Twenty-nine percent of contractors say a shutdown would cause them to delay planned hiring, and 58% said it would have a negative effect on their businesses, according to a survey of 925 contractors this week by the National Association of Government Contractors.
Q&A: 27 more questions answered about the shutdown
One Federal Solution, which provides information technology, health care and training services to various government agencies has furloughed 107 of its 115 employees because federal officials said they're non-essential, says CEO Abdul Baytops.
"We're concerned about employees losing faith" in the company "even though we have no control over it," Abdul says.
Top 5 Media Companies To Buy Right Now: Caterpillar Inc.(CAT)
Caterpillar Inc. manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. It operates through three lines of businesses: Machinery, Engines, and Financial Products. The Machinery business offers construction, mining, and forestry machinery, including track and wheel tractors, track and wheel loaders, pipelayers, motor graders, wheel tractor-scrapers, track and wheel excavators, backhoe loaders, log skidders, log loaders, off-highway trucks, articulated trucks, paving products, skid steer loaders, underground mining equipment, tunnel boring equipment, and related parts. It also manufactures diesel-electric locomotives; and manufactures and services rail-related products and logistics services for other companies. The Engines business provides diesel, heavy fuel, and natural gas reciprocating engines for Caterpillar machinery, electric power generation systems, marine, petrol eum, construction, industrial, agricultural, and other applications. It offers industrial turbines and turbine-related services for oil and gas, and power generation applications. This business also remanufactures Caterpillar engines, machines, and engine components; and offers remanufacturing services for other companies. The Financial Products business provides retail and wholesale financing alternatives for Caterpillar machinery and engines, solar gas turbines, and other equipment and marine vessels, as well as offers loans and various forms of insurance to customers and dealers. It also offers financing for vehicles, power generation facilities, and marine vessels. The company markets its products directly, as well as through its distribution centers, dealers, and distributors. It was formerly known as Caterpillar Tractor Co. and changed its name to Caterpillar Inc. in 1986. Caterpillar Inc. was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dan Caplinger]
On one hand, the obvious negative news for the Dow came from Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT ) , which announced lower profit, reduced capital expenditures, and guidance for future earnings that came in at the lower end of its previous range. In particular, mining-equipment sales were a sore spot for the company, as falling prices for commodities have left miners in a much more precarious financial position that won't support as many large equipment purchases. Yet with all the news from China and elsewhere in recent months pointing toward a slowdown in industrial activity, Caterpillar's news wasn't surprising, even though the stock dropped nearly 1% after initially posting gains near the open.
- [By John Maxfield]
You read that right: Shares of Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT ) are up 3% in afternoon trading after the company announced that its earnings fell a staggering 45% in the first quarter compared with the same time period of last year. Caterpillar's stock is doing so well, in fact, that it's the second-best-performing component on the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI ) , which itself is fighting to stay in the black, up by 22 points an hour before the market closes.
- [By Matt Thalman]
Before we hit the Dow losers, let's look at this week's best-performing component: Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT ) . After being one of the biggest losers for two weeks, with the stock declining 0.42%, shares of Caterpillar rose 6.12% this past week. Many analysts have contributed Caterpillar's rising share price with rising gold prices this week. As concerns about inflation creep into investors' minds, gold is seen as a safe haven and a shield against losing buying power, and increasing precious-metal prices help mining companies and mining equipment manufacturers such as Caterpillar. But despite a strong one-week performance, shares of Caterpillar are still down 2.72% year to date. �
- [By Luke Jacobi]
Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) gave up ground after the company reported slow North American growth and continued declines in Asia and Europe.
Home Depot (NYSE: HD) reported that it has removed all malware from its systems late Thursday. A dollar amount was not put on expected losses, but the company warned expenses could be high.
Top Information Technology Stocks To Watch Right Now: Amanasu Techno Holdings Corp (ANSU)
Amanasu Techno Holdings Corporation, incorporated on December 1, 1997, is a development-stage company. The Company focuses on acquiring the technologies, constructing four proto-type motor scooters and various testing of the technologies and the motor scooter.
