Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Best US Companies To Buy For 2015

Best US Companies To Buy For 2015: iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped ETF (REM)

iShares FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REITs Index Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the FTSE NAREIT Mortgage REITs Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the residential and commercial mortgage real estate sector of the United States equity market.

The Fund will concentrate its investments in a particular industry or group of industries to approximately the same extent as the Index is so concentrated. The Funds investment advisor is Barclays Global Fund Advisors.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Doug Fabian]

    The iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped (REM) is an ETF that contains a basket of the biggest and best mortgage REITs on the market today.

    This fund is pegged to the FTSE NAREIT All Mortgage Capped Index, a benchmark measure that includes top names in the space such as Annaly Capital (NLY), American Capital Agency Corp. (AGNC), Starwood Property Trust (STWD) and Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO).

  • [By Peter F. Way]

    An ETF of the mREITs exists, the iShares Mortgage Real Estate Capped (REM). For comparison, its past two-year price history is contrasted with the general market (SPY) and another income alternative the iShares US Preferred Stock ETF (PFF).

  • [By Donald van Deventer]

    The latest implied forward rate forecast from Kamakura Corporation shows projected 10-year U.S. Treasury yields differing -0.07% to 0.03% from last week while fixed rate mortgage yields varied by -0.01% to 0.08%. Mortgage yields, determined by the Monday through Wednesday weekly survey of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, lag Treasury movements simply because of the 3-day yield calculation used in the Primary Mortgage Market Survey. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is projected to rise from 2.92% at Thursday's close (down 0.06% from last week) to 3.! 374% (down 0.06% from last week) in one year. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield in ten years is forecast to reach 4.639%, 1 basis point lower than last week. The 15-year fixed rate mortgage rate is forecast to rise from the effective yield of 3.69% on Thursday (down 0.001% from last week) to 4.222% (down 0.006% from last week) in one year and 6.29% in 10 years, up 0.038% from last week. We explain the background for these calculations in the rest of this note, along with some mortgage servicing rights metrics. The forecast allows investors in exchange traded U.S. Treasury funds (TLT) (TBT), total return bond funds (BOND), municipal bonds (NUV) and exchange traded mortgage funds (REM) to assess likely total returns over the next 120 months. Treasury-related exchange traded funds affected by the forward rates include:

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/best-us-companies-to-buy-for-2015-3.html

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Freelancer Or Employer: Identifying Your Next Career Move

Top Services Stocks To Buy For 2015

While the current economic recovery in the United States may be a little less robust than was first envisioned, it has at least been sustained during the first two financial quarters of 2013. This sluggish period of growth is a consequence of the Great Recession, as consumer confidence continues to fluctuate wildly and the U.S. employment market experiences its weakest recovery since World War II.

While the global economic recession may have triggered long-term stagnation, it has also impacted heavily on behavioral trends in the U.S. This is most noticeable in the changing nature of business start-ups and the entrepreneurs who operate in the U.S. A growing number of individuals have been forced to work independently out of necessity rather than a deep-rooted desire or long-term aspiration.

The Rise of the Freelancer: Does it Represent a Good Career Move for You?
This trend is reflected in the rising number of freelancers in the U.S., which reached an estimated 42 million during 2012. Including temporary workers and self-employed individuals, this demographic now accounts for approximately 33% of the U.S. employment market and is set to grow even further over the next decade. As recently as 2010, technology giant Intuit predicted that freelancers would make up 40% of the total workforce by the year 2020, and while this may have a positive impact on lowering the national unemployment rate, it raises other issues concerning long-term job security, pension plans and the average citizen's ability to save.

With these points in mind, you will need to give careful thought to your next career move as you consider the alternative benefits of freelancing and traditional employment. Keep the following factors in mind as you appraise each individual option:

Industry Growth and its Compatibility with Remote Working
The industry in which you work has a key influence in determining your preferred method of working, especially if you are to maximize your earning potential and achieve career advancement. A survey conducted by freelance giant Elance in September 2012 revealed that businesses across numerous industries are posting a record number of fractional and project-oriented jobs, with 42% of employers also confirming that they anticipate hiring more independent workers in 2013 than the previous year. While this reflects the widespread and diverse growth that defines the market, it is important to remember that the remote nature of freelancing remains more compatible with some sectors and job types than others.

Further evaluation of this report suggests that creative and technical jobs are the fastest growing in the freelance market, as the vast majority of work can be assigned and completed online. Individuals with IT, multimedia and software programming skills can therefore expect to find well-paid and continuous work while freelancing, while 2012 also saw a significant rise in the demand for mobile application developers and accountants. While the market is constantly evolving to include new sectors and job types, it is important to evaluate your own specific niche and skill set prior to forging a career as a freelancer.

Time Vs. Money and Your Earning Potential as a Freelancer
When it comes to evaluating the viability of freelancing, it is important to calculate your earning potential and the number of hours that you will need to work in order to achieve your financial goals. This conundrum of time versus money is crucial to determining the precise value that you place on your marketable skills, and whether or not making the transition from traditional employment would be worthwhile. To begin with, it is worth noting that the typical U.S. citizen worked a total of 1,776 hours during 2011, which means that the average working week consisted of just over 34 hours.

In contrast, U.S. freelancers worked an average of 39 hours each week during 2011, which represents a considerable difference over the course of a single year. Despite this trend being prominent across several continents, a global study of freelancers revealed that 48.7% earned less that they had anticipated despite their increased output. An even greater concern is the issue that freelancers have had with regards to acquiring payment for completed work, with 40% of the global talent pool claiming that they struggled to claim the wages that they were owed. It is important to keep this in mind, as you must consider which method of working affords you the best financial rewards for your effort.

Your Personal Circumstances and Long-Term Goals
Although freelancing continues to gain in popularity, it is important to remember that there are disadvantages associated with this method of working. The most prominent disadvantage is a lack of benefits, as freelancers cannot access employment contract staples such as statutory sick pay and healthcare coverage. When you consider that the primary motivation to work remains financial remuneration and the compensation that is offered in exchange for your services, the lack of a detailed contract means that freelancers are often at a significant disadvantage within the existing employment market.

Freelancers must also cope without a long-term pension plan, which can seriously impinge upon their ability to save and secure financial independence. Given that U.S. workers are already held in the grip of a pension crisis and facing the prospect of exhausting their funds just 14 years into retirement, those who operate as freelancers appear to be facing an even more uncertain future. While there are personal and retirement account options that can help you to save towards your future as an independent contractor, you must also factor in the lack of employer contributions and your specific retirement goals before establishing yourself as a freelancer.

The Bottom Line
By giving careful consideration to these factors and your long-term goals as an individual, it is possible to gain an insight into the reality of freelancing and whether it is viable for your specific circumstances. Although the increasing accessibility of independent contracting has undoubtedly created vital opportunities within a struggling job market, it is important to remember that this method of working also has considerable disadvantages in comparison with traditional employment. If you are considering going it alone as a freelancer, you must make a balanced decision and ensure that you are not swayed by popular opinion or sheer volume of freelancing growth statistics.

Top 5 Blue Chip Companies To Own For 2014

Japan was back at the center of financial news today, not because the Nikkei is still getting rocked back and forth, but because the island-nation's central bank refused to adjust monetary policy today in the midst of a huge market correction. In April, the Bank of Japan had announced a $1.4 trillion stimulus program with room for additional funding if needed, but today passed on that opportunity, though Bank of Japan governor Haruhiko Kuroda did say that the bank could unleash further stimulus if borrowing costs rise.

World markets were down on the news, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) finishing down 117 points, or 0.8%, in a volatile session, as the blue chips opened down 1% before climbing to breakeven at midday, and finally tanking in afternoon trading. As stocks pulled back, treasuries hit a 14-month high, with the 10-year yield climbing to 2.29% at one point.

Among the Dow's biggest losers today was Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) , which fell 1.8% as rival Sony introduced its PlayStation 4 last night and said would be priced at $399, $100 less than Microsoft's Xbox One. The two are major competitors in the gaming arena, and Sony's moves could put pressure on Microsoft. In addition to beating the Xbox on price, the PS4 also allows users to sell or reuse second-hand games and does not require a fixed Internet connection. Both consoles are due out this fall in time for the holiday season.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Buy Right Now: International Business Machines Corporation(IBM)

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. Its Global Technology Services segment provides IT infrastructure and business process services, including strategic outsourcing, process, integrated technology, and maintenance services, as well as technology-based support services. The company?s Global Business Services segment offers consulting and systems integration, and application management services. Its Software segment offers middleware and operating systems software, such as WebSphere software to integrate and manage business processes; information management software for database and enterprise content management, information integration, data warehousing, business analytics and intelligence, performance management, and predictive analytics; Tivoli software for identity management, data security, storage management, and datacenter automation; Lotus software for collaboration, messaging, and so cial networking; rational software to support software development for IT and embedded systems; business intelligence software, which provides querying and forecasting tools; SPSS predictive analytics software to predict outcomes and act on that insight; and operating systems software. Its Systems and Technology segment provides computing and storage solutions, including servers, disk and tape storage systems and software, point-of-sale retail systems, and microelectronics. The company?s Global Financing segment provides lease and loan financing to end users and internal clients; commercial financing to dealers and remarketers of IT products; and remanufacturing and remarketing services. It serves financial services, public, industrial, distribution, communications, and general business sectors. The company was formerly known as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. and changed its name to International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. IBM was founded in 1910 and is based in Armonk, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Anders Bylund]

    The other winner is Dow heavyweight IBM (NYSE: IBM  ) , whose pricey shares have risen 1.8%. Like UnitedHealth, Big Blue beat analysts' earnings targets in the second quarter despite a not-so-impressive revenue performance. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share improved 8% to $3.91 on revenue that was down 3% year over year to $24.9 billion.

