Top 5 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2014



Witnessing a bear market for stocks doesn't have to be about suffering and loss, even though some cash losses may be unavoidable. Instead, investors should always try to see what is presented to them as an opportunity - a chance to learn about how markets respond to the events surrounding a bear market or any other extended period of dull returns. Read on to learn about how to weather a downturn.

What is a Bear Market?

The boilerplate definition says that any time broad stock market indices fall more than 20% from a previous high, a bear market is in effect. Most economists will tell you that bear markets simply need to occur from time to time to "keep everyone honest." In other words, they are a natural way to regulate the occasional imbalances that sprout up between corporate earnings, consumer demand and combined legislative and regulatory changes in the marketplace. Cyclical stock-return patterns are just as evident in our past as the cyclical patterns of economic growth and unemployment that have been around for hundreds of years.

Hot High Tech Stocks To Own Right Now: Weatherford International Ltd(WFT)

Weatherford International Ltd. provides equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, completion, production, and intervention of oil and natural gas wells worldwide. It offers artificial lift systems, which include reciprocating rod lift systems, progressing cavity pumps, gas lift systems, hydraulic lift systems, plunger lift systems, hybrid lift systems, wellhead systems, and multiphase metering systems. The company also provides drilling services, including directional drilling, ?Secure Drilling? services, well testing, drilling-with-casing and drilling-with-liner systems, and surface logging systems; and well construction services, such as tubular running services, cementing products, liner systems, swellable products, solid tubular expandable technologies, and inflatable products and accessories. In addition, it designs and manufactures drilling jars, underreamers, rotating control devices, and other pressure-control equipment used in drilling oil and nat ural gas wells; and offers a selection of in-house or third-party manufactured equipment for the drilling, completion, and work over of oil and natural gas wells for operators and drilling contractors, as well as a line of completion tools and sand screens. Further, the company provides wireline and evaluation services; and re-entry, fishing, and thru-tubing services, as well as well abandonment and wellbore cleaning services; stimulation and chemicals, including fracturing and coiled tubing technologies, cement services, chemical systems, and drilling fluids; integrated drilling services; and pipeline and specialty services. It serves independent oil and natural gas producing companies. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jeremy Bowman]

    What: The shares of Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT  ) were getting a lift today, climbing as much as 10% after posting first-quarter results last night.

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2014: Targa Resources Partners LP (NGLS)

Targa Resources Partners LP is a limited partnership formed by Targa Resources, Corp (Targa). The Company is a provider of midstream natural gas and natural gas liquid (NGL) services in the United States and is engaged in the business of gathering, compressing, treating, processing and selling natural gas and storing, fractionating, treating, transporting, terminaling and selling NGLs, NGL products, refined petroleum products and crude oil. It operates in two divisions: Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, which include Field Gathering and Processing and Coastal Gathering and Processing, and Logistics and Marketing, which includes Logistics Assets and Marketing and Distribution. On March 15, 2011, it acquired a refined petroleum products and crude oil storage and terminaling facility in Channelview, Texas. On September 30, 2011 it acquired refined petroleum products and crude oil storage and terminaling facilities in two separate transactions. On December 31, 2012, the Company acquired Saddle Butte Pipeline, LLC.

Natural Gas Gathering and Processing Division

The Company�� natural gas gathering and processing division consists of gathering, compressing, dehydrating, treating, conditioning, processing, transporting and marketing natural gas. The gathering of natural gas consists of aggregating natural gas produced from various wells through small diameter gathering lines to processing plants. It sells its residue gas either directly to such end users or to marketers into intrastate or interstate pipelines. The Field Gathering and Processing segment gathers and processes natural gas from the Permian Basin in West Texas and Southeast New Mexico and the Fort Worth Basin, including the Barnett Shale, in North Texas. The natural gas it processes is supplied through its gathering systems which, in aggregate, consist of approximately 10,400 miles of natural gas pipelines. The segment�� processing plants include nine owned and operated facilities. During the year ended December 31! , 2011, the Company processed an average of approximately 612 million cubic feet/day (MMcf/d) of natural gas and produced an average of approximately 74 million barrels per day (MBbl/d) of NGLs.

The Field Gathering and Processing segment�� operations consist of the Permian Business, Versado, SAOU and the North Texas System. The Permian Business consists of the Sand Hills gathering and processing system and the West Seminole and Puckett gathering systems in West Texas. These systems consist of approximately 1,400 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines. Versado consists of the Saunders, Eunice and Monument gas processing plants and related gathering systems in Southeastern New Mexico. Versado consists of approximately 3,200 miles of natural gas gathering pipelines. Covering portions of 10 counties and approximately 4,000 square miles in West Texas, SAOU includes approximately 1,667 miles of pipelines in the Permian Basin that gather natural gas to the Mertzon, Sterling, and Conger processing plants. SAOU has 31 compressor stations to inject low pressure gas into the high-pressure pipelines.

The North Texas System includes two interconnected gathering systems with approximately 4,200 miles of pipelines, covering portions of 15 counties and approximately 5,700 square miles, gathering wellhead natural gas for the Chico and Shackelford natural gas processing facilities. The Chico gathering system consists of approximately 2,100 miles of primarily low-pressure gathering pipelines. Wellhead natural gas is either gathered for the Chico plant located in Wise County, Texas, and then compressed for processing, or it is compressed in the field at numerous compressor stations and then moved through one of several gathering pipelines to the Chico plant. Its Coastal Gathering and Processing segment assets are located in the onshore region of the Louisiana Gulf Coast and the Gulf of Mexico. LOU consists of approximately 875 miles of gathering system pipelines, covering approximately 3,800 ! square mi! les in Southwest Louisiana. The gathering system is connected to numerous producing wells and/or central delivery points in the area between Lafayette and Lake Charles, Louisiana. The processing facilities include the Gillis and Acadia processing plants, both of which are cryogenic plants.

Logistics and Marketing Division

The Company includes the activities necessary to convert mixed NGLs into NGL products and provide certain value added services, such as the fractionation, storage, terminaling, transportation, distribution and marketing of NGLs, as well as certain natural gas supply and marketing activities in support of its other businesses. Its Logistics Assets Segment uses its platform of integrated assets to receive, fractionate, store, treat, transport and deliver NGLs typically under fee-based arrangements. Its logistics assets are connected to and supplied in part by its Natural Gas Gathering and Processing assets and are primarily located at Mont Belvieu and Galena Park near Houston, Texas and in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Across the Logistics Assets segment, it owns or operates a total of 39 storage wells at its facilities with a net storage capacity of approximately 64 million barrels of oil (MMBbl), the usage of which may be limited by brine handling capacity, which is utilized to displace NGLs from storage. It operates its storage and terminaling facilities based on the needs and requirements of its customers. Its fractionation, storage and terminaling business is supported by approximately 940 miles of company owned pipelines to transport mixed NGLs and specification products.

The Company markets its own NGL production and also purchases component NGL products from other NGL producers and marketers for resale. During 2011, the Company�� distribution and marketing services business sold an average of approximately 273 MBbl/d of NGLs. Its wholesale propane marketing operations primarily sell propane and related logistics services to multi-state retailer! s, indepe! ndent retailers and other end-users. Its propane supply primarily originates from both its refinery/gas supply contracts and its other owned or managed logistics and marketing assets. In its refinery services business, the Company provide NGL balancing services through contractual arrangements with refiners to purchase and/or market propane and to supply butanes. It uses commercial transportation assets and contract for and use the storage, transportation and distribution assets included in its Logistics Assets segment to assist refinery customers in managing their NGL product demand and production schedules.

The Company�� NGL transportation and distribution infrastructure includes a range of assets supporting both third-party customers and the delivery requirements of its marketing and asset management business. It provides fee-based transportation services to refineries and petrochemical companies throughout the Gulf Coast area. As of December 31, 2011, its transportation assets include approximately 565 railcars that it lease and manage; approximately 74 owned and leased transport tractors and approximately 100 company owned tank trailers, and 18 company owned pressurized NGL barges.

The Company competes with Atlas Gas Pipeline Company, Copano Energy, L.L.C. (Copano), WTG Gas Processing, L.P. (WTG), DCP Midstream Partners LP (DCP), Devon Energy Corp (Devon), Enbridge Inc., GulfSouth Pipeline Company, LP, Hanlon Gas Processing, Ltd., J W Operating Company, Louisiana Intrastate Gas, Enterprise Products Partners L.P., DCP, ONEOK and BP p.l.c.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Marc Bastow]

    Midstream oil and gas provider Targa Resources Partners (NGLS) raised its quarterly dividend 7% to 57 cents per share, payable on Nov. 15 to shareholders of record as of Oct. 31.
    NGLS Dividend Yield:�3.83%

  • [By Robert Rapier]

    Plains All American Pipeline LP (PAA) operates 18,000 miles of crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and refined product pipelines, and moves approximately 3.5 million barrels of liquid product per day.

  • [By WilliamBriat]


    Investors interested in oil and gas pipeline stocks can start researching any number of energy infrastructure companies, including Atlas Energy, L.P. (NYSE: ATLS), Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (NYSE: ETE), and Targa Resources Partners LP (NYSE: NGLS).