As of December 31, 2012, the Company had not conducted any operations. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had not generated any revenues.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Last Friday, small cap biotech or tech stocks Amanasu Techno Holdings Corp (OTCMKTS: ANSU), Bio Matrix Scientific Group Inc (OTCMKTS: BMSN) and Thinspace Technology Inc (OTCBB: THNS) surged 44.74%, 42.31% and 14%, respectively, with only one of these small caps appearing to be the subject of some sort of small paid promotions or investor relations campaign. Given the lack of a big pump from promoters or IR people, will these three small caps keep surging or will the tide go out again this week? Here is a quick reality check to help you decide on a trading or investing strategy:
Top Information Technology Stocks To Watch Right Now: 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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Top Information Technology Stocks To Watch Right Now: Hornbeck Offshore Services(HOS)
Hornbeck Offshore Services, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates offshore supply vessels (OSVs), multi-purpose support vessels, and a shore-base to provide logistics support and specialty services to the offshore oil and gas exploration and production industry primarily in the United States and Gulf of Mexico. It operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment owns and operates fleets of the U.S.-flagged OSVs that support deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploration, development, production, construction, installation, maintenance, repair, and enhanced oil recovery requirements of the oil and gas industry. This segment also owns conventional OSVs, work class ROVs, and a shore-base facility located in Port Fourchon, Louisiana. In addition, it provides vessel management services for other vessels owners, which include crewing, daily operational management, and maintenance activities. The Downstream segment owns and operates a fleet of ocean-going tug s and tank barges that transport petroleum products, primarily in the northeastern United States, the Gulf of Mexico, the Great Lakes, and Puerto Rico. These tugs and tank barges provide coastwise transportation of refined and bunker grade petroleum products, as well as offer other services, including the support of deepwater well testing and other applications for refining, marketing, and trading companies. As of December 31, 2009, Hornbeck Offshore Services owned and operated a fleet of 47 new generation OSVs, and 9 double-hulled barges and 10 ocean-going tugs. The company was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Covington, Louisiana.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Traders Reserve]
For investors who want a piece of this developing trend, Transocean and Seadrill are two of the bigger players in this arena. Other offshore drillers/rig operators are Noble (NE) and Ensco (ESV). Companies that provide services to offshore drillers and benefit from increases in exploration and drilling activity are Gulfmark Offshore (GLF), Hornbeck (HOS), Seacor (CKH) and Tidewater (TDW).
- [By Ben Levisohn]
“There will be blood,” one analyst noted this morning about Hornbeck Offshore Services (HOS) –but his observation could apply to just about the entire offshore-services sector, as Atwood Oceanics (ATW), Diamond Offshore (DO) and Ensco (ESV) tumble.
Top Information Technology Stocks To Watch Right Now: IMAX Corp (IMAX)
IMAX Corporation, incorporated on January 1, 2002, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries, is an entertainment technology companies, specializing in motion picture technologies and presentations. The Company�� customers who purchase lease or otherwise acquire the IMAX theatre systems are theatre exhibitors, which operate commercial theatres, museums, science centers, and destination entertainment sites. IMAX theatre systems combine the Company�� digital re-mastering movie conversion technology (IMAX DMR), projectors with equipment and automated theatre control systems, sound system components, screens, theatre geometry, and theatre acoustics.
The Company�� principal business is the design, manufacture and delivery of theater systems (IMAX theater systems). The Company�� customers who purchase, lease or otherwise acquire the IMAX theater systems through joint revenue sharing arrangements are theater exhibitors that operate commercial theaters (particularly multiplexes), museums, science centers, or destination entertainment sites. The Company does not own IMAX theaters, but licenses the use of its trademarks along with the sale, lease or contribution of the IMAX theater system.
IMAX Systems, Theater System Maintenance and Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements
The Company provides IMAX theater systems to customers on a sales or long-term lease basis with an initial 10-year term. These agreements consist of initial fees and ongoing fees (which can include a fixed minimum amount per annum and contingent fees in excess of the minimum payments) and maintenance and extended warranty fees. The initial fees vary depending on the system configuration and location of the theater and generally are paid to the Company in installments between the time of system signing and the time of system installation. Ongoing fees are paid over the term of the contract, commencing after the theater system has been installed and are generally equal to the greater of a fixed minimu! m amount per annum or a percentage of boxoffice receipts. The Company also provides IMAX theater systems to customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements, pursuant to which the Company provides the IMAX theater system in return for a portion of the customer�� IMAX box-office receipts, and in some cases concession revenues and/or a small upfront or initial payment. As at December 31, 2012, the Company had 316 theaters in operation under joint revenue sharing arrangements.
