The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI ) is basically unchanged after China reported a trade surplus in April. Alcoa (NYSE: AA ) stock is up on the news, as a stronger Chinese economy means more demand and higher prices for aluminum. As of 1:15 p.m. EDT, the Dow was up 11 points to 15,067. The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC ) was up four points to 1,630.
There were no U.S. economic releases today. China reported that its exports grew 14.7% in April, above March's 10% rise, which was enough to swing China back to having a trade surplus. In March, China surprised investors after it reported an $884 million trade deficit, increasing investors' fears of a slowdown in China. April's growth in exports led China to report a trade surplus of $18.16 billion. If the numbers are accurate, this is a good sign for China's economy; however, some analysts are questioning whether the numbers are too good to be true. The growth in exports is in contrast to the HSBC purchasing managers index, which showed that new export orders dropped during the month. That said, Asian markets are up nearly 1% on the news.
5 Best Up And Coming Stocks To Own Right Now: AspenBio Pharma Inc.(APPY)
AspenBio Pharma, Inc. operates as an emerging biomedical company focused on obtaining the United States FDA clearance for its lead product, AppyScore. Its research and development activities primarily focus on a human appendicitis blood-based test. The company?s lead product candidate, AppyScore, is a blood-based diagnostic test to help physicians manage patients who enter emergency rooms complaining of abdominal pain and suspected of having acute appendicitis. It is also developing animal healthcare products focusing on reproduction. The company was formerly known as AspenBio, Inc. and changed its name to AspenBio Pharma, Inc. on September 26, 2005. AspenBio Pharma, Inc. was founded in 2000 and is based in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Monica Gerson]
Venaxis (NASDAQ: APPY) soared 22.83% to $3.33 in the pre-market trading on positive top-line results from pivotal study of APPY1 test.
Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) shares gained 11.18% to $7.56 in the pre-market after the company reported fourth-quarter results. Plug Power posted a quarterly loss of $0.08 per share, versus the estimated loss of $0.08 per share.
- [By Wallace Witkowski]
Venaxis Inc. (APPY) �shares fell 12% to $2.38 on light volume after the medical diagnostics company said it planned to launch an secondary offering of an unspecified number of shares.
- [By James E. Brumley]
I know on the surface that Venaxis Inc. (NASDAQ:APPY) hasn't exactly been the most riveting of stocks lately. Heck, APPY shares are exactly where they were at the end of July, and volume has been even less than minimal. I'm telling you though, there's just something about this stock - and its chart - that tells me an explosive bullish move is brewing.
- [By James E. Brumley]
To tell the truth, I'm not the least bit surprised that I'm chiming in on Venaxis Inc. (NASDAQ:APPY) today. It was a stock I dissected just two days ago (on Tuesday - here's that chat), pointing out how all the telltale signs of bullishness were brewing. Sure enough, APPY popped on Wednesday, and as a result has gone from a mere potential big mover to an actual mover.
Best Asian Companies To Buy For 2014: Raptor Pharmaceutical Corp.(RPTP)
Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. operates as a biotechnology company in the United States. The company is dedicated to speeding the delivery of new treatment options to patients by working to improve existing therapeutics through the application of highly specialized drug targeting platforms and formulation expertise. Its clinical stage development products include DR Cysteamine, which is in phase IIb for the treatment of cystinosis; phase IIa for the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; and phase II for the treatment of Huntington?s disease. Raptor?s clinical-stage products also include Convivia that is in Phase IIa stage for the potential management of acetaldehyde toxicity due to alcohol consumption; and Tezampanel and NGX 426, which completed phase I stage for the treatment of migraine and pain. Its preclinical product candidates comprise HepTide for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Hepatitis; WntTide for the treatment of breast cancer; NeuroTrans for the treatmen t of neurodegenerative diseases; and Tezampanel and NGX 426 for the treatment of Thrombosis and Spasticity Disorder. Raptor Pharmaceuticals Corp. is headquartered in Novato, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sean Williams]
Veloci-Raptor time?
First up is Raptor Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: RPTP ) with Procysbi (previously known as RP-103), its oral delayed and extended-release medication to treat nephropathic cystinosis. In trials, Procysbi proved to be non-inferior to the only other FDA-approved treatment for nephropathic cystinosis, known as Cystagon from Mylan (NASDAQ: MYL ) .
Best Asian Companies To Buy For 2014: China XD Plastics Company Ltd (CXDC)
China XD Plastics Company Limited (China XD), incorporated on November 16, 1999, is a specialty chemical companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture and sale of modified plastics primarily for automotive applications in China. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Co., Ltd. (Harbin Xinda), the Company manufactures and sells modified plastics, primarily for use in the fabrication of automobiles parts and components. China XD develops its products using its technology through its wholly owned research laboratory, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Research Center Co., Ltd. (Xinda Macromolecule Research Center). Xinda Macromolecule Research Center is a macromolecular material research and development institution. On March 31, 2011, Harbin Xinda established a wholly owned subsidiary, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Testing Technical Co., Ltd. (Testing Technical), to develop a testing laboratory and provide testing services of macromolecule materials, engineering plastics and other products.
