Three out of four employees of big corporations say some of their companies' recent decisions, such as increasing health care premiums and giving smaller raises, are hurting employees' finances, a new survey shows.
"The last two years have been a period of rapid change among large employers which has required them to take measures to cut costs," says Shane Bartling, a senior consultant at Towers Watson, a human resources consulting firm, which sponsored the survey of 4,248 full-time employees at companies with 1,000 or more workers.
When employees were asked about changes their companies have made in the last two years:
��47% said their employer had layoffs.
Best Income Companies To Buy Right Now: Ausdrill Ltd (ASL)
Ausdrill Limited is a mining and energy services company providing exploration, mine development, surfacing and underground mining, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure services globally. The Company operates in five segments: Mining Services Australia, which includes the provision of mining services, including drilling and blasting, in-pit grade control, exploration drilling, earthmoving, waterwell drilling, energy drilling, equipment hire, equipment parts and sales and mineral analysis in Australia; Contract Mining Services Africa, which includes the provision of mining services, including drilling and blasting, in pit grade control, exploration drilling and earthmoving in Africa; Manufacturing, which includes manufacture of drilling rods and consumables, drill rigs and dump truck tray bodies; Supply and Logistics, which includes the provision of mining supplies and logistics services and Other, which includes its central functions like treasury, financing and administration. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Adam Haigh]
Toyota Motor Corp. (7203), the world�� biggest carmaker, lost 1.3 percent in Tokyo after its net-income forecast fell short of analyst estimates. Ausdrill Ltd. (ASL) slumped 29 percent in Sydney after the drilling contractor said its expects a lower profit. GungHo Online Entertainment Inc. gained 2.5 percent as Japan Exchange Group Inc. and Nikkei Inc. said the Internet-game maker will be included in their new index.
Best Electric Utility Companies To Invest In 2014: Mexico Fund Inc (MXF)
The Mexico Fund, Inc. (the Fund), incorporated on January 13, 1981, is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities, primarily equity, listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in equity securities listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in issuers that are listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange, but which are organized outside of Mexico, provided each such issuer has a subsidiary organized in Mexico. The Fund's investment advisor is Impulsora del Fondo Mexico, S.C. BBVA Bancomer, S.A. is the Fund�� custodian.
The Fund invests in various sectors, such as beverages, telecommunications, retail, chemical products, housing companies, financial groups, media, mining and building materials. The The Fund's investment advisor is Impulsora del Fondo Mexico, S.C. BBVA Bancomer, S.A. is the Fund�� custodian.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Daniel Cross]
A broad-based investment into the Mexican economy either through the iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index (NYSE: EWW) or the Mexico Fund (NYSE: MXF) -- a favorite of StreetAuthority analyst Amy Calistri -- are good ways to establish a position. These funds not only have exposure to the manufacturing sector, but also to energy, health care and media -- sectors that are benefiting from political reforms and a growing Mexican middle class. The Mexico Fund has a powerful incentive for investors as well in the form of a hefty 10% dividend.
Best Electric Utility Companies To Invest In 2014: Canterbury Park Holding Corporation(CPHC)
Canterbury Park Holding Corporation conducts pari-mutuel wagering operations and hosts unbanked card games at its Canterbury Park racetrack and card room facility in Shakopee, Minnesota. The company operates in three segments: Horse Racing, Card Room, and Concessions. The Horse Racing segment operates year-round pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast horse races, and live thoroughbred and quarter horse races held on a seasonal basis. The Card Room segment offers unbanked card games, which include poker and casino games. The Concessions segment provides food and beverage services for simulcast and live racing, and the card room, as well as for the special events. The company also offers facilities for special events, such as snowmobile races, arts and crafts shows, trade shows, concerts, fundraisers, automobile shows and competitions, vehicle and boat storage, and private parties. In addition, it provides advertising signage space; leases excess parking lot space for various aut omotive activities and vehicle storage; and sells various daily pari-mutuel publications. Canterbury Park Holding Corporation was founded in 1994 and is based in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Monica Wolfe]
Lastly, Gabelli increased his position in Canterbury Park Holding (CPHC). Gabelli upped his stake 3.18% by purchasing a total of 13,824 shares. He bought these shares at an average price of $11.11 per share, and since then the price per share is up about 3%. Gabelli now holds 447,944 shares, representing 10.74% of the company�� shares outstanding.
