Wall Street watchers may have been getting dizzy today as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI ) moved more than 100 points for the third day in a row. Today, however, two strong economic reports sent the blue chips higher, as the index gained 180 points, or 1.2%. Initial unemployment claims beat expectations with last week's new jobless tally hitting just 334,000, compared to the 350,000 analysts had expected, and 346,000 the week before. The figure helps increase confidence that the job market is improving after last week's new jobs numbers for May also beat expectations.
May retail sales also came in ahead of expectations, jumping 0.6% versus the consensus estimate at 0.3%. �The total was the fastest growth rate in three months, and a 4.3% increase over a year ago, indicating that consumer spending continues to improve despite government spending cuts and a higher payroll tax. �
Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT ) took the cake today among Dow stocks, gaining 2.3%, as the construction-equipment maker bumped up its quarterly dividend 15%, to $0.60, or a 2.9% yield. It was the company's third consecutive annual dividend increase and, on a bullish day, that was enough to push the macro-economically sensitive stock up over 2%. Caterpillar has been one of the worst-performing on the Dow this year as it has actually fallen 5% in 2013. Given its sluggish performance recently, the stock may be due for a gain.
Top Performing Stocks To Buy For 2014: 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 Sean Williams]
So what: Take that phrase "better than expected" with a grain of salt, because when you're a growing biotechnology company with a newly approved drug, Wall Street tends to cut you some slack. For the quarter, Ironwood recorded a 34% decline in revenue to $9.7 million as its loss widened to $0.57 per share. Comparatively speaking, though, this was far better than the $0.70 loss per share on $6.2 million in revenue that the Street had expected. Furthermore, Ironwood backed its full-year sales and marketing expense guidance for its lead drug, Linzess, that it co-markets with Forest Laboratories (NYSE: FRX ) . According to Forest Labs, sales of the drug, which is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults, totaled $28.8 million for the second quarter.
Top Performing Stocks To Buy For 2014: Hudbay Minerals In Com Npv (HBM.TO)
HudBay Minerals Inc., an integrated mining company, engages in the exploration and development of copper, zinc, and precious metals mines in North and South America. It primarily produces copper concentrates containing copper, gold, and silver; and zinc metal. The company principally owns underground 777 mine that covers an area of 4,400 hectares and is located in Flin Flon, Manitoba. It also owns ore concentrators and a zinc production facility in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The company was founded in 1992 and is based in Toronto, Canada.
Top Safest Companies To Buy For 2014: Hotel Grand Central Ltd (H18.SI)
Hotel Grand Central Limited owns, operates, and manages hotels in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and China. It is also involved in the provision of marketing, support, and management services; and property investment activities. The company is based in Singapore.
Top Performing Stocks To Buy For 2014: Westar Energy Inc.(WR)
Westar Energy, Inc., an electric utility company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It produces electricity through various sources, including coal, wind, nuclear, natural gas, oil, and diesel. As of October 26, 2011, it served approximately 687,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Kansas; and had approximately 7,100 megawatts of generating capacity, as well as operated and coordinated approximately 34,000 miles of electric distribution and transmission lines. Westar Energy, Inc. also engages in energy marketing, and in the purchase and sale of electricity. It serves public streets, highways, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and other electric utilities in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, and Hutchinson. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Brian Pacampara]
Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, electric utility Westar Energy (NYSE: WR ) has earned a respected four-star ranking.
Top Performing Stocks To Buy For 2014: Visa Inc.(V)
Visa Inc., a payments technology company, engages in the operation of retail electronic payments network worldwide. It facilitates commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company owns and operates VisaNet, a global processing platform that provides transaction processing services. It also offers a range of payments platforms, which enable credit, charge, deferred debit, debit, and prepaid payments, as well as cash access for consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company provides its payment platforms under the Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS, and Interlink brand names. In addition, it offers value-added services, including risk management, issuer processing, loyalty, dispute management, value-added information, and CyberSource-branded services. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Chris Hill]
Visa (NYSE: V ) and Under Armour (NYSE: UA ) hit new all-time highs. General Motors (NYSE: GM ) appears to be turning the corner in Europe. And second-quarter profits for Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX ) fell a whopping 43%. In this installment of Investor Beat, Motley Fool analysts David Hanson and Jason Moser discuss four stocks making moves on Thursday.
- [By Chris Hill]
Shares of Visa (NYSE: V ) rose to an all-time high this week after the company reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter earnings. Earlier in the week, Mastercard (NYSE: MA ) reported a 12% increase in first-quarter profits, but shares fell on lower-than-expected revenues. In this installment of Motley Fool Money, our analysts discuss Visa, MasterCard, and the future of electronic payments.
- [By Associated Press]
NEW YORK (AP) -- The National Retail Federation on Tuesday urged a federal judge to reject a proposed $7.2 billion settlement with Visa (NYSE: V ) and MasterCard (NYSE: MA ) over alleged fee-fixing.
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