates with its mobile devices,
much in the same way as GMs MyLink system integrates smartphones with its many
lines of vehicles. Who will use HTCs system is the big question, however.
Leviton In fairness, Levitons latest gadget isnt something for inside the car so
much as the garage. The electric equipment company partnered with Ford earlier
this year to release a $1,500 charging station for that companys electric cars,
namely the hybrid Focus. The compact charging station is also smaller than other
home units and can just hang on the wall, provided its close to a 240-volt
outlet. Cheaper than other chargers and easy to pick up at retailers like Best
Buy (NYSE: BBY ), Levitons charging station is one more product out there making
an electric car seem somewhat more appealing to consumers. As of this writing,
Anthony John Agnello did not own a position in any of the stocks named here.
Follow him on Twitter at  @ajohnagnello  and  become a fan of  InvestorPlace
on Facebook.

Top 10 Most Widely Followed Small Cap Stocks: STP, SPWRA, CAKE, YGE, LEAP, SNV, MYGN, WERN, KNX, HERO (Apr 29, 2011)

Below are the top 10 most widely followed Small Cap stocks, UPDATED TODAY
before 4:30 AM ET, based on the number of brokerage analysts following them. Two
Chinese companies (STP, YGE) are on the list. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.
(ADR) (NYSE:STP) is the 1st most widely followed stock in this segment of the
market. It is covered by 44 analysts. It currently receives positive investment
ratings from 11 brokerage analysts. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ:SPWRA) is the
2nd most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by
38 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 13 brokerage
analysts. The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ:CAKE) is the 3rd most
widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28
analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 12 brokerage
analysts. Yingli Green Energy Hold. Co. Ltd. (ADR) (NYSE:YGE) is the 4th most
widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28
analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 12 brokerage
analysts. Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP) is the 5th most widely
followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 28 analysts. It
currently receives positive investment ratings from 7 brokerage analysts.
Synovus Financial Corp. (NYSE:SNV) is the 6th most widely followed stock in this
segment of the market. It is covered by 28 analysts. It currently receives
positive investment ratings from 6 brokerage analysts. Myriad Genetics, Inc.
(NASDAQ:MYGN) is the 7th most widely followed stock in this segment of the
market. It is covered by 27 analysts. It currently receives positive investment
ratings from 10 brokerage analysts. Werner Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:WERN) is
the 8th most widely followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered
by 26 analysts. It currently receives positive investment ratings from 15
brokerage analysts. Knight Transportation (NYSE:KNX) is the 9th most widely
followed stock in this segment of the market. It is covered by 26 analysts. It
currently receives positive investment ratings from 12 brokerage analysts.
Hercules Offshore, Inc. (NASDAQ:HERO) is the 10th most widely followed stock in
this segment of the market. It is covered by 25 analysts. It currently receives
positive investment ratings from 8 brokerage analysts.

Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen: Shop the Collection!

Courtesy photo; Getty Images

Catherine Middleton, the new Duchess of Cambridge, arrived at her wedding to Prince William today in a gorgeous lace dress by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen. And while her look was made completely custom by Burton—by hand—scoring a McQueen bridal look of your own isn't an entirely far-fetched notion. The label’s latest on-sale offerings include silk-satin voluminous gowns with trains and light-as-air strapless and halter dresses. Middleton also wore McQueen shoes, and you can currently buy lucite heels, regal gold leaves, and perforated leather detail—statement footwear that would look lovely peeking out below a wedding dress hemline (like Middleton). See more shoppable sweet-meets-edgy Alexander McQueen dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories in the gallery. The collection is available now on Net-a-Porter.com and Zappos.com.

PEI147TEN 2QU785CLI ZAP369MO DIO54623L CEL159WER MOD4124E

Top 10 Focus Stocks of The Day: VTAL, LOOP, GFRE, SRDX, PACR, VCI, CRR, FTNT, FBC, GPRO (Apr 29, 2011)

