10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now

What exactly is Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX  ) up to? Is it still a drink experience destination or is it pursuing recognition as a broader food and beverage brand? Analysts may view its deal with yogurt maker Danone (NASDAQOTH: DANOY  ) as nothing but creamy goodness, but I think it risks mixing its message too much and will end up confusing the consumer.

Blending coffee, tea, and foods is nothing really new for the java maker, and food has represented almost 20% of revenues for years. It generated almost $1.3 billion by selling its products into supermarkets and grocery stores last year, revenues that surged 50% year over year�and the Greek yogurt it will be branding in conjunction with Danone will be hitting grocery store shelves in 2015 under Starbucks' Evolution Fresh brand, which it acquired in 2011.

Greek yogurt is certainly a growth market, one that accounted for just 1% of the refrigerated yogurt sales in 2007 but that has surged to more than 35% today, even as regular yogurt sales have fallen 8%. According to the folks at Nielsen, U.S. sales of�Greek yogurt jumped 48% in the last 12 months, to $2.65 billion.

Hot Cheapest Companies To Buy For 2015: Joe's Jeans Inc.(JOEZ)

Joe?s Jeans Inc. designs, produces, and sells apparel and apparel-related products worldwide. Its product line comprises women?s and men?s denim jeans, pants, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and other apparel products under the Joe?s brand. The company also offers women?s handbags and clutches, shoes, belts, and leather goods under various license agreements. In addition, it provides children?s products consisting of denim bottoms, tops, T-shirts, and jackets for infants, toddlers, girls, and boys. The company sells its products to various retailers, including department stores, specialty stores, and distributors, as well as through its retail stores; and through the Internet site, joesjeans.com/shop. As of November 30, 2011, it operated 17 outlet stores and 5 full price retail stores. The company was formerly known as Innovo Group Inc. and changed its name to Joe?s Jeans Inc. in October 2007. Joe?s Jeans Inc. was founded in 1987 and is based in Commerce, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Joe's Jeans (NASDAQ: JOEZ) is estimated to post its Q3 earnings at $0.02 per share on revenue of $33.37 million.

  Linear Technology (NASDAQ: LLTC) is projected to post its Q1 earnings at $0.46 per share on revenue of $339.26 million.

• [By Wallace Witkowski]

  Joe�� Jeans Inc. (JOEZ) �shares surged 12% to $1.15 on moderate volume after the apparel maker posted a second-quarter profit when analysts were expecting a loss. The company reported earnings of 1 cent a share on revenue of $48.2 million. Analysts estimated a loss of 3 cents a share on revenue of $49 million.

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Joe's Jeans (NASDAQ: JOEZ  ) will release its quarterly report next Monday, and the tiny company is hoping to return to its profit-making ways after posting a loss in its fiscal first quarter. But, with a major transaction having taken place in the industry, Joe's will have to work hard in order to maintain its competitive position in high-end retail.

10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now: Golar LNG Limited(GLNG)

Golar LNG Limited, a mid-stream liquefied natural gas (LNG) company, engages in the transportation, regasification, and liquefaction and trading of LNG. It acquires, owns, operates, and charters LNG carriers and floating storage regasification units (FSRUs). As of March 31, 2011, the company had a fleet of 12 vessels, including 8 LNG carriers and 4 FSRUs; and a 50% equity interest in 1 vessel. Golar LNG Limited was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James E. Brumley]

  I'll warn you now at least some of you aren't going to like what you're about to hear. But, I wouldn't be doing any one a service by ignoring an important reality. So, here goes - shares of Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ:GLNG) and its mater/parent Golar LNG Partners LP (NASDAQ:GMLP) are ripe for a sizeable pullback. Anybody who was mulling a new position in GMLP or GLNG here may want to hold off just a bit, and anybody who stepped into either or both within the past month or so may want to go ahead and lock in their nice gain while they can.

• [By Value Investor]

  In terms of valuation the company is trading at an attractive price and investors can consider this as a good investment point. GasLog Partners has the lowest EV/EBITDA and EV/Revenue compared to peers such as Golar LNG (GLNG) and Teekay LNG Partners (TGP). A low EV/EBITDA and EV/Revenue suggests undervaluation of the company and hence a good value investment.