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    The dividends are continuing to flow at the closely related companies Targa Resources (NYSE: TRGP  ) and Targa Resources Partners (NYSE: NGLS  ) . Q2 distributions for both have been declared; the former will hand out $0.5325 per share on Aug. 15 to shareholders of record as of July 29, while Targa Resources Partners is to dispense $0.7150 per unit on Aug. 14 to holders of record as of July 29.

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2014: Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSB)

Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), incorporated on February 5, 2002, is an independent oil and gas company. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, investments in the numerous companies constituting Shell. Shell is engaged worldwide in the principal aspects of the oil and gas industry and also has interests in chemicals and other energy-related businesses. The Company operates in three segments: Upstream, Downstream and Corporate. Upstream combines the operating segments Upstream International and Upstream Americas, which are engaged in searching for and recovering crude oil and natural gas; the liquefaction and transportation of gas; the extraction of bitumen from oil sands that is converted into synthetic crude oil, and wind energy. Downstream is engaged in manufacturing; distribution and marketing activities for oil products and chemicals, in alternative energy (excluding wind), and carbon dioxide (CO2) management. Corporate represents the key support functions, comprising holdings and treasury, headquarters, central functions and Shell�� self-insurance activities. In October 2011, the Company bought a marine terminal on Canada's Pacific Coast as a possible site for a liquefied natural gas export terminal. In January 2012, the Company's 50% owned, Australia Arrow Energy Holdings Pty Ltd acquired all of the shares in Bow Energy Ltd. In January 2014, Royal Dutch Shell plc completed the acquisition of Repsol S.A.'s liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio outside North America.

Upstream International manages the Upstream businesses outside the Americas. It searches for and recovers crude oil and natural gas, liquefies and transports gas, and operates the upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver oil and gas to market. Upstream International also manages Shell�� entire liquefied petroleum gas (LNG) business, gas to liquids (GTL) and the wind business in Europe. Its activities are organized primarily within geographical units, although there are some activities that are mana! ged across the businesses or provided through support units.

Upstream Americas manages the Upstream businesses in North and South America. It searches for and recovers crude oil and natural gas, transports gas and operates the upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver oil and gas to market. Upstream Americas also extracts bitumen from oil sands that is converted into synthetic crude oil. Additionally, it manages the United States-based wind business. It comprises operations organized into business-wide managed activities and supporting activities.

Downstream manages Shell�� manufacturing, distribution and marketing activities for oil products and chemicals. These activities are organized into globally managed classes of business, although some are managed regionally or provided through support units. Manufacturing and supply includes refining, supply and shipping of crude oil. Marketing sells a range of products including fuels, lubricants, bitumen and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for home, transport and industrial use. Chemicals produces and markets petrochemicals for industrial customers, including the raw materials for plastics, coatings and detergents. Downstream also trades Shell�� flow of hydrocarbons and other energy-related products, supplies the Downstream businesses, markets gas and power and provides shipping services. Downstream additionally oversees Shell�� interests in alternative energy (including biofuels, and excluding wind) and CO2 management.

Projects and Technology manages the delivery of Shell�� major projects and drives the research and innovation to create technology solutions. It provides technical services and technology capability covering both Upstream and Downstream activities. It is also responsible for providing functional leadership across Shell in the areas of health, safety and environment, and contracting and procurement.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jim Jubak]

    But, to my mind, the biggest news of last week for the valuation of Cheniere actually came from Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB). Europe's biggest oil company announced that it would halt plans to build a $20 billion natural gas of liquids plant in Louisiana, even though the state of Louisiana had agreed on $112 million in subsidies. The project would have used cheap US natural gas to produce 140,000 barrels a day of liquid fuels normally made from oil. Royal Dutch Shell cited rising costs and uncertainty about oil and natural gas prices by the time the plant entered operation, in canceling the project.

Top 5 Oil Stocks To Buy For 2014: Technip (TEC)

Technip, formerly known as Technip SA, is a France-based company that is engaged in project management, engineering and construction for the energy industry, and holds a portfolio of solutions and technologies. The Company operates in three segments: Subsea, Onshore and Offshore. Its main markets include onshore plants, offshore platforms and subsea construction. The Company is present in around 48 countries, and had industrial assets on continents and operates a fleet of vessels for pipeline installation and subsea construction. It operates several subsidiaries, such as AETech, EPD, Subocean group and Front End Re, among others. On August 31, 2012, the Company announced the completion of the Stone & Webster process technologies and associated oil and gas engineering capabilities acquisition from The Shaw Group Inc. In March 13, 2013, it acquired Ingenium AS, an offshore engineering and services company. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

    Technip SA (TEC) sank 15 percent, its biggest weekly retreat in more than two years after third-quarter profit missed the average analyst estimate compiled by Bloomberg. The oilfield-services provider also cut full-year forecasts for the operating margin and sales at its subsea unit, meaning total sales will miss an earlier target of as much as 9.5 billion euros.

Online Marketing News: #SongsSecretlyAboutPancakes, Yelp Complains, Twitter Gets Analytical

Twitter Engagement Study: Top Apps, Content Sources & Profiles Among Search Marketers - The search marketing community is one that can be defined by the topics we write about and share with our colleagues. In its latest report, �How Search Marketers Engage on Twitter,� social insights company Leadtail looked at 521 U.S. search marketers (SEMs) on Twitter to discover what topics they talked about, which content they consumed and shared, and what publications and people were the most influential in the Twittersphere. Search Engine Watch

REPORT: Facebook, Google To Represent 15% Of Total Ad Market In 2016 -�Facebook and Google combined will account for a 15 percent share of the total media advertising marketing of $200 billion in 2016, according to the latest projections from market researcher eMarketer. AllFacebook

India Now Has More Than 100 Million Social Network Users (With 30% Active On Twitter) [STUDY] -�With more than 1.2 billion people India is the world�s second most-populated country (and its most populous democracy), and 243 million of its citizens � about 19 percent of the nation � now use the internet. AllTwitter

Pinterest Adds New Follow Button to Boost Brand Discovery - An upgraded Follow button with a pop-up window makes it easier for customers to keep track of their favorite companies’ Pinterest activity. ClickZ

Yelp Complains That Its Being Outranked By Google+ Local Listings - TechCrunch broke the news today that a Yelp internal document was recently leaked online claiming Google is promoting its own content at the expense of users. Search Engine Journal

IHOP�s #SongsSecretlyAboutPancakes Showcases Shazam as a Marketing Tool - IHOP says it decided to use Shazam because it wanted to engage with consumers longer than it can in a TV spot and notes the Shazam icon is more of a draw than Facebook or Twitter logos. ClickZ

Google Webmaster Tools International Targeting Now Available - In June, Google began privately beta testing a new feature, which we uncovered as a Webmaster Tools href lang debug tool. Search Engine Roundtable

Twitter Revamps Analytics To Show Impressions & Engagement On Organic Tweets - Twitter gave its analytics dashboard a major upgrade today, offering advertisers a deeper look at how well their organic tweets are performing. Marketing Land

Google Ad CTR Goes Up After Removal Of Authorship Photos - Google made the decision late last month to remove authorship photos from search results. This led to speculation that the decision was made as a result of the impact of authorship photos on the CTR of paid search ads. Search Engine Journal

Facebook Promotes �Start to Success� Program, Offering A Dedicated Account Manager - Something advertisers and marketers have craved from Facebook is here: a direct line to a Facebook representative, through the Start to Success program. AllFacebook

Top 10 YouTube Influencers and the Brands They Work With [Infographic] - As marketers continue looking for new ways to connect with consumers online, more are turning to influencer marketing. Every platform and niche has its own set of influencers � people with an audience that trust their recommendations. Marketing agency the Ayzenberg Group has put together a list of the top 10 YouTube influencers and how those influencers are working with brands. SocialTimes

Trust in Sponsored Content Runs Low - Some 54% of internet users aged 18-65 say they generally don�t trust sponsored content, with most of the remainder only trusting such content if they trust the publication it runs on (19%) or they already trust the brand (23%). That�s according to survey results from Contently, which also found that two-thirds of respondents have at some point felt deceived upon realizing that an article or video they read was sponsored by a brand. Marketing Charts

From our Online Marketing Community:

From�Digital Marketing � What Does It Really Mean? Insights from 9 Brand Digital Marketers,�Benin B. said, “That’s a timely question, Lee! Although everyone gave terrific responses, the one from @tamicann resonates with me the most. Because nowadays even traditional marketing leans digital. However, the most common trait of digital is that you can track it.”

What were the top online and digital marketing news stories for you this week?

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

Photo:�Search Engine Watch

5 Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now

Insurance giant AIG Inc. swung to a profit, but it wasn�� enough to win over investors.

The company�� shares were down Friday, breaking from the better fortunes of rivals whose shares have risen steadily this week.

Bloomberg Enlarge Image

American International Group (AIG) �said late Thursday that it swung to a profit in the fourth quarter, and it announced plans to raise its dividend and buy back more of its own shares. But analysts were concerned about weakness in the property and casualty line, where the bank needs to cut costs if it wants to get consistent underwriting profits, said Sandler O��eill analyst Paul Newsome. With no major catastrophes, like last year�� superstorm Sandy, analysts had expected more improvement in the unit�� ��evere losses,��said Evercore analyst Mark Finkelstein.