Below are todays top 10 focus stocks. These momentum stocks are attracting a
lot of interest from traders. One Chinese company (GFRE) is on the list. Vital
Images, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTAL) is todays 1st best focus stock. Its daily price
change was 31.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -10% based
on brokerage analysts average target price of $17 on the stock. It is rated
positively by 0% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings
growth is 15% based on analysts average estimate. LoopNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOOP) is
todays 2nd best focus stock. Its daily price change was 28.1% in the previous
trading day. Its upside potential is -11% based on brokerage analysts average
target price of $16 on the stock. It is rated positively by 13% of the 8
analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on
analysts average estimate. Gulf Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ:GFRE) is todays 3rd best
focus stock. Its daily price change was 25.0% in the previous trading day. Its
upside potential is 250% based on brokerage analysts average target price of $12
on the stock. It is rated positively by 100% of the 2 analyst(s) covering it.
Its long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on analysts average estimate.
SurModics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRDX) is todays 4th best focus stock. Its daily price
change was 22.1% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 10% based
on brokerage analysts average target price of $16 on the stock. It is rated
positively by 40% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings
growth is 13% based on analysts average estimate. Pacer International, Inc.
(NASDAQ:PACR) is todays 5th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 17.6%
in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 19% based on brokerage
analysts average target price of $7 on the stock. It is rated positively by 33%
of the 12 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 13%
based on analysts average estimate. Valassis Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VCI) is
todays 6th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 16.2% in the previous
trading day. Its upside potential is 40% based on brokerage analysts average
target price of $42 on the stock. It is rated positively by 89% of the 9
analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 17% based on
analysts average estimate. CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE:CRR) is todays 7th best
focus stock. Its daily price change was 14.9% in the previous trading day. Its
upside potential is -17% based on brokerage analysts average target price of
$135 on the stock. It is rated positively by 33% of the 12 analyst(s) covering
it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 25% based on analysts average
estimate. Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) is todays 8th best focus stock. Its daily
price change was 14.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 3%
based on brokerage analysts average target price of $49 on the stock. It is
rated positively by 65% of the 17 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual
earnings growth is 17% based on analysts average estimate. Flagstar Bancorp,
Inc. (NYSE:FBC) is todays 9th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 13.6%
in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 68% based on brokerage
analysts average target price of $3 on the stock. It is rated positively by 25%
of the 4 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 6%
based on analysts average estimate. Gen-Probe Incorporated (NASDAQ:GPRO) is
todays 10th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 13.5% in the previous
trading day. Its upside potential is -14% based on brokerage analysts average
target price of $68 on the stock. It is rated positively by 50% of the 24
analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 14% based on
analysts average estimate.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Developing Minds Of The Future

tdp2664
E money daily
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has decided to welcome 1400 young minds to an open day. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Developing Minds Of The Future Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Space Systems Company has decided to open their doors to more than 3,200 children aged six to 18 years to introduce them to the wonders of science, physics and mathematics in the space industry through its annual event "Young Minds at Work" day. Joanne Maguire, the executive vice president for Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) Space Systems Company said that, "Inspiring our youth to explore the world around them is not just important to our company but to the global economy. Children exploring science, technology, engineering and math today will be our leaders of tomorrow, innovating for a better and healthier planet. Young Minds at Work is one way Lockheed Martin invests in our children by tapping their natural curiosities and problem solving skills." Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) company shares are currently standing at 79.06. Price History Last Price: 79.06 52 Week Low / High: 67.68 / 86.98 50 Day Moving Average: 79.98 6 Month Price Change %: 10.1% 12 Month Price Change %: -8.2%

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) To Launch Range Of SSDs

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has decided to release five new solid-state drives (SSD) in
the next year. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) To Launch Range Of SSDs According to reports,
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has plans to release five new solid-state drives (SSD)
before years end. In combination with its upcoming Z68 chipset, any one of the
new SSDs could be used as performance-boosting cache in combination with a
standard hard disk drive (HDD). Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has also decided to release
its Z68 chipset for Sandy Bridge processors next month. The Z68 chipset supports
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)s Rapid Storage Technology SSD caching, which allows an SSD
to be used in combination with a traditional HDD to create a hybrid drive
similar to Seagates Momentus XT. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) shares were at 22.8
at the end of the last days trading. Theres been a 4.3% movement in the stock
price over the past 3 months. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) Analyst Advice Consensus
Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.85 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3
Months Ago: 1.99 Zacks Rank: 1 out of 7 in the industry

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) To Launch Range Of SSDs

tdp2664
E money daily
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has decided to release five new solid-state drives (SSD) in the next year. Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) To Launch Range Of SSDs According to reports, Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has plans to release five new solid-state drives (SSD) before year’s end. In combination with its upcoming Z68 chipset, any one of the new SSDs could be used as performance-boosting cache in combination with a standard hard disk drive (HDD). Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) has also decided to release its Z68 chipset for Sandy Bridge processors next month. The Z68 chipset supports Intel (NASDAQ:INTC)’s Rapid Storage Technology SSD caching, which allows an SSD to be used in combination with a traditional HDD to create a hybrid drive similar to Seagate’s Momentus XT. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) shares were at 22.8 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 4.3% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Moderate Buy Mean recommendation: 1.85 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 1.99 Zack’s Rank: 1 out of 7 in the industry

