2 Big Reasons Bank of America Will Skyrocket Today

It's early in the trading week, but it is apparent that the banking sector is still gleaming from the decent jobs report last Friday, which revealed that nearly 200,000 new jobs were added to the economy in June. Though the report was far from perfect, the unexpected increase in employment gave rise to a Wall Street cheer that buoyed the stocks of Bank of America (NYSE: BAC  ) , Citigroup (NYSE: C  ) , JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM  ) , and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC  )  -- as well as the Dow and S&P 500.

All of the above are still aglow by mid-morning, with Bank of America up nearly 1% so far. I feel sure that the residual good feelings regarding the employment report will linger throughout the day, keep the banking sector safely in the green. Despite the fact that the happy news could cause another spike in mortgage rates, which would likely affect Wells, JPMorgan, and B of A, positivity will probably reign, at least for today.

The hiatus is over: Article 77 hearing continues
Another issue that could catapult Bank of America higher today is the resumption of the Article 77 hearing in Manhattan, where the fate of a $8.5 billion settlement between the big bank and 22 institutional investors hangs in the balance. Despite the suggestion of the judge presiding over the case, and the desire of settlement objectors, no talks ensued regarding this matter during the nearly one-month haitus.

As I mentioned in an earlier article, B of A was dead-set against negotiating with AIG (NYSE: AIG  ) and other objectors, which looked a little like they were begging for scraps. AIG, which refused to sit in on talks regarding this issue two years ago, was unable to sway Bank of America, which apparently feels that it will prevail in keeping the agreed-upon settlement amount intact. Do investors feel the same? I'm betting they do, and it will show in the bank's share price -- beginning today.

As Bank of America surges ahead, investors have cause to celebrate. At the same time, however, it is important to remember that outside influences such as the jobs report can have a fleeting effect on a bank's stock price. As Foolish, long-term investors, we recognize the fact that one-day changes in share price don't make or break an investment. Even stocks have good days and bad days, so it's important to realize that sometimes they're not portents of dire news, but merely squiggles we can safely ignore. 

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Was Questcor's Q1 as Bad as It Looks?

Questcor Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: QCOR  ) reported first-quarter results after the market closed on Tuesday -- and they didn't look great. Shares fell 3% in after-hours trading, but were things really as bad for Questcor as they might seem? Let's take a look.

By the numbers
Non-GAAP earnings for the quarter were $0.76 per diluted share, up nearly 25% from $0.61 per share in the same period last year. That result fell far short, though, of the average analysts' estimate of $0.96 per share.

Questcor reported GAAP earnings of $0.65 per diluted share. This reflects a 12% increase over the $0.58 per share earnings from the first quarter of 2012.

First-quarter net sales totaled $135.1 million, up 41% year over year from $96 million reported in 2012. However, analysts expected sales of around $157 million -- 16% above what Questcor delivered.

The company held cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $156.3 million as of April 19. That amount is up slightly from the $155.3 million on hand at the end of 2012.

Behind the numbers
It's not hard to find the reason behind Questcor's disappointing quarterly results. Shipments of its Acthar gel were clearly below expectations. The company's steady sales growth pattern for Acthar has now been broken.

Source: Company press release and 10-Q reports.

Some have predicted a bleak outlook for the company for quite a while now. Does this decline reflect gloomy days ahead for Questcor?

Let's look at the big elephant in the room: a 17% sequential drop in multiple sclerosis prescriptions for Acthar. This decrease follows an 8% sequential drop in the fourth quarter. Questcor says that insurance coverage for Acthar still appears favorable. Assuming this is the case, what's going on?

For one thing, the seasonality effect on multiple sclerosis flare-ups that I noted after last quarter's results were announced could still be a factor. Research supports the idea that there are fewer MS relapses in colder months.

Questcor also launched a new reimbursement support center during the first quarter. Since most new prescriptions for multiple sclerosis require assistance from the company to navigate the insurance reimbursement process, this transition likely affected figures to some extent.

The company noted that Acthar shipments in April set a record high of 2,550. Questcor CEO Don Bailey said in the earnings conference call that MS prescriptions in April appear to be especially strong.

Looking ahead
My view is that next quarter will be where the rubber meets the road for the supposition that the decline in Acthar prescriptions for multiple sclerosis is only temporary. If the strength that the company reported for April continues, second-quarter results should be solid.

Multiple sclerosis will increasingly take a less prominent role, though. New paid prescriptions for rheumatology indications shot up 58% sequentially with a beefed-up sales force. I expect continued strong growth in this area.

Questcor has a super-high short interest at just shy of 60%. A lot of people are betting this stock will fall. Maybe they're right, but that seems like a risky longer-term bet -- at least until second-quarter results come out.

If Acthar shipments return to the strong growth trajectory from past quarters, Questcor looks like one of the cheapest pharmaceutical plays in the market. I suspect this summer will tell whether the stock is cheap for a reason -- or just cheap for a season.

Questcor is one of the most debated names in all of biotech. Its premium priced drug Acthar has grown at a torrid pace -- and minted money in the process. However, recent events have created significant doubts about Questcor's future. Will insurance companies continue to cover the drug? Will a government investigation lead to huge fines? We highlight these high-profile issues inside our brand-new premium research report on Questcor. In it, you'll learn about the key opportunities and threats facing the company, as well as multiple reasons to buy and sell the stock. So make sure to claim a copy today by clicking here now.

Why ClickSoftware Shares Plunged

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of ClickSoftware (NASDAQ: CKSW  ) have plunged today by as much as 13% after the company warned that second-quarter results would fall short of expectations.

So what: Revenue in the quarter is expected to come in around $24.5 million, translating into just 9% growth. The company's adjusted net loss should be in the range of $0.06 to $0.08 per share. Analysts had been modeling for $27.8 million in sales and positive earnings per share of $0.03.

Now what: The company said customers are transitioning to its cloud-based software-as-a-service, or SaaS, sales faster than expected. As customers contemplate the shift, contracts are being delayed as they conduct due diligence. ClickSoftware sees the trend as positive in the long term, although some short-term bumps may be in store. As a result, the company is reducing its full-year outlook and 2013 revenue should be $110 million to $115 million.

Interested in more info on ClickSoftware? Add it to your watchlist by clicking here.

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Is Netflix's Newest Show a Bomb?

Whether you're an investor or a consumer, quite a bit has been going right for Netflix  (NASDAQ: NFLX  ) in 2013. The company's stock is up an impressive 87% so far this year, and its first major original programming, House of Cards, was met with fantastic reviews and quickly became Netflix's most-watched programming upon its Feb. 1 premiere. 

Netflix's big bet in the coming year is on original programming, and it hit the ball out of the park with House of Cards, yet big-budget original programming is a risky field. The gold standard of premium original programming, HBO, has had its share of successes, such as The Sopranos and Game of Thrones. Both of those shows have big ratings and nearly universal critical acclaim. However, HBO's successes come with misses as well. The network thought so highly of John From Cincinnati that it aired the show's premiere after the series finale of The Sopranos. 

The big bet on that program was a spectacular failure; John From Cincinnati was cancelled the day after its first-season finale. Today, HBO thinks so lowly of the show that it's one of the few original shows not available on HBO Go. 

The point being? Ambitious, big-budget original programming can be a hit-and-miss affair, especially when tackling tricky subjects that network television would never go for. Even the best in the business, HBO, has its share of absolute duds. With Netflix going 1-for-1 with ambitious original programs, will it succumb to the law of averages and release a dud?

If the first review of its newest series, Hemlock Grove, is any indication, while Netflix succeeded spectacularly with House of Cards, it still has some growing pains in becoming an original programming powerhouse. 

A dubious idea from the start
Hemlock Grove is the second of three major original programming gambles from Netflix in the first half of 2013. Like House of Cards, it features some high-paid talent. While House of Cards had Kevin Spacey as the main actor and David Fincher as director (he was also behind such films as Seven, Fight Club, and The Social Network), Hemlock Grove has Eli Roth attached to the director role and well-known actors such as Famke Janssen, who was in X-Men and GoldenEye. 

Like House of Cards, which cost a reported $100 million for two seasons, Netflix appears to be sparing no expense on Hemlock Grove. The first season was reportedly budgeted at $4 million per episode, pushing it above budgets for widely viewed broadcast programming. 

The problem with Hemlock Grove is that it's coming from a niche background, yet angling for more conventional fare at the same time. Director Eli Roth's background is focused around gore-fest horror fare like Hostel. That's a genre with very limited commercial appeal compared with something like House of Cards' genre of political thrillers, a known quantity that's been a staple of broadcast programming across the past decade and appeals to a wide audience. The horror genre has seen some recent success with FX's American Horror Story, but the genre remains a big risk with a limited yet very dedicated audience. However, Hemlock Grove also has an angle in its plot line around whether a vampire or a werewolf killed a girl. What we're left with is a director with a track record of hardcore gore-fest fare combining horror with elements of ... Twilight. 

