Saturday, February 28, 2015

Rieder: If JFK had been shot in the social medi…

The traumatic assassination of John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963, marked the debut of live, round-the-clock TV coverage of big news. Here's how it might have played out on social.

11:37 a.m: The president and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrive at Love Field in Dallas. They embark on a motorcade through the city accompanied by Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, as well as Texas Gov. John Connally and his wife, Nellie.

• Pics and video of the Kennedys flood Instagram. Vines are tweeted and retweeted, as are pics of Jackie with red roses.

• Selfies taken along the parade route are shared on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat.

12:30 p.m: Three shots are fired at the Kennedy motorcade at Dealey Plaza.

• Tweets instantly begin appearing about the shots and about the chaos at the scene.

• Photos of Secret Service agents rushing to the president's limousine appear on Facebook.

• Speculation about just what has happened floods Twitter and Facebook, as does concern about the fate of the president. (Was he shot?).

• "I'm here. I'm OK" tweets start appearing.

12:35 p.m.: The networks announce that the president has been shot. The presidential limousine arrives at Parkland Hospital.

• The first and most iconic tweets and Instagrams receive a string of replies from news organizations, asking for more information and permission to repost.

• People along the route tweet and Instagram pics of the motorcade speeding to the hospital and share photos on Facebook.

• "What's going on?" tweets proliferate.

12:40 p.m.: Abraham Zapruder uploads his raw footage of the assassination to YouTube. So do many others.

• Hashtags such as #Dallas and #Presidentshot start trending and abound on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and G+.

• Twitter is overwhelmed with reports that Johnson has been hit, that Connally was shot. Apprehension about the fate of the First Lady mounts, and the hashtag #whathappen! edtojackie blows up.

• People begin retweeting tweets from the Dallas Police feed: "Investigation underway. No information at this time."

• Someone starts a Storify.

5 Best Shipping Stocks To Own Right Now

12:45 p.m.: Dallas Police tweet a description of the suspect. Retweets immediately follow. The description is widely shared on Facebook.

• Parkland Hospital tweets: "The patient is being treated. We have no other additional information at this time." Speculation that the president has died appears on Twitter and other social media venues.

• Detailed discussions of bullet wounds to the head appear on a Reddit thread. Someone starts a Reddit ELIA5 discussion (Explain Like I'm 5): What happens if the president is in coma for a long time?

12:50 p.m.: Twitter tweets of a system failure because it is overloaded.

12:55 p.m.: A local radio station tweets the president is dead. The tweet is instantly and widely retweeted.

• Many news organizations hedge their bets: "REPORT: President Kennedy is dead."; "Unconfirmed reports say President Kennedy is dead."

1 p.m.: President Kennedy is declared dead.

1:05 p.m.: The White House press secretary and JFK's Twitter account issue an official statement that the president has died.

• Reddit launches a search for the killer, complete with photos of people at Dealey Plaza.

1:15 p.m.: Mainstream media outlets erroneously report the number of shooters and their identities. The mistakes are quickly knocked down by authorities.

1:22 p.m.: Jim Romenesko posts about the erroneous journalism on his media blog.

• A rifle is found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository overlooking Dealey Plaza.

1:45 p.m.: BuzzFeed publishes a list of 12 things you didn't know about the Texas School Book Depository.

• Twitter accounts of Dallas Morning News reporters and othe! r local j! ournalists spike.

2 p.m.: Lee Harvey Oswald is arrested at the Texas Theater for the murder of Dallas police officer J.D. Tippit. Oswald is already a suspect in the president's death.

2:30 p.m.: Lyndon Johnson is sworn in as president.

2:40 p.m.: Politico posts an analysis of what the Johnson presidency will look like.

3 p.m.: Social media sites are packed with tributes to the slain president.

• BuzzFeed publishes a list of 12 things you didn't know about Lee Harvey Oswald.

• People save Oswald's Facebook page, anticipating that the social networking giant will soon shut it down. Other Lee Harvey Oswalds receive threatening messages on their Facebook pages.

3:45 p.m.: Kennedy haters post ugly messages about the dead president, triggering massive explosions of outrage. Publicshaming.tumblr.com posts examples of the tasteless tweets.

11:26 p.m.: Lee Harvey Oswald is charged with the murder of President Kennedy.

11:31 p.m.: Jack Ruby checks in on foursquare at the Carousel Club.

Contributing: Jacqui Barrineau, Patty Michalski, Emily Brown, Desair Brown and Roger Yu

Friday, February 27, 2015

Hot Oil Service Stocks To Watch Right Now

Hot Oil Service Stocks To Watch Right Now: Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT)

Hersha Hospitality Trust, a real estate investment trust, engages in the ownership and operation of mid scale limited service hotels in the Eastern United States. As of June 30, 2005, it owned interests in 35 hotels, including 4 hotels owned through joint ventures in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Georgia, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. As a REIT, Hersha would not be subject to income tax to the extent it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By George Putnam]

    Steve Halpern: Now, you've also looked at a company called Hersha Hospitality (HT). How are they involved in the industry?

    George Putnam: Well, Hersha, again, has been refocusing its business. It was a little unfocused before. It had both a suburban and urban market, and it's recently agreed to sell the last of its suburban properties.

  • [By Markus Aarnio]

    American Hotel Income Properties' competitors include Hospitality Properties Trust (HPT), RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ), and Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT).

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/hot-oil-service-stocks-to-watch-right-now-2.html

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Best Dividend Companies For 2015

Best Dividend Companies For 2015: Kohlberg Capital Corporation(KCAP)

Kohlberg Capital Corporation is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in buyouts and mezzanine investments. It focuses on mature and middle market companies. The firm structures its investments through senior debt, second lien debt, secured and unsecured subordinated debt, mezzanine debt, and equity. It invests in all sectors except cyclical industries. The firm invests equity in both minority and control transactions alongside other equity investors. It invests through its own balance sheet. Kohlberg Capital Corporation is based in the New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Monica Gerson]

    KCAP Financial (NASDAQ: KCAP) is projected to report its Q4 earnings at $0.25 per share on revenue of $13.27 million.

    Home Inns & Hotels Management (NASDAQ: HMIN) is estimated to post its Q4 earnings at $2.18 per share on revenue of $1.54 billion.

  • source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-dividend-companies-for-2015-2.html

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Best Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2015

Best Clean Energy Stocks To Invest In 2015: Solar Thin Films Inc (SLTZ)

Solar Thin Films, Inc. is engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and installation of thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si) photovoltaic manufacturing equipment. The equipment is used in plants that produce photovoltaic thin-film a-Si solar panels or modules. The Company operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Kraft Elektronikai Zrt (Kraft). Kraft is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and installation of a-Si photovoltaic manufacturing equipment. The primary buyers of photovoltaic thin-film manufacturing equipment are businesses, as well as investment partnerships, engaged in the production of photovoltaic thin-film modules. In May 2010, the Company acquired Atlantis Solar LLC. In May 2013, Solar Thin Films Inc acquired Quality Resource Technologies Inc. In October 2013, Solar Thin Films Inc announced the sale of all of its ownership stake of Hungarian subsidiary, Kraft, R.t. (Kraft), to GJR Collectibles LLC.

Kraft has been providi ng equipment that is incorporated into a single manufacturing line capable of manufacturing a-Si solar modules that produce approximately 5megawatt (MW) of solar power annually. The Company focuses, directly and through joint ventures or alliances with other companies or governmental agencies, to sell equipment for and participate financially in solar power facilities using thin film a-Si solar modules or metallurgical and other crystalline solar modules as the power source to provide electricity to municipalities, businesses and consumers.

The Company competes with Applied Materials and Oerlikon.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    Small cap stocks Alliance Creative Group Inc (OTCMKTS: ACGX), Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure Inc (OTCMKTS: DJRT), Inscor Inc (OTCMKTS: IOGA) and Solar Thin Films Inc (OTCMKTS: SLTZ) have all been getting some attention lately in various investment newsletters and it should! come as no surprise that two out of four of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions which tend to benefit traders. However, two out of four of these stocks also have pretty good financials for being small cap OTC stocks and that might make them attractive to investors with a long term time horizon. So which of these stocks might make traders some profits in the short term and investors some profits over the longer term? Here is a closer look to help you decide:

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/best-clean-energy-stocks-to-invest-in-2015-3.html

Friday, February 20, 2015

Top 5 Dividend Companies To Watch In Right Now

Top 5 Dividend Companies To Watch In Right Now: Regal Beloit Corporation(RBC)

Regal Beloit Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells electric motors and controls, electric generators and controls, and mechanical motion control products primarily in the United States and Asia. The company operates in two segments, Electrical and Mechanical. The Electrical segment manufactures and markets AC and DC commercial, industrial, and commercial refrigeration electric motors and blowers, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) electric motors and blowers. It also provides precision servo motors, electric generators, automatic transfer switches and paralleling switchgear, and control electric power generation equipment; AC and DC variable speed drives and controllers, and other accessories for industrial and commercial applications; and capacitors for use in HVAC systems, high intensity lighting, and other applications. The Mechanical segment manufactures and markets a range of mechanical motion control products, i ncluding worm gears, bevel gears, helical gears, and concentric shaft gearboxes; marine transmissions; after-market automotive transmissions, and ring and pinions; custom gearing; gearmotors; electrical connecting devices; and manual valve actuators, which are used in oil and gas, water distribution and treatment, and chemical processing applications. The company sells its products to original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and end users through its direct sales people and manufacturer?s representative organizations. Regal Beloit Corporation was founded in 1955 and is based in Beloit, Wisconsin.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Duprey]

    Electric motor manufacturerRegal Beloit (NYSE: RBC  ) will pay aregular quarterly dividendof $0.30 on July 12 to the holders of record at the close of business on June 28.

