After reporting earnings last week, Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN ) is looking more like a retailer, and less like a tech giant.�The company's merchandise sales jumped as a percentage of revenue last quarter, with very little help from extra media or cloud-service sales.
In the following video, Fool contributor Demitrios Kalogeropoulos argues that Amazon's lofty stock valuation depends on healthy growth from those non-retail portions of its business.�Still, the good news for the company is that merchandise sales are getting more profitable. Gross margin is rising while shipping costs fall, making Amazon's core business as strong as ever.
Everyone knows Amazon is the king of the retail world right now, but at its sky-high valuation, most investors are worried it's the company's share price that will get knocked down instead of its competitors'. The Motley Fool's premium report will tell you what's driving the company's growth, and fill you in on reasons to buy and reasons to sell Amazon. The report also has you covered with a full year of free analyst updates to keep you informed as the company's story changes, so click here now to read more.
Top 5 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Buy For 2015: Triangle Capital Corporation (TCAP)
Triangle Capital Corporation is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, ESOPs, change of control transactions, acquisition financings, growth financing, and recapitalizations in lower middle market companies. The firm prefers to make investments in many business sectors including manufacturing, distribution, transportation, energy, communications, health services, restaurants, media, and others. It primarily invests in companies located throughout the United States, with an emphasis on the Southeast and Midatlantic. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $20 million per transaction, in companies having annual revenues between $10 million and $200 million and an EBITDA between $3 million and $20 million and can also co-invest. It primarily invests in senior subordinated debt securities secured by second lien security interests in portfolio company assets, coupled with equity interests. The firm also invests in senior debt securities secured by first lien security interests in portfolio companies. Triangle Capital Corporation was founded in 2002 and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By BDC Buzz]
FDUS is one of the few BDCs to consistently grow its NAV on a quarterly basis over the last two years. This is because most BDCs are regulated investment companies ("RIC") required to distribute at least 90% of capital gains, dividends and interest to shareholders to avoid taxation at the corporate level and 98% of net investment income to avoid paying a 4% excise tax. Excluding American Capital (ACAS) which converted from a RIC to a Subchapter C and does not pay a dividend, only a few BDCs have been able to pay a healthy dividend while increasing value per share - as discussed in "Triangle Capital: Is It Priced For Total Return?" including Main Street Capital (MAIN) and Triangle Capital (TCAP).
- [By Helix Investment Research]
Much has been made over Keating Capital's fee structure, and suggestions that company executives are using it as a "personal ATM" to funnel shareholder money to Keating Investments, Keating Capital's investment adviser (Keating Capital is an externally managed business development company). However, Keating's fees are not exorbitant, at least in comparison to the industry average. Per data sourced from Triangle Capital (TCAP), the average externally managed BDC has a management fee of 1.75%-2% of gross assets, and an incentive fee of 20%. Keating Capital's fee structure includes a 2% management fee, and a 20% incentive fee, in line with the industry average. The formula below represents Keating Capital's incentive fee:
Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy For 2014: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc (KKD)
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (Krispy Kreme), December 02, 1999, is a retailer and wholesaler of doughnuts complementary beverages and treats and packaged sweets. The Company�� principal business is owning and franchising Krispy Kreme stores, at which a variety of doughnuts, including the Company�� Original Glazed doughnut, are sold and distributed together with complementary products, and where a broad array of coffees and other beverages are offered. As of February 3, 2013, there were 239 Krispy Kreme stores operated domestically in 38 states and in the District of Columbia, and there were 509 shops in 21 other countries around the world. Of the 748 total stores, 295 were factory stores and 453 were satellites. The Company operates in four segments: Company Stores, domestic franchise stores, international franchise stores, and the KK Supply Chain.