  • [By Editor , Dividend Growth Investor]

    The company�� last dividend increase was in September 2013 when the Board of Directors approved a 15 % increase in the semi-annual dividend to 93 cents per share. The company�� peer group includes IBM (IBM) and Deloitte Consulting.

  • [By Lee Jackson]

    For years International Business Machines Corp.�(NYSE: IBM) has remained a technology bellwether, as well as a top stock to own in most portfolios. The brilliant move that took it out of the personal computer business and focused on the core services business pushed the stock higher and higher. Unfortunately, business has stalled for Big Blue, and back-to-back quarters of dismal performance are starting to make even the most stalwart investors impatient.

Top 5 Blue Chip Companies To Own For 2014: Chevron Corporation(CVX)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide. It operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment involves in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as holds interest in a gas-to-liquids project. The Downstream segment engages in the refining of crude oil into petroleum products; marketing of crude oil and refined products primarily under the Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex brand names; transportation of crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacture and marketing of commodity petrochemicals, plastics for industrial uses, and fuel and lubricant additives. It a lso produces and markets coal and molybdenum; and holds interests in 13 power assets with a total operating capacity of approximately 3,100 megawatts, as well as involves in cash management and debt financing activities, insurance operations, real estate activities, energy services, and alternative fuels and technology business. Chevron Corporation has a joint venture agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corp. and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in May 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is based in San Ramon, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Victor Selva]

    It is best suited for investors looking for diversification across sectors at a low cost. Let's see the fund麓s holding list:

    Apple Inc (AAPL) 3.21% Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) 2.80% Google Inc (GOOG) 1.97% General Electric Co (GE) 1.80% Microsoft Corp (MSFT) 1.78% Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 1.62% Chevron Corp (CVX) 1.52% Procter & Gamble Co (PG) 1.40% JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPM) 1.38% Wells Fargo & Co (WFC)1.38%

    Total Percentage of Top 10 Holdings: 18.86%

  • [By Paul Ausick]

    Chevron Corp. (NYSE: CVX) saw short interest rise 2% to 13.87 million shares. About 0.7% of Chevron’s float is now short. Chevron reports fourth-quarter results on Friday and is expected to post earnings per share (EPS) of $2.57 on revenues of $63.14 billion. The EPS estimate is substantially lower than the $3.57 the company posted in the fourth quarter of 2012, even though revenues are more than $2.5 billion higher.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Top Headline
    Chevron (NYSE: CVX) reported a 5.8 percent drop in its third-quarter earnings.

    Chevron's quarterly profit fell to $4.95 billion, or $2.57 per share, from a year-ago profit of $5.25 billion, or $2.69 per share.

  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    3 stocks to consider
    For a good mix of positive dividend attributes, the following stocks offer a compelling combination of low payout ratios, long dividend histories, and attractive yields:

    Chevron (NYSE: CVX  ) has a 26-year history of raising its dividends every year, with a current yield of 3.4%. Big oil stocks have faced the challenge of finding ways to replace lost production volume from older wells suffering natural declines in output, but Chevron has done a better job than many of its rivals in replacing that lost production with new asset purchases in promising areas around the world. Despite an already attractive yield from a dividend that the company increased by 11% in May, a payout ratio of 27% shows that Chevron could easily keep boosting its dividend in the years to come. PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP  ) has used its global snack and beverage business to produce consistent cash flow and profits over the long run, giving back much of its earnings in the form of dividends. Its 2.8% yield comes after 41 consecutive years with payout boosts. With a payout ratio of 55%, Pepsi needs to keep growing in order to support further dividend increases, but even as soft drink makers in the U.S. have to deal with rising concerns about obesity, Pepsi has taken the lead with a forward-looking emphasis on healthier offerings that should serve it well throughout the world. Consumer-products maker Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB  ) sports the highest payout ratio in this group at 66%, but its 3.4% yield and 41 straight years of rising dividends make it a logical stock to invest in for dividend investors. The company has done a good job of taking advantage of missteps from rivals in the industry, with an emphasis on growth in emerging markets like Latin America. As rising consumer middle classes in emerging nations demand more of the conveniences that people in developed countries take for granted, Kimberly-Clark is positioning itself to

Top 5 Blue Chip Companies To Own For 2014: Visa Inc.(V)

Visa Inc., a payments technology company, engages in the operation of retail electronic payments network worldwide. It facilitates commerce through the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company owns and operates VisaNet, a global processing platform that provides transaction processing services. It also offers a range of payments platforms, which enable credit, charge, deferred debit, debit, and prepaid payments, as well as cash access for consumers, businesses, and government entities. The company provides its payment platforms under the Visa, Visa Electron, PLUS, and Interlink brand names. In addition, it offers value-added services, including risk management, issuer processing, loyalty, dispute management, value-added information, and CyberSource-branded services. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jae Jun]

    Having missed out on Visa (V) and MasterCard (MA), stumbling upon FleetCor is a pleasant surprise. FleetCor Technologies is a company that provides fuel cards and payment products used by employees. The company also has lodging cards, but since the overall concept is the same, I will focus most of the discussion on fuel cards.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    After five days of losses, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.6% to 15,928.56, while the S&P 500�rose 0.6% t0 1,792.50, ending its three-day losing streak. The Dow got a boost from Pfizer (PFE), Visa (V) and General Electric (GE), while the S&P 500′s biggest winners included homebuilder DR Horton (DHI) and T. Rowe Price (TROW).

  • [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

    Matt Sayles/AP Celebrities don't make the best financiers. Several years ago, a handful famous people jumped into the prepaid debit card business, only to find it wasn't quite the easy route to profits they might have believed it to be. Perhaps they were under that impression because, to coin an old phrase, the financial sector is where the money is. But succeeding in it can be much trickier than it looks. Fed by All Those Fees It's easy to understand why the prepaid card market would be appealing for someone looking for a good side business. In a word: fees. Using a prepaid card generates a raft of payouts for the customer. These can include activation fees, monthly subscription fees, loading fees, ATM withdrawal fees (not to mention ATM balance inquiry fees), customer service fees ... and on and on. How can card issuers tack on so many costs to a simple financial instrument? After all, a typical credit or debit card using the Visa (V) or MasterCard (MA) network carries few if any fees for the user. But prepaid cards are targeted towards a different kind of customer -- lower-income individuals, and those who can have a difficult time securing financial instruments (such as teenagers). Many of these folks lack the income or credit score for a traditional credit card and might not have the means to satisfy the requirements of a traditional bank account. In other words, since they have limited options, as a group these individuals are virtually a captive market for prepaid products. I'd Just Like an Autograph Instead, Thanks

Top 5 Blue Chip Companies To Own For 2014: Colgate-Palmolive Company(CL)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. It offers oral care products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouth rinses, as well as dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals; personal care products, such as liquid hand soap, shower gels, bar soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos, and conditioners; and home care products comprising laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, bleaches, dishwashing liquids, and oil soaps. The company offers its oral, personal, and home care products under the Colgate Total, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate 360 Advisors' Opinion:

  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    Lately, Johnson & Johnson has presented two different faces to investors. On one hand, the company has faced the challenge of dealing with a weak consumer-products business, as multiple recalls and close regulatory oversight of its production facilities have exacerbated J&J's problems. With its more focused consumer-goods business, Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE: CL  ) has worked harder at taking advantage of international growth opportunities than many of its rivals, and Colgate's strong overseas sales, in comparison to J&J's international weakness, show the effectiveness of that strategy. In particular, Asia has been a focus point for Colgate, with revenue from the region having risen 9% year over year compared with less than 3% growth overall. Moreover, Latin America represents Colgate's biggest region for sales, with more than half again the revenue its U.S. segment produces.

  • [By Wallace Witkowski]

    Other earnings highlights in the coming week include Dow components McDonald�� Corp. (MCD) , DuPont (DD) , AT&T Inc. (T) , and Procter & Gamble Co. (PG) . Notable S&P 500 companies include Halliburton Co. (HAL) , Netflix Inc. (NFLX) �, Amgen Inc. (AMGN) �, TripAdvisor Inc. (TRIP) �, Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) �, Colgate-Palmolive Co. (CL) �, Ford Motor Co. (F) �, Dow Chemical Co. (DOW) �, and United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) �

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Colgate-Palmolive Co (NYSE: CL) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $0.73 per share on revenue of $4.46 billion.

    Precision Castparts (NYSE: PCP) is projected to report its Q2 earnings at $2.83 per share on revenue of $2.36 billion.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

10 Best Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In Right Now

10 Best Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Philip Morris International Inc(PM)

Philip Morris International Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in markets outside of the United States. Its international product brand line comprises Marlboro, Merit, Parliament, Virginia Slims, L&M, Chesterfield, Bond Street, Lark, Muratti, Next, Philip Morris, and Red & White. The company also offers its products under the A Mild, Dji Sam Soe, and A Hijau in Indonesia; Diana in Italy; Optima and Apollo-Soyuz in the Russian Federation; Morven Gold in Pakistan; Boston in Colombia; Belmont, Canadian Classics, and Number 7 in Canada; Best and Classic in Serbia; f6 in Germany; Delicados in Mexico; Assos in Greece; and Petra in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It operates primarily in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. The company is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Bill Maurer]

    Philip Morris (PM):

    Philip Morris saw a surprise short interest drop of more than 20% during the final two weeks of March. More than 2.5 million of the roughly 12.2 million shares short were covered, stopping the recent rise in short interest that you can see in the chart below.