Top 5 Heal Care Stocks To Buy Right Now: Alliant Energy Corporation (LNT)

Alliant Energy Corporation operates in electric and gas utility businesses in the United States. The company, through its subsidiary, Interstate Power and Light Company, engages in the generation and distribution of electric energy; and the distribution and transportation of natural gas in Iowa and southern Minnesota. As of December 31, 2009, it supplied electric and gas service to approximately 525,334 and 233,841 retail customers. Alliant Energy Corporation also provides steam services, and various other energy-related products and services to customers in Iowa. The company, through its other subsidiary, Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL), involves in the generation and distribution of electric energy; and the distribution and transportation of natural gas primarily in south and central Wisconsin markets. As of December 31, 2009, WPL supplied electric and gas service to 453,573 and 177,968 retail customers. In addition, Alliant Energy Corporation has investments in environmental consulting, and engineering and renewable energy services businesses. It also engages in transportation business, which includes a short-line railway for the provision of freight services between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City in Iowa; barge terminal and hauling services on the Mississippi River; and other transfer and storage services. The company was founded in 1917 and is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Volkman]

    The lights of Alliant Energy (NYSE: LNT  ) are continuing to burn brightly, at least as far as the utility operator's shareholder payouts are concerned. The company has declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.47 per share, to be paid on Aug. 15 to holders of record as of July 31. That amount matches both of the firm's previous two disbursements, the most recent of which was paid in May. Before that, Alliant Energy handed out 2 cents less at $0.45 per share.

  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Alliant Energy (NYSE: LNT  ) is expected to report Q1 earnings on May 3. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

    The 10-second takeaway
    Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Alliant Energy's revenues will contract 0.0% and EPS will grow 24.0%.

5 Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Norwood Financial Corp.(NWFL)

Norwood Financial Corp. operates as the holding company for the Wayne Bank, which provides various commercial banking products and services to individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities in Pennsylvania. The company?s various deposit products include interest-bearing and noninterest bearing transaction accounts, statement savings and money market accounts, and certificate of deposits. Its loan products comprise mortgage loans to finance principal residences, as well as second home dwellings; commercial loans, including lines of credit, revolving credit, term loans, mortgages, secured lending, and letter of credit facilities; construction loans for commercial construction and single-family residences; and indirect dealer financing of new and used automobiles, boats, and recreational vehicles. The company also offers various other services, such as cash management, direct deposit, remote deposit capture, automated clearing house activity, credit ser vices, trust, investment products, real estate settlement services, and Internet banking. It operates five offices in Wayne County, three offices in Pike County, and three offices in Monroe County, and also serves Lackawanna and Susquehanna counties. The company operates eleven automated teller machines in its branch locations. Norwood Financial Corp. was founded in 1870 and is headquartered in Honesdale, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Marc Bastow]

    Bank holding company Norwood Financial (NWFL) raised its quarterly dividend 7.1% to 30 cents per share, payable on Feb. 3 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 15.
    NWFL Dividend Yield: 4.39%

5 Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Simplicity Bancorp Inc (SMPL)

Simplicity Bancorp Inc., formerly K-Fed Bancorp, is a federally-chartered stock holding company. K-Fed Bancorp is a wholly owned subsidiary of K-Fed Mutual Holding Company (the MHC), a federally-chartered mutual holding company. K-Fed Bancorp operates through its subsidiary, Kaiser Federal Bank (the Bank), a federally chartered stock savings bank, which provides retail and commercial banking services to individuals and business customers from its nine branch and financial service center locations throughout California. The Bank is a community-oriented financial institution offering a variety of financial services. The Bank�� principal business activity consists of attracting retail deposits from the general public and originating primarily loans secured by first mortgages on owner-occupied one-to-four family residences and multi-family residences located in its market area and, to a lesser extent, automobile and other consumer loans. Its revenues are derived principally from interest on loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. It also generates revenue from service charges and other income. The Bank offers a variety of deposit accounts having a range of interest rates and terms, which generally include savings accounts, money market accounts, demand deposit accounts and certificate of deposit accounts with varied terms ranging from 90 days to 5 years.

Lending Activities

The Bank originates consumer loans, primarily automobile loans. As of June 30, 2010, its net loan portfolio totaled $758 million, which constituted 87.4% of its total assets. As of June 30, 2010, the Bank�� first lien one-to-four family residential mortgage loans totaled $335.6 million, or 43.5%, of its gross loan portfolio. It originates one-to-four family mortgage loans on a fixed rate and adjustable rate basis. As of June 30, 2010, the Bank�� one-to-four family adjustable rate mortgage loan portfolio totaled $58.6 million, or 7.6% of its gross loan portfolio. As of June 30, 2010, the fixed r! ate one-to-four family mortgage loan portfolio totaled $276.9 million, or 35.9% of its gross loan portfolio. Included in non-accrual loans at June 30, 2010, were $2.9 million in adjustable rate one-to-four family mortgage loans and $21.9 million in fixed rate one-to-four family mortgage loans.

The Bank also offers multi-family residential real estate loans. These loans are secured by real estate located in its primary market areas, within the state of California. As of June 30, 2010, multi-family residential loans totaled $278.4 million, or 36.1%, of its gross loan portfolio, and consists of 415 loans outstanding with an average loan balance of approximately $670,000. It offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity lines of credit, new and used automobile loans, and loans secured by savings deposits. It also offers a limited amount of unsecured loans. At June 30, 2010, the Bank�� consumer loan portfolio, exclusive of automobile loans, totaled $13.8 million, or 1.8%, of its gross loan portfolio.

Investment Activities

The Bank is authorized to invest in various types of liquid assets, including the United States Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies, certain certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers��acceptances, repurchase agreements and federal funds. At June 30, 2010, the Bank�� investment portfolio totaled $6 million and consisted principally of investment grade collateralized mortgage obligations and mortgage-backed securities. It invests in mortgage-backed securities insured or guaranteed by Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). As of June 30, 2010, it also had an investment in an affordable housing fund totaling $1.2 million.

Sources of Funds

The Bank�� sources of funds are deposits, payment of principal and interest ! on loans,! interest earned on or maturity of investment securities, borrowings, and funds provided from operations. It offers a variety of deposit accounts to consumers with a range of interest rates and terms. Its deposits consist of time deposit accounts, savings, money market and demand deposit accounts. The Bank�� borrowings consist of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco. It may obtain advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco upon the security of its mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities. As of June 30, 2010, the Bank had $137 million in Federal Home Loan Bank advances outstanding. At June 30, 2010, it had available additional advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of San Francisco in the amount of $219.1 million.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Tim Melvin]

    HBCP stock is trading at 94% of book value and is very attractive at the current price.

    Simplicity Bancorp (SMPL)

    Simplicity Bancorp (SMPL) in Covina, Calif., started out decades ago as a credit union for employees of the Kaiser Foundation Hospital. It has since grown to a nine-branch bank with $834 million in assets. SMPL had its conversion IPO back in 2010, and is an extremely attractive takeover target right now. The bank’s equity-to-asset ratio is 16, and nonperforming assets are less than 2% of the total, so that’s a solid financial condition to be in.

5 Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Theravance Inc.(THRX)

Theravance, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule medicines for various therapeutic areas, including respiratory disease, bacterial infections, and central nervous system (CNS)/pain. The company?s key development programs with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) include the RELOVAIR, a Phase 3 clinical trial program for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or asthma; the LAMA/LABA program, a Phase 3 COPD program; and the Bifunctional Muscarinic Antagonist-beta2 Agonist (MABA) program, a Phase 2b program for the treatment of COPD, as well as Peripherally Selective Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonist (P Advisors' Opinion:

  • [By Sean Williams]

    Perhaps the most exciting new treatment to hit the market in years was recently approved by the FDA. Developed by GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK  ) and Theravance (NASDAQ: THRX  ) , Breo Ellipta is a dry powder drug delivered by inhaler and meant to provide long-term relief of air-flow obstruction and reduce COPD exacerbations. The two companies are collaborating on a handful of potentially revolutionary new COPD treatments that combine Theravance's long-acting beta-2 agonists with Glaxo's long-acting muscarinic antagonists. Its next treatment, Breo Anoro, is currently under review by the FDA.

  • [By Brian Orelli]

    Following in the footsteps of Abbott spinning out its drug division into AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV  ) , and Pfizer spinning out its animal health division into animal health products into Zoetis, Theravance (NASDAQ: THRX  ) is splitting up.

  • [By Sean Williams]

    The buzz in the health-care sector this week has nothing to do with earnings reports and everything to do with an expected PDUFA decision by the FDA on GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK  ) and Theravance's (NASDAQ: THRX  ) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, inhaled drug, Breo Ellipta.

