Head to Head Survey: Tactile Systems Technology (TCMD) and GenMark Diagnostics (GNMK)

Tactile Systems Technology (NASDAQ: TCMD) and GenMark Diagnostics (NASDAQ:GNMK) are both small-cap medical companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, dividends and institutional ownership.

Profitability

Get Tactile Systems Technology alerts:

This table compares Tactile Systems Technology and GenMark Diagnostics’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

	Net Margins	Return on Equity	Return on Assets
Tactile Systems Technology	6.29%	7.86%	6.56%
GenMark Diagnostics	-97.90%	-77.35%	-46.77%

Institutional & Insider Ownership

92.1% of Tactile Systems Technology shares are held by institutional investors. 8.7% of Tactile Systems Technology shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 7.5% of GenMark Diagnostics shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Tactile Systems Technology and GenMark Diagnostics’ top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

	Gross Revenue	Price/Sales Ratio	Net Income	Earnings Per Share	Price/Earnings Ratio
Tactile Systems Technology	$109.28 million	9.19	$5.85 million	$0.21	264.76
GenMark Diagnostics	$52.52 million	7.12	-$61.85 million	($1.21)	-5.58

Tactile Systems Technology has higher revenue and earnings than GenMark Diagnostics. GenMark Diagnostics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Tactile Systems Technology, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility & Risk

Tactile Systems Technology has a beta of 0.86, suggesting that its share price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, GenMark Diagnostics has a beta of 0.47, suggesting that its share price is 53% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of current recommendations for Tactile Systems Technology and GenMark Diagnostics, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

	Sell Ratings	Hold Ratings	Buy Ratings	Strong Buy Ratings	Rating Score
Tactile Systems Technology	1	2	3	0	2.33
GenMark Diagnostics	0	1	5	0	2.83

Tactile Systems Technology currently has a consensus price target of $47.88, suggesting a potential downside of 13.89%. GenMark Diagnostics has a consensus price target of $10.80, suggesting a potential upside of 60.00%. Given GenMark Diagnostics’ stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe GenMark Diagnostics is more favorable than Tactile Systems Technology.

Summary

Tactile Systems Technology beats GenMark Diagnostics on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.

Tactile Systems Technology Company Profile

Tactile Systems Technology, Inc., a medical technology company, develops and provides medical devices for the treatment of chronic diseases in the United States. The company offers proprietary Flexitouch system, an at-home solution for lymphedema patients; and ACTitouch system, a home-based solution for chronic venous insufficiency patients. It also provides Entr茅 System, a basic pneumatic compression device that is used for the at-home treatment of venous disorders, such as lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency, including venous leg ulcers. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

GenMark Diagnostics Company Profile

GenMark Diagnostics, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, develops and commercializes molecular tests based on its proprietary eSensor electrochemical detection technology. It provides ePlex instrument and respiratory pathogen panel, which integrates automated nucleic acid extraction and amplification with its eSensor detection technology to enable operators using ePlex system to place patient sample directly into its test cartridge and obtain results. The company offers XT-8 instrument, and related diagnostic and research tests, as well as certain custom manufactured reagents that enable reference laboratories and hospitals to support a range of molecular tests with a workstation and disposable test cartridges. It also provides diagnostic tests for use with its XT-8 system that includes respiratory viral panel, cystic fibrosis genotyping test, thrombophilia risk test, a warfarin sensitivity test, and hepatitis C virus genotyping test and associated custom manufactured reagents, as well as 2C19 genotyping test. The company sells its products through direct sales and technically specialized service organization in the United States and Europe. GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

The Future of Money: Digital Currency

By Eswar Prasad, Senior Fellow �� Global Economy and Development at the Brookings Institution

Editor’s Note: On Wednesday, July 18, Eswar Prasad delivered testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services Subcommittee on Monetary Policy and Trade. View his full testimony and learn more about the hearing.

In my remarks, I will focus on the implications of the evolution of new financial technologies, including but not limited to cryptocurrencies, for central banking. This testimony will accord particular attention to issues surrounding (i) the implementation and transmission of monetary policy and (ii) financial stability. I will also discuss the pros and cons of central bank digital currencies (CBDC).

