Top 5 Warren Buffett Companies To Watch For 2015

Warren Buffett has never been much of a tech investor; in fact. he famously sat out of tech during the Internet bubble. But he has been willing to venture outside his normal comfort zone when a profitable opportunity arises. He has made investments in an electric-car company, a small time-share airline, wind and solar power plants, a company that rents furniture, and a company that sells party supplies -- none of which are companies that have "Warren Buffett" written all over them.

So why isn't Buffett buying Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) stock right now? It may be in tech, but it fits most of the criteria he has followed his whole career. It has a wide competitive moat, a strong return on investment, and a great brand. And it's cheap, even by Buffett's standards.

A moat as wide as the Mississippi
In every business Apple operates in, it has a competitive advantage and an ecosystem that keeps users coming back for more.

Take the PC as an example. PC sales are falling across the industry, and Apple is only the sixth largest PC maker in the world. But Apple generated more operating profit than the top five PC makers combined (click here to see the graphic from Asymco). Apple is able to command a premium because its computers are more reliable and more elegant than the competition, and that means profits for investors. �

Hot Information Technology Companies To Own In Right Now: Cytomedix Inc (CMXI)

Cytomedix, Inc. (Cytomedix), incorporated in April 29, 1998, is a regenerative therapies company marketing and developing products within the United States and internationally .The Company commercializes cell-based technologies that harness the regenerative capacity of the human body to trigger natural healing. The Company is a commercial operation, and a robust clinical pipeline representing a logical extension of its commercial technologies in the evolving field of regenerative medicine. Cytomedix primarily operates in the United States. Its commercial offerings are centered on its point of care platform technologies for the safe and efficient separation of blood and bone marrow to produce platelet based therapies or cell concentrates.

The Company markets and selsl two distinct platelet rich plasma (PRP) technologies, the AutoloGel System for wound care and the Angel concentrated Platelet Rich Plasma (cPRP) Sytem in orthopedic and cardiovascular markets. Its clinical pipeline includes the ALDH, which are cell-based therapies (Bright Cells). In February 2012, the Company acquired Aldagen, Inc.

The AutoloGel System

The AutoloGel System is a point of care device for the production of a platelet based bioactive therapy derived from a small sample of the patient�� own blood. Using the patient�� own platelets as a therapeutic agent, AutoloGel harnesses the body�� natural healing processes to deliver growth factors, chemokines and cytokines known to promote angiogenesis and to regulate cell growth and the formation of new tissue.

Angel Product Line

The Angel concentrated Platelet Rich Plasma (cPRP) System is a multi-functional cell separation device which produces concentrated platelet rich plasma for use in the operating room and clinic and is used in a range of orthopedic and cardiovascular indications. Similar to the AutoloGel System, the Angel System is a point of care device for the production of a concentrated, aseptic platelet! -based bioactive therapy derived from a small sample of the patient�� own blood. The resulting cPRP is applied at the site of injury to promote healing. The Angel product line also includes ancillary products such as phlebotomy and applicator supplies and activAT. activAT is designed to produce autologous thrombin serum from platelet poor plasma and is sold exclusively in Europe and Canada, where it provides a safe alternative to bovine-derived products.

ALDHbr Cell Technology and Development Pipeline

The ALDHbr (Bright Cell) technology is an approach to cell-based regenerative medicine and a logical extension of its commercial technologies in the evolving regenerative medicine market, with potential clinical indications in markets with unmet medical needs such as peripheral arterial disease and ischemic stroke. The Bright Cell technology is in that it utilizes an intracellular enzyme marker to facilitate fractionation of essential regenerative cells from a patient�� bone marrow. The bone marrow fractionation process identifies and isolates active stem and progenitor cells expressing high levels of the enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, or ALDH, which is a key enzyme involved in the regulation of gene activities associated with cell proliferation and differentiation.

The Company�� lead product candidate, ALD-401, is an autologous preparation of Bright Cells for the post-acute treatment of ischemic stroke. ALD-401 is being evaluated in the RECOVER-Stroke clinical study, an ongoing 100-patient, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study in patients with unilateral, cerebral ischemic stroke with an NIH stroke scale score of less than 22. An additional product candidate, ALD-301, is in clinical development for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition causing reduced flow of blood and oxygen to muscles in the leg. It has completed a Phase 1/2 study of autologous ALD-301 in critical limb ischemia (CLI), a late stage condition caused by PAD. The Phase 2 PACE! (Patient! s with Intermittent Claudication Injected with ALDH Bright Cells) study is an 80 patient, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial intended to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ALD-301 (Bright Cells) in patients diagnosed with IC.