Google Penalty Hits eBay’s Bottom Line, May Cost Up To $200 Million In Revenue

Earlier this year, eBay was hit with a search penalty by Google. The loss of traffic resulting from that has been�noticeable�enough that eBay acknowledged it in a financial call this week, suggesting it may have cost up to $200 million in revenue. eBay also said it plans to improve its efforts in paid search, something that was underway even before it hit a penalty — and a seeming rejection of an eBay research report that paid search doesn’t work well.

eBay’s Google Problem

On the�earnings call�yesterday, eBay’s chief financial officer Bob Swan said that Google wasn�t driving as much search engine optimization�traffic to eBay�s auction business, which adversely impacted growth (I’ve bolded the key part):

Now, let�s turn to the Marketplaces business. Marketplaces delivered $2.2 billion in revenue, which grew 6%, GMV grew 8%, and operating margin declined 340 basis points. It was a challenging quarter. As John indicated, we got off to a good start, but we had significant obstacles late May. The combination of the cyberattack and the Google SEO had an immediate and dramatic impact on GMV growth. June GMV growth was 7% driven by slower active buyer growth and lower conversion. In light of these events, we have made significant investments to get eBay users reengaged, including couponing, seller incentives and increased marketing spend . . .

To translate, as best I can, the “Marketplaces” business is a reference to eBay’s core auction and merchandise listings, what most people know eBay for (as opposed to its PayPal, StubHub or other businesses).

Swan is saying that the business grew but that it didn’t apparently grow as much as hoped, in particular for the “GMV” or “gross merchandise volume” metric that’s tracked. Why not? In part, because of something to do with Google SEO.

Swan never explained on the earnings call what exactly the Google SEO issue was. It was just suddenly tossed out as an issue without any background, perhaps because Swan assumed that the financial analysts on the call were familiar that eBay had suffered some problems with Google earlier this year.

In particular, it was initially believed that eBay was one of many companies impacted by a change to Google’s automated �Panda� algorithm, which seeks to filter out low-quality �thin� content from its top results. However, it later emerged that eBay was hit by a manual penalty, where a human being at Google decided some of what eBay was doing was outright spam.

Fixing SEO Problems “Will Take Longer & Cost More”

Later in the call, Swan said that it will take some time to solve the penalty issue, which will be an ongoing drag to its auctions business (again, with the key part bolded):

We have had a challenging start to the year. As we entered the second half, our PayPal business has good momentum, our eBay Enterprise business has stabilized, but our Marketplaces business has to dig out of a hole. While we are confident we will work through the global password reset and the SEO changes it will take longer and cost more.The $200 Million Penalty?

Later in the call. Swan mentioned that the SEO issues impacted the ability to attract new people to eBay (I’ve bolded the key part):

The consistency was quick, swift and immediate impact when we know � when we were not letting people in the door until they reset their password and/or we weren�t getting the new buyer traffic from SEO.

Swan also gave an indication of the upper limit of what the penalty may ultimately have cost eBay:

As a result we are lowering our high end full year revenue guidance by $200 million from $18.5 billion to $18.3 billion.

In short, eBay expects to earn $200 million less than it initially forecast. Not all of the drop is due to the problems with SEO traffic from Google, but that is the on-going problem that’s not easily fixed, eBay says. Consider the $200 million the upper-limit of what that problem have have cost eBay in potential earnings.

Growing With Better Paid Search & Social

Swan is still optimistic that growth will get back to double-digits, saying:

Yes, we got a couple of body blows in Q2 with they are having to reset the passwords and the SEO change, but we are continuing to invest in this business and we think it�s going to be us one of the winners in e-commerce and we will have strong double-digit growth. That�s our goal. We are focused on it. We still believe that�s achievable.

When asked about doing more marketing for eBay’s listing business, Swan indicated that eBay had decided even before the SEO fallout to do a better job with its SEM/paid search campaigns:

We came into this year saying that we are going to be investing more in the marketing as a percentage of total to drive more demand. That was kind of one of those generic learnings from last year to this year.

we came into this year saying that we are going to be investing more in the marketing as a percentage of total to drive more demand. That was kind of one of those generic learnings from last year to this year. So pre-password reset and SEO we were in fact stepping up our level of spend.

In terms of how we drive traffic more specifically, obviously we got a great brand, so the majority of our traffic continues to come direct because of the eBay brand. And then on keyword buy being less generic about where it makes sense and more specific and particular geographies is one of the test and learn things we do take of a generic spend to be more specific.

And then third is CRM, all of this data that we accumulate on this site we are going to be increasingly smarter and sharper about how do we use that data to reach back out directly with CRM and email campaigns to bring that traffic back to the site.

And then fourth one I would just say is we continue to in the test and learn bucket that John highlighted is social, how do we divert or reallocate some of our money to more social channels to drive engagement and curation.

I’ve bolded the key points. First, Swan makes clear that eBay’s plans to do better with paid search were in the works even before it was hit with a Google penalty. That’s important, because some have assumed that Google slammed eBay to block “free” SEO traffic as an attempt to make eBay spend more on paid search.

Second, a report last year from eBay,�seen as largely dismissing the usefulness of paid search, gained new attention last month, as our story covers:�eBay�s �Paid Search Is Ineffective� Study Gains Buzz And Skeptics, Again. As before, many felt the problem wasn’t with paid search but how eBay implements its paid search campaigns. It was also odd that a year after doing its research, eBay continued to buy ads.

As it turns out, eBay is apparently trying to do a better job with its campaigns, not going after so many generic searches, being specific and perhaps targeting better geographically.

Finally, it sounds like eBay plans to do more in terms of social, as a way of generating new traffic.

Paid Search Spend Rose 21 Percent YoY In Q2, With Mobile Up 98 Percent [Covario]

Global paid search investment continued its rise through the first half of 2014, according to Covario’s latest quarterly analysis of search spend.

Overall spend among the firm’s clients rose 21 percent in the second quarter year-over-year, and 2 percent over the first quarter of 2014. Mobile search spend nearly doubled, rising 98 percent year-over-year and 6 percent quarter-over-quarter even as cost-per-click prices fell.

Overall impressions dropped off 15 percent year-over-year, which Alex Funk, Covario�s director of global paid media strategy and author of the study, says is�largely due to a decline in desktop impressions and larger ad units. Those ad units, loaded up with extensions as well as Product Listing Ads (PLAs), however, drove overall click-through rates (CTRs) up 39 percent year-over-year and click volume up 18 percent compared to Q1.

Cost-per-click (CPC) prices rose 12 percent year-over-year and ticked up 2.4 percent over the previous quarter.

The impressions trend did reverse itself somewhat in Q2, and click volume and CTR fell on modest spend increases in the second quarter compared to Q1. Covario’s clients are concentrated in B2B, tech, retail and consumer electronics.

Mobile Traffic And Spend Climb Even As CPCs Dip

Mobile impressions, clicks and costs all had large double-digit growth increases in Q2 2014. Yet, mobile CPCs remained significantly discounted — off 43 percent compared to desktop clicks — and growth was flat compared to the previous year and actually fell 6 percent compared to Q1 2014. Tablets accounted for 62 percent of Q2 mobile spend, with smartphones rounding out the remaining 38 percent.

Regional Performance & Budget Recommendations

Americas: The Americas continued to lead in paid search spend, with investments highest in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile and Brazil. Spend rose 31 percent year-over-year in the region, but remained flat compared to Q1 2014.

Funk advises advertisers in the Americas to budget for a 15 to 20 percent boost in ad spend to account for increases in PLAs, mobile, and higher CTRs — with 80 percent allocated to Google and the rest primarily to Bing.

EMEA: An increase in click activity and higher CTRs contributed to modest growth coming back to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Spend rose 3 percent year-over-year and 5 percent over the first quarter. Funk recommends advertisers plan for spend increases of 10 to 15 percent in the regions, with 95 percent allocated to Google, except in Yandex-dominated Russia and Eastern Europe, where that engine should dominate budgets.

APAC: In the Asia/Pacific region (APAC), growth was a mere 1 percent year-over-year, but up 6 percent compared to the previous quarter. Funk says CPCs fell by 7 percent in the region, but click volume rose 9 percent and CTRs jumped 23 percent. Baidu accounted for 25 percent of the overall APAC PPC market share, Google received 69 percent and Naver — South Korea’s leading search engine — got 4 percent of overall ad spend. Funk also recommends a 10 to 15 percent budget increase for the second half of the year to advertisers in the APAC region.

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now

The surge in U.S. oil production since 2008 has created tremendous opportunities for the midstream companies involved in oil storage and transportation. Many continue to invest record amounts of cash into new projects to help alleviate regional supply bottlenecks and get the crude oil to those who demand it.

But despite midstream companies' best efforts, they've lost a great deal of market share to railroads, which have rapidly emerged as their biggest competitors over the past couple of years. Let's take a look at how railroads have turned the logistics of crude oil transport on its head and what the future may hold for crude-by-rail.

The staggering growth of crude by rail
Today, the rail industry is transporting more oil than it has since the days of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil. In the first quarter of 2013, railways shipped a record 97,135 carloads of crude oil, according to the Association of American Railroads. That represents a 166% increase over the first quarter of 2012 and a 922% gain over crude rail shipments during the entirety of 2008.

