Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014

On Friday, Madison Square Garden (NASDAQ: MSG  ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions on stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever inevitable surprises arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed knee-jerk reaction to news that turns out to be exactly the wrong move.

As a premier entertainment venue, Madison Square Garden relies on the success of the teams that call it home. On that front, favorable news has boosted the business recently, and the stock has followed suit as investors take notice. Let's take an early look at what's been happening with Madison Square Garden over the past quarter, and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

Stats on Madison Square Garden

Analyst EPS Estimate

Hot Communications Equipment Stocks To Watch Right Now: Pepsico Inc.(PEP)

PepsiCo, Inc. engages in the manufacture, marketing, and sale of foods, snacks, and carbonated and non-carbonated beverages worldwide. The company operates in four divisions: PepsiCo Americas Foods (PAF); PepsiCo Americas Beverages (PAB); PepsiCo Europe; and PepsiCo Asia, Middle East, and Africa (AMEA). The PAF division offers Lay?s and Ruffles potato chips, Doritos and Tostitos tortilla chips and dips, Cheetos cheese flavored snacks, Fritos corn chips, Quaker Chewy granola bars, and SunChips multigrain snacks in North America; Quaker oatmeal, Aunt Jemima mixes and syrups, Cap?n Crunch cereal, Quaker grits, and Life cereal, as well as Rice-A-Roni, Pasta Roni, and Near East side dishes in North America; and various snack foods under Doritos, Marias Gamesa, Cheetos, Ruffles, Emperador, Saladitas, Sabritas, and Lay?s brands in Latin America. The PAB division provides carbonated soft drinks, beverage concentrates, fountain syrups, and finished goods under Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Gatorade, 7UP, Tropicana Pure Premium, Electropura, Sierra Mist, Epura, and Mirinda brands; ready-to-drink tea, coffee, and water products through joint ventures with Unilever and Starbucks; and sells concentrate to authorized bottlers, and branded finished goods directly to independent distributors and retailers. This division also manufactures third-party brands, such as Dr Pepper, Crush, Rock Star, and Muscle Milk. The PepsiCo Europe division offers Frito Lay Snacks, Pepsi-Cola beverages, Gatorade sports drinks, Tropicana juices, and Quaker foods in Europe. The AMEA division provides snack food under the Lay?s, Kurkure, Chipsy, Doritos, Smith?s, Cheetos, Red Rock Deli, and Ruffles brands; Quaker-brand cereals and snacks; and beverage concentrates, fountain syrups, and finished goods under the Pepsi, Mirinda, 7UP, and Mountain Dew brands. PepsiCo, Inc. was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Purchase, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Tom Taulli]

    Pepsi (PEP) stock has provided shareholders with a nice gain of about 22% so far this year. That PEP stock return is far better than the return for rival Coca Cola (KO), which has only gained around 8%.

  • [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

    Pepsi provides convenient and affordable beverage and food items to consumers in a multitude of countries around the world. The company has scored a win over chief rival The Coca-Cola Co., taking the soft drink business at the more than 975 U.S. locations of Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.�The stock has been moving higher in recent years, but is now pulling back. Over the last four quarters, earnings and revenues have been rising, which has left investors optimistic about earnings announcements. Relative to its peers and sector, Pepsi has been a year-to-date performance leader. Look for Pepsi to OUTPERFORM.

  • [By Patricio Kehoe]

    The first on the list is The Coca-Cola Company (KO), in which Citadel disclosed a $267 million stake with over 6.46 million shares. The Coca-Cola Company is the best global brand (in terms of brand equity) and the world麓s largest producer of soft drinks. The company sells products in more than 200 countries and owns or licenses more than 500 brands. It operates in a highly competitive industry with PepsiCo (PEP), Nestle (NSRGY), Groupe Danone (GPDNF), Kraft Foods (KRFT) and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (DPS). Due to this, the firm's strategy is to use its brands and financial strength to achieve long-term growth. Additionally, it has created an extensive and well-organized global distribution system, which cannot be replicated by any of its competitors at least at a reasonable cost. It has a proven commitment to returning cash to investors, with a current dividend yield of 2.94% which is considered quite good to protect investors' purchasing power.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014: Polycom Inc.(PLCM)

Polycom, Inc. provides communications equipment that enables businesses, telecommunications service providers, governmental and educational institutions, and healthcare customers to conduct video, voice, data, and Web communications. The company offers network infrastructure, including conferencing infrastructure, distributed media applications, management applications, recording and streaming security, and remote access for universal video collaboration; unified communications (UC) group systems, which include immersive telepresence, group video, and group voice systems that enable geographically dispersed individuals to communicate; UC personal devices comprising desktop video devices, desktop voice, and wireless local area network products that extend HD voice, video, and content to desktops, home offices, mobile users, and branch sites. It also provides various services, including assessments, implementation services, network consulting services, usage and adoption ser vices, wireless services application integration, and advanced project management services. The company sells its products through a network of channel partners, including distributors, value-added resellers, system integrators, communications services providers, and retailers in North America, Central America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Polycom, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Pleasanton, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Alex Planes]

    What: Shares of Polycom (NASDAQ: PLCM  ) have fallen by 13% today. Yesterday, the company's CEO resigned abruptly, which came amid allegations of some "irregularities" in the former exec's expense reports. That, along with with some disappointing guidance in last afternoon's earnings report, has sent analysts scurrying from the stock.

