Can Oracle Beat These Numbers?

Oracle (Nasdaq: ORCL  ) is expected to report Q4 earnings on June 20. 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 Oracle's revenues will expand 1.1% and EPS will expand 7.3%.

The average estimate for revenue is $11.12 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.88.

Revenue details
Last quarter, Oracle booked revenue of $8.97 billion. GAAP reported sales were 0.9% lower than the prior-year quarter's $9.04 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.65. GAAP EPS of $0.52 for Q3 were 6.1% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.49 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 80.8%, 190 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 38.0%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 28.0%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $37.43 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.69.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 3,482 members out of 3,697 rating the stock outperform, and 215 members rating it underperform. Among 807 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 770 give Oracle a green thumbs-up, and 37 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Oracle is outperform, with an average price target of $37.55.

Software and computerized services are being consumed in radically different ways, on new and increasingly mobile devices. Many old leaders will be left behind. Whether or not Oracle makes the coming cut, you should check out the company that Motley Fool analysts expect to lead the pack in "The Next Trillion-dollar Revolution." Click here for instant access to this free report.

Add Oracle to My Watchlist.

Best Prefered Companies To Invest In 2014

Google� (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) wants to help websites capture more mobile eyes, and for longer.

Updating its Google+ mobile features, the search giant aims to improve content suggestions for any business with a mobile website. By adding one line of Java script to the backend code, the website can configure content recommendations.�In all cases, the recommended content is based on a specific page the visitor is viewing, improving the recommendations' relevancy. If mobile users are signed into Google+, users will also see when content received a "+1" or was shared by people in their circles.

The feature is already live on Forbes.com. When users visit the website now, they'll see that they can discover other articles based on Search Authorship signals and Google+ activity. So as to not interrupt the browsing experience, the discovery features appear only when people tap for more.

Best Prefered Companies To Invest In 2014: Cirrus Logic Inc.(CRUS)

Cirrus Logic, Inc., a fabless semiconductor company, develops high-precision analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) for audio and energy markets worldwide. The company offers analog and mixed-signal audio converter and audio digital signal processor (DSP) products, which include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs); digital-to-analog converters (DACs); chips for integrating ADCs and DACs into an IC; digital interface ICs; volume controls; and digital amplifiers, as well as audio DSPs for consumer electronics applications. Its audio products are used in various consumer applications, including portable media players, smartphones, tablets, AVRs, DVD and Blu-ray disc players, home theater systems, set-top boxes, MP3 players, gaming devices, sound cards, and digital televisions; professional applications comprising digital mixing consoles, multitrack digital recorders, and effects processors; automotive applications consisting of amplifiers, satellite radio systems, telematics, and multi-speaker car-audio systems; and networked digital audio applications. The company also provides high-precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for energy control, energy measurement, and energy exploration applications; and ICs, board-level modules, and hybrids under the Apex Precision Power brand name for high-power pulse width modulation (PWM) and power amplifier applications; and proprietary products, which include ADCs, DACs, linear amplifiers, PWM amplifiers, and amplifier ICs; and system reference designs. Its energy products are used in digital utility meters, power supplies, lighting ballasts, motor control, energy exploration, and high-power systems. The company sells its products primarily to through direct sales force, external sales representatives, and distributors. Cirrus Logic, Inc. was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Best Prefered Companies To Invest In 2014: USA Truck Inc. (USAK)

USA Truck, Inc. operates as a truckload carrier that provides general commodities transportation services in the continental United States, Mexico, and Canada. The company transports full dry van trailer loads of freight from origin to destination. It offers truckload freight services as a short-to medium-haul common carrier, as well as freight brokerage services, rail intermodal services, and third party logistics. The company also provides transportation scheduling, routing, and mode selection services. USA Truck, Inc. offers its services to various industries, such as industrial machinery and equipment, rubber and plastics, retail stores, paper products, durable consumer goods, metals, electronics, and chemicals. As of December 31, 2010, its trucking fleet consisted of 2,363 in service tractors and 6,709 service trailers. The company was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Hot Stocks To Own Right Now: Virtutone Networks Inc (VFX.V)

Virtutone Networks Inc. provides voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), fax over Internet protocol (FOIP), and related phone services to business and residential customers in North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The company offers various products and services, including managed voice lines, managed fax lines, hosted PBX systems, analog phone lines, calling cards, hosted exchange and BEZ solutions, wholesale VoIP, Internet, and analog line management. It also provides hardware, including IP phones, wireless conference phones, phone adapter with router, 8-port IP telephony gateway, and fax/voice adapters. The company serves oil and gas exploration companies, forestry and fire fighting departments, and other businesses/organizations. Virtutone Networks Inc. is headquartered in Sherwood Park, Canada.

Best Prefered Companies To Invest In 2014: CLP Holdings Ltd (2)

CLP Holdings Limited is an investment holding company. Its subsidiaries are engaged in the generation and supply of electricity in Hong Kong, Australia and India, and investment holding of power projects in the Chinese mainland, Southeast Asia and Taiwan. It has a diversified portfolio of power generation from gas, coal, renewables and nuclear in the Asia-Pacific region. The Company�� subsidiaries include CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong Nuclear Investment Company Limited, CLP Engineering Limited, CLP Power Asia Limited, CLP Power China Limited, CLP Power International Limited, CLP Properties Limited, CLP Research Institute Limited, TRUenergy Holdings Pty Ltd and others.

Best Prefered Companies To Invest In 2014: Erin Ventures Inc (EV.V)

Erin Ventures Inc., a junior mining and exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal properties primarily in Canada, the United States, and Serbia. It primarily explores for gold and boron deposits. The company has interests in the Deep River Gold Project located in central North Carolina; and the Piskanja boron deposit located in Siberia. It also has an option to acquire interest in the Yukon Property located in Canada. Erin Ventures Inc. was incorporated in 1993 and is based in Victoria, Canada.

Best Prefered Companies To Invest In 2014: Venture Corporation Limited (V03.SI)

Venture Corporation Limited serves as a global electronics services provider. The company offers technology services, products, and solutions with capabilities spanning marketing research, design and development, product and process engineering, design for manufacturability, and supply chain management, as well as product refurbishment and technical support across a range of high-mix, high-value, and complex products. Venture Corporation Limited was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Singapore.

4 of the Best Biofuels Stocks

Ethanol blends of 15%, or E15, just got a green light from the Supreme Court. Trade groups representing the oil, food, and automaker industries challenged that such high blends of ethanol would damage engines, raise food prices, and hike the price paid at the pump by consumers. The Supreme Court decided to leave current Environmental Protection Agency rules in place after the consortium (in three separate cases) failed to provide evidence that those claims were, in fact, harmful to its members. It sure isn't good news for the argument against E15, but it is vindication for ethanol producers. Since biofuels figure to be staying put with mandated growth for the time being, let's review four of the best biofuels stocks.

Clean Energy Fuels (NASDAQ: CLNE  ) The leader in compressed natural gas, or CNG, for the transportation industry got a boost from the EPA earlier this year when CNG sourced from landfills gained the ability to qualify for advanced biofuel subsidies. It's the next best thing to cellulosic ethanol credits, if not better. That can add a nice revenue stream to Clean Energy's already promising business model, and expedite its journey to profitability. Except for a tad more paperwork, the company doesn't have to change operations one bit. What's not to like?

KiOR (NASDAQ: KIOR  ) Here's a company that often gets associated with industrial biotech companies, but there are very few comparisons. Rather than encouraging microbes to pump out useful chemicals and fuels in biochemical processes, KiOR uses standard thermocatalytic reactions to turn wood chips and waste into drop-in fuels. The company does not produce cellulosic ethanol or biodiesel. The company produces chemically identical cellulosic gasoline and diesel, although current operations churn out fuel blendstocks. KiOR's first facility has an annual capacity of between 11-13 million gallons of fuels, while a larger facility will be three times that size. A modular platform and catalytic improvements will help boost economics and scale for future production.

Renewable Energy Group (NASDAQ: REGI  ) The nation's largest biodiesel producer has been one of my favorite companies to watch in the last year. It appears that the market is finally giving the company's $1 billion in annual revenue a reasonable value. A retroactively instated batch of blending credits from 2012 certainly helped to boost first-quarter income to a record $46.4 million, or a profit margin of 14%. Of course, uncertainty in mandates and production volume obligations seems to punish REG at the end of each year. The nation has plenty of overcapacity to switch on -- or export -- and biodiesel is far from facing the blending constraints of ethanol. So I think the company's future is pretty safe for the time being.

Valero (NYSE: VLO  ) If you aren't keen on investing in pure play biofuels stocks, then you may want to give Valero a look. The nation's third-largest refiner is also the nation's third-largest ethanol producer. While it has increased its investment in renewable energy in recent years, including microalgae technology, ethanol facilities, and wind farms, it has also been one of the loudest critics of ethanol-blending mandates. Valero recently told investors that blending a few million more gallons into its fuel this year will increase blending costs from $250 million in 2012 to as high as $750 million this year. To mitigate that effect, the company has activated mothballed ethanol plants in its network. I acknowledge that higher blends will cost more to create, but I find it difficult to see an increase of 200% from such a marginal increase. Regardless, you have an opportunity to play an increase in domestic oil production and biofuels.