Top 5 Up And Coming Stocks To Invest In Right Now: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.(ACAD)

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on drug discovery and clinical development of novel treatments for central nervous system disorders. The company has a portfolio of four product candidates, including pimavanserin, which is in Phase III clinical development as a treatment for Parkinson's disease psychosis. It is also developing AGN-XX/YY, a product candidate in Phase II for chronic pain; and AC-262271, a product candidate in Phase I for glaucoma in collaboration with Allergan, as well as AM-831, a product candidate in IND-track development in collaboration with Meiji Seika Kaisha, Ltd. In addition, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. is developing two preclinical programs in the area of Parkinson?s disease. The product candidates in the company?s pipeline emanate from discoveries made using its proprietary drug discovery platform. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    Call them hunches (because that's all they are), but now would be a great time to get out of a NanoTech Entertainment, Inc. (OTCMKTS:NTEK) position and/or get into an ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD). NTEK looks like its reached its maximum potential - for the time being - while ACAD looks like it's ready to start rolling higher again.

  • [By David Williamson]

    After an incredible performance in late March, when shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD  ) jumped up 23%, they have once again exploded today, up 40% intraday. What's behind these massive leaps for this pharmaceutical company, and is there more on the way? In this video, Motley Fool health-care analyst David Williamson tells investors about the drug that has Acadia investors so excited, why it has so many competitive advantages, and what investors need to watch from here.

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now: Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corp (BAH)

Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation (Booz Allen Holding), incorporated in May 2008, is a provider of management and technology consulting services to the United States government in the defense, intelligence and civil markets. In addition, it provides management and technology consulting services to corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 (fiscal 2012), it derived 98% of its revenue from services provided to more than 1,200 client organizations across the United States government under more than 5,800 contracts and task orders. During fiscal 2012, it derived 90% of its revenue in fiscal 2012 from engagements, for which it acted as the prime contractor. On November 30, 2012, the Company purchased the Defense Systems Engineering and Support (DSES) division of ARINC Incorporated.

Defense Clients

During fiscal 2012, the Company�� defense business revenue represented 53% of its business. It works with its the United States Army clients to help sustain their land combat capabilities while responding to current demands and preparing for future needs. The services, which it provided include enhancing field intelligence systems, delivering rapid response solutions to counter improvised explosive devices, infusing lifecycle sustainment capabilities to improve distribution and delivery of material, and employing systems and consulting methods to help expand care and support for soldiers and their families. Its clients include Army Headquarters, Army Material Command (AMC), Forces Command (FORSCOM), Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Program Executive Offices, Direct Reporting Units and Army Service Component Commands.

The Company employs a multidimensional approach, which analyzes and balances people, processes, technology, and infrastructure to meet their missions of equipping global forces. Its clients include the Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, the Commandant ! of the Marine Corps to the Office of Naval Intelligence, and the United States Navy/Marine Corps operating commands and systems commands, as well as the Joint Program Executive Offices (PEO) and individual PEOs, such as Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Naval Seas Systems Command (NAVSEA), United States Marine Corps Systems Command, and Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR).

The Company provides integrated strategy and technical services to the United States Air Force. It brings capabilities to assignments, which includes weapons analysis, capability-based planning, and aircraft systems engineering. It also supports the space industry. Its clients include Air Combat Command, Air Force Space Command, Air Force Materiel Command, Air Mobility Command, Air Force Cyber Command, Air Force Pacific Command and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The Company provides mission-critical support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, the Combatant Commands (COCOMs), and other the United States government departments and agencies during the planning and mission execution phases. Its clients include organizations within the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Defense�� agencies, as well as the Pacific Command, Northern Command, Central Command, the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Southern Command, European Command, Strategic Command, Special Operations Command, and Transportation Command.

The Company provides solutions designed to protect infrastructure systems for the public and private sector to its United States government defense and intelligence agency clients to meet cyber warfare threats. Its cyber professionals handles the sensitive materials, assist clients in all phases of cyber-security operations and dynamic network defense. It develops cyber-security solutions utilizing a multi-dimensional approach, including people, operations, technology, policy, and management.

Intelligence Clients

The Company provides the primary group of government agencies and organizations, which carry out intelligence activities for the United States government (the United States Intelligence Community), with consulting and mission support services in analysis, systems engineering, program management, operations, organization, and change management, budget and resource management, studies, and war-gaming. During fiscal 2012, its intelligence business represented 23% of its business based on revenue. Its intelligence clients include United States Intelligence Agencies, Joint Staff and Unified Combatant Commands, and Military Intelligence.

The Company provides critical support in strategic planning, policy development, program development and execution, information sharing, architecture, and program management for research and development projects, as well as support to reform initiatives flowing from the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act. It delivers intelligence analysis, including providing all-source intelligence analysis and open-source intelligence analysis. It also provides data collection management and analytical systems intelligence training services, and provides intellectual capital for intelligence activities. It provides consulting services, integrated intelligence and information operations mission support, and a range of counterintelligence services to the United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Defense Intelligence Agency.

Civil Clients

During fiscal 2012, the Company�� civil business represented 24% of its business based on revenue. Its civil government clients include Financial Services, Health, Energy, Transportation and Environment, Justice and Homeland Security, and Business of Government. The Company provides support to the United States government finance and treasury organizations charged with the collection, management, and protection of the United States financial system, including ! the Depar! tment of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, and other agencies of the Department of the Treasury, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Federal Reserve Board and Banks, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. It creates approaches to challenging problems, including bank receivership, payment channel modernization, cyber initiatives, and fraud detection.

The Company supports United States government clients on projects, which helps to achieve public health missions, including entitlement reform, developing a national health information network, mitigating risk to populations, improving government infrastructure, and facilitating an international public-private sector dialogue on international health issues. Its clients include the Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies, including the United States Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Department of Defense Military Health System, and Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Company supports clients in the transportation, energy, and environment sectors which controls over its national infrastructure. Its services include strategy, operations, technology, and engineering. Its clients include the Departments of Energy, Transportation, and Interior and their component agencies, and the Environmental Protection Agency. It also supports the Department of Defense in environmental and infrastructure programs in the United States and Europe. The Company supports the United States government�� homeland security mission and operations in the areas of intelligence (analysis, information sharing, and risk assessment), operations (coordination, contingency planning, and decision support), strategy, technology and management (program management and information technology tools), emergency management and respo! nse plann! ing, and border, cargo, and transportation security. It supports law enforcement missions and operations in counterterrorism, intelligence and counterintelligence, and criminal areas (narcotics, white collar crime, organized crime, and violent crime).

The Company helps agencies manage the business processes, which support government in its provision of services to its citizens, spanning management, personnel, budget operations, information technology, and telecommunications. Its clients include the General Services Administration, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Personnel Management, the Congress and Courts. It also support public sector grant-making agencies, from health and education, to labor and homeland and economic security, serving clients, such as the Departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security, Commerce, Education, Labor, and Housing and Urban Development, as well as the National Science Foundation. In addition, it serves the United States government clients abroad in helping them resolve systemic global development needs. Its clients include the United States Agency for International Development, the Department of State, Millennium Challenge Corporation, and the World Bank.

Commercial and International Clients

The Company is serving industries, such as financial services, healthcare, and energy. Its service offerings to commercial clients include dynamic defense (cyber), next-generation virtual infrastructure, decision analytics, design for affordability, and smart compliance. Its commercial clients include major commercial banks and investment banks, healthcare providers, energy companies, and utilities. Its international activities are focused on the Middle East and North Africa region. Its service offerings to international clients focuses on on-line government services and cloud applications, enterprise resource planning, advanced persistent threat resolution, supervisory control and data acquisition, and geospatial systems. Its internati! onal clie! nts include government ministries and commercial companies in the Middle East and North Africa.

The Company competes with CACI International, Inc., L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., ManTech International Corp., SRA International, Inc., TASC Inc., General Dynamics Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., Northrop Grumman Corp., Raytheon Co., Accenture, Computer Sciences Corp., Deloitte Consulting LLP and SAIC, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    The winners of this mega contract included:

    Britain's BAE Systems (NASDAQOTH: BAESY  ) Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH  ) Engility Corp. (NYSE: EGL  ) and three privately held companies -- Coherent Technical Services, AM Pierce and Associates, and Sierra Nevada Corp.

    Each of the six will share in a cost-plus-fixed-fee multiple award contract to supply systems engineering support to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Department, Aircraft Control Systems Division. Contractors will work on such cutting-edge programs as Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS), Navy Unmanned Combat Aerial Systems (UCAS), Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS), Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS), War Fighter Networking, Unmanned Aircraft System/Ground Based Sense and Avoid, and Automated Aerial Refueling Support.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense awarded nine contracts worth a combined $239.5 million Monday. Among public companies, a few of the bigger winners included:

    General Electric (NYSE: GE  ) won a $45.2 million award exercising an option on a previously awarded contract. GE will supply the U.S. Navy with seven F414-GE-400 spare engines and multiple engine components for its F/A-18E/F fighter jets.�This contract should be complete by November 2015. Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH  ) is a winner in a $30.9 million award under an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple-award contract "for support of emerging navigation technologies for air and shipboard command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance system applications."�The DoD's contract announcement said a second, unnamed contractor has won a similar award, and both awardees will now have to compete for individual task orders the Navy may put up for bid over the next three years. Additionally, this contract may be extended by a two-year option period -- potentially raising the value of the contract to $52.7 million, and potentially extending the contract out to May 5, 2016. B/E Aerospace (NASDAQ: BEAV  ) was awarded an unrelated maximum $6.6 million contract. B/E will supply various engine parts, avionics, wheels, and brakes to the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force, as needed through May 5, 2017.

    link

  • [By Rich Smith]

    On Tuesday, the Department of Defense awarded contractor Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH  ) a contract worth an estimated $65.6 million to support the Defense Readiness Support System-Navy.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense awarded three of its favorite defense contractors a combined $220 million on Monday, hiring each of Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH  ) , SAIC (NYSE: SAI  ) , and Engility Holdings (NYSE: EGL  ) to "support shore networks with sustainment services for the Base Level Information Infrastructure."