While the advent of decentralized cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin has dominated the headlines, a broader set of changes wrought by advances in technology are likely to eventually have a more profound and lasting impact on central banks. It is premature to speak of disruption of traditional concepts of central banking, but it is worth considering if the looming changes to money, financial markets, and payments systems will have significant repercussions for the operation of central banks and their ability to deliver on key objectives such as low inflation and financial stability.

There are many potential advantages to switching from physical to digital versions of central bank money, in terms of easing some constraints on traditional monetary policy and providing an official electronic payments system. The basic mechanics of monetary policy implementation will not be affected by a switch from physical currency to CBDCs. However, other technological changes that are likely to affect financial markets and institutions could have significant effects on monetary policy implementation and transmission. New financial technologies��including those underpinning nonofficial cryptocurrencies��herald broader access to the financial system, quicker and more easily verifiable settlement of transactions and payments, and lower transaction costs. Domestic and cross-border payment systems are on the threshold of major transformation, with significant gains in speed and lowering of transaction costs on the horizon. The efficiency gains in normal times from having decentralized payment and settlement systems need to be balanced against their potential technological vulnerabilities and the repercussions of loss of confidence during periods of financial stress. Multiple payment systems could improve the stability of the overall payments mechanism in the economy and reduce the possibility of counterparty risk associated with the payment hubs themselves. However, multiple systems without official backing could be severely tested in times of crisis of confidence and serve as channels for risk transmission. Decentralized electronic payment systems are also exposed to technological vulnerabilities that could entail significant economic as well as financial damage. CBDCs could function as payment mechanisms that provide stability without necessarily limiting private fintech innovations. Financial institutions, especially banks, could face challenges to their business models, as new technologies facilitate the entry of institutions (or decentralized mechanisms) that can undertake financial intermediation and overcome information asymmetries. Banks will find it difficult to continue collecting economic rents on some activities that cross-subsidize other activities. The emergence of new institutions and mechanisms could improve financial intermediation but will pose significant challenges in terms of regulation and financial stability. New forms of money and new channels for moving funds within and between economies could also have implications for international capital flows and exchange rates. The proliferation of channels for cross-border capital flows will make it increasingly difficult for national authorities to control these flows. Emerging market economies will face particular challenges in managing the volatility of capital flows and exchange rates, and could be subject to greater monetary policy spillovers and contagion effects. These channels are also susceptible to exploitation for money laundering, illegal activities, and evasion of controls and reporting requirements related to cross-border capital flows.

Note
This testimony draws extensively from Eswar Prasad, ��Central Banking in a Digital Age: Stock-taking and Preliminary Thoughts,�� Brookings Institution Report, April 2018. Please see that report for a full set of references and sources. Also see a panel discussion on “Digital currencies: Implications for central banks.”

24/7 Wall St.
How Trump Could Stifle Economic Growth: Roubini

Vina Concha y Toro (VCO) Downgraded to “Hold” at ValuEngine

ValuEngine downgraded shares of Vina Concha y Toro (NYSE:VCO) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Wednesday.

Shares of Vina Concha y Toro opened at $41.40 on Wednesday, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Vina Concha y Toro has a 12 month low of $31.45 and a 12 month high of $47.99. The company has a current ratio of 1.87, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.08 and a beta of 0.27.

Get Vina Concha y Toro alerts:

Vina Concha y Toro (NYSE:VCO) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, May 22nd. The company reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $206.57 million for the quarter. Vina Concha y Toro had a net margin of 8.13% and a return on equity of 9.59%.

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its stake in shares of Vina Concha y Toro by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 35,950 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,528,000 after purchasing an additional 1,902 shares in the last quarter. Castleark Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vina Concha y Toro in the 4th quarter valued at about $148,000. Finally, Schafer Cullen Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Vina Concha y Toro by 15.7% in the 4th quarter. Schafer Cullen Capital Management Inc. now owns 162,764 shares of the company’s stock valued at $5,933,000 after purchasing an additional 22,135 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.33% of the company’s stock.