  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Calling all cash flows
    When you are trying to bu! y the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Regal Beloit (NYSE: RBC  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

  • [By Lisa Levin]

    This industry moved down 1.34% by 11:30 am, with Regal Beloit (NYSE: RBC) moving down 9.1%. Regal Beloit reported Q2 earnings of $1.27 per share on revenue of $850.40 million.

  • [By Brian Pacampara]

    What: Shares of electric motor manufacturer Regal Beloit (NYSE: RBC  ) plummeted 19% today after its quarterly results and guidance missed Wall Street expectations.

  • source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-5-dividend-companies-to-watch-in-right-now-2.html

Monday, February 16, 2015

Hot Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now

When the Department of Defense announced its contract awards for Aug. 6, the total funds handed out added up to $518.8 million -- but one single company walked away with more than half the funds on offer: Raytheon (NYSE: RTN  ) .

Raytheon claimed its loot in the form of two contracts to perform work for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, namely:

$218.5 million: exercising an option under a sole-source, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to fund the purchase of materials, and integrate same into the manufacture of "up to" 29 All Up Rounds SM-3 Block IB missiles. SM-3IB is a new version of Raytheon's venerable Standard surface-to-air missile, which aims to enhance the original's effectiveness with enhanced, two-color infrared target seeking, and the use of short bursts of precision propulsion to steer the missile toward incoming targets. Raytheon's SM-3IBs are scheduled to begin deployment in 2015. The current contract, now worth $398 million in total, is expected to run through Sept. 30, 2016. $49.9 million: exercising an option under a different sole-source cost-plus-incentive-fee contract to manufacture four All Up Rounds SM-3 Block IB missiles. These missiles are deliverable on or before Sept. 30, 2015.

Top High Dividend Stocks To Invest In 2015: L-3 Communications Holdings Inc. (LLL)

L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, L-3 Communications Corporation, provides command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C3ISR) systems; aircraft modernization and maintenance; and government services in the United States and internationally. Its C3ISR segment offers fleet management sustainment and support, such as procurement, systems integration, sensor development, modifications, and periodic depot maintenance for signals intelligence and communications intelligence systems; strategic and tactical signals intelligence systems; secure data links; secure terminal and communication network equipment and encryption management; and communication systems. The company?s Government Services segment provides communication software support, information technology services, and various engineering development services and integration support; engineering and information systems support services; teaching and training; h uman intelligence support services; command and control systems and software services; and technical and management services. Its Aircraft Modernization and Maintenance segment offers modernization and refurbishments, upgrades and sustainment, maintenance, and logistics support services, as well as turnkey aviation life cycle management services for military and various government and commercial customers. The company?s Electronic Systems segment provides components, products, subsystems, systems, and related services across various business areas, including power and control systems, electro-optic/infrared, microwave, simulation and training, precision engagement, warrior systems, security and detection, propulsion systems, avionics and displays, telemetry and advanced technology, undersea warfare, and marine services. L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense announced $209.1 million worth of new contract awards Thursday. Notable winners that are also publicly traded companies include:

    Lockheed Martin's (NYSE: LMT  ) Mission Systems and Training division won a $29.5 million contract to supply computer cabinets, consoles, cables, and switches that will be used in testing Japan's modernized Aegis antimissile defense systems.�Lockheed is expected to complete work on this contract by June 2014. United Technologies' (NYSE: UTX  ) Pratt and Whitney subsidiary won a $12.1 million contract� to supply vane assemblies by Feb. 28, 2014.� L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL  ) was awarded a $9.1 million contract to perform sustainment operations and management services required by the Peace Pioneer Core and Depot/System Integrated Laboratory Sustainment Program in South Korea through March 31, 2015.

    Additionally, an $18.2 million contract was awarded to privately held drone manufacturer General Atomics, which will do depot activation work for Air Force MQ-1 Predator drones and MQ--9 Reapers at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, Warner-Robins AFB in Georgia, and Tinker AFB in Oklahoma.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense issued $1.3 billion worth of new contract awards Friday. However, a single, $950 million award for engineering services accounted for the bulk of the spending -- and that one went to a series of privately held companies. Publicly traded names fared less well. Among the few winners:

Hot Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Bulova Technologies Group Inc (BTGI)

Bulova Technologies Group, Inc. (BLVT), incorporated in 1979, operates as a Government contractor in the United States. BLVT�� operating facilities are located in Mayo, Florida. As of September 30, 2011, the Company is focused on Department of Defense contracting. As of September 30, 2011, BLVT operated corporate and administrative offices in two leased facilities, one in Clearwater, Florida, approximating 2,400 square feet, and the other in Brandon, Florida, approximating 5,000 square feet. The Company�� Government contracting business is located on 261 acres owned by the Company in Mayo, Florida, where it operates a load, assembly, and pack facility specializing in fuzes, safe and arming devices and explosive simulators. There are more than 38 buildings on the property consisting of warehouses, storage, and manufacturing facilities. In March 31, 2011, the Company disposed of its subsidiary BT Manufacturing Company LLC. In October 2012, the Company sold Bulova Technologies Ordnance Systems LLC.

Bulova Technologies Ordnance Systems LLC is a load, assembly, and pack facility specializing in fuzes, safe and arming devices and explosive simulators. Bulova Technologies Ordnance Systems LLC produces a range of pyrotechnic devices, ammunition and other energetic materials for the United States Government and other allied Governments worldwide. Bulova Technologies (Europe) LLC is developing a mortar exchange program to facilitate the needs of NATO member countries.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    A quick look at Hybrid Coating Technologies��financials reveals revenues of $48k (most recent reported quarter), $5k, $3k and $53k for the past four reported quarters along with net losses of $821k (most recent reported quarter), $1,571k, $774k and $510. At the end of September, Hybrid Coating Technologies had no cash to cover $4,037k in current liabilities and $1,279k in long term debt. So while the global industrial and specialty coatings market might be worth $35 billion, Hybrid Coating Technologies has yet to grab enough of it.

    Bulova Technologies Group, Inc (OTCMKTS: BTGI) Recently Did a Reverse Split

    Small cap Bulova Technologies Group has an extensive history of large scale Defense Contracts for munitions, weapons systems and combat systems. On Friday, Bulova Technologies Group fell 13.04% to $0.0300 for a market cap of $663,789 plus BTGI is up 29,900% over the past year and down 66.7% over the past five years according to Google Finance.

Hot Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Moog Inc (MOGA)

Moog Inc. (Moog), incorporated on August 1, 1951, is a designer, manufacturer and integrator of precision motion and fluid controls and systems for a range of applications in aerospace and defense and industrial markets. The Company operates in five segments: Aircraft Controls, Space and Defense Controls, Industrial Systems, Components and Medical Devices. Within the aerospace and defense market, its products and systems include military and commercial aircraft flight controls, thrust vector controls for space launch vehicles, controls for gun aiming, stabilization and automatic ammunition loading for armored combat vehicles, satellite positioning controls and controls for steering tactical and strategic missiles. In July 2012, it acquired American Pacific Corporation's In-Space Propulsion business. In August 2012, the Company acquired Tritech International Limited. In January 2013, the Company acquired Broad Reach Engineering Company. Effective March 21, 2013, the Company acquired Aspen Motion Technologies Inc. In July 2013, Moog Inc completed the sale of its Buffalo, New York operations of Ethox Medical to Dempsey Ventures.

Aircraft Controls

The Company designs, manufactures and integrates primary and secondary flight controls for military and commercial aircraft and provide aftermarket support. The Company systems are used in commercial transports, supersonic fighters, multi-role military aircraft, business jets and rotorcraft. The Company also supply ground-based navigation aids. During the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012 (fiscal 2012). The Company is working on several development programs, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, COMAC C919, Airbus A350XWB, several business jet programs and a new military air refueling tanker KC-46. The F-35 flight test phase has expanded covering three variants and initial production is increasing with aircraft being delivered to international partners. The Company�� military production programs include th! e F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, the Black Hawk/Seahawk helicopter and the F-35. The Company�� commercial production programs include the full line of Boeing 7-series aircraft, Airbus A330 and a range of business jets.

The Company competes with Parker Hannifin, UTC (Goodrich, Hamilton Sundstrand), Liebherr, Nabtesco, Woodward Governor and Curtiss-Wright.

Space and Defense Controls

Space and Defense Controls provides controls for satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, armored combat vehicles, tactical and strategic missiles, security and surveillance and other defense applications. For commercial and military satellites, The Company design, manufacture and integrate propulsion systems and components (attitude control and orbit insertion) and actuation systems and components for deploying solar panels and antennae pointing. The Atlas, Delta and Ariane launch vehicle programs use its steering and propulsion controls. The Company is also developing products for NASA�� new Space Launch System.

The Company designs and builds steering and propulsion controls for tactical and strategic missile programs, including Hellfire, TOW and Trident. The Company supply valves and steering controls on the U.S. National Missile Defense Agency's Ballistic Missile Defense initiative. The Company designs and manufactures systems for gun aiming, stabilization, turrets, automatic ammunition loading and driver vision enhancement on armored combat vehicles for a range of international and United States customers. The Company designs, builds and integrate stores management systems for light attack aerial reconnaissance platforms. The Company also designs and builds high power, quiet controls for naval surface ship and submarine applications.

The Company competes with Honeywell, Parker Hannifin, Vacco, Valvetech, Marotta, SABCA, ESW, Aerojet, Snecma, Valcor, Aeroflex, UTC (Hamilton Sundstrand), Limitorque, Sargeant Industries, RVision! , Directe! d Perception, ATA Engineering, CDA InterCorp, RUAG, Rockwell Collins, Woodward Governor, Sierra-Nevada, Vicon, Videotec and Lord Corp.

Industrial Systems

Industrial Systems serves a global customer base across a range of markets. For wind energy, Industrial Systems serves a global customer base across a variety of markets. For wind energy, The Company designs and manufactures electric pitch controls and blade monitoring systems for wind turbines. The Company supply electromechanical motion simulation bases for the flight simulation and training markets. For the plastics making machinery market, the Company designs, manufactures and integrates systems for all axes of injection and blow molding machines. For the test markets, the Company supply controls for automotive, structural and fatigue testing.

