Boomers working to stay employed during golden…

Most Baby Boomers intend to work after retirement age or never retire at all. But some are making backup plans just in case they're forced to retire before they're ready because of health problems, job loss or other unexpected reasons, a new survey shows.

About 65% of Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) plan to work after age 65 or don't plan to retire. The top reasons for working in their golden years: income and health benefits.

Lots of Boomers are being proactive to stay employed: 26% have a backup plan for retirement income in case they are forced into full retirement sooner than they expected; 65% say they're staying healthy to continue working; 41% are keeping their job skills current; 16% are networking and meeting new people; 14% are scoping out the job market for possible opportunities.

"With so many Baby Boomers planning to work longer and retire later, they are taking steps to stay marketable," says Catherine Collinson, president of the non-profit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies, which commissioned the national survey of 4,143 full-time and part-time workers conducted this winter by Harris Poll.

Although many Baby Boomers want to shift from full time to part time as they transition to retirement, only 21% say their employers have programs that would accommodate them.

"Most Baby Boomers are envisioning a transition into retirement which involves reducing hours to afford them more time to enjoy life or involves encore careers that are more personally satisfying or less demanding," she says. "The vast majority say their employers do not have policies in place to accommodate this type of transition, so it's likely they'll have to change employers or explore something entrepreneurial."

Retirement plans and preparations vary by age groups:

• Baby Boomers have a median household retirement savings of $127,000 up from $75,000 in 2007. However, Boomers don't think that's enough to live comfortably in retirement. About 36% plan to rely on S! ocial Security as their primary form of income when they retire, up from 26% in 2007.

• Generation X (those born between 1965 and 1978) started saving for retirement at age 27. And 84% of those offered a 401(k) or similar plan by their employer are participating in it, saving about 7% of their annual salaries. They think they'll need $1 million in retirement savings. Right now, they have a median household retirement savings of $70,000. "They have some catching up to do, but they still have time to do it, if they make a concerted effort right now," Collinson says.

Roughly two out of three of them expect their primary source of income to be self-funded accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, IRAs or other outside savings, she says.

• Millennials (those born after 1978) started saving for retirement at age 22. And 71% of those offered a 401(k) or similar plans are participating, tucking away 8% of their annual salaries. They have a median household retirement savings of $32,000. "These are an emerging generation of super savers," Collinson says.

They have "lofty aspirations" with 60% planning to retire before or at age 65, she says. Millennials recognize that their retirement will be different from their parents', and they don't expect to their primary income to be from defined benefit plans (traditional pensions) or Social Security, she says.

Treasurys sell off as week of data begins

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — Treasury prices slid Monday ahead of a slew of data releases that market participants expect to show a revival in springtime growth, after a cold winter that was blamed for temporarily choking off economic improvement.

On deck this week is a report on first-quarter gross-domestic product on Wednesday, which is forecast to show that U.S. growth slowed substantially in the first quarter. But as the winter weather thawed, more recent numbers like an April nonfarm payrolls report on Friday may show a bounce back, with activity that was delayed in the first quarter being pushed to the second quarter.

/quotes/zigman/4868283/delayed 10_YEAR 2.71, +0.05, +1.88% 10-year Treasury yield

"My belief is that we are going to receive a 'data bounce-back' due to weather tainted figures we saw in the last several months," said Thomas di Galoma, head of fixed-income rates at ED&F Man Capital Markets, in a note to clients.

The 10-year Treasury note (10_YEAR)  yield, which rises as prices fall, was up 3.5 basis points on the day at 2.702%. The benchmark yield has largely been trading within a range between 2.60% and 2.80% over the last few months, but a spurt of positive data could prompt the yield to break out of its range higher, according to di Galoma.

The 30-year bond (30_YEAR)  yield rose 4.5 basis points to 3.486% and the 5-year note (5_YEAR)  yield was up 2 basis points at 1.748%.

Treasurys mostly recovered from morning losses as stocks began selling off mid-day, but the fixed-income market once again turned lower, finishing the session near their intraday lows, as equities recovered to finish the day mostly higher .

"It's more of a stocks story," said Michael Pond, head of global inflation-linked research at Barclays.

Treasury losses had accelerated Monday morning after data showed pending home sales rose for the first time in nine months. An index kept by the National Association of Realtors rose by 3.4% in March to 97.4, up from 94.2 in February.

The surge in economic releases this week is thought to inform the market on when the Federal Reserve may begin raising its key lending rate, which could bring Treasury yields higher along with it. The central bank has said it will look at a number of indicators about the labor market's health and the level of inflation as it decides when the pace of economic growth justifies raising rates.

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Since the Fed began shifting the market's focus toward its guidance on the future path of the fed funds rate, investors have tended to price in earlier rate hikes as the economy improves, and push back expectations amid soft numbers.

"Volatility is apt to increase when economic data of interest to the Fed and markets point to potential changes in the policy outlook. Nevertheless, volatility will likely remain contained by very powerful short- and long-run forces related to the economic outlook," said Tony Crescenzi, market strategist and portfolio manager at Pimco, in a note to clients. He added that because the policy rate is likely to remain below the long-term normal in this economic cycle, investors shouldn't take a "sky is falling approach" of worrying too much about rate hikes.

Treasurys prices rose for four sessions last week as investors flocked to the safety of U.S. government debt amid fears of escalating violence between Ukraine and Russia. On Sunday, pro-Russia rebels in eastern Ukraine publicly showed western military observers who they had taken hostage. Meanwhile, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Russia.

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Should You Get a Credit Card After Bankruptcy?

If you've recently had a bankruptcy discharged, your mailbox may be filling with new credit card offers.

Although it seems counterintuitive, some companies actually seek out and market their cards to recently bankrupt individuals. That may be due in part to the fact that once you've declared bankruptcy, the law limits how quickly you can do it again, up to eight years in some cases.

However, just because you can get a credit card after bankruptcy, should you?

Using credit cards to rebuild a credit score
One of the best reasons to get a credit card after bankruptcy is to improve your credit score.

Your credit score is based upon several factors, including your payment history as well as how long your accounts have been open. Therefore, it can make sense to apply for a credit card immediately after bankruptcy to begin reestablishing your creditworthiness. However, be sure you wait until after your discharge is complete before submitting any applications.

Once you get a credit card, go ahead and use it to charge a reasonable amount of purchases each month. Since post-bankruptcy cards can carry hefty interest rates, you won't want to carry a balance. Instead, only charge what you can pay off each month.

It's important to keep an eye out for and stay away from subprime cards targeted at individuals with bad or limited credit. The hefty fees and high interest rates of some of these cards will eat away at the already small credit limit these cards offer.

What you should know about secured credit cards
Credit cards for bad credit and credit cards for limited credit are typically secured. That means you pay a deposit to the company before the card is issued, and that deposit is your line of credit. In addition, they may have an annual fee and higher interest rates than those offered on other cards.

While the terms may not be as appealing as those offered on unsecured cards, don't discount them completely. Issuers of secured credit cards will report your payments to credit bureaus and help boost your credit score the same as other cards. However, as with other credit cards, compare several options to be sure you are getting the lowest fees and interest possible.

And although they may appear similar, don't confuse secured credit cards with prepaid cards. Except in rare instances, prepaid cards don't report to the credit bureaus and won't help your score.

