Stock Trading Brokers

Safeguard Scientifics, Inc used to be the Lancaster Corporation founded in 1953 by Philadelphian stockbrokers Warren V. Musser and Frank A. Diamond. It was established as a holding company investing in small firms. In 1966, the company evolved and changed its name to Safeguard Scientifics, began trading in New York Stock Exchange in 1971 under the symbol of SFE.  One of its humble beginning was the production of checks through a machine which thrived from the repeat orders of small firms.

Through the evolvement of Safeguard Scientific, Inc, it has contributed in various ways in the emerging growth of other companies either taken public or sold to deliberate buyers. Leaving its legacy to even new aspiring businesses, it has become a pillar of development and success among Novell, QVC, Cambridge Technology Partners, Internet Capital Group, CompuCom System and Traffic.com.

To date, the company has been investing in technology sectors and life science sectors.  In technology sectors, it has been serving in software as a service, technology enabled services, and internet-based businesses. It has done great service in the life sciences sector. It invested in drug formulation and delivery technologies; molecular diagnostics and medical devices; pharma services; specialty pharmaceuticals; products; and technology-enabled services.

Safeguard has been sought after by other companies because of its abilities to provide both growth capital, strategic and operational guidance which transforms into major competitive advantages. The company has a team of C-level Executives who had been entrepreneurs and be au fait with the challenges that many companies are drawn against with. Not only that but the company has advisory boards that not only provide its expertise but also channel its clientele to other business networks and business relationships.

Charles & Colvard, Ltd. is a manufacturer of Moissanite jewels, a rare mineral usually found in meteorites. The company is worldwide marketer of beautiful jewels, targeting the market for those looking for alternatives to the pricier, more traditional gemstones.  Majority of the company’s crystals are acquired from Cree Inc. and the rest are supplied by Norstel AB.

Charles & Colvard prides itself on producing near colorless jewels, which are made of silicon carbide crystals. Their moissanite jewels, widely available in the international market, are cut in different shapes, and buyers can choose from the classic round and square varieties to the interesting pear and baguette cuts. Moissanite is gaining increasing interest from jewelry buyers, primarily because of its similarity to diamonds. It has become a practical alternative for expensive diamond engagement rings.

The company was recognized as one of America’s fastest growing small public companies by Fortune Small Business’s Top 100 list in 2006.

STOCK MARKET INFO
Charles & Colvard produced total revenue of 3.64 as of June 2008, while their gross profit is 2.09. Total current assets stand at 25.51 and total current liabilities are at 2.36.

BASIC STOCK MARKET/FINANCE INFO

Vanguard Group Inc. has sold more than 99% of their shares in Charles & Colvard, reducing to their current holdings to 470 shares.

RECOMMENDATION

Hold on to your stocks. Even though the market for moissanite is still not as solid as the traditional gemstones, there is an increasing interest from those who want to buy beautiful jewelry at reduced prices. Improved market positioning for moissanite jewels will eventually encourage investing for manufacturers such as Charles & Colvard.