  • [By Tim McAleenan Jr.]

    And lastly, Mankiw mentions emerging markets. If you want to bet against the United States dollar and own a company that generates all of its profits outside the United States, it could be useful to take a look at Philip Morris International (PM). Asia makes up 37% of its profits. The Middle East, Africa, and Eastern Europe make up 27% of its profits. Smoking rates in countries like Indonesia are increasing at 10-25% annual rates. The Marlboro brand is gaining market share in Asia. The company is planning aggressive expansion into Central Africa. If you want emerging markets exposure, Philip Morris International could be a de! cent way to cover your bases.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/10-best-blue-chip-stocks-to-invest-in-right-now.html

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Top Industrial Disributor Companies For 2015

Top Industrial Disributor Companies For 2015: Poseidon Nickel Ltd (POS)

Poseidon Nickel Limited is an Australia-based company engaged in exploration, mining and production of Nickel and other minerals. The Companys Windarra nickel project, includes an implied ore reserve (mineable resource) of 3,446,000 ore tons at an average grade of 1.79% nickel for 61,500 nickel metal tons and has a mine life of six years. Cerberus is closely located to Poseidons existing operations approximately 10.5 kilometers south of the Mt Windarra nickel mine. In September 2011, Poseidon entered into an earn-in agreement with Magma Metals Limited (Magma) for nickel, copper and PGE rights to a tenement package adjoining its Windarra Nickel Project (WNP). The new tenements cover 203 square kilometers. The Companys subsidiaries include Poseidon Nickel Atlantis Operations Pty Ltd, Poseidon Nickel Olympia Operations Pty Ltd and Wells Gold Corporation (International) Pty Ltd. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By jaggom]

    NetSuite acquired Retail Anywhere recently that sells point of sale (POS) retail software and software solutions to multi-channel retail stores. The acquisition allowed NetSuite to grow its presence in stores. Retail Anywheres cloud capabilities will compile transactions from across stores, and integrate them with back-end support systems of businesses and offer customers a complete solution.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-industrial-disributor-companies-for-2015.html

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Bull of the Day: Lear Corporation (LEA) - Bull of the Day

Hot Diversified Bank Companies To Own For 2015

Lear Corporation (LEA) recently reported its 7th consecutive positive earnings surprise as it continues to benefit from a growing global automotive industry. Following its most recent beat, management raised its guidance for 2013, prompting a flurry of positive estimate revisions from analysts.This sent the stock to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).Lear Corporation supplies seating and electrical distribution systems to the automotive industry. Approximately 76% of its sales are in the 'Seating' segment with the remaining 24% coming from its 'Electrical Power Management Systems' segment. The company was founded in 1917 and has a market cap of $5.7 billion.Second Quarter ResultsLear delivered a solid 'beat & raise' quarter on July 26. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.62, crushing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.35. It was a 20% increase over the same quarter last year, due in part to a significantly lower share count.Net sales rose 12% to $4.113 billion, ahead of the consensus of $3.904 billion. The Seating segment saw top-line growth of 10%, due in part to an acquisition. Sales in the Electrical Power Management Systems segment jumped 20%. Sales growth was strong in all geographic regions.The gross profit margin declined from 8.6% to 8.2% of sales, but selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses declined from 3.2% to 3.1% of sales.Increased GuidanceFollowing solid Q2 results, management revised its guidance higher for the remainder of 2013. The company now expects full year sales around $15.8 billion, up from its previous guidance of $15.0-$15.5 billion. It also raised its core operating earnings guidance by $25 million to a range of $750-$800 million.This prompted analysts to revise their estimates significantly higher for both 2013 and 2014, sending the stock to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock. The 2013 Zacks Conse! nsus Estimate is now $5.62, up from $5.36 just 30 days ago. The 2014 consensus has moved from $6.68 to $7.01 over the same period.Reasonable ValuationShares of Lear are up almost 8% since the Q2 earnings report, but there could be plenty more upside with shares trading at just 11x forward earnings, a discount to the industry median of 13x. Its price to book ratio of 2.3 is also below the industry multiple of 2.5.The Bottom LineWith strong industry tailwinds, stellar earnings momentum and reasonable valuation, this automotive supplier offers attractive upside potential.Todd Bunton is the Growth & Income Stock Strategist for Zacks Investment Research and Editor of the Income Plus Investor service.

Monday, April 20, 2015

Top Medical Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top Medical Companies To Invest In Right Now: Amarantus Bioscience Holdings Inc (AMBS)

Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc., formerly Amarantus BioSciences, Inc., incorporated on March 22, 2013, is focuses on developing intellectual property and proprietary technology in order to develop drug candidates and diagnostic blood tests to diagnose and treat human diseases. The Company owns the intellectual property rights to a therapeutic protein known as Mesencephalic-Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor (MANF), owns the intellectual property rights to biomarkers related to oncology and neurodegeneration named BC-SeraPro and NuroPro respectively, has a license to an Alzheimer's disease blood test named LymPro, and owns a number of proprietary cell lines called PhenoGuard. MANF was the first therapeutic protein discovered from a PhenoGuard Cell Line. In December 2012, the Company acquired neurodegenerative diagnostic portfolio from Power3 Medical Products. On March 22, 2013, the Company was merged with into Amarantus Bioscience Inc.

The Company also owns an inventory of 88 cell lines that Amarantus refers to as PhenoGuard Cell Lines. MANF is a protein that corrects protein misfolding. The Company's MANF product development effort is centered on a therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By James E. Brumley]

    What do Acasti Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ:ACST), Kandi Technologies Group Inc. (NASDAQ:KNDI), and Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:AMBS) have in common? Not a lot, if you're simply looking at their business lines. Kandi Technologies Group makes electric cars, and even though Amarantus Bioscience Holdings and Acasti Pharma are both in the pharmaceutical arena, they're not too much alike. There is one common element among AMBS, ACST, and KNDI right now, however... they're three of the market's most bullish setups. Anyone looking for a new ! trading idea here should start with one of these three.

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    Judging from the company it's keeping Green Automotive Co. (OTCMKTS:GACR) may have just made its way into the upper echelon of small cap stock opportunities. The electric car company joins Elite Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCBB:ELTP), Amarantus Bioscience Holdings, Inc. (OTCBB:AMBS), and only three other companies as Wall-Street.com's "Best 6 Stocks" for January of 2014. As one of the top information resources for investors - particularly in terms of information regarding small and micro cap stocks - being named among the site's top pick is an accolade for AMBS, ELTP, and GACR. Even more impressive is that Green Automotive Co. was the only consumer-goods name among those six. Amarantus Bioscience Holdings and Elite Pharmaceuticals are biotechnology names... an industry that can and often does attract a lot of attention just by the nature of the business. The other three names making the "Best 6" list were an energy explorer, a power-management technology manufacturer, and presc ription/medical food producer. For an electric car manufacturer to make the list speaks quite highly of GACR.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-medical-companies-to-invest-in-right-now-4.html

Top 5 Low Price Stocks For 2015

Top 5 Low Price Stocks For 2015: Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd (GELYF.PK)

Geely Automobile Holdings Limited is an investment holding company. The Company, along with its subsidiaries, is engaged in the research, production, marketing and sales of sedans and related automobile components in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC). The Company operates in two segments: automobiles and related parts and components segment, engaged in the manufacture and sale of automobiles, automobile parts and related automobile components, and gearboxes segment, engaged in the manufacture and sale of gearboxes. The Companys subsidiaries include Centurion Industries Limited, Value Century Group Limited, Geely International Limited, Zhejiang Fulin Guorun Automobile Parts & Components Co., Ltd., Linkstate Overseas Limited, Luckview Group Limited and Luck Empire Investment Limited, among others. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Elliott Gue]

    This so-called One Ford initiative involved the US$2.3 billion sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors (TTM) and the US$1.6 billion divestment of Volvo to Geely Automobile Holdings (GELYF.PK). After selling the majority of its stake in Mazda Motor Corp (MZDAY.PK) and discontinuing Mercury, Ford Motor Company's portfolio consists of its eponymous mass-market brand and the higher-end Lincoln.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-5-low-price-stocks-for-2015-3.html

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Best Cheap Stocks To Own For 2015

Best Cheap Stocks To Own For 2015: MEDIWARE Information Systems Inc.(MEDW)

Mediware Information Systems, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, and marketing of software solutions targeting specific processes within healthcare institutions. The company offers software systems consisting of company's proprietary application software, and third-party licensed software and hardware. It licenses, implements, and supports clinical and performance management, blood donor, and blood and biologic management products in the United States; and medication management solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa. The company?s blood and biologics management solutions include HCLL Transfusion and HCLL Donor, which address blood donor recruitment, blood processing, and transfusion activities for hospitals and medical centers; BloodSafe suite of hardware and software that enable healthcare facilities to store, monitor, distribute, and track blood products; LifeTrak software for blood centers; a nd BiologiCare, a bone, tissue, and cellular product tracking software. Its medication management products comprise WORx, a pharmacy information system to manage inpatient and outpatient pharmacy operations; MediCOE, a physician order entry module; MediMAR, a nurse point-of-care administration and bedside documentation module; MediREC, which assists in achieving compliance with a Joint Commission mandate; and pharmacy management and electronic prescribing systems. The company?s performance management products include InSight software that tracks performance metrics to assist healthcare managers to manage performance. It also provides software installation and maintenance services, as well as billing and collection services to home infusion and home/durable medical equipment markets. The company markets its products primarily through its direct sales force. Mediware Information Systems, Inc. was founded in 1970 and is headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas.!

