Popular Posts: Hottest Energy Stocks Now – HK QEP CLMT SDRL13 “Triple A” Stocks to Buy7 Biotechnology Stocks to Buy Now Recent Posts: Hottest Financial Stocks Now – ASPS MBI SF LPLA Biggest Movers in Healthcare Stocks Now – ALXN PODD ISIS REGN Hottest Technology Stocks Now – SATS WDAY P CGNX View All Posts
The grades of four aerospace and defense stocks are on the rise this week on Portfolio Grader. Each of these stocks is rated an “A” (“strong buy”) or “B” overall (“buy”).
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Cubic Corp (CUB)
Cubic Corporation (Cubic), incorporated on December 13, 1984, is an international provider of systems and solutions that address the mass transit and global defense markets. The Company operates in three segments: Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS), Mission Support Services (MSS) and Cubic Defense Systems (CDS). As of the September 30, 2012, the Company�� CTS business accounted for approximately 37%; MSS and CDS accounted for approximately 36% and 27% of its net sales respectively. CTS specialize in the design, development, production, installation, maintenance and operation of automated fare payment and revenue management infrastructure and technologies for transit operators. As part of its turnkey solutions, CTS also provides these customers with a suite of business process outsourcing (BPO) services and expertise, such as card and payment media management, central systems and application support, retail network management, passenger call centers and financial clearing and settlement support. In March 2014, the Company acquired Intific Inc.
Mission Support Services
MSS is a provider of live, virtual and constructive training services to all four branches of the United States military, including the special operations communities, as well as to allied nations. In addition, MSS offers a range of national security solutions to the intelligence community. CDS is a provider of air and ground combat training systems for the United States and allied nations and a key supplier of secure communications solutions, including asset tracking and cyber products and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data links. Services provided include live, virtual and constructive training, real-world mission rehearsal exercises, professional military education, intelligence support, information technology, information assurance and related cyber support, development of military doctrine, consequence management, infrastructure protection and force protection, as well as support to f! ield operations, force deployment and redeployment and logistics.
Cubic Transportation Systems
CDS focuses on two primary lines of business: training systems and secure communications. CTS is a systems integrator that develops and provides fare collection infrastructure, services and technology for public transport authorities and operators worldwide. The Company offers fare collection devices, software, systems and multiagency, multimodal integration technologies, as well as a suite of operational services. As of September 30, 2012, the Company installed over 90,000 devices and deployed several central systems which in total process approximately 10 billion fare-related transactions per year for approximately seven billion transit passengers.
As of September 30, 2012, the Company had 400 projects in 40 markets on five continents. The Company has implements and, in many cases, operates automated fare payment and collection systems for some of the mass transit systems, such as London, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles region. It offers a range of services for transit authorities in transit markets worldwide, including computer hosting services, call center and Web services, payment media issuance and distribution services, retail point of sale network management, payment processing, financial clearing and settlement, software application support and outsourced asset operations and maintenance. The Company provides its services in regions, including London, Sydney, Brisbane, Sweden, Washington district of Columbia, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Atlanta. CTS operate full service operation centers in North America, Europe and Australia. As of September 30, 2012, the Company was designing and building new systems in Chicago, Sydney and Vancouver.
Mission Support Services
MSS provides services within the scope of small-to large-scale military training exercises, including live, virtual and constructive training exercises and suppor! t. Traini! ng services include full life-cycle support from planning through after action reviews as well as the associated support, such as operational, technical and logistical support. In addition, the segment provides a broad range of national security solutions, including subject matter and operational expertise, advanced tactical training and cyber security services, to the intelligence, special operations, law enforcement and homeland security communities. Customers include all branches of the United States military, non-military agencies and allied nations under arrangements with the United States government. MSS is the prime contractor at more than 40 military training and support facilities and supports more than 200,000 exercises and training events per year.
The Company provides training and rehearsals for both small and large scale combat operations, training and preparation of military advisor teams, mobilization and demobilization of forces prior to and following deployment, combat and material development, military staff augmentation, information technology and information assurance, logistics and maintenance support for fielded and deployed systems, support to national security and special operations activities; peacekeeping; consequence management and humanitarian assistance operations worldwide. It plans, prepares, executes and documents realistic and focused mission rehearsal exercises (using both live and computer-based exercises) as final preparation of forces prior to deployment. In addition, it provides consultation and advisory services to the governments and militaries of allied nations.
The Company�� contracts include providing mission support services to three of the United States Army's CTC's: JRTC as prime contractor and the national training center (NTC) and Mission command training program (MCTP) as a principal subcontractor. These services include planning, executing and documenting realistic and stressful exercises and mission rehearsals that increase t! he readin! ess of both active and reserve the United States conventional and special operations forces by placing them in situations as close to actual combat as possible.
MSS is a principal member of the contractor team, to the United States armed services, that supports and helps manage and execute all aspects of the operations of the Joint Coalition Warfare Center (JCWC), including support to worldwide joint exercises and the development and fielding of the Joint National Training Capability (JNTC). Under the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Training Systems Support (MTSS) contract, it provides training and exercise support to the United States Marine Corps forces worldwide, including real-world mission rehearsals. It planned and executed virtually all Marine Corps simulation-based exercises worldwide under the original MAGTF Staff Training Program (MSTP) and its successor, the MTSS, directly preparing Marines for combat operations.
