This series, brought to you by Yahoo! Finance, looks at which upgrades and downgrades make sense, and which ones investors should act on. Today, our headlines feature a pair of upgrades for home furnishings store Pier 1 (NYSE: PIR ) and engine technologist BorgWarner (NYSE: BWA ) . Let's address those two real quick, before we get to the day's really big news (about American Tower (NYSE: AMT ) ).
Pier 1 won't sink�
As housing sales boomed, Pier 1 Imports grew its sales 9%, and its earnings 14% in the most recent quarter. Arguing that Pier 1 is likely to continue growing sales in quarters to come, Argus Research announced this morning that it's upgrading the shares to "buy" and assigning them a $27 price target. With the shares currently trading for $23 and change, that works out to about a 13% potential profit on top of Pier 1's modest 0.8% dividend yield. An attractive proposition in an overvalued market, to be sure -- but will Pier 1 really rise to $27?
Top 10 Building Product Stocks To Watch Right Now: Verizon Communications Inc.(VZ)
Verizon Communications Inc. provides communication services. The company operates through two segments, Domestic Wireless and Wireline. The Domestic Wireless segment offers wireless voice and data services; and sells equipment in the United States. The Wireline segment provides voice, Internet access, broadband video and data, Internet protocol network, network access, long distance, and other services in the United States and internationally. The company serves consumer, business, and government customers, as well as carriers. As of December 31, 2010, its network covered a population of approximately 292 million and provided service to a customer base of approximately 94.1 million. The company was formerly known as Bell Atlantic Corporation and changed its name to Verizon Communications Inc. in June 2000. Verizon Communications Inc. was founded in 1983 and is based in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Laura Brodbeck]
Next week investors will be waiting for several key earnings reports including General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ), International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM), eBay Inc (NASDAQ: EBAY) and Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX).
- [By Matt Thalman]
Verizon (NYSE: VZ ) , meanwhile, lost 2.19% this past week after the company announced over the holiday weekend that it had come to an agreement to purchase the 45% stake Vodafone owned of Verizon Wireless. While on the surface that sounds like great news -- full ownership, full profit retention, full control -- it will cost Verizon $130 billion for all those things, and the company will rack up enough debt to prevent it from pursuing other growth opportunities for some time. That's probably what scared investors off. �
- [By Freelance Individual Investor]
And speaking of client wins, there are some simple truths about ARUN's client base which can't be denied. Some of the most technologically savvy, analytical and discerning buyers are choosing ARUN. Again, there is little discussion here about technology. But why should you listen to me, or any financial analyst or CFA, try to be an 'expert' on technology. When companies issue Requests For Proposals, they bring in very astute and analytical people to evaluate the choices. This is especially true in University settings where academia will scrutinize every minute detail. Universities such as Northwestern, Indiana University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Florida State, Texas A&M, Holy Cross, San Diego State, Shanghai University of Finance, Purdue University and many other large, medium, and small universities around the world are choosing ARUN's technology. Many K-12 schools are also converting to ARUN. In addition, the Department of Defense and the FDIC have given substantial business to ARUN in the Government vertical. They also have a substantial client list in the medical and enterprise verticals. The recent revelation about partnering with Google to implement a complete solution set in all Starbucks stores throughout the U.S. is one prominent example. Their client portfolio now exceeds 30,000 and they continually receive repeat business and outstanding customer service evaluations from their clients. These facts provide all the evidence needed that the ARUN proposition is much more than providing access points. They continue to work closely with all major mobile device providers, Apple (AAPL), Google (GOOG), IBM (IBM), Microsoft (MSFT), Verizon (VZ), and many others in advancing the functionality of Wi-Fi capabilities. In addition the disclosure of ARUN receiving the highest quadrant in the recent Gartner ranking provides additional independent analysis of ARUN's industry leading product portfolio. They also appear to be leading the conversion to th
Hot Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: AvalonBay Communities Inc. (AVB)
AvalonBay Communities, Inc. engages in the development, redevelopment, acquisition, ownership, and operation of multifamily communities in the United States. As of January 31, 2009, the company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 164 operating apartment communities comprising 45,728 apartment homes in 10 states and the District of Columbia. It also held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 14 communities under construction, as well as held rights to develop an additional 27 communities. The company?s markets are located in New England, the New York/New Jersey metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Midwest, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northern and Southern California regions of the United States. AvalonBay Communities has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust and 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 1978 and is based in Arlington, Virginia.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Shauna O'Brien]
KeyBanc announced on Thursday that it has boosted its rating on AvalonBay Communities Inc (AVB) to “Buy.”
