Although business headlines still tout earnings numbers, many investors have moved past net earnings as a measure of a company's economic output. That's because earnings are very often less trustworthy than cash flow, since earnings are more open to manipulation based on dubious judgment calls.
Earnings' unreliability is one of the reasons Foolish investors often flip straight past the income statement to check the cash flow statement. In general, by taking a close look at the cash moving in and out of the business, you can better understand whether the last batch of earnings brought money into the company, or merely disguised a cash gusher with a pretty headline.
Calling all cash flows
When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Fair Isaac (NYSE: FICO ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.
Top 10 Logistics Stocks To Invest In 2015: WiLan Inc (WILN)
WiLAN Inc. (WiLAN), incorporated on May 14, 1992, is a licensing company. WiLAN develops, acquires, and licenses a range of intellectual property that drives products in communications and consumer electronics markets. Through both internal research and development and acquisitions from third parties, the Company has acquired intellectual property in the form of patents and patent applications in many countries that it has licensed to more than 255 companies in telecommunications markets around the world. As of December 31, 2011, WiLAN had a portfolio of approximately 3,000 patents, including issued and pending patents and foreign equivalents. WiLAN has five directly wholly-owned subsidiaries, Wi-LAN Capital Inc. (WiLAN Capital), Wi-LAN International Inc. (WiLAN International), Wi-LAN International Hong Kong Inc. (WiLAN Hong Kong), Wi-LAN International Japan Inc. (WiLAN Japan) and Wi-LAN International Taiwan Inc. In July 2012, it acquired a global portfolio of more than 40 patents and applications from Siemens AG related to telecommunication network management and mobile multimedia. In October 2012, the Company acquired a global portfolio of more than 150 patents and patent applications from Alvarion Ltd. In June 2013, WiLan Inc acquired a portfolio of patents from Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. In November 2013, the Company acquired a portfolio of semiconductor patents from IXYS CH GmbH related to microcontroller technology.
In the Company's licensing business, the Company has signed licenses with companies that sell products utilizing technologies, including CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access-a cellular telecommunications specification); Wi-Fi (the underlying technology of wireless local area networks based on various IEEE 802.11 specifications); WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access-a standards-based broadband wireless technology that provides metropolitan area network connectivity based on IEEE 802.16 specifications); LTE (Long Term Evolution-high performance air! interface for cellular mobile communication systems designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile telephone networks), and ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line-a standards-based access technology that provides broadband Internet access over twisted pair telecommunications wiring). The Company has also signed licenses with companies that sell products utilizing technologies, including DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications-a standards-based access technology that provides broadband Internet access over cable networks); Bluetooth (a wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances between fixed and mobile devices), and V-Chip (a technology that permits the blocking of television programs at a receiver (such as a television, multi-media equipped personal computer or set-top box) by viewers based on ratings information carried on the television signal).
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Monica Gerson]
Breaking news
Wi-LAN (NASDAQ: WILN) today announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a process to explore and evaluate a broad range of strategic alternatives for the Company to enhance shareholder value. To read the full news, click here. MannKind (NASDAQ: MNKD) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged the resubmission of a New Drug Application (NDA) for AFREZZA庐 (insulin human [rDNA origin]) Inhalation Powder. To read the full news, click here. lululemon athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) today announced that Tara Poseley has been appointed to its Senior Leadership Team as Chief Product Officer. To read the full news, click here. Nice Systems (NASDAQ: NICE) reported a drop in its third-quarter profit. To read the full news, click here.Posted-In: Bank of America FOMC US Stock FuturesNews Eurozone Futures Pre-Market Outlook Markets
- [By Rich Duprey]
Often accused of being a patent troll,�non-performing entity�WiLAN� (NASDAQ: WILN ) wrangled a settlement out of Dell (NASDAQ: DELL ) with details of the deal remaining confidential.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In 2014: Lenovo Group Ltd (LNVGY)
Lenovo Group Limited (Lenovo) is a personal technology company serving customers in more than 160 countries. The Company is a personal computer (PC) vendor. The Company develops, manufactures and markets technology products and services. Its product lines include Think-branded commercial PCs and Idea branded consumer PCs, as well as servers, workstations, and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smart phones. Lenovo operates seven research and development centers and more than 46 world-class labs, including research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina, the United States. The Company is also engaged in investment holding. It operates in three segments: China, emerging markets (excluding China) and mature markets. Lenovo offers a range of commercial desktops to businesses of all sizes.