The Company supply electromechanical motion simulation bases for the flight simulation and training markets. In the power generation market, the Company designs, manufactures and integrates complete control assemblies for fuel, steam and variable geometry control applications. For the test markets, the Company supply controls for automotive, structural and fatigue testing. Metal forming markets use its systems to provide precise control of position, velocity, force, pressure, acceleration and other critical parameters. Heavy industry uses its high precision electrical and hydraulic servovalves for steel and aluminum mill equipment. Other markets include oil exploration, material handling, auto racing, carpet tufting, paper and lumber mills.

The Company competes with Bosch Rexroth, Danaher, Baumueller, Siemens, SSB, Parker Hannifin, Suzhou ReEnergy, MTS Systems Corp., Exlar and Hydraudyne.

Components

The Components segment�� product categories are slip rings, fiber optic rotary joints and motors. Slip rings and fiber optic rotary joints use sliding contacts and optical technology to allow unimpeded rotation while delivering power ! and data ! through a rotating interface. They come in a range of sizes that allow them to be used in many applications, including diagnostic imaging computed tomography (CT) scan medical equipment featuring high-speed data communications, de-icing and data transfer for rotorcraft, forward-looking infrared camera installations, radar pedestals, satellites, missiles, wind turbines, surveillance cameras and remotely operated vehicles and floating platforms for offshore oil exploration.

The Company�� motors are used in an equally range of markets, many of which are the same as for slip rings. Components designs and manufactures a series of fractional horsepower brushless motors that provide extremely low acoustic noise and reliable long life operation, with the market being sleep apnea equipment. Industrial markets use its motors for material handling and electric pumps. Military applications use its motors for gimbals, missiles and radar pedestals. Components��other product lines include electromechanical actuators for military, aerospace and commercial applications, fiber optic modems that provide electrical-to-optical conversion of communication and data signals, avionic instrumentation, optical switches and resolvers.

The Company competes with Danaher, Allied Motion, Ametek, Woodward MPC, Axsys, Schleifring, Airflyte, Smiths, Kearfott and Stemmann.

Medical Devices

Medical Devices segment operates within four medical devices market areas: infusion therapy, enteral clinical nutrition, sensors and surgical hand pieces. For infusion therapy, its primary products are electronic ambulatory infusion pumps along with the associated administration sets. Applications of these products include hydration, nutrition, patient-controlled analgesia, local anesthesia, chemotherapy and antibiotics. The Company manufactures and distributes a complete line of portable pumps, stationary pumps and disposable sets that are used in the delivery of enteral nutrition for patients in ! their own! homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Company manufactures and distributes ultrasonic and optical sensors used to detect air bubbles in infusion pump lines and ensure accurate fluid delivery. The Company�� surgical hand pieces are used to safely fragment and aspirate tissue in common medical procedures such as cataract removal.

The Company competes with B. Braun, CareFusion, Smiths Medical, Hospira, Alcon, Baxter International, CME, I-Flow, Covidien, Etalon, Introtek and Ross (Abbott).

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Seth Jayson]

    Moog (NYSE: MOGA  ) reported earnings on April 26. Here are the numbers you need to know.

    The 10-second takeaway
    For the quarter ended March 30 (Q2), Moog met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Hot Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Engility Holdings Inc (EGL)

Engility Holdings, Inc. (Engility), incorporated on November 18, 2011, is a provider of systems engineering services, training, program management, and operational support for the United States Government worldwide. The Company�� business is focused on providing a range of engineering, technical, analytical, advisory, training, logistics and support services. The Company operates in two segments: Professional Support Services and Mission Support Services. The Professional Support Services segment provides Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services, program management support and software engineering lifecycle sustainment and support services. Through its Mission Support Services segment, it provides capabilities, such as defense related training, education and support services, law enforcement training, national security infrastructure and institutional development. In July 2012, L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (L-3) completed the spin-off of its subsidiary, Engility. In January 2014, Engility Holdings Inc completed the acquisition of Dynamics Research Corp.

The SETA services that it provides are categorized under the United States Government Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services spending. The Company�� customers include the United States Department of Defense (DoD), the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States Department of State (DoS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and allied foreign governments. During the year ended December 31, 2011, it had revenues of 98% of which was derived from its United States Government customers.

Professional Support Services

Engility�� SETA services include systems engineering and integration, including requirements development and traceability; test and evaluation; field testing and data analysis; modeling and simulation (M&S), and systems training solut! ions assessment, development and delivery. The Company provides services for a range of systems, including combat systems, health and welfare systems, information technology (IT) networks and depot-level maintenance, including counter-improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Engility has supported Developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) and Operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for a range of DoD, DHS, and FAA customers, performing a variety of tests, including in management, planning, execution, integration, formal systems, interoperability, regression, reporting, end-to-end testing, and combined test force/integrated test team/integrated process team support.

The Company�� field testing and data analysis business provides staff developing research reports, white papers, test plans, test reports, monthly status reports and inputs for technology data calls and presentation materials. Engility�� M&S business supports the DoD, DHS, FAA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Its Systems Training Solutions Assessment, Development and Delivery business provides systems training solutions assessment, development and delivery support. In addition, Engility provides training solutions across the DoD with regard to training requirements for several acquisition programs, as well as Air Operations Centers and Distributed Mission Operations. It provides technology training solutions for Command and Control, Command, Control and Communications, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Air Traffic Control and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

The Company�� Program Management Support business provides qualified staff to perform all aspects of Program and Project Management, including support for planning, organizing, securing, and managing resources. It provides strategic planning and support to program management offices and business operations. It provides financial/budget analysis and management, acquisition manage! ment supp! ort, logistics, and supply chain management and lifecycle support. Engility�� field service representatives deliver technical and advisory services, such as system administration, tactical operations center process engineering, on-location Website development and implementation, analysis center operations process engineering, network implementation and operation, database design and implementation, and information assurance procedure development, documentation, and implementation.

Mission Support Services

This segment consists of six service and support lines: military and the United States Government mission support; defense related training, education and support services; law enforcement training, education and support services; capacity building; international development and support to USAID; linguist services; counter IED analytical operational support, and asset forfeiture support. The Company trains individual soldiers and operational units, and it assists the United States Armed Forces in developing and implementing doctrine-based training systems and programs. In addition, Engility is a provider of leader development programs. Engility is a provider of law enforcement training, support and technical services to international customers, and it holds two contracts through which the United States trains foreign police.

The Company provides integrated programs that help organizations, institutions and governments abroad develop the capacity to fulfill their legally-mandated functions. International Resources Group Ltd. (IRG), its wholly owned subsidiary, has completed over 850 contracts with USAID in 140 countries. Engility�� Translation and Interpretation business provides a range of language services in support of military, intelligence and law enforcement operations, as well as document translation and exploitation services. The Company provides staffing and support services to the agencies of the DoJ, including seized assets management and disposition! , program! management support, and legal and investigative support services.

The Company competes with Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Systems Company, SAIC, Booz Allen, DynCorp International, Inc., TASC, ManTech, AECOM, ITT Exelis, CSC, Cubic and CACI.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense ended the week with a bang (if you'll pardon the expression) Friday. Across a field of 26 contracts awarded, the Pentagon laid out plans to spend nearly $2.5 billion in total. A few of the publicly traded companies winning awards included:

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has selected Engility Holdings (NYSE: EGL  ) to be part of a $400 million contract to develop "clean energy" solutions. Most of the work will be done for foreign countries.

  • [By Rich Smith]

    The Department of Defense awarded three of its favorite defense contractors a combined $220 million on Monday, hiring each of Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH  ) , SAIC (NYSE: SAI  ) , and Engility Holdings (NYSE: EGL  ) to "support shore networks with sustainment services for the Base Level Information Infrastructure."

Hot Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Hexcel Corp (HXL)

Hexcel Corporation (Hexcel), incorporated in 1948, is a composites company. The Company develops, manufactures and markets composites, including carbon fibers, reinforcements, prepregs, honeycomb, matrix systems, adhesives and composite structures, for use in Commercial Aerospace, Space and Defense, and Industrial Applications. Its products are used in a variety of end applications, such as commercial and military aircraft, space launch vehicles and satellites, wind turbine blades, automotive, bikes, skis and a variety of other industrial applications. Hexcel has two segments: Composite Materials and Engineered Products. The Composite Materials consists of carbon fiber, reinforcements for composites, honeycomb core and matrix product lines. The Engineered Products consists of composite structures and specially machined honeycomb product lines.

Composite Materials

The Composite Materials segment manufactures and markets carbon fibers, fabrics and specialty reinforcements, prepregs, structural adhesives, honeycomb, composite panels, molding compounds, polyurethane systems and laminates that are incorporated into many applications, including military and commercial aircraft, wind turbine blades, recreational products and other industrial applications. HexTow carbon fibers are manufactured for sale to third-party customers, as well as for its own use in manufacturing certain reinforcements and composite materials. Carbon fibers are woven into carbon fabrics, used as reinforcement in conjunction with a resin matrix to produce pre-impregnated composite materials. Carbon fibers is also used in filament winding, hand layup, automatic tape layup and advanced fiber placement to produce finished composite components. Its carbon fibers��product applications include structural components for commercial and military aircraft, space launch vehicles, and certain other applications, such as recreational and industrial equipment.

Industrial fabrics and specialty reinforcements are ma! de from a variety of fibers, including carbon, aramid and other polymers, several types of fiberglass, quartz, ceramic and other specialty fibers. These reinforcements are used in the production of prepregs and other matrix materials used in primary and secondary structural aerospace applications, such as wing components, horizontal and vertical stabilizer components, fairings, radomes and engine nacelles, as well as overhead storage bins and other interior components. Hexcel�� reinforcements are also used in the manufacture of a variety of industrial and recreational products, such as wind energy blades, automotive components, boats, surfboards, skis and other sporting goods equipment.