About Vina Concha y Toro

Vi帽a Concha y Toro SA, together with its subsidiaries, produces and distributes wines in Chile. It operates through two segments, Wines and Other. The company sells its premium wines under the Don Melchor, Carm铆n de Peumo, Gravas del Maipo, Amelia, Terrunyo, Marqu茅s de Casa Concha, Gran Reserva Serie Riberas, Casillero del Diablo, Trio, and Late Harvest brand names; varietal and bi-varietal wines under the Sunrise, Concha y Toro, and Frontera brands; and popular wines under the Tocornal, Clos de Pirque, Exportacion, and Fressco brand names.

To view ValuEngine’s full report, visit ValuEngine’s official website.

Nike Already Won the FIFA World Cup Over Adidas

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is nearing its climax, with the final set to kick off this Sunday on Fox (FOXA ) . And although the final matchup isn’t set and the victorious nation has not hoisted the trophy, Nike (NKE ) already beat its rival Adidas (ADDYY ) at the World Cup.

When the tournament began on June 14, Adidas held the early lead over Nike. Not only is the German sportswear giant one of just seven official FIFA partners along with Coca-Cola (KO ) , Visa (V ) , Hyundai/ Kia, Chinese conglomerate Wanda, Russian giant Gazprom, and Qatar Airways, the company also edged out Nike in terms of total team sponsorships.

Jerseys

Adidas has been a FIFA partner since 1970, and will be the official ball of the world’s biggest sporting even until at least 2030. The company also sponsored 12 of the 32 teams at this year’s tournament, including three favorites Germany, Spain, and Argentina. But, Germany didn’t make it out of the group stage and Spain and Argentina were eliminated in the round of 16.

Oregon-based Nike spent heavily to become a soccer powerhouse since the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994. Since then, Nike has successfully infiltrated every level and nearly every league in the world. Nike began the 2018 World Cup with 10 teams sporting its iconic swoosh, including Brazil.

More importantly, three out of the four teams that made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup were Nike teams. Furthermore, France defeated Belgium, the lone Adidas team, in the first semi-final game Tuesday. Now, even before England play Croatia on Wednesday in the second semi-final, the World Cup winners are guaranteed to be wearing Nike—all of whom are currently on the front page of Nike’s website.

This is great exposure for Nike, especially since Adidas pays millions to be an official FIFA partner, which according to The Telegraph costs between $25 million and $50 million annually.

Stars

Although the three most famous soccer stars on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar, are all out of the World Cup, there are certainly some big names left.

Adidas’ only remaining star is France’s Paul Pogba, who sports a Nike kit for France. The third biggest team sponsor, with Under Armour (UAA ) notably left off this list, was Puma. The German sportswear company’s biggest individual star, Antoine Griezmann also happens to play for France (also listen to: A Sportswear Industry Overview Amid Puma's Basketball Push).

Meanwhile, two of Nike’s rising soccer stars are England’s Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe of France, both also play for Nike-sponsored club teams. Nike tweeted from its main Twitter (TWTR ) account for the first time in a month to congratulate Mbappe on Tuesday.

Nike noted that Kane’s Tottenham and the World Cup were two of the big places the company spent money. “Fourth quarter demand creation increased 25% primarily driven by investments in new sports marketing assets such as Chelsea, Tottenham and the NBA, brand marketing around key global sporting events such as the NBA Finals and the World Cup,” CFO Andy Campion said on Nike’s recent quarterly earnings call.

Bottom Line

Some people might say that sports sponsorships don’t matter, and maybe they are less quantifiable to Budweiser (BUD ) or McDonald’s (MCD ) , which are official 2018 World Cup sponsors. But for sportswear companies such as Nike, they are important, especially since the company is actively expanding its reach in the sport. Investors should also note that Nike’s overall soccer revenues climbed 8% to $2.15 billion during its recently completed fiscal year, trailing only sportswear and basketball in terms of growth.

The World Cup also offers the chance to reach billions of people around the world, as well as across social media channels such as Instagram (FB ) and YouTube (GOOGL ) in highlights that will live for years to come. The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil reached 3.2 billion people total, with one billion reportedly tuned into the final. And while Americans might not love the sport, 60% of Nike’s revenues come from outside of its domestic market.