Foolish bottom line
I admit I am a bit biased toward renewable technologies, although I am not afraid to acknowledge the shortcomings of current biofuel policies. At the end of the day, we can all agree that biofuels remain a controversial topic going forward. While future targets, especially for ethanol, should be cut, I don't think future use will drop from current levels. So it may behoove you to at least consider biofuel stocks as a growth opportunity for your portfolio.

Hot Logistics Companies To Own For 2014

Petroleum products logistics provider Buckeye Partners (NYSE: BPL  ) is out with its first-quarter earnings. It was a very solid quarter for the MLP with steady performance across its business segments. Let's take a closer look at how the company performed in three areas that I previewed as being the most important to watch.

The numbers
Buckeye beat analysts' expectations by delivering first-quarter income of $89.3 million, or $0.86 a unit, which exceeded the projection of $0.73 a unit. Revenue of $1.34 billion also beat expectations of $1.29 billion. Strong performance at Buckeye's terminal operations along with a big improvement at its energy services segment led to the�excellent�performance this quarter.

Buckeye reported distributable cash flow of $124.2 million which provided it with a coverage ratio of 1.21 times. This represented a very nice year-over-year increase to distributable cash flow which was $73.6 million last year and represented a coverage ratio just 0.78 times. Better overall business performance and the contribution from its growth projects provided a nice boost to the bottom line. The big news here is that the coverage ratio was high enough this quarter for the company to finally raise its distribution.

Hot Logistics Companies To Own For 2014: Achillion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(ACHN)

Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of treatments for infectious diseases. The company focuses on the development of antivirals for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C; and the development of antibacterials for the treatment of resistant bacterial infections. Its drug candidates for the treatment of chronic HCV include ACH-1625, a protease inhibitor, which is in phase IIa clinical trial for the treatment of chronic HCV; ACH-2684, a pangenotypic protease inhibitor, which is in phase I clinical trial for the treatment of chronic HCV infection; and NS5A inhibitors for the treatment of chronic HCV infection, including ACH-2928, which is to enter a phase I clinical trial, as well as various additional NS5A inhibitors in preclinical development. Its pipeline of product candidates also includes ACH-702 and ACH-2881 for drug resistant bacterial infections; elvucitabine for HIV infection; and AC H-1095 for HCV infection. The company was founded in 1998 and is based in New Haven, Connecticut.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Nichols]

  Achillion is an odd play because it has both the most upside and the most downside of any stock on this list. The company's developing and testing its hepatitis C treating drug, ACH-1625, which is currently in phase II. The results of initial testing have consisted of ups and downs, but after many years and a long process, ACH-1625, appears to be on the right track for an FDA approval.

  The upside in shares of ACHN comes from two places: encouraging data from trials and its likelihood of being acquired. In my opinion, ACHN has a very high chance of being acquired in the next 6 months. Both Pharmasset (VRUS) and Inhibitex (INHX) were acquired over the last 5 months with insanely large premiums. VRUS was purchased at a 81% premium and INHX for a 182% premium. ACHN is perhaps the most speculative, but it could also be purchased the cheapest.

  The stock's recently pulled back after a downgrade and is trading much lower over the last couple weeks. The stock's trend reminds me so much of INHX; the month following the VRUS acquisition when INHX traded higher by nearly 300%. But then after the one-month gain, INHX lost its momentum and traded lower by 40% before being acquired with a 182% premium. INHX traded higher after the VRUS purchase because investors thought it would also be acquired, because of its hepatitis C candidate. ACHN is following the same trend, from November 12 till January 13 the stock more than doubled, but has since retraced.

  At $10 I think ACHN is a buy, it does have a good HCV candidate, and I believe that big pharma will bid to acquire ACHN in the near future. However, the risk in ACHN is if the company's not acquired, then it could have significant loss over the next year. But in a competitive biotechnology industry I believe the reward is worth the risk, and that a large pharma company will take the chance and purchase ACHN in an attempt to stay competitive and capitalize on the trend of investors being bullish on HCV treating drugs.

• [By Wyatt Research]

  The developer of treatments for infectious diseases has seen its shares rise 280 percent in the past year, and last month had a successful sale of 1.44 million more shares that raised $60.9 million.

Hot Logistics Companies To Own For 2014: Republic First Bancorp Inc.(FRBK)

Republic First Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Republic First Bank that offers banking services to individuals and businesses. It accepts various deposit products that include consumer and commercial deposit accounts, including checking accounts; interest-bearing demand accounts; money market accounts; certificates of deposit; savings accounts; sweep accounts; and individual retirement accounts, as well as provides lockbox services. The company?s loan portfolio comprises secured and unsecured commercial loans, real estate loans, construction and land development loans, automobile loans, home improvement loans, mortgages, home equity and overdraft lines of credit, and other products. It opertaes through six Philadelphia offices and seven suburban offices in Plymouth Meeting, Bala Cynwyd, Ardmore, and Abington located in Montgomery County; Media located in Delaware County; and Haddonfield and Voorhees, located in Southern New Jersey. The company was founde d in 1987 and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Top 5 Gold Stocks To Buy Right Now: Emerald Oil & Gas NL(EMR.AX)

Emerald Oil & Gas NL engages in the exploration and development of oil and gas properties. The company holds interests in various oil and gas properties located in Colorado, Wyoming, Kentucky, and Texas in the United States, as well as in offshore Western Australia. The company is based in West Perth, Australia.

Hot Logistics Companies To Own For 2014: Semtech Corporation(SMTC)

Semtech Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, designs, produces, and markets analog and mixed-signal semiconductor products. The company?s product lines include protection products comprising filter and termination devices that provide protection for electronic systems from voltage spikes; power management products consisting of switching voltage regulators, combination switching and linear regulators, smart regulators, and charge pumps; and discrete semiconductor products, such as rectifiers, assemblies, and other products. It also offers wired communication, ultra-high speed Serializer/Deserializer, and modulator driver products that perform timing, synchronization, and amplification functions in high-speed networks; chips and transceivers for short reach, metro, and long haul applications; and high performance transceivers for datacenter applications. In addition, the company provides wireless and sensing products that perform radio frequency functions in indust rial, medical, and networking applications; and sensing functions in industrial and consumer applications. It serves original equipment manufacturers and their subcontractors in the computing, communications, consumer, and industrial end-markets directly, and through independent distributors and sales representative firms in North America, the Asia Pacific, and Europe. Semtech Corporation was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Camarillo, California.

Hot Logistics Companies To Own For 2014: Tio Networks Corp(TNC.V)

TIO Networks Corp. operates as a multi-channel expedited bill payment processor serving the telecom, wireless, cable, and utility bill issuers in North America. It engages in processing bill payment transactions through a secure Internet enabled platform. The company integrates its transaction processing system to the accounting back-office of its billers, which allows billers to post payments made by the billers? customers to the appropriate customer accounts. Its products and services include kiosk systems consisting of hardware, software, and implementation services related to the initial sale of kiosks; professional services comprising computer software programming, consulting, and kiosk rental services; transaction services relating to consumer pay-per-use transactions, such as bill payments performed through kiosks, point-of-sale, and Web and mobile devices; and maintenance services, which include hardware and software maintenance services, as well as software produ cts. TIO Networks Corp. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Kellogg Stock Can't Keep Soaring Forever

Kellogg (NYSE: K  ) is a favorite among breakfast-eaters everywhere, with its cereals and other food products being an essential part of the diets of people around the world. Yet, while Kellogg stock has soared in response to the recognition of the industry's importance in producing dependable and consistent earnings for investors, the extent of the stock's rise to all-time highs isn't entirely justified by Kellogg's fundamentals. Let's take a closer look at Kellogg and what's been behind its big rise lately.

Where Kellogg has found growth
The food industry is generally seen as being quiet and defensive, with opportunities for solid dividend income, but not substantial growth prospects. Kellogg has a long history of steady dividend payments to shareholders, with annual payout increases every year since 2005.

But Kellogg, in particular, took advantage of a huge growth opportunity, by making the most of a potential competitor's missteps. Early last year, Kellogg was able to swoop in and buy the Pringles potato chip brand from Procter & Gamble after snack company Diamond Foods (NASDAQ: DMND  ) failed to follow through on its initial bid for the P&G division amid a controversy about Diamond's accounting practices. Although margins from Pringles initially proved to be somewhat lower than the company's average, Kellogg has seen substantial organic growth from the division, boding well for its ability to apply pricing pressure to boost margins in the future.

Moreover, Kellogg has sought to get in on emerging markets as a growth driver. Last September, the company entered into a joint venture with Wilmar International to distribute its products in China. With its snack-food market estimated at $12 billion, and showing rapid increases in growth, China represents a golden opportunity for Kellogg.

Kellogg and the Buffett effect
Kellogg stock has been rising without a substantial break for nearly a year now, but what really accelerated interest in the space was the decision from Berkshire Hathaway to partner with a private-equity firm to buy out food giant Heinz. In classic Warren Buffett fashion, the Heinz acquisition revealed the earnings potential of the food industry, which many investors had given up on as having few prospects.

