Weekly Market Overview
The markets began the week on a negative note despite a drop in crude-oil prices and spending most of the day in positive territory. Blue chips have been leading the markets, however, as investors continue to flee riskier stocks and the financial sector. This drop follows prior losses that have added up to nearly 680 points being lost amid concerns about the credit markets, mortgage markets, and general economic health. It is uncertain how long this trend will persist, but many believe losses could reach $500 billion before any good news comes.
Top 10 Stocks to Watch this Week
Fundamental Analysis
- Tyco Electronics (TEL)
- After recently spinning off from Tyco this stock is down almost 10%,
but is starting to catch the attention of value investors. The company
is trading well below its peers with strong cash flows. It is also a
victim of the spin-off effect, which has made it an even greater value
to opportunistic investors. We believe that this company will
outperform in the long-term. (Read More)
- Capital Southwest (CSWC)
- Activist investor Ned Sherwood came out with an analysis on this
company showing a $200/share valuation. The only thing holding shares
back are practices by the company that can easily be changed if they so
desire. Unfortunately, the company seems resistant to change now, but
this is definitely a stock to watch incase they change their mind. (Read More)
- United Online (UNTD)
- Classmates.com is one of the fastest growing social networking
websites on the Internet and this company plans to spin it off real
soon. Investors should keep an eye on this development as spin-offs not
only represent great investment opportunities, but the social
networking space is red hot with names like Facebook and Myspace in the
news constantly. (Read More)
- Brinks Company (BCO)
- Activist hedge funds Pirate Capital and MMI Investments are still
fighting the company to unlock value through a divesture of several key
businesses. Given the difficult credit market, some are now questioning
whether or not this is possible. However, if credit markets improve and
they hedge funds are successful during the next annual meeting, this
stock could soar. (Read More)
- Ceridian Corp. (CEN)
- This activist target has agreed to bend to the pressure of the hedge
funds and is definitely a company to watch ahead of its annual meeting
where it will fight to retain its incumbant board members. If Pershing
Square is successful in installing its own board members, we could see
significant share appreciation. (Read More)
Technical Analysis
- Ensco International Incorporated (ESV) - Intermediate term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
- Sapient Corporation (SAPE) - Intermediate term bullish symmetrical continuation triangle.
- Trans World Entertainment Corporation (TWMC) - Intermediate term bullish megaphone bottom.
- Children's Place Retail Stores Inc. (PLCE) - Intermedaite term head and shoulders bottom.
- Landstar System Incorporated (LSTR) - Intermediate term bullish diamond bottom.
Stock of the Week : Activist Bets on Omnicare Recovery (OCR)
Omnicare, Inc.
(NYSE:OCR) investors are growing increasingly restless with shares
trading near their 52-week low but some investors are upping their
stake. ValueAct Capital increased their stake in the company despite an
investigation by the Department of Justice. It will be interesting to
see if this aggressive investment pays off, but there are many
investors watching. (Read More)
Article of the Week : How to Analyze the Retail Industry
Consumer spending is perhaps the most vital aspect of our economy and
no industry feels its effects more than the retail industry. The
industry is one of the largest in the United States and its growth is
largely dependent on the economy as a whole. This article will take a
look at how to analyze retailers... (Read More)
Final Words
The
market remains optimistic despite questionable yields and other
economic data. While this is good news for investors in the short term,
be sure to use caution and only invest prudently.