The Hottest Tech Mega-Trend of All

Last year, it generated $8 billion in global revenues. By 2020, it's predicted to blast through the roof to $47 billion. Famed investor Mark Cuban says it will produce "the world's first trillionaires," but that should still leave plenty of money for regular investors who make the right trades early.

See Zacks' 3 Best Stocks to Play This Trend >>

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019

tags:CYRX,MYGN,HXL,DXPE,COST,SSNLF,SSW,MRCC,SNH,ADSK, European Pressphoto Agency

An upbeat reading on U.S. retail sales isn��t enough to keep U.S. stock indices from tanking today. The Dow dropped more than 200�points in late afternoon market action.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.19% and the S&P 500 fell 1% while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.6%.

Energy and financial shares in the S&P 500 led the declines with the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and the Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) falling 1.5% and 1.3%respectively.

Stock indices have fluctuated severely this week. The Dow posted its biggest gain since March on Tuesday, only to record its worst fall since Feb. 11 the next day. As of now, the blue chip index is poised to record its third straight weekly loss.

Investors are facing a variety of overhangs, from cloudy expectations for corporate earnings to next month��s Federal Reserve meeting and the UK is poised to vote on whether to exit the European Union.

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: CryoPort, Inc.(CYRX)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Press coverage about CryoPort (NASDAQ:CYRX) has been trending somewhat positive on Monday, according to Accern Sentiment Analysis. Accern identifies positive and negative press coverage by monitoring more than twenty million blog and news sources. Accern ranks coverage of public companies on a scale of negative one to one, with scores closest to one being the most favorable. CryoPort earned a coverage optimism score of 0.05 on Accern’s scale. Accern also gave media coverage about the consumer goods maker an impact score of 46.4366918065987 out of 100, meaning that recent press coverage is somewhat unlikely to have an impact on the company’s share price in the immediate future.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  CryoPort (NASDAQ: CYRX) and C. H. Robinson (NASDAQ:CHRW) are both transportation companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  CryoPort (NASDAQ:CYRX) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The consumer goods maker reported ($0.10) EPS for the quarter, missing the Zacks’ consensus estimate of ($0.07) by ($0.03), Briefing.com reports. The company had revenue of $4.02 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.84 million. CryoPort had a negative return on equity of 47.36% and a negative net margin of 66.09%. The company’s revenue for the quarter was up 48.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.10) earnings per share.

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Myriad Genetics, Inc.(MYGN)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale lowered its holdings in Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN) by 14.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 39,151 shares of the company’s stock after selling 6,642 shares during the period. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale owned about 0.06% of Myriad Genetics worth $1,158,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By Keith Speights]

  If you're looking for stocks that have made tremendous comebacks in 2018, Opko Health (NASDAQ:OPK) and Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN) definitely fit the bill. Opko stock was down nearly 20% this year before roaring back. Myriad Genetics saw its share price plunge close to 40% earlier in 2018, but a strong rebound has the stock price close to where it began the year.�

• [By ]

  In the Lightning Round, Cramer was bullish on Dropbox (DBX) , Spotify (SPOT) , Myriad Genetics (MYGN) , Skechers USA (SKX) , Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) and American Water Works (AWK) .

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Vermillion (NASDAQ: VRML) and Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:MYGN) are both medical companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, valuation, earnings and institutional ownership.

• [By ]

  Myriad Genetics (MYGN) : "This is an early stage company. Good spec, bad chart."

  Skechers USA (SKX) : "I think they're doing well. I think it's really good and they've done a good job."

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Hexcel Corporation(HXL)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lee Samaha]

  Advanced materials are loosely defined as those designed with enhanced properties that improve on traditionally used materials. A broader definition includes materials seeing increased demand due to advanced technologies. For example, if you want to reduce the weight of aircraft (while also increasing strength) then Hexcel Corp. (NYSE: HXL) advanced composites are going to come in handy. Similarly, if you believe in the future of electric vehicles then the lithium produced by�Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB) (used in batteries) will surely come into high demand in the future. Moreover, if you want to invest in companies that provide technology to materials processors then high-performance laser manufacturer IPG Photonics Corp. (NASDAQ: IPGP) is well worth a look. Here's the investment case for all three.�

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  Neuberger Berman Group LLC boosted its position in Hexcel (NYSE:HXL) by 4.2% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 165,404 shares of the aerospace company’s stock after purchasing an additional 6,656 shares during the quarter. Neuberger Berman Group LLC owned about 0.18% of Hexcel worth $10,683,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By Logan Wallace]

  Xact Kapitalforvaltning AB lifted its position in shares of Hexcel Co. (NYSE:HXL) by 51.5% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 11,174 shares of the aerospace company’s stock after acquiring an additional 3,800 shares during the quarter. Xact Kapitalforvaltning AB’s holdings in Hexcel were worth $722,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: DXP Enterprises Inc.(DXPE)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Logan Wallace]

  American Century Companies Inc. decreased its position in DXP Enterprises, Inc. (NASDAQ:DXPE) by 63.0% in the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 266,785 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after selling 454,667 shares during the quarter. American Century Companies Inc. owned approximately 1.54% of DXP Enterprises worth $10,391,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on DXP Enterprises (DXPE)

  For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com

• [By Joseph Griffin]

  Press coverage about DXP Enterprises (NASDAQ:DXPE) has been trending somewhat positive on Thursday, Accern Sentiment reports. The research group rates the sentiment of media coverage by analyzing more than 20 million news and blog sources in real time. Accern ranks coverage of companies on a scale of negative one to positive one, with scores nearest to one being the most favorable. DXP Enterprises earned a coverage optimism score of 0.22 on Accern’s scale. Accern also assigned media headlines about the industrial products company an impact score of 44.8189875544661 out of 100, indicating that recent media coverage is somewhat unlikely to have an effect on the company’s share price in the next few days.

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Costco Wholesale Corporation(COST)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Max Byerly]

  Motley Fool Wealth Management LLC lowered its position in shares of Costco (NASDAQ:COST) by 1.3% in the first quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,278 shares of the retailer’s stock after selling 348 shares during the quarter. Motley Fool Wealth Management LLC’s holdings in Costco were worth $5,140,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Breaking news

  Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE: BIG) reported weaker-than-expected results for its first quarter and issued downbeat earnings forecast. Lululemon Athletica inc. (NASDAQ: LULU) reported better-than-expected results for its first quarter. The company also raised its FY18 earnings and sales guidance. Ulta Beauty Inc (NASDAQ: ULTA) reported upbeat results for its first quarter, but issued weak second-quarter earnings and sales guidance. Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) reported better-than-expected results for its third quarter.

• [By Money Morning Staff Reports]

  And he's used these rules to bring his subscribers incredible profit opportunities in just days, including:

  8% in four days on Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE: CL) 9% in one day on General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE) 8% in two days on Costco Wholesale Corp. (NYSE: COST)

  More on those gains in just a bit…

• [By Brian Stoffel]

  There are several parts of the value chain that create natural and organic goods:

  Individual organic farmers, who you largely cannot invest in. Producers of organic foods, who take farmer's goods and combine them for consumption. This includes players like�Hain Celestial (NASDAQ:HAIN),�SunOpta, and�Lifeway Foods. Grocers with a focus on natural and organic goods, which originally included�Whole Foods (now owned by Amazon),�Sprouts Farmers Market (NASDAQ:SFM), and�Natural Grocers -- what I refer to as "pure-play," which are grocers with a sole focus on organic. But the list now includes big names like�Kroger�(NYSE:KR),�Costco�(NASDAQ:COST), and�Walmart�(NYSE:WMT). Distributors specializing in natural and organic food, primarily�United Natural Foods.

  When the Great Recession hit, many of these pure-play natural and organic companies (read: not Costco, Walmart, or Kroger) were devastated. Consumers were pinching pennies and unwilling to pay the extra money for organic fruits.

