2011 was not a very good year for the vast majority of low penny-land biotechs. Looking back, I still wish I rolled a good portion on Questcor (QCOR) and Spectrum (SPPI). I also add Pharmacyclics (PCYC) and ImmunoGen (IMGN) that rebounded in the second half of 2011. They all remain excellent biotech stocks. But these are not in the price range of my focus: biotechs stocks at least below $5/share if not in the $1-3/share price range. I would go lower, but SA prefers its writers not cover below $1/share stocks; I abide and respect that policy as those sub-dollar stocks are very volatile and many good investors have been hurt by a flippant pen.
Good Stocks To Hold:Vera Bradley Inc. (VRA)
Vera Bradley, Inc., through its subsidiary, Vera Bradley Designs, Inc., engages in the design, production, marketing, and retail of functional accessories for women under the ?Vera Bradley? brand. Its products include a range of handbags, accessories, and travel and leisure items. The company sells its products to independent retailers located in the United States, as well as to national retailers and third party e-commerce sites. As of January 29, 2011, Vera Bradley, Inc. sold its products directly through 35 full-price stores, 4 outlet stores, verabradley.com, and an annual outlet sale in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By Jonas
It seems everyone is abuzz with Apple these days. They have a good product, lots of vision, and decent value in share price. But why would I buy this on a market pullback? Apple trades close to the S&P 500 (SPY) as well it should since Apple makes up a huge part of the S&P 500 market cap. However, shares of Apple have higher relative strength than the market. This means that while Apple shares will surely fall with the price during a pullback, they will also rebound quicker and rise farther with the next leg up.
If the market pulls back, I’d wait for the 1,365 – 1,370 level to be hit and then grab some shares of Apple.
- By Scott Rothbort
Apple(AAPL), which I included on my previous list of low-PEG stocks, remains one of the cheapest stocks around. The stock has still managed to increase in value over 16% this year, despite falling 12% since reaching an all-time high in October.
The iPhone 4S is a huge success. In 2012, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 are likely to get introduced. The company’s computers continue to grab market share away from Windows-based systems. The December quarter is expected to be the company’s best ever. Earnings are expected to grow by 25% in 2011 and 12% in 2012. Yet the stock trades at just under 10 times 2012 earnings.
Apple’s raw beta is 0.77
Apple shows up on recent lists of 5 Gadget Stocks for the Holidays and 9 Top Goldman Sachs Stocks for 2012.
- By Smith
Temporarily becoming the most valuable company in the world last week, Apple has not been hurt very much by the recent bear market. In fact, for a great read about Apple’s story, consider taking a look at this article. With household names like iPad and iPhone, we all know that Apple is valuable … but the question is how valuable?Answering a question like that isn’t easy, but we believe the answer is up – way up. In fact, when compared to Google (GOOG)’s valuation metrics, this isn’t even that unreasonable. Apple’s price to earnings, price/earnings to growth, and price to sales ratios are 14.91, 0.61, and 3.45 respectively. Google’s numbers in these same categories are 20.34, 0.84, and 5.45 – all much higher. While competitors like Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Research in Motion (RIMM) may be a bargain for those hunting sub-8 price to earnings ratios, AAPL is still a good place to be. Th e most recent news affecting Apple has been Steve Jobs’s crazy new plans for company headquarters, but needless to say this will not have a huge impact on AAPL stock price. What will though is whether the company can keep up its knack for fresh technology that consumers love. While some may call this blind faith, we see it as an investment opportunity.The best time to buy AAPL stock is before their next biggest thing is announced – and that time is right now.
Good Stocks To Hold:SportingBet.com (SBT.L)
Sportingbet Plc operates as an online sports betting and gaming company. The company offers online sports betting services, including sportsbook; and gaming products comprising casino and poker, as well as other games, such as roulette, blackjack, slots, and live dealer games. It operates Websites in 21 languages; and accepts bets in 20 currencies. The company is also involved in telephone and mobile betting businesses. It operates in Europe, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Chile, and South Africa. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By Michael
This is another technology stock with great potential. With each new release of an iPhone or iPad device, the stock continues to climb. They have the “wow” factor down and I don’t see this changing any time soon. Their new server farm in Charlotte, NC just went online as iCloud. I think this is going to make a huge long term difference. But in the short term, you have very regular releases of new versions of their flashy devices. As long as they keep that up, the stock will continue to rise. Although Steve Jobs is no longer here with us, he probably left a road map for Apple to fol low for the next 3-5 years. The question will be whether Tim Cook will be able to execute on those plans.