While Hemlock Grove appears to focus on its mixture of being a horror and thriller TV show, an initial review shows the results could be less than stellar. While even the best movies and television shows can have critics who are detractors, the first review posted on Hemlock Grove, from the widely read Hollywood Report, is downright scathing. The review doesn't mince words from the start, posting as its bottom line that "Hemlock Grove is proof that making quality television is a very difficult trick." 

Critical-review aggregator Metracritic has since posted a second review of Hemlock Grove from People Weekly that's more positive, giving the show a 3 out of 4. Yet it's worth noting that Hollywood Reporter was glowing in its review of House of Cards, giving the show a 9/10 and saying it makes Netflix "a major player as a content provider." This isn't a publication with any anti-Netflix bias. 

Two wins, one dud = success
Reviews and word of mouth definitely matter in premium original programming. They helped propel House of Cards to the major draw it is. So if other publications follow Hollywood Reporter's lead and give Hemlock Grove less than stellar reviews, it'll be an ominous sign for the series. Netflix already released a more limited original series last year in Lilyhammer that was met with more muted success than House of Cards. 

However, becoming a content powerhouse isn't about releasing only hits; it's about having more hits than duds. Shortly behind Hemlock Grove is Arrested Development, which hits on May 26. Arrested Development was a critical darling during its three short seasons on Fox, yet its quirkiness and jokes that layered upon themselves were never made for the wide audience appeal that shows need to succeed on network television. During its third season, when the fate of the show was up in the air, it actively had gags in episodes about HBO or Showtime saving the show from cancellation.

With Netflix, Arrested Development has really found a perfect match. Its jokes, which rely on having viewers follow a plot line that expands out across several episodes, are perfect for the binge-viewing that Netflix encourages by releasing entire seasons at once. Also, its loyal -- and already existing -- built-in fan base has plenty of other similar viewing options, as Netflix has a wealth of comedic programming. 

While Hemlock Grove looked risky from the start, Arrested Development has all the signs of being a major winner for Netflix original programming. 

Original programming: a gamble worth taking
In the end, original programming looks like a savvy move for Netflix even if some series don't realize their full potential. The company is filling out different genres, which will give it a catalog that appeals to a wide audience. Future series involve science-fiction fare Sense8 and programming for children. 

Original programming offers a few key differentiators for the company:

Licensing content from premium channels has either been impossible (such as from HBO, which is relying on its own HBO Go platform) or prohibitively expensive (such as when Netflix didn't renew its deal with Starz). Creating its own content allows Netflix to have a library of content that can compete with HBO and other premium channels. One of the trickiest issues in licensing content is that deals must be struck country by country. That makes international expansion, where Netflix sees much of its future growth, a tricky issue. However, if HBO owns the programming, it allows it to fill out a library much more rapidly in countries it's expanding to. Finally, Netflix is purely an "always connected" service right now. With original programming, this could allow some content to be downloaded to a device when Internet connections aren't available. This may seem trivial, but consider that Spotify has gained quite a bit of popularity, in part because it can make music available for offline viewing. If you're a business traveler who's ever had to deal with spotty Wi-Fi connections in airports and hotels, you know the value of offline viewing. 

While early signs for Hemlock Grove look mixed, the future of Netflix's original programming looks bright. After a couple of years of seemingly doing no right, the company is making moves that strategically make a lot of sense.

More Netflix advice
The tumultuous performance of Netflix shares since the summer of 2011 has caused headaches for many devoted shareholders. While the company's first-mover status is often viewed as a competitive advantage, the opportunities in streaming media have brought some new, deep-pocketed rivals looking for their piece of a growing pie. Can Netflix fend off this burgeoning competition, and will its international growth aspirations really pay off? These are must-know issues for investors, which is why The Motley Fool has released a premium report on Netflix. Inside, you'll learn about the key opportunities and risks facing the company, as well as reasons to buy or sell the stock. The report includes a full year of updates to cover critical new developments, so make sure to click here and claim a copy today.

Is BMW Building Its Own EV Charging Stations?

Next week, BMW (NASDAQOTH: BAMXF  ) is rolling out its new, all-electric i3. This move marks BMW's first launch into the niche market of all-electric cars, but BMW's not going in halfway. In fact, BMW is doubling down on its venture into EVs and teaming up with U.K.-based EV charging station provider Chargemaster, in a venture to build fast charge ChargeNow stations for BMW's new i-Series. Here's what you need to know.

BMW i3 Concept Coupe, November 2012. Photo: BMW USA.

BMW's new EV
We won't know for certain what the i3 looks like until next week, but that hasn't dampened the considerable buzz surrounding the new EV. Built using renewable materials when possible, the i3 has a full carbon-fiber structure that lends to the i3's overall weight of 2,634 pounds -- lighter than General Motors' (NYSE: GM  ) Chevy Volt, Nissan Motors' Leaf, and Toyota Motor's Prius plug-in hybrid.

The standard i3 uses a 22kWh lithium-ion battery, delivers 168 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and can go 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. More pointedly, reviewers such as Edmunds and BBC's Top Gear test-drove the i3 and raved about the way it performed. According to official European Union test procedures, the i3 can go 118 miles on pure battery in comfort mode. Moreover, BMW says that in the worst conditions the i3 will go 81 miles on pure battery. If that's not far enough, thanks to BMW's e-drive technology, the driver has the option of putting the i3 in an "EcoPro" mode that extends the initial range to 124 miles per charge.

Still not enough range? With the purchase of the optional range extender -- a 650cc two-cylinder gasoline engine that acts as a generator and doesn't provide propulsion -- the range on the i3 is almost doubled. And the best part? The i3 has a base MSRP of $41,350, making this car a serious threat to Chevy's Volt.

More charging stations, please
Even with these impressive specs, the i3, as an EV, faces what all EVs face: range anxiety. No one wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere, and with charging stations few and far between, that's a real possibility. Luckily, BMW is aware of this problem, and to help offset it, it's buying an estimated 2% equity stake in Chargemaster. The exact details of the deal haven't yet been released, but what is known is that the deal involves having both companies team up for a five-year period, to build fast-charge ChargeNow stations across the U.K., for BMW's i-Series. 

Taking into account that the U.K. is BMW's fourth largest sales market in the world, an expanded infrastructure is fantastic news for consumers considering the i3 but worried about range. Also good news? BMW claims the i3 can recharge in as little as 30 minutes when connected to a 50kW fast-charge station.

What about charging stations in the U.S?
Right now, BMW's quick-charge stations are only for the U.K., but that doesn't mean it can't use the same approach in the United States. The U.S. is BMW's largest market by sales -- although China is expected to surpass the U.S. later in 2013 -- and building a quick-charge infrastructure in the U.S. would probably have a positive impact on BMW's EV sales. Furthermore, the i3 isn't BMW's only car to launch into the EV market. The i8 extended-range plug-in hybrid is expected later in 2014, and it's an impressive vehicle, to say the least. Clearly, these moves signal that BMW is throwing its considerable weight into what is still a niche market. How it'll pan out has yet to be seen, but considering BMW's reputation, this is something to watch -- both for how i affects BMW's bottom line, and for how it affects other EV manufactures' sales.

Top 5 Growth Companies To Watch For 2014

Are you interested in placing your bets on the auto industry? Well, EVs are still a niche market, and they could remain that way for a while. But some automakers have their hand in EVs and are expanding into one of the great auto frontiers -- China. The Middle Kingdom is already the world's largest auto market, and it's set to grow even bigger in coming years. A recent Motley Fool report, "2 Automakers to Buy for a Surging Chinese Market," names two global giants poised to reap big gains that could drive big rewards for investors. You can read this report right now for free -- just click here for instant access.

VASCO Data Security International Whiffs on Revenues

VASCO Data Security International (Nasdaq: VDSI  ) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), VASCO Data Security International whiffed on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue contracted significantly. GAAP earnings per share shrank significantly.

Gross margins increased, operating margins dropped, net margins shrank.

Revenue details
VASCO Data Security International chalked up revenue of $37.3 million. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated revenue of $42.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 20% lower than the prior-year quarter's $46.6 million.

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Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.05. The two earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.13 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.05 for Q2 were 72% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.18 per share. (The prior-year quarter included -$0.01 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 64.1%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 5.2%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.9%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $39.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.09.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $162.0 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.45.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,891 members out of 1,956 rating the stock outperform, and 65 members rating it underperform. Among 452 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 444 give VASCO Data Security International a green thumbs-up, and eight give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on VASCO Data Security International is hold, with an average price target of $9.00.

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Add VASCO Data Security International to My Watchlist.

3 Takeaways You Might Have Missed When Netflix Reported Earnings

When Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX  ) reported earnings on Monday night, investors expected big things. Share prices had soared 193% year to date when the report dropped in, but fell 5% on the news. Investors and analysts focused on 0.6 million new domestic subscribers during the quarter, worrying that it was too low a number.