It provides training and professional military education support to the United States Army's Quartermaster Center and School, the Signal School and to the Transportation School. It also provides contractor maintenance and instructional support necessary to operate and maintain a wide variety of flight simulation and training systems and other facilities worldwide, for United States and allied forces under multiple long-term contracts, including direct support to USMC aircrew training systems worldwide. In addition, it provides a range of operational support to the United States Navy for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and counter-mine operations and training. It provides research, development and technical engineering (RDTE) support to the United States Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) for assistance in the identification and application of current, new and emerging technologies to proof-of-principle evaluations of advanced operational concepts. Its services, products and capabilities include development and deployment of curriculum and related cours! eware, co! mputer-based training, knowledge management and distribution, advanced distance learning (e-learning), serious military games for training, and other advanced education programs for United States and allied forces.
Cubic Defense Systems
CDS is focused on two primary lines of business: training systems and secure communications. This segment is primarily a diversified supplier of live and virtual military training systems and secure communications products to the DoD and more than 35 allied nations. The Company designs and manufactures air and ground combat training systems for fighter aircraft, armored vehicles and infantry, as well as weapons effects simulations, laser-based tactical and communication systems. The Company also designs and manufactures secure communications products focused on intelligence, surveillance, asset tracking and search and rescue.
The segment designs, manufactures and fields a range of technologies that are critical to combat readiness, supply chain logistics and national security for the United States and allied nations. Its primary lines of business include air combat training ranges and after action review software, ground combat training systems, including a full range of laser engagement simulation systems, virtual small arms training systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data links, personnel locator systems, multi-band communication tracking devices and cross domain appliances for cyber security. It also provides ongoing support services for systems it has built for several of its international customers.
Its training systems business designs and manufactures of instrumented training systems and products for militaries of allied nations. It designs and manufactures air and ground combat training systems for fighter aircraft, armored vehicles and infantry, as well as weapons effects simulations, laser-based tactical and communication systems. These systems collect and record simulated weapons eng! agements,! tactical actions and event data to evaluate combat effectiveness and lessons learned and provide a basis to develop after action reviews. It also designs and manufactures secure communications products focused on intelligence, surveillance, asset tracking and search and rescue.
Its training business is organized into air combat, ground combat and virtual training divisions. Ground combat training uses systems analogous to air ranges for ground force training. The systems are generally known as tactical engagement simulation systems or multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). It supplies MILES equipment as part of CTC contracts. Its Virtual Training product line provides virtual training systems for various applications, employing actual or realistic weapons and systems together with visual imagery to simulate battlefield environments. Cubic also provides maintenance trainers for combat systems and vehicles, as well as operational trainers for missiles, armored vehicles and naval applications.
Its communications business is a supplier of secure data links, radio frequency amplifiers, direction finding systems, remote video terminals, and search and rescue avionics for the United States military, government agencies, and allied nations. Personnel Locator System (PLS) is standard equipment on United States aircraft with a search and rescue mission. PLS is designed to interface with all modern search and rescue system standards. It also supplies amplifiers and direction finding systems to prime contractors and end users for both domestic and international applications. These include systems used by the Canadian Coast Guard, the United States Navy, the United States Air Force and the French Army.
The Company competes with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Boeing, L3 Communications and SAIC.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Blake Bos]
In the following video, Fool consumer-goods/industrials analyst Blake Bos breaks down Aviation Week's top aerospace and defense picks by annual revenue. His discussion includes Cubic (NYSE: CUB ) , Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK ) , Exelis (NYSE: XLS ) , Boeing (NYSE: BA ) , and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) .
- [By Rich Smith]
The Department of Defense awarded San Diego-based Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB ) a $19.9 million contract modification Friday, amending a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, foreign-military-sales contract in support of the Israeli military.
- [By Lee Jackson]
Cubic Corp. (NYSE: CUB) makes the list at J.P. Morgan. It has three major business segments. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services for intelligent travel solutions. Cubic Defense Systems is a leading provider of realistic combat training systems and secure communications. Mission Support Services is a leading provider of training, operations, maintenance, technical and other support services for the United States and allied nations. Investors are paid a small 0.5% dividend. The J.P. Morgan price target is $57. The Thomson/First Call estimate is $56.20. The stock closed Tuesday at $52.51.
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Embraer SA (EMBR3)
Embraer SA is a Brazil-based holding company primarily engaged in the manufacture of aircrafts. The Company�� business activities are divided into three business segments: Commercial Aviation; Defense and Security Business, and Executive Aviation. The Commercial Aviation segment is involved in the development, production and sale of commercial jets, as well as in the provision of support services, with emphasis on the regional aviation industry and aircraft leasing. The Defense and Security Business segment mainly includes the research, development, production and modification of defense aircrafts as well systems and software design. Through the Executive Aviation segment, the Company is active in the development, production and sale of business jets, provision of support services related to this sector of the market and aircraft leasing. The Company has subsidiaries, affiliated companies and representative offices in Brazil, the United States, France, Holland and China, among others.