• [By Varun Chandan, Arora]

  The sharp decline in freight rates is mainly due to fleet growth and limited cargoes, according to Teekay. The company noted in a recent presentation that ongoing production outages are limiting spot cargoes in the market, and at the same time, the LNG fleet is set to grow by more than 30 ships in 2014. Nearly half of these ships are uncommitted to long-term projects. Back in February Golar LNG Limited (NASDAQ: GLNG  ) described the LNG tanker market as very challenging due to these reasons.

• [By Oil and Gas Investments Bulletin]

  In this article I want to talk about permitting - but before that, remember that the first LNG proposal that will export BC and Alberta gas, the Douglas Channel project with Golar (GLNG), is so small at 0.2 bcf/d that it doesn't need all this permitting.

10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now: WellCare Helath Plans Inc.(WCG)

WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs in the United States. The company offers Medicaid plans, including plans for beneficiaries of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs; and ABD programs and state-based programs, such as Children?s Health Insurance Programs (CHIP) and Family Health Plus (FHP) programs for qualifying families who are not eligible for Medicaid. The TANF program provides assistance to low-income families with children; and ABD and SSI programs provide assistance to low-income aged, blind, or disabled individuals. It also provides Medicare, a federal health insurance program; Medicare Advantage, a Medicare?s managed care alternative to original Medicare that provides individuals standard Medicare benefits directly through Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and coordinated care plans, which are administered through health m aintenance organizations and require members to seek health care services and select a primary care physician from a network of health care providers. In addition, the company provides prescription drug plans comprising the Medicare Part D program that offers national in-network prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. As of December 31, 2011, it served approximately 2,562,000 members. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Russ Fischer]

  WellCare Health Plans (WCG)

  Healthcare segment. WellCare Health Plans, Inc. provides managed care services for government-sponsored health care programs in the United States. The company should be a significant beneficiary of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).

10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now: InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG)

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG), incorporated on May 21, 2004, is a global hotel company, operating seven brands internationally. IHG is the holding company. The principal activities of the Company are in hotels and resorts, with franchising, management, ownership and leasehold interests in over 4,400 establishments, with more than 658,000 guest rooms in over 100 countries and territories worldwide. IHG�� hotels brands include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Priority Club Rewards. It has four geographical segments: Americas, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), and Greater China. As of December 31, 2011, the pipeline totalled 1,144 hotels (180,484 rooms). In March 2012, the Company announced the launch of HUALUXE Hotels and Resorts in China. During the year ended 31 December 2011, it sold four hotels, three in the Americas region and one in the AMEA region. IHG also manages the hotel loyalty program, Priority Club Rewards. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has 3,832 hotels operate under franchise agreements; managed 637 hotels worldwide and owned 11 hotels. During 2011, the Company opened 241hotels (44,265rooms) and removed 98 hotels (33,078 rooms). IHG is focused on the three segments that together generate over 90% of branded hotel revenues: midscale (broadly 3-star hotels), upscale (4-star), and luxury (5-star). InterContinental Hotels & Resorts InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is IHG�� 5-star brand located in cities and resort destinations across more than 60 countries worldwide. Hotels under InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand are principally managed by the Company. As of December 31, 2011, there were 169 hotels and 57,598 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 51 hotels in development pipeline. Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts is the IHG�� upscale 4-star segment, specializes in offering modern business and meeting facilities with a service style to provide productive and energising experiences to guests. The majority of hotels under Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts brand are principally operated under franchise agreements in the United States and Europe, and are managed by the Company. As of December 31, 2011, there were 387 hotels and 105,104 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 108 hotels in development pipeline. Hotel Indigo Hotel Indigo provides guests with the refreshing design and service experience with a boutique hotel. The Hotels Indigo brand is principally operated under franchise agreements. As of December 31, 2011, there were 39 hotels and 4,564 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 59 hotels in development pipeline Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Club Vacations The Holiday Inn brand family consists of Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Club Vacations is the midscale hotel brand. Focused on creating an atmosphere where guests can relax, the brand is designed to support both business and leisure travellers. The brand family operates under franchise agreements. As of December 31, 2011, there were 1,240 hotels and 228,256 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 267 hotels in development pipeline. Holiday Inn Express Holiday Inn Express offers convenience and comfort. As of December 31, 2011, there were 2,114 hotels and 196,666 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 470 hotels in development pipeline. Staybridge Suites Staybridge Suites is the Company�� upscale extended stay brand for guests on longer trips, offering studios and suites complete with full kitchens and separate sleeping and work areas in a sociable, family-like atmosphere. Properties under Staybridge Suites brand are operated under a mixture of franchise and management agreements. As of December 31, 2011, there were 179 hotels and 19,567 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 95 hotels in development pipeline. Candlewood Suites Candlewood Suites is the Company�� midscale extended stay brand that gives its guests all the essentials they need for a home-like stay. Properties under Candlewood Suites brand are principally operated under franchise agreements. As of December 31, 2011, there were 285 hotels and 27,500 rooms. As of December 31, 2011, it had 94 hotels in development pipeline. The Company competes with Accor, Choice Hotels International, Inc., Hilton Hotels Corporation, Hyatt, Marriott, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. and Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

  Guests want this because it makes their lives simpler. The ability to go right to your room, gives them back time.