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now: Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc (LECO)

Lincoln Electric Holdings, Inc., incorporated in 1906, is a manufacturer of welding, cutting and brazing products. Welding products include arc welding power sources, wire feeding systems, robotic welding packages, fume extraction equipment, consumable electrodes and fluxes. The Company's product offering also includes computer numeric controlled (CNC) plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems and regulators and torches used in oxy-fuel welding, cutting and brazing. The Company operates in five segments: North America Welding, Europe Welding, Asia Pacific Welding, South America Welding and The Harris Products Group. On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired Techalloy Company, Inc. and certain assets of its parent company, Central Wire Industries Ltd. On July 29, 2011, the Company acquired Applied Robotics, Inc. (doing business as Torchmate) (Torchmate). On January 31, 2011, the Company acquired SSCO Manufacturing, Inc. (doing business as Arc Products) (Arc Products). On March 11, 2011, the Company completed the acquisition of OOO Severstal-metiz: welding consumables (Severstal). In March 2012, the Company acquired Weartech International, Inc. In May 2012, the Company acquired Wayne Trail Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer of automated systems and tooling, serving a range of applications in the metal processing market. In November 2012, ITT Corp sold its shape cutting product lines, including the Burny and Kaliburn brands to the Company. In January 2013, the Company acquired Tennessee Rand, Inc.

The North America Welding segment includes welding operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Europe Welding segment includes welding operations in Europe, Russia and Africa. The other two welding segments include welding operations in Asia Pacific and South America, respectively. The Harris Products Group includes the Company's global cutting, soldering and brazing businesses as well as the retail business in the United States. The arc welding power sources and wire feeding systems man! ufactured by the Company range in technology from basic units used for light manufacturing and maintenance to robotic applications for high volume production welding and fabrication. Three primary types of arc welding electrodes are produced: coated manual or stick electrodes; solid electrodes produced in coil, reel or drum forms for continuous feeding in mechanized welding, and cored electrodes produced in coil form for continuous feeding in mechanized welding.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Lincoln Electric Holdings (Nasdaq: LECO  ) is expected to report Q2 earnings on July 29. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

    The 10-second takeaway
    Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Lincoln Electric Holdings's revenues will expand 1.8% and EPS will expand 9.9%.

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now: Forest Laboratories Inc (FRX)

Forest Laboratories, Inc. (Forest), incorporated on April 11, 1956, develops, manufactures and sells branded forms of ethical drug products, most of which requires a physician's prescription. The Company also focuses on the development and introduction of new products, including products developed in collaboration with licensing partners. Its products include those developed by the Company and those acquired from other pharmaceutical companies and integrated into its marketing and distribution systems. The Company�� principal products include Lexapro, its selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and adolescents and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults; Namenda, its N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) antagonist for the treatment of moderate and severe Alzheimer's disease; Bystolic, its beta-blocker for the treatment of hypertension; Savella, its selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) for the management of fibromyalgia and its newest marketed product Teflaro, a broad-spectrum hospital-based injectable cephalosporin antibiotic for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. On April 13, 2011, the Company acquired Clinical Data Inc. (Clinical Data), a specialty pharmaceutical company.

Aclidinium

In June 2011, the Company ahs submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for aclidinium (aclidinium bromide), a long-acting antimuscarinic agent developed as an inhaled therapy for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When given by inhalation, aclidinium leads to bronchodilation by inhibiting airway smooth muscle contraction. Aclidinium is rapidly hydrolyzed in human plasma to two major inactive metabolites. Aclidinium is administered to patients using a multi-dose dry powder inhaler (MDPI). This inhaler was designed with a feedback system which, through a ��olored control window��and an a! udible click, helps confirm that the patient has inhaled correctly. It contains multiple doses of aclidinium, includes a visible dose-level indicator, and also incorporates features such as an anti-double dosing mechanism and an end-of-dose lock-out system to prevent use of an empty inhaler.

Linaclotide

Linaclotide is being investigated for the treatment of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and chronic constipation (CC). Linaclotide is an agonist of the guanylate cyclase type-C receptor found in the intestine and acts by a mechanism. Linaclotide increases fluid secretions leading to increased bowel movement frequency and reduces abdominal pain. Linaclotide is administered orally but acts locally in the intestine with no measurable systemic exposure at therapeutic doses and is intended for once-daily administration.

Viibryd

As a result of its acquisition of Clinical Data, Inc. (Clinical Data) completed in April 2011, the Company obtained worldwide rights to develop and market Viibryd (vilazodone HCl) a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist developed by Clinical Data for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). Viibryd became available to patients during the June 2011 quarter and was formally launched in the U.S. in late August 2011.

Daliresp

In February 2011, the Company received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the marketing of Daliresp (roflumilast). Daliresp is once-daily, orally administered, selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme inhibitor, developed by its partner, Nycomed GmbH (Nycomed), as a treatment to reduce the risk of exacerbations in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations.

Namenda

Namenda (memantine HCl) is an N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist for the treatmen! t of mode! rate and severe Alzheimer�� disease. In June 2010, Namenda XR was approved by the FDA for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia of the Alzheimer�� type. Namenda XR is a 28 milligrams once-daily extended-release formulation of Namenda. The Company has obtained the exclusive rights to develop and market memantine in the United States by license agreement with Merz Pharma GmbH & Co. KgaA (Merz) of Germany, the originator of the product.

Bystolic

Bystolic is a beta-1 selective beta-blocker with vasodilating properties. Bystolic decreases heart rate and myocardial contractility and suppresses rennin activity. The Company licensed exclusive United States and Canadian rights to Bystolic from Mylan Inc. (Mylan).

Savella

Savella (milnacipran HCl) is the Company�� selective serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitor (SNRI) for the management of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and decreased physical function. The Company licensed the United States and Canadian rights to develop and commercialize Savella from Cypress Bioscience, Inc. (Cypress). Its license agreement includes two patents covering the use of Savella for the management of fibromyalgia.

Teflaro

In October 2010, the Company received marketing approval from the FDA for Teflaro (ceftaroline) for the treatment of adults with community-acquired bacterial pneumonia, including cases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia and with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, including cases caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Teflaro is a spectrum, hospital-based injectable cephalosporin antibiotic with activity against Gram-positive bacteria and common Gram-negative bacteria. Teflaro is a member of the cephalosporin class of antibiotics. The worldwide rights (excluding Japan) to Teflaro are in-licensed on an exclusive basis from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company (Takeda). Teflaro is als! o covered! by two United States patents that relate to the ceftaroline formulation that expire in 2021 and that may provide additional exclusivity.

Avibactam

Avibactam is designed to be co-administered with select antibiotics to enhance their spectrum of activity. The Company received the exclusive rights to administer avibactam with ceftaroline as a combination product in North America. Avibactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor designed to be co-administered with select antibiotics to enhance their spectrum of activity by overcoming beta-lactamase-related antibacterial resistance.

Lexapro

Lexapro�� is a SSRI for the treatment of MDD in adults and adolescents and GAD in adults. Lexapro�� (escitalopram oxalate) single isomer version of citalopram HBr, for the treatment of MDD in adults and adolescents and GAD in adults.

Cariprazine

Cariprazine is an oral D2/D3 partial agonist. Cariprazine is also undergoing Phase III trials for schizophrenia and acute mania associated with bipolar depression, bipolar depression and as an adjunct treatment for MDD.

Levomilnacipran

Levomilnacipran is a once-daily, selective norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitor, two neurotransmitters known to play an essential role in regulating mood, and is being developed for the treatment of MDD.

GRT 6005

In December 2010, the Company entered into a license agreement with Grunenthal GmbH for the co-development and commercialization of GRT 6005 and its follow-on compound GRT 6006, small molecule analgesic compounds being developed by Grunenthal for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. GRT 6005 and GRT 6006 are compounds with pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles that may enhance their effect in certain pain conditions. GRT 6005 has completed initial proof-of-concept studies in nociceptive and neuropathic pain with further Phase II studies planned prior to initiation of Phase III s! tudies.

TTP399

In June 2010, the Company entered into a license agreement with TransTech Pharma, Inc. (TransTech) for the development and commercialization of TTP399, a functionally liver selective glucokinase activator (GKA) discovered and developed by TransTech for the treatment of Type II diabetes. Early Phase I testing suggests that pharmacological enhancement of glucokinase activity may lower blood glucose in diabetic patients.