Top 10 Focus Stocks of The Day: VTAL, LOOP, GFRE, SRDX, PACR, VCI, CRR, FTNT, FBC, GPRO (Apr 29, 2011)

tdp2664
Epic Stock Picks
Below are today's top 10 focus stocks. These momentum stocks are attracting a lot of interest from traders. One Chinese company (GFRE) is on the list. Vital Images, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTAL) is today's 1st best focus stock. Its daily price change was 31.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -10% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $17 on the stock. It is rated positively by 0% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 15% based on analysts' average estimate. LoopNet, Inc. (NASDAQ:LOOP) is today's 2nd best focus stock. Its daily price change was 28.1% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -11% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $16 on the stock. It is rated positively by 13% of the 8 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on analysts' average estimate. Gulf Resources, Inc. (NASDAQ:GFRE) is today's 3rd best focus stock. Its daily price change was 25.0% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 250% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $12 on the stock. It is rated positively by 100% of the 2 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 19% based on analysts' average estimate. SurModics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SRDX) is today's 4th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 22.1% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 10% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $16 on the stock. It is rated positively by 40% of the 5 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 13% based on analysts' average estimate. Pacer International, Inc. (NASDAQ:PACR) is today's 5th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 17.6% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 19% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $7 on the stock. It is rated positively by 33% of the 12 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 13% based on analysts' average estimate. Valassis Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VCI) is today's 6th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 16.2% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 40% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $42 on the stock. It is rated positively by 89% of the 9 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 17% based on analysts' average estimate. CARBO Ceramics Inc. (NYSE:CRR) is today's 7th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 14.9% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -17% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $135 on the stock. It is rated positively by 33% of the 12 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 25% based on analysts' average estimate. Fortinet, Inc. (NASDAQ:FTNT) is today's 8th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 14.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 3% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $49 on the stock. It is rated positively by 65% of the 17 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 17% based on analysts' average estimate. Flagstar Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE:FBC) is today's 9th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 13.6% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is 68% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $3 on the stock. It is rated positively by 25% of the 4 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 6% based on analysts' average estimate. Gen-Probe Incorporated (NASDAQ:GPRO) is today's 10th best focus stock. Its daily price change was 13.5% in the previous trading day. Its upside potential is -14% based on brokerage analysts' average target price of $68 on the stock. It is rated positively by 50% of the 24 analyst(s) covering it. Its long-term annual earnings growth is 14% based on analysts' average estimate.

Prepare for a Breakout in NVDA Options

Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA ) opened up 2011 with a surprise roller coaster ride
for investors. Share holders saw the stock experience a relentless surge from
$17 to $26, a multi-week chop-fest, and finally a fall back to $17 all in just
a short two months. Following this impressive volatility expansion NVDA has
settled into a $2.50 range over the course of the past two months. With this
morning's pop NVDA is flirting with breaking out of its range and reclaiming
its 50-day moving average. If NVDA is able to hold a break of this range traders
may consider bullish plays to exploit continued upside in the coming weeks.
Since NVDA is set to report earnings on May 12 the window of opportunity is
rather short (I'm not a fan of holding into earnings).  Rather than
constructing some elaborate spread position, consider the simple purchase of a
NVDA June 19 Call option. Source:  MachTrader At the time of this writing Tyler
Craig had no positions in NVDA. Follow Tyler Craig on Twitter@TylersTrading .

Analyst Actions on Chinese Stocks: CEA, CHA, CHU, JKS, LFC, LFT, NOAH, SNP ... (Apr 29, 2011)

tdp2664
China Analyst

Below are today's Analyst Actions on U.S.-Listed Chinese Stocks.

China International Capital Corporation maintained Hold rating and HK$3.80 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. (NYSE:CEA). DBS Vickers maintained Hold rating and HK$3.20 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Eastern Airlines Corp. Ltd. (NYSE:CEA). Yuanta reiterated Buy rating and HK$5.30 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Telecom Corporation Limited (NYSE:CHA). DBS Vickers maintained Buy rating on China Telecom Corporation Limited (NYSE:CHA), with HK$5.2 price target on the company's Hong Kong-listed shares. Macquarie maintained Neutral rating and HK$15 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (NYSE:CHU). Collins Stewart reiterated Buy rating on JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. (NYSE:JKS), and maintained $37 price target. JPMorgan reiterated Neutral rating and HK$32 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Life Insurance Company Ltd. (NYSE:LFC). Deutsche Bank reiterated Buy rating and $45 price target on Longtop Financial Technologies Ltd (NYSE:LFT). JPMorgan maintained Overweight rating on Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE:NOAH), and raised price target from $21.50 to to $22.50. Standard Chartered reiterated Outperform rating on Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE:NOAH), and maintained $20 price target. Roth Capital Partners reiterated Buy rating on Noah Holdings Limited (NYSE:NOAH), and raised price target from $22 to $23. Standard Chartered maintained In-Line rating and HK$8.00 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (NYSE:SNP). DBS Vickers maintained Hold rating and HK$8.50 price target on the Hong Kong-listed shares of China Petroleum & Chemical Corp. (NYSE:SNP). Credit Suisse maintained Neutral rating and $9.50 price target on ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL). Roth Capital Partners reiterated Buy rating on ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL), and cut price target from $13 to $12. Brean Murray maintained Buy rating on ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE:SOL), and cut price target from $15 to $14. Bank of America reiterated Buy rating on WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. (NYSE:WX), with $21 price objective. Piper Jaffray maintained Overweight rating and $19 price target on TAL Education Group (NYSE:XRS). BNP Paribas maintained Hold rating on Yanzhou Coal Mining Co. (NYSE:YZC), and raised price target from HK$29.61 to HK$29.66 on the company's Hong Kong-listed shares.