HexPly prepregs are manufactured for sale to third-party customers and for internal use by its engineered products segment in manufacturing composite laminates and monolithic structures, including finished components for aircraft structures and interiors. Prepregs are manufactured by combining reinforcement fabrics or unidirectional fibers with a resin matrix to form a composite material with structural properties not present in either of the constituent materials. Reinforcement fabrics used in the manufacture of prepregs include glass, carbon, aramid, quartz, ceramic and other specialty reinforcements. Resin matrices include bismaleimide, cyanate ester, epoxy, phenolic, polyester, polyimide and other specialty resins.

Other fiber reinforced matrix developments include HexMC, a form of quasi-isotropic carbon fiber prepreg that enables small to medium sized composite components to be mass produced. HexTOOL is a specialized form of HexMC for use in the construction of high temperature composite tooling. HexFIT film infusion material is a product that combines resin films and dry fiber reinforcements in production and enables the manufacture of contoured composite structures, such as wind turbine blades.

Polymer matrix materials are sold in bulk and film form for use in direct pro! cess manu! facturing of composite parts. Resins can be combined with fiber reinforcements in manufacturing processes, such as resin transfer molding (RTM), resin film infusion (RFI) or vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) to produce composite components for both aerospace and industrial applications. Hexcel manufactures and markets a range of Redux film and paste adhesives. These structural adhesives, which bond metal to metal and composites and honeycomb structures, are used in the aerospace industry and for many industrial applications.

HexWeb honeycomb is a cellular structure consisting of nested hexagonal cells. The product is similar in appearance to a cross-sectional slice of a beehive. It can also be manufactured in asymmetric cell configurations for more specialized applications. Honeycomb is primarily used as a lightweight core material and acts as an energy absorber. When sandwiched between composite or metallic facing skins, honeycomb increases the stiffness of the structure, while adding very little weight. The Company produces honeycomb from a number of metallic and non-metallic materials. Its metallic honeycomb is made from aluminum and is available in a selection of alloys, cell sizes and dimensions. Non-metallic materials used in the manufacture of honeycomb include fiberglass, carbon fiber, thermoplastics, non-flammable aramid papers, aramid fiber and other specialty materials. During the year ended December 31, 2011, revenues for the Composite Materials segment to third-party customers represented approximately 77% of its total revenues.

Engineered Products

The Engineered Products segment manufactures and markets composite structures and precision machined honeycomb parts for use in the aerospace industry. Composite structures are manufactured from a variety of composite and other materials, including prepregs, honeycomb, structural adhesives and advanced molding materials, using such manufacturing processes, as autoclave processing, multi-axis nu! merically! controlled machining, heat forming, compression molding and other composite manufacturing techniques. During 2011, revenues for the Engineered Products segment to third-party customers represented approximately 23% of its total revenues. The Engineered Products business unit has a 50% ownership interest in a Malaysian joint venture, Asian Composites Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Persinos]

    The standout stocks in this segment are Hexcel Corp. (HXL), the leading producer of carbon composites, and Allegheny Technologies (ATI), which dominates the market in titanium.

Hot Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Thales SA (HO)

Thales SA is a France-based provider of integrated solutions and equipment of security systems primarily to the aerospace and defense markets. The Company operates in numerous countries through its divisions, including Aerospace, specialized in onboard equipment, electronics and systems for the civil and military markets; Space, offering solutions combining space and terrestrial technologies; Defence, which designs and delivers systems for all four environments: air, land, sea and space; Security, which offer the emergence of new types of threats from terrorism and organized crime to drug trafficking, mass immigration and cyber attacks; and Transportation, which offers a range of railways signaling solutions and integrated transportation systems, to ensure safe and secure transportation of operators, freight and passengers. In November 2013, it acquired XPI Simulation Ltd. In February 2014, it created a new business line called Critical Information Systems and Cybersecurity. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By USATODAY 8 a.m. EST February 15]

    Alex Pettyfer about to take the wheel of the Maserati Gran Turismo for a joyride with co-star Dayo Okeniyi.(Photo: HO)

    Pettyfer and Okeniyi's character end up joyriding in the car along with Gabriella Wilde, who plays the rich girl falling in love with Pettyfer.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Silver Price News Today

Topping silver price news today is how the flight-to-safety trade is back on, as evidenced by recent moves in commodities.

Despite some profit taking Friday, silver prices rose roughly 5% this week and 1% last week. That helped the white metal log a sterling 21.3% gain for August and nearly 30% over the last nine weeks.  

Interest in silver, a safe-haven alternative asset, has been freshly stoked amid fears the United States and its allies will launch a military strike against Syria in retaliation for use of chemical weapons in its civil war.

Also giving silver prices a boost this week were bullish comments from industry experts on precious metals.

Here's the silver price news you can't miss:

Legendary commodities authority Jim Rogers told Reuters Tuesday "stocks are [going to] go down...commodities are [going to] go up." And it's not just Middle East tensions that have Rogers bothered...

He's also worried about the winding down of the U.S Federal Reserve's market-supporting bond purchases, especially the impact a QE tapering will have on emerging markets. Developing countries like India, Indonesia, and Turkey, which have benefited from loose monetary polices by borrowing dollars at rock-bottom rates, have seen their markets and currencies plummet recently over concerns they'll find it hard to close current account deficits as interest rates rise.

Rogers advises to prepare for a "market panic" and "huge mess" by loading up on commodities.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) top analyst Tom Fitzpatrick came out with bullish comments on silver and gold this week. Fitzpatrick told King World News Wednesday that the price of gold could experience a 150% super-surge, and silver a whopping 300% jump.

"We still believe that in the next couple of years, we will be looking at a gold price of around $3,500," Fitzpatrick said. He added that as the gold/silver ratio plummets near 30, "this would suggest a silver price above $100."

Fitzpatrick continued, "Silver is still the one that looks like it should outperform. Silver has advanced quite strongly and broken through some important moving averages. So that opens the price of silver up to go and test the breakout point and the 200-day moving average, which have both converged around the $26 area. More importantly, a break above the downward treadlines from the 2011 highs, as well as the converged 55-and-200 week moving averages that stand in the area between $27 and $28, would be extremely bullish. So, above that $27 to $28 area on a weekly closing basis would mark a firm breakout in the price of silver."

Editor's Note: Silver is going up, which means now - at the current cheap level - silver is offering one of the best buying opportunities in history. It's up to you to take advantage of it. Get your free investment analysis detailing what's ahead for silver.

Marc Faber, aka Dr. Doom, was his usual voice of doom and gloom Wednesday in an interview with Hard Assets Investors. But the glass-half-empty guru is optimistic when it comes to precious metals.

"Looking at how debt will continue to increase and how central banks will continue their monetization not only in the U.S. but on a worldwide scale, I assume the price of gold will trend higher. Eventually we will be over $1,921. The question is, will it be this year or in five years? That I don't know. But as I have argued repeatedly, I think that part of your assets should be held in physical gold. I emphasize physical gold," Faber said.

Silver Price News Today: Demand Still HOT

Frenzied demand for physical silver and tight supplies of refined silver forced the U.S. Mint to ration sales this year and also caused long lines at dealers the world over.

The Mint reports that demand for its one-ounce American Eagle silver bullion coins remains "brisk," with sales up 47% compared to a year earlier. If present demand continues, the Mint says it's on track for record sales in 2013.

"Fundamental demands for physical silver and technical analysis have made a good case for higher silver down the road," J.W. Haugen, COO of Texas-based Provident Metals, told Money Morning.

Additionally, silver ETF holdings reached a record high of 644 million ounces as of August 21, representing about 83% of 2012 mine supply.

Finally, as equity investors brace for a rocky month ahead, precious metals investors embrace September.

You see, although September is historically the worst month for stocks, it's the best month for precious metals.

Over the past 23 years, average spot gold monthly returns have been around 3% in September. The next highest month is November, which doesn't even hit 2%.

Find out how you can position your portfolio for silver profits here: How to Buy Physical Silver

Related Articles:

King World News:
Gold Poised to Super Surge 150% & Silver a Staggering 300% Reuters:
Prepare for Market Panic: Jim Rogers Hard Assets Investors:
Marc Faber: Gold Will Hit New Record High Even Though Markets Manipulated by Fed

Top Railroad Companies To Buy For 2014

Invest like Buffett? How many times have you hear that one?

Not everyone has his billions, which allows the Oracle of Omaha to snatch up deals unavailable to most of us, like his 2009 purchase of Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. But once again, his yearly missive to his shareholders shows how simple the keys to his success are.

Not that they are easy to implement. Diligence, grit and common sense are prerequisites to coming anywhere near a winning investment performance long term. He is doing something right, and consistently. According to Forbes, Buffett is the second-richest American, with an estimated net worth of $58.5 billion (Bill Gates is No. 1).

When a person starts with $100,000 dollars of capital, only $100 of which is his own, and turns it into a $309 billion empire nearly 50 years later, principally by investing, pay heed. Numerous biographies show how Buffett started early and stayed at it.