Why you might think twice about credit cards after bankruptcy
Individuals file bankruptcy for a variety of reasons, from unemployment to medical emergencies to overspending. If overspending is what led you to bankruptcy court, you may want to carefully consider whether to apply for a new card.

Credit cards can be powerful tools to rebuild your finances, but they need to be used responsibly. Be honest about your ability to limit your spending and pay off your balance each month.

If you aren't sure, try to secure a card by self-funding a low credit limit. A low-limit card may help you test the waters without letting you get in over your head. If you reach a month where you can't pay off the balance, put the card away until you can.

Bankruptcy can be a stressful experience and most certainly will impact your credit score. However, it isn't permanent, and your credit can be salvaged.

The original article Should You Get a Credit Card After Bankruptcy? appeared on CardRatings.com

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More credit card articles can be found on CardRatings.com:

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Gannett Misses on Both Revenue and Earnings

Gannett (NYSE: GCI  ) reported earnings on July 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Gannett missed estimates on revenues and missed slightly on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue was unchanged. Non-GAAP earnings per share expanded. GAAP earnings per share contracted.

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
Gannett logged revenue of $1.30 billion. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected sales of $1.33 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

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 $0.58. The nine earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.59 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.58 for Q2 were 3.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.56 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.48 for Q2 were 5.9% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.51 per share.

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 44.2%, 60 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.9%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.7%, 50 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.28 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.47.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $5.26 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.20.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 321 members out of 435 rating the stock outperform, and 114 members rating it underperform. Among 154 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 127 give Gannett a green thumbs-up, and 27 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Gannett is outperform, with an average price target of $28.67.

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Add Gannett to My Watchlist.

"The Walking Dead" and "Game of Thrones" Are Even More Popular Than You Think

Among all the San Diego Comic-Con rituals, none is so common or frustrating as waiting. Arriving at the show early Friday bought me a spot in line about eight hours away from entering Hall H and the high-interest panels for The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones.

Lines and waiting, two Comic-Con traditions. Photo credit: Tim Beyers.

I didn't stay, and as I'll relay in a different article, that turned out to be a wonderful choice. Comic-Con offers such a bounty of opportunities to see and discuss great content that it's tough to be disappointed with the experience.

Take the Nickelodeon panel. Fans behind me in line for Ballroom 20 couldn't have cared less about a later panel for Walt Disney's forthcoming Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which I was there to see. Rather, they were there to scream and shout for Avatar: The Legend of Korra, an animated series whose second season kicks off in September. Book One: Air drew 4.3 million viewers per episode, a huge win for an animated show and Nick parent Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB  ) .

Meanwhile, over at Hall H, the teeming masses willing to pay to wait hours for just a chance to see The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, among other panels, suggest that enthusiasm is still building for both shows. Can you imagine? AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX  ) and The Walking Dead already beat all comers as the fall's top-rated scripted show. These are the same viewers who no doubt spent hours in makeup to attend Comic-Con as zombies.

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For some, "walkers" and "biters" are The Walking Dead's most popular characters. Sources: AMC, Pinterest.

For Time Warner (NYSE: TWX  ) and HBO, Game of Thrones Season 3 ended in bloody fashion, with many questions left unanswered. That fans who dressed up as Starks and Lannisters and spent hours in line speaks to their hunger for more.

Can they lift GoT in the same way that horror nerds pushed TWD to new highs? Right now, that seems likely. Game of Thrones is up for 16 Emmy awards after attracting more than 13 million viewers per episode last season, once you factor in replays, downloads, and the like.

This, Fool, is why media stocks are so hot right now. By the looks of the lines at Comic-Con, the rally won't end soon. Do you agree? Disagree? Leave a comment to let us know what you think.

Of course, there's more to the changing TV landscape than invading zombies and the lords and ladies of Westeros. The Motley Fool's new free report "Who Will Own the Future of Television?" details the forces disrupting traditional TV networks and the opportunities they offer to enterprising investors. Click here to read the full report!

HBO shows coming to Amazon ... not Netflix

If you haven't seen "The Sopranos" we won't spoil it for you. But you'll soon be able to stream it and other HBO shows on Amazon Prime.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Non-HBO subscribers will soon be able to watch some of the network's old TV shows, like "The Sopranos" and "The Wire," on Amazon Prime's streaming video service.

Amazon (AMZN, Fortune 500) described the deal as a first for HBO, which has a reputation for being tightfisted with its library of hit shows -- even ones that stopped airing years ago.

The assortment of HBO shows will be a significant addition to Amazon Prime as it attempts to sign up more monthly subscribers and challenge Netflix. HBO will continue to provide complete access to all its shows through HBO GO, the streaming service for its existing subscribers.

The Amazon deal draws a bright line between old and new. For example, the seasons of "Girls," "The Newsroom" and "Veep" that are premiering this year won't be available through Amazon Prime for approximately three years. That means if viewers want to stay current, they have to subscribe to cable television and HBO (or borrow a friend's HBO GO password).

But a more casual type of viewer, who maybe wants to binge on every season of "Six Feet Under" or "Deadwood," will now be able to do so through Amazon.

The deal also includes early seasons of some series that are still on the air, such as "True Blood" and "Boardwalk Empire." (But not the most recent seasons.)

  Amazon's plan to rule your TV

The companies did not disclose any plans for when HBO's current biggest hit -- "Game of Thrones" -- would be available on Prime, if ever. There was also no discussion of "True Detective," the new series with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson that debuted earlier this year to rave reviews and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon.

HBO is owned by Time Warner (TWX, Fortune 500), which is also the parent company of CNNMoney.

Previously, the only ways for people without HBO to watch the network's shows would be by purchasing DVDs, buying individual episodes through Amazon or Apple's (AAPL, Fortune 500) iTunes store, or by watching reruns of certain shows on other cable channels. ("Sex and the City" now runs on the E! channel, and isn't included in the Amazon deal.)

! In the television industry, revenue from DVDs and reruns has been declining as viewers gravitate toward on-demand ways to watch. With Amazon, HBO is generating a new way to make money from its reruns. In Hollywood, this is known as a new "window" for programming. (The first "window" remains the hotly-anticipated premieres of episodes on the main HBO television channel.)

Amazon and HBO said the first shows would start to appear on Prime on May 21, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

Some analysts immediately called the licensing deal a loss for Netflix (NFLX), though Netflix has made a point of saying it doesn't see Amazon as its chief rival.

"Since much of the content on Netflix and Amazon Prime (as well as Hulu in the U.S.) is mutually exclusive, many consumers see value in subscribing to all three networks," Netflix said in its quarterly letter to shareholders earlier this week. Hulu is an online streaming video service owned by a conglomerate of several big media firms.

Netflix currently costs $7.99 a month in the United States, although the company said earlier this week that it was going to increase the price for new subscribers. Amazon's streaming video service is bundled as part of its $99 annual Prime membership. Amazon recently raised the price of a Prime subscription from $79 a year.

Select Comfort Corp. (SCSS) Q1 Earnings Preview: Bear Vs. Bullish Surprise Rests on Margins

Select Comfort Corp. (NASDAQ:SCSS) will release results for the first quarter ended Mar. 29, 2014, after close of the regular trading session on Apr. 17, 2014. Management will host its regularly scheduled conference call to discuss the company's results at 5 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. CDT; 2 p.m. PDT) that day.

