NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Major U.S. markets closed lower Friday amid Black Friday sales, as trading resumed for an abbreviated session following the Thanksgiving holiday. Stock markets close at 1pm New York time today and the bond market closes at 2 p.m.
The S&P 500 rose for most of the day but closed down 0.08% to 1,805.75
The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 0.08% lower to 16,084.74 The Nasdaq finished up 0.37% to 4,059.89.
"The U.S. consumer is more confident while natural gas and crude prices are rising, helping energy companies today," Paul Mangus, head of equity research and strategy for Wells Fargo Private Bank said in a phone-interview. Magnus said discount retailers and high-end brands were likely to do well while large department stores may be challenged. This reflects slowing level of employment gains and the equity wealth-effect enjoyed by wealthy consumers, he added. Retail stocks were mixed with Apple (AAPL) up 1.9% to $556.60 while Best Buy (BBY) was up 2.27% to $40.51. Wal-Mart (WMT) and J.C. Penney (JCP) edged higher while Macy's (M) and Target (TGT) were slightly lower. eBay was a top gainer in the S&P 500, up 2.57% to $50.57 European markets were mostly lower despite unemployment across the region edging lower to 12.1% from a record 12.2%. Europe's consumer prices rose 0.9% this month from a year ago against expectations for a 0.8% increase. Standard & Poor's lifted Spain's debt outlook to stable from negative and affirmed its BBB rating. The agency cut the Netherlands to AA+ from AAA, pointing to weaker growth prospects. Gold is on track for its biggest monthly drop in five months as investors dump it for equities. The yellow metal has already shed 6% of its value this month, heading for its first annual fall in 13 years. Overseas markets were mixed.
The Nikkei 225 in Japan fell 0.41% to 15,661.87, falling from a six-year high on a raft of profit-taking The Hong Kong Hang Seng increased 0.39% to its highest close since April 27, 2011 at 23,881.29, lifted by the anticipation of sweeping policy reforms in China Germany's DAX was rising 0.19% while the FTSE was off 0.06%.
Best Oil Companies To Invest In 2015: Quiksilver Inc.(ZQK)
Quiksilver, Inc. designs, develops, produces, and distributes apparel, footwear, accessories, and related products. The company offers shirts, walkshorts, T-shirts, fleece, pants, jackets, snowboard wear, footwear, hats, backpacks, wetsuits, watches, eyewear, and other accessories to men, women, boys, girls, toddlers, and infants under the brand Quiksilver. It also provides sportswear, swimwear, footwear, backpacks, snowboard wear, snowboards, bedroom furnishings, and other accessories for girls, toddlers, and infants under the brand Roxy. In addition, the company offers skateboard shoes, snowboard boots, sandals, and apparel for young men and juniors under the brand DC. Further, it provides skateboard products, and snowboards and accessories under the brands Hawk, Lib Technologies, and Gnu. The company sells its products in approximately 90 countries in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia/Pacific, through surf shops, skateboard shops, snowboard shops, select department sto res, independent specialty or active lifestyle stores, and specialty chains, as well as through its 770 owned or licensed company stores. Quiksilver, Inc. was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Huntington Beach, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Kell and Lauren Pollock var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); ]
Quiksilver Inc.(ZQK) said its revenue dropped more than expected in its fiscal first quarter, with the declines spanning its geographic markets, partly owing to negative currency impacts.
- [By Jeremy Bowman]
Moving higher today was�Quiksilver,� (NYSE: ZQK ) , which finished up 10% on insider buying. Shares of the surf-inspired apparel company had fallen 40% earlier this week on an unseemly earnings report, but today, the CEO and CFO both purchased 100,000 shares in the company, a sign of faith as the company struggles with falling sales and widening losses with competition increasing.�UBS�also released a note saying that Quiksilver remains an attractive acquisition target for�V.F. Corp, the parent of clothing companies like Timberland and North Face, which is known for buying big-name brands. With its low price tag and collection of well-known brands including Roxy and DC, a buyout may be the best hope for Quiksilver investors at this point.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
Quiksilver (ZQK) sure didn’t catch that wave.
Mark AbramsonShares of Quiksilver have dropped 42% to $3.36 at 11:35 a.m. today after the Huntington Beach, Calif.-based clothing company reported an adjusted loss of 15 cents a share, missing forecasts for a loss of two cents, on sales of $408.2 million, below the Street consensus for $449 million. Even worse: Quicksilver doesn’t expect sales to get much better.