  • [By Victor Selva]

    On Feb. 3, the billionaire investor George Soros (Trades, Portfolio) bought Polycom Inc. (PLCM) at an average price of $11.72 and currently holds 9,400,708 shares of the stock. This trade makes me feel that he is betting in favor of the communications equipment sub-industry. So let's take a look at this company and try to explain to investors the reasons this is an apparently appealing investment opportunity in an industry that is becoming concentrated and globalized, dominated by large players like Cisco Systems (CSCO) and Qualcomm (QCOM).

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014: Invacare Corporation (IVC)

Invacare Corporation designs, manufactures, and distributes medical equipment and supplies for non-acute care environment, including the home health care, retail, and extended care markets worldwide. The company offers mobility and seating products, including power wheelchairs, custom manual wheelchairs, personal mobility products, and seating and positioning products; lifestyle products, such as manual wheelchairs, personal care products, homecare beds, pressure relieving mattresses, and patient transport products; and respiratory therapy products comprising non-delivery oxygen, stationary oxygen concentrators, and aerosol products and oxygen accessories. It also provides assistance in the collection of outstanding co-pays, rental capabilities, software, and technology to streamline efficiencies, repair services, and replacement parts. In addition, the company distributes medical supplies, including ostomy, incontinence, diabetic, enteral, wound care, and urology products , as well as home medical equipment, including lifestyle products. Further, it manufactures and markets healthcare furnishings comprising beds, case goods, and patient handling equipment for the long-term care markets; specialty clinical recliners for dialysis and oncology clinics; and other home medical equipment and accessory products. Additionally, the company offers home medical equipment for rent. It serves home health care and medical equipment providers, distributors, and government locations through its sales force, telesales associates, and various organizations of independent manufacturers� representatives and distributors. Invacare Corporation was founded in 1885 and is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    Invacare (IVC) designs, manufactures and distributes a line of health care products for the non-acute care environment, including the home health care, retail and extended care markets. This stock closed up 2.3% at $16.73 in Monday's trading session.

    Monday's Volume: 218,000

    Three-Month Average Volume: 143,188

    Volume % Change: 75%

    From a technical perspective, IVC jumped higher here right above some near-term support at $16 with above-average volume. This move briefly pushed shares of IVC into breakout territory, since the stock flirted with some past resistance at $16.81. This move is also close to pushing shares of IVC above the upper-end of its recent sideways trading price action, that has seen IVC trade between $14.92 on the downside and $16.81 on the upside.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in IVC as long as it's trending above its 50-day at $15.75 and then once it sustains a move or close above Monday's high of $16.84 with volume that's near or above 143,188 shares. If we get that move soon, then IVC will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $18.24 to $19.15.

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    In trading on Thursday, healthcare shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 0.16 percent. Top decliners in the sector included Clearfield (NASDAQ: CLFD), down 15.30 percent, and Invacare (NYSE: IVC), off 16.77 percent.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014: O'Reilly Automotive Inc.(ORLY)

O?Reilly Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories in the United States. The company?s stores provide new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, including alternators, starters, fuel pumps, water pumps, brake system components, batteries, belts, hoses, chassis parts, and engine parts; maintenance items comprising oil, antifreeze, fluids, filters, wiper blades, lighting, engine additives, and appearance products; and accessories, such as floor mats, seat covers, and truck accessories. Its stores also offer auto body paint and related materials, automotive tools, and professional service provider service equipment. The company?s stores sell its brand name and private label products for domestic and imported automobiles, vans, and trucks to do-it-yourself customers and professional service providers. As of March 31, 2011, it operated 3,613 stores. The company was foun ded in 1957 and is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eric Volkman]

    O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY  ) is attempting to put some turbo into its stock with an expansion of its existing repurchase program. The company's board has authorized an enlargement of the initiative by $500 million, bringing its total amount to $3.5 billion. The additional half-billion is in force for a period of three years, effective immediately.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Shares of AutoZone have fallen 1.7% to $531.87 at 11:52 a.m., while Advance Auto Part (AAP) has dropped 1.6% to $121.27 and O’Reilly Automotive (ORLY) has declined 0.9% to $147.25. Pep Boys (PBY), however, has bucked the selling–its shares have gained 1.9% to $10.57.

  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    It’s time for investors to downshift their expectations on O’Reilly Automotive (ORLY).

    Bloomberg News

    Heading into last night’s earnings report, O’Reilly had returned 50% this year including reinvested dividends, easily besting peers Autozone (AZO), which had returned 22%, Genuine Parts (GPC), which has returned 26%, and Advance Auto Parts (AAP), which had returned 38%,� thanks in large part to a 25% gain in the last month due to its purchase of General Parts International. Clearly, investors thought O’Reilly had something going for it its competitors did not.

    They were wrong. O’Reilly beat earnings estimates by two penny’s but that included as much as a 9 cent gain thanks to its tax rate, while its same-store sales came in at 4.6%, below consensus of 5.4%. As a result, O’Reilly’s shares have plunged 7% to $124.93 today at 2:42 p.m.