  Hilton Worldwide (H) is the only other hotel chain to publicly acknowledge plans for mobile room keys -- which it plans to roll out at the end of 2015 at some U.S. properties. Hilton won't say how many hotels will be included, except that the service will be available at four of its brands, Hilton, Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and Canopy. "Guests want this because it makes their lives simpler," says Mark Vondrasek, who oversees the loyalty program and digital initiatives for Starwood. "The ability to go right to your room, gives them back time." Other hotel companies are finding other ways to streamline the arrival process. Marriott International (MAR) launched the ability to check in through its app at 330 North American hotels last year. By the end of this year, the program will be live at all 4,000 hotels worldwide. When a room becomes available, a message is sent to the guest's phone. Traditional room keys are pre-programmed and waiting at the front desk. A special express line allows guests to bypass crowds, flash their IDs and get keys. At Hilton, all 4,000 properties worldwide will have a similar check-in by the end of the year. The one added feature: Guests can use maps on the app to select a specific room. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is testing express check-in at 60 hotels. Not About Cutting Jobs The services are geared toward road warriors who don't want to slow down, even for a second. Guests who like personal interaction can still opt for a more leisurely check-in, and hotel companies say the move isn't about cutting jobs. "If you're at the end of a long day, you might want a little less of a chatty experience. But if you're showing up at a new resort, you may want to know what the pool hours are," says Brett Cowell, vice president of information technology for Hyatt, which is testing permanent keys for frequent guests
• [By Tony Reading]

  In this series, I'm assessing the boardrooms of companies within the FTSE 100 (UKX). I hope to separate the management teams that are worth following from those that are not. Today, I am looking at�InterContinental Hotels� (LSE: IHG  ) (NYSE: IHG  ) , the world's largest listed hotels group.

• [By Reuters]
  ATLANTA -- A credit card data breach has been detected that exposed guests at certain Marriott, Holiday Inn, Sheraton and other hotel properties to theft, hotel management firm White Lodging Services said Monday. The breach occurred at food and beverage outlets at 14 hotels, including some operated under the Westin, Renaissance and Radisson names, between March 20 and Dec. 16 last year, White Lodging said in a statement. The company said information subject to potential theft by cybercriminals included names and numbers on consumers' debit or credit cards, security codes and card expiration dates. Customers who used their cards at the affected outlets should review all statements from the time in question and consider placing fraud alerts on their credit files, White Lodging said. White Lodging wouldn't estimate how many card numbers might have been taken. Krebs on Security, the cybersecurity blog that first reported the breach Friday, said thousands of accounts had been compromised. The latest data breach comes after the FBI warned retailers last month to prepare for more cyber attacks after discovering about 20 hacking cases in the past year involving the same kind of malicious software used against Target (TGT) over the holiday shopping season. The incident involving Target, the No. 3 U.S. retailer, was one of the biggest retail cyber attacks in history. In a confidential, three-page report to retail companies the FBI described the risks posed by "memory-parsing" malware that infects point-of-sale systems, which include cash registers and credit-card swiping machines in checkout aisles. Restaurants and lounges affected by the White Lodging breach were at hotels in Chicago; Austin, Texas; Richmond, Va.; Plantation, Fla.; Denver; Boulder and Broomfield, Colo.; Louisville, Ky.; Erie, Pa.; Indianapolis; and Merrillville, Ind., the company said. White Lodging, which manages 169 hotels that include brands of Marriott International (MAR), Starwood

10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now: Interleukin Genetics Inc (ILIU.PK)

Interleukin Genetics, Inc., incorporated on March 28, 2000, is a personalized health company, which develops genetic tests to provide information to manage health and specific health risks. The Company�� business focuses on personalized health, by providing genetic tests with clinical value. Its tests are made available through marketing partners or directly to end users. The Company's primary business focus and strategy is to continue the Company's commercialization efforts with its PST genetic test. In addition, the Company plans to continue to develop and sells tests for its own business needs under the Inherent Health brand.