- By Andrew
I am a huge believer in Apple’s brand internationally and I think they still have more room to grow than people think. We all know the Iphone 5 is coming out and I think the sales will be insanely good. People buy these products not only because they are great, but because they are the only fashionable computer item on the market. Many people have no problem at all paying the large premium for Apple’s stuff just to look cool. That’s not the reason everyone does it but it’s a reason that all the challenger companies won’t be able to touch a large % of Apple’s core user base. Apple is in a league of their own and will stay that way for the foreseeable fut ure. Any Apple naysayer makes very weak arguments against the investment. Some people buy computers to get the most bang for their buck. Apple users proudly pay the big premium. That’s why they keep beating expectations on Wall S treet. They don’t pay a dividend but certainly could at any time. They are a cash cow already sitting on a mountain of cash. I can see the company going over $500 before the end of 2012. Very strong buy.
- By Jonas
It seems everyone is abuzz with Apple these days. They have a good product, lots of vision, and decent value in share price. But why would I buy this on a market pullback? Apple trades close to the S&P 500 (SPY) as well it should since Apple makes up a huge part of the S&P 500 market cap. However, shares of Apple have higher relative strength than the market. This means that while Apple shares will surely fall with the price during a pullback, they will also rebound quicker and rise farther with the next leg up.
If the market pulls back, I’d wait for the 1,365 – 1,370 level to be hit and then grab some shares of Apple.
Good Stocks To Hold:Encana Corporation (ECA)
Encana Corporation and its subsidiaries engage in the exploration for, development, production, and marketing of natural gas, oil, and natural gas liquids. The company owns interests in resource plays that primarily include the Greater Sierra, Cutbank Ridge, Bighorn, and Coalbed Methane resource plays located in British Columbia and Alberta, as well as the Deep Panuke natural gas project offshore Nova Scotia in Canada. It also holds interests in resource plays comprising the Jonah in southwest Wyoming, Piceance in northwest Colorado, Haynesville in Louisiana, and Texas resource play, including east Texas and north Texas. The company serves primarily local distribution companies, industrials, energy marketing companies, and other producers. Encana Corporation was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By ANDREW
I am a huge believer in Apple’s brand internationally and I think they still have more room to grow than people think. We all know the Iphone 5 is coming out and I think the sales will be insanely good. People buy these products not only because they are great, but because they are the only fashionable computer item on the market. Many people have no problem at all paying the large premium for Apple’s stuff just to look cool. That’s not the reason everyone does it but it’s a reason that all the challenger companies won’t be able to touch a large % of Apple’s core user base. Apple is in a league of their own and will stay that way for the foreseeable fut ure. Any Apple naysayer makes very weak arguments against the investment. Some people buy computers to get the most bang for their buck. Apple users proudly pay the big premium. That’s why they keep beating expectations on Wall S treet. They don’t pay a dividend but certainly could at any time. They are a cash cow already sitting on a mountain of cash. I can see the company going over $500 before the end of 2012. Very strong buy.
- By Kevin M. O’Brien
Apple Inc. (AAPL) will reach $500.00/share at some point in 2012. I view Apple as trading at an extreme discount right now. I am expecting to see a run-up in price ahead of the company’s next earnings call on January 17, 2012. I am also expecting that this earnings release is going to be absolutely fantastic. It would be a wise choice to block out all the negative rumors and sentiment surrounding Apple right now. This is a stock that is so attractively priced right now that it will not stay at this level for very long. Check back with me after January 17th next year.
- By Curtis
Even though Apple’s stock has now reached the $420 price range (for just one share!), many analysts believe that AAPL is one of the most undervalued large-cap stocks.
Despite the loss of Steve Jobs last year, Apple has continued to gain value, and the trend is expected to continue through 2012 with the hotly anticipated iPad 3 and iPhone 5 releases. In fact, AAPL is predicted to hit $510 per share in the next year.
Good Stocks To Hold:J.C. Penney Company Inc. Holding Company (JCP)
J. C. Penney Company, Inc., through its subsidiary, J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., operates department stores in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company sells family apparel and footwear, accessories, fine and fashion jewelry, beauty products, and home furnishings. It also provides various services, such as styling salon, optical, portrait photography, and custom decorating. The company also sells its products through its Internet Web site, jcp.com. J. C. Penney Company, Inc. has strategic alliance with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. As of December 7, 2011, it operated approximately 1,100 department stores. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Plano, Texas.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By Scott Rothbort
Apple(AAPL), which I included on my previous list of low-PEG stocks, remains one of the cheapest stocks around. The stock has still managed to increase in value over 16% this year, despite falling 12% since reaching an all-time high in October.