    JPMorgan’s Christopher Horvers and team say investors should have seen this coming:

    Despite AZO and AAP both missing same-store-sales forecasts recently and GPC calling out significant weakness in DIY, the market had seemingly absolved ORLY of any complicity and drove the stock to near a 52-week high into the print. Clearly the company�� performance vs. peers over the past year supported that view but the recent widespread weakness in consumer spending and peer commentary suggested that this time could be different. Also, like our preview on GNC, ORLY drew a ��hort straw��given that they report early in the retail season…

    …the stock level and premium valuation vs. peers (4-7 P/E turns higher than AAP and AZO) suggest that the pressure on the stock is likely to be greater than the 3% miss against Street operating income estimates.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014: Sutor Technology Group Ltd (SUTR)

Sutor Technology Group Limited, incorporated on May 1, 1997, manufacture fine finished steel products. The Company utilizes a range of processes and technological methodologies to converts steel manufactured by third parties into fine finished steel products. The Company's product offerings are focused on finished steel products, specifically hot-dip galvanized steel (HDG steel), and pre-painted galvanized steel, or PPGI. In addition, the Company produces acid pickled steel (AP steel), and cold-rolled steel. The Company's three operating segments are categorized according to the Company's three operating subsidiaries, which include Changshu Huaye, which manufactures and sells HDG steel and PPGI products; Jiangsu Cold-Rolled, which manufactures and sells HDG steel, AP steel and cold-rolled steel, and Ningbo Zhehua, which manufactures and sells welded steel pipe products.

The Company sells its products to customers who operate primarily in the solar energy, appliances, automobile, construction, infrastructure, medical equipment and water resource industries. The Company's primary export markets are Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. The Company's manufacturing facilities, located in Changshu, China, have three HDG steel production lines, one PPGI production line, one AP steel production line and one cold-rolled steel line. The Company's products include HDG steel, PPGI, AP steel, cold-rolled steel and welded steel pipe products. The Company's HDG steel and PPGI products are primarily manufactured by Changshu Huaye and the Company's AP steel and cold-rolled steel products are primarily manufactured by Jiangsu Cold-Rolled.

HDG Steel

The Company manufactures corrosion-resistant and zinc-coated HDG steel in different dimensions and using different materials and specifications by its customers. HDG steel products are manufactured from steel substrate of cold-rolled or hot-rolled pickled coils by applying zinc to the surface of the material to enhance its! corrosion protection. HDG steel products are principally used in the electrical household appliances and construction markets. Sales of HDG steel products amounted to approximately 451,269 MT in fiscal year 2012, representing approximately 63.8% of the Company's total revenue. The Company's HDG steel products are manufactured by Changshu Huaye and Jiangsu Cold-Rolled. Changshu Huaye produces only HDG of cold-rolled steel.

PPGI Products

PPGI products are made to order based on customer specifications. The Company's PPGI products��specification generally ranges from 700mm to 1250mm in width and from 0.2mm to 1.2mm in thickness. The Company's PPGI products are used in solar energy, appliances and construction materials. The Company produces its PPGI by color-coating on HDG of cold-rolled steel and then coating them in various colors according to customer requirements. The Company's PPGI production line is equipped with the twice baking and coating technology, which together with indirect heating, enhances the color coated layers adhesion to the galvanized zinc layer.

AP Steel

Acid pickling is a process that removes scales and oxides from the steel surface by pickling, cold rolling and annealing. AP steel products are used as a raw material for cold-rolled steel strip, HDG steel, as well as components of automobile and manufacturing equipment. AP steel products come in several different dimensions and using different materials and different specifications.

Full-Hard, Cold-rolled Steel Products

Full-hard cold-rolled steel strips are treated in an annealing process and are used to produce HDG of cold-rolled steel. The Company produces full-hard cold-rolled steel strips through a reverse cold rolling mill.

Welded Steel Pipe Products

The Company's subsidiary Ningbo Zhehua has one advanced Joint Center of Excellence (JCOE) production line for large-diameter, double-side, submerged-arc welded steel pipes, t! hree US L! incoln production lines for spiral seam, double-side, submerged-arc welded steel pipes, and two REF production lines for roll-bending, double-side, submerged-arc welded steel pipes. Ningbo Zhehua is specialized in manufacturing large-diameter, double-side, submerged-arc welded steel pipes and spiral seam steel pipes. The finished products are used for oil and gas transmission, municipal water supply projects, sewage treatment projects, and piling.

The Company competes with ArcelorMittal and Posco Steel.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Sutor Technology Group (NASDAQ: SUTR) is projected to report its Q4 earnings at $0.10 per share on revenue of $152.96 million.

    Le Gaga Holdings (NASDAQ: GAGA) is estimated to report its Q4 earnings.

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    To tell the truth, I had almost forgotten about Sutor Technology Group Ltd. (NASDAQ:SUTR) after posting my "right stock, wrong time" speech back on the 9th. While I loved the way SUTR had broken past a horizontal ceiling at $1.83 after several weeks' worth of trying, the bullish move itself was a little overheated and looked like it was setting up a near-term pullback. Only after that dip would the stock be a healthy buy again.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014: Zurich Insurance Group AG (ZURN)

Zurich Insurance Group Limited is a Switzerland-based holding company engaged in the insurance sector. The Company provides a range of general and life insurance products and services for individuals, small business, mid-sized and large-sized companies, and multinational corporations. The Company offers its products and services through three business segments, namely General Insurance, Global life and Farmers. The General Insurance segment offers motor, home and commercial products and services for individuals, as well as small and large business. The Global life segment offers life insurance, savings, investment and pensions solutions. The Farmers segment includes farmers management services, which provides non-claims management services to the farmers exchange, as well as Farmers Re business, which includes reinsurance assumed from the Farmers Exchange by the Company's group. Furthermore, the Company provides reinsurance and insurance business considered as non-core business. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

    Zurich Insurance Group AG (ZURN) lost 3.6 percent after second-quarter profit missed analysts��estimates. Hennes & Mauritz AB (HMB) declined the most in seven weeks as Europe�� second-biggest clothing retailer reported worse-than-expected sales. BG Group Plc, which derives 20 percent of its oil-and-gas production from Egypt, slipped 2.4 percent as the death toll from nationwide violence in the most populous Arab country climbed above 500.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Stocks To Invest In 2014: Organovo Holdings Inc (ONVO)