Azimilide

In April 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with Blue Ash Therapeutics, LLC (Blue Ash) pursuant to which it acquired the worldwide rights to azimilide, a class III antiarrhythmic agent developed by Proctor & Gamble Pharmaceuticals. Based on its mechanism of action and results of clinical trials, azimilide was determined to be suited for use in patients with a history of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and who have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator. In 2010, the FDA agreed to one additional Phase III study to support a regulatory submission for azimilide in the U.S.

RGH-618

RGH-618 involves a series of compounds that target metabotropic glutamate receptors and are agonists, which represent potential agents for the treatment of anxiety, depression and other central nervous system (CNS) conditions. In March 2012, the Company initiated a Phase I study in healthy volunteers of RGH-618.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    The S&P 500 is getting a boost today from Alcoa (AA), which has gained 4.1% to $8.95 after it announced a joint venture aimed at the aerospace industry, Forest Labs (FRX), which has climbed 3.8% to $56.01 after reporting better-than-forecast earnings and guidance and Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold (FCX), which reported better-than-expected earnings and said it would seek significant cost cuts.

  • [By Lauren Pollock var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach]

    Forest Laboratories Inc.(FRX) agreed to acquire Furiex Pharmaceuticals(FURX) in a deal worth up to $1.33 billion that expands Forest Labs’ presence in gastroenterology. Furiex surged 28% to $102.21 premarket.

  • [By Keith Speights]

    A bigger factor in the loss, though, was that sales and admin costs more than doubled during the first quarter. Ironwood and its partner Forest Labs (NYSE: FRX  ) launched chronic constipation drug Linzess in December. Sales for the drug since its introduction to the market total around $24 million. Forest Labs says it expects Linzess to rack up $170 million in sales by the end of Q1 2014.

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now: Rvue Holdings Inc (RVUE)

rVue Holdings, Inc., incorporated on November 12, 2008, is an advertising technology company and operate rVue, a demand-side platform (DSP) for planning, buying and managing digital place-based networks and digital billboards and signage (DOOH) advertising. It provides media services, including an online, Internet based DSP that connects advertisers and/or advertising agencies with third party DOOH media or networks, that allows the advertiser to create a targeted advertising campaign and media plan, and negotiate that media plan simultaneously with all the third-party networks selected. The Company provides network services and receive fees under contract or on a monthly basis, from Accenture.

The Company's rVue DSP is accessible via the Internet. Through rVue, once an advertising campaign has been agreed to between the advertiser and the DOOH network owner, the DOOH networks receive the display advertising to be shown on their installed base of digital media displays. rVue allows programming and advertising to be customized for display in specific venues, at specific times, and for demographic targeting. It provides the tools for advertisers and advertising agencies to customize campaigns for details as specific as location, customer preference, product availability, current events and other needs. It provides Proof-of-Play analytics and the network statistics necessary to monitor advertising on the networks and assist in evaluating the performance or refinements required for an advertising campaign, in some cases real time. As of December 31, 2012, 182 networks, which consists approximately 770,000 screens and delivering over 250 million daily impressions representing 50 market areas accessible through rVue.

In connection with the Transaction, the Company acquired from Argo all of its assets related to the rVue business, which included all of the common stock of rVue, Inc. as well as software, contracts and technology. Such software and technology included the rVue DSP t! echnology and software as well as legacy rVue client and server software, which allows an end user to manage and operate a DOOH network. The client software is used to manage each screen or site and the server software is used to manage the client software. The Company�� services provide a digital advertising solution that streamlines the process of planning, buying and optimizing display advertising on DOOH display networks. rVue is designed to simplify the process of buying and selling digital display ads while connecting all the market players networks, advertisers, agencies, partners and developers from a unified platform to do business more efficiently and effectively.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By CRWE]

    Today, RVUE has shed (-0.25%)�0.000 at $.199 with�5,000 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 9:39AM EDT July 17, 2013), but don�� let this get you down.

    rVue Holdings, Inc. previously reported its financial results for the full year ended December 31, 2012.

    Summary Results for the Full Year of 2012: Total revenue was $602,363 for fiscal 2012; down slightly from $643,483 in the prior year. Core Fees: This is the focus of our business and source of future growth. Core revenue for the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were, $197,444 and $203,276, respectively.
    Non-Core Fees: For the years ended December 31, 2012 and 2011 were $404,919 and $440,207, respectively. The decline was due to the end of a management relationship with Auto Nation. This trend will continue in 2013 as we focus more resources on core business efforts. In addition the Mattress Firm merged with Mattress Giant and we respectfully agree not to renew for 2013 (this represented approximately $230,000 in revenue).

  • [By CRWE]

    Today, RVUE remains (0.00%) +0.000 at $.14 thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 11:58AM EDT August 28, 2013).

    rVue Holdings, Inc. previously reported its financial results for the quarter ended March, 31 2013.

    Summary Results for First Quarter of 2013: Total revenue was $137.5K for the first fiscal quarter of 2013; up slightly from $131.5K the prior year.
    Core Revenue: This is the focus of our business and source of future growth. Core revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 was $79.3K up sharply (+63K) over Q1 2012 when it was $16.3K. Non-Core Revenue: For the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were $58.2K and $115.2K, respectively. As stated earlier, the decline was due to the end of a management relationship with Auto Nation. This downward trend in non-core revenue is expected to continue through 2013 as we focus more resources on core business efforts. In addition, the Mattress Firm merged with Mattress Giant and we respectfully agreed not to renew for 2013.

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now: CTC Media Inc.(CTCM)

CTC Media, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an independent media company. It operates the CTC, Domashny, and Peretz television networks in Russia. The company also operates Channel 31, a television network in Kazakhstan, as well as a television channel in Moldova offering entertainment programming. In addition, it is involved in in-house production operations that focus on series, sitcoms, and shows. CTC Media, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Moscow, the Russian Federation.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By James Brumley]

    If they want in, it might be a lead worth following.

    CTC Media (CTCM)

    CTCM Dividend Yield: 8.2%

    When tensions between Russia and Ukraine first began to develop in early March, most Russian stocks tanked. Russian broadcast television company CTC Media (CTCM) was no exception, with its stock losing 19% of its value in March alone, on top of the 24% dip that had whacked CTCM stock from the beginning of the year through the end of March.

Hot Logistics Companies To Buy Right Now: Protalix Biotherapeutics Inc (PLX)

Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its ProCellEx protein expression system, ProCellEx. Using its ProCellEx system, the Company is developing a pipeline of biosimilar or generic versions of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its plant cell-based expression technology, which focuses pharmaceutical markets and that rely upon known biological mechanisms of action. ProCellEx protein expression system consists of a set of technologies and capabilities for the development of recombinant proteins, including advanced genetic engineering technology and plant cell-based protein expression methods. Its ProCellEx protein expression system is built on flexible custom-designed bioreactors made of polyethylene and optimized for the development of complex proteins in plant cell cultures. In June 2010, it had completed the preliminary phase I clinical trial of PRX-105.

Taliglucerase Alfa

Taliglucerase alfa is a plant cell expressed recombinant glucocerebrosidase enzyme (GCD) for the treatment of Gaucher disease. The Company has commenced pre-clinical studies of an oral form of taliglucerase alfa. Its oral taliglucerase alfa is a plant cell expressed form of GCD that is naturally encapsulated within carrot cells genetically engineered to express the GCD enzyme. Pre-clinical studies of oral taliglucerase alfa demonstrate the stability of the enzyme in the cell and the capacity of the cell�� cellulose wall to protect the enzyme against degradation in the digestive tract in an in-vitro model of the stomach and intestines. Additionally, rats fed with lyophilized carrot cells expressing GCD have accumulated the active enzyme in the target organs; the spleen and liver. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had completed Phase III Clinical Trial.

PRX-102

The Company is developing PRX-102, its plant cell expressed modified version of the recombinant ! alpha-GAL-A protein, a therapeutic enzyme for the treatment of Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a rare, hereditary, genetic lysosomal storage disorder in humans caused by an X-lined deficiency of the alpha-GAL-A enzyme. The Company is in the animal evaluation testing phase of the development of PRX-102, which tests are based on a mouse model for Fabry disease.

Acetylcholinesterase

Protalix Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is licensed the rights to certain technology under a research and license agreement with Yissum Research and Development Company (Yissum) and the Boyce Thompson Institute, Inc. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company is developing PRX-105, a plant cell-based acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its molecular variants for the use in several therapeutic and prophylactic indications, as well as in a biodefense program and an organophosphate-based pesticide treatment program.

As of December 31, 2010, its in-vitro experiments of PRX-105 have shown that the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in its ProCellEx protein expression system demonstrates biological activity on biochemical and cellular levels. In addition, early animal studies demonstrated that the acetylcholinesterase expressed in its ProCellEx protein expression system was able to treat animals exposed to the nerve gas agent analogues, both when injected with its acetylcholinesterase product candidate immediately before exposure or when injected after exposure. In March 2010, it initiated a preliminary phase I clinical trial of PRX-105, which the Company completed in June 2010.

pr-antiTNF

pr-antiTNF is a candidate for the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing, spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. The Company has designed the antiTNF as pr-antiTNF. pr-antiTNF is a plant cell-expressed recombinant fusion protein made from the soluble form of the human TNF receptor (TNFR), f! used to t! he Fc component of a human antibody domain. pr-antiTNF has an identical amino acid sequence to Enbrel and its in-vitro and preclinical animal studies have demonstrated that pr-antiTNF exhibits similar activity to Enbrel. Specifically, pr-antiTNF binds TNF thereby inhibiting it from binding to cellular surface TNF receptors and protects L929 cells from TNF-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.