Advisors' Opinion: Top 10 Net Payout Yield Stocks To Buy Right Now: AvWorks Aviation Corp (SPLI)
AvWorks Aviation Corp., formerly Datamill Media Corp., incorporated on January 15, 1990, and its wholly owned subsidiary, Young Aviation, LLC (Young Aviation) operate as a diversified broker and supplier of parts and services to the worldwide aviation and aerospace markets. The Company services a broad range of clients such as aircraft leasing companies, major airlines, repair stations, fixed-base operators, leasing companies and aftermarket suppliers. The Company was a management consulting firm that planned to educate and assist small businesses to improve their management, corporate governance, regulatory compliance and other business processes, with a focus on capital market participation.
On October 3, 2011, the Company acquired 100% interests in Young Aviation. Young Aviation is a diversified broker and supplier of parts, components and products to the general aviation and aerospace markets of the United States, Europe and Asia. Young Aviation services a range of clients, such as aircraft leasing companies, major airlines, repair stations, fixed-base operators, leasing companies and after market suppliers.In December 2011, the Company announced the purchase and salvage of a Lear Jet 24 from a private owner. On June 22, 2011, Datamill Media Sub Corp. was organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Datamill Media Corp. The principal business of this subsidiary was to act as a merger vehicle for the pending merger with M3X Media, Inc. On August 12, 2011, the Company terminated the Merger Agreement with M3X Media, Inc.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By James E. Brumley]
It's a rarity that I reiterate an idea I've previously opined... particularly one that I only published just a couple of days earlier. The fact that I'm going to do so with AvWorks Aviation Corp. (OTCMKTS:SPLI) - perhaps better known to some as Vapor Group - should tell you how important it is to re-convey the message. Here goes...
- [By James E. Brumley]
It's admittedly scary to try and catch a falling knife, but sometimes it's worth the risk. Case in point? AvWorks Aviation Corp. (OTCMKTS:SPLI) .... better known as Vapor Group. Without knowing more about the stock, the sheer fact that SPLI has fallen nearly 90% since March 26th - with about a third of that coming today alone - the stock would be best left avoided by nearly any trader. For the small group of savvy traders that know the tell-tale signs and know how the market really works, however, AvWorks Aviation, or Vapor Group, may be in a prime buying situation today.... yes, even in the midst of this bloodbath.
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (RYCEY)
Rolls-Royce Holdings plc, formerly Rolls-Royce Group plc is a provider of power systems and services for use on land, at sea and in the air. The Company operates in four segments: civil aerospace, defense aerospace, marine and energy. The civil aerospace is engaged in development, manufacture, marketing and sales of commercial aero engines and aftermarket services. The defense aerospace is engaged in development, manufacture, marketing and sales of military aero engines and aftermarket services. The marine segment is engaged in development, manufacture, marketing and sales of marine propulsion systems and aftermarket services. The energy segment is engaged in development, manufacture, marketing and sales of power systems for the offshore oil and gas industry and electrical power generation and aftermarket services. In January 2013, the Company bought PKMJ Technical Services. In January 2013, Alstom SA acquired Tidal Generation Limited from the Company.
During the year ended December 31, 2010, it acquired ODIM ASA. In June 2011, Daimler AG and Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC had secured around 94% interest in Tognum AG-DJ. In September 2011, the Company acquired R Brooks Associates.
Civil aerospace
The Company�� civil aerospace business provides the powers for 30 different types of commercial aircraft in a range of markets, such as widebody, narrowbody, corporate and regional aircraft. As of December 31, 2010, it had over 13,000 engines in service with 650 airlines, freight operators and lessors and 4,000 corporate operators. Its civil aerospace products include large aircraft engines, small aircraft engines and helicopter engines. The Company�� Trent 700 is an engine on the Airbus A330. The Trent 1000 is powering the Boeing 787 on the aircraft�� flight test schedule. It provides a range of services, such as TotalCare, CorporateCare, helicopters services, financial services, training and technical publications.
Defence Aerospace
The Compan! y is a provider of defence aero-engine products and services, with 18,000 engines in service for 160 customers in 103 countries. It is also the supplier of engines for transport aircraft globally, powering fleets, such as the C-130, C-130J, Spartan C-27 and Osprey V-22. It is also involved in research projects, such as Adoptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT), which is designed to reduce fuel consumption. Its engines power aircraft in all sectors, such as transport, combat, reconnaissance, training, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. The defense aerospace segment of the Company provides engines power aircraft in all sectors, such as transport, combat, reconnaissance, training, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its products include combat jets, helicopters, transporters, trainers, tactical aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and distributed generation systems. It provides a range of services, such as training, technical publications and service locations.
Marine
The Company focuses on power, propulsion and motion control solutions and serves over 2,500 customers and has equipment installed on 30,000 vessels operating worldwide. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had 650 designed and equipped vessels operating in the offshore oil and gas sector. As of December 31, 2010, it had more than 2,500 marine customers and has equipment installed on over 30,000 vessels worldwide, including those of 70 navies. The energy business supplies gas turbines, compressors and diesel power units. Its products include automation and control, bearings and seals, deck machinery, electrical power systems, engines, gears, propulsors, ship design, shiplifts and submarine equipment. It provides a range of services, such as global support network, spares and tools, field shop services, technical support, training, tailored solutions and upgrading.