The Company competes with Harvest Technologies (a subsidiary of Terumo), Biomet, Arteriocyte, and Arthrex.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By James E. Brumley]

  To give credit where it's due, Cytomedix, Inc. (OTCBB:CMXI) and Baxter International Inc. (NYSE:BAX) have both helped shape the landscape of the hemostasis (bleeding control) market with their products, AutoloGel and TISSELL, respectively. Arch Therapeutics Inc. (OTCBB:ARTH) has proverbially taken their concepts "up a notch", however, and its direct solution to a problem that CMXI and BAX can't quite solve may make ARTH the hottest trading candidate in the hemostasis space.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  When traders think of post-surgical wound management stocks, they may first think of names like Cytomedix, Inc. (OTCBB:CMXI) or Alliqua Inc. (OTCMKTS:ALQA). And well they should. Both companies have something of a history in the arena. ALQA is the purveyor of SilverSeal and Hydress antibiotic bandages, while CMXI is the developer of the AutoloGel system, which induces an affected patient's on body to do what it's supposed to do if there's a wound that won't heal. Cytomedix also makes the Angel platelet-rich plasma (PRP) delivery system. There's a relatively new name to add to the list of game-changing stocks in wound-management industry, however.... Arch Therapeutics Inc. (OTCBB:ARTH). The company is developing - well, has developed - a product called AC5 that nips post-surgical bleeding in the bud, largely negating the need for other post-surgical bleeding-control measures.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Companies To Watch For 2015: Acceleron Pharma Inc (XLRN)

Acceleron Pharma Inc., incorporated on June 13, 2003, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of protein therapeutics for cancer and rare diseases. The Company�� research focuses on the biology of the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-b) protein superfamily, a large and diverse group of molecules that are key regulators in the growth and repair of tissues throughout the human body. By coupling its discovery and development expertise, including its knowledge of the TGF-b superfamily, with its internal protein engineering and manufacturing capabilities, it has built a productive research and development platform that has generated clinical and preclinical protein therapeutic candidates with mechanisms of action.

The Company focuses on discovering and developing protein therapeutics that target a group of approximately 30 secreted proteins, or ligands, that are collectively referred to as the TGF-b superfamily. These ligands bind to subsets of 12 different receptors on the surface of cells, triggering intra-cellular changes in gene expression that guide cell growth and differentiation. The TGF-b superfamily ligands and their receptors represent an under-explored and diverse set of drug targets with the potential to yield therapeutics that modulate the growth and repair of diseased cells and tissues.

The Company has three internally discovered protein therapeutic candidates that are being studied in 12 ongoing Phase 2 clinical trials, focused on cancer and rare diseases. The Company�� two advanced protein therapeutic candidates, sotatercept and ACE-536, promote red blood cell production through a novel mechanism. Together with its collaboration partner, Celgene Corporation, the Company is developing sotatercept and ACE-536 to treat anemia and associated complications in patients with b-thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). These red blood cell disorders are generally unresponsive to approved dru! gs. The Company�� third clinical stage protein therapeutic candidate, dalantercept, is designed to inhibit blood vessel formation through a mechanism that is distinct from, and potentially synergistic with, the dominant class of cancer drugs that inhibit blood vessel formation, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway inhibitors. The Company is developing dalantercept primarily for use in combination with these products to produce better outcomes for cancer patients.

The Company and Celgene have conducted six human clinical trials with sotatercept in over 160 healthy volunteers and cancer patients. The Company has conducted one clinical trial with ACE-536 in healthy volunteers. In these studies, both sotatercept and ACE-536 caused a dose-dependent increase in the number of red blood cells. Based on these results, the Company and Celgene have initiated Phase II clinical trials with each of these protein therapeutic candidates in b-thalassemia and MDS. In the ongoing trial of sotatercept in patients with b-thalassemia, the Company has observed encouraging, dose-dependent increases in hemoglobin in a subset of patients at the two lowest dose levels.

Sotatercept is a soluble receptor fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of the activin receptor type IIA (ActRIIA) linked to the Fc domain of human IgG1. Sotatercept acts as a protein trap for TGF-b superfamily ligands that signal through the ActRIIA receptor. Sotatercept has increased red blood cells in multiple clinical trials. ACE-536 is a soluble receptor fusion protein consisting of a modified extracellular domain of the activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) linked to the Fc domain of human IgG1.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Breaking news

  Acceleron Pharma (NASDAQ: XLRN) today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of $100 million of its common stock. To read the full news, click here. XenoPort (NASDAQ: XNPT) announced today that it intends to offer and sell 10,000,000 shares of its common stock, subject to market and other conditions, in an underwritten public offering. To read the full news, click here. Affymetrix (NASDAQ: AFFX) today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its CytoScan庐 Dx Assay. To read the full news, click here. Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) today announced an agreement for Verizon to purchase from Intel the assets of Intel Media, a business division dedicated to the development of Cloud TV products and services. To read the full news, click here.

