Rarest Words

You have probably heard of the large amount of stock
compensation company officers hold compared to the average
salary of the rank and file worker within the same publicly held
company. Are you curious about how much stock the CEO and other
officers of a particular company hold in their possession?

Here is how you find out. Go to the NASDAQ website and enter the
stock ticker symbol of the company you are interested in. Click
on ‘Flash Quotes’. Use the drop down box to select ‘Insider Form
4′. Scan down the list until you find the company officer’s name
you are interested in. Click on that name. Go to the top of the
list which should be the latest date. Move your eyes to the far
right column entitled ‘holdings’. That is how many shares that
officer currently holds and controls. Multiply that number by
the most recent price for the company’s stock and you will
arrive at a dollar figure.

Of course, that figure will change from day to day. You may be
surprised at just how high that number is. You may also want to
consider that this is merely the officer’s current stock
holdings. It doesn’t tell you how many shares he has sold in the
past; it also doesn’t tell you how many shares the company will
grant him or her in the future.

When you start to look at these figures you may become very
amazed. If you are currently a company CEO or officer, the
numbers will not shock you because you will already be familiar
with them. However, if you are currently an employee for a
publicly held company you may wonder about the discrepancy
between your salary and the officers’ stock holdings.

Some will say, ‘but the CEO and other officers worked hard for
their money’. And that may very well be true. But did they
really work any harder than you do on a day to day basis? And if
they did, does the harder work they did add up to account for
the discrepancy between an average worker’s pay and a company
officer’s stock holdings. Chances are, the answer is no.

This leads to some interesting realizations about how our
economy works. The days of serfdom are supposed to be over, but
are they really? The serfdom is now an economic one. The real
estate owned and tribute collected by a monarch have been
replaced with stock compensation for corporate officers and
owners. But the serf or worker is the one who does the work. The
monarch and his court are still the ones who reap the rewards.

In private companies you probably won’t be able to find out the
information that you can find on the NASDAQ website about
publicly traded companies. I think it is a good thing that the
SEC or Securities and Exchange Commission requires this
information to be available to the public. Of course, it is
meant to be available to potential investors. But if you own
stock in your company via a 401K plan, that makes you an
investor.

Besides the NASDAQ website, you can also find this information
on the Securities and Exchange Commissions’ website. In fact,
there is a wealth of information out there to discover. In many
instances it is actually easier to find on the NASDAQ website.

Perhaps knowing the value of the stock held by company officers
will make you less timid about asking for that raise you
deserve. Knowledge often equates to power.

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Saving money is a hard task to master. It always seems that when things come up, there goes your savings. Many people I know never have any savings to start with.

Saving money is the cornerstone of a successful money management plan. Without an emergency savings when my husband recently was laid off, we would have been up a creek. Even with the emergency savings, things were very tight and we had to call our bank for assistance.

Now we face the task that many people face. Starting over with our savings.

It seems simple to say. You just put your extra money into savings. Wrong.

There really isn’t such a thing as extra money. You may have found that out by now. If you are spending, you have no extra money. If you have debt, you have no extra money.

Where you find savings money is through having a simple budget. Your budget will identifiy money for savings. It is hard to start saving. But once you start, you form a habit that lasts.

Start with identifying why you want to save money. Set short-term and long-term financial goals. In the short-term, you may want to buy a new couch. In the long-term, you might want to retire early. These are the goals that make saving worth a little sacrifice.

Give your goals dollar amounts and time frames. When you know that you only need to put back $100 a month, it is much easier than focusing on the $3,000 you need to save. Write down your goals and refer to them at least once a week. Track your progess and keep it as your number one priority.

You will eventually find that when you go to buy things, you are thinking that if you don’t spend as much, you will be closer to your goal. What a nice thought that is. You will find that not spending feels better than being guilty after spending.

Make sure you have a separate savings account. We like to tell ourselves that we can leave a cushion amount in our checking. We can’t. If it is there, we spend it. If you put your savings in your checking, you will dip into it. Have your savings in a separate account that you can watch grow.

If you don’t already have a budget, you need to make one. You will be able to identify areas where you can cut back your spending.