Energy
The Company is a provider of gas turbines for onshore and offshore applications. The Company�� energy busi! ness is e! ngaged in two activities: supply power to the oil and gas sector, and the provision of power generation products and services. Its products include gas engines, gas turbine engines, gas compression, diesel engines, fuel cells, and automation and control systems. Its services consist of long term service agreements, component supply and technical support, distributed generation systems and training. During the year ended December 31, 2010, it conducted a range of a tidal power turbine, anchored on the sea bed off the coast of Scotland. During 2010, this had generated 500 kilo-watt at full power and has been successfully linked into the national grid.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Rich Smith]
According to the DSCA, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) will be the prime contractor on this sale, which is valued at $588 million. It would involve not only the sale of the planes per se, but also eight Rolls Royce (NASDAQOTH: RYCEY ) AE 2100D3 engines for the four-engine planes, and two spare engines, plus modifications to be made on the planes, radio equipment and other accessories, technical documentation, three years of training, and related logistics services.
- [By Rich Smith]
The Department of Defense ended the week with a bang (if you'll pardon the expression) on Friday, awarding no fewer than 29 separate contracts worth more than $951 million in aggregate. Publicly traded companies securing contracts included:
- [By Alan Oscroft]
Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR ) (NASDAQOTH: RYCEY )
Having reached 1,148 pence this morning to set a new 52-week high, Rolls-Royce Holdings shares are now up 40% since this time last year. That was partly due to a strong 2012, which saw a 22% rise in earnings per share and an 11% rise in the dividend -- albeit with a modest yield of 2.2% on the year-end price.
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)
Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins), incorporated on March 1, 2001, is engaged in design, production and support of communications and aviation electronics for commercial and military customers worldwide. The Company�� products and systems are primarily focused on aviation applications, The integrated system solutions and products it provide to its served markets include communications, navigation, automated flight control, displays/surveillance, simulation and training, integrated electronics and information management systems. The Company also provides a range of services and support to its customers through a network of service centers, including equipment repair and overhaul, service parts, field service engineering, training, technical information services and aftermarket used equipment sales. The Company operates in two segments: Government Systems and Commercial Systems.
Government Systems
The Company�� Government Systems business provides a range of electronic products, systems and services to customers, including the United States Department of Defense, other ministries of defense, other government agencies and defense contractors around the world. These products, systems and services support airborne, precision weapon, ground and maritime applications and are used in line-fit applications on new equipment, as well as in retrofit and upgrade applications designed. The Company�� defense-related systems, products and services include communications systems and products designed to enable the transmission of information across the communications spectrum, including satellite communications; navigation products and systems, including radio navigation products, global positioning system (GPS) equipment, handheld navigation devices and multi-mode receivers; avionics sub-systems for aircraft flight decks that combine flight operations with navigation and guidance functions that can include flight controls and displays, information/data processing and communicat! ions, navigation, safety and surveillance systems; cockpit display products, including multipurpose flat panel head-down displays, wide field of view head-up and helmet-mounted displays; simulation and training systems, including visual system products, training systems and services, and maintenance, repair, parts and after-sales support services.
Avionics consists of electronic solutions for a range of airborne platforms, including fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the associated aircrew and maintenance training devices and services. The Company provides complete avionics solutions (including cockpit avionics, mission system applications and system integration) and also provides individual avionics products to platform integrators. The Company serves various roles within these markets, including system and subsystems integrator, as well as provider of various electronic products. Communication products include spectrum voice and data connectivity for government and military use in the air, on the ground and at sea. Surface solutions include electronic systems applied to a variety of non-airborne market segments.
Commercial Systems
The Company�� Commercial Systems business supplies aviation electronics systems, products and services to customers located throughout the world. The customer base is consists of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of commercial air transport, business and regional aircraft, commercial airlines and business aircraft operators. The Company�� systems and products are used in both OEM applications, as well as in retrofit and upgrade applications designed.
The Company�� commercial aviation electronics systems, products and services include integrated avionics systems, such as Pro Line Fusion. Capabilities include synthetic and enhanced vision enabled flight displays, advanced flight and performance management systems, fly-by-wire integrated flight controls and information management! solution! s to improve operational efficiency; integrated cabin electronics systems, including cabin management systems, passenger connectivity and entertainment solutions, business support systems to improve passenger productivity and passenger flight information systems; communications systems and products, such as data link, high frequency, very high frequency and satellite communications systems; navigation systems and products, including landing sensors to enable automatic landings, radio navigation and geophysical sensors, as well as flight management systems; situational awareness and surveillance systems and products, such as synthetic and enhanced vision systems, surface surveillance and guidance solutions, head-up guidance systems, weather radar and collision avoidance systems; integrated information management solutions to improve the overall efficiency of flight, maintenance and cabin operations. These include on-board information management systems and connectivity solutions, airborne and ground applications and services, and ground infrastructure and services; electro-mechanical systems, including integrated pilot control solutions and primary and secondary actuation systems; simulation and training systems, including full-flight simulators for crew training, visual system products, training systems and engineering services, and maintenance, repair, parts, after-sales support services and aftermarket used equipment.