The iPhone 4S is a huge success. In 2012, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 are likely to get introduced. The company’s computers continue to grab market share away from Windows-based systems. The December quarter is expected to be the company’s best ever. Earnings are expected to grow by 25% in 2011 and 12% in 2012. Yet the stock trades at just under 10 times 2012 earnings.
Apple’s raw beta is 0.77
Apple shows up on recent lists of 5 Gadget Stocks for the Holidays and 9 Top Goldman Sachs Stocks for 2012.
- By Jonas
It seems everyone is abuzz with Apple these days. They have a good product, lots of vision, and decent value in share price. But why would I buy this on a market pullback? Apple trades close to the S&P 500 (SPY) as well it should since Apple makes up a huge part of the S&P 500 market cap. However, shares of Apple have higher relative strength than the market. This means that while Apple shares will surely fall with the price during a pullback, they will also rebound quicker and rise farther with the next leg up.
If the market pulls back, I’d wait for the 1,365 – 1,370 level to be hit and then grab some shares of Apple.
- By ANDREW
I am a huge believer in Apple’s brand internationally and I think they still have more room to grow than people think. We all know the Iphone 5 is coming out and I think the sales will be insanely good. People buy these products not only because they are great, but because they are the only fashionable computer item on the market. Many people have no problem at all paying the large premium for Apple’s stuff just to look cool. That’s not the reason everyone does it but it’s a reason that all the challenger companies won’t be able to touch a large % of Apple’s core user base. Apple is in a league of their own and will stay that way for the foreseeable fut ure. Any Apple naysayer makes very weak arguments against the investment. Some people buy computers to get the most bang for their buck. Apple users proudly pay the big premium. That’s why they keep beating expectations on Wall S treet. They don’t pay a dividend but certainly could at any time. They are a cash cow already sitting on a mountain of cash. I can see the company going over $500 before the end of 2012. Very strong buy.
Good Stocks To Hold:Towne Bank (TOWN)
TowneBank, through its subsidiaries, provides retail and commercial banking products and services in the Greater Hampton Roads region in southeastern Virginia. The company operates in three segments: Banking, Realty, and Insurance. The Banking segment provides various deposits products, including checking accounts, demand deposits, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, savings accounts, money rate savings, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts; personal loans, including secured and unsecured loans for financing automobiles, home improvements, education, and personal investments; commercial loans comprising secured and unsecured loans for working capital, business expansion, and equipment and machinery purchases; and fixed- and floating-rate mortgage loans, as well as real estate construction and acquisition loans. This segment also provides safe deposit boxes, cash management services, travelers? checks, direct deposit of payroll and social securi ty checks, and automatic drafts for various accounts, as well as Internet and on-call banking services. In addition, it offers documentation to accomplish tax deferral to investors; and financial, retirement, and estate planning services, as well as assistance on various investment options, including alternative investments, annuities, margin accounts, convertible bonds, and pension and profit sharing plans. The Realty segment provides residential real estate, resort property management, and commercial residential title insurance services, as well as originates mortgage loans. The Insurance segment provides life, property, casualty, and vehicle insurance services; travel, medical, and baggage protection insurance for travelers; and employee benefit programs, including medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as serves as an administrator for health care and dependent care flexible benefit plans. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Portsm outh, Virginia.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By Scott Rothbort
Apple(AAPL), which I included on my previous list of low-PEG stocks, remains one of the cheapest stocks around. The stock has still managed to increase in value over 16% this year, despite falling 12% since reaching an all-time high in October.
The iPhone 4S is a huge success. In 2012, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 are likely to get introduced. The company’s computers continue to grab market share away from Windows-based systems. The December quarter is expected to be the company’s best ever. Earnings are expected to grow by 25% in 2011 and 12% in 2012. Yet the stock trades at just under 10 times 2012 earnings.
Apple’s raw beta is 0.77
Apple shows up on recent lists of 5 Gadget Stocks for the Holidays and 9 Top Goldman Sachs Stocks for 2012.
