Before Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger even sat down at�Berkshire Hathaway's (NYSE: BRK-A ) (NYSE: BRK-B ) annual meeting, the annual "Berkshire video" showed a cartoon version of Buffett and Munger dancing to "Gangnam Style." With that under your belt, it's hard to feel that your day didn't start off right.
But that was just the warm-up for the much-awaited Q&A session with Buffett and Munger. Here is a look at some of what Buffett and Munger have been saying so far.
On first quarter earnings.�Buffett noted that closures and persistentcy in GEICO policies. He called this trend "solid gold."
On challenging Ariel Hsing in ping-pong at Borsheims.�Buffett: "If you're courageous you'll show up with your paddle and you'll look like an idiot."
On trailing the market.�Buffett conceded that if the market continues on the trajectory it's on so far in 2013, Berkshire could trail the�S&P 500� (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC ) for a five-year period for the first time. Buffett said that it "won't be a happy day, but won't totally discourage us." Munger chimed in with: "We're slowing down, but it'll still be very pleasant."
Top Oil Service Stocks To Own Right Now: Maxygen Inc.(MAXY)
Maxygen, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing improved versions of protein drugs in North America and Europe. The company utilizes its MolecularBreeding directed evolution technology platform, along with ancillary technologies, and protein modification expertise to pursue the creation of biosuperior proteins. It engages in the discovery, research, and development of MAXY-G34 product candidates for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Redwood, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Geoff Gannon]
1. Steel Excel (SXCL)
2. FormFactor (FORM)
3. Imation (IMN)
4. Tuesday Morning (TUES)
5. Pacific Biosciences (PACB)
6. Maxygen (MAXY)
7. Westell (WSTL)
8. Volt Information Sciences (VISI)
9. Yasheng Group (YHGG)
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies For 2014: Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IMMY)
Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing non-invasive, topically delivered products. The Company�� Transdel cream formulation technology is designed to facilitate the effective penetration of a variety of products through the tough skin barrier. Ketotransdel, the Company�� lead pain product, utilizes the Transdel platform technology to deliver the active drug, ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), through the skin directly into the underlying tissues where the drug exerts its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Ketotransdel consists of a transdermal formulation of ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and its Transdel drug delivery system and is being developed for the treatment of acute pain. In July 2013, it acquired intellectual property for IPI-120 from Buderer Drug Company.
Ketotransdel penetrates the skin barrier to reach the targeted underlying tissues where it exerts its localized anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Transdel is the Company�� transdermal cream drug delivery platform. It consists of a cream that enables transdermal penetration of drugs avoiding first pass metabolism by the liver and minimizing systemic exposure. The Transdel drug delivery system facilitates the effective dissolution and delivery of a drug across the skin barrier to reach targeted underlying tissues.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Udovich]
So far this year, Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NYSEMKT: RNN), Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: IMMY) and Arrowhead Research Corp (NASDAQ: ARWR) are up 186.3%, 157.2% and 142.5%, respectively, since the start of the year���making them the best performing small cap biotech stocks for 2014. But given their lackluster performance over the past few years, what is the secret behind their phenomenal 2014 rise and will they keep rising? For starters, none of these small caps have really produced anything in the way of blockbuster news:
- [By John Udovich]
The start of 2014 shows that biotech is still a hot area with the sector along with small cap biotech stocks like AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: AMAG), Mast Therapeutics Inc (NYSEMKT: MSTX), Cell Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: CTIC), Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: IMMY) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) producing news or returns�plus Auspex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ASPX), Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CARA), Egalet (NASDAQ: EGLT), Flexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FLXN) and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: RARE) are among the (many�� planned biotech IPOs that have recently been announced publicly:
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies For 2014: RMG Ltd (RMG)
RMG Limited is an Australia-based company engaged in mineral exploration for base metals. The Company�� projects include Kamarga Zinc, Kamarga Copper and Mcleans creek. The Kamarga project is within 50kms of bitumen road, slurry pipeline for concentrates to a port, and high-voltage electricity transmission line. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, with the acquisition of the Kamarga zinc project and Zeehan leadzinc-silver project and management focus on these new acquisitions, the two tenements on the South Australian areas have been relinquished. The Company�� subsidiaries include Resource Mining Group Pty Ltd (formerly Springfield Minerals Pty Ltd), San Saba Pty Ltd, Sunlander Nominees Pty Ltd and Moonraker Minerals Pty Ltd. In April 2013, it announced the completion of acquisition of Symon Communications Holdings Corporation. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Joao Lima]
Portugal�� 78 billion-euro bailout package from the European Union and International Monetary Fund requires the government to dispose of assets to raise revenue. The U.K. sold a majority stake in British counterpart Royal Mail Plc (RMG) in October at a price that some lawmakers said was too low. Those shares jumped 38 percent in their trading debut.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies For 2014: Solar Thin Films Inc (SLTZ)
Solar Thin Films, Inc. is engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and installation of thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si) photovoltaic manufacturing equipment. The equipment is used in plants that produce photovoltaic thin-film a-Si solar panels or modules. The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Kraft Elektronikai Zrt (Kraft). Kraft is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and installation of a-Si photovoltaic manufacturing equipment. The primary buyers of photovoltaic thin-film manufacturing equipment are businesses, as well as investment partnerships, engaged in the production of photovoltaic thin-film modules. In May 2010, the Company acquired Atlantis Solar LLC. In May 2013, Solar Thin Films Inc acquired Quality Resource Technologies Inc. In October 2013, Solar Thin Films Inc announced the sale of all of its ownership stake of Hungarian subsidiary, Kraft, R.t. (Kraft), to GJR Collectibles LLC.