Air transport aviation electronics include avionics, cabin systems and flight control systems for commercial transport aircraft platforms. Business and regional aviation electronics include integrated avionics, cabin management and flight control systems for application on regional and business aircraft platforms. The Company develops integrated avionics, cabin and flight control solutions for business and regional aircraft OEMs and support them with the integration into other aircraft systems. Products offered for OEM applications in the business and regional aircraft cate! gory are ! marketed directly to the aircraft OEMs.
The Company competes with Honeywell International, Inc., Thales S.A., Panasonic, Raytheon Co., Harris Corp., BAE Systems Aerospace, Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, L3 Communications, Inc., The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corp., CAE Inc., General Electric Co. and Garmin International Inc.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Lu Wang]
Rockwell Collins (COL) sank 4.9 percent to $70.61. The maker of airplane cockpit instruments forecast revenue in fiscal 2014 will be no more than $4.60 billion. That missed the average analyst estimate of $4.93 billion in a Bloomberg survey.
- [By Rich Smith]
The configuration described in DSCA's notification to Congress does not appear to be configured for ground attack, however. According to the notice, the French drones would be powered by Honeywell (NYSE: HON ) turboprop engines, be equipped with Raytheon's (NYSE: RTN ) AN/DAS-1 Multi-Spectral Targeting Systems and AN/APX-119 (or KIV-119) international friend-or-foe transponders, and also ARC-210 radio systems from Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL ) , but no mention is made of any munitions, or pylons for attaching them to the planes, being sold to France.
- [By Lauren Pollock]
Rockwell Collins Inc.(COL) said its fiscal first-quarter earnings slid� as charges related to a major acquisition offset a slight boost in the defense contractor’s sales. Rockwell also raised its full-year outlook.
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Soditech Ingenierie SA (SEC)
Soditech Ingenierie SA is a France-based company that is primarily engaged in electronic and mechanical engineering services in various sectors. The Company�� activity is organized into three sectors: Defense & Research, Space and Energy & Nuclear. It provides specialized services in four fields: aerospace, covering communication satellites, observation satellites and space stations; automotive, providing such services as engine design and plasturgy for equipment manufacturers; aeronautics, offering structural research for aircraft makers, instruments or electro-mechanical systems for assisting pilots and others, and defense, providing engineering of numerous tests and trials systems, with or without implementations, among others. The Company also offers additional services, such as energy forecasting and environmental analysis, environmental management system, and others. In May 2014, it restructured company into three main divisions: Defense & Research, Space and Energy & Nuclear.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By muhammadbazil]
In the past, hedge funds provided investors with a way to invest large amounts of money without much government regulation. In the past few years, government scrutiny into hedge funds has increased enormously. As a result, some of America�� largest hedge funds have opted to shrink away from the powers that be by becoming ��amily offices.��But, even in the face of increased federal oversight, there are some entities that are doing just the opposite. Indeed, some family offices are bucking the trend by becoming hedge funds that can seek out new clientele and invest with a wide range of investor capital.The more common move to shift from hedge fund to closed family office was popularized by large hedge funds and hedge fund managers like George Soros (Trades, Portfolio), Carl Icahn (Trades, Portfolio), and Steve Cohen�� SAC Capital Advisors (now Point72 Asset Management). Some estimates suggest that there are over 1,000 different family offices throughout the nation. The Dodd-Frank Act went into full effect in 2010, causing many hedge fund managers to rethink their positions.Going Against the TrendSeveral family offices are going against the trend by becoming hedge funds fully open to new investors. Although popular discourse has suggested that this is a negative move, many family-office-to-hedge-fund conversions are based on sound business planning.The legitimacy of switching from a hedge fund to a family office is generally only applicable in situations where the hedge fund manager controls extensive capital. For instance, George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) was able to start his family office with a hefty $24 billion to invest. Of course, as a family office, the Soros Fund Management LLC cannot solicit outside investors or manage any money that does not belong to the Soros family.For family offices that do not have $24 billion in capital to work with, remaining in business as a family office limits their investment options. Thus, the small undercurrent of fa
- [By ovenerio]
Over the past days hedge funds have been filing their form 13-F, which is a quarterly report of equity holdings by filed institutional investment managers with at least $100 million in equity assets under management, as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this article, let麓s concentrate in one particular hedge fund and try to see the principal holdings in its portfolio. I will look into Abner Herrman & Brock LLC, which provides portfolio management for high net worth individuals, endowments, and corporate retirement plans.Recently the fund reported its equity portfolio, as at the end of June. The total value of the portfolio amounted to $331.2 million, up from $311.3 million disclosed at the end of the previous quarter. Consequently, the fund's total return was 6.4% in the last quarter. The filing revealed that at the end of June, the fund added 4 new positions to its equity portfolio, and sold out of 3 other companies. The top ten portfolio holdings as of the end of the quarter represented 30.85%. The largest changes from previous 13-F麓s fillings are in the energy sector (3.5%) followed by the reduction of financials and industrials.In this article, we have selected three companies, in which the fund holds the largest stakes, in terms of market value.The first on the list is Merck & Co. (MRK), in which the fund disclosed a $15.2 million stake with over 263,570 shares. The company is a leading global drugmaker, producing a wide range of prescription drugs in many therapeutic classes in the U.S. and abroad. It has improved earnings per share by 9.6% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. With respect to price performance, this stock has enjoyed a rise of 26.85% which was in line with the performance of the market. It has a proven commitment to returning cash to investors, with a current dividend yield of 3.0% which is considered good to protect investor麓s purchasing power. Other hedge
- [By Victor Selva]
Over the past days hedge funds have been filing their form 13-F, which is a quarterly report of equity holdings filed by institutional investment managers with at least $100 million in equity assets under management, as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These investors include banks, insurance companies, hedge funds, investment companies, foundations and pension funds. Form 13-Fs only report long positions. Remember that short positions are not required to be disclosed and are not reported.