The Company�� products include laptops, tablets, desktops, workstations and servers. In May 2010, it launched the LePhone smartphone in China. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2011 (fiscal 2011), China accounted for 46.4% of the Company�� total sales. During fiscal 2011, Emerging Markets (excluding China) accounted for 17.9% of the Company�� total sales. During fiscal 2011, Mature Markets accounted for 35.7% of the Company�� total sales. Its brands include ThinkPad notebook, as well as products carrying the ThinkCentre, ThinkStation, ThinkServer, IdeaCentre and IdeaPad sub-brands.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Analyse360Degree]
In contrast Samsung had a superb time, reporting a YoY growth of 32.0%, as its shipments increased from 8.5 million to 11.2 million in a years time. However, the most impressive growth was displayed by the fast growing Chinese manufacturer Lenovo (LNVGY). The company reported a stupendous growth of 224.3% in tablet shipments and presently accounts for 4.1% of the global tablet market, up from 1.3% in 1Q13. Lenovo has been taking its devices very seriously and seems to be hell-bent on making a mark on the space, clearly understood from its acquisition of Google (GOOG) owned Motorola.
- [By vinaysingh]
Apart from the above-mentioned business areas, HP's core competency still lies in PC markets and we are already aware of the smart devices wave that has almost swept the demand for desktops. In spite of battered demand in consumer PC market, HP increased the unit shipments by 6% y-o-y due to improved demand conditions in the commercial PC markets. As a result of a sturdy performance, HP's market share is now just slightly lower than that of Lenovo (LNVGY), the leader in the PC market. A report from Gartner showcases the shares of enterprises that occupy this market.
- [By fedezaldua]
On the other hand, IBM seems to be focusing in its most promising businesses and is willing to sell those segments that are not compelling from a ROIC standpoint. A great example of this is IBM's recent agreement to sell the company's x86 server business to Lenovo (LNVGY) for approximately $2.3 billion ($2.0 billion in cash and $300 million in Lenovo stock) or 0.5 times 2013 sales. On top of the cash and stock price, around 7,500 IBM employees shall be hired by Lenovo.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In 2014: AmeriGas Partners L.P. (APU)
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. operates as a retail and wholesale distributor of propane gas, and related equipment and supplies in the United States. As of November 8, 2012, it served approximately 2 million residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, wholesale, and motor fuel customers in 50 states through approximately 2,000 propane distribution locations. The company also sells, installs, and services propane appliances, including heating systems. It markets propane primarily under the AmeriGas, America's Propane Company, Heritage Propane, Titan Propane, and Relationships Matter trade names and related service marks. Its propane is used for home heating, water heating, and cooking purposes; to fire furnaces, as a cutting gas, and in other process applications; as a supplemental fuel and motor fuel; and for tobacco curing, chicken brooding, and crop drying applications. AmeriGas Propane, Inc. serves as the general partner of the company. AmeriGas Partners, L.P. was foun ded in 1994 and is based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Holly LaFon]
We expect LKQ to continue their consolidating acquisition strategy, especially overseas, as there is a vacuum of supply for alternative parts in the European Union. Much of this has to do with long-颅��tanding legislation that made it difficult to utilize or even forbade the use of aftermarket collision parts. More expensive, OEM parts have dominated the collision replacement parts market, with European alternative parts utilization (APU) in the single-颅��igit percentages (recall APU is ~1/3rd in the U.S.). However, as the region began overturning restrictive legislation during the middle of the last decade, a healthier supply and demand dynamic for alternative parts has emerged.