Kraft has been providing equipment that is incorporated into a single manufacturing line capable of manufacturing a-Si solar modules that produce approximately 5megawatt (MW) of solar power annually. The Company focuses, directly and through joint ventures or alliances with other companies or governmental agencies, to sell equipment for and participate financially in solar power facilities using thin film a-Si solar modules or metallurgical and other crystalline solar modules as the power source to provide electricity to municipalities, businesses and consumers.
The Company competes with Applied Materials and Oerlikon.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Alliance Creative Group Inc (OTCMKTS: ACGX), Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Inc (OTCMKTS: DJRT), Inscor Inc (OTCMKTS: IOGA) and Solar Thin Films Inc (OTCMKTS: SLTZ) have all been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters and it should come as no surprise that two out of four of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions ��which tend to benefit traders. However, two out of four of these stocks also have pretty good financials for being small cap OTC stocks and that might make them attractive to investors with a long term time horizon. So which of these stocks might make traders some profits in the short term and investors some profits over the longer term? Here is a closer look to help you decide:
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies For 2014: Global Eagle Entertainment Inc (ENT)
Global Eagle Entertainment Inc., formerly Global Eagle Acquisition Corp., incorporated on February 2, 2011, is the full service platform offering both content and connectivity for the worldwide airline industry. Through its combined content, distribution and technology platforms, the Company provides airlines and the millions of travelers they serve with the offering of in-flight video content, e-commerce and information services. Through its Row 44 subsidiary, the Company utilizes Ku-band satellite technology to provide airline passengers with Internet access, live television, shopping and travel-related information. As of February 1, 2013, the Company installed on more than 450 aircraft, Row 44 has the fleet of connected entertainment platforms operating over land and sea globally. In addition, through its AIA division, the Company provides film and television content, games and applications to more than 130 airlines worldwide. In July 2013, the Company announced the acquisition of Post Modern Group, LLC. In October 2013, Global Eagle Entertainment Inc announced that it has acquired Travel Entertainment Group Equity Limited, the United Kingdom-based parent company of IFE Services Limited (IFE Services) from GCP Capital Partners LLP.
The Company�� Row 44 subsidiary provides satellite-based broadband service to the global airline industry. The Company�� Advanced Inflight Alliance (AIA) business is the provider of content services, products and solutions for the global inflight entertainment market. AIA also serves as the exclusive representative in sourcing Hollywood content for 60 airline customers and is the exclusive distributor of content from select Hollywood studios and independent producers to the airline market. In addition, AIA is the airline distributor of Asian, Bollywood, European, Latin American and Middle Eastern content.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Garrett Cook]
Shares of Global Eagle Entertainment (NASDAQ: ENT) got a boost, shooting up 10.38 percent to $12.12 after the company and Boeing (NYSE: BA) announced a satellite connectivity partnership.
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies For 2014: GAIN Capital Holdings Inc (GCAP)
GAIN Capital Holdings Inc. (GAIN Capital) is an independent provider of online forex trading. GAIN Capital offers online trading services, specializing in foreign exchange (FX), contracts for difference (CFDs) and equities to retail and institutional traders worldwide. GAIN Capital provides execution, clearing, custody and technology products and services to an institutional client base, including asset managers, broker/dealers and other financial services firms. GAIN Capital�� trading services include FOREX.com, GAIN GTX, GAIN Securities and Asset Management. In September 2012, it acquired Open E Cry, LLC from optionsXpress Holdings, Inc., which is a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. Effective September 24, 2013, GAIN Capital Holdings Inc acquired the entire share capital of Global Futures & Forex Ltd, a provider of retail forex and derivative trading services.