That's the only number you've seen in most Netflix headlines this week, but there's much more to the story. Let's take a look at three important takeaways you may have missed.

Guidance? We don't need no stinkin' guidance!
Some analysts were hankering for more than 1 million new subscribers from the long-awaited extension of Arrested Development alone. Against that backdrop, 630,000 new American subscribers looks like a big miss. You can read it as Netflix losing subscribers this quarter if you back out the banana stand!

But then you're ignoring the company's own guidance for the quarter. Netflix set the guidance range for the second quarter between 230,000 and 880,000 net additions. 630,000 falls in the upper half of that range, which was set with Arrested's debut in mind.

Moreover, you might recall last year's second-quarter report. That time, Netflix shares plunged 25% overnight as seasonal effects held back subscriber additions over the summer. May I remind you how share prices nearly tripled over the next six months, when the fun and profitable half of the yearly growth cycle played out? The same seasonal effects are still in place, holding Netflix back in the summer with a commensurate boost around the holidays.

So the performance didn't blow guidance out of the water, but certainly shouldn't count as a big miss, either. And as a Netflix shareholder, I'm certainly looking forward to the third and fourth quarters this year.

The HBO limit doesn't apply to Netflix
Skeptics often scoff at Netflix's goal to become two or three times the size of Time Warner's (NYSE: TWX  ) premium cable channel HBO. That channel has been bumping against a glass ceiling for years, never breaking through the 30 million subscriber threshold. If a well-established consumer brand with the money and marketing might of Warner behind it can't move beyond this limit, why should we accept 60 million or 90 million as a destination for Netflix?

Well, Netflix is about to cross that illusory threshold. The low end of third-quarter guidance points to 30.4 million American subscribers. Pop goes the glass ceiling, unless you expect management to set unreachable short-term targets.

Don't forget that you're looking at a virtuous cycle. Once Netflix collects enough revenue to cover its content costs, every additional streaming member is almost 100% pure profit. The streaming delivery costs are minuscule.

What does this mean for the long-term growth trend? Here's how CEO Reed Hastings put it on the earnings call:

What happens is by the time we get to 40 million and 50 million, we get the content better and the service better. And so it's not 60 million or 90 million for the current service. It's 60 million or 90 million for the future service that's much improved with maybe a lot more originals and just incredible streaming.

In other words, as Netflix makes more money from higher customer counts, the company will invest this cash in stronger content and better technology. And as long as you're building a better service, why wouldn't you expect subscribers to keep signing up?

Recommendations matter. A lot.
Here's one that caught me by surprise: More than 75% of the viewing hours on Netflix start with the recommendations system.

Room for improvement: My family has varied tastes. Image source: Author's screenshot of current recommendations.

That's a huge number, and it underscores the competitive advantage Netflix built over the last decade or so. In short, Netflix is pretty good at figuring out what you want to see. The company wants to become the ultimate cure for channel surfing, because that would mean gluing your eyeballs to the Netflix screen in a way that traditional TV channels just can't match. No, not even HBO.

It's an extension of what set TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO  ) apart in the early days. Your channel-surfing taught TiVo's digital recording boxes a lot about your viewing habits, which allowed the box to present a list of recommended content. That guidance is arguably more valuable than the simple ability to record TV shows without worrying about VHS tapes, and is the foundation of TiVo's strategy even today.

Netflix digs even deeper. The company knows what you're watching, just like TiVo, and both systems come with star-based ratings systems. Netflix also combines this information with patterns culled from DVD and streaming customers since the beginning of red mailers. Mass psychology and big data analysis come into play. Netflix doesn't just know what you might like to see right now, but can also predict the kind of content it should buy or produce for people like you in the future.

This is a massive moat. Amazon.com can't match it, because the company has nowhere near the wealth of customer data that Netflix sports. HBO sure can't run in this race until its online HBO Go service gets a decade of operating data under its belt. The same goes for Hulu, no matter which media giant ends up taking control of that service.

TiVo does have a similar data library and aims to exploit it in the next phase of its checkered history. That's the main reason that I still own that stock: There's a solid advantage in play, and TiVo-less cable operators will find it hard to match this high-quality feature.

But nobody else can compete with Netflix's data trove. Not even TiVo. The fact that 75% of viewing hours come from recommendations is evidence that it works. It's an investable advantage that most people ignore.

But now you know. I own Netflix shares, and the stock is one of my most successful CAPScalls to date. This report did nothing to damage my long-term thesis for owning Netflix shares.

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Hot High Tech Companies To Buy Right Now

On Tuesday, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA  ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions on stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever inevitable surprises arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed knee-jerk reaction to news that turns out to be exactly the wrong move.

Electronic Arts is a leader in the video-gaming industry. But that industry has been under fire lately, as the revolution in low-priced mobile gaming threatens the business model of the high-cost console-based offerings on which Electronic Arts has relied and thrived for years. Let's take an early look at what's been happening with Electronic Arts over the past quarter and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

Hot High Tech Companies To Buy Right Now: Tortoise Capital Resources Corporation(TTO)

Tortoise Capital Resources Corp. is a close ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Tortoise Capital Advisors L.L.C. It is co-managed by Kenmont Investments Management, L.P. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United States. It seeks to invest primarily in the energy infrastructure sector. The fund invests in the value stocks of micro cap companies with primary focus on midstream and downstream segments and to lesser extent upstream segment. It also seeks to invest between $5.0 million and $20.0 million per transaction in privately held companies with a market capitalization of less than $250 million. The fund employs quantitative and fundamental analysis with a focus on factors such as fixed asset-intensive, limited technological risk, and experienced management teams to create its portfolio. Tortoise Capital Resources Corp. was formed on September 8, 2005 and is domiciled in the United States.

Hot High Tech Companies To Buy Right Now: Identive Group Inc.(INVE)

Identive Group, Inc. provides secure identification (ID) solutions that combine the convenience of radio frequency identification (RFID) with the security of smart card technology to enable people to interact with and manage digital devices, systems, and data. The company operates in two segments, Identity Management Solutions and Services, and Identification Products and Components. The Identity Management Solutions and Services segment designs, supplies, and manages solutions, systems, and services that enable the secure management of credentials. It provides integrated physical and logical access systems, integrated ID solutions, cashless payment solutions, and cloud-based credential management systems, designed to enable organizations provide convenience and speed for users while supporting security and compliance to regulatory requirements. This segment sells its solutions under the Hirsch Identive, idOnDemand, and Multicard brands to end customers that operate in the government, education, enterprise, and commercial markets; and in multiple vertical market segments, such as healthcare, banking, industrial, retail, and critical infrastructure. The Identification Products and Components segment designs and manufactures RFID and smart card technology-based products and components, including NFC products and components, that are used in the government, enterprise, and consumer markets for various identity-based and related applications, such as logical access, physical access, eHealth, eGovernment, citizen ID, mobile payments, loyalty schemes, and transportation and event ticketing primarily under the Identive brand. The company markets its products through OEMs, distributors, dealers, system integrators, value-added resellers, resellers, and Internet. The company was formerly known as SCM Microsystems, Inc. and changed its name to Identive Group, Inc. in June 2010. Identive Group, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.

Top Stocks To Watch Right Now: Washington Real Estate Investment Trust(WRE)

Washington Real Estate Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust (REIT). The company engages in the ownership, operation, and development of real properties. The firm invests in real estate markets of the greater Washington D.C. metro region. It focuses on office, medical office, industrial/flex space, retail, and multifamily real estate investments. Washington Real Estate Investment Trust was founded in 1960 and is based in Rockville, Maryland.

Hot High Tech Companies To Buy Right Now: ASF Group Ltd(AFA.AX)

ASF Group Limited, an investment company, operates in the resources, property, travel, commodities, infrastructure, and financial services sectors in Australia and China. The company holds interests in various mineral exploration projects, including the South Ellendale thermal coal and diamonds project covering an area of approximately 2,000 square kilometers in the Canning Basin of Western Australia; and two mineral exploration ventures for base metals and gold in Tasmania. It also involves in the shipping of bulk commodities from Australia to markets in China; development of port and rail facilities; and provision of property services to Chinese investors in Australia, as well as provides funds management and advisory services. ASF Group Limited was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

Hot High Tech Companies To Buy Right Now: Jiminex Inc (JIM.V)

Jiminex Inc. engages in the exploration of precious and base metals in Canada. It primarily focuses on the exploration and development of gold deposits. The company holds 50% interest in the Northern Eagle Gold property consisting of 289 non-patented claim units located east of Marathon, Ontario; and 100% interest in the Misehkow River Gold property comprising 319 contiguous non-patented Ontario mining claim units located in the Pickle Lake gold mining area of northwestern Ontario. It also holds a 100% interest in the Parres Property consisting of 7 contiguous non-patented mining claim blocks located in the Snow Lake mining camp of Manitoba. Jiminex Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Shuniah, Canada.