A lot of people have trouble identifying how much they should put into savings each month. This simply depends on your goals and finances. If you have a lot of debt that you need to pay down, you may be saving less. If you have your debt paid off, you may be saving more. Look to how much your budget says you can save. Don’t get caught up in percentages. The only time I use them is when we have bonus or unexpected money. In that case, we get a small percentage as free spending money. The rest goes into savings.

The best way to set up your savings habit is to not have to even think about it. Have the saving amount automatically debited from your checking and deposited directly into your savings account. You don’t ever see the money, which makes the temptation disappear.

There are no real secrets to saving. You simply have to find a method that works for you. It is hard to live with no savings. Especially the emergency savings that protect you from broken down vehicles, financial mistakes and job losses. We are frantically trying to build our savings back up, because we know how important they really are.

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It’s Thursday April 13, 2006, and the NAMC Newswire is making a few changes, beginning next week the Wall Street to Main Street daily segment and the Investors Corner segment in their entirety will only be available to subscribers. Keep in mind that all subscriptions are free and will remain that way. All that you need to do is go to www.namcnewswire.com and add your email address to receive the full segments.

Remember that you can always listen to the NAMC Radio on Streetiq.com, the leader in financial podcast. www.streetiq.com

We also want to announce that beginning on April 17, 2006 Wall Street to Main Street will be adding a new weekly segment called “Wall Street Corner”. This will feature the views from the “Elder Statesman of Emerging Growth Investment Writers” Larry Oakley. He will grace Wall Street to Main Street every Monday with his views on various companies that he sees value in and long term growth. So you are going to want to tune in to that.

Political Front

In Washington, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said it was time for the Security Council to take “strong steps” to bring Iran into compliance with United Nations demands that the Islamic Republic rein in its nuclear program. While Russia and China are reluctant to back economic sanctions, they have asked for all parties to exercise restraint to avoid increasing the level of tension that is currently at a peak.

In Italy when you lose an election you don’t have to leave peacefully, case in point the defeat of Minister Silvio Berlusconi, he clearly lost Italy’s general election to Romano Prodi, but he refuses to admit defeat. He is clinging onto his position and working hard to de-legitimize Romano Prodi in hopes of a miracle. If this should happen it would be a major blow to Italy’s center-right’s legitimacy.

On the topic of Italy, Italy’s SANPAOLO IMI Group has gained control of the operations of the Central Bank of Albania by acquiring 80 percent of the shares of the Italian-Albanian Bank.

Movers and Shakers

Some major movers in yesterdays trading session include Mills Corp (NYSE: MLS) they traded up $3.98 to close at $30.33, Sybron Dental Specialties (NYSE: SYD) traded up $5.07 to close at $46.81, John Harland Co. (NYSE: JH) traded up $4.74 to close at $44.00, Datalink (NASDAQ: DTLK) traded up $1.19 to close at $5.46, BTU International (NASDAQ: BTUI) traded up $2.53 to close at $20.02, Pokertek Inc (NASDAQ: PTEK) traded up $1.70 to close at $13.49, Circuit City Stores (NYSE: CC) traded up $2.04 to close at $26.65 and Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) traded up $2.88 to close at $62.76.

Advanced Micro Devices

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) reported great growth for their first quarter on Wednesday after the close. The company posted net income of $185 million, or 38 cents a share for the quarter ended March 26, 2006, they beat the analyst estimate by 8 cents. This is compared to a net loss of $17.4 million, or 4 cents a share a year earlier.

AMD has been making their mark on the chip-making world over the past year as they have been taking chunks of market share away from Intel (NASDAQ: INTC). This was evident during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as they aligned themselves with various companies. But even though the company showed great profits and growth, they gave guidance that their current quarter would be “flat to slightly down” compared to the first quarter. So based on that the stock fell in after hours trading, going from the closing price of $35.42 to $34.69, a 2% drop after trading up 2%.

This sounds like the other company that we mentioned in yesterdays segment by the name of Genentech (NYSE: DNA), they posted great numbers and still were punished by traders.

Over the past year AMD’s stock has risen from a price of $17.06, which it was trading at on April 13, 2005 to $35.42 where it closed during regular trading hours on Wednesday, April 12, 2006. That is over a 100% gain in a 12-month time frame. Now the company still has some room to grow as technology continues to advance, we see Advanced Micro Devices trading in the $40 to $45 range in 2006. So this may present a buying opportunity for investors that were looking to invest in AMD.