- By Smith
Temporarily becoming the most valuable company in the world last week, Apple has not been hurt very much by the recent bear market. In fact, for a great read about Apple’s story, consider taking a look at this article. With household names like iPad and iPhone, we all know that Apple is valuable … but the question is how valuable?Answering a question like that isn’t easy, but we believe the answer is up – way up. In fact, when compared to Google (GOOG)’s valuation metrics, this isn’t even that unreasonable. Apple’s price to earnings, price/earnings to growth, and price to sales ratios are 14.91, 0.61, and 3.45 respectively. Google’s numbers in these same categories are 20.34, 0.84, and 5.45 – all much higher. While competitors like Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Research in Motion (RIMM) may be a bargain for those hunting sub-8 price to earnings ratios, AAPL is still a good place to be. Th e most recent news affecting Apple has been Steve Jobs’s crazy new plans for company headquarters, but needless to say this will not have a huge impact on AAPL stock price. What will though is whether the company can keep up its knack for fresh technology that consumers love. While some may call this blind faith, we see it as an investment opportunity.The best time to buy AAPL stock is before their next biggest thing is announced – and that time is right now.
- By Michael
This is another technology stock with great potential. With each new release of an iPhone or iPad device, the stock continues to climb. They have the “wow” factor down and I don’t see this changing any time soon. Their new server farm in Charlotte, NC just went online as iCloud. I think this is going to make a huge long term difference. But in the short term, you have very regular releases of new versions of their flashy devices. As long as they keep that up, the stock will continue to rise. Although Steve Jobs is no longer here with us, he probably left a road map for Apple to fol low for the next 3-5 years. The question will be whether Tim Cook will be able to execute on those plans.
Good Stocks To Hold:Jersey Elec.(a) (JEL.L)
Jersey Electricity plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electricity in the Island of Jersey. It also engages in retailing; property management; building services; and has other business interests, including telecommunications and Internet data hosting. The company?s services include small works electrical services, heating systems, periodic test and inspection of electrical installations, portable appliance testing, air conditioning/heat pumps, data center/computer room cooling, commercial refrigeration, fire alarm systems, plumbing service and maintenance, multi-fuel heating, amenity lighting, building facilities management, ventilation, multi-service maintenance, and preventative planned maintenance. In addition, it provides space and water heating solutions, and design/specification, installation, and after sales service; and business consultancy, system design, development, implementation, training, and helpdesk support so lutions. The company also involves in the sale of products through its various retail outlets; and online retailing through day2dayshop.com. Further, it provides energy and environmental engineering solutions; hosting, monitoring, email solutions, disaster recovery, online data backup, distributed denial of service (DDoS) protection, and global content delivery; Internet, voice, and home services; and maintenance services for refrigeration and catering equipment. The company was formerly known as The Jersey Electricity Company Limited and changed its name to Jersey Electricity plc in March, 2010. Jersey Electricity plc was founded in 1924 and is based in St. Helier, the Channel Islands.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By Kevin M. O’Brien
Apple Inc. (AAPL) will reach $500.00/share at some point in 2012. I view Apple as trading at an extreme discount right now. I am expecting to see a run-up in price ahead of the company’s next earnings call on January 17, 2012. I am also expecting that this earnings release is going to be absolutely fantastic. It would be a wise choice to block out all the negative rumors and sentiment surrounding Apple right now. This is a stock that is so attractively priced right now that it will not stay at this level for very long. Check back with me after January 17th next year.
- By ANDREW
I am a huge believer in Apple’s brand internationally and I think they still have more room to grow than people think. We all know the Iphone 5 is coming out and I think the sales will be insanely good. People buy these products not only because they are great, but because they are the only fashionable computer item on the market. Many people have no problem at all paying the large premium for Apple’s stuff just to look cool. That’s not the reason everyone does it but it’s a reason that all the challenger companies won’t be able to touch a large % of Apple’s core user base. Apple is in a league of their own and will stay that way for the foreseeable fut ure. Any Apple naysayer makes very weak arguments against the investment. Some people buy computers to get the most bang for their buck. Apple users proudly pay the big premium. That’s why they keep beating expectations on Wall S treet. They don’t pay a dividend but certainly could at any time. They are a cash cow already sitting on a mountain of cash. I can see the company going over $500 before the end of 2012. Very strong buy.
- By Michael
This is another technology stock with great potential. With each new release of an iPhone or iPad device, the stock continues to climb. They have the “wow” factor down and I don’t see this changing any time soon. Their new server farm in Charlotte, NC just went online as iCloud. I think this is going to make a huge long term difference. But in the short term, you have very regular releases of new versions of their flashy devices. As long as they keep that up, the stock will continue to rise. Although Steve Jobs is no longer here with us, he probably left a road map for Apple to fol low for the next 3-5 years. The question will be whether Tim Cook will be able to execute on those plans.