Hot High Tech Companies To Buy Right Now: Nordstrom Inc.(JWN)

Nordstrom, Inc., a fashion specialty retailer, offers apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories for women, men, and children in the United States. It offers a selection of brand name and private label merchandise. The company sells its products through various channels, including Nordstrom full-line stores, off-price Nordstrom Rack stores, Jeffrey? boutiques, treasure & bond, and Last Chance clearance stores; and its online store, nordstrom.com, as well as through catalog. Nordstrom also provides a private label card, two Nordstrom VISA credit cards, and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. The company?s credit and debit cards feature a shopping-based loyalty program. As of September 30, 2011, it operated 222 stores, including 117 full-line stores, 101 Nordstrom Racks, 2 Jeffrey boutiques, 1 treasure & bond store, and 1 clearance store in 30 states. The company was founded in 1901 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Kevin1977]

  Director of Nordstrom Inc., Felicia D Thornton, bought 1,140 shares on 9/09/2011 at an average price of $47.89. Nordstrom, Inc. is one of the nation's fashion specialty retailers, with stores located in a number of states, including full-line stores, Nordstrom Racks, Faconnable boutiques, and free-standing shoe stores. Nordstrom Inc. has a market cap of $10.44 billion; its shares were traded at around $47.89 with a P/E ratio of 15.7 and P/S ratio of 1.1. The dividend yield of Nordstrom Inc. stocks is 2% Nordstrom Inc. had an annual average earnings growth of 27.3% over the past 10 years. GuruFocus rated Nordstrom Inc. the business predictability rank of 3.5-star.
  
  On August 11, Nordstrom Inc. reported net earnings of $175 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, for the second quarter ended July 30, 2011. This represented an increase of 20 percent compared with net earnings of $146 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, for the same quarter last year.Second quarter same-store sales increased 7.3 percent compared with the same period in fiscal 2010. Net sales in the second quarter were $2.72 billion, an increase of 12.4 percent compared with net sales of $2.42 billion during the same period in fiscal 2010.
  
  Last week, Director Felicia D Thornton bought 1,140 shares of JWN stock.
  
  Executive Vice President Ken Worzel and Director Philip G Satre bought shares in August.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Stocks To Watch For 2014

The recent recovery in housing has led to immense optimism among investors that the worst of the housing bust is behind us. Yet recently, another spike in foreclosures has some wondering whether a new downturn could be right around the corner.

In the following video, Fool contributor Dan Caplinger discusses several reasons foreclosures are on the rise. Dan explains how a combination of backlogged courts and long foreclosure procedures in certain states forced many lenders to wait years to move forward, while in some cases, banks didn't want to foreclose until positive signs in the market started to emerge.

Many investors are scared about investing in big banking stocks after the crash, but the sector has one notable stand out. In a sea of mismanaged and dangerous peers, it stands out as The Only Big Bank Built To Last. You can uncover the top pick that Warren Buffett loves in The Motley Fool's�new report. It's free, so click here to access it now.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Stocks To Watch For 2014: Capstead Mortgage Corporation (CMO)

Capstead Mortgage Corporation operates as a self-managed real estate investment trust. It invests in leveraged portfolio of residential mortgage pass-through securities consisting of adjustable-rate mortgage securities issued and guaranteed by government-sponsored enterprises or by an agency of the federal government. The company qualifies as a real estate investment trust for federal income tax purposes. It generally would not be subject to federal corporate income taxes if it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. The company was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Stocks To Watch For 2014: Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. (ENDP)

Endo Health Solutions Inc. provides specialty healthcare solutions in the United States and internationally. The company�s Endo Pharmaceuticals segment offers branded prescription products, including Lidoderm, Opana ER, Percocet, Voltaren Gel, Frova, Supprelin LA, Vantas, Valstar, and Fortesta Gel for pain, urology, endocrinology, and oncology. Its Qualitest segment provides non-branded generic products in the pain management, urology, central nervous system disorders, immunosuppression, oncology, women�s health, and hypertension markets. The company�s AMS segment offers various technology solutions comprising AMS 700 MS series, AMS 800 artificial urinary sphincter, GreenLight XPS laser system, Elevate transvaginal pelvic floor repair system, and Monarc subfascial hammock products in the areas of men�s and women�s health, and BPH therapy. Its HealthTronics segment provides urological services, such as lithotripsy, prostate treatment, anatomical pathology, and electron ic medical record services to urologists, hospitals, surgery centers, and clinics; and manufactures, sells, and maintains medical devices for tissue and tumor ablation. The company�s products under development primarily include Aveed, an injectable testosterone preparation to treat male hypogonadism; BEMA Buprenorphine, a transmucosal form of buprenorphine in Phase III trials for treating moderate to severe chronic pain; ODM-201, an androgen receptor antagonist in Phase II clinical testing to treat castrate resistant prostate cancer; and EN3342, a polyurethane implant in Phase I/II trials for the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It serves pharmacy chains directly; and hospitals, governmental agencies, pharmacies, and physicians through wholesale drug distributors. The company was formerly known as Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. and changed its name to Endo Health Solutions Inc. in May 2012. Endo Health Solutions Inc. was founded in 1997 and is headquart ered in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Best Stocks To Buy For 2014: Towers Watson & Co (TW)

Towers Watson & Co. operates as a global professional services company that provides human capital, and financial consulting services worldwide. The company operates in four segments: Benefits, Risk and Financial Services, Talent and Rewards, and Exchange Solutions. The Benefits segment offers benefits consulting and administration services, such as retirement solutions, which support organizations in designing, managing, administering, and communicating retirement plans; and health and group benefits that provides advice on the strategy, design, financing, delivery, ongoing plan management, and communication of health and group benefit programs. This segment also offers its technology and administration solutions to deliver benefit outsourcing solutions; and international consulting services, which provide expertise in dealing with international human capital management and related benefits, and compensation advice. The Risk and Financial Services segment offers risk cons ulting and financial modeling software solutions primarily to the insurance industry; reinsurance and insurance brokerage services; and investment consulting and solutions covering investment strategy risk assessment, asset allocation, and investment manager selection to institutional investors. The Talent and Rewards segment provides executive compensation advisory services; employee rewards, talent management, and communication and change management services; and data, analytics, survey, and technology solutions. The Exchange Solutions segment operates the private Medicare insurance exchange in the United States that enables employers to transition their retirees to individual, defined contribution health plans. The company was formerly known as Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. and changed its name to Towers Watson & Co. in January 2010 as a result of merging with Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby, Inc. Towers Watson & Co. was founded in 1871 and is headquartered in New York, N ew York.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Stocks To Watch For 2014: PLX Technology Inc.(PLXT)

PLX Technology, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and sells semiconductor devices worldwide. It offers semiconductor devices, such as PCI express switches that allow aggregation of multi-channel Ethernet, fiber channel, graphics, and SAS cards to the host; PCI express bridges, which allow devices with other standards to be used in systems that need to interoperate with PCI express; and 10G Ethernet over copper PHY devices that provide a seamless migration from the slower connections to the faster ones. The company?s products also include direct attached storage products, which allow external storage to connect to a PC through USB connection; network attached storage products that provide storage to a local area network; PCI bridges consisting of general purpose bridges that translate and extend the PCI bus; and universal serial bus (USB) interface chips, which are used by computer peripherals and consumer products to interoperate through an external cabled connection. Its semiconductor devices accelerate and manage the transfer of data in microprocessor-based systems, including networking and telecommunications, enterprise storage, servers, personal computers (PCs), PC peripherals, consumer electronics, imaging, and industrial products. The company markets its products through direct and indirect sales force, manufacturers, and distributors to electronics manufacturers. PLX Technology, Inc. was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Stocks To Watch For 2014: Tiger Resources Ltd(TGS.AX)

Tiger Resources Limited engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company primarily explores for copper and cobalt deposits. Its principal property includes the Kipoi Copper Project covering an area of approximately 55 square kilometers located northwest of Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga Province, in the central part of the Katangan Copper belt. The company also holds interest in the Lupoto Project that has a surface area of approximately 140 square kilometers located to the south of the Kipoi Project area. Tiger Resources Limited is based in West Perth, Australia.

5 Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014

I have jokingly referred to Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN  ) in the past as a "senior citizen" of biotech. The company was founded 33 years ago, making Amgen a virtual Methuselah when it comes to biotech companies. Regardless of age, every stock needs a checkup every now and then. Let's see how Amgen stock holds up in this month's checkup.

Performance
Shares of Amgen are up more than 15% so far this year. That's not too shabby, but how does the stock compare to the rest of the companies in the S&P 500 index?

AMGN data by YCharts.

The first half of 2013 shows Amgen stock easily outpacing the S&P 500. Of course, different sectors do better in different market conditions. Perhaps comparing Amgen to other biotech stocks might show a better view of its performance. Let's use the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF as a proxy for the rest of the biotech universe.