• [By Billy Duberstein]

  The disruption has come from the confluence of several factors, including the rise of craft/natural foods, low-cost private label brands, and the advent of e-commerce. The new generation of more health-conscious, yet budget-constrained consumers, has put traditional consumer packaged goods brands in a tough spot. On the high-end, these brands are being crowded out by healthier, more natural alternatives, while huge retailers have come out with high-quality private label brands, such as Costco's (NASDAQ: COST) Kirkland brand and Kroger's (NYSE: KR) Simple Truth, which are often priced below CPG rivals.�

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. (SSNLF)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Nicholas Rossolillo]

  CEO Steve Abramson remains positive as the pace of investment in new display technology is strong. OLED is getting more cost effective, making its high-contrast screens and flexibility in use more attractive. LG, for example, said it will be increasing its shipment of OLED TVs by 50% over 2017. Samsung (NASDAQOTH:SSNLF), which has been working on its own alternative to OLED with MicroLED technology, has reportedly resumed work on OLED displays. Universal and Samsung extended their partnership agreement through the year 2022 earlier this year.

• [By ]

  When it comes to raw read and write speeds 3D XPoint is much closer, almost identical to, regular NAND memory. In the tests performed by Linus Tech Tips, a popular YouTube hardware review channel, Intel's (INTC) Optane drives which use the same 3D XPoint technology scored roughly 2GB/s read and write speeds, which is inline with the latest Samsung (OTC:SSNLF) NAND SSDs. By contrast, a RAMdisk (a virtual disk created from a DRAM module) can read or write at speeds exceeding 8GB/s. However, where 3D XPoint behaves a lot more like DRAM is in its latency.

• [By Ashraf Eassa]

  The problem for Apple is that while it has many potential LCD suppliers vying for its business, only�Samsung�(NASDAQOTH:SSNLF)�was believed to be able to build displays that met Apple's quality and quantity requirements for the iPhone X.

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Seaspan Corporation(SSW)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ]

  Cramer was bearish on Seaspan (SSW) , Symantec (SYMC) and Hi-Crush Partners (HCLP) .

  Search Jim Cramer's "Mad Money" trading recommendations using our exclusive "Mad Money" Stock Screener.

• [By ]

  Seaspan (SSW) : "No, this one has moved up too much."

  Criticare Systems Inc (CMD) : "This stock has moved so much. I like Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) a little better."

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Here are some of the news headlines that may have impacted Accern’s rankings:

  Get Seaspan alerts: Seaport Global Securities Equities Analysts Reduce Earnings Estimates for Seaspan Co. (SSW) (americanbankingnews.com) Consolidated Research: 2018 Summary Expectations for Seaspan, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, B (nasdaq.com) Consolidated Research: 2018 Summary Expectations for Seaspan, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, Bank Of Montreal, Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V, Xcerra, and Arch Capital Group �� Fundamental Analysis, Key Performance Indications (finance.yahoo.com) Seaspan (SSW) Says Fairfax Financial Invested Additional $500 Million (streetinsider.com) Fairfax To Raise Total Investment In Seaspan To $1 Bln – Quick Facts (nasdaq.com)

  Several equities research analysts have commented on the company. Bank of America upgraded Seaspan from an “underperform” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Thursday, May 3rd. Citigroup boosted their target price on Seaspan from $7.00 to $8.50 and gave the company a “neutral” rating in a research note on Friday, May 4th. Deutsche Bank upgraded Seaspan from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and boosted their target price for the company from $7.00 to $13.00 in a research note on Thursday, April 19th. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on Seaspan from $5.50 to $6.00 and gave the company an “underweight” rating in a research note on Monday, February 12th. Finally, Zacks Investment Research upgraded Seaspan from a “strong sell” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Tuesday, March 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. The stock presently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $9.40.

• [By Maxx Chatsko]

  Rental rates aren't the only thing gaining momentum. Several companies are demonstrably stronger today, including containership leader Seaspan (NYSE:SSW). The investor favorite has made moves to strengthen its long-term prospects just in time to capitalize on rebounding global demand for shipping vessels of nearly every size. Throw in the purchase of a Chinese joint venture, which injected youthful vessels and new contracts into the business, and a $500 million investment from a major shareholder, and it's easy to see why shares are up 80% in the last year alone.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Get a free copy of the Zacks research report on SEASPAN Corp/SH SH (SSW)

  For more information about research offerings from Zacks Investment Research, visit Zacks.com

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Monroe Capital Corporation(MRCC)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephan Byrd]

  Monroe Capital Corp (NASDAQ:MRCC) Director Jeffrey A. Golman purchased 8,000 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, June 20th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $13.62 per share, with a total value of $108,960.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 10,000 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $136,200. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link.