The Company's genetic tests that are being commercialized includes PST is a genetic test, which analyzes genetic variations associated with inflammation and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for more severe periodontal disease; Weight Management Genetic Test determines whether a low fat, low carbohydrate or balanced diet may normal or vigorous exercise, which is needed to lose existing body fat; Bone Health Genetic Test is designed to identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis; Heart Health Genetic Test is designed to identify genetic predisposition to excess inflammation, which is a risk factor for heart attack, and Wellness Select Genetic Test allows buyers to purchase any combination of Inherent Health genetic tests at a discounted price. The Company is also focusing its genetic test development efforts on the development of an Osteoarthritis, or OA, genetic test to identify individuals at increased risk for severe OA.

Genetic Test for Risk of Periodontal Disease

PST is a genetic test that analyzes genetic variations associated with inflammation and identifies individuals who are at increased risk for more severe periodontal disease. The PST genetic test identifies specific polymorphisms (genetic variations) in genes that! regulate the production of interleukin cytokines.Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is well-established as one of the critical regulators of periodontal disease, and studies in non-human primates have shown that drugs specifically blocking IL-1 alone or IL-1 plus TNFa reduces tissue destruction even when the bacterial challenge is not reduced.

Inherent Health Brand of Genetic Tests

The Company's Weight Management Genetic Test helps take the guesswork out of finding an effective diet and exercise solution by revealing actionable steps to achieve weight goals based on genetics. The test provides new information beyond traditional assessments, so that nutritional intake and fitness routines can be tailored for improved, sustainable results. This test identifies five SNPs in four human genes: fatty acid binding protein 2 (FABP2); adrenergic receptor beta 2 (ADRB2 two variations); adrenergic receptor beta 3 (ADRB3); and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR- ). These markers are involved in certain physiological pathways relating to body weight. Certain patterns of markers are associated with differential response to certain diet and exercise regimens.

The Company has conducted a number of studies that demonstrate a gene-diet interaction based on the multi-locus patterns . In the original study, 311 overweight/obese (body mass index, 27-40 kg/m2), nondiabetic, premenopausal, generally healthy women were randomly assigned for 12 months to either the Atkins-like ( low carbohydrate), Zone-like (low carbohydrate), LEARN-like (balanced), or Ornish-like (low fat) diets for the primary purpose of losing weight. The data collected in that study included dietary intake assessment (three unannounced 24-hour recalls for each time point administered by a dietitian and analyzed using NDS-R, University of Minnesota), anthropometric measures including weight, and related physiological variables, all collected at baseline, two, six, and 12 months.

Bone Health Genetic T! est

The Company's Bone Health Genetic Test is designed to identify whether an individual is more likely to be susceptible to spine fractures and low bone mineral density associated with osteoporosis. Although it typically starts later in life, early intervention can help prevent osteoporosis. Preventive measures can reduce the risk for bone loss and fractures, which in the case of vertebral fractures leads to a hunched over appearance. The test identifies a SNP in each of three genes involved in processes that affect bone; estrogen receptor alpha (ER1 Xba1), vitamin D receptor (VDR), and interleukin-1 (IL-1). Certain patterns of variations are associated with increased risk of spine fracture and/or low bone mineral density. The test can be used as an aid to making diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices to maintain and improve bone health.

Nutritional Needs Genetics Test

The Company's Nutritional Needs Genetics Test is designed to identify DNA variations in genes crucial to B-vitamin metabolism and the ability to manage oxidative stress. Individuals with certain variations in these genes may be at increased risk for ineffective utilization of B-vitamins and potential for cell damage caused by oxidative stress, both of which can in some cases lead to increased risk for certain diseases. The test identifies the presence or absence of human genotypic markers methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and transcobalamin II (TCN2) involved in vitamin B metabolism and markers superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), glutathione S-transferase 1 deletions (GSTM1), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), X-ray repair cross complementing group 1 (XRCC1) in response to oxidative stress. Certain variations are associated with less efficient B-vitamin metabolism or reduced activity of endogenous anti-oxidant systems. The test may be used to aid individuals in deciding whether to supplement their diet with B vitamins and/or antioxidants.