5 Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(NBIX)

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of neurological and endocrine-related diseases and disorders in the United States. It develops drugs for endometriosis, stress-related disorders, pain, tardive dyskinesia, uterine fibroids, diabetes, insomnia, and other neurological and endocrine-related diseases and disorders. The company?s products in clinical development include Elagolix, a Phase II drug for endometriosis; Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 Inhibitor (VMAT2), a Phase II drug for movement disorders; CRF2 Peptide Agonist, a Phase II drug for cardiovascular diseases; CRF1 Antagonist, a Phase II drug for stress-related disorders; and Elagolix, a Phase II drug for uterine fibroids. Its research programs comprise G Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) for type II diabetes; VMAT2 for schizophrenia; GnRH Antagonists for men?s and women?s health, and oncology; Antiepileptic Drugs for epilepsy, essential tremor, and pain; and G Protein-Coupled Receptors for other conditions. The company has collaborations with GlaxoSmithKline to develop and commercialize CRF antagonists for psychiatric, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd. to develop and commercialize Indiplon in Japan; Abbott International Luxembourg S.�r.l. to develop and commercialize elagolix and GnRH antagonists for women?s and men?s health indications; and Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule GPR119 agonists for the treatment of type II diabetes and other indications. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Kevin1977]

  One of the top biotechnology stocks, Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. has shown outstanding performance and trading activity lately.

5 Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Incyte Corporation(INCY)

Incyte Corporation focuses on the discovery and development of proprietary small molecule drugs for hematologic and oncology indications, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Its product pipe line includes INCB18424, which is in Phase III clinical trial for myelofibrosis; Phase III trial for polycythemia vera; Phase III trial for essential thrombocythemia; Phase I/II trial to treat solid tumors/other hematologic malignancies; and Phase IIb trail for the treatment of psoriasis. The company?s portfolio also includes INCB28050, a Phase IIb clinical trial product for rheumatoid arthritis; INCB28060, a Phase I/II product for solid tumors; INCB7839, a Phase II product for breast cancer; and INCB24360, a Phase I/II product for solid tumors. It has a collaborative research and license agreements with Novartis International Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Eli Lilly and Company; and Pfizer Inc. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

Top Stocks To Own Right Now: Johnson & Johnson(JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. The Consumer segment provides products used in baby care, skin care, oral care, wound care, and women?s health care fields, as well as nutritional, over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, and wellness and prevention platforms under the brands of JOHNSON?S, AVEENO, CLEAN & CLEAR, JOHNSON?S Adult, NEUTROGENA, RoC, LUBRIDERM, DABAO, LISTERINE, REACH, BAND-AID, CAREFREE, STAYFREE, SPLENDA, TYLENOL, SUDAFED, ZYRTEC, MOTRIN IB, and PEPCID AC. The Pharmaceutical segment offers products in various therapeutic areas, such as anti-infective, antipsychotic, contraceptive, dermatology, gastrointestinal, hematology, immunology, neurology, oncology, pain management, and virology. Its principal products include REMICADE for the treatment of immune me diated inflammatory diseases; STELARA for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; SIMPONI, a treatment for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; VELCADE for the treatment of multiple myeloma; PREZISTA and INTELENCE for treating HIV/AIDS patients; NUCYNTA for moderate to severe acute pain; INVEGA SUSTENNAtm for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults; RISPERDAL CONSTA for the management of bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia; and PROCRIT to stimulate red blood cell production. The Medical Devices and Diagnostics segment primarily offers circulatory disease management products; orthopaedic joint reconstruction, spinal care, and sports medicine products; surgical care, aesthetics, and women?s health products; blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery products; professional diagnostic products; and disposable contact lenses. The company was founded in 1886 and is based in Ne w Brunswick, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Michael Brush]

  Johnson & Johnson has a dividend yield of 3.4%.

  The world's largest health care company provides investors with exposure (similar to that of a mutual fund) to the health care sector. The company has three main divisions: pharmaceuticals, medical devices and consumer products.

  Johnson & Johnson has had its share of quality control issues, but that's no reason to avoid this stock. The company's strong research pipeline, broad product lines and abundant cash flow mean it will continue to grow -- and keep increasing dividends.

• [By ETF Authority]

  I have viewed Johnson & Johnson as the perfect dividend stock ever since I started investing in dividend stocks. As such, I have an above-average position in it. The recent product recalls and the lack of immediate action on behalf of executives are a potential issue for the company, although I doubt it will lead to JNJ’s demise. The company should be able to turn around, and those that entered at current levels likely will generate strong returns in the future.

• [By Michael]

  I really like JNJ.  They are the largest health care company in the world, in an industry that is ever growing.  They have extremely strong brands for consumer products all around the world.  They also have a strong business on the medical technology end as well.  As the world grays with increasing numbers of the elderly, a massive and emerging middle class in the emerging markets and just the nature of the health care industry in general, I think JNJ is very well positioned to take advantage of significant growth over the next decade.  They are also lending money to European banks.  That means they h ave a lot of cash.

• [By Buffett]

   The world's largest health care company, Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) owns popular brands you've no doubt heard of and used regularly -- such as Tylenol and Band-Aid. But what you might not know is that the company has the No. 1 or No. 2 position in more than half of its product lines. Beyond consumer products, Johnson & Johnson has a strong pharmaceutical division supported by a solid research pipeline, and it is a leader in medical devices.

  All of this has helped Johnson & Johnson produce the kind of steady, long-term earnings growth and profitability that Buffett likes. Earnings have risen in all but two of the past 10 years. And, over the past decade, Johnson & Johnson has produced an average 25.7% return on equity, according to Validea.

  That's well above the 15% minimum Buffett likes -- and a reason he owns 42.6 million shares. Morningstar is bullish on Johnson & Johnson, giving it a four-star (of a possible five) rating.

5 Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Hemispherx Biopharma Inc (HEB)

Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (Hemispherx) is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the clinical development of new drugs therapies based on natural immune system enhancing technologies for the treatment of viral and immune based chronic disorders. Hemispherx focuses on two core pharmaceutical technology platforms Ampligen and Alferon N Injection.The commercial focus for Ampligen includes application as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and as an influenza vaccine enhancer (adjuvant) for both therapeutic and preventative vaccine development. Alferon N Injection is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product with an indication for refractory or recurring genital warts. Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral) is a formulation under development targeting influenza. It has three subsidiaries BioPro Corp., BioAegean Corp., and Core BioTech Corp. The Company's foreign subsidiary is Hemispherx Biopharma Europe N.V./S.A.

Ampligen

Ampligen is an experimental drug, which is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Over 1,000 patients have participated in the Ampligen clinical trials representing the administration of more than 90,000 doses of this drug. The Company is also engaged in ongoing, experimental studies assessing the efficacy of Ampligen against influenza viruses.

Alferon N Injection

Alferon N Injection is the registered trademark for the Company's injectable formulation of natural alpha interferon. Interferons are a group of proteins produced and secreted by cells to combat diseases. The Company's natural alpha interferon is produced from human white blood cells. Alferon N Injection [Interferon alfa-n3 (human leukocyte derived)] is a highly purified, natural-source, glycosylated, multi-species alpha interferon product.

Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral)

Alferon LDO [Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 (Human Leukocyte Derived)]! is an experimental low-dose, oral liquid formulation of Natural Alpha Interferon and like Alferon N Injection should not cause antibody formation, which is a problem with recombinant interferon. It is an experimental immunotherapeutic that works by stimulating an immune cascade response in the cells of the mouth and throat, enabling it to bolster systemic immune response through the entire body by absorption through the oral mucosa.

The Company competes with Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, AstraZeneca, Baxter International, Fletcher/CSI, AVANT Immunotherapeutics, AVI BioPharma and Genta.

5 Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Cell Therapeutics Inc (CTIC.A)

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI), incorporated in 1991, develops, acquires and commercializes treatments for cancer. The Company�� research, development, acquisition and in-licensing activities concentrate on identifying and developing new ways to treat cancer. As of December 31, 2011, CTI focused its efforts on Pixuvri (pixantrone dimaleate) (Pixuvri), OPAXIO (paclitaxel poliglumex) (OPAXIO), tosedostat, brostallicin and bisplatinates. As of December 31, 2011, it developed Pixuvri, an anthracycline derivative for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Another late-stage drug candidate of the Company, OPAXIO, is being studied as a potential maintenance therapy for women with advanced stage ovarian cancer, who achieve a complete remission following first-line therapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. As of December 31, 2011, it also developed tosedostat in collaboration with Chroma Therapeutics, Ltd. (Chroma). On May 31, 2012, CTI completed its acquisi tion gaining worldwide rights to S*BIO Pte Ltd.'s (S*BIO) pacritinib.