Organovo Holdings, Inc. (Organovo), formerly Real Estate Restoration & Rental, Inc., incorporated in 2007, is a development-stage company. The Company has developed and is commercializing a platform technology for the generation of three-dimensional (3D) human tissues that can be employed in drug discovery and development, biological research, and as therapeutic implants for the treatment of damaged or degenerating tissues and organs. On December 28, 2011, Real Estate Restoration and Rental, Inc.�� (RERR) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which RERR merged with its, wholly owned subsidiary, Organovo (Merger Sub). On February 8, 2012, the Company merged with and into Organovo Acquisition Corp. (Acquisition Corp.), a wholly owned subsidiary of Organovo, with the Company surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Organovo Holdings (the Merger). As a result of the Merger, Organovo acquired the business of Organovo, Inc.

The Company has collaborative research agreements with Pfizer, Inc. (Pfizer) and United Therapeutic Corporation (Unither). As of March 31, 2012, it has five federal grants, including Small Business Innovation Research grants and developed the NovoGen MMX Bioprinter (its first-generation 3D bioprinter). The Company is engaged in the development of specific 3D human tissues to aid Pfizer in discovery of therapies in two areas of interest. In addition, in October 2011, it entered into a research agreement with Unither to establish and conduct a research program to discover treatments for pulmonary hypertension using its NovoGen MMX Bioprinter technology. Additionally, under the research agreement with Unither, the Company granted Unither an option to acquire from the Company a worldwide, royalty-bearing license in certain intellectual property created under the research agreement solely for use in the treatment or prevention of pulmonary hypertension and all other lung diseases.

The Company�� NovoGen MMX Bioprinter is an automate! d device that enables the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) living tissues comprised of mammalian cells. A custom graphic user interface (GUI) facilitates the 3D design and execution of scripts that direct precision movement of the dispensing heads to deposit cellular building blocks (bio-ink) or supporting hydrogel. The Company is using a third party manufacturer, Invetech Pty., of Melbourne, Australia, to manufacture its NovoGen MMX Bioprinter. Its bioprinting technology and surrounding intellectual property and commercial rights serve as a platform for product generation across multiple markets that employ cell- and tissue-based products and services.

The Company competes with Organogenesis, Advanced BioHealing, Tengion, Genzyme, HumaCyte and Cytograft Tissue Engineering.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Steve Symington]

    To answer that question, remember what our fellow Fool Isaac Pino reminded us a few weeks ago:�high-end production 3-D printers from companies like 3D Systems, Stratasys (NASDAQ: SSYS  ) , and ExOne (NASDAQ: XONE  ) are capable of using dozens of materials to print infinitely more complicated items including shoes, saws, guitar bodies, and other functioning tools with moving parts.�Heck, 3-D bioprinting specialist�Organovo (NYSEMKT: ONVO  ) is currently working feverishly on perfecting the process of designing and creating functional human tissue which -- putting inevitable regulatory hurdles for using the technology aside -- could obviously change the health care world as we know it.

  • [By Dan Caplinger]

    The stock market fought its way back from early losses on Friday, with investors taking heart from positive economic data, even as they prepared for the beginning of a new earnings season in the next couple of weeks. At least for now, it appears that policy makers will do their utmost to prevent any huge disruption in the stock market, and that boded well for shareholders today. In particular, shares of Universal Display (NASDAQ: OLED  ) , Taseko Mines (NYSEMKT: TGB  ) , and Organovo Holdings (NYSEMKT: ONVO  ) were among the best performers of the day, with their excitement helping to carry the whole market higher.

  • [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

    Organovo Holdings (NYSE: ONVO) was also up, gaining 2.54 percent to $9.28. The rise in the shares may be attributed to Thursday's Computerworld Article on 3D printed liver coming in 2014.

  • [By James E. Brumley]

    It's certainly not the way I would have likes for things to shake out with Organovo Holdings Inc. (NYSEMKT:ONVO), but I'm not going to complain - it's pointed in the right direction. More important, for anybody who's been wanting into an ONVO trade but wasn't sure where the right entry spot was, today's move is it, with just one little caveat.

Top Railroad Companies To Own In Right Now

Someone who reads my articles sent me this question:

Geoff,

I think most of your readers understand that every business is unique and therefore requires varying valuation techniques. However, I think that we could benefit from some advice from you on how to recognize what techniques are appropriate for which general type of business��For example, net-nets are easy ��in its most simplified form you could ask yourself, ��re the current assets (or some discounted version of them) greater than the total liabilities?��If the answer is yes, you know this is a net-net and should be valued as such.

But what questions would you ask to realize that a certain company is best valued on a price/book value? Maybe something like, ��oes the company have a strong intangible brands?��would clue you in that book value is not the right way to look at it? Or, ��oes the current book value represent reality?��might help you with asset-heavy companies like railroads where P/B might be misleading? Or why would you decide that book value is the most appropriate metric?