General Motors

General Motors (NYSE: GM) has been seeing the dark side of the moon as of late, with rumors of bankruptcy, strikes, lawsuits and the instability of the company, this is all on the minds of the investment community. But according to Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman of Global Product Development and acting Chief of GM Europe, the powers that be at General Motors do not see a strike happening, as a strike does not benefit any of the three parties.

So what’s next for General Motors, the company has been trying to trim the fat, tighten their belts and bring the company back from the abyss. One area of growth is China, as we’ve been speaking about all week China has been making major deals here in the United States prior to Chinese President Hu Jintao’s U.S. visit. They recently signed a deal with Boeing (NYSE: BA) that essentially doubled what Boeing projected in sales for the year.

At this point General Motors has been increasingly popular in China as they accounted for over 18% of the 3.9 million plus cars sold in China last year. The company plans on investing over $3 billion to expand in the region. Here in New York at the New York Auto Show they unveiled the new 2007 Saturn models, which included the Aura midsize sedan, Sky Red Line performance roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle. They recently ditched the Isuzu stake, which eliminated their gateway in Japan but the fat had to be trimmed.

Now taking into account that a few months ago President Bush had adamantly stated that the General Motors should not expect a government bail out. This put GM in a position that forced them to stand on their own two feet, they have no choice in the matter. But looking at their recent changes from adding Jerry York to the board and eliminating divisions, shutting down plants and trying to expand overseas, the company has a long road but long-term investors may want to take a closer look at General Motors. If things settle down with strike talks, then you just may witness the rebirth of an American Icon, just keep in mind that this is a long-term turnaround situation but the rewards may just be worth the wait.

Stocks to Watch

The following are companies that you should know about, we are just making mention of them on Wall Street to Main Street and will have a more in depth profile on these companies, along with our outlook. Remember that only subscribers to the NAMC Newswire will be able to read the Investors Corner segment in its entirety, so go to www.namcnewswire.com to subscribe, its fast and free.

Bausch & Lomb (NYSE: BOL) the stock was punished in regards to the Renu product line. We mentioned that they may base out in the mid to high $40 range, I think that we are at that point. The stock closed yesterday at $45.61 and it may build a base there, so it’s worth taking a look at. Remember it’s always a good idea to buy on weakness and sell into strength.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc (NYSE: GWR) the stock closed at $32.61 on Wednesday.

Informatica, Corp (NASDAQ: INFA) the stock closed at $15,67 on Wednesday.

Stocks to Watch Featured on Wednesday April 12, 2006:

Abercrombie & Fitch Co (NYSE: ANF) mentioned at $56.55 on Tuesday.

American Eagle Outfitters (NASDAQ: AEOS) mentioned at $29.38 on Tuesday.

Las Vegas Sands Corp (NYSE: LVS) mentioned at $59.88 on Tuesday.

China Medical Technologies (NASDAQ: CMED) mentioned at $25.66 on Tuesday.

Investors Bancorp (NASDAQ: ISBC) mentioned at $13.03 on Tuesday.

Readers Speak

We received an email from one of our readers/listeners John from Los Angeles, he wanted to know what we thought about Shuffle Master (NASDAQ: SHFL).

John: Shuffle Master is in a great position for growth, with companies like the Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) looking to expand in Singapore and other regions, there will be no shortage of growth for the company. Actually we see Shuffle Master making new highs in 2006, possibly moving into the $40 to $45 range.

We cannot stress enough that investors need to do their due diligence, call the companies, get the information, consult with your investment advisor and if you do not have one consider getting one. Put the same time into investigating these companies as you do when you go to purchase a new television, it’s only for your protection. When it comes to thinly traded securities stagger your orders or put a limit order in to avoid a run up.

NAMC Newswire Note

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CEO’s that want to contact
us can do so by going to www.namcnewswire.com or call us at 888-463-9237.