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Poly Shield Technologies Inc (SHPR)
Poly Shield Technologies Inc. (Poly Shield), incorporated on March 2, 2000, is a research, development and marketing company providing environmental, energy saving and durability solutions. The Company's are designed and manufactured under the advanced bio-scrubber technology and includes a line of protective fluoropolymer coatings. Poly Shield�� fluoropolymer products are manufactured at a production facility in Florida. Poly Shield�� manufactured fluoropolymer coatings are used in a number of different industries including marine, aerospace, oilfield, industrial, commercial, and residential applications. In addition, Poly Shield offers a line of antimicrobial coatings for use in hospital or food industries. In December 2013, Poly Shield Technologies Inc sold New World Technologies Group, Inc. to Viveros.
The Company's products include bio-scrubber, supershield, superiorshield and microshield. Its products are used in aerospace, cruise ship lines, marine, military, oil, and energy production industries. The Company's bio-scrubber is designed to remove alkali metals from fuel in an effort to protect gas turbines from high temperature corrosion. The technology has been installed on active ships within the cruise line industry.
SuperShield is a fluoropolymer coating that is formulated to work with a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and marine applications. It is a fluoroplymer resin that offers weathering ability and the choice of temperature curing. Its flagship product, SuperShield 100, containing fluoropolymer resins provides up to a 50 year service life on a steel and metal surfaces. Its SuperShield S is superhydrophobic and superoleophobic, with characteristic complex micro and nanoscopic surface, which minimizes adhesion. SuperShield S100 is also superhydrophobic and superoleophobic. SuperShield S100 is provides 50 year service life. The ultimate anti-fouling coating for ship hulls, oilfield rigs, heavy equipment, airplanes, bridges, etc.
! SuperiorShield is protective and energy saving roof coatings. Its superiorShield coating reduces heat transfer through infrared radiation, conduction and convection. SuperiorShield has the capability to reflect 90% of the suns ultraviolet (UV) rays.
MicroShield is a anti-microbial coating. MicroShield is an active antibacterial destroying the cell membrane and inducing oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and protein damage of microbes. It also acts as a bacteriostat, virostat and fungistat, inhibiting bacterial, viral and fungal growth.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Soul and Vibe Interactive Inc (OTCBB: SOUL), Globalstar, Inc (OTCMKTS: GSAT) and Poly Shield Technologies Inc (OTCBB: SHPR) have been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters or investor alerts with at least two of these stocks being the subject of some sort of paid stock promotional or investor relations type of activities. With that in mind, just how hot are these three small cap stocks for investors or traders? Here is a quick reality check:
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Air Industries Group Inc (AIRI)
Air Industries Group, Inc. (AIRI), incorporated on January 13, 2006, is an aerospace and defense company. The Company designs and manufactures structural parts and assemblies that focus on flight safety, including landing gear, arresting gear, engine mounts, flight controls, throttle quadrants and other components. It also provides sheet metal fabrication of aerostructures, tube bending and welding services. AIRI�� products are deployed on a range of military and commercial aircraft, including Sikorsky's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Northrop Grumman's E2D Hawkeye, Boeing's 777, Airbus' 380 commercial airliners, and the US Navy F-18 and USAF F-16 fighter aircraft. On July 1, 2013, Air Industries Group Inc announced that it has acquired certain assets and the business of Decimal Industries (Decimal) of Copiague, Long Island, New York. On June 20, 2012, the Company, through a newly created subsidiary, Nassau Tool Works, Inc. (NTW), acquired from an unrelated company formerly known as Nassau Tool Works, Inc. (Old Nassau Tool) and its shareholders (the NTW Sellers) all of the assets of Old Nassau Tool. In November 2013, the Company announced that it has acquired Miller Stuart Inc of Hauppauge, Long Island, New York.
Air Industries Machining Corp.