Top 10 Long Term Stocks To Watch Right Now: Lincoln National Corporation (LNC)

Lincoln National Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in multiple insurance and retirement businesses in the United States. The company operates in Annuities, Retirement Plan Services, Life Insurance, and Group Protection segments. It sells a range of wealth protection, accumulation, and retirement income products and solutions. These products include fixed and indexed annuities, variable annuities, universal life insurance (UL), variable universal life insurance (VUL), linked-benefit UL, term life insurance, employer-sponsored defined contribution retirement plans, mutual funds and group life, disability, and dental products. The company also provides employer-sponsored fixed and variable annuities, and mutual fund-based programs; single and survivorship versions of UL and VUL, including corporate-owned UL and VUL, and bank-owned UL and VUL products to small- to mid-sized banks, and mid- to large-sized corporations; and group non-medical insurance products, prin cipally term life, universal life, disability, dental, vision, accident, and critical illness insurance to the employer market place through various forms of contributory and non-contributory plans. Lincoln National Corporation distributes its products through consultants, brokers, planners, agents, financial advisors, third-party administrators, and other intermediaries. Lincoln National Corporation was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Dimitra DeFotis]

    Apartment Invest & Management (AIV)
    Ameriprise (AMP)
    Edison International (EIX)
    Host Hotels & Resorts (HST)
    Kimco Realty (KIM)
    Kroger (KR)
    Lincoln National (LNC)
    Newfield Exploration (NFX)
    Republic Services (RSG)
    UnitedHealth (UNH)
    Verizon (VZ)
    Wells Fargo (WFC)
    WellPoint (WLP)
    Wyndham Worldwide (WYN)
    Xcel Energy Utilities (XEL)

  • [By Jonas Elmerraji]

    Lincoln National (LNC) is a financial stock that's forming a channel of its own... But with a twist.

    That's because the $12 billion wealth management firm is moving sideways in a range-bound trade called a rectangle. The setup gets its name because price action is essentially "boxed-in" by resistance above shares at $45, and support to the downside at $42. Instead of buying within the channel, rectangles are breakout trades – you want to trade this name when it breaks outside of the box.

    That means that a move through the $45 level is a buy signal, and a move through support at $42 is an indicator that it's time to sell (or short) LNC. Right now, there's some extra bias to the upside – typically, rectangles are continuation patterns, and since Lincoln's preceding price action was up, it's likely next move is up as well. Still, it doesn't become a high probability trade until the breakout happens, so wait to get your direction from the market.

  • [By Sean Williams]

    Finally, shares of life insurance company Lincoln National (NYSE: LNC  ) added 5.7% on the day despite no company-specific news. Today's move higher could very well just be carryover from its third-quarter results reported a little more than a week ago where it handily topped the consensus EPS and revenue forecast of analysts. Annuities and retirement planning services have been a big boost to the sector over the past couple of quarters, and a rising market is surely going to encourage investors, young and old, to consider jumping back in and investing for their futures.

Top Railroad Companies To Buy For 2014: Biogen Idec Inc(BIIB)

Biogen Idec Inc. discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hemophilia, and autoimmune disorders in the United States and internationally. Its marketed products include the AVONEX for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS); RITUXAN for treating relapsed or refractory, CD20-positive, and B-cell Non-Hodgkin?s lymphoma (NHL); TYSABRI to treat relapsing MS; FUMADERM for the treatment of severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients; and FAMPYRA, an oral compound for the improvement of walking in adult patients with MS with walking disability. Biogen Idec Inc.?s products under Phase III consist of PEGylated interferon beta-1a designed to prolong the effects and reduce the dosing frequency of interferon beta-1a; BG-12 for the treatment of MS; Daclizumab, a monoclonal antibody in relapsing MS; Long-lasting factor IX and VIII fusion protein for the treatment of hemophilia B; GA101, a monoclonal antibody for t he treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and NHL; and Dexpramipexole, an orally administered small molecule for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The company?s Phase I clinical trial products include Anti-LINGO for use in multiple sclerosis, Neublastin for use in neuropathic pain, CD40L for use in systemic lupus erythematosus, ANTI-TWAEK humanized monoclonal antibody for TWEAK, and BIIB037 for use in Alzheimer's disease; and Phase II clinical trial product comprises OCRELIZUMAB, a humanized monoclonal antibody for treating CD20. It has collaboration agreements with Genentech, Inc.; Elan Pharma International, Ltd; Acorda Therapeutics, Inc.; Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB; Abbott Biotherapeutics Corp; and Vernalis plc. The company was formerly known as IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation and changed its name to Biogen Idec Inc. in November 2003. Biogen Idec Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Weston, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Divine]

    Drugmaker Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB  ) shed 3.3% Monday after Perrigo reached an agreement to buy the Ireland-based Elan. This entitles Perrigo to the royalties Biogen pays to Elan for its 50% ownership stake in multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. While the success of the drug, which generated $1.6 billion in revenue last year, is obviously welcomed by Biogen investors, the company will start paying a higher royalty once sales cross $2 billion annually, a figure not so far away with a nearly 20% growth rate.�

  • [By Polya Lesova]

    Biogen Idec Inc. (BIIB) �was the top gainer in the S&P 500. Its shares rallied 13% after the biotech company said Friday that the European Medicines Agency has determined that dimethyl fumarate in its multiple-sclerosis treatment Tecfidera qualifies as a new active substance. This designation will provide 10 years of regulatory exclusivity for the treatment in the European Union.

Top Railroad Companies To Buy For 2014: Gabriel Resources Ltd (GBU)

Gabriel Resources Ltd. (Gabriel) is focused on permitting and developing its Rosia Montana gold and silver project located in western central Romania. The Rosia Montana Project is owned through RMGC, in which Gabriel holds an 80.69% interest, with reaming 19.31% interest held by CNCAF Minvest S.A., a mining enterprise. The Rosia Montana Project consists of one exploration concession covering approximately 2388 hectares. Its Bucium project consists of the Rodu-Frasin and Tarnita deposits, which can be considered as advanced and early stage exploration. Bucium project is located approximately five kilometers south-east of the Rosia Montana Project. As of December 31, 2011, three styles of mineralization had been identified in the Bucium Project: epithermal, epithermal to mesothermal gold-silver mineralization and mesothermal copper-gold mineralization. In July 2011, the Company acquired a 0.23% interest in RMGC. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Lam]

    Gabriel Resources Ltd. (GBU) plunged 18 percent to C$1.39 as a potential referendum on a mine it is developing in Romania could delay what would be Europe�� largest gold mine.

Top Railroad Companies To Buy For 2014: American Electric Power Company Inc (AEP)

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP), incorporated on December 20, 1906, is a utility holding company that owns, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding common stock of its public utility subsidiaries and varying percentages of other subsidiaries. The service areas of AEP�� public utility subsidiaries cover portions of the states of Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The generating and transmission facilities of AEP�� public utility subsidiaries are interconnected and their operations are coordinated. Transmission networks are interconnected with distribution facilities in the territories served. The public utility subsidiaries of AEP have provided electric service, consisting of generation, transmission and distribution, on an integrated basis to their retail customers. On December 31, 2011, Columbus Southern Power Company (CSPCo) merged with and into Ohio Power Company (OPCo) with OPCo being the surviving entity. In March 2012, the Company�� subsidiary, AEP Retail Energy acquired BlueStar Energy Holdings Inc. and its independent retail electric supplier BlueStar Energy Solutions.

Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 960,000 retail customers in the southwestern portion of Virginia and southern West Virginia, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by APCo are paper, rubber, coal mining, textile mill products and stone, clay and glass products. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, APCo is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Carolina Power & Light Company, Duke Carolina and Virginia Electric and Power Company. APCo has several points of interconnection with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and has entered into agreements with TVA under whic! h APCo and TVA interchange and transfer electric power over portions of their respective systems. APCo is a member of Pennsylvania - New Jersey - Maryland regional transmission organization (PJM).

Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 582,000 retail customers in northern and eastern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, rural electric cooperatives, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served are primary metals, transportation equipment, electrical and electronic machinery, fabricated metal products, rubber and chemicals and allied products, rubber products and transportation equipment. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, I&M is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Central Illinois Public Service Company, Duke Ohio, Commonwealth Edison Company, Consumers Energy Company, Illinois Power Company, Indianapolis Power & Light Company, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Duke Indiana and Richmond Power & Light Company. I&M is a member of PJM.

Kentucky Power Company (KPCo) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 173,000 retail customers in an area in eastern Kentucky, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served are petroleum refining, coal mining and chemical production. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, KPCo is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Kentucky Utilities Company and East Kentucky Power Cooperative Inc. KPCo is also interconnected with TVA. KPCo is a member of PJM. Kingsport Power Company (KGPCo) provides electric service to approximately 47,000 retail customers in K! ingsport ! and eight neighboring communities in northeastern Tennessee. KGPCo does not own any generating facilities and is a member of PJM. It purchases electric power from APCo for distribution to its customers.

OPCo is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 1,460,000 retail customers in Ohio, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by OPCo are primary metals, chemicals and allied products, health services, electronic machinery, petroleum refining, and rubber and plastic products. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, OPCo is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Duke Ohio, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Dayton Power and Light Company, Duquesne Light Company, Kentucky Utilities Company, Monongahela Power Company, Ohio Edison Company, The Toledo Edison Company and West Penn Power Company. OPCo is a member of PJM.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 532,000 retail customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities, rural electric cooperatives and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by PSO are paper manufacturing and timber products, natural gas and oil extraction, transportation, non-metallic mineral production, oil refining and steel processing. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, PSO is interconnected with Empire District Electric Company, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, Southwestern Public Service Company and Westar Energy, Inc. PSO is a member of Southwest Power Pool regional transmission organization (SPP).

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCo) is engaged in the generation, transmission an! d distrib! ution of electric power to approximately 521,000 retail customers in northeastern and panhandle of Texas, northwestern Louisiana and western Arkansas and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities, rural electric cooperatives and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by SWEPCo are natural gas and oil production, petroleum refining, manufacturing of pulp and paper, chemicals, food processing, and metal refining. The territory served by SWEPCo also includes several military installations, colleges and universities. SWEPCo also owns and operates a lignite coal mining operation. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, SWEPCo is interconnected with Central Louisiana Electric Company (CLECO), Empire District Electric Company, Entergy Corp. and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company. SWEPCo is a member of SPP.