The Company competes with Genzyme, Actelion, Crucell N.V., Biolex, Inc., Chlorogen, Inc., Greenovation Biotech GmbH, Symbiosys, Novartis AG/Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, BioGeneriX AG, Stada Arzneimittel AG, BioPartners GmbH and Teva.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Maxx Chatsko]

    Industrial biotech isn't the only industry headed to Brazil. Protalix (NYSEMKT: PLX  ) entered into a technology transfer agreement with Brazil's Ministry of Health last week that will pay the company $280 million. The deal is big news for Protalix's first product, Elelyso/Uplyso, which was developed with partner Pfizer (NYSE: PFE  ) . The treatment is approved as an enzyme replacement therapy, or ERT, for adults with type 1 Gaucher disease, and it marks a huge step forward for the future of biomanufacturing. In the following video, Fool contributor Maxx Chatsko explains what this means for the product's commercialization and the adoption of Protalix's novel plant cell-based expression system for therapeutic proteins.

  • [By Keith Speights]

    Other investors might wish that Pfizer would use some of its cash to acquire a few smaller companies. Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSEMKT: PLX  ) has been mentioned as one possible candidate. The two companies already partner together on Gaucher disease drug Elelyso. In February, Protalix spurred rumors that Pfizer could be interested in buying the company after it announced that it had engaged Citigroup to pursue a "broad array of strategic alternatives."

Paid Search Spend Rose 21 Percent YoY In Q2, With Mobile Up 98 Percent [Covario]

Global paid search investment continued its rise through the first half of 2014, according to Covario’s latest quarterly analysis of search spend.

Overall spend among the firm’s clients rose 21 percent in the second quarter year-over-year, and 2 percent over the first quarter of 2014. Mobile search spend nearly doubled, rising 98 percent year-over-year and 6 percent quarter-over-quarter even as cost-per-click prices fell.

Overall impressions dropped off 15 percent year-over-year, which Alex Funk, Covario�s director of global paid media strategy and author of the study, says is�largely due to a decline in desktop impressions and larger ad units. Those ad units, loaded up with extensions as well as Product Listing Ads (PLAs), however, drove overall click-through rates (CTRs) up 39 percent year-over-year and click volume up 18 percent compared to Q1.

Cost-per-click (CPC) prices rose 12 percent year-over-year and ticked up 2.4 percent over the previous quarter.

The impressions trend did reverse itself somewhat in Q2, and click volume and CTR fell on modest spend increases in the second quarter compared to Q1. Covario’s clients are concentrated in B2B, tech, retail and consumer electronics.

Mobile Traffic And Spend Climb Even As CPCs Dip

Mobile impressions, clicks and costs all had large double-digit growth increases in Q2 2014. Yet, mobile CPCs remained significantly discounted — off 43 percent compared to desktop clicks — and growth was flat compared to the previous year and actually fell 6 percent compared to Q1 2014. Tablets accounted for 62 percent of Q2 mobile spend, with smartphones rounding out the remaining 38 percent.

Regional Performance & Budget Recommendations

Americas: The Americas continued to lead in paid search spend, with investments highest in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile and Brazil. Spend rose 31 percent year-over-year in the region, but remained flat compared to Q1 2014.

Funk advises advertisers in the Americas to budget for a 15 to 20 percent boost in ad spend to account for increases in PLAs, mobile, and higher CTRs — with 80 percent allocated to Google and the rest primarily to Bing.

EMEA: An increase in click activity and higher CTRs contributed to modest growth coming back to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Spend rose 3 percent year-over-year and 5 percent over the first quarter. Funk recommends advertisers plan for spend increases of 10 to 15 percent in the regions, with 95 percent allocated to Google, except in Yandex-dominated Russia and Eastern Europe, where that engine should dominate budgets.

APAC: In the Asia/Pacific region (APAC), growth was a mere 1 percent year-over-year, but up 6 percent compared to the previous quarter. Funk says CPCs fell by 7 percent in the region, but click volume rose 9 percent and CTRs jumped 23 percent. Baidu accounted for 25 percent of the overall APAC PPC market share, Google received 69 percent and Naver — South Korea’s leading search engine — got 4 percent of overall ad spend. Funk also recommends a 10 to 15 percent budget increase for the second half of the year to advertisers in the APAC region.

Google Launches Free AdWords Express App For iOS And Android Devices In The US

Today, Google launched a free app for Android and iOS devices for AdWords Express, the simplified version of Google’s search advertising platform designed for small business.

The app has all the features of the web version, allowing advertisers to edit ads and set targeting parameters more easily from their mobile devices.

Google is also making targeting more flexible. Advertisers can target ads by their own zip code, city, state as well as in other areas around the country, though the extended targeting is available only in English-speaking countries at this time.

The app is now available in the US on Google Play and iTunes. Now, if we could just get an app for AdWords itself.

Check out the introductory video for the app below.

Paid Search Spend Rose 21 Percent YoY In Q2, With Mobile Up 98 Percent [Covario]

Global paid search investment continued its rise through the first half of 2014, according to Covario’s latest quarterly analysis of search spend.

Overall spend among the firm’s clients rose 21 percent in the second quarter year-over-year, and 2 percent over the first quarter of 2014. Mobile search spend nearly doubled, rising 98 percent year-over-year and 6 percent quarter-over-quarter even as cost-per-click prices fell.

Overall impressions dropped off 15 percent year-over-year, which Alex Funk, Covario�s director of global paid media strategy and author of the study, says is�largely due to a decline in desktop impressions and larger ad units. Those ad units, loaded up with extensions as well as Product Listing Ads (PLAs), however, drove overall click-through rates (CTRs) up 39 percent year-over-year and click volume up 18 percent compared to Q1.

Cost-per-click (CPC) prices rose 12 percent year-over-year and ticked up 2.4 percent over the previous quarter.

The impressions trend did reverse itself somewhat in Q2, and click volume and CTR fell on modest spend increases in the second quarter compared to Q1. Covario’s clients are concentrated in B2B, tech, retail and consumer electronics.

Mobile Traffic And Spend Climb Even As CPCs Dip

Mobile impressions, clicks and costs all had large double-digit growth increases in Q2 2014. Yet, mobile CPCs remained significantly discounted — off 43 percent compared to desktop clicks — and growth was flat compared to the previous year and actually fell 6 percent compared to Q1 2014. Tablets accounted for 62 percent of Q2 mobile spend, with smartphones rounding out the remaining 38 percent.

Regional Performance & Budget Recommendations

Americas: The Americas continued to lead in paid search spend, with investments highest in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Chile and Brazil. Spend rose 31 percent year-over-year in the region, but remained flat compared to Q1 2014.

Funk advises advertisers in the Americas to budget for a 15 to 20 percent boost in ad spend to account for increases in PLAs, mobile, and higher CTRs — with 80 percent allocated to Google and the rest primarily to Bing.

EMEA: An increase in click activity and higher CTRs contributed to modest growth coming back to Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Spend rose 3 percent year-over-year and 5 percent over the first quarter. Funk recommends advertisers plan for spend increases of 10 to 15 percent in the regions, with 95 percent allocated to Google, except in Yandex-dominated Russia and Eastern Europe, where that engine should dominate budgets.

APAC: In the Asia/Pacific region (APAC), growth was a mere 1 percent year-over-year, but up 6 percent compared to the previous quarter. Funk says CPCs fell by 7 percent in the region, but click volume rose 9 percent and CTRs jumped 23 percent. Baidu accounted for 25 percent of the overall APAC PPC market share, Google received 69 percent and Naver — South Korea’s leading search engine — got 4 percent of overall ad spend. Funk also recommends a 10 to 15 percent budget increase for the second half of the year to advertisers in the APAC region.

Bing & Cortana To Get Academic Search Integration At A Whole New Level

Microsoft shared details about their future plans for deeply integrating academic data/search into the Bing search engine.

Starting this Fall, Microsoft said they “will be able to point the way to a wealth of information from the academic community.” Microsoft explained that currently Cortana, Microsoft’s version of Google Now and Apple Siri, is powered by Bing. But in the Fall Bing “will have academic data tightly integrated and prominently featured on its search pages.”

Adding a blow to Google, Microsoft added that “instead of treating scholarly information as a separate search engine – as competitors,” clearly implying Google here. Microsoft Bing will make the academic data as “a first-class citizen in Bing search results.”

Harry Shum, Microsoft executive vice president of Technology and Research, announced this yesterday at the Faculty Summit event in his keynote.

Harry discussed how the Cortana Notebook, which empowers users to specify how much information they want Cortana to track for them, will gain an �academic� theme. When activated, it will use Bing to discover and alert users about academic events such as conference agendas and paper due dates, tailored to a user�s interests.�

�By growing Microsoft Academic Search from a research effort to production,� Wang says, �our goal is to make Bing-powered Cortana the best personal research assistant for our users while augmenting the previous site as Microsoft Research�s social and outreach portal for the research community.