Top 10 Home Building/Services Stocks with Highest Dividend Yield: UMH, LEG, SKY, MDC, HOFT, GFA, WHR, FLXS, KBH, DEER (Apr 29, 2011)

tdp2664
Epic Stock Picks
Below are the top 10 Home Building/Services stocks with highest dividend yields for the last 12 months, UPDATED TODAY before 4:30 AM ET. One Chinese company (DEER) is on the list. UMH Properties, Inc (AMEX:UMH) has the 1st highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 6.96%. Its dividend payout ratio was 138.20% for the last 12 months. Leggett & Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) has the 2nd highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 4.40%. Its dividend payout ratio was 87.70% for the last 12 months. Skyline Corporation (NYSE:SKY) has the 3rd highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.69%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. M.D.C. Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MDC) has the 4th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.45%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Hooker Furniture Corporation (NASDAQ:HOFT) has the 5th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.25%. Its dividend payout ratio was 133.46% for the last 12 months. Gafisa SA (ADR) (NYSE:GFA) has the 6th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.35%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) has the 7th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.29%. Its dividend payout ratio was 21.15% for the last 12 months. Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLXS) has the 8th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.10%. Its dividend payout ratio was 15.26% for the last 12 months. KB Home (NYSE:KBH) has the 9th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.10%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Deer Consumer Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DEER) has the 10th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.01%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months.

Top 10 Home Building/Services Stocks with Highest Dividend Yield: UMH, LEG, SKY, MDC, HOFT, GFA, WHR, FLXS, KBH, DEER (Apr 29, 2011)

Below are the top 10 Home Building/Services stocks with highest dividend
yields for the last 12 months, UPDATED TODAY before 4:30 AM ET. One Chinese
company (DEER) is on the list. UMH Properties, Inc (AMEX:UMH) has the 1st
highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield
is 6.96%. Its dividend payout ratio was 138.20% for the last 12 months. Leggett
& Platt, Inc. (NYSE:LEG) has the 2nd highest dividend yield in this segment of
the market. Its current dividend yield is 4.40%. Its dividend payout ratio was
87.70% for the last 12 months. Skyline Corporation (NYSE:SKY) has the 3rd
highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield
is 3.69%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. M.D.C.
Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:MDC) has the 4th highest dividend yield in this segment of
the market. Its current dividend yield is 3.45%. Its dividend payout ratio was
N/A for the last 12 months. Hooker Furniture Corporation (NASDAQ:HOFT) has the
5th highest dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend
yield is 3.25%. Its dividend payout ratio was 133.46% for the last 12 months.
Gafisa SA (ADR) (NYSE:GFA) has the 6th highest dividend yield in this segment of
the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.35%. Its dividend payout ratio was
N/A for the last 12 months. Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) has the 7th highest
dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is
2.29%. Its dividend payout ratio was 21.15% for the last 12 months. Flexsteel
Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:FLXS) has the 8th highest dividend yield in this
segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.10%. Its dividend payout
ratio was 15.26% for the last 12 months. KB Home (NYSE:KBH) has the 9th highest
dividend yield in this segment of the market. Its current dividend yield is
2.10%. Its dividend payout ratio was N/A for the last 12 months. Deer Consumer
Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DEER) has the 10th highest dividend yield in this segment
of the market. Its current dividend yield is 2.01%. Its dividend payout ratio
was N/A for the last 12 months.

Apple Mans Up to Privacy Issues While Sony Cowers

tdp2664
InvestorPlace
Last year, it was Facebook that came under fire for privacy issues. This year, it is Sony Corp . (NASDAQ: SNE ) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL ). In what Bloomberg columnist Paul Kedrosky anointed the “worst such debacle in modern financial/technical history,” an unauthorized person stole the names, addresses and possibly credit card data of 77 million Sony PlayStation users. As a consequence, the company had to shut down the PlayStation network losing customers, revenues and the credibility of its security systems. Stock market darling Apple also faced heat over privacy issues Monday, when two iPhone users filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company is secretly recording movements of iPhone and iPad users. In the Internet age, both cases illustrate the problems around privacy concerns and their possible effects on a company’s top-line growth. In Sony’s case, such concerns have a direct effect on its top-line. This is because the issue raises uncomfortable questions about sharing sensitive financial data with service providers. Apart from the legal and financial issues involved, such data breaches can erode a company’s brand appeal and have an adverse effect on sales. In Apple’s case, although the company has denied monitoring user location data, the larger question of privacy remains. In a “social networked” world, websites are increasingly using sophisticated algorithms to identify user preferences. To be sure, such information is already disclosed by the user in some instances. For example, Foursquare, one of the hottest start-ups currently, is premised on disclosing user locations. Similarly, Facebook Places is built around the concept of disclosing your current location with your network of friends on the site. In both cases, however, users choose to disclose their locations. The question is whether it is valid and ethical for companies to share such information (location, in this case) with advertisers. Resolution of the privacy question will affect revenues for companies such as Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) that develop social products and depend on advertising as a revenue source. While privacy concerns are a complex issue, organizational response to crises is not. Sony exacerbated an already sensitive situation by remaining silent about it for a week even as its network was unavailable to users. No wonder the company’s stock has lost more than 6% since last week. This latest debacle coupled with the supply chain disruption due to the recent tsunami in Japan should keep the stock in a downward spiral for some time. On the other hand, after initially scrambling to respond, Apple reacted swiftly to contain the damage. It released a statement regarding the privacy issue and even got the normally reclusive Steve Jobs to talk to the New York Times about the issue. The result was that the markets barely reacted to the news. For both companies, however, the latest crises will sharpen focus on their privacy policies and security systems.