Top 10 Dividend Stocks To Own Right Now: Sonde Resources Corp (SOQ)

Sonde Resources Corp. (Sonde) is engaged in the exploration for, and acquisition, development and production of, petroleum and natural gas with operations in Western Canada and North Africa. On June 23, 2011, the Company sold its interests in Block 5(c) and the assumption of certain liabilities in respect of the MG Block through the Niko Sale Agreement. On September 23, 2011, the Company acquired a block of producing and non-producing assets in Drumheller from a third party, which includes the bulk of producing interests in the Mannville I oil pool. On January 1, 2012, the Company amalgamated Seeker Petroleum Ltd., Challenger Energy Corp. and Sonde Resources Trinidad and Tobago Ltd. into Sonde Resources Corp. On February 8, 2012, the Company completed the sale of 26,240 gross undeveloped acres (24,383 net acres) in its Kaybob Duvernay play in Alberta. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Udovich]

    While Bakken formation oil and gas stocks have grabbed the attention of�American investors, small cap Alberta or Saskatchewan oil and gas stocks Advantage Oil & Gas Ltd (NYSE: AAV), Sonde Resources Corp (NYSEMKT: SOQ) and up and coming Centor Energy Inc (OTCBB: CNTO) have been largely overlooked as they seek to exploit oil and gas (including oil sands) in the resource rich Canadian provinces of Alberta or Saskatchewan or seek strategic alternatives for their assets in these areas or themselves. It should be mentioned that Canada�� oil reserves are third only to Venezuela and Saudi Arabia with over 95% of these reserves being the oil sands of Alberta plus that province contains much of the country�� conventional oil reserves as well. In addition, the province of Saskatchewan along with offshore areas of Newfoundland contain substantial production and reserves. Excluding oil sands, Alberta would have 39% of Canada�� remaining conventional oil reserves,�followed by�offshore Newfoundland with�28% and Saskatchewan with 27%.

Top Railroad Companies To Own In Right Now: Central Securities Corp (CET)

Central Securities Corporation is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Company�� primary investment objective is growth of capital. Central Securities Corporation invests primarily in common stocks, but it may invest in bonds, convertible bonds, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, warrants, options real estate, or short-term obligations of governments, banks and corporations.

The Company, from time to time, invests in securities, the resale of which is restricted. Central Securities Corporation invests in various sectors, including insurance, Semiconductor, Technology Hardware and Equipment, Diversified Industrial, Energy, Software and Services, Banking and Finance and other.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Joe Eqcome]

    Actionable Items:

    Highest Positive Spread: ING Emerging Markets High Dividend Equity Fund (IHD)Focus Stock: Central Securities Corporation (CET)Last Week's Focus Stock: Central Securities Corporation

    Junk Bonds Debacle: The $85 billion monthly bond-purchase program has produced a selloff for "junk" bonds. The U.S. Treasurys jumped 0.18% to 4.39% on Wednesday. The benchmark 10-Year Treasury note has risen 0.5% in the past month.

Top Railroad Companies To Own In Right Now: Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(AEGR)

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a development stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and commercialization of novel therapeutics to treat debilitating and fatal rare diseases. The company focuses on therapeutics to treat severe inherited lipid disorders. Lipids are naturally occurring molecules, such as cholesterol and triglycerides that are transported in the blood. Its lead product, lomitapide has completed pivotal Phase III clinical trial to treat patients with a rare inherited lipid disorder called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or HoFH. The company also plans to develop lomitapide for the treatment of adult patients with a severe genetic form of hypertriglyceridemia called familial chylomicronemia. Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

    Aegerion PharmaceuticalsInc. (Nasdaq: AEGR) developed a drug, Juxtapid, for a rare genetic condition called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, or HoFH, that can raise a person's cholesterol levels to more than 1,000 mg/dL. A healthful level is considered to be less than 200 mg/dL. The disease largely affects kids, who can die of heart attack by age 2. Most are dead by age 11. When Juxtapid hit the market, it was the only therapy available. ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ISIS) would soon join in the competition with its less expensive injectable drug, Kynamro, but Juxtapid had fewer side effects and could be administered orally.

  • [By Garrett Cook]

    Wednesday morning, the healthcare sector proved to be a source of strength for the market. Leading the sector was strength from ZELTIQ Aesthetics (NASDAQ: ZLTQ) and Aegerion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AEGR).

Top Railroad Companies To Own In Right Now: Primco Management Inc (PMCM)

Primco Management Inc., incorporated on October 14, 2010, is a development-stage company. The Company focuses on offering estate management services for its clients and retention on a range of properties including class A office space, industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing facilities as well as data centers and retail outlets for real estate users. In addition, it also focuses on offering consulting services, including site selection, feasibility studies, exit strategies, market forecasts, strategic planning, and research services. In February 2013, the Company announced that ESMG, Inc. took controlling interest in the Company through the acquisition of more than 80% interest of the Company. In February 2013, it purchased the music catalog of D&B Music. In May 2013, the Company acquired Top Sail Productions.

As of December 31, 2010, the Company did not have any operations. During the year ended December 31, 2010, it did not generate any revenues.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    The marijuana field keeps sprouting small cap marijuana stocks like Primco Management Inc (OTCBB: PMCM), Medifirst Solutions Inc (OTCMKTS: MFST) and Modern Mobility Aids, Inc (OTCMKTS: MDRM) which are all trying to seek a high by playing up their connections (no matter how tenuous�� to what many consider to be the next high flying sector. But are these small cap marijuana stocks just blowing smoke at investors? Here is a quick reality check:

Hot Quality Companies To Watch For 2014

  GM's original whistleblower speaks out NEW YORK (CNNMoney) A corporate culture that stopped acknowledging problems is why General Motors is in its current predicament, according to a former quality manager for the automaker.

In an exclusive interview that aired Saturday on CNN's "Smerconish," former GM manager Bill McAleer told host Michael Smerconish that employees who work at GM were "faced with a culture where you get fired if you do talk about quality and safety issues, and you get fired if you don't talk about them."

GM (GM) is dealing with a backlash for delaying the recall of 2.6 million vehicles for an ignition switch defect that's been tied to at least 13 deaths. Some GM employees knew the part was causing trouble more than a decade before the recall was issued in February.