- [By Dan Caplinger]
For retail purposes, though, AmeriGas (NYSE: APU ) remains the biggest competitor for Ferrellgas, with 2 million customers scattered across the nation. That makes AmeriGas about twice as big as Ferrelgas by customer base, and AmeriGas has also been aggressive in purchasing up small businesses to add to its reach.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In 2014: Sibling Group Holdings Inc (SIBE)
Sibling Group Holdings Inc., incorporated on December 28, 1988, is a development-stage company. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company was not engaged in any business operations.
The Company has entered into an Agreement of Acquisition and Plan of Reorganization with Sibling Entertainment Group, Inc. (Sibling) to acquire Sibling�� four wholly owned subsidiaries: Sibling Theatricals, Inc., Sibling Pictures, Inc., Sibling Music Corp., and Sibling Properties, Inc. and their subsidiaries, including Dick Foster Productions, Inc., Adrenaline MMA, Inc., Hats Holdings, Inc. amongst others. The Company was organized primarily for the purpose of importing fruits and vegetables from Latin America.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Peter Graham]
Small cap holding companies Sibling Group Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: SIBE), Tranzbyte Corp (OTCMKTS: ERBB) and Readen Holding Corp (OTCMKTS: RHCO) are in the business of holding or acquiring other companies. They have also been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters and not necessarily because of acquisitions or other news but rather because of a few recent paid promotions. With that in mind, here is a quick look and a reality check about all three:
Sibling Group Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: SIBE) Has Been Quiet LatelySmall cap Sibling Group Holdings intends to acquire, on a global basis, advanced technology and education management operations in order to enhance and accelerate the delivery of 21st century learning. On Friday, Sibling Group Holdings closed at $0.05 for a market cap of $39,342 plus SIBE is down 96.7% over the past year and down 80% over the past five years according to Google Finance.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In 2014: Syngenta AG (SYNN)
Syngenta AG is a Switzerland-based company engaged in production of products for crop productivity. The Company's businesses include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides for crop protection, field crops, vegetables and flower seeds, seed care products and turf, garden, home care and public health products. The Company diversifies its operations into four geographical segments (Europe, Africa and Middle East; North America; Latin America and Asia Pacific), which represent the integrated Crop Protection and Seeds business areas, as well as a separate global segment Lawn and Garden. The Crop Protection business is active in herbicides, insecticides and fungicides manufacture. The Seeds business produces and sells seeds for growing corn, soybeans, sunflower, and sugar beet, among others. The Lawn and Garden business offers a range of products for use in the flower genetics, ornamentals, consumer lawn and garden, and Turf and landscape markets. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Sofia Horta e Costa]
Volvo AB (VOLVB) advanced the most in 10 months after the world�� second-largest truckmaker reported second-quarter earnings that beat forecasts. EasyJet climbed 3.7 percent after saying quarterly sales rose 11 percent on higher capacity utilization and revenue per seat. Syngenta (SYNN) AG fell 4 percent after posting first-half profit and revenue that trailed forecasts.
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In 2014: Swedbank AB (SWDBY.PK)
Swedbank AB is the parent company of Swedbank. Swedbank consists of subsidiaries, associates and a joint venture. The Company operates in six business areas: Swedish Banking, Baltic Banking, International Banking, Swedbank Markets, Asset Management and Ektornet. On January 20, 2009, Swedbank Robur AB acquired Banco Fonder AB from Alfred Berg. In February 2010, the Company acquired a 15% equity stake in OAO Swedbank from European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). During the year ended December 31, 2009, Swedbank sold four branches to Sparbanken Nord, three branches to Sparbanken Dalsland, two branches to Sparbanken Rekarne, one branch to Tidaholms Sparbank and one branch to Sparbanken 1826.
