Barron’s

Features:

• America's Best February 21, 2012
  Barron's annual listing of the top 1,000 financial advisors. Their single biggest recommendation: Buy dividend stocks.
• CIT Is a Promising Work in Progress February 21, 2012
  The lender is making an impressive comeback almost three years after devouring TARP funds and touring bankruptcy court. A tasty takeover target for a hungry bank?
• Experian Pulses to a Latin Beat February 21, 2012
  The information-services provider, famous for its credit reports, is tapping new growth opportunities in Brazil and elsewhere in South America. Why it pays to mind everyone's business.
• What Happens if Israel Attacks Iran February 13, 2012
  Intelligence consultant George Friedman rates the odds that Israel strikes Iran's nukes at one-in-four. But if it does, casualties could be heavy and $300-a-barrel oil is likely.
• Is Caesars a Sucker's Bet? February 13, 2012
  The company has casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but none in gambling's hottest market, Macau. Why online poker won't save it.
• Dana Gets Back in Gear February 11, 2012
  After a bout in bankruptcy and a spate of CEOs, the auto supplier is back on the road to prosperity, with a global plan, new products and a coherent vision.
• Focus Lists Were Out of Focus in 2011's Turmoil February 6, 2012
  Two West Coast investment firms took top honors in our latest ranking. But for many others, last year's volatility took a deep toll.
• Rewind: TiVo's Compelling Second Act February 6, 2012
  The DVR pioneer's shares, once highfliers, have long been grounded. But software-patent victories and advanced hardware have made them attractive again.
• Time to Play Chicken With "Wings" February 6, 2012
  Buffalo Wild Wings has had a storied flight, but the restaurant company's shares could get clipped as chicken-wing prices soar. Checking out the broiler chicks.
• A Remedy for Runaway Health-Care Costs February 6, 2012
  States are taking steps to coordinate care for "duals"— patients eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. That's good news for patients, managed-care companies like UnitedHealth and Humana, and Uncle Sam.
• At Long Last, Facebook February 6, 2012
  Facebook's shares could get a pop at the IPO, but as Google's experience shows, it's hard to maintain investor excitement over time, even with strong growth.
• Where 2011's Top Funds See Opportunity in 2012 February 6, 2012
  A variety of bonds, gold, selected emerging-market stocks and big safe U.S. shares look best for the year ahead.
• Protect and Attack February 6, 2012
  Seven-year-old Lenovo is the world's second-largest PC maker. It could eclipse leader Hewlett-Packard as it presses into emerging markets, including its home turf, China. Watch out Dell and Acer.
• How We Rank the Fund Families February 4, 2012
  Methodology for the Barron's/Lipper Best Fund Family Ranking
• Barron's 2012 Roundtable, Part Three -- Yielding to Reality February 7, 2012
  With interest rates near zero, our panel favors stocks with juicy dividend yields. Brian Rogers, Abby Cohen, Scott Black and Fred Hickey offer their investment picks this week.
• Brinkmanship and Hope January 30, 2012
  Business and political leaders in Davos say they're learning how to face the world's problems. Those from emerging markets learn they're not immune to Europe's woes.
• Threats, Lies and Chinese Stocks January 30, 2012
  Reverse-merger stocks may be mostly an unhappy memory, but the recriminations are very real. Here's the latest.
• Moving the Metal January 28, 2012
  The future looks promising for Cliffs Natural Resources, as the iron-ore miner pushes more deeply into production abroad. Why a Chinese slowdown shouldn't be a disaster.

Up & Down Wall Street Daily:

• Bulls Favor Stocks and Obama February 17, 2012
  But contrarians are taking money off the table after a big bull run. A warning?
• Economics and Politics Point to Stand-Pat Fed February 16, 2012
  FOMC minutes suggest no new moves while election year argues for discretion.
• Pension Funds Still Falling Short February 15, 2012
  Low interest rates keep funds from reaching their bogies. Fitch points to biggest gaps.