The firm has upgraded AVB from “Hold” to “Buy,” and has given the company a $139 price target. This price target suggests a 15% upside from the stock’s current price of $120.55. KeyBanc has also upgraded residential REIT UDR, Inc. (UDR) and has cut its rating on Essex Property Trust Inc (ESS).
Analyst Karin Ford noted: “We upgrade the Apartment REIT vertical from Market-Weight to OVERWEIGHT based upon attractive valuation levels that overlook the potential for accelerating fundamentals, as the impact of new supply wanes and continued employment gains support greater rental demand into ’15.
“We believe the short-cycle nature of the apartment vertical’s leases place it relatively well within an env’t of rising rates driven by an imprv�� economy; the group’s underperformance YTD and current relative valuation level (4% discount to REIT sector on AFFO multiple) reflects concern over slowing fundamentals amid elevated new supply. We think new supply should peak in late-’14 and give way to accelerating absorption trends.”
AvalonBay Communities shares were mostly flat during pre-market trading Thursday. The stock is down 11% YTD.
- [By Aaron Levitt]
When it comes to apartment REITs, AvalonBay Communities (AVB) is one of the largest. The firm has direct or indirect ownership in a massive 273 apartment communities, or roughly 81,500 different apartments or townhomes. The bulk of these buildings are located in markets with a high barrier to entry — Washington D.C., for example — and feature a stable and generally high-income renter�� base.
- [By Sean Williams]
Today, I plan to introduce the final selection to the Basic Needs Portfolio: AvalonBay Communities (NYSE: AVB ) .
How it fits with our theme
There aren't any subtleties or roundabout ways to say this, but a good 99% of Americans need a place to live, and AvalonBay's specialty is putting a roof over your head. AvalonBay Communities is a residential real estate investment trust that owns interests in 273 apartment communities that are comprised of a total of 81,499 apartment homes in 12 states. - [By GuruFocus]
George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) just reported his first quarter portfolio. He buys Citrix Systems Inc, Baker Hughes Inc, Comcast Corp, Spansion Inc, etc during the 3-months ended 03/31/2014, according to the most recent filings of his investment company, Soros Fund Management LLC. As of 03/31/2014, Soros Fund Management LLC owns 305 stocks with a total value of $10.1 billion. These are the details of the buys and sells.New Purchases: BHI, CODE, CTRP, CLI, AVB, COMM, CNQ, AGO, AUY, ATML, ASH, BXMT, CSTM, AEM, CMA, ARE, CHKP, AUQ, BEAV, CX, ADSK, AALCP, BLK, AIG, BIIB, ADEP, AMRI, ARWR, ATHX, BALT, BCRX, BEAT, CFX, CLFD, CUR, CODE,Added Positions: CTXS, CMCSA, CNP, ALTR, BRCD, CBS, CRM, CHTR, CCJ, CIEN, BIDU, ALLE, ABT, CDNS, ACT,Reduced Positions: AAPL, CCI, AMT, ABBV, AAL, BITA, AL, ANGI, ARIA, CBST, BA, BIRT, EXAR,Sold Out: C, BAC, CRI, AMZN, AGN, CF, BRCM, COTY, BMY, AMCX, CAR, A, ADBE, AFL,For the details of George Soros (Trades, Portfolio)'s stock buys and sells, go to http://www.gurufocus.com/StockBuy.php?GuruName=George+SorosThis is the sector weightings of his portfolio:Technology18.9%Energy14%Healthcare8.3%Consumer Defensive8.2%Communication Services8.1%Consumer Cyclical5.4%Industrials5.1%Basic Materials4.9%Financial Services2.5%Real Estate1.9%Utilities0.5%These are the top 5 holdings of George Soros (Trades, Portfolio)1. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA) - 10,310,041 shares, 5.4% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 10.67%2. Herbalife Ltd (HLF) - 4,901,337 shares, 2.8% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 52.9%3. EQT Corp (EQT) - 2,573,814 shares, 2.5% of the total portfolio. Shares added by 3.27%4. Adecoagro SA (AGRO) - 25,915,076 shares, 2.1% of the total portfolio.5. Halliburton Co (HAL) - 3,596,353 shares, 2.1% of the total portfolio. Shares reduced by 20.73%New Purchase: Baker Hughes Inc (BHI)George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) initiated holdings in Baker Hughes Inc. His purchase prices were between $51.82 and $65.27, with an estimated
Hot Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: ConocoPhillips(COP)
ConocoPhillips operates as an integrated energy company worldwide. The company?s Exploration and Production (E&P) segment explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and natural gas liquids. Its Midstream segment gathers, processes, and markets natural gas; and fractionates and markets natural gas liquids in the United States and Trinidad. The company?s Refining and Marketing (R&M) segment purchases, refines, markets, and transports crude oil and petroleum products, such as gasolines, distillates, and aviation fuels. Its Chemicals segment manufactures and markets petrochemicals and plastics. This segment offers olefins and polyolefins, including ethylene, propylene, and other olefin products; aromatics products, such as benzene, styrene, paraxylene, and cyclohexane, as well as polystyrene and styrene-butadiene copolymers; and various specialty chemical products comprising organosulfur chemicals, solvents, catalyst s, drilling chemicals, mining chemicals, and engineering plastics and compounds. The company?s Emerging Businesses segment develops new technologies and businesses. It focuses on power generation; and technologies related to conventional and nonconventional hydrocarbon recovery, refining, alternative energy, biofuels, and the environment. This segment also offers E-Gas, a gasification technology producing high-value synthetic gas. ConocoPhillips was founded in 1917 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Levisohn]
Goldman Sachs, however, does see a pickup in capital spending, which is generally linked to an acceleration in economic growth and and an increase in sales, as companies only start to spend after they see a “�increased activity and demand.” That could benefit companies who aren’t spending much now but have strong returns on invested capital, including�Marathon Oil�(MRO),�ConocoPhillips�(COP), and�Starbucks (SBUX).