Good Stocks To Hold:Power Integrations Inc. (POWI)
Power Integrations, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets proprietary, high-voltage, analog, and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) in the United States and internationally. The company offers alternating current to direct current power conversion products, including TOPSwitch, TinySwitch, and LinkSwitch that addresses power supplies ranging from less than 1 watt of output up to approximately 50 watts of output. These products are used in mobile-device chargers, consumer appliances, utility meters, liquid crystal display monitors, standby power supplies for desktop computers and televisions, and other consumer and industrial applications. It also provides various products for use in applications up to approximately 500 watts of output, such as Hiper family power-conversion and power-factor-correction products for high-power applications, including main power supplies for desktop computers, televisions, and game consoles, as well as light emitting diode stre et lights; CapZero and SenZero, which are designed to enhance the energy-efficiency of power supplies and reduce standby consumption by eliminating particular sources of power waste within a power supply; and high-voltage diodes comprising Qspeed diodes. In addition, the company offers high-voltage DC-DC products comprising The DPA-Switch family of products that are monolithic high-voltage power conversion ICs for use in power-over-Ethernet powered devices, such as voice-over-Internet protocol phones and security cameras, as well as network hubs, line cards, servers, digital PBX phones, DC-DC converter modules, and industrial controls. It serves communications, consumer, computer, and industrial electronics markets. The company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers and merchant power supply manufacturers through direct sales staff and a network of independent sales representatives and distributors. Power Integrations, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based i n San Jose, California.
Advisors’ Opinion:
- By ANDREW
I am a huge believer in Apple’s brand internationally and I think they still have more room to grow than people think. We all know the Iphone 5 is coming out and I think the sales will be insanely good. People buy these products not only because they are great, but because they are the only fashionable computer item on the market. Many people have no problem at all paying the large premium for Apple’s stuff just to look cool. That’s not the reason everyone does it but it’s a reason that all the challenger companies won’t be able to touch a large % of Apple’s core user base. Apple is in a league of their own and will stay that way for the foreseeable fut ure. Any Apple naysayer makes very weak arguments against the investment. Some people buy computers to get the most bang for their buck. Apple users proudly pay the big premium. That’s why they keep beating expectations on Wall S treet. They don’t pay a dividend but certainly could at any time. They are a cash cow already sitting on a mountain of cash. I can see the company going over $500 before the end of 2012. Very strong buy.
- By Scott Rothbort
Apple(AAPL), which I included on my previous list of low-PEG stocks, remains one of the cheapest stocks around. The stock has still managed to increase in value over 16% this year, despite falling 12% since reaching an all-time high in October.
The iPhone 4S is a huge success. In 2012, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 are likely to get introduced. The company’s computers continue to grab market share away from Windows-based systems. The December quarter is expected to be the company’s best ever. Earnings are expected to grow by 25% in 2011 and 12% in 2012. Yet the stock trades at just under 10 times 2012 earnings.
Apple’s raw beta is 0.77
Apple shows up on recent lists of 5 Gadget Stocks for the Holidays and 9 Top Goldman Sachs Stocks for 2012.
- By Smith
Temporarily becoming the most valuable company in the world last week, Apple has not been hurt very much by the recent bear market. In fact, for a great read about Apple’s story, consider taking a look at this article. With household names like iPad and iPhone, we all know that Apple is valuable … but the question is how valuable?Answering a question like that isn’t easy, but we believe the answer is up – way up. In fact, when compared to Google (GOOG)’s valuation metrics, this isn’t even that unreasonable. Apple’s price to earnings, price/earnings to growth, and price to sales ratios are 14.91, 0.61, and 3.45 respectively. Google’s numbers in these same categories are 20.34, 0.84, and 5.45 – all much higher. While competitors like Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Research in Motion (RIMM) may be a bargain for those hunting sub-8 price to earnings ratios, AAPL is still a good place to be. Th e most recent news affecting Apple has been Steve Jobs’s crazy new plans for company headquarters, but needless to say this will not have a huge impact on AAPL stock price. What will though is whether the company can keep up its knack for fresh technology that consumers love. While some may call this blind faith, we see it as an investment opportunity.The best time to buy AAPL stock is before their next biggest thing is announced – and that time is right now.