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By CRWE]

    Mediware Information Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:MEDW) plans to acquire the assets of Indianapolis-based Strategic Healthcare Group LLC (SHG), a leading provider of blood management consulting, education and informatics solutions.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/best-cheap-stocks-to-own-for-2015-2.html

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Top 5 Regional Bank Companies To Watch In Right Now

Top 5 Regional Bank Companies To Watch In Right Now: StanCorp Financial Group Inc.(SFG)

StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides insurance products and asset management solutions in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Insurance Services and Asset Management. The Insurance Services segment offers group and individual disability, group life, group accidental death and dismemberment, group dental, and group vision insurance products, as well as absence management services to individuals and employers. This segment sells its group insurance products through sales representatives, as well as through independent employee benefit brokers and consultants; and individual disability insurance products through brokers and master general agents primarily to physicians, lawyers, executives, other professionals, and small business owners. As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately 31,000 group insurance policies in force covering approximately 6.8 million employees. The Asset Management segment provides 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans, defined benefit plans, money purchase pension plans, profit sharing plans, and non-qualified deferred compensation products and services through an affiliated broker-dealer. This segment also offers investment advisory and management, commercial mortgage loan origination and servicing, and financial planning services, as well as individual fixed-rate annuity, group annuity, and retirement plan trust products. In addition, the company owns and manages real estate properties for sale; and operates an online financial life planning and management service. StanCorp Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Volkman]

    StanCorp Financial Group (NYSE: SFG  )
    Insurance and financial services company StanCorp Fi! nancial Group hands out its distribution once per year. It's that time of year for StanCorp, and this year's payout represents a substantial raise: The firm declared a $1.30 per-share dividend -- a meaty 18% higher than the 2013 payout of $1.10.

  • [By David Merkel]

    The two stocks in question are Stancorp Financial (SFG) and National Western Life Insurance (NWLI). The short cases for both are based on a naive view of how insurance companies work.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-regional-bank-companies-to-watch-in-right-now-3.html

Friday, April 17, 2015

Hot Life Sciences Companies To Invest In 2015

Hot Life Sciences Companies To Invest In 2015: Pearson Plc(PSO)

Pearson plc engages in education, business information, and consumer publishing businesses worldwide. The company?s North American Education segment provides higher education services, such as higher education publishing; MyLab digital learning, homework, and assessment programs; and LearningStudio, a suite of learning management technologies, including eCollege and Fronter. This segment also offers assessment and information services; school curriculum services consisting of school publishing; enVisionMATH, a digital math curriculum; America's Choice school reform services; online learning platform for teachers and students; Poptropica video game; digital programs, such as digits, a digital middle school math?s program; Writing Coach, a blended print and online program; and Online Learning Exchange, a personalized digital learning program. Its International Education segment provides educational content, assessment, technologies, and related services to educational inst i tutions. This segment offers spoken English training for adults, as well as provides eCollege and Fronter learning management systems. It also offers MyLab digital learning, homework, and assessment programs. The company?s Professional segment focuses on publishing, training, testing, and certification for professionals. Its Financial Times group segment provides business and financial news, data, comment, and analysis in print and online formats to the international business community. Its products include Financial Times newspaper; FT.com Website; financial magazines and online services; and Mergermarket, which provides forward-looking insights and intelligence to businesses and financial institutions. The company?s Penguin Group segment engages in book publishing business, under the Hamish Hamilton, Putnam, Berkley, Viking, Dorling Kindersley, Puffin, and Ladybird imprints. It also offers ebooks. The company was founded in 1844 and is headquartered in Londo! n, the Unite d Kingdom.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Mark Rogers]

    LONDON -- The shares ofPearson (LSE: PSON  ) (NYSE: PSO  ) were flat at 1,146p early this afternoon after theFinancial Timespublisher reported first-quarter sales rising 3%, to 拢1.2bn.

  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Publishing - Books: This industry moved up 0.81% by 10:25 am.The top performer in this industry was Pearson plc (NYSE: PSO), which gained 1%. Pearson's trailing-twelve-month revenue is $8.04 billion.

  • [By Mike Arnold]

    Collectively, Glacier generated $21.2 million EBITDA in the first-half of 2013, of which 56% represents $11.9 million, or $23.8 million annualized. Comparables such as Daily Journal Corp. and to a lesser extent, Pearson plc (PSO) trade at EV/EBITDA multiples of 12x and 11.5x, respectively. If we assume 10x for the Glacier's business information services is a better proxy of value, we arrive at $238 million valuation for the segment.

  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Publishing - Books: This industry moved up 1.52% by 10:25 am. The top performer in this industry was Pearson plc (NYSE: PSO), which gained 1.8%. Pearson shares have dropped 1.94% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 16.94% in the same period.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/hot-life-sciences-companies-to-invest-in-2015-2.html

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Top Forestry Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top Forestry Companies To Invest In Right Now: Novartis AG (NOVN)

Novartis AG provides healthcare solutions. The Company is a multinational group of companies specializing in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of a range of healthcare products led by pharmaceuticals. Its portfolio includes medicines, eye care, cost-saving generic pharmaceuticals, preventive vaccines and diagnostic tools, over-the-counter and animal health products. It has five segments: Pharmaceuticals, which include patent-protected prescription medicines; Alcon, which include surgical, ophthalmic pharmaceutical and vision care products; Sandoz, which include generic pharmaceuticals; vaccines and diagnostics, which include human vaccines and blood-testing diagnostics, and consumer health, which include over-the-counter medicines (OTC) and Animal Health. In February 2014, it acquired CoStim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Corinne Gretler]

    Novartis AG (NOVN) climbed 2 percent to 69.25 Swiss francs after raising its full-year forecasts. Sales will increase at a low-to mid-single-digit percentage rate in constant currencies, and core operating income will match or exceed the previous year, Europes biggest drugmaker said. In July, the company forecast a low-single-digit percentage decline in earnings in 2013, with sales rising at a similar rate.

  • [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

    Novartis AG (NOVN) slipped 1.3 percent to 67.20 Swiss francs after JPMorgan Chase cut its recommendation on the drugmaker to neutral from overweight, a rating similar to buy. The stock has rallied 17 percent so far this year, compared with a 15 percent increase for the Swiss Market Index.

  • [By Corinne Gretler]

    Novartis AG (NOVN) climbed 1.3 percent after saying a psoriasis treatment met all its objectives in a clinical study. Lloyds (LLOY) Banking Group Plc advanced 3.8 percent after a person with knowledge of the matter said a former Standard Chartered Plc! executive may mount a bid for a stake in the U.K.s biggest mortgage lender. TGS Nopec Geophysical ASA declined the most since May 2012 after cutting its full-year revenue guidance.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-forestry-companies-to-invest-in-right-now-2.html

Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now

DALLAS ��Mark Cuban told jurors in federal court that he became angry in 2004 when he learned of a pending development that would reduce the value of his investment in an Internet search company.

The CEO of Mamma.com told the billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner that the company planned to sell more shares to the public. That would dilute the value of Cuban's stake.

EARLIER: Focus on 'I'm screwed' quote

"I was upset," Cuban testified Thursday in federal court in Dallas. But he said he couldn't recall other details of the conversation.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is suing Cuban, charging him with insider trading for dumping his stock after learning confidential information.

The CEO of Mamma.com Inc., a Canadian search-engine company, testified that he told Cuban about the planned stock offering in a phone call. Cuban, who owned 6% of the company, was angry because he realized he couldn't sell his shares until the company announced the stock offering, the CEO said.

Best Low Price Companies To Invest In 2015: Astellas Pharma Inc (ALPMY.PK)

Astellas Pharma Inc. is a Japan-based company mainly engaged in the pharmaceutical business. The Company is involved in the manufacture and sale of pharmaceutical products in Japan, the United States, Europe, China, Korea and Taiwan, through its subsidiaries. Its main products include immunosuppressive drug Prograf, overactive bladder agent Vesicare, Protopic ointment for atopic dermatitis, Harnal for prostatic and urethral smooth muscle, and antimycotic agent Funguard, among others. It also provides pharmaceutical products for gastritis, chronic hepatitis C, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoporosis, hypertension, schizophrenia, rheumatoid arthritis, agrypnia, atopic dermatitis and other diseases. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Henry Kawabe]

    Seattle Genetic is currently collaborating on 22 different ADC drug trials in various stages of testing with twelve different pharmaceutical companies, including nine with Genentech (RHHBY.OB), two with AbbVie (ABBV), two with Agensys (ALPMY.PK), and one with Pfizer (PFE). To date, these ADC collaborations have generated more than $225 million for Seattle Genetics and have the potential to generate more than $3.5 billion in milestone payments plus royalties.

Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now: IDEXX Laboratories Inc (IDXX)

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., incorporated in 1983, develops, manufactures and distributes products and provides services primarily for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, water testing and dairy markets. The Company operates through three segments: diagnostic and information technology-based products and services for the veterinary market, which it refers to as the Companion Animal Group (CAG), water quality products (Water) and products for livestock and poultry health, which it refer to as Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics (LPD). It also operates two smaller segments that consist of products for milk quality and safety (Dairy) and products for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market (OPTI Medical). In November 2011, the Company acquired the research and diagnostic laboratory (RADIL) business of the College of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri. In August 2013, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. announced that it has acquired Madasa do Brasil Ltda.

The Company sells a range of portable electrolytes and blood gas analyzers for the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market. Its primary products and services are point-of-care veterinary diagnostic products, consisting of instruments and consumables and rapid assays; veterinary reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services used by veterinarians; diagnostic and health-monitoring products for livestock and poultry; products that test water for certain microbiological contaminants; practice management systems and services and digital radiography systems used by veterinarians; products that test milk for antibiotic residues and other contaminants, and point-of-care electrolytes and blood gas analyzers used in the human point-of-care medical diagnostics market.

Companion Animal Group

The Company markets a range of in-clinic laboratory analyzers for use in providing reference laboratory quality diagnostic results in companion animal veterinary practices, which it refers ! to as the IDEXX VetLab suite of analyzers. The Company sells two chemistry analyzers, the Catalyst Dx Chemistry Analyzer and the VetTest Chemistry Analyzer, that are used by veterinarians to measure levels of certain enzymes and other substances in blood or urine for monitoring health status and assistance in diagnosing physiologic conditions. Both instruments use consumables manufactured for IDEXX by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. (Ortho), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, based on Ortho�� dry slide technology (Catalyst Dx slides, VetTest slides or slides). In addition, the Catalyst Dx analyzer also uses dry slide electrolyte consumables manufactured by IDEXX at OPTI Medical Systems, one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Blood tests commonly run on these analyzers include glucose, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and total protein. Tests are sold individually and in prepackaged panels. Both analyzers also run a urine test called urine protein:creatinine ratio, which assists in the detection of early renal disease.

The Catalyst Dx analyzer is the Company�� chemistry analyzer. The Catalyst Dx analyzer allows a veterinarian to run multiple patient samples simultaneously; to run different sample types, including whole blood, plasma, serum and urine; to perform 28 different chemistry and electrolyte tests; and to automatically calculate other parameters and ratios important to blood chemistry analysis. Its VetLyte Electrolyte Analyzer measures three electrolytes-sodium, potassium and chloride-to aid in evaluating acid-base and electrolyte balances and assessing plasma hydration. Its VetStat Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzer measures electrolytes, blood gases, glucose and ionized calcium, and calculates other parameters, such as base excess and anion gap. These measurements aid veterinarians in diagnosing various disease states, evaluating fluid therapy choices and measuring respiratory function. The VetStat analyzer ru! ns single! -use disposable cassettes that contain various configurations of analytes. The VetStat analyzer and its cassettes are manufactured by OPTI Medical Systems.

The Company sells three hematology analyzers that assess the cellular components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (also called a complete blood count (CBC)). These analyzers include the ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer, which uses laser-flow cytometry, optical fluorescence and laminar-flow impedance in its analysis; the LaserCyte Hematology Analyzer, which uses laser-flow cytometry technology in its analysis, and the IDEXX VetAutoread Hematology Analyzer. It also sells the Coag Dx Analyzer, which permits the detection and diagnosis of blood clotting disorders. The ProCyte Dx analyzer provides validated results for five species (canine, feline, equine, bovine and ferret) for up to 24 different blood parameters, providing a more complete picture of each patient�� health.

The SNAPshot Dx analyzer provides quantitative measurements of total thyroxine (T4), cortisol and bile acids to assist in the evaluation of thyroid, adrenal and liver function. The SNAPshot Dx analyzer also reads, interprets and records the results of many IDEXX rapid assay SNAP tests, including its canine SNAP 4Dx test, feline SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo test, canine SNAP cPL test, feline SNAP fPL test, SNAP Feline Triple test and canine SNAP Heartworm RT test. The IDEXX VetLab UA Analyzer provides chemical urinalysis and is validated specifically for veterinary use. The IDEXX VetLab Station (IVLS) connects and integrates the diagnostic information from all the IDEXX VetLab equipment and thus provides reference laboratory information management system capability. It sells the IVLS as an integral component of the Catalyst Dx, LaserCyte and ProCyte Dx analyzers and also as a standalone hardware platform.

The IVLS includes a user interface to input patient information, connect with a practice management system and send i! nformatio! n to run the individual analyzers. IVLS also generates one integrated patient report incorporating all of the lab work generated by the IDEXX VetLab suite; stores, retrieves and analyzes historical patient diagnostics data, including SNAP test results; and sends and receives information from practice management systems, including the IDEXX Cornerstone system, as well as a variety of third-party systems. It sells a range of single-use, handheld test kits under the SNAP name. In addition to its single-use tests, it sells a range of microwell-based test kits under the PetChek name for canine heartworm, FIV and FeLV.

The Company offers commercial reference laboratory diagnostic and consulting services to veterinarians in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan, South Africa, China and South Korea and to bioresearch customers in the United States and Europe. The Company provides specialized veterinary consultation, telemedicine and advisory services, including radiology, cardiology, internal medicine and ultrasound consulting. It develops, markets and sells practice management systems, including hardware and software, and services that run certain functions of veterinary clinics, including managing patient electronic health records, scheduling (including boarding and grooming), reminders, billing and inventory management.

The Company markets and sells two digital radiography systems for use in the small animal veterinary hospital: the IDEXX-DR 1417 and the IDEXX I-Vision CR. Its digital radiography systems use IDEXX-PACS and IDEXX EquiView PACS picture archiving and communication system (PACS) software for the viewing, manipulation, management, storage and retrieval of the digital images generated by the digital capture plate. In September 2011, the Company launched IDEXX I-Vision Mobile, an application that allows veterinarians with the IDEXX-DR 1417 and IDEXX I-Vision CR systems, as well as its digital radiography systems, to request, view and send images using an iPa! d or an A! ndroid mobile tablet. This application integrates with its IDEXX-PACS software.

Water

The Company offers a range of products used in the detection and quantification of various microbiological parameters in water. Its principal products are the Colilert, Colilert-18 and Colisure tests, which simultaneously detect the presence of total coliforms and E. coli in water. These organisms are used as indicators of microbial contamination in water. These products utilize indicator-nutrients that produce a change in color or fluorescence when metabolized by target microbes in the sample. Its water tests are used by government laboratories, water utilities and private certified laboratories to test drinking water. The tests also are used in evaluating water used in production processes (for example, in beverage and pharmaceutical applications) and in evaluating bottled water, recreational water, waste water and water from private wells.

Livestock and Poultry Diagnostics

The Company sells diagnostic tests and related instrumentation that are used to detect a range of diseases and to monitor health status in livestock and poultry. Its livestock and poultry diagnostic products are purchased by government and private laboratories that provide testing services to cattle, swine and poultry veterinarians and producers. Its principal products include tests for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE or mad cow disease). BVDV is a common and contagious viral infection that suppresses the immune system, making the animal susceptible to a host of other infections, impacting beef and dairy production yields as a result. PRRS is a contagious virus causing reproductive problems and respiratory diseases. BSE is a fatal neurodegenerative disease in cattle that causes a spongy degeneration in the brain and spinal cord.

Other

The principal products in the Company�! � Dairy ! business are its SNAP tests used to detect antibiotic drug-residue in milk. Its primary product line for detecting antibiotic residue in milk is SNAP Beta-Lactam, which detects penicillin, amoxicillin, ceftiofur and cephaphirin residues, followed by SNAPduo Beta-Tetra, which detects certain tetracycline antibiotic residues in addition to those detected by the SNAP Beta Lactam test kits. It also sells SNAP tests for the detection of certain other contaminants in milk, such as chemical melamine and Alfatoxin M1.

The Company sells OPTI point-of-care analyzers and related consumables for use in human medical hospitals and clinics to measure electrolytes, blood gases, acid-base balance, glucose, lactate, BUN and ionized calcium, and to calculate other parameters, such as base excess and anion gap. These analyzers are used primarily in emergency rooms, operating rooms, cardiac monitoring areas and other locations where time-critical diagnostic testing is performed within the hospital setting. The OPTI CCA and OPTI Touch Electrolyte and Blood Gas Analyzers run single-use disposable cassettes that contain various configurations of analytes; the OPTI R Analyzer runs reusable cassettes in various analyte configurations; and the OPTI LION Stat Electrolyte Analyzer runs single-use electrolyte cassettes. OPTI Medical Systems also manufactures its VetStat analyzer and provides the electrolyte module and dry slide reagents that make up the electrolyte testing functionality of the Catalyst Dx analyzer.

The Company competes with VCA Antech, Inc., Abaxis, Inc., Butler, Radiometer A/S, Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics, Instrumentation Laboratory, Abbott Diagnostics and Roche Diagnostics.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Sean Williams]

    On the diagnostic side, there isn't a company better equipped to help veterinarians diagnose bone and organ disease, or help veterinarians improve the efficiency of their software, than IDEXX Laboratories (NASDAQ: IDXX  ) . From small diagnostic analyzers to high-tech digital imagery and even consultation calls, IDEXX does it all for owners and veterinarians. The best part is that the company's companion diagnostics make up the bulk (83%) of its revenue, so the chance of IDEXX seeing a slowdown in demand appears pretty minimal.

Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Gruppa LSR OAO (LSRG)

Gruppa LSR OAO (LSR Group OJSC) is a Russia-based company involved in the real estate development and construction. It is also engaged in the production of various building materials, such as ceramic bricks, crushed granite, concrete and reinforced concrete products, ready-mix concrete and aerated concrete segments. The Company�� services comprise the development of residential, office and commercial buildings, as well as tower cranes and hoisting machinery services for use in real estate construction. It is also involved in the investment operations. Gruppa LSR OAO acts as a general and sub-contractor for the Russian Federation Government, Saint Petersburg Government, and as a general and sub-contractor for other developers, among pile-driving services. The Company operates through numerous subsidiaries located domestically, as well as one representative office in Moscow. In December 2013, it acquired a 100 % stake in OOO Gazstroy, an owner of Ryabovsky brick plant. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Zahra Hankir]

    Russian stocks declined to the lowest level in a month as builder LSR Group (LSRG) and power company OAO Inter RAO UES dropped after MSCI Inc. cut them from an index tracked by investors. The Borsa Istanbul National 100 Index tumbled 2.5 percent, the most in two months, as Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS led losses in lenders. Benchmark gauges in the Czech Republic and Poland retreated at least 0.7 percent.

Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Smiths Group PLC (SMGKF.PK)

Smiths Group plc is a technology company. It has five divisions: Smiths Detection, Smiths Medical, John Crane, Smiths Interconnect and Flex-Tek. The Company and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture, sale and support advanced security equipment, including trace detection, millimeter-wave, infrared, biological detection and diagnostics; mechanical seals, seal support systems, engineered bearings, power transmission couplings and specialist filtration systems, and medical devices aligned to specific therapies, principally airway, pain and temperature management, and vascular access. It also develops, manufactures, sells and supports specialized electronic and radio frequency products for the global wireless telecommunications, aerospace, defense, space, medical, rail, test and industrial markets, and engineered components, including ducting, hose assemblies and heating elements. In May 2011, it acquired the entire issued share capital of SDBR Comercio De Equipamentos De Seguanca LTDA. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Daniel Lauchheimer]

    Currently, three main companies supply security equipment to the TSA - Safran (SAFRY.PK), Smiths (SMGKF.PK), and Level-3 Holdings (LLL). All three of these companies sell the whole range of their products to the TSA, with an ETD offering included. Recently, however, a new company, Implant Sciences Corporation (IMSC.PK) received approval from the TSA to begin selling their ETD equipment to airport security professionals. This approval has opened the door for IMSC to begin taking some market share away from the more established players in the US and beyond.

Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Dividend and Income Fund (DNI)

Dividend and Income Fund (the Fund) is a closed end management investment company. The Fund focuses to invest, at least 50% of its total assets in equity securities, including dividend paying common stocks, convertible securities, preferred stocks, securities of registered and unregistered investment companies (including, but not limited to, closed end and open end management investment companies, and business development companies) (collectively, investment companies), exchange traded funds organized as investment companies or otherwise, real estate investment trusts, depositary receipts, and other equity related securities (collectively, Income Generating Equity Securities). The Fund may invest in fixed income securities, including bonds issued by domestic and foreign corporate entities and U.S. government securities. Bexil Advisers LLC acts as the Investment Manager of the Fund. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dividends4Life]

    According to a Gabelli Funds report, managed distribution policies offer several advantages, including:1. Lower difference between the fund�� market price and its NAV per share.2. Provides support during periods when the stock market is in a decline.3. Provides a measurable performance target for the investment adviser.Below are several high-yield funds from CEFA that have a managed distribution policy (yields as of December 16):Aberdeen Australia Eqty (IAF)- Distribution Yield: 10.4%- Income Yield: 3.46%Bexil Advisers LLC� (DNI)- Distribution Yield: 11.1%- Income Yield: 3.56%BlackRock En Capital&Inc (CII)- Distribution Yield: 8.78%- Income Yield: 2.34%Cornerstone Strat Value (CLM)- Distribution Yield: 18.77%- Income Yield: 1.83%Cornerstone Total Return (CRF)- Distribution Yield: 19.10%- Income Yield: 0.85%Delaware Inv Div & Inc (DDF)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 5.26%Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB)- Distribution Yield: 7.58%- Income Yield: 1.54%Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT)- Distribution Yield: 9.45%- Income Yield: 2.84%MFS Special Value Trust (MFV)- Distribution Yield: 9.60%- Income Yield: 5.73%Nuveen Tx-Adv TR Strat (JTA)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 3.12%TCW Strategic Income (TSI)- Distribution Yield: 10.54%- Income Yield: 7.88%Zweig Total Return (ZTR)- Distribution Yield: 7.27%- Income Yield: 1.95%As noted in the Gabelli report, a managed distribution policy may create confusion regarding the true current yield since the reported yield includes the return of capital portion. You can see the disparity above between the income yield and the distribution (reported) yield.If you are looking for a sustainable and growing dividend, you may want to consider some blue-chip dividend stocks such as these with a Free Cash Flow Payout less than 50%, 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases and a 2%+ yield:3M Co. (MMM) is a diversified global company provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer

Best Dow Dividend Stocks To Invest In Right Now: TAM S.A.(TAM)

TAM S.A. provides passengers and cargo air transportation services in Brazil and internationally. It also engages in the aircraft acquisition, financing, and debt issuance activities. In addition, the company offers travel and tourism agency services, as well as is involved in the development and management of customer loyalty programs. It operates a fleet of approximately 156 aircrafts. The company was founded in 1961 and is based in S� Paulo, Brazil. TAM S.A. is a subsidiary of TAM-Empreendimentos e Participa珲es S.A.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jeremy Bowman]

    What: Shares of Taminco (NYSE: TAM) were looking brighter today, gaining as much 13% after a promising quarterly earnings report, its first as a public company.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Taminco (NYSE: TAM) shares tumbled 7.53 percent to $19.30 after the company priced secondary offering of 10 million shares of common stock at $20 per share.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Flowers Foods Gets OK to Acquire Hostess Breads and Bakeries

Following the announcement last month that a pair of private equity investors will return Twinkies to store shelves on July 15, Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO  ) said yesterday it has received regulatory approval to purchase the old Hostess Brands portfolio of breads, including Wonder, Nature's Pride, and Home Pride.

Flowers announced its intention to buy the assets in February for $360 million after Hostess had been crippled by events including a strike by the Bakery Workers union and sought bankruptcy protection. Flowers received approval from the bankruptcy court to make the acquisition in March and just needed to get approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, which deals with antitrust issues.

With that now having been gained, Flowers will get Hostess' bread brands, 20 bakeries, and 36 depots. It expects to complete the transaction in the coming weeks. Flowers Foods is one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods, operating 44 bakeries and generating sales in 2012 that reached $3.05 billion. 

link

Monday, April 13, 2015

Top Safest Companies For 2015

Top Safest Companies For 2015: Theravance Inc.(THRX)

Theravance, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of small molecule medicines for various therapeutic areas, including respiratory disease, bacterial infections, and central nervous system (CNS)/pain. The company?s key development programs with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) include the RELOVAIR, a Phase 3 clinical trial program for the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and/or asthma; the LAMA/LABA program, a Phase 3 COPD program; and the Bifunctional Muscarinic Antagonist-beta2 Agonist (MABA) program, a Phase 2b program for the treatment of COPD, as well as Peripherally Selective Mu-Opioid Receptor Antagonist (P Advisors' Opinion:

  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Another biotechnology player that insiders are snapping up a large amount of stock in here is Theravance (THRX), which is a royalty management company, that is focused on developing respiratory products. Insiders are buying this stock into major weakness, since shares have collapsed badly so far in 2014 by 59%.

    Theravance has a market cap of $1.6 billion and an enterprise value of $2 billion. This stock trades at a premium valuation, with a price-to-sales of 578.58. Its estimated growth rate for this year is 17.4%, and for next year it's pegged at 92%. This is not a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $310.86 million and its total debt is $705.11 million. This stock currently sports a dividend yield of 3.3%.

    A beneficial owner just bought 832,456 shares, or around $12.78 million worth of stock, at $15.36 per share.

    From a technical perspective, THRX is currently trending well below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bearish. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last four months, with shares dropping from its high of $31! .45 to its new 52-week low of $14.50 a share. During that downtrend, shares of THRX have been making mostly lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action.