Apple Mans Up to Privacy Issues While Sony Cowers

Last year, it was Facebook that came under fire for privacy issues. This year,
it is Sony Corp . (NASDAQ: SNE ) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL ). In what
Bloomberg columnist Paul Kedrosky anointed the worst such debacle in modern
financial/technical history, an unauthorized person stole the names, addresses
and possibly credit card data of 77 million Sony PlayStation users. As a
consequence, the company had to shut down the PlayStation network losing
customers, revenues and the credibility of its security systems. Stock market
darling Apple also faced heat over privacy issues Monday, when two iPhone users
filed a class-action lawsuit alleging that the company is secretly recording
movements of iPhone and iPad users. In the Internet age, both cases illustrate
the problems around privacy concerns and their possible effects on a companys
top-line growth. In Sonys case, such concerns have a direct effect on its
top-line. This is because the issue raises uncomfortable questions about sharing
sensitive financial data with service providers. Apart from the legal and
financial issues involved, such data breaches can erode a companys brand appeal
and have an adverse effect on sales. In Apples case, although the company has
denied monitoring user location data, the larger question of privacy remains. In
a social networked world, websites are increasingly using sophisticated
algorithms to identify user preferences. To be sure, such information is already
disclosed by the user in some instances. For example, Foursquare, one of the
hottest start-ups currently, is premised on disclosing user locations.
Similarly, Facebook Places is built around the concept of disclosing your
current location with your network of friends on the site. In both cases,
however, users choose to disclose their locations. The question is whether it is
valid and ethical for companies to share such information (location, in this
case) with advertisers. Resolution of the privacy question will affect revenues
for companies such as Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) that develop social products and
depend on advertising as a revenue source. While privacy concerns are a complex
issue, organizational response to crises is not. Sony exacerbated an already
sensitive situation by remaining silent about it for a week even as its network
was unavailable to users. No wonder the companys stock has lost more than 6%
since last week. This latest debacle coupled with the supply chain disruption
due to the recent tsunami in Japan should keep the stock in a downward spiral
for some time. On the other hand, after initially scrambling to respond, Apple
reacted swiftly to contain the damage. It released a statement regarding the
privacy issue and even got the normally reclusive Steve Jobs to talk to the New
York Times about the issue. The result was that the markets barely reacted to
the news. For both companies, however, the latest crises will sharpen focus on
their privacy policies and security systems.

Prepare for a Breakout in NVDA Options

tdp2664
InvestorPlace
Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA ) opened up 2011 with a surprise roller coaster ride for investors. Share holders saw the stock experience a relentless surge from $17 to $26, a multi-week chop-fest, and finally a fall back to $17 — all in just a short two months. Following this impressive volatility expansion NVDA has settled into a $2.50 range over the course of the past two months. With this morning's pop NVDA is flirting with breaking out of its range and reclaiming its 50-day moving average. If NVDA is able to hold a break of this range traders may consider bullish plays to exploit continued upside in the coming weeks. Since NVDA is set to report earnings on May 12 the window of opportunity is rather short (I'm not a fan of holding into earnings).  Rather than constructing some elaborate spread position, consider the simple purchase of a NVDA June 19 Call option. Source:  MachTrader At the time of this writing Tyler Craig had no positions in NVDA. Follow Tyler Craig on Twitter@TylersTrading .