Production and Digital Re-Mastering (IMAX DMR)
The Company�� technology digitally re-masters Hollywood films into IMAX digital cinema package format or 15/70-format film. IMAX DMR digitally enhances the image resolution of motion picture films for projection on IMAX screens while maintaining or enhancing the visual clarity and sound quality to levels for which The IMAX Experience is known. This technology enabled the IMAX theater network to release Hollywood films simultaneously with domestic release. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company will receive a percentage of net box-office receipts of any commercial films released in the IMAX network, which is generally 10-15%, from a film studio for the conversion of the film to the IMAX DMR format and access to its distribution platform. During the year ended December 31, 2012, 35 films converted through the IMAX DMR process were released to theaters within the IMAX network. As of December 31, 2012, the Company released 23 IMAX DMR titles to theaters within the IMAX network. During 2012, five local language IMAX DMR films were released, including one French film, Houba! On the Trail of the Marsupilami: The IMAX Experience and four Chinese IMAX DMR titles: Tai Chi 0: An IMAX 3D Experience, Tai Chi Hero: An IMAX 3D Experience, Back to 1942: The IMAX Experience and CZ12: The IMAX Experience.
Film Distribution and Post-Production
The Company is also a distributor of large-format films, primarily catering to its institution! al theate! r partners. The Company generally distributes films, which it produces or for which it has acquired distribution rights from independent producers. The Company generally receives a percentage of the theater box-office receipts as a distribution fee. Films produced by the Company are typically financed through third parties, whereby the Company will generally receive a film production fee in exchange for producing the film and a distribution fee for distributing the film. The Company utilizes third-party funding for the majority of original films it produces and distributes. In 2012, the Company, along with Warner Bros. Pictures (WB) and MacGillivray Freeman Films (MFF) released an original title, To the Artic 3D: An IMAX 3D Experience.
The Company derives a small portion of its revenues from other sources. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had four owned and operated theaters. In addition, the Company has a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses and provides management services to two theaters. The Company also rents its two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) large-format film and digital cameras to third party production companies. The Company maintains cameras and other film equipment and also offers production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers. Additionally, the Company generates revenues from the sale of after-market parts and 3D glasses. As of December 31, 2012, approximately 54.2% of IMAX systems in operation were located in the United States and Canada. As at December 31, 2012, approximately 45.8% of IMAX systems in operation were located within international markets (other than the United States and Canada).
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Luke Jacobi]
Imax (NYSE: IMAX) was down 8.63 percent to $25.95 after Cormark Securities downgraded the stock from Market Perform to Reduce.
Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) fell 4.61 percent to $172.64, continuing on yesterday�� negative momentum.
- [By Rick Munarriz]
IMAX (NYSE: IMAX ) announced a deal on Monday to add 35 new screens to China and South Korea. It's a smart move, especially with RealD (NYSE: RLD ) taking a hit last week after announcing a sequential decline in ticket sales for June.
Top Information Technology Stocks To Watch Right Now: Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior S.A. (BLX)
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. provides trade financing to commercial banks, middle-market companies, and corporations primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company operates in three segments: Commercial, Treasury, and Asset Management. The Commercial segment offers deposits and loans for foreign trade transactions. This segment also provides various products, services, and solutions relating to foreign trade, which include co-financing arrangements, underwriting of syndicated credit facilities, structured trade financing, asset-based financing in the form of factoring, vendor financing and leasing, and other fee-based services, such as electronic clearing services. The Treasury segment offers liquidity management and investment securities activities, including management of interest rate, liquidity, price, and currency risks. The Asset Management segment provides asset management services, including investment advisory services for funds and managed accounts. This division is involved in trading foreign exchange, interest rate swaps, and derivative products. The company was formerly known as Banco Latinoamericano de Exportaciones, S.A. and changed its name to Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. in June 2009. Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Panama City, the Republic of Panama.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Rich Duprey]
Panama-based supranational bank�Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior� (NYSE: BLX ) announced yesterday its second-quarter dividend of $0.30 per share, the same rate it's paid for the past three quarters after raising the payout 20% from $0.25 per share.
- [By Eric Volkman]
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (NYSE: BLX ) , better and more conveniently known as Bladex, is maintaining its dividend policy. The lender has declared a payout of $0.30 per share of its stock for its Q1, to be paid on May 7 to shareholders of record as of April 29. This amount matches the company's previous disbursement, which has been paid in both of the preceding two quarters. Before that, Bladex dispensed $0.25 per share.
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