Genetic Test Pipeline

The Company is focusing! its gene! tic test development efforts on programs, including Osteoarthritis Genetic Test. OA is the common adult joint disease, increasing in frequency and severity in all aging populations. The estimated U.S. prevalence is 20-40 million patients or five times that of rheumatoid arthritis. The Company's OA program plans to investigate whether interleukin gene variations together with several other inflammatory gene variations is associated with the occurrence of multi-joint OA for the development of a genetic risk assessment test.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Marckx]

  Interleukin Genetics, Inc. (ILIU.PK) develops genetic tests focused on personal health. Through applied genetics research and scientific collaborations, the company has made significant progress in understanding how genetic make-up can affect an individual's predisposition and risk of suffering from certain diseases. Interleukin's research has specifically focused on a form of genetic variation called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and how it can have an impact on a person's health. The company has applied this knowledge in the development of genetic tests focused on areas such as weight management, cardiovascular health and periodontal disease. Interleukin sells its Inherent Health line of tests, which launched in 2009, to the consumer market and maintains a CLIA-certified lab at its headquarters in Waltham, Massachusetts, where consumers send test samples for processing.

10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now: Network Exploration Ltd (NET)

Network Exploration Ltd. is an exploration and development-stage company. The Company�� principal business activities include the exploration of minerals in its mineral properties. It focuses on base and precious metal properties in North and South America. Its activities include the process of exploring its mineral properties, reviewing and subsequently acquiring mineral properties and conducting exploration programs to determine whether these properties contain ore reserves that are recoverable. The Picha copper-silver project is located within the Tertiary Volcanic Arc of Southern Peru. The Pistala project is located east of the NW-SE trending Incapquio fault system in the Department of Tacna, Southern Peru. The Company is in the business of mineral exploration in Canada, Chile and Peru. Network Exploration Chile Limitada is its wholly owned subsidiary. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  The MSCI World ex U.S. Small Cap Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance, excluding the U.S. The MSCI Small Cap Indices target 40% of the eligible Small Cap universe within each industry group, within each country. MSCI defines the Small Cap universe as all listed securities that have a market capitalization in the range of USD200-1,500 million. This benchmark calculates reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes using Luxembourg tax rates. This index is unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in this index.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  The IVA Worldwide Fund Class A, at net asset value, returned 8.00% over the one year period ending September 30, 2014 compared to the MSCI All Country World Index (Net)* (the ��ndex�� return of 11.32% over the same period.

• [By Jason Rivera]

  Assets:Book Value:Reproduction Value:Current AssetsCash And Cash Equivalents506506Accounts Receivable (Net)3,6193,076Inventories10,0006,000Deferred Income Taxes919460Prepaid Expenses799400Total Current Assets15,8439,986PP&E Net2,4151,449Equity and Other Investments4,5763,432Intangible Assets3,1391,570Deferred Income Taxes991496Total Assets26,96417,387
  Number of shares is 7,383.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  The IVA International Fund (Trades, Portfolio) Class A, at net asset value, returned 7.05% over the one year period ending September 30, 2014 compared to the MSCI All Country World (ex-U.S.) Index (Net)* (the ��ndex�� return of 4.77% over the same period.

10 Best Supermarket Stocks To Watch Right Now: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc (ASX)

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Inc. is principally engaged in the manufacture, assembly, processing, testing and distribution of integrated circuits (ICs). The Company provides semiconductor packaging and testing services, including plastic leaded chip carriers (PLCCs), quad flat packages (QFPs) and flip chip packaging technology, among others, which are applied in the manufacture of household electrical appliances, communication devices, automobile components, personal computers, set top boxes, servers, memory integrated circuits (ICs), mobile phones, digital cameras, game consoles, projectors, high definition (HD) televisions, wireless communication network products and power management ICs, among others. The Company operates its businesses primarily in Taiwan, Europe and the Americas. In August 2010, the Company acquired a 100% interest in EEMS Test Singapore.

The Company is focused on packaging and testing logic semiconductors. The Company offers its customers turnkey services, which consist of packaging, testing and direct shipment of semiconductors to end users designated by its customers. The Company�� global base of over 200 customers includes semiconductor companies across a range of end use applications, including Altera Corporation, ATI Technologies, Inc., Broadcom Corporation, Cambridge Silicon Radio Limited and Microsoft Corporation. During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company�� packaging revenues accounted for 77.7% of its net revenues and its testing revenues accounted for 20.1% of its net revenues.