Kellogg Total Return Price data by YCharts.

Since the Heinz buyout, though, Kellogg and many of its peers have seen their stocks rise even further. In particular, rival General Mills got a big bump after the late-February Heinz announcement, as investors speculated about whether it or another food company might be the subject of the next big takeover in the industry. Thus far, further major consolidation hasn't really taken place, but many of the potential growth prospects still remain as bullish factors driving investors' considerations in deciding whether to hang onto their stock.

Challenges for Kellogg
Still, Kellogg will still have to deal with obstacles to its future success. A recall of its Mini-Wheats cereal, due to alleged metal-mesh contamination, raised the specter of quality-control issues for the company, and although a proposed $4 million settlement would be relatively minor, the reputational damage could prove more extensive.

The bigger challenge Kellogg faces is simply getting more people to buy its products. Adults have turned away from cereal and, in response, initiatives like its Breakfast To Go dairy drink seek to cash in on the wish for adults to have more on-the-go alternatives to sit-down breakfast cereal. With its strong brand, Kellogg has the capacity for further growth if it can produce innovative products to meet customers' needs and wishes.

Can Kellogg grow fast enough?
Even though prospects for Kellogg look good, Kellogg stock simply can't sustain its recent upward moves forever. With forward earnings multiples rising into the upper teens despite single-digit growth expectations, Kellogg stock looks primed for at least a short-term pullback at some point.

Thanks to smart moves like its Heinz acqusition, Berkshire Hathaway's shares have vaulted higher. But is this insurance conglomerate still a buy today? In The Motley Fool's premium report on the company, Berkshire expert Joe Magyer provides investors with key reasons to buy, as well as important risks to watch out for. Click here now for instant access to Joe's take on Berkshire!

Click here to add Kellogg to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

Best Computer Hardware Stocks To Watch For 2014

Two years ago, Facebook (NASDAQ: FB  ) founded the Open Compute Project, aimed at building one of the most efficient computing infrastructures for the lowest possible cost. Under the open source project, the conventional server monolith has been completely deconstructed and components that would normally be found on the same motherboard have been spread out within a server rack.

In other to accomplish this feat, Facebook enlisted the help of Intel (NASDAQ: INTC  ) for its silicon photonic technology, enabling transfer speeds of 100 gigabits per second, as well as a low enough latency for components to be spread out within the server rack. As a result, Facebook has been able to develop server designs that are 38% more efficient and 24% less expensive to build and operate than today's state-of-the-art servers. This approach not only allows for data center engineers to create custom modular server designs to exact specifications, but also maximizes the life cycle of components.

Best Computer Hardware Stocks To Watch For 2014: Pci Ltd (P19.SI)

PCI Limited, an investment holding company, provides electronics manufacturing services in the United States, the People�s Republic of China, British Virgin Islands, Singapore, ASEAN, Britain, and Australia. It offers a suite of design services, such as schematic design, board layout, component selection, firmware design, and mechanical design. The company offers various manufacturing supply chain services, including design, manufacturing engineering, material sourcing and procurement, assembly, test, and logistics services. Its manufacturing services include printed circuit board assembly; customer user interface design and manufacture; and turnkey electronics manufacturing services. The company�s project portfolio comprises networking and wireless communications products, mobile digital appliances, liquid crystal modules for mobile communications products, and control panels for computer peripherals, as well as a range of medical, industrial, and automotive products. I t is also involved in the rental of properties; and provision of estate management, and research and development services. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Singapore. PCI Limited is a subsidiary of Chuan Hup Holdings Limited.

Best Computer Hardware Stocks To Watch For 2014: Forsys Metals Corp Com Npv(FSY.TO)

Forsys Metals Corp., an exploration stage company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties in Namibia. The company primarily explores for uranium and gold ores. Its flagship project is the Valencia Uranium project that covers an area of approximately 735.6 hectares located south-west of the town of Usakos in central-west Namibia. The company was formerly known as Forsys Technologies Inc. and changed its name to Forsys Metals Corp. in June 2005. Forsys Metals Corp. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

Top 5 Gold Companies For 2014: AFC Enterprises Inc.(AFCE)

AFC Enterprises, Inc. develops, operates, and franchises quick-service restaurants under the trade names of Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. As of December 25, 2011, it operated and franchised 2,035 Popeyes restaurants in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Cayman Islands, and 25 foreign countries. The company was founded in 1972 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Best Computer Hardware Stocks To Watch For 2014: Vermillion Inc.(VRML)

Vermillion, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of diagnostics tests that help physicians to diagnose, treat, and improve outcomes for patients. It develops diagnostic tests in the fields of oncology, hematology, cardiology, and women?s health with the initial focus on ovarian cancer. The company?s lead product includes OVA1, an ovarian tumor triage test that enables pre-surgical identification of women who are at high risk of having a malignant ovarian tumor. It is also developing various programs in other clinical aspects of ovarian cancer, as well as in peripheral arterial disease. The company has strategic alliance agreement with Quest Diagnostics Incorporated; and collaborations with various academic and research institutions to develop and commercialize diagnostic tests. It serves clinical reference laboratories, hospital laboratories, and physician offices. The company was formerly known as Ciphergen B iosystems, Inc. and changed its name to Vermillion, Inc. in August 2007. Vermillion, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Best Computer Hardware Stocks To Watch For 2014: Westbond Enterprises Corporatio (WBE.V)

WestBond Enterprises Corporation, together with its subsidiary, WestBond Industries Inc., manufactures and sells disposable paper products for medical, hygienic, and industrial uses primarily in Canada and the United States. Its product lines include clinical products consisting of sheets, drapes, examination table paper, gowns, aprons, chiropractor rolls, pillowcases, dental bibs, and dental head rest covers; personal hygiene products comprising jumbo roll bathroom tissues, conventional bathroom tissues, center pull towels, kraft roll towels, and single fold towels; long-term care products that include fold air laid wipes, roll air laid wipes, waterproof underlays, and mitts; and airline towels and pillowcases. The company markets its products directly to medium-sized janitorial contractors providing public washroom maintenance services, as well as to small and medium-sized distributors who sell to the janitorial market. WestBond Enterprises Corporation is headquartered i n Delta, Canada.

Best Computer Hardware Stocks To Watch For 2014: Addus HomeCare Corporation(ADUS)

Addus HomeCare Corporation provides a range of social and medical services to individuals in the home. The company serves individuals with special needs who are at risk of hospitalization or institutionalization, such as the elderly, chronically ill, and disabled. It offers various health services that include personal care and assistance with activities of daily living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative therapies, and adult day care. The company?s Home and Community Services division offers assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, personal hygiene and medication reminders, and other activities of daily living on a long-term, continuous basis, with an average duration of 20 months per consumer. Its Home Health Services division comprises physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as skilled nursing services, which are offered on a short-term, intermittent, or episodic basis to individuals recovering from an acute medical condition, with an average length of care of 80 days. The company?s payor clients include federal, state, and local government programs, such as Medicaid funded programs and Medicaid waiver programs; other state agencies and Medicare; and the Veterans Health Administration, commercial insurers, and private duty consumers. The company was formerly known as Addus Holding Corporation and changed its name to Addus HomeCare Corporation in September, 2006. Addus HomeCare Corporation was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Palatine, Illinois.

Top Dow Dividend Companies To Buy Right Now

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) -- Following a lengthy Cabinet meeting, South Sudan's government spokesman said Wednesday that the country will continue to export oil through Sudan and that there had been only a temporary slowdown in production.

An official in South Sudan's oil ministry earlier told The Associated Press that Sudan had blocked the export of South Sudanese oil. The official insisted he not be identified because he is not authorized to release the information. But government spokesman Barnabas Marial Benjamin said later that it was only a temporary slowdown.

"It is not really a shutdown," Benjamin said, before explaining a technical process behind storage procedures and valve openings. "But as we speak now P2 is going to be opened later on this afternoon and the oil will continue to flow to reach Port Sudan."

Top Dow Dividend Companies To Buy Right Now: StealthGas Inc.(GASS)

StealthGas Inc., a ship-owning company, through its subsidiaries, provides international seaborne transportation services worldwide. The company transports petroleum gas products in liquefied form, including propane, butane, butadiene, isopropane, propylene, and vinyl chloride monomer. It also transports refined petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel, crude oil, fuel oil, jet fuel, edible oils, and chemicals. As of January 9, 2012, the company had a fleet of 33 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers with a total capacity of 153,088 cubic meters, 3 medium range product tankers, and 1 Aframax oil tanker. It serves LPG producers comprising national and independent energy companies, energy traders, and industrial users. StealthGas Inc. was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Athens, Greece.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James K. Glassman]

  Weinstein, however, has a new pick for 2011. It's Stealthgas (GASS), the world's largest company in a narrow sector: the shipment of liquid-petroleum byproducts of natural-gas production, such as propane and butane. The stock trades at just below $5. But company officials estimate the value of StealthGas's assets at $12, so they're using the firm's cash to buy back shares. The company is also "forecasting a tightening of supply versus demand," says Weinstein. Based on the forecasts of analysts who cover the company, the stock trades at 11 times estimated earnings for the next four quarters. Be aware, though, that this is a tiny company (its market value, or shares outstanding times share price, is a mere $106 million), so it is fairly risky.