TODAY’S STOCK MARKET DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE DJI, S&P 500, NASDAQ INDEX TRENDS, Close NOTES

dow2664

At mid day on Friday the major market indexes were trending with mixed results. Strong earnings continue to drive stocks higher but the Nasdaq continues to fluctuate close above and below the breakeven point as Research in Motion, the maker of the Blackberry, reported weak sales. Multiple reports were due out on the economic calendar for today. The Commerce Department reported earlier that both personal spending and income increased in March, exceeding economists expectations. Personal spending rose by 0.6%, but was down from 0.7% in the prior month. Personal income rose by 0.5%, increasing from 0.3% in the prior month. Core PCE prices rose just 0.1% after a 0.2% increase in the prior month. The Chicago PMI for April showed a reading of 67.6, which is down from 70.6 in March and fell just short of economist’s anticipated reading of 68. The final reading on Consumer Sentiment for April from the University of Michigan came in at 69.8, just slightly above the preliminary reading of 69.6. Japan’s Nikkei is closed today for holiday observance. The London Stock Exchange is also closed today for the royal wedding. Approaching close the major market indexes are trending in the green. The Dow gained 45.98 points or 0.36% to 12809.29. The Nasdaq was up 0.38 points or 0.01% to 2872.97. The S&P 500 increased 2.98 points or 0.22% to 1363.46. The Treasuries 10-year yield was flat at 3.31%. Oil rose 0.80 to $113.66 a barrel. The staggering price of crude oil has driven gas prices up with an increase shown for the last 38 consecutive days. Consumer are currently paying an average price reaching $3.90 a gallon nationwide with some states topping the $4 mark, beating record highs of $4.114 a gallon. Gold increased 16.80 to $1548 an ounce. Silver was flat at $47.52 an ounce. Author: Pamela Frost

TODAY’S STOCK MARKET DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE DJI, S&P 500, NASDAQ INDEX TRENDS, Close NOTES

At mid day on Friday the major market indexes were trending with mixed results.
Strong earnings continue to drive stocks higher but the Nasdaq continues to
fluctuate close above and below the breakeven point as Research in Motion, the
maker of the Blackberry, reported weak sales. Multiple reports were due out on
the economic calendar for today. The Commerce Department reported earlier that
both personal spending and income increased in March, exceeding economists
expectations. Personal spending rose by 0.6%, but was down from 0.7% in the
prior month. Personal income rose by 0.5%, increasing from 0.3% in the prior
month. Core PCE prices rose just 0.1% after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
The Chicago PMI for April showed a reading of 67.6, which is down from 70.6 in
March and fell just short of economists anticipated reading of 68. The final
reading on Consumer Sentiment for April from the University of Michigan came in
at 69.8, just slightly above the preliminary reading of 69.6. Japans Nikkei is
closed today for holiday observance. The London Stock Exchange is also closed
today for the royal wedding. Approaching close the major market indexes are
trending in the green. The Dow gained 45.98 points or 0.36% to 12809.29. The
Nasdaq was up 0.38 points or 0.01% to 2872.97. The S&P 500 increased 2.98 points
or 0.22% to 1363.46. The Treasuries 10-year yield was flat at 3.31%. Oil rose
0.80 to $113.66 a barrel. The staggering price of crude oil has driven gas
prices up with an increase shown for the last 38 consecutive days. Consumer are
currently paying an average price reaching $3.90 a gallon nationwide with some
states topping the $4 mark, beating record highs of $4.114 a gallon. Gold
increased 16.80 to $1548 an ounce. Silver was flat at $47.52 an ounce. Author:
Pamela Frost

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Signs Cyclone Power Deal

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 E money daily Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) has signed a deal with Cyclone Power for all-fuel engines. Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Signs Cyclone Power Deal Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Integrated Defense Systems has signed a deal with Cyclone Power Technologies to partner on developing a version of the all-fuel Mark V “clean-tech” engine. According to Cyclone Power, the engine has a thermal efficiency of over 30 percent and produces fewer emissions than a modern gas or diesel internal-combustion engines. The initial deal with Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) is for an engine that Cyclone is referring to as the MantaRay, and is a modified version of its Mark V engine. Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) stocks are currently standing at 49.25. Price History Last Price: 49.25 52 Week Low / High: 42.65 / 59.75 50 Day Moving Average: 50.59 6 Month Price Change %: 4.1% 12 Month Price Change %: -16.6%

Friday’s Stocks to Watch: Microsoft, Sunpower

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Here are a few stocks to keep on your radar: Shares of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) slipped 1.9% in early Friday trading after the company beat Wall Street’s fiscal third-quarter profit and revenue expectations. Sunpower (NASDAQ: SPWRA ) shot more than 36% higher to $21.93 after news that Total (NYSE: TOT ) will buy a 60% stake in the company for $23.25 a share. Coinstar (NASDAQ: CSTR ) shares jumped 10.5% after the company beat analysts’ first-quarter earnings expectations, said second-quarter profit would beat current estimates, and announced it would begin selling video games across the country this summer. Netgear (NASDAQ: NTGR ) rose more than 21% after the company beat Wall Street’s first-quarter earnings and revenue expectations. Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI ) shares climbed 7.5% after beating analysts’ earnings expectations late Thursday.