Top Electric Utility Stocks To Own For 2015: Baytex Energy Corp (BTE)

Baytex Energy Corp. (Baytex), incorporated on October 22, 2010, through its subsidiaries, are engaged in the business of acquiring, developing, exploiting and holding interests in petroleum and natural gas properties and related assets in Canada (in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan) and in the United States (in the states of North Dakota and Wyoming). The Company acts as the financing vehicle for its subsidiaries by providing access to debt and equity capital markets. As of December 31, 2011, its primary assets are Baytex Energy Ltd. (Baytex Energy), which it owns. On February 3, 2011, the Company acquired heavy oil assets located in the Reno area of northern Alberta and the Lloydminster area of western Saskatchewan. On August 9, 2011, the Company acquired natural gas assets located in the Brewster area of west central Alberta. During the year ended December 31, 2011, it completed two dispositions of undeveloped lands; in the Kaybob South area of west central Alberta, it sold six sections of leasehold, including five sections with Duvernay rights, and in the Dodsland area in southwest Saskatchewan, it sold 32,600 net acres of leasehold in the halo of the field.

During 2011, the Company�� production averaged 50,132 barrel of oil equivalent per day, from its properties in Canada. During 2011, production averaged 50,132 barrel of oil equivalent per day. During 2011, light oil and natural gas liquid (NGL) production was 6,769 barrels per day. During 2011, heavy oil production was 35,252 barrels per day. During 2011, natural gas production was 48.7 million cubic feet per day. Its crude oil and natural gas operations are organized into three business units: Alberta/B.C., Saskatchewan and United States. Each business unit has a portfolio of mineral leases, operated and non-operated properties and development prospects. These plays include the Bakken/Three Forks in the Williston Basin of North Dakota and southeast Saskatchewan and the Viking in southwestern Saskatche! wan and eastern Alberta.

Saskatchewan Business Unit

As of December 31, 2011, the Saskatchewan Business Unit accounted for more than 38% of production. The Saskatchewan Business Unit's heavy oil operations include cold primary and thermal (steam-assisted gravity drainage) production. Production is generated from vertical, slant and horizontal wells using progressive cavity pumps capable of handling heavy oil combined with gas, water and sand. Once produced, the oil is delivered to markets in both Canada and the United States on pipelines, tanker trucks or railways. Heavy crude is blended with light-hydrocarbon diluents (such as condensate) prior to being introduced into a sales pipeline. The blended crude oil is then sold by Baytex. During 2011, production in the Saskatchewan Business Unit averaged approximately 20,958 barrels of oil equivalent per day, which was comprised of 19,828 barrels per day of heavy oil, 154 barrels per day of light oil and 5,860 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex drilled 93 (87.9 net) wells in the Saskatchewan Business Unit resulting in 84 (78.9 net) oil wells, four stratigraphic test wells, four service wells, and one dry and abandoned well.

The Company�� Ardmore, Alberta is developed in the Sparky, McLaren and Colony formations. During 2011, average production was approximately 652 barrels per day of heavy oil and 158 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, one well was drilled. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 34,000 net undeveloped acres in this area. Its Carruthers property consists of separate North and South oil pools in the Cummings formation. During 2011, 13 wells were drilled. During 2011, average production was approximately 2,444 barrels per day of heavy oil and 489 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 10,600 net undeveloped acres in this area. During 2011, the Company�� Celtic, Saskatchewan producing property produced averaged 3,013 ! barrels p! er day of heavy oil and 538 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex drilled seven oil wells in the area. The Company�� Cold Lake, Alberta is a heavy oil property. Production is from the Colony, Upper McLaren, Rex and Sparky formations. During 2011, average oil production was approximately 270 barrels per day. During 2011, Baytex had 11,300 net undeveloped acres in this area.

During 2011, in Kerrobert SAGD project, the Company placed two new well pairs on production. During 2011, average production from the Kerrobert area was approximately 3,350 barrels per day of heavy oil, 154 barrels per day of light oil, and 1,999 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex drilled five oil wells and eight service wells in this area. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 38,600 net undeveloped acres in this area. Lindbergh is a non-operated heavy oil property. Baytex has a 21.25% working interest in this property. During 2011, average production in this area was approximately 673 barrels per day of heavy oil and 71 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, four wells were drilled in this area. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 800 net undeveloped acres in this area. During 2011, its Marsden/Epping/Macklin/Silverdale, Saskatchewan produced approximately 2,102 barrels per day of oil and 290 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, nine oil wells were drilled in this area. Its Tangleflags is characterized by multiple-zone reservoirs with production from the Colony, McLaren, Waseca, Sparky, General Petroleum and Lloydminster formations. During 2011, Baytex drilled 11 horizontal oil wells in the Lloydminster formation. During 2011, average production was approximately 1,763 barrels per day of heavy oil and 543 thousand cubic feet per day of natural gas.

Alberta/B.C. Business Unit

The Alberta/B.C. Business Unit possesses a range of light oil, heavy oil and natural gas properties. During 2011, the Alberta/B.C.! Business! Unit produced light and heavy gravity crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids from fields in Alberta and British Columbia and accounted for approximately 58% of production. During 2011, production from this business unit averaged 27,833 barrel of oil equivalent per day, which was comprised of 15,425 barrels per day of heavy oil, 5,282 barrels per day of light oil and NGL and 42.8 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, the Alberta/B.C. Business Unit participated in the drilling of 71 wells resulting in 61 oil wells, one natural gas well, seven stratigraphic test wells, one service well and one dry and abandoned well. As of December 31, 2011, its net undeveloped lands in this business unit totaled approximately 474,000 acres. During 2011, production from Bon Accord area was averaged approximately 905 barrels per day of light oil and 1,742 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Natural gas is processed at two Baytex-operated plants and oil is treated at three Baytex-operated batteries. During 2011, in this area, Baytex drilled 11 horizontal Viking oil wells. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 18,300 net undeveloped acres in this area.