Pixuvri

As of December 31, 2011, the Company developed Pixuvri, an aza-anthracenedione derivative, for the treatment of non-Hodgkin�� lymphoma (NHL), and various other hematologic malignancies, and solid tumors. Pixuvri was studied in the Company�� EXTEND, or PIX301, clinical trial, which was a phase III single-agent trial of Pixuvri for patients with relapsed, refractory aggressive NHL who received two or more prior therapies and who were sensitive to treatment with anthracyclines. On September 28, 2011, CTI announced that a second independent radiology assessment of response and progression endpoint data from its PIX301 clinical trial of Pixuvri was achieved with statistical significance. The results of the EXTEND trial met its primary endpoint and showed that patients randomized to treatment with Pixuvri achieved a significantly higher rate of confirmed and unconfirmed co mplete response compared to patients treated with standard! c! hemotherapy had a significantly increased overall response rate and experienced a statistically significant improvement in median progression free survival. Pixuvri had predictable and manageable toxicities when administered at the proposed dose and schedule in the EXTEND clinical trial in heavily pre-treated patients. In March 2011, the Company initiated the PIX-R trial to study Pixuvri in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pixuvri has also been studied in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who have tumor progression after at least two, but not more than three, prior chemotherapy regimens. In the second quarter of 2010, the NCCTG opened this phase II study for enrollment. The study is closed to accrual and results are expected to be reported by the NCCTG later in 2012.

OPAXIO

OPAXIO is the Company�� biologically-enhanced chemotherapeutic agent that links pacli taxel to a biodegradable polyglutamate polymer, resulting in a new chemical entity. As of December 31, 2011, the Company focused its development of OPAXIO on ovarian, brain, esophageal, head and neck cancer. OPAXIO was designed to improve the delivery of paclitaxel to tumor tissue while protecting normal tissue from toxic side effects. In November 2010, results were presented by the Brown University Oncology Group from a phase II trial of OPAXIO combined with temozolomide (TMZ), and radiotherapy in patients with newly-diagnosed, high-grade gliomas, a type of brain cancer. The trial demonstrated a high rate of complete and partial responses and a high rate of six month progression free survival (PFS). Based on these results, the Brown University Oncology Group has initiated a randomized, multicenter, phase II study of OPAXIO and standard radiotherapy versus TMZ and radiotherapy for newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma with an active gene termed MGMT that reduces respons iveness to TMZ. A phase I/II study of OPAXIO combined ! with r! a! diothera! py and cisplatin was initiated by SUNY Upstate Medical University, in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Tosedostat

In March 2011, the Company entered into a co-development and license agreement with Chroma Therapeutics, Ltd. (Chroma), providing the Company with marketing and co-development rights to Chroma�� drug candidate, tosedostat, in North, Central and South America. Tosedostat is an oral, aminopeptidase inhibitor that has demonstrated anti-tumor responses in blood related cancers and solid tumors in phase I-II clinical trials. Interim results from the phase II OPAL study of tosedostat in elderly patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) showed that once-daily, oral doses of tosedostat had predictable and manageable toxicities and results demonstrated response rates, including a high-response rate among patients who received prior hypomethylating agents, which are used to treat myelodysplastic synd rome (MDS), a precursor of AML.

Brostallicin

As of December 31, 2011, the Company developed brostallicin through its wholly owned subsidiary, Systems Medicine LLC, which holds rights to use, develop, import and export brostallicin. Brostallicin is a synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) minor groove binding agent that has demonstrated anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile in clinical trials, in which more than 230 patients have been treated as of December 31, 2011. The Company uses a genomic-based platform to guide the development of brostallicin. A phase II study of brostallicin in relapsed, refractory soft tissue sarcoma met its predefined activity and safety hurdles and resulted in a first-line phase II clinical trial study that was conducted by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).

The Company competes with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, Roche Group, Genentech, Inc., Astellas Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Cel! gene, Tel! ik! , Inc., T! EVA Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. and PharmaMar.

Today's 3 Best Stocks

It was certainly an interesting day, with emphasis on the word "interesting." A midday hack of the Associated Press' Twitter feed sent the markets tumbling in eye-blinking fashion after a fake tweet involving two bombings at the White House were made. The report and tweet were quickly debunked, and the markets regained all of their lost ground, but it was something on the nature of a mini-flash crash.

When the markets weren't focused on the ongoing security issues with high-profile Twitter accounts, they were paying attention to key second-quarter earnings reports and new-home sales from the homebuilding sector. Both succeeded in pushing the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC  ) higher, as the majority of S&P 500 companies are beating on EPS, and new-home sales pushed higher by 1.5% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 417,000.

Following the shenanigans, the S&P 500 finished higher by 16.28 points (1.04%) to close at, 1,578.78. In spite of the strong move higher, earnings news and economic data helped push these three stocks much higher than the S&P's roughly 1% gain.

The star of the day was streaming content provider Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX  ) which shot out of a cannon for a second-straight quarter, advancing 24.4%, after reporting better-than-expected first-quarter results. For the quarter, Netflix tacked on 2 million domestic streaming subscribers and an additional 1 million internationally to boost its worldwide subscriptions to 36.3 million. DVD subscriptions dropped by 241,000. Revenue jumped to $1.02 billion from $869 million in the year-ago period and profit of $0.31 per share. Wall Street had only been looking for a profit of $0.19. In spite of these strong results, and a multitude of price target increases by brokerage firms, I stand firm in my assessment that Netflix is grossly overvalued and would recommend caution with the stock now over $215.

Handbag and accessories maker Coach (NYSE: COH  ) shook off the rust and leapt 9.8% after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results. Shares surged as buyers returned to what had been a weak domestic market in recent months. North American sales rose 7% to $792 million, while sales in China soared 40%. Overall, Coach reported revenue of $1.19 billion and EPS of $0.84 -- 10% higher than the year-ago period. Wall Street had projected a profit of only $0.80 on $1.18 billion in sales. Coach has incredible brand value and a perfect price niche that puts it within most people's budgets, as this report showed. It may have significant long-term upside even following today's beat.

Finally, homebuilding stocks Lennar (NYSE: LEN  ) and PulteGroup (NYSE: PHM  ) both jumped notably higher following the aforementioned strong new-home sales data. Lennar managed to outdo PulteGroup by a hair -- 6.9% versus 6% -- but the thesis for the sector remains the same: Stronger home sales and less inventory will lead to higher selling prices and better homebuilding margins. If homebuilders can keep from flooding the market with supply they have a pretty decent shot at maintaining their pricing power. The question is, can they resist the temptation?

Can Netflix head even higher?
The tumultuous performance of Netflix shares since the summer of 2011 has caused headaches for many devoted shareholders. While the company's first-mover status is often viewed as a competitive advantage, the opportunities in streaming media have brought some new, deep-pocketed rivals looking for their piece of a growing pie. Can Netflix fend off this burgeoning competition, and will its international growth aspirations really pay off? These are must-know issues for investors, which is why The Motley Fool has released a premium report on Netflix. Inside, you'll learn about the key opportunities and risks facing the company, as well as reasons to buy or sell the stock. The report includes a full year of updates to cover critical new developments, so make sure to click here and claim a copy today.

Best Financial Companies For 2014

LONDON -- I'm always searching for shares that can help ordinary investors like you make money from the stock market.

Right now, I am trawling through the FTSE 100 and giving my verdict on every member of the blue-chip index.

I hope to pinpoint the very best buying opportunities in today's uncertain market, as well as highlight those shares I feel you should hold... and those I feel you should sell.

I'm assessing every share on five different measures. Here's what I'm looking for in each company:

Financial strength:�low levels of debt and other liabilities; Profitability:�consistent earnings and high profit margins; Management:�competent executives creating shareholder value; Long-term prospects:�a solid competitive position and respectable growth prospects; and Valuation:�an underrated share price.

A look at Kingfisher
Today, I'm evaluating Kingfisher (LSE: KGF  ) , a home-improvement retailer,�which currently trades at 315 pence. Here are my thoughts:

Best Financial Companies For 2014: L (MCG.V)

Melco China Resorts (Holding) Limited develops and operates ski resorts in China. Its portfolio includes Sun Mountain Yabuli, Sky Mountain Beidahu, The Lotus Mountain Club, Adventure Mountain Changchun, and Star Mountain Beijing resort properties in Beijing, Heilongjiang Province, and Jilin Province. The company offers a range of accommodations, including full-service hotels, condominium-hotels, and luxury resort homes. Melco China Resorts (Holding) Limited is based in Beijing, China.

Best Financial Companies For 2014: Coventry Group Ltd (CYG.AX)

Coventry Group Ltd, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the distribution of industrial products in Australia and New Zealand. The company distributes and markets industrial fasteners, stainless steel fasteners and hardware, construction fasteners, specialized fastener products and systems, and associated industrial tools and consumables. It is also involved in the design and installation of lubrication systems; distribution of hose, connectors, fittings, and hydraulic, hose assemblies; design and supply of service truck components; installation of fire suppression systems; design and distribution of fluid handling systems and pneumatic components, as well as sale of hydraulic associated products and consumables; and provision of rock hammer and repair services. In addition, the company imports, distributes, and markets hardware, components, and finished products to the domestic and commercial furniture, cabinet making, and joinery and shop fitting industries; and of fice chair components. Further, it manufactures and distributes automotive and industrial gaskets. The company was incorporated in 1936 and is headquartered in Redcliffe, Australia.