• Suppressed Bond Yields Don't Make Stocks a Buy February 10, 2012
  Barclays sees mediocre equity returns despite apparent cheapness of stocks.
• Where Have You Gone, Blyth Eastman Dillon Paine Webber Kidder Peabody? February 8, 2012
  Ford's 1956 IPO, the Facebook of the day, shows the Darwinian evolution of Wall Street. Did they have a better idea then?
• Are We There Yet? February 7, 2012
  Stocks may be cheap vs. bonds, but not cheap absolutely, says veteran market seer.
• Negative Interest Rates---a Minus for Growth? February 3, 2012
  Pimco's Gross sees ultra-low rates as a deterrent to credit, contrary to theory.
• Will Consumers Have the Dollars to Save J.C. Penney? February 1, 2012
  As the retailer copes with tapped-out consumers, Fed policies could make things worse.
• A Lender Be to Private Equity January 31, 2012
  As PE draws more scrutiny over taxes, bonds funding LBO deals may have higher returns.
• Money for Nothin' and Bips for Free January 31, 2012
  The Fed's plan to keep rates at zero is music to the ears of gold bulls.
• Millionaires Won't Sit Still for Higher Taxes January 25, 2012
  Rich investors would work hard to avoid Obama's tax hikes aimed at them.
• A High Cost of Low Interest Rates January 24, 2012
  Pension funds' deficits widen as bond yields fall. The cost will be borne by shareholders.
• No Debating Regulations' Drag January 20, 2012
  Scandal overshadows substance about regulations' impact on economy in latest GOP debate.
• On Borrowed Time January 18, 2012
  Heavy debt loads slow the U.S. economy now and pose threat to the future.
• Fed's History Raises Questions About Forecasts January 13, 2012
  Transcripts from 2006 show U.S. central bankers worried little about a housing bubble though they're now finally concerned about asset prices.
• Private Equity: Hero or Villain? January 12, 2012
  Amid attacks on Romney's involvement, Hostess bankruptcy shows PE has risks as well as rewards.
• Hedging Against Something Going Right January 11, 2012
  Away from debt-burdened Europe, high-yielding plays on BRIC growth offer opportunities for 2012.
• Give Me Liberty or Give Me Debt? January 7, 2012
  Fiscal constraints force retreat in U.S. military spending. Beginning of the end for American dominance?
• Bill Gross Channels Woody Allen January 5, 2012
  Bipolar risks of debt deflation or central-bank fueled inflation loom, says Pimco chief .
• Glasnost Reaches the Fed January 4, 2012
  Central bank seeks to influence expectations by disclosing its forecasts. Will it work?
• Could the Consensus Be Wrong Again in 2012? December 24, 2011
  Rising interest rates and muni mayhem were predicted for 2011. Maybe there are worse things to worry about.
• Money for Nothing May Not Pay December 21, 2011
  ECB, Fed policies benefit stocks more while fiscal, regulatory policies thwart the economy.
• Survive the Bear to Invest Another Day December 17, 2011
  There may be great opportunities ahead, but you can't take advantage of them if you lose capital now.
• The World Is Faltering Beyond Europe December 14, 2011
  Markets sense the Fed and other policymakers have little to offer as growth slumps around the globe.
• Housing: the Frog Boiled by Taxes December 10, 2011
  Despite ultra-low mortgages and house prices, property taxes hurt affordability.
• A Rating Cut that Could Really Hurt December 6, 2011
  Unlike for the U.S., loss of triple-A rating by Europe's elite sovereigns would actually matter.
• On the Road to Reflation December 1, 2011
  After Fed-led swaps rate cut and moves by China and Brazil, focus shifts to key EU summit.
• Central Banks' Move to Ease Crisis May Spur ECB Action November 30, 2011
  Cut in cost of bank funding could be prelude to more urgently needed action by the ECB
• Stock Charts Point to Near-Term Risk, Rewards Later November 23, 2011
  Major indices could revisit October lows, say technicians, but one sees long-term promise in pharma.