Wall Street anticipates that the consumer goods company will earn $0.32 per share for the quarter, which is $0.09 less than last year's profit of $0.41 per share. iStock expects SCSS  to miss Wall Street's consensus number. The iEstimate is $0.30, two cents less than expected; however, a bullish surprise is possible - read on.

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Sales, unlike earnings, are expected to grow, rising 6.2% year-over-year (YoY). Select Comfort's consensus revenue estimate for Q1 is $ 274.27 million, more than last year's $ 258.24 million.

Select Comfort Corporation is a bed manufacturer and retailer. The Company is a manufacturer, marketer, retailer and servicer of the Sleep Number bed, which allows individuals to adjust the firmness and support on each side at the touch of a button. The Company offers Sleep Number beds in four series, which includes Classic Series, Performance Series, Innovation Series and Memory Foam Series. As of December 28, 2013, it operated 440 retail stores in the United States.

According to Google Trends, there is a chance that the air-mattress maker could do better than expected. Year-over-year (YoY), search volume intensity (SVI)for the keyword "Sleep Number Bed" increased 8% for Q1 2014 versus Q1 2013.

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If SVI translates to the top line, then sales could come in closer to $279 million, almost $5 million more than forecasted. Provided the home furnishings company hits Wall Street's expected net margin of 6.39%, EPS would register $0.33 per share, a penny better than expected.

There are a few minor financial statement concerns we have heading into Thursday afternoon's announcement. First up, cost of sales increased by 5.90% during 2013 while sales grew at a slower 2.69%.  It may not seem like a lot, but if the cost of sales grew at the same pace as revenue, SCSS would have earned $0.19 more last year. That's a lot.

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Outside of that, management made considerable investments in research & development and sales and marketing, both of which we see as long-term positives despite lowering bottom line profits.

Moving over to the balance sheet, a 12.9% rise in inventory is a bit more than we'd like to see compares to 2.69% revenue growth. Old product usually requires sales and clearances to get the old out to make room for the new, and that makes for lower profit margins.

Overall: Google Trends hint that Select Comfort Corp. (NASDAQ:SCSS) could do a little better on than expected on the sales and earnings front. However, the executive team needs to manage cost of goods sold and inventory better; otherwise, any top line upside could be lost in squeezed margins, resulting in a small bearish surprise as the iEstimate suggests. 

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Midway through trading Monday, the Dow traded up 0.17 percent to 16,436.00 while the NASDAQ surged 0.39 percent to 4,111.33. The S&P also rose, gaining 0.24 percent to 1,869.24.

Leading and Lagging Sectors
Monday morning, the healthcare sector proved to be a source of strength for the market. Leading the sector was strength from Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SRPT) and STAAR Surgical Company (NASDAQ: STAA). In trading on Monday, basic materials shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.45 percent.

Top losers in the sector included Endeavour Silver (NYSE: EXK), off 4 percent, and Hecla Mining Co (NYSE: HL), down 3.5 percent.

Top Headline
Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) posted a profit in the first quarter. Halliburton swung to a quarterly profit of $622 million, or $0.73 per share, versus a year-ago loss of $18 million, or $0.02 per share. Its income from continuing operations came in at $0.73 per share. Its total revenue climbed to $7.35 billion versus $6.97 billion. However, analysts were estimating earnings of $0.72 per share on revenue of $7.26 billion.

Equities Trading UP
Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SRPT) shares shot up 47.95 percent to $36.10 on announcement that it will file NDA for Eteplirsen for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by the year-end.

Shares of Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) got a boost, shooting up 11.92 percent to $4.13 after the company reported upbeat quarterly earnings and issued a strong Q2 revenue forecast.

AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE: AZN) shares were also up, gaining 5.75 percent to $67.14 on report of potential acquisition by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE).

Equities Trading DOWN
Shares of Moneygram International (NASDAQ: MGI) were 14.99 percent to $12.59. JMP Securities downgraded Moneygram from Market Outperform to Market Perform.

Acacia Research (NASDAQ: ACTG) shares tumbled 6.98 percent to $15.87 after the company reported weaker-than-expected Q1 results.

athenahealth (NASDAQ: ATHN) was down, falling 5.80 percent to $137.14 after the company reported downbeat quarterly results. Morgan Stanley analyst Ricky R. Goldwasser removed the $133.00 price target on athenahealth.

Commodities
In commodity news, oil traded up 0.13 percent to $104.44, while gold traded down 0.53 percent to $1,287.00.

Silver traded down 1.10 percent Monday to $19.38, while copper fell 0.23 percent to $3.03.

Eurozone
Europe's markets were quiet with British, Italian, French and German markets all closed for Easter holidays.

Economics
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index rose to 0.20 in March, versus a prior reading of 0.14. However, economists were expecting a reading of 0.20.

The Conference Board's index of leading indicators rose 0.80% in March, versus economists' expectations for a 0.70% growth.

Posted-In: Earnings News Guidance Eurozone Futures Forex Global Econ #s Economics Intraday Update Markets Movers Tech

© 2014 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Is This General Ready to Lead?

Peter Lynch once famously declared "buy what you know." We at Motley Fool find that is a great way to begin a search to find new investing opportunities. I am a self-admitted Honey Nut Cheerios fanatic; however, I feel General Mills (NYSE: GIS  ) has more up its sleeve and deserves a place on your watchlist.

More than just Os
The American public's seemingly insatiable desire for lean protein in an "on-the-go" form will help General Mills going forward. They have a strong brand with the controlling acquisition of Yoplait, but have yet to parlay that brand recognition to rival Groupe Danone's (NASDAQOTH: DANOY  ) Dannon brand, and privately held Chobani's lock on the "Greek Yogurt Craze." I'd encourage management to make this a priority; matter of fact, I'd consider this a microcosm of management's execution effectiveness. I'm willing to give this some time to materialize, because the company has executed so well over the last couple of years from both an operations and capital allocation standpoint.

General operations
General Mills reported a 2% increase in total segment operating profit in last year's annual report through a combination of cost-cutting and "favorable product mix;" i.e., they sold higher margin goods. This is what management stated they were going to do when they instituted their Holistic Margin Management (HMM) program. Also, General Mills recently issued guidance affirming their full-year's EPS estimate. In short, management has done what it said it will do.

Captain capital allocation
General Mills' management has made bold moves with capital allocation. First, they have increased their dividend by nearly 9% last year, now yielding around 2.7%. And, of course, it purchased a 51% interest in Yoplait to bolster its second largest global category -- the one with the highest projected five-year growth rate. However, I'd like to hear a stronger commitment to a share repurchase program considering the average diluted share count increased by 2 million last fiscal year. With that being said, a nascent repurchasing program has started, with 745 million shares repurchased over the last 12 months.

Foreign strategy
Danone is an interesting paradox; it is much more of a pure play on the "Greek Yogurt Craze" with a larger percentage of its revenues coming from its Fresh Dairy Products business line. However, this is also a double-edged sword, as this product may be nearing saturation in U.S. markets, with increasing competition and new entrants. Also of note is foreign strategy: General Mills currently looks at foreign markets as strategic growth opportunities and it shows -- most of last year's revenue growth was due to international growth. Danone, a French company, derives a larger percentage of their revenue from international operations. Many of these countries are in the slumping eurozone that has an unemployment rate of 12.2% as of this writing. Danone may still have some U.S. growth with their Activia Greek launch, but I worry about cannibalization from regular Activia, considering this is a highly segmented brand.