The Company's modified plastics are used by its customers to fabricate the auto components, such as exteriors (automobile bumpers, rearview and sideview mirrors, license plate parts), interiors (door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, glove compartment and safety belt components), and functional components (air conditioner casing, heating and ventilation casing, engine covers, and air ducts). The Company's specialized plastics are utilized in more than 23 automobile brands manufactured in China, including brands, such as AUDI, BMW, Toyota, Buick, Mazda, Volkswagen, Cherry, Geely, and Hafei new energy vehicles. The Company operates three manufacturing bases in Harbin, Heilongjiang in the People's Republic of China (PRC). As of December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 165,000 metric tons of annual production capacity across 38 automatic production lines utilizing German twin-screw extruding systems, automatic weighing systems and Taiwan conveyer! systems. In December 2011, the Company launched its third production base in Harbin, which has 90,000 metric tons of annual production capacity across 20 new production lines installed in two completed factories.
The Company�� products are organized into seven categories, based on their physical characteristics: Modified PP, Modified ABS, Modified PA, Engineering Plastics, Alloy Plastic, Environmentally friendly plastics and Modified Plastic for Special Engineering. Modified PP includes brands, such as COMPNIPER, COMPWIPER and COMPGOPER. COMPNIPER products are primarily used for the interior parts, such as inner panels, instrument panels and box lids. COMPWIPER products are primarily used for external parts, such as the front and back bumpers and mudguards. COMPGOPER products are used for functional components, such as the unit heater shells and air conditioner shells. Modified ABS includes the MOALLOLY brand, which is used in functional components, such as heat dissipating grids and wheel covers. Modified PA�� brand is POLGPAMR, which is used in parts requiring high flame and heat resistance.
The Company�� Engineering Plastics product group includes the MOAMIOLY brand, which is used in engine hoods, intake manifold and bearings. BRBSPCL is Alloy Plastic�� brand, which is used in rearview mirrors, grilles, automotive electronics and other components. Products can also be used in computers, plasma televisions and mobile phones. POLGBSMR is the brand under the Company�� Environmentally friendly plastics product group. Modified Plastic for Special Engineering�� brand is PEEK, which is used in communications and transport, electronics and electrical appliances, machinery, medical and analytical equipment.
The Company competes with Guangzhou Kingfa Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Pret Composites Co., Ltd.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lisa Levin]
China XD Plastics Company (NASDAQ: CXDC) shares rose 6.34% to touch a new 52-week high of $8.39 after the company reported its Q1 earnings of $0.34 per share.
- [By Monica Gerson]
China XD Plastics Company (NASDAQ: CXDC) shares gained 4.17% to touch a new 52-week high of $6.01. China XD Plastics' trailing-twelve-month revenue is $1.05 billion.
Best Asian Companies To Buy For 2014: West Pharmaceutical Services Inc.(WST)
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. manufactures and sells components and systems for injectable drug delivery and plastic packaging, and delivery system components for the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and consumer products industries. The company?s Packaging Systems segment provides packaging components and systems used in injectable drug delivery. This segment offers elastomeric stoppers and discs, elastomeric plungers, needle shields, tip caps, aluminum seals and removable plastic buttons, elastomeric components, flashback bulbs and sleeve stoppers, elastomer and co-molded elastomer/plastic components, non-filled syringe components, and dropper bulbs, as well as pharmaceutical containers, closures, and dispensers. This segment also provides laboratory and other services comprising extractables and leachables testing, package/container testing, method development/validation, stability testing, process development, and problem resolution. Its Delivery Systems segment offer s healthcare devices, such as ready-to-use prefilled syringe systems and sterile vials. This segment also offers sterile devices and electronic patch injector systems; passive safety needle systems, disposable auto-injector systems, and safety systems for prefilled syringes; and contract manufacturing services for personal care and consumer products, including infant nurser assemblies, closures for beverage containers, and child-resistant and tamper-evident closures and dispensers. In addition, this segment engages in contract manufacturing and assembling injection molded components and devices for surgical, ophthalmic, diagnostic, and drug delivery systems. The company distributes its products through its sales force and distribution network, as well as through contract sales agents and regional distributors in the United States, Germany, France, and other European countries. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. was founded in 1923 and is headquartered in Lionville, Pennsylva nia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Seth Jayson]
Calling all cash flows
When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on West Pharmaceutical Services (NYSE: WST ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.