  Posted-In: Evercore Partners US Stock FuturesNews Eurozone Futures Global Pre-Market Outlook Markets

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Shares of Acceleron Pharma (NASDAQ: XLRN) got a boost, shooting up 16.39 percent to $39.42 after Form 8-K for Acceleron Pharma showed that Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) will buy 1.1 million shares for $47.15 million.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  3. We see 23+ partnered pipeline assets and are most positive on Phase I/II MOR202 anti-CD38 for myeloma with data in 2015, and others such as Acceleron Pharma (XLRN), Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO), Epizyme (EPZM), Concert Pharmaceuticals (CNCE) (just started Phase I for next-gen Revlimid).

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Shares of Acceleron Pharma (NASDAQ: XLRN) got a boost, shooting up 16.74 percent to $39.54 after Form 8-K for Acceleron Pharma showed that Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) will buy 1.1 million shares for $47.15 million.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Companies To Watch For 2015: LoJack Corporation(LOJN)

LoJack Corporation provides technology products and services for the tracking and recovery of mobile assets, stolen vehicles, motorcycles, construction equipment, cargo, and people at risk. It offers LoJack Unit, a LoJack System component that consists of a high frequency transponder with a hidden antenna, microprocessor, and power supply, as well as a set of codes unique to the unit; and LoJack Early Warning Unit, an optional component that provides notification to vehicle owners in the event of unauthorized user operating the vehicle. The company also licenses LoJack for Laptops, a system to recover the stolen computers; and LoJack InTransit, a cargo and tracking recovery solution. In addition, it provides LoJack SafetyNet system, which comprises a personal locator unit, a search and rescue receiver used by public safety agencies. The company markets its products to owners of commercial equipment and to consumers through its sales force, telemarketing representatives, di rect mail, and automobile dealers. It operates in the United States, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean countries, Canada, and Europe. LoJack Corporation was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Canton, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Wallace Witkowski]

  Shares of LoJack Corp. (LOJN) �surged 20% to $5.30 on moderate volume after the car-security-system company said an arbitration panel dismissed claims by a Brazilian licensee over a contract dispute.

Top 5 Warren Buffett Companies To Watch For 2015: Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.(HALO)

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the research, development, and commercialization of recombinant human enzymes that transiently modify tissue under the skin to facilitate injection of other therapies or correct diseased tissue structures for clinical benefits. The company primarily offers recombinant human hyaluronidase, an enzyme that degrades hyaluronan, which is a matrix component in the skin, and facilitates the dispersion and absorption of drugs and fluids. Its portfolio of products and product candidates are developed based principally on intellectual property covering the family of human enzymes known as hyaluronidases. The company also provides Ultrafast Insulin program, a Phase II clinical trial product for the treatment of diabetes mellitus; and Enhanze technology, a proprietary drug delivery platform for subcutaneous delivery of injectable biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic molecules, as well as sma ll molecules and fluids. It offers PEGPH20, a new molecular entity that is in Phase I trial for the systemic treatment of tumors; and HTI-501, a recombinant human proteinase, which is in Phase 1/2 clinical trial used for the treatment of edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy (cellulite). The company has collaborative partnerships with F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Ltd and Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc.; ViroPharma Incorporated; and Intrexon Corporation to apply Enhanze technology to the partners? biological therapeutic compounds. Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is based in San Diego, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Halozyme Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HALO) was also down, falling 13.11 percent to $13.91 after the company's wider than expected loss disappointed the street Friday morning.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading DOWN
  Shares of Halozyme Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HALO) were down 25.40 percent to $8.65 after the company announced the temporary halt of Phase 2 trial enrollment.

• [By Sean Williams]

  The EMA's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, or CHMP, also played a big role in Halozyme Therapeutics' (NASDAQ: HALO  ) huge Friday surge. The EMA's panel recommended Roche's Herceptin SC, which uses Halozyme's recombinant human hyaluronidase in a subcutaneous injection for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. A typical infusion of Herceptin can take 30 to 90 minutes, whereas the subcutaneous injection can be delivered in a fraction of the time, two to five minutes. This new delivery method could save hospitalization time and money and improve patient comfort. It could also be a transformative approval for Halozyme.�

• [By Sheila Dang]

  Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (HALO) CEO Helen Torley and CFO David Ramsey together bought 75,000 shares of the company on Sept. 17, at a cost of $668,500.