Company Stores
Its Company Stores segment consists of the operating activities of its Company-owned stores. These stores sell doughnuts and complementary products through the on-premises and wholesale channels. Many of the doughnut varieties the Company offers in its doughnut shops also are distributed, through off-premises sales channels. In addition, it offers a number of products through off-premises channels, including honeybuns, fruit pies, mini-crullers, cupcakes and various chocolate enrobed products, generally packaged as individually wrapped snacks or packaged in snack bags. Krispy Kreme has a beverage program, which includes drip coffees, both coffee-based and noncoffee-based frozen drinks, juices, sodas, milks, water and packaged and fountain beverages. In addition, the Company also develops beverages such as espresso, cappuccino and hot chocolate.
Domestic Franchise
The Domestic Franchise segment consists of the Company�� domestic store franchise operations. This segment derives revenue principally from initial development and franchise fees related to new stores and from royalties on sa! les by franchise stores. As of February 3, 2013, there were 142 domestic franchise stores in 29 states, consisting of 99 factory and 43 satellite stores.
International Franchise
The International Franchise segment consists of the Company�� international store franchise operations. International franchise stores sell doughnuts and complementary products almost exclusively through the on-premises sales channel using shop formats similar to those used in the United States, and also using a kiosk format. A portion of sales by the franchisees in Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia are made to wholesale customers. As of February 3, 2013, there were 509 international franchise shops in 21 countries, consisting of 120 factory stores and 389 satellite shops.
KK Supply Chain Business Segment
The Company operates an integrated supply chain. The KK Supply Chain segment buys and processes ingredients it uses to produce doughnut mixes and manufactures doughnut-making equipment that all factory stores are required to purchase. The Company manufactures doughnut mixes at its facility in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition to traditional doughnut mixes and mixes made from mix concentrate, the Company produces or manages the production of doughnut premix, which is used to produce doughnut mixes in certain international locations. The KK Supply Chain segment also purchases and sells supplies, including icings and fillings, other food ingredients, juices, signage, display cases, uniforms and other items to both Company and franchisee-owned stores.
The Company competes with Dolly Madison, Entenmann��, Hostess, Little Debbie, and Sara Lee.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jeremy Bowman]
Meanwhile, shares of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (NYSE: KKD ) were hopping out of the fryer after hours today, gaining 10% after reporting earnings. The doughnut chain actually missed estimates on both the top and bottom lines, as its EPS of $0.12 was a penny short of estimates. Revenues increased 3.3% on an even calendar basis to $112.7 million with a same-store sales uptick of 1.6%, but that missed the consensus at $118.8 million. Still, investors cheered the company's decision to raise its share-repurchase authorization to $80 million from $50 million, and it lifted its current-year EPS guidance to a range of $0.73-$0.79, in line with estimates of $0.75.
- [By Rick Aristotle Munarriz]
John Furniss, Invision/APAaron Paul (left) and Dominic Cooper at the U.K. Screening of "Need For Speed," which opens at U.S. theaters Friday. You can never know in advance all the news that will move the market in a given week, but some things you can see coming. From a maker of decadent doughnuts stepping up with hot financials to the latest video game franchise to get the Hollywood treatment, here are some of the things that will help shape the week that lies ahead on Wall Street. Monday -- Wearing it Well The trading week kicks off with Urban Outfitters (URBN) dressing up for its latest quarterly report. This will be a big report for the retailer of trendy apparel since it covers the seasonally potent holiday period. Analysts see a profit of 55 cents a share out of the chain, roughly in line with what it earned a year earlier. The same pros see revenue climbing 8 percent for the quarter. Tuesday -- Diamond in the Rough Diamond Foods (DMND) is a nutty company, and not just because it's the company behind Emerald snack nuts. The company -- which also puts out Kettle potato chips and Pop Secret microwaveable popcorn -- is just starting to bounce back from an accounting scandal that ended earlier this year with a $5 million settlement to put an end to fraud charges from the Securities and Exchange Commission. The timing for the irregularities was cruel, forcing Diamond Foods to forgo the planned purchase of the Pringles potato chip line. Now it may have to sell its Kettle line to raise money. There's a "when the chips are down" punchline in there somewhere, but we'll see if Diamond Foods discusses any potential asset sales when it reports financials on Tuesday. Wednesday -- Time to Enjoy the Doughnuts When it comes to doughnuts, it's hard to top the fried delicacies that Krispy Kreme (KKD) creates. You don't even need to have one of its doughnut shops nearby since it has a wide distribution net. Krispy Kreme reports on Wednesday afternoon, and Wall Stree