FOREX.com
GAIN Capital�� FOREX.com is used by self-directed retail traders and professional money managers in over 140 countries worldwide. FOREX.com provides a range of trading interfaces, such as FOREXTrader PRO, Website Trading, FOREXTrader Mobile and MetaTrader4.
GAIN GTX
GAIN GTX offers a range of automated and manual strategies on both the buy and sell side. Automated trading strategies can be programmed and executed using a Java or Financial Information Exchange (FIX)-based Academic Performance Index (API). It is used by individual traders, hedge funds and financial institutions.
GAIN Securities
GAIN Securities is a brokerage firm offering customers access to a full suite of investment products and trading services, including equities, equity and FX options, exchange traded funds (ETFs), mutual funds and fixed income. It is used by individual investors.
Asset Management
GAIN Capital's Managed Forex Account Program (MAC) is offered by GAIN Capital Asset Management LLC (GCAM, LLC). MAC provides qualified institutional i! nvestors access to the FX market.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By The GeoTeam]
We also look for companies going through defining events that can significantly change their growth trajectory. One of these situations is a transformative acquisition, such as one that Gain Capital Holdings (GCAP) is in the process of consummating. We coded GCAP a GeoBargain on June 6, 2013, at $5.30. On June 12, 2013 we released our bullish thesis for GCAP on Seeking Alpha, "Double Your Gains With Gain Capital Holdings." Fast forward just 3 months from the time of our release and the stock has lived up to our title, returning investors over 100% so far.
- [By John Udovich]
Small cap stocks FXCM Inc (NYSE: FXCM), Gain Capital Holdings Inc (NYSE: GCAP) and up and coming�Indo Global Exchanges PteLtd (OTCMKTS: IGEX) all offer online trading platforms to retail or institutional traders and investors. Certainly if you have found yourself trading more lately or if markets become more volatile, trading platforms are going to be the big winners.�With that in mind, here is a close look at these three small cap trading platform stocks:�
Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies For 2014: Gartner Inc (IT)
Gartner, Inc. (Gartner), incorporated on June 1, 1990, is an information technology (IT) research and advisory company. The Company operates in three business segments: Research, Consulting and Events.
Research provides objective insight on critical and timely technology and supply chain initiatives for chief information officers (CIO), other IT professionals, supply chain leaders, technology companies and the investment community through reports, briefings, tools, access to its analysts, peer networking services and membership programs that enables its clients to make better decisions about their IT and supply chain investments. Consulting provides customized solutions to client needs through on-site, day-to-day support, as well as tools for measuring and improving IT performance with a focus on cost, performance, efficiency, and quality. Events provide IT, supply chain and business professionals the opportunity to attend various symposia, conferences and exhibitions to learn, contribute and network with their peers.
Research
Gartner delivers independent, objective IT research and insight primarily through a subscription-based, digital media service. Gartner Research is the fundamental building block for all Gartner services and covers all technology-related markets, topics and industries, as well as supply chain topics. The Company combines its research methodologies with industry and academic relationships to create Gartner solutions that address each role within an IT organization.
The Company�� research agenda is defined by clients��needs, focusing on the critical issues, opportunities and challenges they face every day. Research analysts provide in-depth analysis on all aspects of technology, including hardware; software and systems; services; IT management; market data and forecasts; and vertical-industry issues. The Company�� research content is presented in the form of reports, briefings, updates and related tools, is delivered direc! tly to the client�� desktop via its Website and/or product-specific portals.
Consulting
Gartner Consulting deepens relationships with its research clients by extending the reach of its research through custom consulting engagements. Gartner Consulting brings together its research insight, benchmarking data, problem-solving methodologies and hands-on experience to improve the return on a client�� IT investment. Consulting solutions capitalize on Gartner assets that are invaluable to IT decision making, including: its research, which ensures that its consulting analyses and advice are based on a deep understanding of the IT environment and the business of IT; its market independence, which keeps its consultants focused on its client�� success.
Gartner Consulting provides solutions to CIOs and other IT executives, and to those professionals responsible for IT applications, enterprise architecture, go-to-market strategies, infrastructure and operations, programs and portfolio management, and sourcing and vendor relationships. Consulting also provides targeted consulting services to professionals in specific industries. Finally, the Company provides actionable solutions for IT cost optimization, technology modernization and IT sourcing optimization initiatives.
Events
Gartner Symposium/ITxpo events and Gartner Summit events are gatherings of technology�� senior IT professionals, business strategists and practitioners. Gartner Events offers relevant and actionable technology sessions led by Gartner analysts to clients and non-clients. These sessions are augmented with technology showcases, peer exchanges, analyst one-on-one meetings, workshops and keynotes by technology�� top leaders. They also provide attendees with an opportunity to interact with business executives from the technology companies.