5 Best Stocks To Own Right Now: Cadillac Mining Corporation (CQX.V)

Cadillac Mining Corporation engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious and base metal mineral properties in Canada and the western United States. The company primarily focuses on the Goldstrike gold project covering approximately 3800 acres in the Great Basin in southwestern Utah. It also holds a 100% interest in the Break project that consists of 228 claims covering approximately 7,755 hectares located on the Cadillac-Larder Lake Break in the Abitibi geological province of Quebec; and the Wasa project covering 164 hectares in 7 claims located to the west of Rouyn-Noranda in northwestern Quebec. The company is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Might Not Look Like It Today, but Dow Has Good News to Lean On

After a big day for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  )  yesterday, with new highs and solid earnings in the headlines, the tides have turned just as quickly. News from Motor City has the nation concerned about the future, and tech stocks have investors worried about the direction of some former giants. But the week has been filled with good news for the economy as a whole, and some Dow components, in particular.

Fed-speak
This week, the markets finally started to realize what Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has been saying all along: Tapering of stimulus policy actions will not begin until later in the year, and timing will continue to be based on the improvement of economic indicators. The Fed will remain accommodating, as necessary, and the Fed Funds Rate will not be increased until benchmarks are met.

Great news for investors who have been trying to weather the stormy seas created by Fed-speculation. The ups and downs since Bernanke's first true statements in late May have stunted the Dow's record gains for the year, with the index only marching 1.58% higher since then. For reference, the index had added 14.73% up til that point in 2013.

Though speculation is always a threat to the markets, the panic induced by the Fed's mixed commentary may now be subsiding -- at least until the next round of Federal Open Market Committee meetings.

Unemployment
This week's jobless claims report was better than expected. Though the month of July is often hard to adjust for seasonal shutdowns at manufacturing plants that retool during the month, the significant drop in new claims for unemployment benefits gave signs that hiring is back at work. The economy has been sluggish to gain momentum, though job losses are slowing -- the main culprit is a lack of hiring. Companies had been making do with their current workforce instead of hiring new employees, so while the slowdown in firings was helping squelch the rising unemployment rate, the number of people actively looking for work has risen.

With more people at work, consumer spending is next in line to be on the rise. The increase in personal income reported for the month of July was encouraging for personal finance companies, including American Express (NYSE: AXP  ) . The credit card provider has benefited from its focus on the higher-income demographic, which has returned to a relatively normalized rate of spending. When the overall rate of consumer spending rises, AmEx, and other credit card providers, will have ample opportunities to generate higher revenue.

Housing
This week marked some new highs for the housing market, as homebuilders reiterated the strong gains we've seen by reporting higher confidence in the current and future sales outlooks. With the companies that build new homes in such great spirits, it's only natural that investors would get excited for other business that will benefit from new buyers entering the market.

Though both Bank of America and JPMorgan noted slowdowns in their mortgage originations, a new influx of buyers to the table would be a welcomed sight. Currently, a low inventory of available homes is driving up prices -- a win for the banks that are happy to underwrite higher-balance loans. Though the recent uptick in interest rates may have killed off the refinancing boom we've seen in recent months, the rates are still near historic lows for new mortgages, giving buyers plenty of incentive to buy now and lock in that low rate.

And of course, once you've bought a house you need insurance. Traveler's Companies (NYSE: TRV  ) is the No. 6 provider in home insurance, with a 4.3% market share. As the rate of new homeowners rises, a greater need for insurance will allow Traveler's and its competitors to fight for more market share.

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Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of McEwen Mining (NYSE: MUX  ) jumped as much as 12% today after the company released production figures.

So what: In the second quarter, the company produced 35,955 gold equivalent ounces, 30% higher than a year earlier. Both of the company's mines are producing at solid levels, and management thinks it can reach 130,000 gold equivalent ounces this year.�

Now what: The strong performance was good, and it didn't hurt that gold itself was up 2.9% today. The low price of gold has hurt miners, so they can use any good news they can get on the pricing front. McEwen hasn't yet posted a profit and, with gold under pressure, I would take a cautious approach to this stock, because even higher production may not make up for falling prices.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: First Bancorp Inc(ME)

The First Bancorp, Inc. operates as a holding company for The First, N.A., which is a chartered national bank that provides various banking services to individual and corporate customers in coastal Maine. The company offers various deposit products, including demand, savings, NOW, money market, and certificate of deposit accounts. It also provides various loan products, such as commercial real estate, commercial construction, and other commercial loans; municipal loans; residential term and construction loans; home equity lines of credit; and consumer loans. In addition, the company offers private banking, financial planning, investment management, and trust services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and municipalities. It operates a network of 14 full-service banking offices in Lincoln, Knox, Hancock, and Washington Counties located in the mid-coast and down east regions of Maine. The company was formerly known as First National Lincoln Corporation and changed its name to The First Bancorp, Inc. in April 2008. The company was founded in 1864 and is based in Damariscotta, Maine.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: Cogo Group Inc.(COGO)

Cogo Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides customized module design solutions, focusing on the digital media, telecommunications equipment, and industrial business end-markets in China. In the digital media end-market, the company provides mobile handset and module solutions for functionalities, such as CMMB mobile TV, motion sensor, camera, power supply, and Bluetooth, as well as solutions for high definition digital set-top box, GPS, and solutions for Tablet. In the telecommunications equipment end-market, it offers solutions for public switched telephone network, switching, optical transmitters, electrical signal processing, and optical signal amplification. In the industrial business end-market, the company provides industrial solutions for the smart meter, smart grid, railway, and auto-electronics sectors. In addition, it offers technology and engineering services, network system integration, and related training and maintenance services. Cogo Group, Inc. se lls its customized module design solutions through its direct sales force. The company was formerly known as Comtech Group, Inc. and changed its name to Cogo Group, Inc. in May 2008. The company was founded in 1917 and is based in Shenzhen, China.

Best Stocks To Buy Right Now: Sherritt Intl Corp Com Npv (S.TO)

Sherritt International Corporation, a diversified natural resource company, produces nickel, cobalt, thermal coal, oil and gas, and electricity. The company�s Metals segment engages in mining, processing, and marketing commodity nickel and cobalt; and producing and selling agricultural fertilizers. This segment is also involved in the development of a nickel mine, processing plant, and refinery in Madagascar. Its Coal segment mines and sells thermal coal primarily for use as fuel to generate electricity, as well as holds a portfolio of royalty assets; and leases equipment and operates a contract mine. This segment operates approximately nine surface mines in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. The company�s Oil and Gas segment engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas properties in Cuba, Spain, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom. Its Power segment constructs and operates electricity generating plants that provide electricity in Cuba; and owns an electricity g enerating plant in Madagascar. This segment has a combined generation capacity of approximately 356 megawatts. The company is also involved in mineral products and metallurgical technology business; and licensing its proprietary technologies to mining companies. It has operations primarily in Canada, Cuba, Madagascar, Europe, and Asia. Sherritt International Corporation was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: Rio Tinto Plc(RIO)

Rio Tinto plc engages in finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. The company produces aluminum products, including bauxite, alumina, and aluminum; copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and nickel; diamonds; minerals, such as borates, titanium dioxide feedstocks, high purity iron, metal powders, zircon, and rutile; thermal and coking coal, and uranium; and iron ore and salt. It primarily operates in Australia, North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and southern Africa. The company was founded in 1873 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Rio Tinto plc is a subsidiary of Rio Tinto Group.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: Sanmina-SCI Corporation(SANM)

Sanmina-SCI Corporation provides integrated electronics manufacturing services worldwide. It offers product design and engineering services, including initial development, detailed design, prototyping, validation, preproduction, and manufacturing design; volume manufacturing of complete systems, components, and subassemblies; final system assembly and testing services; direct order fulfillment and logistics services; and after-market product service and support services. The company also manufactures various system components and subassemblies consisting of printed circuit boards, printed circuit board assemblies, backplanes and backplane assemblies, enclosures, cable assemblies, precision machine components, optical components and modules, and memory modules. It provides its services to original equipment manufacturers primarily in the communication, enterprise computing and storage, multimedia, industrial and semiconductor capital equipment, defense and aerospace, medica l, clean technology, and automotive industries. The company was founded in 1980 and is based in San Jose, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sam Collins]

  Sanmina-SCI Corporation (NASDAQ: SANM ) is independent global provider of customized, integrated electronics manufacturing services. The stock has been in an intermediate downtrend since April, but recent accumulation and a host of buy recommendations from more than 20 analysts puts this stock back in the spotlight.