Top Dow Dividend Companies To Buy Right Now: Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited(NZT)

Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services, as well as information, communication, and technology services in New Zealand and Australia. Its products and services include local, national, international, and value-added telephone services; mobile services; data, broadband, and Internet services; IT consulting, implementation, and procurement services; and equipment sales and installation services. The company also involves in the retail of telecommunications products and services. It serves residential, business, and government customers. Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited was founded in 1987 and is based in Auckland, New Zealand.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chuck Carlson]

  Trading for just seven times earnings and yielding a 10% dividend, it's also nice to know that it's a monopoly in New Zealand. And, on top of that, with gold prices soaring, it's worth noting that the currency most closely correlated with gold is the New Zealand currency (affectionately known as the Kiwi dollar), making the company a nice backdoor play on gold.

Top China Stocks To Buy For 2014: General American Investors Inc. (GAM)

General American Investors Company, Inc. is a self management investment trust. The firm invests in the public equity markets across the globe. It employs a fundamental analysis with a bottom-up stock picking approach. General American Investors Company, Inc. was founded in 1927 and is based in New York, New York.

Top Dow Dividend Companies To Buy Right Now: Cred Valtellines(PCVI.MI)

Credito Valtellinese Societa Cooperativa provides financial and investment products and services to private and business customers primarily in Italy. The company offers various investment and bancassurance products, such as savings products, unrestricted deposits, current accounts, certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements, and bonds, as well as life insurance and non life insurance products. It also provides various lending products and services comprising mortgages, credit cards, personal loans, salary backed loans, finance leases, consumer loans, and production household loans. In addition, the company offers various transfer products and services, including a range of services to deposit money, and manage collections and disbursements. As of December 31, 2010, it operated a network of 543 branches in Lombardia, Piemonte, Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto, Emilia Romagna, Toscana, Marche, Umbria, Lazio, and Sicilia, as well as operated 663 ATMs. The company was founded in 1908 and is headquartered in Sondrio, Italy.

Why Citigroup Is Having Another Really Bad Day

Each of the Big Four banks took a pounding last week, but none quite as hard as Citigroup (NYSE: C  ) , and this week isn't shaping up to be much better. Down 2.56% about two and a half hours into trading, the superbank sheered off 5.82% last week, for a grand total loss-to-date of 8.36%. There's little question what's driving these losses, so the real question is, when will they stop, or at the very least, slow down?

It's been a hard day's week
To recap, last Wednesday Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced that the central bank's program of monthly bond purchases might start to be tapered off beginning later this year: if, and he made it clear it is a very big if, encouraging economic data continues to comes in.

But all investors heard was that quantitative easing was going away, and markets around the world tumbled. Here in the U.S., the S&P 500 is down 4.11% from Wednesday's close. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 3.71% for the same time period.

Foolish bottom line
In terms of Citi itself, it's a slow news period. Sometimes no news is good news, and that's the case right now. Meanwhile Bank of America (NYSE: BAC  ) investors are forced to bite their nails as they await the outcome of a trial over soured mortgages sold by the bank's Countrywide Financial unit, which could cost the bank tens of billions of dollars. In that sense, it's good to be a Citi investor right now.

But in terms of this market sell-off, don't look for it to end too soon. In addition to other objectives, Bernanke may have been hoping to let the air out of a potential bubble in the stock market, driven by four years of excess liquidity supplied by the Fed through its quantitative easing programs. There's a strong case to be made for a bubble: With all the market highs we've seen over the last six months, what has that been based on? Great economic data? There's been none of that. There's been encouraging economic data, but not great economic data.

But the good news here is, Citi is a fundamentally strong company. It's come a thousand miles since the depths of the financial crisis. Leadership is strong and steady in the form of CEO Michael Corbat. And the bank is well positioned to tap into emerging market growth. And while said markets may be down right now, developing markets are only to keep developing, and the world is only going to get more and more connected. Citi is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this growth, much more so than, say, Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC  ) , who's CEO has stated outright that Wells is a domestically focused bank, and happy to stay one.

Stay focused on Citi's fundamentals, Fools, and always remember that you're in the market for the long run. And don't forget to look at this sell-off as a potential buying opportunity, I know I am. Wasn't it Warren Buffet who said when others are fearful, be greedy? 

Looking for in-depth analysis on Citi?
Then look no further than our new premium report. Inside, Motley Fool Senior Banking Analyst Matt Koppenheffer cracks the superbank's code: revealing how it makes money, how profitable it is, and what areas investors need to watch going forward. He'll also give you three reasons to buy and three reasons to sell. And with quarterly updates included, this premium report could quite literally be the last source of investment research you'll ever need on Citigroup. For immediate access, simply click here now.

Hot Companies To Watch In Right Now

Earlier today, Men's Wearhouse (NYSE: MW  ) announced that founder George Zimmer had been removed from his position as executive chairman, and that his ongoing relationship with the company was uncertain. The news came just a week after the company announced a 5.1% increase in total quarterly sales over its 2012 first quarter.

The Men's Wearhouse brand made up the bulk of sales, accounting for $561 million of the $617 million total. That brand saw a slight increase in comparable sales, up 1.6% versus the same period last year. The company's other brands experienced sharp comparable sales declines, though. The mixed quarter ended up being a mixed end for Zimmer.

The earlier years
Zimmer founded the company in 1973, opening a small store in Houston with friends of his. His background was not in menswear, but his father was a manufacturer of men's clothing and after college, he sent Zimmer on a trip to Asia to see how the business was run overseas. Back on home turf, it wasn't long before Zimmer was deeply embedded in the business, and the progression from travelling salesman to store owner was natural.

Hot Companies To Watch In Right Now: Artesian Resources Corporation(ARTNA)

Artesian Resources Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides water, wastewater, and engineering services on the Delmarva Peninsula. It distributes and sells water to residential, commercial, industrial, municipal, and utility customers in the states of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The company also offers water for public and private fire protection to customers in its service territories. In addition, it provides contract water and wastewater services, water and sewer service line protection plans, and wastewater management services, as well as design, construction, and engineering services. As of December 31, 2011, the company served approximately 78,600 metered water customers through 1,148 miles of transmission and distribution mains. Artesian Resources Corporation was founded in 1905 and is headquartered in Newark, Delaware.

Hot Companies To Watch In Right Now: China Auto Logistics Inc.(CALI)

China Auto Logistics Inc. primarily engages in the sale and trading of imported automobiles in the People?s Republic of China. It also offers financing services, including letter of credit issuance, purchase deposit financing, and import duty advances, as well as automobile value-added services, including customs clearance, storage, and nationwide delivery services to automobile dealers and agents. In addition, the company operates Websites that provide subscribers with sales and trading information for imported and domestically manufactured automobiles. Its Websites include cali.com.cn, which provides auto living public with information about auto and auto-related products and services; at188.com that provides sales and trading information about imported automobiles, as well as parts and components information; at160.com, which provides sales and trading information about domestically manufactured automobiles; and goodcar.cn that provides information relating to automoti ve products and services, including discounted gas, car washes, emergency roadside assistance, body-shop repairs, and car maintenance. The company sells automobiles to authorized dealers, free traders or wholesalers, government agencies, and individual customers. China Auto Logistics Inc. is based in Tianjin, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  One under-$10 stock that's trending very close to trigger a major breakout trade is China Auto Logistics (CALI), which trades and sells imported automobiles in the People's Republic of China and also offers financing services. This stock has been on a tear during the last six months, with shares up sharply by 65%.

  If you take a look at the chart for China Auto Logistics, you'll notice that this stock recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $2.77 to $2.80 a share. That bottom formed right above its 200-day moving average of $2.69 a share. Shares of CALI are now starting to bounce off those near-term support levels and the stock is quickly moving within range of triggering a major breakout trade.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CALI if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $3.27 to $3.31 a share and then once it clears its 50-day moving average at $3.39 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 159,787 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then CALI will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to $5.50 a share.

  Traders can look to buy CALI off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right around its 200-day at $2.69 a share. One can also buy CALI off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop right below $3 a share.

Hot Performing Companies To Buy For 2014: Magellan Midstream Partners L.P.(MMP)

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the transportation, storage, and distribution of refined petroleum products and crude oil in the United States. Its pipeline system transports petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gases from the Gulf Coast refining region of Texas through the Midwest to Colorado, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The company owns and operates marine terminals, which store and distribute refined petroleum products, blendstocks, crude oils, heavy oils, and feedstocks, as well as inland terminals that consist of storage tanks connected to third-party interstate pipeline systems to deliver refined petroleum products. Its ammonia pipeline system transports ammonia from production facilities in Texas and Oklahoma to terminals in the Midwest. The company also stores, blends, and distributes biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. As of March 31, 2011, it operated approximately 9, 600 miles of petr oleum products pipeline system and 51 terminals; 6 marine petroleum terminals located along the United States Gulf and East Coasts; a crude oil storage in Cushing, Oklahoma; 27 petroleum products inland terminals located principally in the southeastern United States; and a 1,100-mile ammonia pipeline system and 6 associated terminals. The company also provides ancillary services, such as heating, blending, and mixing of stored petroleum products and additive injection services. Its customers comprise independent and integrated oil companies, wholesalers, retailers, railroads, airlines, and regional farm co-operatives. The company serves various markets, including retail gasoline stations, truck stops, farm co-operatives, railroad fueling depots, and military and commercial jet fuel users. Magellan GP, LLC serves as the general partner of the company. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Louis Navellier]

  Magellan Midstream Partners (NYSE:MMP) is involved with the transportation, storage and distribution of refined petroleum products. MMP is another oil stock that has gained nearly 20% since January.