Gartner Events attract high-level IT and business professionals who seek in-depth knowledge about technology products and serv! ices. Gar! tner Symposium/ITxpo events are strategic conferences held in various locations throughout the world for CIOs and other senior IT and business professionals. Gartner Summit events focus on specific topics, technologies and industries, providing IT professionals with the insight, solutions and networking opportunities to succeed in their job role. Finally, the Company offers targeted events for CIOs and IT executives, such as CIO Leadership Forum.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]
Getty Images Following the introduction of Apple's (AAPL) instantly popular iPad line of tablets in 2010, many believed computing would switch, if not entirely, then largely to mobile devices. And for a while, statistics seemed to bear this out. According to IT market researcher IDC, from late 2010 to the end of 2013, annual worldwide PC shipments dropped by 12 percent. But the death of the personal computer, it seems, has been greatly exaggerated. The latest numbers indicate that the PC decline could be leveling off. And other indications show that the dowdy old PC might not be headed for irrelevance after all. Here are three developments indicating otherwise. Shipments Are Starting to Flow Again The years of decline were then; this is now. Preliminary research from Gartner Group (IT) indicates that worldwide PC shipments inched up by 0.1 percent on a year-over-year basis in this year's second quarter following eight straight quarters of declines. It's a small number, but it masks some impressive gains. In the U.S. market, the tally was much higher at 7.4 percent, while the Europe, Middle East and Africa mega-region saw an 8.6 percent improvement. It was the Asia-Pacific region that dragged the overall number down, recording a 9.5 percent year-over-year fall. Asia-Pacific aside, the improvement is due to a number of factors. First is the accessibility of new and attractive hardware, with thin, powerful notebooks doing well and touchscreen models dropping to affordable prices. On the software side of the equation, in April, Microsoft (MSFT) stopped supporting its creaky old Windows XP operating system. This has given users of aging PCs running the OS a strong incentive to upgrade. And a great many of them spent a little more to buy new machines prepackaged with the company's current Windows 8.1 rather than undergoing cumbersome software updates. Industry Veterans Are Getting Their Due When the sales declines started to snowball, many big names in the P
- [By John Bonnanzio]
The fund�� top holdings are Telsa, Henry Schein (HSIC), United Rentals (URI), Gartner (IT) and Kansas City Southern (KSU).
The fund also has some exposure to pricey biotech. Even so, this is hardly a shoot-the-lights-out growth fund as volatility is below all his mid-cap peers. To that end, this trade actually tempers risk while increasing growth exposure.
- [By Paul Ausick]
Elop did not create Nokia�� troubles, but he didn�� solve them either. According to Gartner Inc. (NYSE: IT), Nokia held a 14% share of the global mobile phone market at the end of the second quarter and sold nearly 61 million units, second only to Samsung Electronics which had a market share of almost 25% and sold more than 107 million units.
- [By Eric Volkman]
Alamy Late last month, Chinese hardware giant Lenovo (LNVGY) was the subject of many headlines -- not all of them complimentary -- when it signed a high-profile deal to buy the Motorola Mobility smartphone unit from Google (GOOG). The Asian firm is ponying up a cool $2.9 billion to acquire the business, which is monstrously unprofitable to the tune of a $645 million operating loss in the first nine months of 2013. The market didn't appreciate this. Disturbed by the idea of gallons of red ink spilling from Motorola Mobility onto Lenovo's results, investors traded down the firm's stock by as much as 14 percent after the deal was made public. This might have been compounded by the firm's previous announcement, made only days earlier, that it was spending $2.3 billion to purchase IBM's (IBM) x86 -- read: lower-end -- line of servers. Was such a sell-off, in reaction to either or both, justified? At Home Abroad Lenovo is one of those companies that likes to expand by acquisition. Few Westerners had ever heard of the IT manufacturer in 2005 when it closed its first big buy -- the personal computing division of IBM, for total consideration of around $1.75 billion. The purchase seemed a counterintuitive move when everyone knew that a future stuffed with wireless Internet and portable computing was just around the corner. But guess what? Lenovo not only sold plenty of notebooks and desktops, it managed to grow into the top PC manufacturer in the world. According to figures from Gartner (IT), in Q4 2013 the company was the clear market leader in terms of PC vendor unit shipments. It moved nearly 15 million PCs during the quarter, a figure 6.6 percent higher than in the same period the previous year. This was particularly impressive considering that total shipments for the industry dropped by almost 7 percent over that time frame. Lenovo was able to do this because, for most of its life, it's made big strides in less affluent markets and is continuing to do so. In
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