But what do the numbers say?
The important question is, has this been priced into the stock?

Company	PE	Projected Growth Rate	PEG	Dividend Yield
General Mills	18	7.78%	2.31	3%
Kellogg (NYSE: K  )	25	7.74%	3.23	2.7%
Industry (Packaged Goods)	21	7.39%	2.84	2.4%

The following metrics show that General Mills is still presenting value against its most noted rival and within the industry. General Mills currently has a lower P/E ratio than Kellogg and the industry. In addition, it has a higher five-year projected growth rate, leading to lower PEG ratios (explained here) than Kellogg, and within the industry. Finally, it pays the largest dividend yield to compensate you for your time. With that being said, the industry overall is a bit pricey now; however, if you're looking for value within the industry, keep an eye on this company.

Report for duty!
General Mills has stable and consistent management with a potential catalyst in its Greek yogurt product. Going into earnings on June 26, I recommend you add this company to your watchlist, read the next annual report, and listen to the earnings call. I'll be on the lookout for any positive signs from Yoplait Greek, international growth numbers, and EPS/dividend guidance. I feel that if management continues its commitment to the share repurchase program, and continues to execute, this General is ready to lead.

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Energy ETFs Surge On Higher Commodity Prices

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The energy sector has been trading sharply higher, as rising oil and natural gas prices create a sturdy tailwind for many of these integrated service and exploration companies. 

After a frightening dip in January, that tested the 200-day moving average, the Energy Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLE) has rocketed to new all-time highs.  In fact, XLE has now gained over four percent in the month of April and more than 13 percent since its February low. 

This ETF is the largest and most heavily traded large-cap energy index, which encapsulates 44 companies and over $10 billion in total assets. 

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Many experts discounted the potential for the energy sector coming into 2014, as skepticism about the future of commodity prices weighed on revenue growth prospects. 

However, since the beginning of the year, the United States Oil Fund (NYSE: USO) has gained 6.12 percent and the United States Natural Gas Fund (NYSE: UNG) has jumped nearly 26 percent.  Weather-related factors have played a big role in the first quarter surge for natural gas this year. 

In addition, this sector has likely benefited from the rotation out of high-beta growth stocks and into value-oriented segments that are more defensive in nature.  The energy sector is the second largest allocation in the iShares S&P 500 Value ETF (NYSE: IVE), with more than 15 percent of the underlying holdings. 

Moving forward, first quarter company earnings announcements are going to be a key driver of price appreciation in this sector. 

Schlumberger Ltd (NYSE: SLB) recently reported a record first quarter profit, as demand for its advanced energy exploration technology continues to grow.

SLB represents more than 20 percent of the MarketVectors Oil Services ETF (NYSE: OIH) and is also a top component in XLE as well. 

There are a number of different ETF alternatives to play the energy sector, depending on your preference of large integrated oil companies, master limited partnerships, or smaller equipment and exploration names. 

In addition, you have the option to invest directly in crude oil or natural gas prices if you believe their upward momentum will continue. 

This diversification and flexibility make ETFs an excellent choice for those seeking exposure to the energy theme.

Posted-In: energy energy ETFs Energy Sector Natural Gas OilSector ETFs Commodities Global Markets Trading Ideas ETFs Best of Benzinga

© 2014 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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10 Best “Strong Buy” Stocks — UA POWR QIHU and more

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This week, these ten stocks, all currently earning A’s (“strong buy”) on Portfolio Grader, have the best year-to-date performance.

Since January 1, the price of Under Armour, Inc. Class A () has grown 36.5%. Under Armour manufactures performance apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women and children. .

The price of PowerSecure International, Inc. () has seen a 39.8% boost since the first of the year. PowerSecure International provides energy management and conservation solutions to utilities and their commercial, institutional and industrial customers. .

Since the first of the year, the price of Qihoo 360 Technology Co., Ltd. ADR Class A () has swelled 44.3%. Qihoo 360 Technology provides Internet and mobile security products in the People’s Republic of China. .

The price of Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. () is up 47.9% since the first of the year. Green Plains Renewable Energy constructs and operates dry mill, fuel-grade ethanol production facilities. .

Shares of Shanda Games Ltd. Sponsored ADR Class A () have risen 50% since January 1. Shanda Games develops, sources and operates Internet games in China. The stock’s trailing PE Ratio is 7.40. .

Since January 1, Illumina, Inc. () has jumped 57%. Illumina develops, manufactures and markets integrated systems for the large-scale analysis of genetic variation and biological function. .

Since January 1, YY, Inc. Sponsored ADR Class A () has climbed 65.8%. YY operates an online social platform in the People’'s Republic of China. .

Since January 1, Forest Laboratories, Inc. () has shot up 66.7%. Forest Laboratories develops, manufactures, and sells both branded and generic forms of ethical products which require a physician’s prescription. .

Since the first of the year, shares of Rentrak Corporation () have soared 68.5%. Rentrak is an information management company serving the media, entertainment, retail, advertising and manufacturing industries. .

Shares of Insys Therapeutics, Inc. () have leaped 81.6% since January 1. INSYS Therapeutics develops pharmaceutical products that target the unmet needs of cancer patients, with a focus on cancer-supportive care. .

Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being “strong buy,” and F being “strong sell.” Explore the tool here.

A Successful Stock Gurus Have Ignored

Top Food Stocks To Own Right Now

The natural upside to any midstream operation is the strong cash flow, a resource which if well used can help finance an important capital investment. Most importantly, the assets built can then be sold to oil and gas producers in order to reward those who trusted management with initial investments. That's it. There is not much of a secret behind midstream oil and gas companies. Hence, from this analyst's point of view, the key element to success is quality leadership. Such a characteristic allows the business model to identify market trends, and transform synergies into real growth. Magellan Midstream (MMP) may just be the case that exemplifies the argument. However, gurus have not been too enthusiastic about the stock and trading volumes remain low. Let us see why, and if you should take a position.

Rolling Down the River

Last February, Magellan Midstream presented the full year report for 2013. In it one can find the overall improvement achieved during the year. Performance indicators for refined products and crude oil pipeline shipments, net income, total assets and cash distributions have all seen improvements. However, average utilization of crude oil and marine terminals have both experienced a small decline. Nonetheless, the report highlights the record performance achieved during the past year and resulting consolidated financial strength.

Magellan Midstream has also been given approval by financial institutions. Fourteen institutions have reported on the stock throughout the year's first quarter, and only one downgraded the stock from "Buy" to "Neutral." Out of the remaining 13, seven have gave the stock a "Buy" rating, while four gave it a "Neutralm" while the remaining three boosted the target price, resulting in a consensus "Buy" rating and $75.54 consensus price target. Additionally, the company owns the longest refined petroleum products pipeline system in the country, with a storage capacity of more than 90 million barrels of petroleum products.

Two recent announcements fuel growth prospects for Magellan Midstream: first, reopening of the open season to solicit capacity commitments from shippers to transport refined petroleum products to Little Rock, Ark. Up to 75,000 barrels per day of gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel are expected to flow through the pipeline. The second is the construction of a 50,000 barrel a day plant by the second half of 2016 to process ultra-light oil into fuels at Corpus Christi.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Throughout the last five years, Magellan Midstream has achieved what many industry peers can only dream of: steady growth. Revenues and net income increments secured the model a wide operating margin. True, debt level has risen to questionable levels, and has the potential to affect the business by substantially increasing indebtedness and liabilities levels. The risk associated with such development is the inability to integrate the new operations effectively and dilution of limited partner shareholders.