Louis Victor
NAMC Newswire
888-463-9237

Disclaimer:
None of the information contained on the NAMC Newswire constitutes a recommendation by the NAMC Newswire, its journalist, nor its parent company that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific investors or person. Each individual investor must make their own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy featured on the NAMC Newswire or NAMC Radio Any past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. The NAMC Newswire, its journalist nor its parent company does not guarantee any specific outcome or profit, and all investors should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investments featured on the NAMC Newswire or the NAMC Radio. The strategy or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value and investors may get back less than you invested. Before acting on any information featured on the NAMC Newswire website or the NAMC Radio segment, investors should consider whether it is suitable for their particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from their own financial or investment adviser. Investors are also urged to do their own due diligence before investing in any security.

All opinions featured on the NAMC Newswire or NAMC Radio are based upon information that is considered to be reliable, but neither the NAMC Newswire, its journalist, its parent company, affiliates nor assigns warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. The statements and opinions featured on the NAMC Newswire by its journalist are based on their outlook at the time of the statement or opinion, and are subject to change without notice. NAMC may at times hold a position in the companies that it features, in these cases appropriate disclosure is made.

Louis Victor is the host of the syndicated podcast show and financial newsletter “Wall Street to Main Street” which is featured on the NAMC Newswire Radio. He has been involved in the financial industry for over two decades, on the retail and investment banking ends. He is also well versed in the advertising and marketing industries, which has given him insight into market trends and unqiue companies that may be under the radar.

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Fading the gap. Earnings runs. Moving average cross over’s. Support and resistance. I could go on an on about all the “tools” a good “trader” uses to make a trade. In one form or another we have employed each and every one of them, and for the most part, if done right, they work. But, there is one issue that will always make you shake your head in wonder. What’s that? “Why didn’t I hold?”

One time we watched EBAY get to 104 dollars a share. Well, we went long EBAY on 8/11/04 at 76.30. We held it for a pretty long time, and sold a portion on 9/2/04, at 89.53. We had picked up $13+ a share, and yes indeed we were proud of ourselves. Yet, it went over 104. Suddenly selling it at 89.53, looked pretty silly didn’t it? Indeed.

One could easily ask “why on earth did you sell it?” One could easily answer, “did you “know” it was going to go to 100?” Do you see the point? There are indeed investments that you are going to make from time to time, when you will take your profit, feel like a king, and then feel like a fool because the stock keeps going higher. But, we have a short memory in this country. This is the same type of thinking that saw tens of thousands of investors get crushed in 200 - 2003. They all “knew” their stocks were going higher. They held onto them. They are still licking their wounds.

There is NO answer to this problem folks. Cocky talking head fund managers wrote all sorts of catchy books about “let your runners run, and cut your losers”. Peter Lynch had the good fortune of buying stocks during the biggest bull market in the history of the US, so he gets to act pompous and wave his hand in the air and say “I just buy good companies and let them ride”. Well, lots of “good companies” he bought in 99/2000 spent the next three years underwater.

How do you know when a runner is running? How often do you buy something, it gains 3, 4, 5, even 10 dollars a share, only to roll over and give it all back? Should one hold onto it as it loses another 7% from your entry as the “gurus” tell you that the proper play is to cut losses at 7%, and let winners win?

My theory is that you really need two if not three separate piles of investment money. First off if you are lucky enough to have a company sponsored 401K, well then, good for you! But if you don’t you should have an IRA set up. Then, for your personal investing you really need to approach this with two mindsets. One is the day to day, week to week trades we make, but secondly, what about some “buy and hold” type stuff?

I’m not a buy and hold sort of guy naturally, but the fact is we do put out story stocks that go on to make tremendous gains. Quite often we’ve suggested “Buying a few shares and putting them away for a year to see what happens”. Many of those very suggestions, have gone on to be three or four “baggers”. (tripled or quadrupled in price)

For short term swing trades, the thing that keeps us in the game is taking profits, setting some form of stops and moving in and out when the reasons line up. But that said, taking a longer view approach with a small pile of cash, on specific story stocks, can really reward you. No one knows the future, and hindsight is always 20/20. It’s easy to ask “why didn’t I hold that?” But you really didn’t “know” it was going to continue going higher. For that type of trade, find a story that’s compelling and take a SMALL position and put it away. If we’ve done our homework, we should see good results.

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