Packaging Services

The Company offers a range of package types to meet the requirements of its customers, with a focus on packaging solutions. Within its portfolio of package types, the Company focuses on the packaging of semiconductors. These include advanced leadframe-based package types, such as quad flat package, thin quad flat package, bump chip carrier and quad flat no-lead package, and package types based on substrates, such a! s flip-chip ball grid array (BGA) and other BGA types, as well as other packages, such as wafer-bumping products. Leadframe-based packages are packaged by connecting the die, using wire bonders, to the leadframe with gold wire. The Company�� leadframe-based packages include quad flat package (QFP)/ thin quad flat package (TQFP), quad flat no-lead package (QFN)/microchip carrier (MCC), advanced quad flat no-lead package (AQFN), bump chip carrier (BCC), small outline plastic package (SOP)/thin small outline plastic package (TSOP), small outline plastic j-bend package (SOJ), plastic leaded chip carrier (PLCC) and plastic dual in-line package (PDIP). Substrate-based packages employ the BGA design, which utilizes a substrate rather than a leadframe. It also assembles system-in-a-package products, which involve the integration of more than one chip into the same package. The Company�� substrate-based packages include Plastic BGA, Cavity Down BGA, Stacked-Die BGA, Flip-Chip BGA and land grid array (LGA).

The Company�� wafer-level packaging products include wafer level chip scale package (aCSP) and advanced wafer level package (aWLP). The Company offers module assembly services, which combine one or more packaged semiconductors with other components in an integrated module to enable functionality, typically using surface mount technology (SMT) machines and other machinery and equipment for system-level assembly. End use applications for modules include cellular phones, personal digital assistant (PDAs), wireless local area network (LAN) applications, bluetooth applications, camera modules, automotive applications and toys.

The Company provides module assembly services primarily at its facilities in Korea for radio frequency and power amplifier modules used in wireless communications and automotive applications. Interconnect materials connect the input/output on the semiconductor dies to the printed circuit board. Interconnect materials include substrate, which is a multi-layer m! iniature ! printed circuit board. The Company produces substrates for use in its packaging operations.

Testing Services

The Company provides a range of semiconductor testing services, including front-end engineering testing, wafer probing, final testing of logic/mixed-signal/radio frequency (RF) and memory semiconductors and other test-related services. The Company provides front-end engineering testing services, including customized software development, electrical design validation, and reliability and failure analysis. The Company provides final testing services for a variety of memory products, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), single-bit erasable programmable read-only memory semiconductors and flash memory semiconductors.

The Company provides a range of additional test-related services, including burn-in testing, module sip testing, dry pack, tape and reel, and electric interface board and mechanical test tool design. The Company offers drop shipment services for shipment of semiconductors directly to end users designated by its customers.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By STOCKPICKR]

  We're starting things off with Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASX), a Taiwan-based chipmaker. Overwhelmingly, overseas stocks have been lagging the broad market here at home -- but that hasn't been the case at Advanced Semiconductor. In fact, this $10 billion chip stock is up more than 30% since the calendar flipped to January. But investors should think about taking their gains here; ASX is starting to look toxic for your portfolio.

  That's because ASX is currently forming a descending triangle pattern, a bearish price setup that's formed by downtrending resistance above shares, and horizontal support to the downside at $5.80. Basically, as ASX bounces in between those two technical price levels, it's getting squeezed closer to a breakdown below its $5.80 price floor -- if that line in the sand gets violated, then Advanced Semiconductor is a sell.

  For short sellers, the most recent high at the $6.40 level is a logical place to park a protective stop.

  Must Read: 12 Stocks Warren Buffett Loves in 2014

• [By Jeff Reeves]

  Next Page

  Best Stocks to Buy for Around $5: Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASX)

  Advanced Semiconductor Engineering�(ASX) builds and distributes integrated circuits and other electronics. While that�� not as sexy as other chipmakers that play to mobile, it�� still a good business, considering the general demand for microchips in everything from cars to computers to TVs.

• [By Alexis Xydias]

  The FTSE 100 Index (UKX) gained 53.93 points, or 0.8 percent, to 6,683.93 at 8:58 a.m. in London, rebounding from a 1.4 percent loss yesterday. The benchmark has rallied 13 percent this year as central banks around the world commit to maintain monetary stimulus to nurture economic growth. The broader FTSE All-Share Index (ASX) increased 0.8 percent today, while Ireland�� ISEQ Index advanced 0.5 percent.