• [By Shane Hupp]

  Moelis & Co (NYSE: MC) and Monroe Capital (NASDAQ:MRCC) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, risk, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends and analyst recommendations.

• [By Ethan Ryder]

  Monroe Capital (NASDAQ:MRCC) was downgraded by research analysts at BidaskClub from a “strong-buy” rating to a “buy” rating in a note issued to investors on Friday.

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Senior Housing Properties Trust(SNH)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Feroldi, Matthew Frankel, and Dan Caplinger]

  Retirees should favor companies that operate in stable industries and offer their shareholders a predictable stream of income. So which stocks in particular do we think can fulfill their needs? We asked a team of Motley Fool investors to weigh in, and they picked�Senior Housing Properties Trust (NASDAQ:SNH),�Prologis�(NYSE:PLD), and 3M (NYSE:MMM).�

Top 10 Blue Chip Stocks To Watch For 2019: Autodesk, Inc.(ADSK)

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chris Lange]

  Autodesk Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK) is poised to post its most recent quarterly results Thursday. The consensus forecast is $0.03 in EPS and $557.37 million in revenue. Shares closed at $138.85 apiece. The consensus price target is $148.25, and the 52-week range is $99.22 to $141.26.

• [By Maxx Chatsko]

  That would lead investors to companies such as Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK), International Flavors & Fragrances (NYSE:IFF), and DowDuPont (NYSE:DWDP).

• [By ]

  The hot list:

  Align Technology (ALGN) (+22% revenue growth estimate) Amazon (AMZN) (+22%) Autodesk (ADSK) (+27%) Cabot Oil & Gas (COG) (+34%) Concho Resources (CXO) (+30%) Facebook (FB) (+27%) Netflix (NFLX) (+25%) Pentair (PNR) (+22%) Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) (+22)

  "Firms with high revenue growth should outperform the S&P 500 during the next 12 months as the index climbs by 6% to our target of 2875," says Kostin. 

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Check out these big penny stock gainers and losers

  Losers Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. (NYSE: ZOES) fell 27.8 percent to $10.45 in pre-market trading after the company reported weaker-than-expected earnings for its first quarter. The company also lowered its FY18 sales outlook from $358million-$368 million to $345 million-$352 million. Hibbett Sports, Inc. (NASDAQ: HIBB) shares fell 15.6 percent to $24.50 in pre-market trading after the company reported weaker-than-expected results for its first quarter. Rockwell Medical, Inc. (NASDAQ: RMTI) fell 15.5 percent to $5.02 in the pre-market trading session after the company disclosed that its President and CEO Robert Chioini was terminated. BG Staffing Inc (NYSE: BGSF) shares fell 12.7 percent to $19.00 in pre-market trading after reporting a common stock offering. 8x8, Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT) fell 9.3 percent to $20.00 in pre-market trading after reporting downbeat quarterly earnings. Asia Pacific Wire & Cable Corporation Limited (NASDAQ: APWC) fell 7.7 percent to $2.35 in pre-market trading after rising 3.88 percent on Thursday. Gap, Inc. (NYSE: GPS) shares fell 7.5 percent to $30.49 in pre-market trading after the company posted downbeat earnings for its first quarter on Thursday. Comps were up 1 percent in the quarter. California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC) fell 6.4 percent to $33.91 in pre-market trading. Buckle Inc (NYSE: BKE) fell 4.9 percent to $24.50 in pre-market trading following weak quarterly sales. China Rapid Finance Limited (NYSE: XRF) shares fell 4.9 percent to $3.13 in pre-market trading after climbing 11.53 percent on Thursday. Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROST) fell 4.8 percent to $78.98 in pre-market trading. Ross Stores reported upbeat earnings for its first quarter, but issued weak forecast for the current quarter. Callon Petroleum Company (NYSE: CPE) shares fell 4.7 percent to $11.90 in pre-market trading after the company reported pricing of common