AEP Texas Central Company (TCC) is engaged in the transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 787,000 retail customers through REPs in southern Texas. TCC has sold all of its generation assets. Among the principal industries served by TCC are chemical and petroleum refining, chemicals and allied products, oil and gas extraction, food processing, metal refining, plastics and machinery equipment. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, TCC is a member of Electric Reliability Council of Texas regional transmission organization (ERCOT). AEP Texas North Company (TNC) is engaged in the transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 186,000 retail customers through REPs in west and central Texas. TNC�� generating capacity has been transferred to an affiliate at TNC�� cost pursuant to an agreement effective through 2027. Among the principal industries served by TNC are petroleum refining, agriculture and the manufacturing or processing of cotton seed products, oil products, precision and consumer metal products, meat products and gypsum products. The territor! y served ! by TNC also includes several military installations and correctional facilities. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, TNC is a member of ERCOT.

Wheeling Power Company (WPCo) provides electric service to approximately 41,000 retail customers in northern West Virginia. WPCo does not own any generating facilities. WPCo is a member of PJM. It purchases electric power from OPCo for distribution to its customers. AEP Generating Company (AEGCo) is an electric generating company. AEGCo sells power at wholesale to OPCo, I&M and KPCo. AEP also owns a service company subsidiary, American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEPSC).

Utility Operations

Utility operations constitute most of AEP�� business operations. Utility operations include the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to retail customers and the supplying and marketing of electric power at wholesale (through the electric generation function) to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. AEPSC, as agent for AEP�� public utility subsidiaries, performs marketing, generation dispatch, fuel procurement and power-related risk management and trading activities.

Electric Generation

As of December 31, 2011, AEP�� public utility subsidiaries owned or leased approximately 37,000 MW of domestic generation. AEP�� public utility subsidiaries procure coal and lignite under a combination of purchasing arrangements including long-term contracts, affiliate operations and spot agreements with various producers and coal trading firms. Through its public utility subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2011, AEP owned, leased or controlled more than 7,600 railcars, 634 barges, 16 towboats and a coal handling terminal with 18 million tons of annual capacity to move and store coal for use in its generating facilities. Through its public utility subsidiaries, AEP consumed nearly 167 billion cubic feet of natural gas, during the year ended Dec! ember 31,! 2011, for generating power. The Unit Power Agreement between AEGCo and I&M provides for the sale by AEGCo to I&M of all the capacity (and the energy associated therewith) available to AEGCo at the Rockport Plant. The Unit Power Agreement between AEGCo and OPCo provides for the sale by AEGCo to OPCo of all the capacity and associated unit contingent energy and ancillary services available to OPCo from the Lawrenceburg Plant.

Electric Transmission and Distribution

AEP�� public utility subsidiaries (other than AEGCo) own and operate transmission and distribution lines and other facilities to deliver electric power. Most of the transmission and distribution services are sold, in combination with electric power, to retail customers of AEP�� public utility subsidiaries in their service territories. AEP�� public utility subsidiaries (other than AEGCo) hold franchises or other rights to provide electric service in various municipalities and regions in their service areas. In some cases, these franchises provide the utility with the right to provide electric service. In addition to providing transmission services in connection with their own power sales, AEP�� public utility subsidiaries through RTOs also provide transmission services for non-affiliated companies. AEP�� System Transmission Integration Agreement provides for the integration and coordination of the planning, operation and maintenance of the transmission facilities of AEP East and AEP West companies.

Transmission Operations

AEP Transmission Company, LLC (AEP Transco), a subsidiary of AEP, has seven wholly-owned transmission companies, geographically aligned with its existing operating companies. These transmission companies will develop and own new transmission assets that are physically connected to AEP�� system. The transmission companies have been approved in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Oklahoma. AEPSC and other AEP subsidiaries provide services to the transmission companies throug! h service! agreements. The Company has established joint ventures with other incumbent electric utility companies for the purpose of developing, building and owning Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission lines in North America. Its joint venture, Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (ETT), was established to construct, fund, own and operate electric transmission assets within ERCOT, including transmission projects in the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ). Business services for the joint ventures are provided by AEPSC and the joint venture partner entity.

AEP River Operations

The Company�� AEP River Operations Segment transports coal and dry bulk commodities primarily on the Ohio, Illinois and lower Mississippi rivers. Almost all of its customers are nonaffiliated third parties who obtain the transport of coal and dry bulk commodities for various uses. AEP�� affiliated utility customers procure the transport of coal for use as fuel in their respective generating plants. AEP River Operations includes approximately 2,600 barges, 45 towboats and 25 harbor boats that it owns or leases.

Generation and Marketing

The Company�� Generation and Marketing Segment consists of non-utility generating assets and a power supply and energy trading and marketing business. It enters into short and long-term transactions to buy or sell capacity, energy and ancillary services primarily in the ERCOT market, and to a lesser extent Ohio in PJM and MISO. As of December 31, 2011, the assets utilized in this segment included approximately 310 megawatt of Company-owned domestic wind power facilities, 177 megawatt of domestic wind power from long-term purchase power agreements and 377 megawatt of coal-fired capacity which was obtained through an agreement effective through 2027 that transfers TNC�� interest in the Oklaunion power station to AEP Energy Partners, Inc. The power obtained from the Oklaunion power station is marketed and sold in ERCOT.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Michael Calia]

    American Electric Power Co.(AEP) said its fourth-quarter earnings soared, as growth in most of its utility operations and benefits from rate decisions offset customers losses after divesting its Ohio business. Results beat expectations, pushing shares up 2.2% to $47.80 premarket.

  • [By Justin Loiseau]

    American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP  ) added its own coal-cutting announcement two days after FirstEnergy. The utility plans to retire a 585 MW facility, bringing its Ohio subsidiary's grand total to 3,123 MW of coal generation to be retired by 2016.

Top Railroad Companies To Buy For 2014: Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd (ZARFF.PK)

Zargon Oil & Gas Ltd. (Zargon), formerly Zargon Energy Trust, is engaged in the business of oil and natural gas exploration, exploitation, development, acquisition and production in Canada and the United States. During the year ended December 31, 2010, Zargon�� average daily production were 9,879 barrels of oil equivalent. Its properties are concentrated within the Western Provinces in Canada and in North Dakota in the United States. Its Williston Basin core area encompasses a portion of southeast Saskatchewan, southwest Manitoba and three counties of North Dakota. During 2010, it accounted 51% of its oil and liquids production. During 2010, its Alberta Plains South core area contributed 27% of its oil and liquids production. In June 2012, the Company sold 275 barrels of oil per day pertaining to all of its southwest Manitoba assets and selected properties in the Elswick area of southeast Saskatchewan. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By MLP Trader]

    Here are the current top five companies in the list:

    CompanySymbolEV/BOEPD/NetbackPrice/NAVEV/DACFPinecrest(PNCGF.PK)53564%4.0XLightstream(LSTMF.PK)131753%4.5XNovus(NOVUF.PK)133290%4.1XZargon(ZARFF.PK)138664%5.6XTwin Butte(TBTEF.PK)155885%5.5X

    Of the larger companies, one that remains obstinately near the top of the list is Lightstream . Lightstream trades at 40% of its book value and a whopping 13.4% yield.

Top Railroad Companies To Buy For 2014: Jacksonville Bancorp Inc. (JXSB)

Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Jacksonville Savings Bank that provides various banking products and services in Illinois. Its deposit products include interest-bearing and non interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts, term certificate accounts, individual retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit. The company?s loan portfolio comprises one-to four-family mortgage loans; commercial and agricultural real estate, and multi-family residential real estate loans; commercial and agricultural business loans; and consumer loans, such as home equity loans and lines of credit, and automobile loans. It operates through its main office, as well as through six branches located in Jacksonville, Virden, Litchfield, Chapin, and Concord, Illinois. The company was founded in 1916 and is based in Jacksonville, Illinois. Jacksonville Bancorp, Inc. is a subsidiary of Jacksonville Bancorp, MHC.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Traders Reserve]

    Jacksonville Bancorp (JXSB), based in Illinois, owns a loan portfolio comprised of one-to four-family residential real estate; commercial and agricultural real estate; multi-family residential real estate loans; commercial and agricultural business loans; home equity loans and lines of credit.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now

The funniest thing I've noticed about rich people is how little their income has to do with their wealth. Mike Tyson earned $300 million during his career and went broke. An orphaned, unmarried administrative assistant died with millions in the bank. A lot of rich people aren't exceptionally talented at what they do. They just have quirks and habits that let them think differently about money than the rest of us.

Here are three I've noticed.

They are (mostly pleasant) sociopaths

I'm convinced that nearly every rich person has the characteristics of a sociopath. Not in a cruel, soulless way. But sociopaths can disregard emotional events that cause normal people to worry and panic. Great investors can do that, too. They can watch stocks fall 50% and shrug their shoulders or see 10 million people lose their jobs and remain unshakably calm. In her book Confessions of a Sociopath, M.E. Thomas writes:

Top 5 Tech Companies To Own For 2015: ING Groep NV (ING)

ING Groep N.V. (ING), incorporated in 1991, is a global financial institution offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to meet the needs of the customers. The Company�� segments include banking and insurance. Banking segment includes retail Netherlands, retail Belgium, ING direct, retail central Europe (CE), retail Asia, commercial banking (excluding real estate), ING real estate and corporate line banking. Insurance segment includes insurance Benelux, insurance central and rest of Europe (CRE), insurance United States (US), Insurance US closed block VA, insurance Asia/Pacific, ING investment management (IM) and corporate line insurance. In February 2011, the Company divested its real estate investment operation ING Real Estate Investment Management (ING REIM) to CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. In June 2011, the Company sold Clarion Partners. In July 2011, ING announced the completion of the sale of Clarion Real Estate Securities. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company divested its interests in ING Car Lease and ING IM Philippines. In February 2012, Capital One Financial Corp. acquired ING Direct business in the United States from the Company.

In June 2011, ING had completed the sale of its interest in China�� Pacific Antai Life Insurance Company Ltd. In June 2011, ING announced the completion of the sale of real estate investment manager of its United States operations, Clarion Partners, to Clarion Partners management in partnership with Lightyear Capital LLC. In October 2011, ING announced that it had completed the sale of REIM�� Asian and European operations to CBRE Group Inc. In December 2011 ING completed the sale of its Latin American pensions, life insurance and investment management operations.