Monness, Crespi, Hardt’s Jim Chartier explains why he downgraded Quiksilver after today’s plunge:
We are downgrading shares of Quiksilver to Neutral (from Buy) given limited visibility into the timing of the company�� turnaround. We continue to see a meaningful margin opportunity for ZQK as the company transitions from a founder-led organization to a more efficient, global apparel and footwear company. However, the cyclical/secular industry headwinds in the wholesale channel have proven significantly more challenging that we anticipated. Accordingly, the timing of a potential turn in the wholesale channel appears to be pushed out six to twelve months and we prefer to see evidence that management�� strategies are working before recommending the stock.
Citigroup’s Kate McShane and Corinna Van der Ghinst wonder if VFC (VFC) will buy Quiksilver:
[We] believe VFC is the most likely apparel company in our universe to make an acquisition in 2014. Our meetings with management have indicated that with the Timberland acquisition fully integrated & growth plans on track, and having returned the balance sheet to pre-TBL debt levels, they are actively seeking their next deal…
Following VFC�� unsuccessful bid for Billabong LY, we think Quiksilver could be a consideration, based on: 1) a strong, authentic action sports brand; 2) a solid girls��women�� brand in Roxy, which we believe still has significant potential, esp given ongoing strength in kids��action/activewear, 3) DC
Top Consumer Companies To Buy Right Now: Greenfield Farms Food Inc (GRAS)
Greenfield Farms Food, Inc., formerly Sweet Spot Games, Inc., is a consumer and wholesale driven producer of grassfed beef. As of March 2, 2011, the Company had product in 55 retail locations, 51 with Lowes Foods Stores throughout North and South Carolina, three retail locations with the Healthy Home Markets in Charlotte, North Carolina and one custom butcher, The Peach Stand located in Ft. Mill, South Carolina. On March 1, 2011, the Company executed a plan of exchange and merger and acquired Greenfield Farms Grassfed Beef, Inc., a North Carolina company. As of March 2, 2011, the Company and its collective group of producers represented over 2,500 acres in pasture under management and approximately 2,000 head of cattle. In November 2013, Greenfield Farms Food Inc acquired Carmela's Pizzeria.
The Company was established as a development-stage company, for developing online, multiplayer gaming applications. In February 2010, the Company abandoned the game development space.
The Company competes with White Oak Pastures (WOP).
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks Greenfield Farms Food Inc (OTCMKTS: GRAS), International Stem Cell Corp (OTCMKTS: ISCO) and Redpoint Bio Corporation (OTCMKTS: RPBC) have all been getting some extra attention lately in various investment newsletters. However, none of these small cap stocks appear to have been the subject or paid promotions or investor relations activities. So does that make any of them good bets for traders and investors alike? Here is a quick look and a reality check:
Top Consumer Companies To Buy Right Now: Celsius Holdings Inc (CELH)
Celsius Holdings, Inc., incorporated on April 26, 2005, is engaged in the development, marketing, sale and distribution of functional calorie-burning beverages under the Celsius brand name. The Company focuses to combine nutritional science with mainstream beverages by using its thermogenic (calorie-burning) MetaPlus formulation. The Company does not directly manufacture its beverages, but instead outsource the manufacturing process to established third-party co-packers. The Company provides its co-packers with flavors, ingredient blends, cans and other raw materials for its beverages purchased by the Company from various suppliers. Celsius, Inc. and Elite FX, Inc. are the wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The Company�� Celsius is a calorie-burning beverage. Celsius is available in seven flavors, lemon-lime, ginger ale, cola, orange and wild berry (which are carbonated) and non-carbonated green tea raspberry/acai and green tea/peach mango. Its beverages are sold in 12 ounce cans, although it has begun to market the ingredients in powdered form in individual On-The-Go packets. The Company�� customer�� include on-the-go women, age 25 to 54, who are looking for a way to burn calories and gain energy with beverages and natural alternatives to diet sodas, as well as sports enthusiasts of both sexes, who are seeking low sodium, preservative-free alternatives. During the year ended December 31, 2009, the Company developed its MetaPlus formulation into a powder that can be mixed with water.