Hot Research:

• Hit the Reset Switch on Con Ed February 22, 2012
  Shares have fallen to a point where a less-bearish stance is warranted.
• Applauding Nordstrom's Multi-Channel Moves February 21, 2012
  Caris & Co. raises its price target on the retailer, citing increased investments in e-commerce and technology to drive top-line growth.
• Avon's 2012 Won't Be So Pretty February 17, 2012
  The cosmetics firm won't see operating margins expand this year.
• Hasbro Needs to Up Its Game February 16, 2012
  In downgrading the toy maker's stock, Sterne Agee argues that earnings this year will weaken in part because of soft game sales.
• Slick Returns From Murphy Oil? February 15, 2012
  Brean Murray Carret sees 16% upside for the stock.
• At Arch Coal, a Lowered Profit Outlook February 14, 2012
  Sterne Agee lowered its earnings estimates following the coal company's decision to scale back production.
• A Ho-Hum 2012 for Alcatel-Lucent? February 13, 2012
  MKM Partners remains neutral on the telecom-equipment maker after the company gave a "vague and subdued" outlook.
• Ralph Lauren Set for Luxurious 2012 February 10, 2012
  The maker of upscale apparel will gain from increased consumer spending.
• Pioneer Natural Resources May Have More to Give February 9, 2012
  Sterne Agee is upping its earnings estimate and stock-price target for the oil and gas exploration company.
• Will LinkedIn's Earnings Connect? February 8, 2012
  Fourth-quarter results, due Thursday, should be "solid," says Susquehanna International Group.
• Intel's Life Beyond Chips for PCs February 7, 2012
  Maxim Group argues that the semiconductor giant's shares can gain 25% as the company expands into markets tied to tablets, smartphones, and servers.
• Going Bullish on National Oilwell Varco February 6, 2012
  Global Hunter Securities argues that the oil-drilling equipment stock has 10% upside.
• Don't Overpay for J&J February 3, 2012
  With Johnson & Johnson trading at a premium to its peers, investors should wait for a lower price before buying.
• BE Aerospace Flies Right February 2, 2012
  The maker of aerospace-interior products saw sales demand rise 20.7%.
• Walter Energy Boosted by Trends February 1, 2012
  The coal miner's contract pricing may be closer to bottoming.
• Cypress Semi Losing Its Touch January 30, 2012
  J.P.Morgan lowered its 2012 earnings estimate after the maker of chips found in touch screens and other products gave weak guidance.
• Is Sina an Inflated Chinese Stock? January 31, 2012
  Maxim Group argues that shares of the online media company are still overvalued despite "macro improvement" in China.
• Buyout May Value Georgia Gulf at $42 a Share January 27, 2012
  Westlake Chemical may have to raise its offer to $40 just for talks.
• All Good for Alkermes January 26, 2012
  The biopharmaceutical firm will benefit from higher royalties.
• Is Kansas City Southern on the Right Track? January 25, 2012
  Although Sterne, Agee & Leach raised its earnings estimates, the stock may struggle to gain traction.
• Count on Consolidated Edison for Dividends January 24, 2012
  The utility giant just announced its 38th consecutive increase.
• New Dimensions to Cubist Pharmaceuticals January 23, 2012
  The biopharma will benefit from recent acquisitions.
• Cash In on Cash America January 20, 2012
  Sterne, Agee & Leach upgraded the pawn and payday lender to Buy.
• A Stock That Can Take Off January 19, 2012
  Shares of OSI Systems, a maker of airport security systems and other devices, can gain close to 40%, writes Roth Capital Partners.
• Hasbro's Game Is a Little Off January 18, 2012
  The toy maker saw holiday weakness that rival Mattel didn't.
• Sweet on Taiwan Semi January 17, 2012
  Even if shares dip when earnings are reported next week, investors should buy on any pullback.
• Covance Margins Seen Slipping January 13, 2012
  The contract researcher is making investments in IT.
• Questcor Set for Stronger 2012 January 12, 2012
  The biopharmaceuticals firm had a surprisingly strong December.