Hot Companies To Watch In Right Now: Indiana Community Bancorp(INCB)

Indiana Community Bancorp operates as the holding company for Indiana Bank and Trust Company that provides consumer and commercial community banking services in Indiana. Its deposit products include savings accounts, checking accounts, certificates of deposit, NOW accounts, individual retirement accounts, health savings accounts, and commercial demand deposit accounts. The company?s loan portfolio comprises residential and commercial real estate loans; commercial loans; construction loans; and consumer loans, which consist of second mortgage and home equity loans, mobile home loans, automobile loans, loans secured by savings accounts, and other consumer loans. It also offers debit cards, credit cards, and trust services. As of April 26, 2011, the company operated 20 branch offices in central and southeastern Indiana. Indiana Community Bancorp was founded in 1908 and is based in Columbus, Indiana.

Hot Companies To Watch In Right Now: FIBERWEB PLC ORD GBP0.05(FWEB.L)

Fiberweb plc develops, manufactures, and supplies nonwoven fabrics in Europe, North America, and Asia. Its products include spunbond, melt blown, airlaid, and carded nonwovens, as well as multi denier fabrics, and complex laminates and composites. The company also offers filtration media products for filtration, separation, and absorption applications under the Reemay brand; general industrial wipes and oil/water absorbents; and wipers, dampener covers, and absorbent socks for the graphic arts industry. In addition, it provides fabric softener sheets; and Typar/Tekton branded fabrics for construction applications, such as roofing underlay, building wrap, air infiltration barrier, roofing composite, insulation scrim, vapor barrier, and geotextiles. Further, the company?s products are used in automotive applications, such as filtration, engineered components, seating and interior trim, headliner and trunk liner composite, foam seat backing for decorative stitching, seat rei nforcement, surface preparation wipe, and bonding agent; packaging applications, including metal and bale wraps, industrial bags, can separator pads, and transport aids and insulating materials; and home furnishing and shoe applications. Additionally, its products are used in geosynthetic applications; and landscape and agricultural applications, such as crop cover, mulch, landscape, insect and frost protection, hobby gardening, and driveways. The company?s products are also used for hygiene applications, including baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, medical products, adult incontinence products, and fabric softener sheets. Fiberweb plc is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Hot Companies To Watch In Right Now: AMCIL Ltd(AMH.AX)

Amcil Limited is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily manages separate client focused equity portfolios for its clients. It invests in the public equity markets of Australia. The firm invests in growth and value stocks of large cap and small cap companies to create its portfolios. It invests in companies from media, technology, communications, and entertainment sectors. Amcil Limited was founded in 1996 and is based in Melbourne, Australia.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014

LONDON -- Imagination Technologies Group� (LSE: IMG  ) fell a massive 19% in early trading, down 80 pence to 344 pence, following a profit warning in its year-end trading update.

The maker of micro chips -- which counts�Apple�as one of its main customers -- announced that several deals have been delayed, due to "structural and organizational changes among a number of semiconductor partners in various regions," and that these would impact upon licensing revenues for the year to the tune of around 27 million pounds, down 22% year on year.

Management stated their belief that the problems are only short term "related to the 'lumpy' nature of licensing revenues," and reiterated that it continues to have an active pipeline of licensing engagements. For FY2014, it forecasts licensing revenue to be in the range of 30 million pounds to 35 million pounds.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: NVIDIA Corp (NVD)

NVIDIA Corporation (NVIDIA), incorporated on February 24, 1998, is engaged in creating the graphics chips used in personal computers (PCs). The Company operates in three segments: graphics processing unit (GPU) Business, professional solutions business (PSB) and consumer products business (CPB). Its mobile processors are used in cell phones, tablets and auto infotainment systems. Designers use GPUs to create visual effects in movies and create everything from golf clubs to jumbo jets. NVIDIA solutions are based on two technologies: the GPU and the mobile processor. GPUs are the engines of visual computing, the science and art of using computers to understand, create and enhance images. It has three GPU product brands: GeForce, which creates visual experiences for gamers; Quadro, which is engaged in visual computing for designers and digital artists, and Tesla, which accelerates applications for scientists and researchers. Tegra is its mobile processor and is built for applications ranging from smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs to televisions and cars. During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2012 (fiscal 2012), it acquired Icera Inc.In fiscal 2012, it launched Project Maximus, which uses the compute power of Tesla with the visualization power of Quadro to merge the design and simulation stages into one workstation. In May 2012, the Company and Intellectual Ventures announced that they jointly acquired a set of patents developed and owned by IPWireless. The portfolio comprises approximately 500 patents granted and pending in the wireless communications area, including concepts in LTE, LTE-Advanced and 3G/4G technologies.

GPU Business

The Company�� GPU business revenue includes primarily sales of its GeForce discrete and chipset products that support desktop and notebook PCs plus license fees from Intel and sales of memory products. It also accelerates video editing and high definition (HD), content creation by consumers. GeForce GPUs power PCs made by or distributed by ! PC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in the world. Its media and communications processor (MCP) chipsets primarily comprised of its ION motherboard GPUs, a product reaching the end of its life cycle.

Professional Solutions Business

The Company�� PSB consists of its Quadro professional workstation products and its Tesla computing products. Its Quadro products are designed to deliver the graphics performance and application compatibility for professionals. Tesla applies the processing power of its GPUs to general-purpose computing problems. Quadro products add functionality, such as photorealistic rendering, to computer-aided design workstations, and are used in professional video editing applications and for generating special effects in movies. Tesla is used in supercomputing centers and in oil exploration; other applications include accelerating drug discovery, weather simulations and derivative price modeling.

Consumer Products Business

The Company�� CPB includes its Tegra system-on-chip products for smartphones, tablets, automotive infotainment systems, and other similar devices, and Icera baseband processors. The Tegra revenues are generated by sales in smart phones and tablets. CPB also includes license, royalty, other revenue and associated costs related to video game consoles and other digital consumer electronics devices. NVIDIA Tegra mobile products implement design techniques, both inside the chips and at the system level. These technologies enhance visual display capabilities, connectivity and minimize chip and system-level power consumption. During fiscal 2012, it launched Tegra 3, quad-core mobile computing chip, bringing PC levels of performance within the power envelope of a cellular phone chip. It also launched DirectTouch.

The Company competes with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel, Matrox Electronics Systems Ltd., VIA Technologies, Inc., ARM Holdings plc, Broadcom Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor Inc., ! Fujitsu L! imited, Imagination Technologies Ltd., Intel, Marvell Technology Group Ltd., NEC Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Renesas Technology Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation, ST-Ericsson, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., Imagination Technologies Group plc., HiSilicon Technologies Co., Ltd., Mediatek, Qualcomm Incorporated, Spreadtrum Communications Co., Ltd and ST-Ericsson.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: Analog Devices Inc (ADI.O)

Analog Devices, Inc. (Analog Devices), incorporated on January 18, 1965, is engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of a range of analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing integrated circuits (ICs). The Company produces a range of products, including data converters, amplifiers and linear products, radio frequency (RF) ICs, power management products, sensors based on micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology and other sensors, and processing products, including DSP and other processors, which are designed to meet the needs of a base of customers. The Company's products are embedded inside many different types of electronic equipment, including industrial process control systems; instrumentation and measurement systems; wireless infrastructure equipment, and aerospace and defense electronics. The Company designs , manufactures and markets a range of ICs, which incorporate analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing technologies. The Comp any's product portfolio includes both general-purpose products used by a range of customers and applications, as well as application-specific products. On March 30, 2012, the Company acquired Multigig, Inc.

Analog Products

The Company's product portfolio includes several thousand analog ICs. The Company's analog IC customers include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers who build electronic subsystems for integration into larger systems. The Company is a supplier of data converter products. Data converters translate real-world analog signals into digital data and also translate digital data into analog signals. The Company is also a supplier of amplifiers. Amplifiers are used to condition analog signals. The Company provides precision, instrumentation, intermediate frequency/radio frequency (RF), broadband, and other amplifiers. The Company also offers a range of precision voltage references, which are used in a range of application s. The Company's analog product line also includes a range! p! ortfolio of RF ICs covering the RF signal chain, from RF function blocks, such as phase locked loops, frequency synthesizers, mixers, modulators, demodulators, and power detectors, to broadband and short-range single chip transceiver solutions.