  SANM recently crossed over its 50-day moving average, and its stochastic flashed a buy. Since it is technically still in a downtrend, stop-loss orders at $10 should be entered. The average target of the fundamental analysts is $24, and S&P rates the stock a "five-star buy" with a 12-month target of $20.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: RF Micro Devices Inc.(RFMD)

RF Micro Devices, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, and markets radio frequency (RF) components and compound semiconductor technologies in the United States and internationally. Its products enable mobility, as well as provide connectivity and support functionality in the cellular handsets, wireless infrastructure, wireless local area networks, cable television /broadband, Smart Energy/advanced metering infrastructure, and aerospace and defense markets. The company offers products that range from single-function components to highly integrated circuits and multi-chip modules (MCMs). Its integrated circuit products include gain blocks, low noise amplifiers, power amplifiers (PAs), receivers, transmitters, transceivers, modulators, demodulators, attenuators, switches, frequency synthesizers, and voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs); MCM products consist of PA modules, switch-filter modules, active antenna products, VCOs, phase-locked loops, coaxial resonator oscillators , active mixers, variable gain amplifiers, hybrid amplifiers, power doublers, and optical receivers; and passive components consist of splitters, couplers, mixers, and transformers, as well as isolators and circulators. The company markets its products to original equipment manufacturers and original design manufacturers. RF Micro Devices, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: PrimeEnergy Corporation(PNRG)

PrimeEnergy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States. Its principal properties are located in Texas, Oklahoma, West Virginia, the Gulf of Mexico, New Mexico, Colorado, and Louisiana. The company operates 1,600 oil and gas wells, as well as owns non-operating interests in approximately 800 additional wells. It also provides well-servicing support operations, site-preparation, and construction services for oil and gas drilling and reworking operations, as well as contract services for third parties. In addition, the company involves in the acquisition of producing oil and gas properties through joint ventures with industry partners. As of December 31, 2010, it had proved reserves of 101 billion cubic feet of gas equivalent. The company was founded in 1973 and is based in Stamford, Connecticut.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: Uravan Minerals Inc. (UVN.V)

Uravan Minerals, Inc., a development stage mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Canada. The company primarily explores for buried uranium deposits, as well as for rare earth elements, and nickel-copper-platinum group element deposits in under-explored areas. Its principal properties include the Outer Ring/Math, Johannsen, Halliday, Stewardson, Thluicho, and Poplar Point uranium projects located in the Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan; the Garry Lake uranium project situated in the northeast Thelon Basin; and the Rottenstone nickel-copper-platinum group element property located in Saskatchewan. Uravan Minerals, Inc. is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (SRPT.W)

Sarepta Therapeutics Inc., formerly AVI BioPharma, Inc., incorporated on July 22, 1980, biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based therapeutics for the treatment of rare and infectious diseases. The Company�� product candidates include Eteplirsen, AVI-6002, AVI-6003, and AVI-7100. As of December 31, 2011, the Company primarily focused on advancing the development of its Duchenne muscular dystrophy drug candidates, including its lead product candidate, eteplirsen, which is in a Phase IIb trial. The Company is also focused on developing therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases, including its lead infectious disease programs aimed at the development of drug candidates for the Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever viruses. The Company's program focuses on the development of disease-modifying therapeutic candidates for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The Company initiated a Phase IIb trial for eteplirsen in August 2011 with an objective of initiating a pivotal trial subsequent to 2011.

The Company is also leveraging the capabilities of its RNA-based technology platforms to develop therapeutics for the treatment of infectious diseases. The Company's RNA-based drug programs are clinically evaluated for the treatment of DMD and have also demonstrated anti-viral activity in infectious diseases such as Ebola, Marburg and H1N1 influenza in certain animal models. The Company's lead product candidates are at various stages of development.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Program

The Company's lead program is designed to address specific gene mutations that result in DMD by forcing the genetic machinery to skip over an adjacent contiguous piece of RNA and, thus, restore the ability of the cell to express a new, truncated but functional, dystrophin protein.

Eteplirsen is an antisense PMO-based therapeutic in clinical development for the treat ment of individuals with DMD who have an error in the gene ! c! oding for dystrophin that can be treated by skipping exon 51. Eteplirsen targets the frequent series of mutations that cause DMD. Eteplirsen has been granted orphan drug designation in the United States and European Union. In addition to the Company's lead product candidate, eteplirsen, the Company is actively pursues development of a product candidate that skips exon 45 through an IND-enabling collaboration.

Anti-Viral Programs

The Company is implementing its RNA-based technology platforms in its anti-viral programs for the development of therapeutics to treat viruses, such as Ebola, Marburg and influenza. The Company's arrangement with DoD supporting the development of the Company's Ebola and Marburg virus drug candidates provides funding for all clinical and licensure activities necessary to obtain approval of a New Drug Application (NDA), by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), if DoD exercises all of its options under the arra ngement. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company paused its clinical development efforts on AVI-7100 and is exploring funding opportunities or partnerships with DHHS and industry collaborators to advance its development.

The Company's anti-viral therapeutic programs use the Company's translation suppression technology and applies its PMOplus chemistry backbone, an advanced generation of its base PMO chemistry backbone that selectively introduces positive backbone charges to improve selective interaction between the drug and its target. The Company's translation suppressing technology is based on Translation Suppressing Oligomers (TSOs), which are PMO-based compounds that stop or suppress the translation of a specific protein by binding to their specific target sequence in mRNA.

The Company is pursuing development and regulatory approval of its Ebola and Marburg hemorrhagic fever virus product candidates under the FDA's Animal Rule. The Company's lead product candidate against the Ebola viru! s in! fec! tion i! s AVI-6002. For Marburg virus infection, the Company's lead product candidate has been AVI-6003. In February 2012, the Company announced that the Company received approval from the FDA to remove one of the two oligomers composing AVI-6003 and proceed with a single oligomer approach, AVI-7288, given that efficacy in non-human primates has been demonstrated to be attributable to this single oligomer. The Company is exploring the feasibility of alternate routes of administration of its Ebola and Marburg drug candidates, and at DoD's invitation, the Company is developing a proposal to be submitted for a study to demonstrates feasibility of the intramuscular route.

AVI-6002, which is a combination of AVI-7537 and AVI-7539, is designed for post-exposure prophylaxis after documented or suspected exposure to the Ebola virus. The Company is evaluating the feasibility of developing AVI-7537 as a single agent for the post-exposure prophylaxis after documented or suspected exposure to Ebola virus. AVI-6003, which is a combination of AVI-7287 and AVI-7288, is designed for post-exposure prophylaxis after documented or suspected exposure to Marburg virus. In February 2012, the Company announced that the Company received approval from the FDA to proceed with AVI-7288 as a single agent against Marburg virus infection. The Company intends to proceed with dosing AVI-7288 in the Phase I multiple ascending dose studies and in non-human primate studies.

Influenza Program

The Company's anti-viral therapeutic programs are also focused on the development of the Company's product candidates designed to treat pandemic influenza viruses. AVI-7100 is the Company's lead product candidate for the treatment of influenza and employs its PMOplus technology. In June 2011, the Company initiated dosing of AVI-7100 through intravenous infusion in single-ascending doses in up to 48 healthy adult volunteers. As of December 31, 2011, the Company paused its clinical development efforts on AVI-7100 ! and are !! exploring! funding opportunities or partnerships to advance its development.

The Company has developed three new phosphorodiamidate-linked morpholino oligomers (PMO)-based chemistry platforms in addition to its original PMO-based technology. The Company's PMO-based molecules are designed to sterically block the access of cellular machinery to pre-mRNA and mRNA without degrading the RNA. Through this selective targeting, two distinct biologic mechanisms of action can be initiated: modulation of pre-mRNA splicing and inhibition of mRNA translation.

The Company competes with GlaxoSmithKline plc, Toyama Chemical, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp., Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Prosensa, and Santaris Pharma A/S.

Top 10 Low Price Companies To Watch For 2014: Iris Biotechnologies(IRSB.OB)

Iris BioTechnologies Inc., a development stage life science company, focuses on developing solutions for the detection and monitoring of monogenic and complex genomic diseases. The company provides a Nano-BioChip gene expression kit using a convergence of scientific disciplines in nanotechnology, semiconductor manufacturing, microfluidics, chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, and information technology; and BioWindows artificial intelligence system, a database comprising data fields for patient demographics information, personal and family medical history, and gene expression information. Its products assist in establishing the foundation for personalized medicine for the treatment of breast cancer. The company also intends to use its product platform to diagnose and treat patients with neurological disorders, heart disease, diabetes, and other gene-related metabolic problems. In addition, it is working on gene markers for CancerChip and specific markers assoc iated with prostrate, lung, liver, kidney, and ovarian cancers, as well as genes associated with schizophrenia, Alzheimer disease, autoimmune system disorders, and metabolic and drug metabolism disorders. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.