The Company�� Darwin/Nina/Goodfish/Lafond, Alberta produces natural gas from the Bluesky formation. During 2011, production averaged approximately 3,746 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex had 27,300 net undeveloped acres in this area. During 2011, the Company�� Leahurst, Alberta produced averaged approximately 2,633 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 13 barrels per day of NGL from this multi-zone, year-round access area. Natural gas production from the Edmonton, Belly River, Viking and Mannville formations is processed. Baytex holds a total of 263 net sections of oil sands leases in the Peace River oil sands area, which includes the legacy Seal area and the Reno area. During 2011, production from the Peace River area was 15,425 barrels per day, which was comprised of 13,746 barr! els per d! ay from Seal and 1,679 barrels per day from Reno. During 2011, Baytex drilled 25 cold horizontal production wells and seven stratigraphic test wells at Seal and two cold horizontal production wells at Reno. The Peace River area includes 152,500 net undeveloped acres, including 57,000 net undeveloped acres at Seal and 95,500 net undeveloped acres at Reno.

During 2011, the Company�� Pembina production averaged 2,633 barrels per day of light oil and NGL and 22,428 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. During 2011, Baytex participated in drilling 19 wells in this area, resulting in 17 oil wells, one natural gas well, and one dry and abandoned well. During 2011, Pembina area drilling included five operated and 12 non-operated Cardium horizontal wells and completed with multi-stage fracture stimulations. During 2011, the Company�� production from Red Earth area averaged approximately 42 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 522 barrels per day of light oil and NGL. During 2011, the Company�� Richdale/Sedalia property�� production averaged approximately 3,845 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and eight barrels per day of NGL. During 2011, the Company�� production from Stoddart area averaged approximately 4,498 million cubic feet per day of natural gas and 713 barrels per day of oil and NGL. During 2011, production from Turin was averaged approximately 345 barrels per day of oil and NGL and 856 million cubic feet per day of natural gas. Production is from the Second White Specks, Milk River, Bow Island, Mannville, Sawtooth and Livingstone formations.

United States Business Unit

During 2011, the Company focused its activities on the light oil resource play located in the Divide and Williams Counties of North Dakota. Production is from horizontal wells using multi-stage hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken and Three Forks formations. As of December 31, 2011, Baytex owned approximately 61,000 (24,800 net) developed acres. During 2011, Baytex parti! cipated i! n the drilling of 34 Bakken/Three Forks oil wells. During 2011, net production from the United States properties averaged 1,341 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Stephan Dube]

    Peace River's most notable producers:

    PennWest Exploration (PWE), see article here.Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A), see article here.Baytex (BTE), see article here.Strata Oil and Gas (SOIGF.PK), see article here.Petrobank Energy & Resources (PBEGF.PK), see article here.

    Cold Lake's most notable producers:

  • [By Rich Duprey]

    Canadian oil and gas producer�Baytex Energy (NYSE: BTE  ) announced yesterday its monthly dividend payment for June of $0.22 Canadian per share, the same monthly rate it's paid since 2011.�The U.S. dollar equivalent is approximately $0.2162 per share, assuming a foreign exchange rate of $0.9826 USD-CAD.

Hot Quality Companies To Watch For 2014: Lincoln Educational Services Corporation(LINC)

Lincoln Educational Services Corporation provides post-secondary education services in the United States. The company offers degree and diploma programs for recent high school graduates and working adults in the areas of studies, such as health science, automotive technology, skilled trades, business and information technology, and hospitality services. As of December 31, 2011, it had 19,204 enrolled students. The company operates 46 schools in 17 states under Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Lincoln College of New England, Nashville Auto-Diesel College, and Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences brand names, as well as offers online programs. Lincoln Educational Services Corporation was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in West Orange, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Jon C. Ogg]

    Teradyne will replace Scholastic Corp. (NASDAQ: SCHL) in the S&P MidCap 400, and Scholastic will replace Lincoln Education Services Corp. (NASDAQ: LINC) in the S&P SmallCap 600. Lincoln Education Services currently ranks 600th in the S&P SmallCap 600 and is no longer representative of the small cap market space.

Hot Quality Companies To Watch For 2014: Applied Materials Inc.(AMAT)

Applied Materials, Inc. provides manufacturing equipment, services, and software to the semiconductor, flat panel display, solar photovoltaic (PV), and related industries worldwide. The company?s Silicon Systems Group segment offers a range of manufacturing equipment used to fabricate semiconductor chips or integrated circuits. This segment provides systems that perform primary processes used in chip fabrication, including atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, electrochemical deposition, rapid thermal processing, chemical mechanical planarization, wet cleaning, and wafer metrology and inspection, as well as systems that etch or inspect circuit patterns on masks used in the photolithography process. Its Applied Global Services segment offers products and services designed to enhance the performance and productivity, and reduce the environmental impact of the fab operations of semiconductor, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and solar P V manufacturers. The company?s Display segment provides products for manufacturing thin film transistor LCDs for televisions, personal computers (PCs), tablet PCs, smartphones, and other consumer-oriented electronic applications. Its Energy and Environmental Solutions segment offers manufacturing systems for the generation and conservation of energy, as well as manufacturing solutions for wafer-based crystalline silicon applications. This segment also provides roll-to-roll vacuum Web coating systems for deposition of a range of films on flexible substrates for functional, aesthetic, or optical properties; and roll-to-roll machine for depositing ultra-thin aluminum films for flexible packaging applications. The company serves manufacturers of semiconductor wafers and chips, flat panel LCDs, solar PV cells and modules, and other electronic devices. Applied Materials, Inc. was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Steven Russolillo]

    Applied Materials(AMAT) reported it swung to a second-quarter profit of $262 million, or 21 cents a share, from a loss of $129 million, or 11 cents a share, a year ago. On an adjusted basis, AMAT earned 28 cents a share. AMAT shares gained 3.3% in extended trading.