Pepsi, Now #3 Soft Drink, Launches ‘Social’ Vending Machines

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace In an attempt to "refresh" sales of its flagship soft drink Pepsi as well as Mountain Dew and other brands, PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP ) is turning to social vending machines to win back wandering consumers. The interactive touch screen vending machines encourage people to buy a drink for a friend or relative, while they are getting one for themselves. This particular social experiment won’t make or break the soft drink giant — but it’s not an overstatement to say Pepsi has a lot depending the program taking off. Although the company's 1Q11 sales increased 27 percent compared to a year ago with the help of other brands and acquisitions, we learned in March that sales of its flagship brand, Pepsi, fell during the quarter to the #3 spot behind The Coca Cola Company (NYSE: KO ) drinks Coke and Diet Coke. So how does the social soda scene work? Well, the machines feature a touch screen keyboard that lets buyers type in the recipient's name, mobile phone number and a personal message that includes a code to redeem the soft drink at the nearest Pepsi social vending machine. Or, if you prefer, you can send a video message with the code — recorded right there at the Pepsi machine. The machines even allow customers to view the beverage's nutritional information on demand. Most companies don't brag about being second to anyone or anything, but Pepsi had comfortably held the ranking in that soft drink category for decades and it had to be a blow, psychologically, to lose it. The social vending machines do have potential to help sales, particularly with mobile phone users obsessed with new apps and the like. Pepsi also stands to gain valuable personal information about buyers and their gift recipients that it can use to later market Pepsi products. The problem is Pepsi hasn't said how many machines it will use or where they will be located.  Co-workers who share a common vending machine area may be willing to send a soft drink as a gift, but people unfamiliar with Pepsi vending machine locations may hesitant. Likewise, gift recipients may become uninterested in redeeming their beverage if they have to drive around or make a special trip to find the social vending unit. Costs associated with making the machines widespread, also couldn't hurt margins. Then again, Pepsi could be on to something. Who would have guessed Coinstar (NASDAQ: CSTR ) subsidiary Red Box would be such a hit with its idea to rent DVD via a vending machine. The social vending move could be the next big thing for soft drink companies in the 21st century. As of this writing, Cynthia Wilson did not own a position in any of the stocks named here.

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) In Free Smart Phone Offer

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 E money daily Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) has decided to offer free smart phones this weekend. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) In Free Smart Phone Offer Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Co. Inc. has announced that it is bringing back ‘Free Phone Friday’, and extending it an extra day. Scott Moore, the vice president of Marketing for Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Mobile said that, “We’ve had tremendous success with the ‘Free Phone Friday’ campaigns we ran last October and December, and we’ve been waiting for the opportunity to do it again with a great lineup of in-demand phones. We’ve worked hard to make it as easy as possible for people to find the smart phone that’s right for them with the most smart phones under one roof, exclusives and expert advice, and this is just one more reason to visit Best Buy Mobile.” Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) shares were at 30.84 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -12.6% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Hold Mean recommendation: 2.21 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 2.16 Zack’s Rank: 5 out of 5 in the industry

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Signs Cyclone Power Deal

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 E money daily Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) has signed a deal with Cyclone Power for all-fuel engines. Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Signs Cyclone Power Deal Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Integrated Defense Systems has signed a deal with Cyclone Power Technologies to partner on developing a version of the all-fuel Mark V “clean-tech” engine. According to Cyclone Power, the engine has a thermal efficiency of over 30 percent and produces fewer emissions than a modern gas or diesel internal-combustion engines. The initial deal with Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) is for an engine that Cyclone is referring to as the MantaRay, and is a modified version of its Mark V engine. Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) stocks are currently standing at 49.25. Price History Last Price: 49.25 52 Week Low / High: 42.65 / 59.75 50 Day Moving Average: 50.59 6 Month Price Change %: 4.1% 12 Month Price Change %: -16.6%