Retail Netherlands

Retail Banking reaches its individual customers through Internet banking, telephone, call centers, mailings and branches. Using direct marketing methods, it is a provider of current account services an! d payments systems to provide other financial services, such as savings accounts, mortgage loans, consumer loans, credit card services, investment and insurance products. Mortgages are offered through a tied agents sale force and direct and intermediary channels. ING Bank Netherlands operates through a branch network of approximately 280 branches. It offers a range of commercial banking activities and also life and non-life insurance products. It also sells mortgages through the intermediary channel.

Retail Belgium

ING Belgium provides banking, insurance (life, non-life) and asset management products and services to meet the needs of individuals, families, companies and institutions through a network of local head offices, 773 branches and direct banking channels (automated branches, home banking services and call centers). ING Belgium also operates a second network, Record Bank, which provides a range of banking products through independent banking agents and credit products through a multitude of channels (agents, brokers, vendors).

ING Direct

ING Direct offers a range of financial products, such as savings, mortgages, retail investment products, payment accounts and consumer lending products. It operates in Canada, Spain, Australia, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and the United Kingdom. In June 2011, ING Group announced the sale of ING Direct USA to Capital One Financial Corporation.

Retail Central Europe

Retail Central Europe has a presence in Poland, and Romania and Turkey. ING in Poland is an Internet bank. During 2011, ING Bank Turkey launched the Orange account, the variable savings product. ING in Turkey also launched a mobile phone banking application. ING Bank Romania carried out its Internet banking site, Home��ank. In September 2011, a mobile version of the Home��ank Website was introduced.

Retail Asia

Retail Banking has a presence in Asian markets of India, China and Thailand. As o! f Decembe! r 31, 2011, the Company had 44% interest in ING Vysya and 30% interest in TMB Bank in Thailand. Bank of Beijing (BoB), in which ING has the largest single interest (16.07%) is a commercial bank in China. ING provides principally risk management and retail banking to BoB.

Commercial Banking

ING Commercial Banking supports the banking needs of its corporate and institutional clients to invest both retail and commercial bank customer deposits. It is a commercial bank in its home markets in the Benelux, as well as in Germany, Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to the banking services of lending, payments and cash management and treasury, it also provides solutions in other areas, including specialized and trade finance, derivatives, corporate finance, debt and equity capital markets, leasing, factoring and supply chain finance. Payments and Cash Management (PCM) and General Lending are its some of the product lines. Structured Finance (SF) is a specialist commercial lending business, providing loans to support capital intensive investments and working capital. It is managed in three groups: the Energy, Transport and Infrastructure Group; the Specialized Financing Group; and International Trade and Export Finance. Leasing and Factoring (L&F) provides financial and operating leasing services for a range of equipment, as well as receivables financing and other factoring solutions for commercial banking clients. The Financial Markets (FM) is the global business unit that manages ING�� financial markets trading and non-trading activities. FM is managed along three business lines: ALCO manages the interest rates exposures arising from the traditional banking activities, Strategic Trading Platform incorporates the primary proprietary risk taking units, and Clients and Products is the primary customer trading facilitation business line.

Real Estate

During 2011, Real Estate Finance (REF) maintained its credit portfolio. Real Estate Development (ING RED) and! Real Est! ate Investment Management (ING REIM) has a controlled wind down of activities.

Insurance Benelux

Duirng 2011, Nationale-Nederlanden introduced bank pension savings products and annuities. ING Life Belgium introduced a new Universal Life product. Nationale-Nederlanden also received a license from the Dutch Central Bank to launch a defined contribution DC company pension product PPI in Europe. NN Services introduced a processing and information technology system (business process management layer) for several legacy lines of retail Life businesses. NN Services IT manages all the closed book business of Nationale-Nederlanden. ING�� life insurance products in the Benelux consist of a range of traditional, unit-linked and variable annuity policies written for both individual and group customers. ING is also a provider of (re-insured) company pension plans in the Netherlands.

NG Benelux��non-life products, mainly in the Netherlands, include coverage for both individual and commercial/group clients for fire, motor, disability, transport and third party liability. Nationale-Nederlanden has also a central product manufacturing service for property and casualty insurance, which has developed products for ING Bank in Belgium and ING Bank in the Netherlands. ING offers a range of disability insurance products and complementary services for employers and self-employed professionals (such as dentists and general practitioners).

Insurance Central and Rest of Europe

Insurance Central and Rest of Europe has life insurance companies in Hungary, Poland, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain and Turkey. It has pension funds in Poland, Hungary, the Czech and Slovak Republics, Bulgaria, Romania and in Turkey. ING offers a range of individual endowment, unit linked, term and whole life insurance policies designed to meet specific customer needs. It also has employee benefits products, as well as pension funds, that manage individu! al retire! ment accounts for individuals. The latter comprise both mandatory and voluntary retirement savings.

Insurance United States (Excluding US Closed Block Va)

ING Insurance US offers retirement services (primarily defined contribution plans), life insurance, fixed annuities, employee benefits, mutual funds, and broker-dealer services in the United States. ING Insurance US operates four businesses: Retirement Plans, Individual Retirement, Individual Life and Employee Benefits. ING Insurance US�� Retirement Plans business is a contribution providers, which offers a range of retirement solutions to all sizes and types of employers, including businesses for-profit ranging from start-ups to large corporations, public and private school systems, higher education institutions, state and local governments, hospitals and healthcare facilities, and not-for-profit organizations. ING Insurance US�� Retirement Plans business is a provider of defined contribution (DC) retirement plans in the United States based on assets under management and administration.

Insurance US Closed Block Va

ING US Closed Block VA consists of variable annuities issued in the United States that are primarily owned by individuals and were designed to address the demand for tax-advantaged savings, retirement planning, and wealth-protection. These annuity contracts were sold in the United States, primarily through independent third party distributors, including wirehouses and securities firms, independent planners and agents and banks.

Insurance Asia/Pacific

ING Insurance Asia/Pacific (IAP) is a provider of life insurance products and services. It is a life insurer in the region, with nine life operations in eight markets. IAP has ip operations in Japan and South Korea, operates a nt business in Malaysia, and is well in China, Hong Kong, Macau, India and Thailand. In April 2011, IAP, together with Public Bank Berhad and Public Islamic Bank Berhad, launched a joint ! venture i! n Malaysia, ING PUBLIC Takaful Ehsan Berhad, which will develop Takaful insurance products. In June 2011, IAP completed the sale of its 50% interest in Pacific-Antai Life Insurance Company Limited (PALIC).

The business units of IAP offer select types of life insurance, wealth management, and retail products and services. These include annuities, endowment, disability/morbidity insurance, unit linked/universal life, whole e, participating life, group life, accident and health, term life and employee benefits. In Hong Kong non-life insurance products (including medical, motor, fire, marine, personal accident and general liability) are also offered.

Insurance Latin America

ING completed the sale of its pensions, life insurance and investment management operations on December 29, 2011. These operations were in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay.

ING Investment Management

ING IM is an investment manager of ING Group with activities in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. In October 2011, ING IM sold ING IM Australia. ING IM provides a range of actively-managed strategies, investment vehicles and advisory services in all major asset classes and investment styles. It delivers a range of investment strategies and services to ING�� global network of businesses and third-party clients.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

    ING is a financial services company providing service to consumers and companies around the world. The company is being forced to sell its South Korean life insurance unit by European regulators. The stock is now trading near highs for the year and looks poised to continue. Over the last four quarters, earnings have been mixed while revenues have been decreasing, however, investors in the company have been pleased with the company’s recent announcement. Relative to its peers and sector, ING has been an average year-to-date performer. Look for ING to OUTPERFORM.

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now: Compania Cervecerias Unidas S.A. (CCU)

Compa帽ia Cervecerias Unidas S.A., through its subsidiaries, produces, bottles, sells, and distributes beverages primarily in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. It offers super-premium, premium, medium-priced, and popular-priced brands of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beer under 12 proprietary brands and 4 licensed brands, such as Royal Guard; Royal Light; Heineken; Budweiser; Paulaner; Austral; Kunstmann; D'olbek; Cristal; Cristal Cero 0掳; Cristal Black Lager; Cristal Light; Escudo; Morenita; Lemon Stones; and Dorada brands. The company also produces and markets ultra-premium, reserve, varietal, and popular-priced wines under the brand families comprising Vi帽a San Pedro Tarapac谩, Vi帽a Santa Helena, Vi帽a Misiones de Rengo, Vi帽a Mar, Vi帽a Alta茂r, Bodega Tamar铆, Finca la Celia, and Vi帽a Leyda. In addition, it offers cider and spirits under the brand names of Real, La Victoria, Saenz Briones 1888, and El Abuelo; pisco, rum, and ready-to-drink cocktails under the Control C , Mistral, Campanario, Sierra Morena, Pisco Bauz谩 and Havana Club, Chivas Regal, and Absolut Vodka brand names; and home-made sweet snacks products under the Calaf, Natur, and Nutrabien brand names. Further, the company produces and sells tea; sports and energy drinks; carbonated beverages, including cola and non-cola, as well as non carbonated beverages; fruit juices; mineral water, sparkling and still water, purified water, and home and office delivery water products; and nectars. It serves small and medium sized retail outlets; retail establishments, such as restaurants, hotels, and bars for on-premise consumption; wholesalers; and supermarket chains. Compa帽ia Cervecerias Unidas S.A. also exports its products to Europe, Latin America, the United States, Canada, and others. The company was founded in 1850 and is based in Santiago, Chile. Compa帽ia Cervecerias Unidas S.A. is a subsidiary of Inversiones y Rentas S.A.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Patricio Kehoe] s largest brewer (with about 80% of the market�� share) and No. 2 in the Argentine market, behind Quilmes, which owns 75% of that market. With investment gurus Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) and Manning & Napier Advisors buying the company�� shares this past quarter, I believe this company�� business model is worth a deeper look.