The Company's RF ICs support the requirements of cellular infrastructure and a range of applications in the Company's target markets. Also within the Company's analog technology portfolio are products, which are based on MEMS technology. This technology enables the Company to build small sensors, which incorporate an electromechanical structure and the supporting analog circuitry for conditioning signals obtained from the sensing element. The Company's MEMS product portfolio includes accelerometers used to sense acceleration, gyroscopes used to sense rotation, inertial measurement units used to sense multiple degrees of freedom combining multiple sensing types along multiple axis, and MEMS microphones used to sense audio . The Company's current revenue from MEMS products is derived from the automotive end market. In addition to the Company's MEMS products, its other analog product category includes isolators. The Company's isolators have been designed for applications, such as universal serial bus isolation in patient monitors, where it allows hospitals and physicians to adopt the advances in computer technology to supervise patient health and wirelessly transmit medical records. In smart metering applications, the Company's isolators provide electrostatic discharge performance. In satellites, where any malfunction can be catastrophic, the Company's isolators help protect the power system while enabling designers to achieve small form factors. Power management & reference products make up the balance of the Company's analog sales. Those products, which include functions such as power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing and energy management, are developed to complement analog signal ch ain components across core market segments from micro ! power,! e! nergy-s! ensitive battery applications to power systems in infrastructure and industrial applications.

Digital Signal Processing Products

Digital Signal Processing products (DSPs) complete the Company's product portfolio. DSPs are optimized for numeric calculations, which are essential for instantaneous, or real-time, processing of digital data generated, from analog to digital signal conversion. The Company's DSPs are designed to be fully programmable and to execute specialized software programs, or algorithms, associated with processing digitized real-time, real-world data. Programmable DSPs are designed to provide the flexibility to modify the device's function using software. The Company's DSP IC customers write their own algorithms using software development tools provided by the Company and third-party suppliers. The Company's DSPs are designed in families of products, which share common architectures and therefore can execute the same software across a range of products. The Company's customers use the Company's products to solve a range of signal processing challenges across its core market and segment focus areas within the industrial, automotive, consumer and communications end markets. As an integrated part of the Company's customers' signal chain, there are other Analog Devices products connected to its processors, including converters, audio and video codecs and power management solutions.

The Company competes with Broadcom Corporation, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Cirrus Logic, Inc., Microchip Technology, Inc., Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, ST Microelectronics, Intersil Corporation, Silicon Laboratories, Inc., Knowles Electronics, Texas Instruments, Inc. and Linear Technology Corporation.

Best Gas Stocks For 2014: Analog Devices Inc (ADI)

Analog Devices, Inc. (Analog Devices), incorporated on January 18, 1965, is engaged in the design, manufacture and marketing of a range of analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing integrated circuits (ICs). The Company produces a range of products, including data converters, amplifiers and linear products, radio frequency (RF) ICs, power management products, sensors based on micro-electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology and other sensors, and processing products, including DSP and other processors, which are designed to meet the needs of a base of customers. The Company's products are embedded inside many different types of electronic equipment, including industrial process control systems; instrumentation and measurement systems; wireless infrastructure equipment, and aerospace and defense electronics. The Company designs , manufactures and markets a range of ICs, which incorporate analog, mixed-signal and digital signal processing technologies. The Company's product portfolio includes both general-purpose products used by a range of customers and applications, as well as application-specific products. On March 30, 2012, the Company acquired Multigig, Inc.

Analog Products

The Company's product portfolio includes several thousand analog ICs. The Company's analog IC customers include original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers who build electronic subsystems for integration into larger systems. The Company is a supplier of data converter products. Data converters translate real-world analog signals into digital data and also translate digital data into analog signals. The Company is also a supplier of amplifiers. Amplifiers are used to condition analog signals. The Company provides precision, instrumentation, intermediate frequency/radio frequency (RF), broadband, and other amplifiers. The Company also offers a range of precision voltage references, which are used in a range of applications. The Company's analog product line also includes a range port! folio of RF ICs covering the RF signal chain, from RF function blocks, such as phase locked loops, frequency synthesizers, mixers, modulators, demodulators, and power detectors, to broadband and short-range single chip transceiver solutions.

The Company's RF ICs support the requirements of cellular infrastructure and a range of applications in the Company's target markets. Also within the Company's analog technology portfolio are products, which are based on MEMS technology. This technology enables the Company to build small sensors, which incorporate an electromechanical structure and the supporting analog circuitry for conditioning signals obtained from the sensing element. The Company's MEMS product portfolio includes accelerometers used to sense acceleration, gyroscopes used to sense rotation, inertial measurement units used to sense multiple degrees of freedom combining multiple sensing types along multiple axis, and MEMS microphones used to sense audio. The Company's current revenue from MEMS products is derived from the automotive end market. In addition to the Company's MEMS products, its other analog product category includes isolators. The Company's isolators have been designed for applications, such as universal serial bus isolation in patient monitors, where it allows hospitals and physicians to adopt the advances in computer technology to supervise patient health and wirelessly transmit medical records. In smart metering applications, the Company's isolators provide electrostatic discharge performance. In satellites, where any malfunction can be catastrophic, the Company's isolators help protect the power system while enabling designers to achieve small form factors. Power management & reference products make up the balance of the Company's analog sales. Those products, which include functions such as power conversion, driver monitoring, sequencing and energy management, are developed to complement analog signal chain components across core market segments from micro power, en! ergy-sens! itive battery applications to power systems in infrastructure and industrial applications.

Digital Signal Processing Products

Digital Signal Processing products (DSPs) complete the Company's product portfolio. DSPs are optimized for numeric calculations, which are essential for instantaneous, or real-time, processing of digital data generated, from analog to digital signal conversion. The Company's DSPs are designed to be fully programmable and to execute specialized software programs, or algorithms, associated with processing digitized real-time, real-world data. Programmable DSPs are designed to provide the flexibility to modify the device's function using software. The Company's DSP IC customers write their own algorithms using software development tools provided by the Company and third-party suppliers. The Company's DSPs are designed in families of products, which share common architectures and therefore can execute the same software across a range of products. The Company's customers use the Company's products to solve a range of signal processing challenges across its core market and segment focus areas within the industrial, automotive, consumer and communications end markets. As an integrated part of the Company's customers' signal chain, there are other Analog Devices products connected to its processors, including converters, audio and video codecs and power management solutions.

The Company competes with Broadcom Corporation, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc., Cirrus Logic, Inc., Microchip Technology, Inc., Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, ST Microelectronics, Intersil Corporation, Silicon Laboratories, Inc., Knowles Electronics, Texas Instruments, Inc. and Linear Technology Corporation.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: ARM Holdings PLC (ARMH)

ARM Holdings plc (ARM), incorporated on October 16, 1990, designs microprocessors, physical intellectual property (IP) and related technology and software, and sells development tools. As of December 31, 2012, the Company operated in three business segments: the Processor Division (PD), the Physical IP Division (PIPD) and the System Design Division (SDD). ARM licenses and sells its technology and products to international electronics companies, which in turn manufacture, markets and sells microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and application-specific standard processors (ASSPs) based on ARM�� technology to systems companies for incorporation into a range of end products. It also licenses and sells development tools directly to systems companies and provides support services to its licensees, systems companies and other systems designers.

ARM processor architecture and physical IP is used in embedded microprocessor applications, including cellular phones, digital televisions, mobile computers and personal computer peripherals, smart cards and microcontrollers. ARM�� principal geographic markets are Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific. ARM�� product offering includes microprocessor Cores: RISC microprocessor cores, including specific functions, such as video and graphics IP and on-chip fabric IP; embedded software; physical IP; development tools, and support and maintenance services.

Processor Division

The PD encompasses those resources that are centered on microprocessor cores, including specific functions, such as graphics IP, fabric IP, embedded software IP and configurable digital signal processing (DSP) IP. Service revenues consist of design consulting services and revenues from support, maintenance and training.

Physical IP Division

The PIPD is focused on building blocks for translation of a circuit design into actual silicon. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company�� total av! erage PIPD headcount was 557. ARM is a provider of physical IP components for the design and manufacture of integrated circuits, including systems-on-chip (SoCs). ARM Artisan physical IP products include embedded memory, standard cell and input/output components. Artisan physical IP also includes a limited portfolio of analog and mixed-signal products. ARM�� physical IP components are developed for a range of process geometries ranging from 20 nanometer - 250 nanometer. ARM licenses its products to customers for the design and manufacture of integrated circuits used in complex, high-volume applications, such as portable computing devices, communication systems, cellular phones, microcontrollers, consumer multimedia products, automotive electronics, personal computers and workstations and many others.

ARM�� embedded memory components include random access memories, read only memories and register files. These memories are provided in the form of a configurable memory compiler, which allows the customer to generate the appropriate configuration for the given application. ARM�� memory components include many configurable features, such as power-down modes, low-voltage data retention and fully static operation, as well as different transistor options to trade off performance and power. In addition, ARM�� memory components include built-in test interfaces that support the industry test methodologies and tools. ARM memory components also offer redundant storage elements.