Magellan Midstream's growth prospects are based primarily on an attractive portfolio of energy infrastructure assets that generate stable and recurring fee and tariff-based revenues. The company is expanding capacity through the upgrade of current assets and construction of new ones. And although acquisitions have and will continue to be the main growth driver in the business model, partnerships are common too. Most important, credit ratings provide a competitive advantage in accessing capital at a reasonable cost, and long-term investors were rewarded through a consistent distribution growth.

Currently trading at 28.6 times its trailing earnings, Magellan Midstream carries a 28% discount to the industry average. However, net income growth and revenue growth through the last three years is below the industry average, a phenomenon deeply related with integration costs of acquisitions. Hence, it is recommended to follow Chuck Royce (Trades, Portfolio)'s long-term approach to the stock, after integration is complete.

Disclosure: Vanina Egea holds no position in any of the mentioned stocks.

About the author:Vanina EgeaA fundamental analyst at Lone Tree Analytics

Visit Vanina Egea's Website

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How to Save Money on Prom

I recently saw a statistic about prom spending that shocked me. American households with teens are expected to spend $978 in 2014 on this annual high school rite of passage, according to a nationwide survey by Visa. That amount actually represents a 14% drop from last year's average -- prompting Visa to declare that families are reining in prom spending.

SEE ALSO: Saying No to Your Kids

"I think people are realizing that prom is a dance, and you don't have to spend like a celebrity to have a great time," said Nat Sillin, Visa's head of U.S. Financial Education, in a written statement. If you ask me, it hardly sounds like the bubble has burst if people are still shelling out nearly $1,000 for a dance.

Maybe I was just clueless about how much things cost when I was in high school, but I really don't think any of my classmates or I came close to spending the equivalent at the time of $978 on prom. I know it's been a while since I was in high school, but it hasn't been so long that the prices for dresses, tuxedos, flowers and a dinner out have risen at such a pace to account for nearly $1,000 in spending on the event. This leads me to believe that a lot of teens truly are attempting to be celebrities for a night with high-priced limos, professionally styled hair and makeup, designer dresses and dinners at the priciest restaurants in town.

If you don't mind shelling out the big bucks (and can afford it without racking up debt) for your teen to have an unforgettable night, go for it. But if you think $1,000 is too steep, there are several ways to keep prom spending under control.

Establish a budget. Let your child know upfront how much you're willing to spend. The free Visa Plan'it Prom app for iOS and Android devices can help your teen track spending as he or she shops. Parents can tell teens who want to spend more that they'll have to cover costs that exceed the budget.

Save on formal wear. Consignment stores can be a great source of gently worn formal wear at a fraction of the cost of new dresses and tuxedos. You also can save a lot by renting a dress or tuxedo. For example, you can rent a designer dress that sells for several hundred dollars for as little as $30 at Rent The Runway. Men's clothing chains such as Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank offer tuxedo rental. Check online first to see which formal wear store has the best prices and look for coupons at sites such as Coupon Sherpa, RetailMeNot and Savings.com. RetailMeNot senior editor Trae Bodge recommends asking local tuxedo rental stores if they'll offer a volume discount if your teen and several of his friends rent for the same event.

Another lower-cost option is to purchase a suit if a tuxedo isn't required. You can find budget-friendly pants and jackets at Kohl's and Forever 21, Bodge says. And she says Nordstrom and online retailer ASOS have prom-worthy dresses for less than $100. Check Target and H&M for inexpensive accessories and clutches for girls, Bodge says.

Save on hair and makeup. There's no need to splurge on an expensive prom package at the beauty salon, Bodge says. For hair, check into styling services at a nearby beauty school where the price will be a fraction of what you'd pay at the salon, she says. For a makeover, visit the makeup counters at a department store, Sephora or Ulta. You can use the RetailMeNot app to look for coupons or deals on any of the products that the makeup artists or sales associates use for your makeover. Another option is to attempt do-it-yourself hair and makeup with help from step-by-step guides on YouTube and Pinterest. Search "prom hair" or "prom makeup" for tips and tutorials.

Save on flowers. Bodge recommends doing some comparison shopping for boutonnieres and corsages because they tend to range in cost from $10 to $25 depending on the florist and type of flowers used. If you are crafty, she recommends using this easy corsage how-to guide to make your own for less.

Save on dinner. A great way to save on a prom meal is to host a dinner party at home for your teen and his or her friends, says Mitchell Wischmann, founder of FrugalFinders.com. You might ask other parents to pitch in if you have an upscale meal with seafood or steaks. Or you could keep it casual and serve burgers or pizza.

If your teens are intent on dining out, Wischmann recommends looking for restaurant coupons online at sites such as Savings.com or using the ValPak mobile app to find local deals. You also can buy discounted restaurant gift cards at sites such as Gift Card Granny, GiftCardRescue and Restaurant.com to use along with coupons for even bigger savings.

Save on transportation. Consider letting your teen drive your car if it's nicer than what he typically drives so he won't be tempted to ask for a limo. But if your child really wants to impress his date with a limousine, ask him to look for others to ride along and split the cost. Or check your newspaper, circulars or online coupon sites for deals on limo services.

Save on photos. Both Bodge and Wischmann suggest that you avoid hiring a professional photographer or buying the pricey prom photo package. Instead, ask a friend or family member with photo skills to take pictures. You can get inexpensive, quality prints by ordering online through Snapfish or Shutterfly, which also frequently offer discounts on photo books that you can create to document the entire evening. Teens can (and will) snap pictures at the event with their smart phones and easily share them with friends by posting them on social media sites or sending them directly in an e-mail or text message.

5 Best Quality Stocks To Watch Right Now

Investors love stocks that consistently beat the Street without getting ahead of their fundamentals and risking a meltdown. The best stocks offer sustainable market-beating gains, with robust and improving financial metrics that support strong price growth. Does Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE  ) fit the bill? Let's look at what its recent results tell us about its potential for future gains.

What we're looking for
The graphs you're about to see tell Nike's story, and we'll be grading the quality of that story in several ways:

Growth: Are profits, margins, and free cash flow all increasing? Valuation: Is share price growing in line with earnings per share? Opportunities: Is return on equity increasing while debt to equity declines? Dividends: Are dividends consistently growing in a sustainable way?

What the numbers tell you
Now, let's look at Nike's key statistics:

5 Best Quality Stocks To Watch Right Now: China HGS Real Estate Inc.(HGSH)

China HGS Real Estate Inc., through its subsidiary, Shaanxi Guangsha Investment and Development Group Co., Ltd., engages in the real estate development in the People?s Republic of China. It is involved in the construction and sale of residential apartments, parking lots, and commercial properties. The company develops multi-layer, sub-high-rise, and high-rise apartment buildings, as well as office buildings. China HGS Real Estate Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Hanzhong City, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Top losers in the sector included China HGS Real Estate (NASDAQ: HGSH), off 4.8 percent, and China Life Insurance Co (NYSE: LFC), down 4 percent.