Swedish Banking
Swedish Banking is engaged in offering a range of financial products and services to private customers, corporates, organisations and municipalities through close to 400 branches, as well as the telephone bank and Internet bank in Sweden. Swedbank�� products are also sold through the cooperating savings banks, which account for another 275 branches. The subsidiary in Luxembourg, with a representative office in Spain is included in the business area as well.
Baltic Banking
Baltic Banking offers a range of financial products and services to private and corporate customers in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It offers its services through 226 branches, as well as the telephone bank and Internet bank.
International Banking
International Banking consists of operations outside Swedbank�� home markets, primarily the banking operations in Ukraine and Russia. In addition to Ukraine and Russia, the business area includes the branches in Denmark, Norway, the United States and China, as well as the representative office in Japan. The branch network in Ukraine, consists of 156 branches, serves both private and corporate customers. The Nordic branches offer corporate customers, mainly Swedish customers with operations in! the Nordic markets, a range of financial products and services.
Swedbank Markets
Swedbank Markets has operations in equity, fixed income and currency trading, corporate finance, as well as project, export and acquisition financing. In addition to its operations in Swedbank�� home markets, the business area includes the subsidiaries First Securities ASA in Norway and Swedbank First Securities LLC in New York.
Asset Management
Asset Management, which consists of the subsidiary Swedbank Robur Group, offers services in fund management, institutional and discretionary asset management in all of Swedbank�� home markets. Its customers include private customers, as well as institutions, foundations, municipalities, county councils and other investors. Its products are sold and distributed primarily by Swedish Banking and Baltic Banking and the savings banks in Sweden.
Ektornet
Ektornet is an independent subsidiary of Swedbank AB. It focuses on managing the Company�� repossessed assets and developing them over time. Most of the collateral consists of real estate, the part of which will be in the Baltic countries, though also in the Nordic region and the United States.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By David Hunkar]
Current Dividend Yield: 5.16%
Company: Swedbank AB (SWDBY.PK)
Sector: Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels
Country: FranceCurrent Dividend Yield: 6.50%
Sector: Banking
Country: Sweden
Top 10 Income Companies To Invest In 2014: OpenTable Inc.(OPEN)
OpenTable, Inc. provides restaurant reservation solutions in the United States, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. It offers solutions that form an online network connecting reservation-taking restaurants and people who dine at those restaurants. The company provides electronic reservation book (ERB) that combines proprietary software and computer hardware to deliver a solution, whcih computerizes restaurant host-stand operations. The ERB streamlines and enhances various functions and processes for restaurants, including reservation management, table management, guest recognition, and email marketing. The company also operates opentable.com, a restaurant reservation Website that enables diners to find, choose, and book tables at restaurants on the OpenTable network in real time. In addition, it offers Connect, a Web-based service that enables restaurants to accept online reservations from the OpenTable network, as well as through its mobile application s and restaurants' Websites. Further, the company provides POP program, which lets restaurants offer diners bonus Dining Reward Points for reservations at select times; and telephone reservation management services for restaurants. Additionally, it operates toptable.com, a restaurant reservation site; designs, builds, and operates the OTRestaurant Website, which serves as an information and services portal for its restaurant customers; and offers versions of the OpenTable Websites for use on mobile devices, as well as free mobile applications. OpenTable, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Garrett Cook]
In trading on Friday, technology shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.63 percent. Meanwhile, top gainers in the sector included OpenTable (NASDAQ: OPEN), up 47 percent, and China Digital TV Holding Co (NYSE: STV), up 9 percent.
- [By Rex Crum]
OpenTable (OPEN) �shares surged 47% to $103.57 after it agreed to be acquired by online travel agency Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN) �for $2.6 billion in cash. The deal values OpenTable at $103 a share. Priceline�� shares fell 3% on the day.
- [By Matt Jarzemsky var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach]
Shares of Yelp Inc.(YELP) tumbled 19% in March while Angie�� List Inc. slid 12%. The stocks are up about 0.9% and down 1.5%, respectively, on the year. Shares of online restaurant reservation booker OpenTable Inc.(OPEN) are up about 4.1%.
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