The Company competes with The Coca-Cola Company, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, PepsiCo, Inc., Nestl茅, Waters North America, Inc., Hansen Natural Corp., and Red Bull.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Udovich]
Monster Beverage Corp (NASDAQ: MNST), a mid cap marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages, has been a monster of a performer since the end of the financial crisis as the stock is up around 308% over the past five years, but could new or overlooked players like small cap beverage stocks�Jones Soda Co (OTCMKTS: JSDA), Celsius Holdings, Inc (OTCMKTS: CELH) and Konared Corp (OTCBB: KRED) repeat that performance? A look strictly at the long term performance of all three small caps might have you thinking otherwise. After all, none of these small cap beverage stocks are profitable while�the beverage industry can be a long hard expensive slog just to increase market share by one or two points when you are competing for shelf space with industry giants like Pepsi and Coke. But past performance is just that���the past and only part of the story as there is much more to consider about these small cap beverage stocks which could also make them potential acquisition targets by larger beverage players seeking to expand their product line up with innovative products:
Top Consumer Companies To Buy Right Now: Cott Corp (COT)
Cott Corporation (Cott), incorporated on December 31, 2006, is a producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. The Company�� product lines include carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), 100% shelf stable juice and juice-based products, clear, still and sparkling flavored waters, energy products, sports products, new age beverages, and ready-to-drink teas, as well as alcoholic beverages for brand owners. The Company operates in five segments: North America (which includes the United States operating segment and Canada operating segment), the United Kingdom (which includes its United Kingdom reporting unit and its Continental European reporting unit), Mexico, Royal Crown International (RCI) and All Other. The Company markets or supplies over 500 retailer, licensed and Company-owned brands in its four core geographic segments. In March of 2012, its U.K. reporting segment acquired a beverage and wholesale business based in Scotland.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Roberto Pedone]
Cott (COT) is engaged in the production of beverages on behalf of retailers and distributors. This stock closed up 4.5% to $8.75 a share in Thursday's trading session.
Thursday's Range: $8.29-$8.84
52-Week Range: $7.24-$11.25
Thursday's Volume: 1.82 million
Three-Month Average Volume: 466,884From a technical perspective, COT jumped higher here right above its 50-day moving average of $8.14 with monster upside volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last month and change, with shares moving higher from its low of $7.39 to its intraday high of $8.84. During that move, shares of COT have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of COT within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That trade will hit if COT manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $8.84 to $9 with high volume.
Traders should now look for long-biased trades in COT as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $8.14 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 466,884 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then COT will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $9.50 to 10.25. Any high-volume move above $10.25 will then give COT a chance to re-fill its previous gap-down zone from May that stared near $11.
Top Consumer Companies To Buy Right Now: Creative Edge Nutrition Inc (FITX)
Creative Edge Nutrition Inc. (CENergy), formerly Laufer Bridge Enterprises Inc, incorporated on January 10, 2008, is engaged in the development, marketing and sales of nutraceuticals and health supplements. The Company�� product categories include lean, energy, essentials, mass, vitamins and apparel. In July 2012, it acquired Innovative Fulfillment Corp. In August 2012, the Company acquired SCD Enterprises, LLC. In September 2012, the Company acquired A-Z-Nutrition.com. In September 2012, the Company acquired Sci-Fit and Nature's Science product brands. In March 2013, it announced its entrance into the Medical Marijuana Sector through Hemp Protein Powder, Naturals Line, Hemp-plex and Chia-plex. In May 2013, Creative Edge Nutrition Inc acquired Canadian Nutrition Super Stores.
Metabolic Xtreme utilizes the technology and advancement in weight loss technology. Cenergy�� Amino Acid Complex is the supplement for athletes, bodybuilders and anyone who's trying to live a healthy lifestyle.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap stocks CD International Enterprises Inc (OTCMKTS: CDII), Creative Edge Nutrition Inc (OTCMKTS: FITX) and Metrospaces Inc (OTCMKTS: MSPC) have all been the subject of recent as well as past paid for stock promotions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with properly disclosed stock promotions or investor awareness campaigns, but they can and do often backfire on unwary investors and traders alike. With that in mind, will investors and traders come out winners with these small caps or should they just be left to the promoters? Here is a quick reality check:
Top Consumer Companies To Buy Right Now: Kroton Educacional SA (KROT3)
Kroton Educacional SA (Kroton), formerly Opportunity Officepar Participacoes SA, is a Brazil-based company active in the private education sector. The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in the management of preschool, elementary, secondary and college preparatory schools, as well as higher, professional and post-graduation education, courses and other related educational activities. In addition, it is involved in the wholesale, retail, distribution, import and export of textbooks, course books, magazines and other publications related to preschool, elementary, secondary and adult education, as well as higher, professional and post-graduation education. Kroton operates in both the On-Campus and Distance Learning business, primarily through its 53 Postsecondary units and 447 active Undergraduate Distance Learning centers, as well as cooperates with approximately 800 Associated Schools in basic education. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ney Hayashi]
Anhanguera Educacional Participacoes SA (AEDU3) tumbled after Brazil�� antitrust regulator signaled it may limit the education company�� merger with competitor Kroton Educacional SA. (KROT3) Lojas Renner SA (LREN3) led retailers higher after a report showed Brazil�� industrial production expanded faster than expected in October, easing concern that growth is faltering.
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