AIM manufactures aircraft structural parts and assemblies principally for prime defense contractors in the defense/aerospace industry, including, Boeing, Goodrich Landing Gear, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 90% of AIM's revenues were derived from sales of parts and assemblies for military applications. AIM's parts are installed onboard Sikorsky's U/MH - 60M/S Helicopters, known as The BlackHawk, Lockheed�� F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Northrop Grumman�� E2-C/D Hawkeye, the Airbus A-380 Super Jumbo airliner, and the C-17 Globemaster.
AIM is also a manufacturer of mechanical and electro-mechanical suba! ssemblies and an engineering integrator. As of December 31, 2012, AIM produced over 2,400 individual products (SKU's) that are assembled into electromechanical devices, mixer (primary flight control) assemblies, rotor-hub components for Blackhawk helicopters, arresting gear for the E2C/D Hawkeye, C2A Greyhound and United States Navy Fighters, vibration absorbing assemblies for Sikorsky helicopters, landing gear components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and many other subassembly packages.
Welding Metallurgy, Inc.
Welding Metallurgy, Inc. (WMI) provides specialty welding services and metal fabrications to the defense and commercial aerospace industry. Its customers include GKN Corporation, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. WMI�� product and service offerings include tube bending and metal fabrications of aircraft structures. WMI�� services and products are principally provided to prime contractors, aerospace engine manufacturers and to other subcontractors to aerospace manufacturers throughout the United States. Welding Metallurgy is a primary supplier on the Northrop Grumman E-2 C/D Hawkeye Program producing approximately 300 different parts annually. During 2012, nearly 100% of WMI�� revenues were derived from sales of parts and assemblies for military applications. WMI produces the inlet housing and the auxiliary long and short beams for the Sikorsky BlackHawk helicopter and various welded door and panel assemblies for the Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter. WMI also provides environmental tubing to Lockheed for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
Nassau Tool Works, Inc.
NTW�� principal business is the fabrication and assembly of landing gear components and complete landing gear for fighter aircraft for the United States and foreign governments. NTW also performs sub-contract machining for other aerospace manufacturers, including Air Industries. NTW is a manufacturer of complete landing gear and landing gear components! for the ! F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-18 Hornet aircraft of the United States Air Force and Navy. In addition NTW specializes in deep hole gun-drilling and trepanning and performs sub-contract machining services for prime contractors in the defense and aerospace industries.
The Company competes with Sterling Machine, Stellex Aerospace, Triumph Aerospace Group, Heroux Aerospace and Magellan Corporation.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Dividends4Life]
Air Industries Group Inc. (AIRI), an aerospace and defense company, designs and manufactures structural parts and assemblies that focus on flight safety. Sept. 17, the company increased its quarterly dividend 100% to $0.125 per share. The dividend is is payable Oct. 15, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Sept. 30, 2013. The yield based on the new payout is 6.9%.
- [By Louis Navellier]
Air Industries (AIRI) is an example of a company with great fundamentals that also pays a solid dividend right now. Air Industries makes flight-critical products including flight safety parts, landing gear and components, arresting gear, flight controls, sheet metal fabrications and ground support equipment. At the current price AIRI stock is yielding 6.32% after Air Industries raised the dividend back in March.
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: United Technologies Corporation(UTX)
United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company?s Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, as well as provides maintenance and repair services. Its Carrier segment offers heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, controls, services, and energy-efficient products for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation applications. The company?s UTC Fire and Security segment provides electronic security products comprising intruder alarms, and access control and video surveillance systems; fire safety products, such as specialty hazard detection and fixed suppression products, fire extinguishers, fire detection and life safety systems, and other firefighting equipment; systems integration, video surveillance, installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and mon itoring, response, and security personnel services. Its Pratt and Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for the commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; industrial gas turbines; geo thermal power systems; and space propulsion systems, as well as provides fleet management, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The company?s Hamilton Sundstrand segment supplies aerospace products, such as power generation, management and distribution, flight control, engine control, environmental control, auxiliary power units, and propeller systems; and industrial products, including air compressors, metering pumps, and fluid handling equipment under the Sullair, Sundyne, and Milton Roy names. Its Sikorsky segment manufactures military and commercial helicopters, as well as offers aftermarket helicopter and aircraft parts and services. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Katie Spence]
Major profits ahead
With a price tag of $52 billion, the KC tanker contract is one of the Pentagon's largest weapons initiatives. Further, some analysts estimate that with future parts and maintenance, the contract worth could climb to $100 billion. This is great news for Boeing, but it's also great news for its subcontractors on the project -- Honeywell International� (NYSE: HON ) is supplying the auxiliary power unit and cabin pressure control unit, Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC ) is supplying Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures, United Technologies' (NYSE: UTX ) subsidiary Pratt & Whitney is supplying the engines, Rockwell Collins� (NYSE: COL ) is supplying the integrated display system, and Raytheon�is supplying the digital radar-warning receiver. All in all, this is a major initiative for defense contractors, and good news for Boeing is good news for all.�
- [By Jon C. Ogg]
In the growth & income model portfolio, Argus is recommending a new purchase of Mattel Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) at $42.80 for a 4.6% of the portfolio. It has also recommended selling its entire stake of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) at $106.45. Since inclusion in May 2012 into this portfolio, United Tech shares have appreciated more than 35% while providing an annual yield of at least 2.0%. Mattel’s strength is based upon American Girl and Monster High dolls.