Pepsi, Now #3 Soft Drink, Launches ‘Social’ Vending Machines

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace In an attempt to "refresh" sales of its flagship soft drink Pepsi as well as Mountain Dew and other brands, PepsiCo Inc. (NYSE: PEP ) is turning to social vending machines to win back wandering consumers. The interactive touch screen vending machines encourage people to buy a drink for a friend or relative, while they are getting one for themselves. This particular social experiment won’t make or break the soft drink giant — but it’s not an overstatement to say Pepsi has a lot depending the program taking off. Although the company's 1Q11 sales increased 27 percent compared to a year ago with the help of other brands and acquisitions, we learned in March that sales of its flagship brand, Pepsi, fell during the quarter to the #3 spot behind The Coca Cola Company (NYSE: KO ) drinks Coke and Diet Coke. So how does the social soda scene work? Well, the machines feature a touch screen keyboard that lets buyers type in the recipient's name, mobile phone number and a personal message that includes a code to redeem the soft drink at the nearest Pepsi social vending machine. Or, if you prefer, you can send a video message with the code — recorded right there at the Pepsi machine. The machines even allow customers to view the beverage's nutritional information on demand. Most companies don't brag about being second to anyone or anything, but Pepsi had comfortably held the ranking in that soft drink category for decades and it had to be a blow, psychologically, to lose it. The social vending machines do have potential to help sales, particularly with mobile phone users obsessed with new apps and the like. Pepsi also stands to gain valuable personal information about buyers and their gift recipients that it can use to later market Pepsi products. The problem is Pepsi hasn't said how many machines it will use or where they will be located.  Co-workers who share a common vending machine area may be willing to send a soft drink as a gift, but people unfamiliar with Pepsi vending machine locations may hesitant. Likewise, gift recipients may become uninterested in redeeming their beverage if they have to drive around or make a special trip to find the social vending unit. Costs associated with making the machines widespread, also couldn't hurt margins. Then again, Pepsi could be on to something. Who would have guessed Coinstar (NASDAQ: CSTR ) subsidiary Red Box would be such a hit with its idea to rent DVD via a vending machine. The social vending move could be the next big thing for soft drink companies in the 21st century. As of this writing, Cynthia Wilson did not own a position in any of the stocks named here.

6 Options to Protect Your Profits

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Insure Your Gains With Options 7 Overlooked Stocks That Offer Supersized Gains More and more investors are getting those nagging thoughts as the market trades higher — I like my stocks but earnings were so-so; What's going to happen when QE2 ends? Will inflation bring a double-dip? Aren't we due a sell-off? Options trading investors know that options offer great flexibility. Now may be the time to use options as insurance to protect hard won investment gains. Buying a put on your long stock or ETF position can lock in a profitable selling price. And that put insurance can be pretty inexpensive when you consider the thousands you've got riding on the position. Or it may make sense to sell a covered call to gain premium and set a price for selling that one-time winner. Our team of options experts looked at today's market and found six trades using options as insurance. From Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN ) to Boeing (NYSE: BA ) to Intel (NASDAQ: INTC ), these trades may fit your portfolio or generate ideas on using options to protect your positions. Please click through to find six trades using options as insurance.

Friday’s Stocks to Watch: Microsoft, Sunpower

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Here are a few stocks to keep on your radar: Shares of Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) slipped 1.9% in early Friday trading after the company beat Wall Street’s fiscal third-quarter profit and revenue expectations. Sunpower (NASDAQ: SPWRA ) shot more than 36% higher to $21.93 after news that Total (NYSE: TOT ) will buy a 60% stake in the company for $23.25 a share. Coinstar (NASDAQ: CSTR ) shares jumped 10.5% after the company beat analysts’ first-quarter earnings expectations, said second-quarter profit would beat current estimates, and announced it would begin selling video games across the country this summer. Netgear (NASDAQ: NTGR ) rose more than 21% after the company beat Wall Street’s first-quarter earnings and revenue expectations. Motorola Mobility (NYSE: MMI ) shares climbed 7.5% after beating analysts’ earnings expectations late Thursday.

6 Options to Protect Your Profits

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 InvestorPlace Insure Your Gains With Options 7 Overlooked Stocks That Offer Supersized Gains More and more investors are getting those nagging thoughts as the market trades higher — I like my stocks but earnings were so-so; What's going to happen when QE2 ends? Will inflation bring a double-dip? Aren't we due a sell-off? Options trading investors know that options offer great flexibility. Now may be the time to use options as insurance to protect hard won investment gains. Buying a put on your long stock or ETF position can lock in a profitable selling price. And that put insurance can be pretty inexpensive when you consider the thousands you've got riding on the position. Or it may make sense to sell a covered call to gain premium and set a price for selling that one-time winner. Our team of options experts looked at today's market and found six trades using options as insurance. From Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN ) to Boeing (NYSE: BA ) to Intel (NASDAQ: INTC ), these trades may fit your portfolio or generate ideas on using options to protect your positions. Please click through to find six trades using options as insurance.

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) In Free Smart Phone Offer

XCSFDHG46767FHJHJF

tdp2664 E money daily Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) has decided to offer free smart phones this weekend. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) In Free Smart Phone Offer Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Mobile, the mobile specialty retail unit of Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Co. Inc. has announced that it is bringing back ‘Free Phone Friday’, and extending it an extra day. Scott Moore, the vice president of Marketing for Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Mobile said that, “We’ve had tremendous success with the ‘Free Phone Friday’ campaigns we ran last October and December, and we’ve been waiting for the opportunity to do it again with a great lineup of in-demand phones. We’ve worked hard to make it as easy as possible for people to find the smart phone that’s right for them with the most smart phones under one roof, exclusives and expert advice, and this is just one more reason to visit Best Buy Mobile.” Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) shares were at 30.84 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a -12.6% movement in the stock price over the past 3 months. Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) Analyst Advice Consensus Opinion: Hold Mean recommendation: 2.21 (1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell) 3 Months Ago: 2.16 Zack’s Rank: 5 out of 5 in the industry