    If you're in the bull camp on THRX, then I would look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above its new 52-week low of $14.50 a share and then once it breaks out above some key near-term overhead resistance levels at $16.61 to its 50-day moving average of $17.94 a share and then above more resistance at $18.68 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 824,188 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then THRX will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $21 to $22, or even its 200-day moving average of $23.58 a sh

  • [By Sean Williams]

    Things are about to getting very exciting for existing shareholders of biopharmaceutical company Theravance (NASDAQ: THRX  ) , with the company announcing its first-quarter results after the closing bell and setting a record date of May 15 for its split into two separate trading entities.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-safest-companies-for-2015.html

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Top Gold Companies To Own For 2015

Top Gold Companies To Own For 2015: Iamgold Corporation(IAG)

IAMGOLD Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration, development, and production of mineral resource properties worldwide. It primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, copper, niobium, diamonds, and other metals. The company holds interests in eight operating gold mines, a niobium producer, a diamond royalty, and exploration and development projects located in Africa and the Americas. Its advanced exploration and development projects include the Westwood project in Canada; and the Quimsacocha project, which consists of 3 mining concessions covering an aggregate area of approximately 8,030 hectares in Ecuador. The company was formerly known as IAMGOLD International African Mining Gold Corporation and changed its name to IAMGOLD Corporation in June 1997. IAMGOLD Corporation was founded in 1990 and is based in Toronto, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    On an adjusted basis, Eldorado Gold (EGO) has the longest reserve/resource life amongst our coverage companies (39 years) with Goldcorp (GG) having the longest reserve/resource life (23 years) amongst the senior producers versus the group average of 22 years. Kinross Gold (KGC) and Iamgold (IAG) have the shortest adjusted reserve/resource lives amongst the senior and mid-tier producers (18 and 14 years respectively). On a percentage basis, the companies most affected by the adjustment are New Gold (NGD) and Iamgold which both saw reserve/resource lives fall by 47% however, we note that despite the adjustment, New Gold still has the second longest reserve/resource life in our group (37 years). Newmont Mining was the least affected by the adjustments with reserve/resource life declining by only 12% to 22 years from 25 years.

  • [By Aaron Levitt]

    At just $6.50, AKS is still one of the cheap stocks, but it may no! t be cheap for long.

    Cheap Stocks to Buy Now: Iamgold (IAG)

    Without a doubt, the most hated metals and mining sector has to be gold mining stocks. Faced with rising costs and falling gold prices, many of the precious metals miners have tanked, moving them into the cheap stocks category.

  • [By Patricio Kehoe]

    In addition to overexpansion at the wrong time, Golden Star's position has weakened due to its comparably less efficient operations. Unlike industry peers, such as IamGold Corp. (IAG) or Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI), the majority of the Toronto-based miner's assets contain refractory ore, which is far more expensive to extract than non refractory ore. And, in an attempt to switch production to the lower cost gold ore, and thus increase margins, Golden Star has depleted its mines' non refractory ore. With low reserves and mounting cash costs, the firm inevitably turned to new acquisitions.

  • [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

    International Consolidated Airlines Group SA (IAG) and Air France-KLM (AF) Group rose with as a gauge of travel stocks as oil prices fell after Iran's accord. PSA Peugeot Citroen gained 3.7 percent after people familiar with the matter said its chief executive officer plans to step down next year. Fresenius Medical Care AG surged the most in five years after U.S. regulators scrapped a plan to cut Medicare payments next year.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-gold-companies-to-own-for-2015-2.html

Saturday, April 11, 2015

Top Life Sciences Stocks To Own For 2015

Top Life Sciences Stocks To Own For 2015: KCG Holdings Inc (KCG)

KCG Holdings, Inc., incorporated on December 26, 2012, is an independent securities firm. The Company offers investors a range of services designed to address trading needs across asset classes, product types and time zones. It has three operating segments: Market Making, Global Execution Services, and Corporate and Other. On July 1, 2013, the Company announced the completion of the merger whereby Knight Capital Group, Inc. (Knight) and GETCO Holding Company, LLC (GETCO) were combined as part of KCG Holdings, Inc., a new holding company.

Market Making

The Companys Market Making segment principally consists of market making in global equities and listed domestic options. As a market maker, the Company commits capital for trade executions by offering to buy securities from, or sell securities to, institutions and broker-dealers. The Market Making segment primarily includes client, and to a lesser extent, non-client market making activities in whi ch the Company operates as a market maker in equity securities quoted and traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market; the over-the-counter (OTC) market for New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), NYSE Amex Equities (NYSE Amex), NYSE Arca listed securities, and several European exchanges. As a complement to electronic market making, the Companys cash trading business handles specialized orders and also transacts on the OTC Bulletin Board, marketplaces operated by the OTC Markets Group Inc. and the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) of the London Stock Exchange. The segment also provides trade executions as an equities Designated Market Maker (DMM) on the NYSE and NYSE Amex. The Market Making segment also includes the Companys option market making business which trades on all domestic electronic exchanges.

Global Execution Services

The Companys Global Execution Services segment offers access through its electronic agency-based platforms to markets and s! elf-d irected trading in equities, options, fixed income, foreign exchange and futures. The Global Execution Services segment generally does not act as a principal to transactions that are executed within this segment however, it will commit capital on behalf of clients, as needed, and generally earns commissions for acting as agent between the principals to the trade. Global Execution Services includes equity sales and trading (including exchange traded funds (ETFs)), reverse mortgage origination and securitization and asset management. This segment also facilitates client orders through program, block, and riskless principal trades and provides capital markets services, including equity offerings, as well as private placements. The Global Execution Services segment also includes the futures commission merchant (FCM) business, which consists of certain assets and liabilities that the Company acquired or assumed from the futures division of Penson Financial Services, Inc.

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Corporate and Other

The Corporate and Other segment invests in strategic financial services-oriented opportunities, allocates, deploys and monitors all capital, and maintains corporate overhead expenses and all other income and expenses that are not attributable to the other segments. The Corporate and Other segment houses functions that support the Companys other segments, such as self-clearing services, including stock lending activities.

The Company competes with BGC Partners (BGCP), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), CME (CME), GFI Group Inc. (GFIG), ICE (ICE), ITG (ITG), Forex Capital Markets (FXCM), MarketAxess (MKTX), National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ), and NYSE.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Sam Mamudi]

    Knight, which in July joined with Getco LLC to form KCG Holdings Inc. (KCG) after losing more than $460 million because of the error, agreed to settle charges stemming from mistakes made on Aug. 1, 2012, according to a st! atement t! oday from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The regulator said Knight violated the SECs market access rule, instituted in 2010 to prevent these kinds of trading missteps.

  • source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-life-sciences-stocks-to-own-for-2015.html

Friday, April 10, 2015

Top 5 Gold Companies For 2015

Top 5 Gold Companies For 2015: CME Group Inc.(CME)

CME Group Inc. operates the CME, CBOT, NYMEX, and COMEX regulatory exchanges worldwide. The company provides a range of products available across various asset classes, including futures and options on interest rates, equity indexes, energy, agricultural commodities, metals, foreign exchange, weather, and real estate. It offers various products that provide a means of hedging, speculation, and asset allocation relating to the risks associated with interest rate sensitive instruments, equity ownership, changes in the value of foreign currency, credit risk, and changes in the prices of commodities. CME Group owns and operates clearing house, CME Clearing, which provides clearing and settlement services for exchange-traded contracts and counter derivatives transactions; and also engages in real estate operations. Its primary trade execution facilities consist of its CME Globex electronic trading platform and open outcry trading floors, as well as privately negotiated transact ions that are cleared and settled through its clearing house. In addition, the company offers market data services comprising live quotes, delayed quotes, market reports, and historical data services, as well as involves in index services business. CME Group?s customer base includes professional traders, financial institutions, institutional and individual investors, corporations, manufacturers, producers, and governments. It has strategic partnerships with BM&FBOVESPA S.A., Bursa Malaysia Derivatives, Singapore Exchange Limited, Green Exchange, Dubai Mercantile Exchange, Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, S.A.B. de C.V., as well as joint venture agreement with Dow Jones & Company. The company was formerly known as Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc. and changed its name to CME Group Inc. in July 2007. CME Group was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Chicago, ! Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jayson Derrick]

    Analysts at Citigroup maintained a Neutral rating on CME Group (NYSE: CME) with a price target raised to $84 from a previous $82. Shares gained 2.72 percent, closing at $83.78.

  • [By Jayson Derrick]

    CME Group (NYSE: CME) has agreed to acquire GFI Group (NASDAQ: GFIG) for $4.55 per share and will immediately sell it's wholesale brokerage and clearing business back to a group led by GFI Management. CME will retain GFI Group's Trayport which provides trading software in the European energy markets as well as FENICS, a provider of price discovery, analytics, risk-management and workflow connectivity services for over the counter foreign exchange options markets. Shares of CME Group gained 0.44 percent, closing at $75.83 while shares of GFI Group surged to new 52-week highs of $4.50 before closing the day at $4.47, up 43.73 percent.

  • [By Jose Pagliery]

    Consider the startup's latest round of funding. It raised $30 million from a band of investors that included CME Group (CME), which runs the Chicago and New York mercantile exchanges.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-gold-companies-for-2015.html

Monday, April 6, 2015

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Companies To Buy Right Now

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Companies To Buy Right Now: Wartsila Oyj Abp (WRT1V.HE)

Wartsila Oyj Abp is a Finland-based company. Its operations are divided into four segments: Power Plants, Ship Power, Services and PowerTech. The Power Plants segment offers multi-fuel solutions for power generation markets, such as gas power plants, dual-fuel power plants, oil power plants and liquid biofuel power plants, among others. The Ship Power segment offers a range of products and services to both shipyards and ship owners, such as medium-speed and low-speed engines, seals and bearings, automation systems, ship design and ballast water treatment systems, among others. The Services segment offers solutions, such as basic support, installation and commissioning, performance optimization and upgrades, among others. The PowerTech segment comprises research and development for medium-speed engines and other operations, with a focus on gas, environmental solutions and Smart Power Generation drives. It has operations in more than 160 locations in over 70 countries around th e world. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Robert Wall var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach(fu]

    The British company tried to strengthen its maritime engine business through a $10 billion takeover of Finlands W盲rtsil盲 Oyj (WRT1V.HE) which rebuffed Rolls-Royce’s preliminary approach. The attempted acquisition of a company of that size surprised investors who hadnt realized expansion was on managements agenda so soon after its full takeover of Tognum, a German engineering company originally acquired in partnership with Daimler.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/hot-industrial-conglomerate-companies-to-buy-right-now-2.html

Sunday, April 5, 2015

Top 5 Undervalued Companies For 2014

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP) is a prime component supplier to the commercial aircraft manufacturers. Indicative of the attractiveness of this business was The Boeing Company ' s recent announcement that its year - end backlog was 5,080 planes compared to the 648 jets delivered in 2013. By the same token, Airbus ' (a subsidiary of Airbus Group NV) backlog at the end of November was 5,400 versus the 562 planes del ivered in the first eleven months of the year.