- [By Mani]
United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) organic growth drivers remain intact in the form of the Climate, Controls, & Security (CCS) �unit despite the temporary roadblocks due to the ongoing government shutdown.
- [By Rich Smith]
On Tuesday, the last day of April, the Department of Defense "made it rain" for multiple defense contractors. In all, the DoD awarded 19 contracts Tuesday, promising to pay out more than $2.8 billion in aggregate. Winners among publicly traded companies included:
British defense contractor�BAE Systems' (NASDAQOTH: BAESY ) Norfolk Ship Repair unit was awarded a $49.4 million firm-fixed-price contract to perform work on the guided missile destroyer USS Porter while in drydock. This contract is expected to be complete by April 2014, but if optional extensions of the contract are exercised, this could extend the duration and increase this contract's value to $61.3 million. Target Construction of Henderson, Nev., was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract valued at up to $41.6 million to perform construction services in support of the Hurricane Protection System for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Canadian IT contractor Softchoice Corp.�won a $17.5 million delivery order against a single award blanket purchase agreement to procure Microsoft brand name "Software Assurance" software support for the U.S. Marine Corps.�Softchoice should complete its task by May 31, 2014. Boeing (NYSE: BA ) received a $13.6 million firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee foreign military sales contract to install computerized fault reporting systems and aircraft maintenance debriefing systems for Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 C/D fighter jets.�This contract has a three-year base term, to be followed by two possible one-year extensions, which could extend the contract through May 4, 2018. United Technologies' (NYSE: UTX ) Pratt & Whitney subsidiary won a maximum $7.9 million firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract to supply the U.S. Air Force with spare aircraft engine turbine disks. It should complete the contract by Jan. 29, 2016.� link
10 Best Defense Stocks To Own For 2015: Lockheed Martin Corporation(LMT)
Lockheed Martin Corporation engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, operation, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products in the areas of defense, space, intelligence, homeland security, and government information technology in the United States and internationally. It also provides management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. The company operates in four segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS), and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment offers military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. Its products and programs comprise the F-35 multi-role, stealth fighter; the F-22 air dominance and multi-mission stealth fighter; the F-16 multi-role fighter; the C-130J tactical transport aircraft; and the C-5M strategic airlifter modernization program; and support for the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, and the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The Electronic Systems segment provides air and missile defense; tactical missiles; weapon fire control systems; surface ship and submarine combat systems; anti-submarine and undersea warfare systems; land, sea-based, and airborne radars; surveillance and reconnaissance systems; simulation and training systems; and integrated logistics and sustainment services. The IS&GS segment offers information technology solutions and advanced technology primarily in the areas of software and systems integration for space, air, and ground systems to various defense and civil government agencies. The Space Systems segment provides government and commercial satellites; strategic and defensive missile systems, including missile defense technologies and systems, and fleet ballistic missiles; and space transportation systems. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1909 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Alex Planes]
My fellow Fool Rich Smith points out that President Obama's 2014 budget has a gaping hole where unmanned-vehicle funding should be. While this will undoubtedly hurt Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC ) and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) , the difference to these companies will be far less keenly felt. To understand why, all you have to do is look at a chart comparing the revenue of these two defense dominators to tiny AeroVironment's:
- [By DAILYFINANCE]
AP Photo/John Amis Lockheed Martin (LMT) will furlough 3,000 employees on Monday and potentially more in coming weeks due to the government shutdown. The defense contractor said Friday that the furloughs will affect its business nationwide and it is working closely with customers to assess the impact. It said the number of employees put on furlough will increase weekly if the shutdown continues, but did not specify how high the count could rise. "I'm disappointed that we must take these actions and we continue to encourage our lawmakers to come together to pass a funding bill that will end this shutdown," Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed's CEO and president, said in a statement. "We hope that Congress and the Administration are able to resolve this situation as soon as possible." Lockheed says the furloughs include employees who are unable to work because the government facility where they perform their work is closed, as well as those whose work requires a government inspection that cannot be completed or for which the company has received a stop work order. This announcement comes just days after United Technologies Corp. (UTX) said that it will furlough 2,000 employees by Monday and more than 5,000 if the shutdown continues into next month. The company, which makes Blackhawk helicopters and other products, says it will halt some manufacturing because government inspectors have been furloughed and they are necessary for federal approval to make military products. The partial government shutdown took effect Tuesday and has idled roughly 800,000 "non-essential" federal workers. Lockheed Martin Corp. shares fell 46 cents to $122.37 in afternoon trading Friday. Its shares are still near the higher end of their 52-week range of $85.88 to $131.60.
- [By Rich Smith]
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) and Boeing (NYSE: BA ) are of course the most obvious -- so dominant in the industry that they formed a joint venture boldly declaring themselves the "United Launch Alliance."
- [By Rich Smith]
DSCA explains that the spare parts are needed to "ensure the Hellenic Air Force sustains its aircraft fleet" of Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT ) F-16 fighter jets "at the highest state of readiness to face any potential threats." In this way, the sale "will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a NATO ally."