Best Asian Companies To Buy For 2014: Tanger Factory Outlet Centers Inc.(SKT)
Tanger Factory Outlet Centers, Inc. operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT). The company, through its subsidiary, Tanger Properties Limited Partnership, engages in acquiring, developing, owning, operating, and managing factory outlet shopping centers. As of September 30, 2005, Tanger owned and operated 33 factory outlet centers in 22 states totaling 8.7 million square feet of gross leasable area. It also provides development, leasing, and management services for its outlet centers. The company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. As a REIT, it would not be subject to Federal income taxes provided it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders. Tanger Factory Outlet Centers was founded by Stanley K. Tanger in 1981. The company is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By U.S. News]
Linda Davidson/The Washington Post via Getty ImagesShoppers at the Tanger Outlet Mall in Oxon Hill, Md. There are few forms of shopping I enjoy more than outlet shopping. There is something about all of those discount stores packed so closely together that makes me super excited! But I am not going to tell you that all outlet stores are a good deal, because some of them are not. Also, brands sometimes create cheaper items to sell specifically in their outlet locations, and those are not always a smart buy. But for the most part, outlet malls are still an excellent way to save some money while picking up items for the entire family. Here are five ways to make the most of your trip to an outlet: 1. Figure out the outlet 'brand.' There are a couple of management companies that own quite a few outlet malls in the United States, including Premium Outlets (SPG) and Tanger Factory Outlet Centers (SKT). Before heading out, be sure to check the website for the entire outlet mall for any possible deals or coupons. Premium and Tanger Outlets also have Facebook (FB) pages where they will occasionally post coupons that you can print from home. 2. Look for an outlet discount card or VIP program. Many outlet malls have VIP savings programs that can save you big bucks throughout the year and also give you special access to new promotions and sales. The Fashion Outlets of Chicago opened last year and offer a Green Savings Card that costs $5 for a yearly membership. Those with a Green Savings Card receive extra discounts at a huge number of stores and restaurants in the mall, which is on top of the already low prices. 3. 'Like' the outlet store on Facebook. If there is an outlet store that you frequent, go ahead and like its Facebook page so that you will be one of the first to know about sales and promotions. The Kate Spade Outlet (KATE) will frequently post promotions to Facebook before emailing subscribers. The J. Crew Factory Store has offered special promotions th
- [By Marc Bastow]
Discount outlet shopping-center retailer Tanger (SKT) raised its quarterly dividend� 6.7% to 24 cents per share payable on May 15 to shareholders of record April 28. The increase is the 21st consecutive dividend increase for SKT.
SKT Dividend Yield: 2.71%
Best Asian Companies To Buy For 2014: Komatsu Ltd (KMTUY)
Komatsu Ltd. (Komatsu), incorporated in May 13, 1921, is a global company engaged in the manufacturing, development, marketing and sale of a range of industrial-use products and services. The manufacturing operations of Komatsu are conducted primarily at plants located in Japan, the United States, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Indonesia, China, Thailand and India. Komatsu�� products are primarily sold under the Komatsu brand name and almost all of its sales and service activities are conducted through its sales subsidiaries and independent distributors who primarily sell products to retail dealers in their respective geographic area. Komatsu operates and competes in the six principal markets, such as Japan, the United States, Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), China, Asia (excluding Japan and China) and Oceania and the Middle East and Africa. In May, 2009, Komatsu acquired the additional interest in Komatsu Australia Corporate Finance Pty. Ltd.
Construction, Mining and Utility Equipment
The Company offers various types of construction, mining and utility equipment, ranging from super-large machines capable of mining applications to general construction equipment and mini construction equipment for urban use. Komatsu�� range of products in this operating segment also includes a variety of attachments to be used with its products. Komatsu�� principal products include excavating equipment, loading equipment, grading and roadbed preparation equipment, hauling equipment, forestry equipment, tunneling machines, recycling equipment, industrial vehicles, other equipment, engines and components, casting products and logistics.
Industrial Machinery and Others
The Company�� Industrial Machinery and Others segment products are used by a range of businesses and include industrial machinery, such as forging and sheet metal machinery and other services. Komatsu�� principal products include metal forging and stampi! ng presses, sheet metal machines, machine tools, defense systems, temperature-control equipment and others.
The Company competes with Caterpillar Inc., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., Volvo Construction Equipment NV, CNH Global N.V., Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Corporation.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Dan Carroll]
Chinese manufacturing and materials stocks may not be the only picks in trouble, however. Leading international manufacturers could see demand in the world's second-largest economy, cutting into lofty growth expectations that relied upon China's surge to make up for weakness elsewhere around the globe. Japanese industrial power Komatsu (NASDAQOTH: KMTUY ) , the second-largest industrial machinery manufacturer in the world, is betting on�growing Chinese demand this fiscal year, in combination with the weak yen, to fuel growth.