Best Electric Utility Companies To Invest In 2014: Obagi Medical Products Inc.(OMPI)
Obagi Medical Products, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, markets, and sells topical aesthetic and therapeutic prescription skin care systems. It offers Obagi Nu-Derm System, including prescription and OTC drugs that are used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, photo damage, hyperpigmentation, melasma, laxity, and skin sallowness; Obagi Condition and Enhance Systems that are used before and after surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures; Obagi-C Rx System comprises Vitamin C with 4% hydroquinone system to treat skin conditions resulting from sun damage and the oxidative damage of free radicals; and Professional-C products consisting of Vitamin C serums for the treatment of antioxidant protection, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The company also provides ELASTIderm Eye and D�olletage, which increases the elasticity and skin tone of eyes, face, neckline, and chest; ELASTILash Eyelash Solution that enhances the appearance of thickness and fullness of eyelashes; CLENZIderm M.D. Systems and Tretinoin for treating acne; and Obagi Rosaclear System used for the treatment of rosacea. In addition, it offers Refissa and Blue Peel RADIANCE used for the treatment of fine facial lines, hyperpigmentation, and tactile roughness; Metronidazole used for the treatment of rosacea; Obagi Blue Peel Essential Kit used for the treatment of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Further, the company licenses non-prescription product concepts under the Obagi trademark to a Japanese-based pharmaceutical company for sale through consumer distribution channels in Japan. Obagi Medical Products, Inc. sells its products through sales force and distribution partners in the United States, North and Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other physicians that are focused on aesthetic and therapeutic skin care. The company was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Lon g Beach, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Keith Speights]
"Bidness" is good
Last week, Obagi Medical Products (NASDAQ: OMPI ) made our list of humongous performers after Valeant Pharmaceuticals� (NYSE: VRX ) announced a $344 million bid for the company. This week saw a bidding frenzy, with Obagi shares jumping another 29%.
Best Electric Utility Companies To Invest In 2014: Wet Seal Inc (WTSL)
The Wet Seal, Inc., incorporated in 1990, is a specialty retailer operating stores selling apparel and accessory items designed for female customers aged 15 to 39 years old. As of January 28, 2012, the Company operated 558 retail stores in 47 states and Puerto Rico. Its products can also be purchased online through its Websites. It operates two nationwide, primarily mall-based, chains of retail stores under the names Wet Seal and Arden B. Wet Seal is a junior apparel brand for teenage girls who seek trend-focused clothing, with a target customer age range of 15 to 23 years old. Arden B is a fashion brand for the feminine contemporary woman. Arden B targets customers aged 25 to 39 years old and seeks to deliver collections of fashion and basic separates and accessories for various aspects of the customers��lifestyles. During fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 (fiscal 2011), the Company opened 28 and closed six Wet Seal stores and opened four and closed one Arden B stores.
The Company maintains a Web-based store located at www.wetseal.com, offering Wet Seal merchandise comparable to that carried in its stores, to customers over the Internet. The Company also maintains a Web-based store located at www.ardenb.com, offering Arden B merchandise comparable to that carried in its stores, to customers over the Internet. Its online stores are designed to serve as an extension of the in-store experience and offer a range of merchandise. Wet Seal stores average approximately 4,000 square feet in size. As of January 28, 2012, the Company operated 472 Wet Seal stores and Arden B stores average approximately 3,100 square feet in size.