5 Best Quality Stocks To Watch Right Now: OSL Holdings Inc (OSLH)

OSL Holdings Inc., formerly Red Rock Pictures, Inc., incorporated on November 22, 2004, is an integrated marketer and distributor of Products for the Office. The Company operates in the competitive office supply market as a virtual distributor, leveraging the existing logistical capabilities of its suppliers who provide for inventory logistics, distribution and delivery. OSL focuses on the development and or acquisition of technology, sales, marketing and customer service. On October 10, 2011, the Company acquired Office Supply Line, Inc.

OSL offers 65,000 items from 1,000 manufacturers. It provides technology products, traditional office products, office furniture, janitorial and break-room supplies and industrial products. By partnering with the wholesaler, it delivers any of these products from one of their strategically located 45 distribution centers providing same or next day delivery to more than 90% of the United States. It has a range of catalogs, which represents more than 27,000 different items.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Earlier in the month, Petrotech Oil & Gas�� LegalizePot.us announced that along with with their already expanded cannabis and hemp production and distribution channels in the states of Washington and Colorado, it was continuing to expand their business model into Rhode Island with a 2500 square foot grow facility up to 50 plants, and 50 to 70 lbs. a month management agreement. Otherwise, investors should be aware that Petrotech Oil & Gas only announced its expansion into medical and recently legalized recreational marijuana back in mid-February plus the company also announced in late February that it would begin oil production soon. A quick look at Petrotech Oil & Gas�� financials reveals revenues of $5k (most recent reported quarter), zero, zero and zero for the past four reported quarters along with net losses of $667k (most recent reported quarter), $49k, $73k and $653k. At the end of last September, Petrotech Oil & Gas had no cash to cover $1,584k in current liabilities. Given those financials and the recent entry into marijuana, investors might want to contain their excitement and wait for some new financials to reflect the sudden change in direction.

  OSL Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: OSLH) Joins the Marijuana Party

  Small cap OSL Holdings Inc develops or acquires business units with the purpose of collecting and transmitting real-time consumer and business sales data to facilitate the sale of data, manage electronic marketplaces, operate real-time loyalty rewards and transact with buyers in multiple channels. On Friday, OSL Holdings Inc sank 20.47% to $0.190 for a market cap of $36.38 million plus OSLH is down 5% over the past year and up 1,017.6% over the past five years according to Google Finance.

5 Best Growth Stocks To Buy 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 Dan Carroll]

  Take a look around the top device companies reporting this week, and you'll see a picture of lackluster growth. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ  ) , one of the biggest names in health care, saw double-digit growth from its medical device department, but only because of its $12 billion acquisition of orthopedics powerhouse Synthes last year. Fellow diversified medical firm Abbott Labs' (NYSE: ABT  ) medical device sales fell more than 4% despite its dominant position in the stent industry. St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ  ) also saw sales decline 3% at a constant currency, even as the company managed to grow earnings by more than 5% by cutting costs.

• [By Brian Orelli]

  The largest impact to sales came from competition from new prostate cancer drugs Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE: JNJ  ) Zytiga and Astellas Pharma and Medivation's (NASDAQ: MDVN  ) Xtandi. In December, Zytiga was approved for use in patients who haven't received chemotherapy, the same patients that Provenge is approved to treat. Xtandi is still only approved as a second-line treatment after chemotherapy, but is listed as an earlier treatment in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Compendium, the oncologist's bible for off-label treatment that insurers often use to make coverage decisions.

• [By Brian Orelli]

  An oldie but a goodie
  Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ  ) has increased its dividend for 51 consecutive years. Just last week, the company bumped its dividend 8.2% from $0.61 per share each quarter to $0.66 per share. Nothing is guaranteed, but it would take a major disruption in Johnson & Johnson's business before the health-care giant would cut its dividend. They don't make dividend stocks much more solid than that.

5 Best Quality Stocks To Watch Right Now: Gotesco Land Inc (GO)

Gotesco Land, Inc. (GLI) is the holding company of Ever-Gotesco Group of Companies for its property development projects. The Company is primarily engaged in acquiring, developing, administering, selling, managing or otherwise dealing in real estate transactions. The Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates in two business segments. The real estate segment is engaged in the development and sale of real properties. The leasing segment is egnaged in the leasing of clubhouse and resort facilities. As of December 31, 2011, the Company's wholly owned subsidiaires included Chateau Royale Sports & Country Club, Inc. (CRSCCI), Evercrest Cebu Golf Club & Resort, Inc. (ECGCRI), Gulod Resort, Inc. (GRI), Multiresources Holding Company, Inc. (MHCI) and Nasugbu Resort, Inc. (NRI). Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Mark Salzinger, Editor and Publisher, No-Load Fund Investor]

  The former are called General Obligation (GO) bonds, while the latter are generally called revenue bonds. In the old days, GOs were considered safer, because they were backed by the full taxing authority of the issuer. Now, revenue bonds are more in vogue.

5 Best Quality Stocks To Watch Right Now: Joy Global Inc (JOY)

Joy Global Inc. is a manufacturer and servicer of high productivity mining equipment for the extraction of coal and other minerals and ores. The Company's equipment is used in mining regions throughout the world to mine coal, copper, iron ore, oil sands, and other minerals. The Company's underground mining machinery segment (Joy Mining Machinery) is a manufacturer of underground mining equipment for the extraction of coal and other bedded minerals and offers service locations near mining regions worldwide. The Company's surface mining equipment segment (P&H Mining Equipment) is a producer of surface mining equipment for the extraction of ores and minerals and provides operational support for many types of equipment used in surface mining. During the fiscal year ended October 28, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of LeTourneau. On December 30, 2011, it acquired approximately 41.1% of Int'l Mining Machinery Holdings Limited's common stock to 69.2%.

Underground Mining Machinery

Joy is a producer of underground mining machinery for the extraction of coal and other bedded materials. The Company has facilities in Australia, South Africa, the United Kingdom, China and the United States, as well as sales offices and service facilities in India, Poland and Russia. Joy products include continuous miners, shuttle cars, flexible conveyor trains, complete longwall mining systems (consisting of powered roof supports, an armored face conveyor and a longwall shearer), continuous haulage systems, battery haulers, roof bolters, crushing equipment and conveyor systems. Joy also maintains a network of service and replacement parts distribution centers to rebuild and service equipment, and to sell replacement parts and consumables in support of its installed base.

This network includes five service centers in the United States and eight outside the United States, all of which are located in underground mining regions. This segment has a range of products, including Continu! ous miners, Longwall shearers, Powered roof supports, Armored face conveyors, Shuttle cars, Flexible conveyor trains (FCT), Roof bolters, Battery haulers, Continuous haulage systems, Feeder breakers, Conveyor systems and High angle conveyors.

Electric, crawler mounted continuous miners cut material using carbide-tipped bits on a horizontal rotating cutterhead. Once cut, the material is gathered onto an internal conveyor and loaded into a haulage vehicle or continuous haulage system for transportation to the feeder breaker.

A longwall shearer trams back and forth on an armored face conveyor parallel to the material face. Using carbide-tipped bits on cutting drums at each end, the shearer cuts 1.2 to 8.0 meters high on each pass and simultaneously loads the material onto the armored face conveyor for transport through the stageloader to the conveyor belt.