From Westport Asset Management (Trades, Portfolio)'s�fourth quarter 2013 commentary.


Also check out: Westport Asset Management Undervalued Stocks Westport Asset Management Top Growth Companies Westport Asset Management High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Westport Asset Management keeps buying

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Hot Integrated Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now: Caterpillar Inc.(CAT)

Caterpillar Inc. manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. It operates through three lines of businesses: Machinery, Engines, and Financial Products. The Machinery business offers construction, mining, and forestry machinery, including track and wheel tractors, track and wheel loaders, pipelayers, motor graders, wheel tractor-scrapers, track and wheel excavators, backhoe loaders, log skidders, log loaders, off-highway trucks, articulated trucks, paving products, skid steer loaders, underground mining equipment, tunnel boring equipment, and related parts. It also manufactures diesel-electric locomotives; and manufactures and services rail-related products and logistics services for other companies. The Engines business provides diesel, heavy fuel, and natural gas reciprocating engines for Caterpillar machinery, electric power generation systems, marine, petrol eum, construction, industrial, agricultural, and other applications. It offers industrial turbines and turbine-related services for oil and gas, and power generation applications. This business also remanufactures Caterpillar engines, machines, and engine components; and offers remanufacturing services for other companies. The Financial Products business provides retail and wholesale financing alternatives for Caterpillar machinery and engines, solar gas turbines, and other equipment and marine vessels, as well as offers loans and various forms of insurance to customers and dealers. It also offers financing for vehicles, power generation facilities, and marine vessels. The company markets its products directly, as well as through its distribution centers, dealers, and distributors. It was formerly known as Caterpillar Tractor Co. and changed its name to Caterpillar Inc. in 1986. Caterpillar Inc. was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    The rush to cut costs has been felt the hardest by mining-industry suppliers, including Caterpillar (CAT) and Joy Global�(JOY), Graf and Levental say, because cancelling orders for new equipment is one of the easiest ways to cut costs.

Top 5 Undervalued Companies For 2014: Schlumberger N.V.(SLB)

Schlumberger Limited, together with its subsidiaries, supplies technology, integrated project management, and information solutions to the oil and gas exploration and production industries worldwide. The company?s Oilfield Services segment provides exploration and production services; wireline technology that offers open-hole and cased-hole services; supplies engineering support, directional-drilling, measurement-while-drilling, and logging-while-drilling services; and testing services. This segment also offers well services; supplies well completion services and equipment; artificial lift; data and consulting services; geo services; and information solutions, such as consulting, software, information management system, and IT infrastructure services that support oil and gas industry. Its WesternGeco segment provides reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services; and operates data processing centers and multiclient seismic library. This segment also offers variou s services include 3D and time-lapse (4D) seismic surveys to multi-component surveys for delineating prospects and reservoir management. The company?s M-I SWACO segment supplies drilling fluid systems to improve drilling performance; fluid systems and specialty tools to optimize wellbore productivity; production technology solutions to maximize production rates; and environmental solutions that manages waste volumes generated in drilling and production operations. Its Smith Oilfield segment designs, manufactures, and markets drill bits and borehole enlargement tools; and supplies drilling tools and services, tubular, completion services, and other related downhole solutions. The company?s Distribution segment markets pipes, valves, and fittings, as well as mill, safety, and other maintenance products. This segment also provides warehouse management, vendor integration, and inventory management services. Schlumberger Limited was founded in 1927 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Teresa Rivas]

    Schlumberger (SLB) was down in Thursday afternoon trading after a mixed first quarter.

    The oilfield giant said first quarter earnings were $1.59 billion, or $1.21 a share, up from 94 cents in the year-ago period and one penny ahead of estimates. Revenue rose 6.3% to $11.24 billion, just below the $11.49 billion analysts were expecting.

    The Middle East and Asia a was the strongest region, with sales up 19%, followed by North America, with 12%. Revenue edged ahead by 0.6% in Europe and Africa, while Latin America saw a 7.7% decline.

    Stephens analyst Michael Marino reiterated an Overweight rating on the stock: ��hile SLB’s geographically diversified footprint will likely limit exposure to the accelerating margin trends in North America this year, global oilfield spending continues to grow at a modest pace. Overall, we continue to see slow and steady revenue growth for the Company and solid incremental margins on higher deepwater mix, overall efficiency gains and potential pricing gains in North America.��/p>

    FBR Capital Markets��Thomas Curran and Juan Avendano reiterated their Outperform rating on the stock, noting the company�� share repurchases and reiteration of gudiance:

    Reveals several awards, confirming it claimed lion’s share of Pemex’s Mega-Tenders. In (1) Mexico, SLB officially announced that it won the largest combined award in Pemex’s recent Mega-Tender round: three multi-year IPM contracts worth, in aggregate, over $1.9B in revenues or nearly 50% of the spoils; (2) Norway, the Company inked a 5-year (plus two option periods of one year) IPM contract, of undisclosed value, with Det norske oljeselkap ASA for exploration drilling and development of the Ivar Aasen field in northern North Sea; (3) Australia, SLB completions signed a $40M contract with INPEX covering the upper and intermediate completions for its first 20 wells at the offshore Ichthys field; and (4) Brazil, SLB artificial lift won

  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    Halliburton (NYSE: HAL  ) will release its quarterly report on Tuesday, and investors have expressed some concerns in recent months about the oil-services company's future prospects, bidding share prices down from their near-record high levels. After strong earnings from Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB  ) last week, investors want Halliburton earnings growth to show similar gains, but the company will still have to work hard to outperform peers including Baker Hughes (NYSE: BHI  ) and offshore specialist Transocean (NYSE: RIG  ) .

Top 5 Undervalued Companies For 2014: Tupperware Corporation(TUP)

Tupperware Brands Corporation operates as a direct seller of various products across a range of brands and categories through an independent sales force. The company engages in the manufacture and sale of kitchen and home products, and beauty and personal care products. It offers preparation, storage, and serving solutions for the kitchen and home, as well as kitchen cookware and tools, children?s educational toys, microwave products, and gifts under the Tupperware brand name primarily in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Asia Pacific, and North America. The company provides beauty and personal care products, which include skin care products, cosmetics, bath and body care, toiletries, fragrances, nutritional products, apparel, and related products principally in Mexico, South Africa, the Philippines, Australia, and Uruguay. It offers beauty and personal care products under the Armand Dupree, Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, Nuvo, and Swissgar de brand names. The company sells its Tupperware products directly to distributors, directors, managers, and dealers; and beauty products primarily through consultants and directors. As of December 26, 2009, the Tupperware distribution system had approximately 1,800 distributors, 61,300 managers, and 1.3 million dealers; and the sales force representing the Beauty businesses approximately 1.1 million. The company was formerly known as Tupperware Corporation and changed its name to Tupperware Brands Corporation in December 2005. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jonathan Berr]

    Multilevel marketing (MLM) groups such as Herbalife operate through independent sales representatives, who earn money both through the sales of product and by recruiting other people to join their team. This business model — which is used by scores of companies, including�Pampered Chef, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), Tupperware (TUP) and Mary Kay Cosmetics — is legal provided that actual products are sold.

  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Tupperware Brands (NYSE: TUP) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.03 per share on revenue of $623.34 million.

    Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) is projected to post its Q4 earnings at $1.12 per share on revenue of $779.02 million.

  • [By John Kell]

    Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Wednesday’s session are Dow Chemical Co.(DOW), Tupperware Brands Corp.(TUP) and Yahoo Inc.(YHOO)

Top 5 Undervalued Companies For 2014: Dollar Tree Inc.(DLTR)

Dollar Tree, Inc. operates discount variety stores in the United States and Canada. Its stores offer merchandise primarily at the fixed price of $1.00. The company operates its stores under the names of Dollar Tree, Deal$, Dollar Tree Deal$, Dollar Giant, and Dollar Bills. Its stores offer consumable merchandise, including candy and food, and health and beauty care, as well as household consumables, such as paper, plastics, household chemicals, in select stores, and frozen and refrigerated food; variety merchandise, which includes toys, durable housewares, gifts, party goods, greeting cards, softlines, and other items; and seasonal goods, such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas merchandise. As of April 30, 2011, it operated 4,089 stores in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 88 stores in Canada. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By ANUP SINGH]

    Dollar Tree (NASDAQ: DLTR  ) is among the most successful single-price-point retailers in the U.S. It operates more than 4,842 stores across 48 states in the U.S. and five Provinces in Canada. The chart below shows that the company has been performing consistently well over the past five years.