- [By RHPanalysts]
Also, the company plans to broaden its relationship with J.M. Smucker's (SJM) and extends hands with Starbucks (SBUX). It also added Peet��, as a new partner in its healthy system that is fed with strong brands. Further, the company also added Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (KKD) to its system and has welcomed long-term partner Lavazza to the Keurig K-Cup system, one of the Italy�� favorite coffee br
Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy For 2014: Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (ARE)
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT), engages in the ownership, operation, management, development, acquisition, and redevelopment of properties for the life sciences industry. Its properties consist of buildings containing scientific research and development laboratories, and other improvements. The company offers its properties for lease primarily to universities and independent not-for-profit institutions; and pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, life science product, service, biodefense, and translational research entities, as well as governmental agencies. As of December 31, 2006, it had 159 properties, including 156 properties located in 9 states in the United States and 3 properties located in Canada. As a REIT, the company is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it distributes 100% of its taxable income to its stockholders. The company was founded in 1993 and is based in Pasadena, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Bill Stoller]
After a banner 2013, the overall market has had a challenging start to 2014. However, these four companies have been crushing it: Alexander Real Estate (NYSE: ARE ) , BioMed Realty Trust (NYSE: BMR ) , CommonWealth REIT (NYSE: CWH ) , and Sun Communities (NYSE: SUI ) early on in 2014 vs. the S&P 500. Their relative out-performance can also be seen when compared to the Vanguard REIT Index ETF (NYSEMKT: VNQ ) a good yardstick to measure sector performance.
Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy For 2014: Turkish Investment Fund Inc (TKF)
The Turkish Investment Fund, Inc. (the Fund), incorporated on September 27, 1988, is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund�� investment objective is long-term capital appreciation through investments primarily in equity securities of Turkish corporations. Its portfolio includes Turkish common stocks and short-term investments.
The Fund invests in industries, such as automobiles, beverages, commercial banks, construction materials, diversified financial services, real estate and wireless telecommunication services. The Fund�� investment advisor and administrator is Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dan Caplinger]
Liquidity can be an even bigger concern among alternatives to ETFs. The closed-end Turkish Investment Fund (NYSE: TKF ) has been even more volatile than the Turkish stock market, as the limited availability of closed-end fund shares produces even greater disparities between net asset value and share price. Yesterday, the Turkish closed-end traded at a 13% discount to net asset value, but that discount has moved in a wide range between 6% and 15% at various points during the past year, with some of the biggest discounts coming on days of heightened activity among protesters.
Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy For 2014: U.S. Energy Corp.(USEG)
U.S. Energy Corp. engages in the acquisition, exploration, holding, sale, and/or development of mineral properties. It primarily explores for molybdenum, and other base and precious metals. The company holds interests in Mount Emmons property that covers approximately 9,311 acres located in Gunnison County, Colorado. It also holds interests in oil and gas properties located in Williston Basin North Dakota and Gulf Coast region. In addition, the company holds interests in geothermal properties. Further, it develops multifamily apartment project in Gillette, Wyoming. As of December 31, 2009, its estimated proved reserves were approximately 1,086,203 BOE. The company was founded in 1966 and is based in Riverton, Wyoming.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Roberto Pedone]
US Energy (USEG), an independent energy company, focuses on the acquisition and development of oil and gas producing properties in the continental U.S. This stock closed up 6.9% to $3.53 in Thursday's trading session.
Thursday's Range: $3.29-$3.53
52-Week Range: $1.45-$4.06
Thursday's Volume: 116,000
Three-Month Average Volume: 219,710From a technical perspective, USEG bounced sharply higher here right off some near-term support at $3.27 and back above its 50-day moving average of $3.45 with lighter-than-average volume. This stock recently formed a triple bottom chart pattern at $3.32, $3.21 and $3.27. Since finding buying interest at those levels, shares of USEG are now spiking higher and moving within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if USEG manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $3.65 to $3.80 with high volume.