ARM�� memory components are designed to enable the chip designer maximum flexibility to achieve the optimum power, performance, and density trade-off. ARM offers standard cell components that are optimized for high performance, high density or ultra high density. ARM logic products deliver optimal performance, power and area when building ARM Processors, Graphics, Video and Fabric IP along with general SoC subsystem implementation. ARM delivers physical interface for a range of DDR SDRAM (double-data rate s! ynchronou! s dynamic random-access memory) applications ranging from mission critical applications to low-power memory sub-systems. Silicon on Insulator (SOI) products is an alternative methodology to traditional semiconductor fabrication techniques.

System Design Division

The SDD is focused on the tools and models used to create and debug software and system-on-chip (SoC) designs. ARM�� software development tools help a software design engineer deliver products right the first time. Engineers use these tools in the design and deployment of code, from applications running on open operating systems right through to low-level firmware. The ARM Development Studio is a hardware components that allow the software designer to connect to a real target system and control the system for the purposes of finding errors in the software. The ARM DSTREAM unit allows the software developer to control the software running on the prototype product and examine the internal state of the prototype product. ARM Development Boards are ideal systems for prototyping ARM-based products. The ARM Microcontroller Development Kit supports ARM-based microcontrollers and 8051-based microcontrollers from companies, such as Analog Devices, Atmel, Freescale, Fujitsu, NXP, Samsung, Sharp, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Toshiba. The ARM Microcontroller Development Kit is used by developers who are building products and writing software using standard off-the-shelf microcontrollers.

The ARM Microprocessor Families

ARM architecture processors offers a range of performance options in the ARM7 family, ARM9 family, ARM11 family, ARM Cortex family and ARM SecurCore family. The ARM architecture gives systems designers a choice of processor cores at different performance/price points. The ARM7 offers 32-bit architecture capable of operating from 8/16-bit memory on an 8/16-bit bus through the implementation of the Thumb instruction set. The ARM9 family consists of a range of microprocessors in ! the 150-2! 50MHz range. Each processor has been designed for a specific application or function, such as an application processor for a feature phone or running a wireless fidelity (WiFi) protocol stack. The ARM9 family consists of a range of microprocessors in the 150-250 megahertz range. The ARM11 family consists of a range of microprocessors in the 300-600 megahertz range. ARM Cortex family is ARM�� family of processor cores based on version 7 of the ARM Architecture. The family is split into three series: A Series, A Series and M Series.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: NVIDIA Corporation(NVDA)

NVIDIA Corporation provides visual computing, high performance computing, and mobile computing solutions that generate interactive graphics on various devices ranging from tablets and smart phones to notebooks and workstations. It operates in three segments: Graphic Processing Unit (GPU), Professional Solutions Business (PSB), and Consumer Products Business (CPB). The GPU segment offers GeForce discrete and chipset products, which support desktop and notebook personal computers plus memory products. The PSB segment provides its Quadro professional workstation products and other professional graphics products, including its NVIDIA Tesla high-performance computing products used in the manufacturing, entertainment, medical, science, and aerospace industries. The CPB segment offers Tegra mobile products, which support tablets, smartphones, personal media players, Internet television, automotive navigation, and other similar devices. This segment also licenses video game consol es and other digital consumer electronics devices. The company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, add-in-card manufacturers, consumer electronics companies, and system builders worldwide that utilize its processors as a core component of their entertainment, business, and professional solutions. NVIDIA Corporation was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sherry Jim]  

  ThinkEquity analysts said the company is regaining momentum in the high-end PC graphics market with the GTX 580/570/560 family and focused on new potential growth opportunities in high-end computing and Web tablets.

  Nvidia also holds its leading position in professional graphics and has won designs in the smartphone/Web tablet market at Asustek, Acer, Motorola, and HTC.

  Going forward, the company's Tegra platform for smartphones/Web tablets on the Google Android platform and continuing growth in high-end cloud computing and professional graphics with Quadro would likely lead to steady earnings growth.

• [By Curtis]  

  NVDA sell microchips – and lots of them. This stock has transformed its business turning a $200 million loss in the first quarter of 2009 into a $138 million profit a year later in Q1 2010. Based on book value, NVDA is cheap. With a PEG of 0.8 and P/E of 12 the firm is discounted significantly compared to it’s peer competitors. Throughout the past year they have significantly trailed the sector, but heading into the fall I think NVDA will soar to $20.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: Intel Corporation(INTC)

Intel Corporation engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of integrated circuits for computing and communications industries worldwide. It offers microprocessor products used in notebooks, netbooks, desktops, servers, workstations, storage products, embedded applications, communications products, consumer electronics devices, and handhelds. The company also provides system on chip products that integrate its core processing functionalities with other system components, such as graphics, audio, and video, onto a single chip. In addition, it offers chipset products that send data between the microprocessor and input, display, and storage devices, including keyboard, mouse, monitor, hard drive, and CD, DVD, or Blu-ray drives; motherboards designed for desktop, server, and workstation platforms, and that has connectors for attaching devices to the bus; and wired and wireless connectivity products consisting of network adapters and embedded wireless cards used to translate and transmit data across networks. Further, the company provides NAND flash memory products primarily used in portable memory storage devices, digital camera memory cards, and solid-state drives; software products comprising operating systems, middleware, and tools used to develop, run, and manage various enterprise, consumer, embedded, and handheld devices; and software development tools that enable the creation of applications. Additionally, it develops computing platforms, which are integrated hardware and software computing technologies designed to offer an optimized solution. The company sells its products principally to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, PC components and other products users, and other manufacturers of industrial and communications equipment. It has a strategic alliance with Scientific Conservation Inc. Intel Corporation was founded in 1968 and is based in Santa Clara, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By McWillams]

  Intel (INTC) today said it will offer debt securities to fund repurchase of its shares.

  The company will issue 5, 10, and 30-year senior unsecured notes with each tranche having a value of $500 million each.

  Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and Merrill Lynch are underwriting the offering.

  Intel shares today are up 15 cents, or 0.7%, at$20.91.

• [By Jonas Elmerraji]

  It's been a crummy year for semiconductor giant Intel. Shares of the $104 billion chipmaker have slid more than 24 percent in the trailing 12 months, underperforming the S&P 500 by a broad clip. So why is this struggling stock making our list of must-own dividend names now? In short, it's getting ready for a change in trend.

  Intel is the biggest name in the chip business, with around 80 percent of the microprocessor market. If you own a computer, there's a 4-in-5 chance that it's powered by an Intel chip. Intel's dominance in the chip business has been hard fought, but now that it's so established, the firm is going to be hard to unseat. Intel effectively owns the computer processor business, and while computers have become extremely commoditized in recent years, Intel's chips haven't.

  Mobile devices are the biggest path to growth for Intel at this point, in part because they get consumed so quickly and in part because they could steal share from the computer business. Intel's balance sheet is pristine, with around $12 billion in net cash and investments after all of its debt is accounted for. Better still, that steady downtrend in shares has shoved Intel's generous dividend yield to 4.28 percent. As semiconductors stage an about-face in 2013, Intel shareholders should benefit more than most.

• [By Vita]

  Intel (INTC, $23.31). Chipmaker moving beyond PCs to "faster-growing mobile phone space" and has sizable 3.6% dividend yield and a below-market P-E ratio of around 10.

• [By Dennis Slothower]

  Intel’s had its ups and downs this year, but there are a variety of reasons to start liking this stock. As discussed at another Seeking Alpha article, there are both fundamental and technical factors that could make this stock go up soon. Most importantly, the company’s sales are improving at the same time that it has been able to increase prices. As far as headlines in th is industry are concerned, perhaps the most important has been Nvidia’s (NVDA) recent fluctuation.Although it posted a very strong earnings report, initial gains were wiped off as people be gan to question the viability of the company’s Tegra chip. On the other hand, concerns with Intel’s chips are far and few between. Statistically, Intel compares favorably to other competitors as well. With a price/earnings to growth ratio of 0.79, Intel is trading cheaper than Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Texas Instruments (TXN), which have price/earnings to growth ratios of 0.97 and 1.06 respectively. INTC also beats AMD and TXN on quarterly revenue growth, gross margin, and operating margin. Although Intel has had two straight quarters of negative cash flow, this is mostly due to stock repurchases, which are a good sign of the company’s confidence. If there is one thing to be concerned about though, it’s possible rumors that Apple (AAPL) may be losing interest in Intel’s chips.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSM)

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a Taiwan-based company principally engaged in the research, development, manufacture and distribution of integrated circuit (IC) related products. The Company operates its businesses through wafer manufacture, mask production, wafer testing and packaging components. The Company also involves in the provision of production management, customer services and design services. Its products and services are applied in the manufacture of personal computers and peripheral products, information related products, wire and wireless communication systems, automobile and industrial equipment, as well as consumer electronic products, such as digital disk players, digital televisions (TVs), game consoles, digital cameras, among others. Its customers include Altera, AMD, Broadcom, Marvell, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Analog Devices, Freescale, NXP and Texas Instruments, among others. In July 2010, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. acquired mechanical and engineering equipment from ASML HONG KONG LTD. In September 2010, the Company acquired a set of equipments from ASML HONG KONG LTD. In December 2010, the Company acquired a set of equipment from TOKYO ELECTRON LTD., KLA-TENCOR CORP. and NOVELLUS SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL,B.V. In January 2011, the Company announced that it had acquired a set of equipment from KLA-TENCOR CORP., a set of equipment and facility, and another set of equipment from VARIAN SEMI. EQUIP. ASSOCIATES GmbH. In March 2011, the Company acquired a set of equipments from Rudolph Technologies, Inc.In March 2011, the Company acquired a set of equipments from Rudolph Technologies, Inc. In May 2011, it acquired a set of equipments form APPLIED MATERIALS SOUTH EAST ASIA PACIFIC LTD., Hamatech APE Gmbh and CO. KG, TOKYO ELECTRON LTD., DAINIPPON SCREEN MFG. CO., LTD., and VARIAN SEMI. EQUIP. ASSOCIATES GMBH.