• Bank of America May See 2012 Revenue Slip January 11, 2012
  The banking giant will be hurt by a decline in capital-markets activity.
• Tiffany Shines in Asia January 10, 2012
  Strong sales growth in China, Singapore, and South Korea could help send the jewelry retailer's stock up more than 35%, writes Caris & Co.
• Main Street Capital Shares Lack Upside January 9, 2012
  The investment firm may only have 7% upside in its stock.
• Webster Financial Defines "Fair Value" January 6, 2012
  After a significant run-up, the regional bank trades at a premium to peers.
• Carmike Cinemas Doesn't Screen Well January 5, 2012
  The theater chain suffered from the botched releases of three family films.
• Too Early to Label 3M's Latest Acquisition January 4, 2012
  3M is looking at the long-term opportunity to consolidate sales.
• Family Dollar Closing in on Dollar General January 3, 2012
  Family Dollar is boosted by a new president and chief operating officer.
• SPX Ready to Expand December 30, 2011
  The multi-industry firm will see accretion from a new buy.
• Cavium Caves In to Sector Woes December 29, 2011
  The maker of network and communication chips will see earnings slip.
• Less Upside in Time Warner Shares December 28, 2011
  After a big run-up, the entertainment giant has about 17% upside.
• PHH Has Liquidation Value of $17 a Share December 27, 2011
  The mortgage-servicer shares may be worth tangible book value.
• Micron Tech's Shrinking Bottom Line December 23, 2011
  The memory maker will see lowered earnings through 2013.
• Zipcar Losing Pull December 22, 2011
  The car-sharing firm is seeing increasing competition.
• Southwestern Energy Loses Some Flavor December 21, 2011
  The energy explorer's high valuation is no longer appropriate.
• Groupon Is Cut Out for More December 20, 2011
  The group discounter has significant scale with merchants and consumers.
• AthenaHealth's Earnings to Slip December 19, 2011
  The health-care-services firm will invest locally, hurting margins.
• Delta Air Earnings Could Take Off December 16, 2011
  The airline is benefitting from downsizing at AMR.
• Pentair Springs a Leak December 15, 2011
  The water-filtration firm faces challenges but remains attractive.
• Colder Reality for RealD December 14, 2011
  The three-dimensional tech firm is set for less near-term growth.
• Why You Should Stick With Intel December 13, 2011
  The chip giant's crucial data-center build cycle remains intact.
• FedEx Is in Ship Shape December 12, 2011
  The shipper likely saw airfreight numbers rebound to year-ago levels.
• Ciena Takes Market Share Over Margins December 9, 2011
  The networking-systems firm's share gains are encouraging.
• Macs and iPhones Can Push Apple Higher December 8, 2011
  Sterne Agee argues that the stock can gain more than 25%.
• J.P. Morgan Less High on Wynn Resorts December 7, 2011
  The brokerage is reducing its price target on the casino operator as competition in Macau heats up.
• Valero's Valuation Seen at Fair Value December 6, 2011
  Narrower crude-oil-price differentials may hurt the refining giant.
• Vision-Sciences Can Make Surgical Strikes December 5, 2011
  The maker of endoscopic products has a significant growth opportunity.
• Cheesecake Factory's Fattening Bottom Line December 2, 2011
  The restaurant chain will get a boost from international licenses.
• American Eagle Isn't Caught in a Flap December 1, 2011
  The apparel retailer may see earnings rise through fiscal 2013.
• Duller Outlook for Dillard's November 30, 2011
  The retailer has made progress but long-term issues remain.
• Gildan Looks Less Than Golden November 29, 2011
  The apparel maker's shares may come under pressure if margins don't improve.
• Open Road for Open Text November 28, 2011
  The company is the 'best positioned for success' in the enterprise content management market, says Morgan Keegan.
• Choppy Waters Ahead for Transocean? November 25, 2011
  A 'bumpy ride' for the offshore driller may stretch into 2013, according to the Zephirin Group.