Traders should now look for long-biased trades in USEG as long as it's trending above some key near-term support levels at $3.27 or at $3.21 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 219,710 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then USEG will set up to re-test or possibly take out its 52-week high at $4.06. Any high-volume move above that level will then give USEG a chance to tag its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.60 to $5.
Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy For 2014: SPDR S&P Russia ETF (RBL)
SPDR S&P Russia ETF (the Fund) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Russia Capped BMI Index (the Index). The Index is a float adjusted market cap index designed to define and measure the investable universe of publicly-traded companies domiciled in Russia. The Index component securities are a subset, based on region, of component securities included in the S&P Global BMI Equity Index. The Global BMI Equity Index is a comprehensive, float-weighted, rules-based benchmark that is readily divisible and customizable. The Fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the Index or in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) or Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) based on securities comprising the Index. The Fund�� investment advisor is SSgA Funds Management, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Charles Sizemore]
But what exactly are you buying when you buy Russian stocks? Let�� take a look under the hood at the ETFs that track the Russian market: the Market Vectors Russia ETF (RSX), the iShares MSCI Russia Capped Index (ERUS) and the SPDR S&P Russia (RBL).
Top 10 Rising Stocks To Buy For 2014: AllianceBernstein Income Fund Inc (ACG)
AllianceBernstein Income Fund Inc. (the Fund), formerly known as ACM Income Fund Inc., is a diversified closed-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is to provide high current income consistent with the preservation of capital. The Fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets in income producing securities. It normally invests at least 65% of its assets in securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements pertaining to the United States Government securities. It may also invest up to 35% of its assets in other fixed-income securities, including those issued by non-governmental issuers in the United States and those issued by foreign governments. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its net assets in below-investment-grade securities. In addition, the Fund may utilize other investment instruments, including options and futures, and may employ leverage. On January 26, 2007, AllianceBernstein Income Fund Inc. acquired ACM Government Opportunity Fund, Inc.
The Fund invests in sovereign debt obligations of countries that are considered emerging market countries at the time of purchase. Part of the Fund's assets will be invested in foreign securities. AllianceBernstein Income Fund Inc.�� investment advisor is AllianceBernstein L.P. (formerly known as Alliance Capital Management L.P.).
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Harry Domash, Publisher, DividendDetective and Winning Investing]
For instance, AllianceBernstein Income, ticker (ACG), has about 70% of its holdings rated AAA, which is the highest rating you can get. We have some that invest in global real estate.
We have some invested in utility, preferreds, and common. We have some invested in emerging market debt. We try to cover the whole spectrum of investing. When you're looking at monthly payers, you're usually getting bond funds as opposed to stock funds.
Steven Halpern: Now among those closed-end funds is there a name or two that stands out that people should be looking at?
Harry Domash: Well, one that's really good for us has been Reaves Utility Income. It holds primarily US utility and telecom stocks and it's been a pretty good dividend raiser. The ticker is (UTG), paying about a 6.1% yield now and it's a good serial dividend increaser so it's a very good one.
If you're worried about rising interest rates then Invesco Dynamic Credit Opportunities, ticker (VTA), invests in below investment-grade floating rate bank loans. In other words, these are called senior loans.
They're bank loans that adjust their payouts based on prevailing interest rates, so if interest rates go up, these loans will pay higher dividends, so this is a good hedge if you are concerned about rising interest rates.
Another one that's really performed, and it's paying a 6.9% yield right now, Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities, ticker (GOF), that's actually Claymore Guggenheim, holds corporate and government backed, that it's mostly investment-grade and it's paying a 10.1% yield right now, which is pretty high. Those are three that I could recommend right now.
Steven Halpern: Well, we really appreciate you joining us today and sharing your expertise. Thank you.
Harry Domash: You're welcome.
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