The Company competes with Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, American Eagle, Anthropologie, Banana Republic, BCBG, bebe, Body Central, Charlotte Russe, Express, Forever 21, Gap, Guess?, H&M, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Pacific Sunwear, Rue 21, Target, Urban Outfitters and Zara. As of April 28, 2012, the Company operated a total of 553 stores in 47 states and Puerto! Rico, including 469 Wet Seal stores and 84 Arden B stores.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]
Business Wire/Getty Images From an iconic auto parts retailer hoping to shift into reverse after a streak of negative quarters to the world's most valuable consumer tech giant showing off its new gadgetry, here are some of the things that will help shape the week that lies ahead on Wall Street. Monday -- Pep Rally The new trading week kicks off with Pep Boys (PBY) reporting quarterly results. The auto-parts retailer and provider of car maintenance and repair services has 800 locations across the country. This has historically been an all-weather niche for investors. When the economy's smoking, drivers spruce up their rides. When the economy's in the tank, drivers hold on to their cars longer, requiring more money invested in maintaining and repairing their vehicles. This doesn't mean that investors should be expecting a strong report. Analysts see flattish earnings and sales growth. Making matters worse, Pep Boys has fallen short of Wall Street's profit targets in each of the four previous quarters. The trend suggests that Pep Boys may earn less than the 17 cents a share that the pros are forecasting. Tuesday -- The Big Apple We will finally get our first look at the iPhone 6 on Tuesday. Apple (AAPL) has scheduled a media event for Tuesday, and this is the time of year when the world's most valuable consumer tech company refreshes its smartphone line. Everything is pointing to a larger device. Sources have been telling tech blogs that we're also looking at a scratch-resistant screen and a chip-based transaction platform. We may get more than just a shiny new smartphone out of Apple. Some have suggested that Apple will finally make its big splash into wearable computing. Apple could also update some of its other product lines or shock the world in a good way by entering into a brand-new product category. Wednesday -- Retailers on Parade A handful of retail chains will be updating the market with fresh quarterly reports. Wet Seal (WTSL), Five Below (F
Best Electric Utility Companies To Invest In 2014: Parker Drilling Company(PKD)
Parker Drilling Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides contract drilling and drilling-related services in the United States, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East (AME), the Asia Pacific, and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). As of December 31, 2010, its fleet consisted of 11 rigs in the CIS/AME region; 10 rigs in the Americas region, including 7 land rigs and 1 barge rig in Mexico, and 2 land rigs in Colombia; 5 land rigs in the Asia Pacific region, including 2 rigs in Indonesia, 1 rig in Papua New Guinea, and 2 rigs in New Zealand; 13 barge drilling rigs in the inland shallow waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; and 1 unassigned land rig held in New Iberia, Louisiana. The company also offers premium rental tools, including drill pipe, drill collars, tubing, high- and low-pressure blowout preventers, choke manifolds, junk and cement mills, and casing scrapers for land and offshore oil and gas drilling and workover activities. In addition, it provides non-capital intensive services, such as front end engineering and design; engineering, procurement, construction, and installation; operations and maintenance; and other project management services, which include labor, maintenance, and logistics for operators who own their own drilling rigs. The company serves independent and national oil and gas companies, and integrated service providers. Parker Drilling Company was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Garrett Cook]
In trading on Wednesday, energy shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.59 percent. Top gainers in the sector included Parker Drilling Co (NYSE: PKD), Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR), and Resolute Energy (NYSE: REN).
- [By Rich Smith]
Houston-based Parker Drilling Co. (NYSE: PKD ) has a new CFO.
On Thursday, Parker announced that it has hired away offshore driller Ensco plc's vice president and treasurer, Christopher T. Weber, to become its own senior VP and Chief Financial Officer. Weber will take office on May 20.
Best Electric Utility Companies To Invest In 2014: First Trust Exchange Traded Fund (FVL)
First Trust Value Line 100 Fund (the Fund) is a diversified closed-end management investment company. The Fund seeks to outperform the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price Index (the S&P 500 Index) by adhering to a strategy of investing in a diversified portfolio of the 100 common stocks ranked number 1 in Value Line's Timeliness Ranking System. The Fund invests 80% of its net assets in the stocks that are ranked number one in the Value Line Timeliness Ranking System. As of March 31, 2006, the Fund had invested in sectors, such as household durables, metals and mining, specialty retail, oil and gas, software, machinery, hotels, restaurants and leisure, computers and peripherals, biotechnology, information technology services, and textiles, apparel and luxury goods.
As of March 31, 2006, the Fund's top 10 holdings were Palm, Inc., United INDL Corp., AAR Corp., Accenture LTD, Citrix Systems, Inc., Cymer Inc., Guess, Inc., Henry Jack & Assoc., Inc., Micrel Inc. and Molecular Devices Corp. The Fund had a large capitalization orientation to its portfolio holdings as of December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2005, the 100 stocks in the portfolio consisted of large-cap stocks (34), mid-cap stocks (35) and small-cap stocks (31). During the year ended December 31, 2005, the Fund posted a net asset value (NAV) total return of 11.9% and a market value total return of 7.5%. This compared to a gain of 4.8% for the S&P 500 Index. The Fund's investment advisor is First Trust Advisors, L.P.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By David Trainer]
First Trust Value Line 100 ETF (FVL) is my worst-rated All Cap Blend ETF and Clarity Fund (CLRTX) is my worst-rated All Cap Blend mutual fund. FVL earns my Dangerous rating, while CLRTX gets my Very Dangerous rating.
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