Roof supports use hydraulic cylinders to perform a jacking-like function that supports the mine roof during longwall mining. The supports self-advance with the longwall shearer and armored face conveyors, resulting in controlled roof falls behind the supports. A longwall face may range up to 400 meters in length.

Armored face conveyors are used in longwall mining to transport material cut by the shearer away from the longwall face. Shuttle cars, a type of rubber-tired haulage vehicle, are electric-powered using an umbilical cable. Their purpose is to transport material from continuous miners to the feeder-breaker where chain conveyors in the shuttle cars unload the material. Some models of Joy shuttle cars can carry up to 22 metric tons of coal.

FCT�� are electric-powered, single operator, self-propelled conveyor systems that provide continuous haulage of material from a continuous miner to the main mine belt. The FCT uses a rubber belt similar to a standard fixed conveyor. The FCT�� conveyor operates independently from the track crawler system, allowing the FCT to move and convey mater! ial simul! taneously. Available in lengths of up to 570 feet, the FCT is able to negotiate multiple 90-degree turns in an underground mine infrastructure.

Roof bolters are drills used to bore holes in the mine roof and to insert long metal bolts into the holes to reinforce the mine roof. Battery haulers perform a similar function to shuttle cars and are powered by portable rechargeable batteries. Battery haulers feature a flexible center joint allowing them to maneuver in tight conditions and do not use a trailing cable, which allows for maximum flexibility in the mining process.

The continuous chain haulage system provides a similar function as the FCT, transporting material from the continuous miner to the main mine belts on a continuous basis, versus the batch process used by shuttle cars and battery haulers, but it does so with different technology. The continuous chain haulage system is made up of a series of connected bridge structures that utilize chain conveyors that transport the coal from one bridge structure to the next bridge structure and ultimately to the main mine belts.

Feeder breakers are a form of crusher that use rotating drums with carbide-tipped bits to break down the size of the mined material for loading onto conveyor systems or feeding into processing facilities. Mined material is typically loaded into the feeder breaker by a shuttle car or battery hauler in underground applications and by haul trucks in surface applications.

Conveyor systems are used in both above and under-ground applications. The primary components of a conveyor system are the idlers, idler structure, and the terminal which itself consists of a drive, discharge, take-up and tail loading section. The Continental high angle conveyor is a method for elevating or lowering materials continuously from one level to another at steep angles. The Continental technology uses fully equalized pressing mechanism, which secures material towards the center of the belt while sealing the! belt edg! es together. The high angle conveyor has throughput rates ranging from 0.30 to 4,400 tons per hour.

Surface Mining Equipment

P&H is the producer of electric mining shovels and a producer of walking draglines for open-pit mining operations. P&H has facilities in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, South Africa, and the United States, as well as sales offices in India, Mexico, Peru, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. P&H products are used in mining copper, coal, iron ore, oil sands, silver, gold, diamonds, phosphate, and other minerals and ores. P&H also provides logistics and a range of life cycle management service support for its customers through a global network of P&H MinePro Services operations strategically located within mining regions. In some markets, P&H MinePro Services also provides electric motor rebuilds and other selected products and services to the non-mining industrial segment. P&H also sells used electric mining shovels, drills and parts.

Mining shovels are used to load copper ore, coal, iron ore, oil sands, gold, and other mineral-bearing materials and overburden into trucks or other conveyances. There are two types of mining loaders: electric shovels and hydraulic excavators. Electric mining shovels feature dippers, allowing them to load volumes of material, while hydraulic excavators are smaller. The electric mining shovel�� use is determined by the size of the mining operation and the availability of electricity. Dippers can range in size from 12 to 82 cubic yards.

Draglines are primarily used to remove overburden to uncover coal or mineral deposits and then to replace the overburden as part of reclamation activities. P&H�� draglines are equipped with bucket sizes ranging from 30 to 160 cubic yards. Surface mines require breakage or blasting of rock, overburden, or ore using explosives. P&H MinePro Services provides life cycle management support, including equipment erections, relocations, inspections, service, r! epairs, r! ebuilds, upgrades, used equipment, new and used parts, enhancement kits and training. Each life cycle management program is designed for a particular customer and that customer�� application of the Company�� equipment.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jim Jubak]

  I keep looking for the bottom on Joy Global (JOY) and I�� still not convinced I��e found it. (Joy Global is a member of my Jubak Picks 50 long-term portfolio.)

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  The rush to cut costs has been felt the hardest by mining-industry suppliers, including Caterpillar (CAT) and Joy Global�(JOY), Graf and Levental say, because cancelling orders for new equipment is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.

Facebook Pulls the Plug Across the Pond

The first real Facebook (NASDAQ: FB  ) Phone with Home pre-installed, the HTC First, has officially bombed. The device launched exclusively on AT&T last month, and has fared so poorly that Ma Bell almost immediately slashed the price to $1 and is reportedly looking to discontinue the device as soon as it's satisfied contractual obligations to HTC. Ma Bell had reportedly only sold 15,000 units in the first month.

The First was originally expected to roll out to other countries, but due to its poor performance stateside, that won't be happening. The First's U.K. launch has been halted due to negative feedback in the U.S., and all pre-orders have been cancelled. The device was set to launch exclusively on EE, and the British carrier said that the decision was Facebook's -- not HTC's. The social networker will instead focus on adding new customization features to its new software suite, and addressing user complaints.

This comes at a time when HTC's future is up in the air, and has seen numerous high-level execs abandon ship recently. The First has been an absolute debacle for HTC. Home was reportedly planned as an HTC exclusive on the First, giving it a shot and differentiating itself from other Android phones. At the last minute, Facebook decided that it wanted to make Home widely available through Google Play. An anonymous source at HTC told The Verge that the device was "a disaster."

All the while, Facebook has actually been making the right calls, even if it hasn't translated into positive results. Home is very much an experiment, and launching the software suite exclusively on one device would have limited the experimental reach. Quickly responding to consumer backlash and stopping the U.K. launch is also the right thing to do in order to stop more backlash, even if it's absorbing some of the costs.

The important thing for Facebook is to continue refining its mobile strategy. Home is an ambitious attempt to revamp Android, and Facebook's biggest flaw with Home is execution, not vision.

After the world's most hyped IPO turned out to be a dud, many investors don't even want to think about shares of Facebook. But there are things every investor needs to know about this revolutionary company. The Motley Fool's newest premium research report shows that there's a lot more to Facebook than meets the eye. Read up on whether there is anything to "like" about it today to determine if Facebook deserves a place in your portfolio. Access your report by clicking here.

Reviewed.com roundup: Opulent design from Milan

This week the luckiest of the Reviewed.com staff were in Milan, Italy, covering EuroCucina, Europe's premier home and kitchen show. There was a lot to absorb. From the Bluetooth speaker bathtub to the $26k induction tabletop, opulence was certainly a theme. However, the retro designs of Smeg's new small appliances were fairly modest, even if they were on display in Dolce & Gabbana's flagship store. And who can forget the Swarovski crystal-embellished bathroom scrubber?

But it wasn't all European panache this week. We also took a look at Amazon's new magic wand, a one-of-a-kind knife block, and a study linking junk food with laziness (surprise, surprise).

Check back daily for more reviews, news, features, and videos about consumer tech from Reviewed.com.