TSMC's customers include semiconductor companies, ranging from fabless semiconductor and systems companies, such as Advanced Micro Devices, In! c., Altera Corporation, Broadcom Corporation, Marvell Semiconductor Inc., MediaTek Inc., nVidia Corporation and Qualcomm Incorporated, to integrated device manufacturers, such as LSI Corporation, STMicroelectronics and Texas Instruments Inc. Fabless semiconductor and system companies accounted for approximately 80%, and integrated device manufacturers accounted for approximately 20% of its net sales as of December 31, 2009.

The Company manufactures semiconductors using CMOS and BiCMOS processes. The BiCMOS process combines the speed of the bipolar circuitry and the power consumption and density of the CMOS circuitry. It uses the CMOS process to manufacture logic semiconductors, memory semiconductors, including static random access memory (SRAM), flash memory, mixed-signal/ radio frequency (RF) semiconductors, which combine analog and digital circuitry in a single semiconductor, micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS), which combines micrometer featured mechanical parts, analog and digital circuitry in a single semiconductor, and embedded memory semiconductors, which combine logic and memory in a single semiconductor. The BiCMOS process is used to make high-end mixed-signal and other types of semiconductors.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: Broadcom Corporation(BRCM)

Broadcom Corporation designs and develops semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. It provides a portfolio of system-on-a-chip (SoC) and software solutions for the manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices, which enable the delivery of voice, video, data, and multimedia content to the home, office, and mobile environment. Its broadband communications products include cable modem SoCs; femtocell SoCs; MPEG/AVC/VC-1 encoders and transcoders; xDSL, passive optical network, and cable modem customer premises equipment and central office solutions; powerline networking SoCs; digital cable, direct broadcast satellite, terrestrial, and Internet protocol (IP) set-top box integrated receiver demodulators; high definition television and standard definition TV SoCs; and Blu-ray disc SoCs. The company?s mobile and wireless products comprise Wi-Fi and Bluetooth SoCs, wireless connectivity com bo chips, global positioning system SoCs, multimedia processors, applications processors, power management units, VoIP SoCs, mobile TV SoCs, and near field communications tags. Its infrastructure and networking products include Ethernet copper transceivers, Ethernet controllers and switches, backplane and optical front-end physical layer devices, security processors and adapters, and broadband processors. The company markets and sells its products through direct sales force, distributors, and manufacturers? representatives in the United States, as well as through regional offices, and a network of independent distributors and representatives in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Harding]

  Broadcom Corporation (BRCM) is the best pick for this industry due to its historic success in outperforming its peers, shown by a 15% increase in revenue as opposed to an industry average of 4%. Broadcom’s earnings also grew by a tremendous 16%. Its stock is currently trading at $30.10 and is expected to reach a price target of $45. Revenue is expected to grow by nearly 8%, as compared to a 1% increase in the related industry. Its stocks have traded in a 5 2-week range of $29.17 and $46.89. Broadcom’s market capitalization stands at $16.22 billion and its P/E ratio of 10.6x is expected to remain fairly consistent over the next year. Earnings per share of $2.7 were posted for 2011.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: Texas Instruments Incorporated(TXN)

Texas Instruments Incorporated engages in the design and sale of semiconductors to electronics designers and manufacturers worldwide. The company?s Analog segment offers high-performance analog products comprising standard analog semiconductors, such as amplifiers, data converters, and interface semiconductors; high-volume analog and logic products; and power management semiconductors and line-powered systems. Its Embedded Processing segment includes DSPs that perform mathematical computations to process and enhance digital data; and microcontrollers, which are designed to control a set of specific tasks for electronic equipment. The company?s Wireless segment designs, manufactures, and sells application processors and connectivity products. Its Other segment offers smaller semiconductor products, which include DLP products that are primarily used in projectors to create high-definition images; and application-specific integrated circuits. This segment also provides handhe ld graphing and scientific calculators, as well as licenses technologies to other electronic companies. The company serves the communications, computing, industrial, consumer electronics, automotive, and education sectors. Texas Instruments Incorporated sells its products through a direct sales force, distributors, and third-party sales representatives. It has collaboration agreements with PLX Technology Inc.; Neonode, Inc.; and Ubiquisys Ltd. The company was founded in 1938 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Paul Goodwin]  

  How do they make their money? TXN makes the PA Duplexer Module and the CDMA PA that goes into every iPhone. With a PEG ratio of 0.2 reveals huge discount compared to peers. This is a cash rich company and one I feel will be a strong performer within the next year.

• [By Fabian]

  Texas Instruments investment returned 46.3% during the past year. The amount of investment is $403 Million. Miller reduced his TXN holdings by 25% during the last quarter of 2010. Since then the stock returned 11.1%. David Tepper also bought TXN during the third quarter.

10 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy For 2014: NVIDIA Corp (NVDA.F)

NVIDIA Corporation (NVIDIA), incorporated on February 24, 1998, is engaged in creating the graphics chips used in personal computers (PCs). The Company operates in three segments: graphics processing unit (GPU) Business, professional solutions business (PSB) and consumer products business (CPB). Its mobile processors are used in cell phones, tablets and auto infotainment systems. Designers use GPUs to create visual effects in movies and create everything from golf clubs to jumbo jets. NVIDIA solutions are based on two technologies: the GPU and the mobile processor. GPUs are the engines of visual computing, the science and art of using computers to understand, create and enhance images. It has three GPU product brands: GeForce, which creates visual experiences for gamers; Quadro, which is engaged in visual computing for designers and digital artists, and Tesla, which accelerates applications for scientists and researchers. Tegra is its mobile processor and is built for a pplications ranging from smartphones, tablets and notebook PCs to televisions and cars. During the fiscal year ended January 29, 2012 (fiscal 2012), it acquired Icera Inc.In fiscal 2012, it launched Project Maximus, which uses the compute power of Tesla with the visualization power of Quadro to merge the design and simulation stages into one workstation. In May 2012, the Company and Intellectual Ventures announced that they jointly acquired a set of patents developed and owned by IPWireless. The portfolio comprises approximately 500 patents granted and pending in the wireless communications area, including concepts in LTE, LTE-Advanced and 3G/4G technologies.

GPU Business

The Company�� GPU business revenue includes primarily sales of its GeForce discrete and chipset products that support desktop and notebook PCs plus license fees from Intel and sales of memory products. It also accelerates video editing and high definition (HD), content creation by consumers. GeForce GPUs power PCs made by or distributed! ! by PC original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), in the world. Its media and communications processor (MCP) chipsets primarily comprised of its ION motherboard GPUs, a product reaching the end of its life cycle.

Professional Solutions Business

The Company�� PSB consists of its Quadro professional workstation products and its Tesla computing products. Its Quadro products are designed to deliver the graphics performance and application compatibility for professionals. Tesla applies the processing power of its GPUs to general-purpose computing problems. Quadro products add functionality, such as photorealistic rendering, to computer-aided design workstations, and are used in professional video editing applications and for generating special effects in movies. Tesla is used in supercomputing centers and in oil exploration; other applications include accelerating drug discovery, weather simulations and derivative price modeling.

Consumer P roducts Business

The Company�� CPB includes its Tegra system-on-chip products for smartphones, tablets, automotive infotainment systems, and other similar devices, and Icera baseband processors. The Tegra revenues are generated by sales in smart phones and tablets. CPB also includes license, royalty, other revenue and associated costs related to video game consoles and other digital consumer electronics devices. NVIDIA Tegra mobile products implement design techniques, both inside the chips and at the system level. These technologies enhance visual display capabilities, connectivity and minimize chip and system-level power consumption. During fiscal 2012, it launched Tegra 3, quad-core mobile computing chip, bringing PC levels of performance within the power envelope of a cellular phone chip. It also launched DirectTouch.

The Company competes with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel, Matrox Electronics Systems Ltd., VIA Technologies, Inc., ARM Hol dings plc, Broadcom Corporation, Freescale Semiconducto! r Inc! .,! Fujits! u Limited, Imagination Technologies Ltd., Intel, Marvell Technology Group Ltd., NEC Corporation, Qualcomm Incorporated, Renesas Technology Corp., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Seiko Epson Corporation, ST-Ericsson, Texas Instruments Incorporated, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc., Imagination Technologies Group plc., HiSilicon Technologies Co., Ltd., Mediatek, Qualcomm Incorporated, Spreadtrum Communications Co., Ltd and ST-Ericsson.