- [By Isac Simon]
The recently spun off E&P major ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP ) is another key operator in the Eagle Ford region. With 227,000 net acres under its belt, the company is sitting on an estimated 1.8 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Over the next five years, Conoco is expected to invest $8 billion in this region and add 130,000 barrels of oil equivalent.
- [By Michael Fitzsimmons]
ConocoPhillips (COP) released Q2 2013 earnings that beat consensus estimates by $0.12/share. While the company has been performing flawlessly on its strategic multi-year transformation plan by disposing of non-core assets, organically growing production, and providing a compelling dividend, the story this quarter was early signs of the 3-5% growth in cash margins the company has promised. As a result, COP's Q2 earnings beat was in stark contrast to slightly disappointing results from Chevron (CVX) and a disastrous earnings report from ExxonMobil (XOM).
Hot Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Abbott Laboratories(ABT)
Abbott Laboratories engages in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of health care products worldwide. The company offers adult and pediatric pharmaceuticals for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease; dyslipidemia; HIV infection; prostate cancer, endometriosis and central precocious puberty, and anemia caused by uterine fibroids; respiratory syncytial virus; adult males who have low or no testosterone; secondary hyperparathyroidism; hypothyroidism; and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, as well as anesthesia products. It also provides diagnostic products, such as immunoassay systems; chemistry systems; assays used for screening and/or diagnosis for drugs of abuse, cancer, therapeutic drug monitoring, fertility, physiological, and infectious diseases; instruments that automate the extraction, purification, and preparation of DNA and RNA from patient samples, and detect and measure infections agents; genomic-b ased tests; hematology systems and reagents; and point-of-care diagnostic systems and tests for blood analysis. In addition, the company offers a line of pediatric and adult nutritional products. Further, it provides coronary, endovascular, vessel closure, and structural heart devices, such as drug-eluting stent systems, coronary metallic stents, balloon dilatation products, coronary guidewires, vessel closure devices, carotid stent systems, percutaneous valve repair systems, and drug eluting bioresorbable vascular products. Additionally, the company provides blood glucose monitoring meters, test strips, data management software, and accessories for people with diabetes; and medical devices for the eye, including cataract surgery, lasik surgery, contact lens, and dry eye products, as well as branded generic pharmaceutical products. Abbott primarily serves retailers, wholesalers, hospitals, and health care facilities. Abbott was founded in 1888 and is headquartered in Abbott Park, Illinois.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Brian Orelli]
Technically, Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT ) has been around for decades. But the new Abbott Laboratories stock -- the one that no longer contains the drug division spun off as AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV ) -- has existed for only six months.
- [By Selena Maranjian]
Third Point reduced its stake in lots of companies, including Murphy Oil�and Yahoo! Among holdings in which it increased its stake were AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV ) and ARIAD Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ARIA ) . AbbVie was split off from�Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT ) and kept the pharmaceutical business. Detractors don't like its heavy debt or the impending patent expiration of its rheumatoid arthritis drug Humira, which is expected to generate more than $10 billion in annual sales. It has other drugs on the market and in its pipeline, tackling Hepatitis C, among other conditions. (A Hep C treatment just received FDA breakthrough designation.) It also sports a 3.5% dividend yield, and its chief scientific officer is retiring, which should interest investors.
- [By Monica Gerson]
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $0.51 per share on revenue of $5.40 billion.
Pepsico (NYSE: PEP) is estimated to report its Q3 earnings at $1.17 per share on revenue of $16.96 billion.
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