    Running the Market

    As the only brewer in Chile with a nationwide distribution network, United Breweries benefits from significant economies of scale, in addition to its brand power. The company�� product portfolio not only features the Cristal beer brand, but also includes wine, spirits and company-owned non-alcoholic beverages. In addition to this, the firm benefits from licenses to sell PepsiCo Inc. (PEP) and Heineken beverages, while also importing Anheuser Busch Inbev SA (ADR) (BUD)�� Budweiser beer to Chile and Argentina. This strong market position has allowed the firm to generate excess returns on invested capital above 20%, making it an attractive investment.

    Furthermore, United Breweries��business model is focused on market expansion, and in 2013 the company raised 15% of its market capital (CLP 340 billion) in order to fun acquisitions in Paraguay and Argentina. This latter country has been particularly endorsing the firm�� growth, boosting 2006�� 16% market share to 23% in 2012. This raise is probably due to the CLP 27 billion that the brewer spent on capital expenditures in Argentina. Looking forward, the company is set on expanding its core businesses by targeting the non-alcoholic Argentine market, the Chilean snack and dairy industry, as well as expanding into nearby markets of Peru, Uruguay, Colombia or Ecuador. And although the risk of an overpayment for acquisitions remains, I believe the company�� cost advantage in serving the Southern region of Chile will allow for margins to stay intact.

    Valuation and Risks

    Nevertheless, United Breweries��market dominance in Chile t

  • [By gurujx]

    United Breweries Co Inc (CCU) Reached $20.91

    The prices of United Breweries Co Inc (CCU) shares have declined to $20.91, which is 41.9% off the 3-year high of $34.91.

  • [By fedezaldua]

    After a couple of capital increases and what looks like a weak strategy for its growth in different South American countries, Chile's beer king Compania Cervecerias Unidas (CCU) – most commonly knows as CCU - is selling at a steep discount to its peers. In other words, being down by 23% year to date, I think it might be the time to start thinking of buying CCU's shares.  

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now: Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS(TKC)

Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri A.S. engages in establishing and operating a global system for mobile communications network in Turkey. It provides mobile voice, and Internet services over its mobile communications network; voice services, which include wireless telephone services on a prepaid and postpaid basis; mobile Internet and 3G services; consumer services; Telco services; TV and video services; music services; infotainment services; social community and other services; and mobile financial services The company also offers Turkcell enablers and platforms; corporate (B2B); corporate telco; authentication; location based; mobile marketing; machine-to-machine communications; and international roaming services. In addition, it provides Mobile Signature, a GSM service that enables customers to sign electronic documents and transactions with a legally-accepted digital signature using GSM SIM cards; and Mobile Billboard, which enables brands to reach their targeted customers . As of December 31, 2010, the company had approximately 23.3 million prepaid subscribers and 10.1 million postpaid subscribers. It sells its products and services through its distribution network consists of distributors, Turkcell distribution centers, corporate solution centers, non exclusive dealers, Turkcell communication centers, Turkcell stores, and consumer electronic Chains, as well as points of sale for prepaid airtime, including ATMs, POS, Web, call centers, supermarkets, and kiosks. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS is a subsidiary of Turkcell Holding A.S.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    Telecommunications services shares gained around 0.83 percent in the US market on Monday. Top gainers in the sector included China Telecom Corp. (NYSE: CHA), Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (NYSE: TKC), and China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (NYSE: CHU). In trading on Monday, basic materials shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.75 percent.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Leading and Lagging Sectors
    Telecommunications services shares gained around 0.83 percent in the US market on Monday. Top gainers in the sector included China Telecom Corp. (NYSE: CHA),Turkcell Iletisim Hizmetleri AS (NYSE: TKC), and China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited (NYSE: CHU). In trading on Monday, basic materials shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 0.75 percent.

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now: First Merchants Corporation(FRME)

First Merchants Corporation, a financial holding company, provides financial and banking products and services. Its deposit products include demand deposits, savings deposits, and certificates and other time deposits. The company?s loan products portfolio comprises commercial and industrial loans; agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers; real estate loans, including construction, commercial and farmland, and residential loans; individuals? loans for household and other personal expenditures; tax-exempt loans; lease financing; consumer loans; and other loans. It also rents safe deposit facilities; and provides personal and corporate trust services, brokerage services, and other corporate services, as well as letters of credit and repurchase agreements. The company operates through 79 banking locations in 23 Indiana and 2 Ohio counties, as well as through ATMs, check cards, interactive voice response systems, and Internet technology. In addition, First Merchants Corporation operates as a property, casualty, personal lines, and employee benefit insurance agency; and involves in life reinsurance business. The company was founded in 1893 and is headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Tim Melvin]

    The year ahead should be a great one for the smaller bank stocks. Larger regionals like Huntington Bancorp (HBAN) and Capital Ban Financial (CBF) have made it clear they intend to grow by acquisition in the years ahead. Banks like First Merit (FMER) and First Merchants (FRME) have done deals in the past year and are open to doing more to increase their market share and footprints. This should be the year the floodgates open and we see the first wave of merger activity in small banks.

  • [By Tim Melvin]

    We are starting to see bank merger activity accelerate as banks like Huntington Bancorp (HBAN) and� First Merchants (FRME) looking to expand and growth their asset base in the aftermath of the credit crisis. Banks with below-average capital and returns could quickly become buyout targets.

  • [By Sean Williams]

    For this week's round of "Better Know a Stock," I'm going to take a closer look at First Merchants (NASDAQ: FRME  ) .

    What First Merchants does
    First Merchants is a financial holding company that provides community and commercial banking services primarily throughout Indiana, but also in Ohio. As of the first-quarter, First Merchants had $4.3 billion in total assets with total loans outstanding equaling $2.9 billion.

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now: Sirius XM Radio Inc.(SIRI)

Sirius XM Radio Inc. provides satellite radio services in the United States and Canada. It broadcasts a programming lineup of approximately 135 channels of commercial-free music, sports, news and information, talk and entertainment, traffic, and weather on subscription fee basis through two satellite radio systems in the United States; and holds an interest in the satellite radio services offered in Canada. The company also simulcasts music and selected non-music channels over the Internet; and offers applications to allow consumers to access its Internet services on mobile devices. As of December 31, 2010, it had 20,190,964 subscribers. In addition, the company designs, establishes specifications, sources or specifies parts and components, and manages various aspects of the logistics and production of satellite radios; licenses its technology to various electronics manufacturers to develop, manufacture, and distribute radios under various brands; and imports radios distri buted through its Websites. The company?s satellite radios are primarily distributed through automakers, retailers, and its Websites. Further, it provides music services for commercial establishments; a satellite television service to offer music channels as part of certain programming packages on the DISH Network satellite television service; music and comedy channels to mobile phone users through mobile phone carriers; Backseat TV, a service offering television content designed primarily for children in the backseat of vehicles; Travel Link, a suite of data services that include graphical weather, fuel prices, sports schedules and scores, and movie listings; and real-time traffic and weather services. The company was formerly known as Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. and changed its name to Sirius XM Radio Inc. in August 2008. Sirius XM Radio Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By David Fried]

    Satellite radio giant Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (SIRI) is the world�� largest pay-radio service (a market leader in car radio service), with a market share of about 70% of new cars in the US and 25.6 million subscribers at the end of 2013.

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now: Hitachi Ltd (HTHIF)

Hitachi, Ltd. is a diversified company. Information and Telecommunication System segment offers system integration services and automated teller machines. Electricity System segment offers power generation systems. Social and Industrial System segment offers industrial machinery. Electronic Device and System segment offers liquid crystal displays. Construction segment offers hydraulic shovels and wheel loaders. High Functional Material segment offers electric wires and cables. Automotive System segment offers engine management and in-car information systems. Component and Device segment offers information record media and batteries. Digital Media and Consumer Product segment offers optical disk drives and refrigerators. Financial Service segment offers leasing and loan services. On March 1, 2014, it fully acquired Hitachi Medical Corp. On April 1, 2014, it transferred and integrated its air conditioning systems construction, and elevator and escalator businesses into two subsidiaries. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By MARKETWATCH]

    LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks opened sharply higher Monday, with the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) advancing 1.1% to 14,242.86 after falling 2.8% Friday, as end-of-the-week gains for U.S. shares and some earnings news helped lift the market. The Topix also saw solid gains, up 0.8% in early moves. Major advances included a 2.5% rise for Hitachi Ltd. (JP:6501) (HTHIF) , a 4.1% surge for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (JP:7211) (MMTOF) , and a 2.6% improvement for KDDI Corp. (JP:9433) (KDDIF) after the Nikkei business daily said the telecom will report a 50% increase for operating profit in the fiscal first half compared to a year earlier. Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) added 2% after scoring a Credit Suisse upgrade to outperform. Shares of NTT DoCoMo Inc. (JP:9437) (NTDMF) traded 1.1% higher after posting above-forecast quarterly results Friday, while JFE Holdings Inc. (JP:5411) (JFEEF) fell 3.2% after the steel producer also reported earnings.

10 Best Income Stocks To Buy Right Now: China Xiniya Fashion Limited(XNY)

China Xiniya Fashion Limited engages in the design and manufacture of men?s business casual and business formal apparel and accessories. It offers business casual apparel, including jackets, pants, shirts, T-shirts, sweaters, and overcoats; business formal apparel comprising suits, business pants, and dress shirts; and accessories consisting of ties, bags, belts, and shoes. The company sells its products under the Xiniya brand name to distributors and department store chains in the People?s Republic of China. China Xiniya Fashion Limited was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Jinjiang, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Garrett Cook]

    China Xiniya Fashion Limited (NYSE: XNY) shares tumbled 2.49 percent to $2.35 after the company reported a Q3 loss per ADS of $0.59, versus earnings per ADS of $0.02 in the year-ago quarter.