Step Aside, Stainless: This Fridge Is a Whiteboard

Why didn't someone think of this before? It's not unusual to hang a whiteboard on the family fridge, so why not turn the entire fridge into a whiteboard? The Indesit Graffiti, on display at EuroCucina this week, does exactly that.

At Dolce & Gabbana... a Toaster?

Smeg is perhaps most famous in American markets for its line of retro-themed refrigerators. At EuroCucina this week, the design-savvy Italian manufacturer unveiled a new line of small appliances. And yes, they are also retro-themed. But the strangest part? The unveiling took place at Dolce & Gabbana's flagship store in Milan.

A display of Swarovski crystal.(Photo: Reviewed.com / Ben Keough)

It's Crazy Where Some People Put Swarovski Crystals

Is your bathroom lacking that certain sparkle that only Swarovski crystals can offer? If so, so a Swiss design firm is here to help. They're outfitted toilet paper rolle! rs, soap dishes, handles, towel racks, even scrubbers with elaborate, ostentatious Swarovski crystals. If you're like us, though, you'll never be able to afford them.

This New Canon PowerShot May Breathe Life Into Point-and-Shoots

Point-and-shoot cameras are a tough sell in this age of increasingly powerful smartphone cameras. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 340 HS (MSRP $199.99) boasts some solid performance and nifty features—including a 12x optical zoom—but is it enough to distinguish itself in an exhausted, highly competitive market?

The European Dream Is an American Kitchen

European appliances tend to be small and efficiently designed—a testament to the size of your average European kitchen. However, a growing number of status-conscious Europeans are buying large, bulky American appliances. In Milan this week, several manufacturers flaunted 36-inch-wide fridges in a side-by-side format—uniquely American specifications—known as "frigorifero Americano." An interesting trend indeed.

The Quench Bar10der(Photo: Quench)

These Gadgets Are Like Swiss Army Knives for Booze

A good bar should be stocked with the necessary tools for making cocktails, some of which have gadgets designed specifically for them (absinthiana, anyone?). The Bar10der is a handheld devices that features ten different bar tools in one—pretty much anything you'll ever need. Which tools, you ask? Read our feature to find out.

The Blomberg DWT57500SS: Cold War Design With New World Tech

What, you've never heard of Blomberg? No matter. This Turkish brand is huge in Europe, and is now elbowing its way into the American appliance market. The DWT57500SS (MSRP $1,110) offers incredible versatility in a neatly designed package that ! aims to c! ompete with the likes of Bosch, GE, and KitchenAid. Does it hold up? Check out our review to find out.

Is Amazon Dash the Magic Wand for Grocery Lists?

Retail powerhouse Amazon unveiled a new gadget that allows users to scan barcoded items in their home to seamlessly add items to their AmazonFresh account. Users can also speak directly into Dash, as it's called, to compile shopping lists. But is this a solution to a manufactured problem? We take a look.

A knife block with sharpener from Robert Welch Designs.(Photo: Reviewed.com / Johnny Yu)

Europe Really Knows How To Sharpen a Knife

You have a knife block, and (hopefully) you have a knife sharpener. Why must these staples of culinary utensils be apart? Why not combine them into one? That's exactly what the British design firm Robert Welch Designs thought of with this knife block on display at last month's International Home and Housewares Show. Just be prepared to drop some cash to get one.

Maytag Centennial MEDC300BW Does Nothing More Than It Should

With an MSRP of $599, the Maytag Centennial MEDC300BW is among the cheapest dryers on the market. It's no surprise, then, that it's big, loud, hot, and reminiscent of Cold War era design. That said, it breathes life into the old mantra: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. See how the MEDC300BW stood up to our performance tests.

You're Drinking It Wrong: A Guide to Beer Glasses

Everyone has an opinion about beer, but does everyone know how to properly drink beer? Did you know that Belgian strong ales are supposed to be drunk from a chalice or snifter glass—never a pint glass? Think it's a bunch of rubbish? Read on to find out why it's not.

This Bathtub Is a Giant Bluetooth Speaker

It's one th! ing for a! manufacturer to produce technologically advanced bathtubs—it's another thing to equip one with a giant Bluetooth speaker. The Sound Wave, from Kaldewei, is exactly that. The bath itself acts as a sound box, and, we imagine, it's among the most pleasant hygienic experiences you'll ever have.

For more product reviews and news, visit Reviewed.com, a division of USA TODAY, and follow @ReviewedDotCom on Twitter.

U.S. stock market hit by Nasdaq, biotech rout

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — The Nasdaq Composite suffered its worst day since late 2011 on Thursday as investors fled biotech, Internet and other high-growth stocks, the sectors that had led the last leg up of the maturing bull market.

The Nasdaq Composite (COMP)  dropped 129.79 points, or 3.1%, its worst one-day percentage decline since November 2011. The Nasdaq Biotech index (NBI)   as well as iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB)   dropped 5.6%.

The S&P 500 (SPX)  ended the day 39.10 points, or 2.1%, lower at 1,833.08, falling below its 50-day moving average and dangerously close to crossing its 100-day moving average. Selling was so indiscriminate that only about 2% of 500 members of the index closed higher.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA)  fell 266.96 points, or 1.6%, to 16,170.22, its worst one-day percentage drop in more than two months.

The Russell 2000 index of small-cap stocks (RUT)   fell 32.30 points, or 2.8%, to 1,127.66. Panic-selling was evident from the jump in the volatility. The CBOE Vix index (VIX)   of implied volatility on the S&P 500 jumped 15% to nearly 16.

/quotes/zigman/12633939/realtime NBI 2,317.41, -138.42, -5.64% Nasdaq Biotechnology index slides

Follow MarketWatch's live blog of today's stock-market action.

Uri Landesman, president of hedge fund Platinum Partners, told MarketWatch today's slump is only the beginning:

"Techs and biotechs really haven't cracked yet. I think it'll happen and people will be surprised how much they can really go down. So if they crack, it could get a lot worse. It wouldn't shock me if July Fourth weekend we wake up to a 1600 S&P 500," Landesman said.

Stocks began the day lower after downbeat trade data from China rattled nerves, feeding concerns about slowing global demand. Before the opening bell, investors gave a tepid and short-lived welcome to a jobless claims report. New application for unemployment benefits dropped to the lowest level in almost seven years, suggesting that the U.S. labor market might be experiencing a spring revival.

Quincy Krosby, market strategist at Prudential Financial, said markets are adjusting to having to think for themselves as the Federal Reserve continues the taper process.

"Earnings guidance is crucial for investors as we work our way through the earnings season. The market is trying to find the appropriate equilibrium between valuations, revenue growth and guidance," Krosby said.

Click to Play Thursday, April 10: Three Stocks to Watch Today

Victor Reklaitis takes a look at which stocks traders will be watching during market action, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Ally Financial, and Rite Aid. Photo: Getty.

Retailers report mixed earnings, Ally slips on debut

Internet and software stocks retreated Thursday, as shares of Pandora Media Inc. (P)  , Facebook Inc. (FB)  , Yahoo Inc. (YHOO)  and Workday (WDAY)  led the tech sector in joining a broad market selloff.

Top Consumer Service Stocks To Watch Right Now

Bed, Bath & Beyond Inc. (BBBY)  shares fell 6.2% after the houseware retailer's forecast for the current quarter fell short of forecasts, and it posted a profit and revenue decline for the fiscal fourth quarter.