  • [By Nathalie Tadena]

    Applied Materials Inc.(AMAT) swung to fiscal fourth-quarter profit on double-digit revenue growth and stronger margins. The company, which supplies costly machines that help turn silicon wafers into computer chips, also gave a mostly cautious outlook for the current quarter.

  • [By Sue Chang and Saumya Vaishampayan]

    ��e recommend exposure to semiconductor capital equipment stocks as we believe the semiconductor manufacturing industry is transitioning through significant inflection points in technology over the next two to three years,��said Harlan Sur at J.P. Morgan said in a report. However, Sur initiated Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) �at neutral, noting that its valuation suggests limited upside potential. Lam gained 0.9% and Applied Materials rose 0.6%.

  • [By Stephen Simpson, CFA]

    Ultratech isn't the only game in town, though, and there are multiple technologies and process steps that are going to play significant roles in the production of FinFETs and 3D circuits. With that, I would take a look at Mattson Technologies (MTSN), as this company has already accomplished the not-so-easy task of gaining meaningful share in the dry strip, rapid thermal processing (RTP), and etch markets despite competing with giants like Lam Research (LRCX), Applied Materials (AMAT), and Tokyo Electron (TOELY.PK).

Hot Quality Companies To Watch For 2014: iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ)

iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in the aggregate in the Japanese market, as measured by the MSCI Japan Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Japanese equity market. The Index is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. Component companies are adjusted for available float and must meet objective criteria for inclusion in the Index. The Index is reviewed quarterly.

The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities included in the Index that collectively has an investment profile similar to the Index. iShares MSCI Japan Index Fund's investment advisor is Barclays Global Fund Advisors.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Mark Hulbert]

    The ETFs linked to these respective regions that Mr. Nadig�� firm favors are the iShares MSCI Japan fund (EWJ) �, with a 0.53% expense ratio; the iShares MSCI EMU Index fund (EZJ) �, also with a 0.53% expense ratio; and the iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets fund (IEMG) �, with a 0.18% expense ratio.

  • [By Charles Sizemore]

    After closing at a recent high of 16,291 on Dec. 30, the Nikkei was down by about 14% through yesterday�� close. The iShares MSCI Japan ETF (EWJ), the most popular Japan ETF, is down a more modest 9%, due in part to currency effects (the yen tends to rally during ��isk off��market conditions).

  • [By Richard Shaw]

    Securities Mentioned: S&P 500 (SPY), Europe (VGK), Japan (EWJ), China (GXC).

    Disclosure: QVM has positions in SPY and VGK as of the creation date of this article (July 11, 2013). We certify that except as cited herein, this is our work product. We received no compensation or other inducement from any party to produce this article, and are not compensated by Seeking Alpha in any way relating to this article.

  • [By Philip Springer, President, Retirement Wealth Management, Inc.]

    The first of two ETF alternatives here is iShares MSCI Japan (EWJ). It provides broad exposure, with 300 stocks and a tilt toward large export-oriented and financial companies.

Hot Quality Companies To Watch For 2014: Decision Diagnostics Corp (DECN)

Decision Diagnostics Corp., formerly instaCare Corp., incorporated on March 2, 2001, is a prescription and non-prescription diagnostics and home testing products distributor. The Company distributes brand name prescription and non-prescription diagnostics products, as well as several lines of ostomy, wound cares and post-surgery medical products. The Company through its subsidiaries, PDA Services, Inc. and Decision IT Corp. offers information technology solutions in several medical cares market channels by providing physicians with information at the point of care. The Company's retail prescription business maintains three operating units, which include Licensed wholesale prescription drug distribution business; Licensed distribution of diabetes diagnostics and supplies; and Internet pharmacy/prescription fulfillment.

The Company's software is designed to integrate point of service applications. The Company is also a developer of products that offer solutions in medical care and management by providing physicians with essential information instantaneously as they meet with their patients. In addition, the Company markets its MD@Hand and MD @Work software application, which also leverages the connectivity of smart cell phones devices through the Internet. The Company's applications run on smart phones manufactured by Apple, Palm, Motorola and Samsung.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    Over the past few weeks, Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:LXRX) and Decision Diagnostics Corp. (OTCBB:DECN) have dominated the diabetes diagnostics and diabetes treatment landscape. Shares of LXRX jumped 20% on Tuesday following news that one of the key drugs in its pipeline showed more than enough efficacy in its clinical trials. DECN shares are up more than 250% on the heels of an almost-assured victory in its patent lawsuit against industry giant Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Anyone looking for a new trade in the diabetes diagnostics space, however, may want to look past overbought Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and Decision Diagnostics at this point, and instead turn their attention to newly-budding Neurometrix Inc. (NASDAQ:NURO).

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now

Related MCIG How Would a Hypothetical Marijuana ETF Do This Year? 5 Ways To Play The Hottest Trend In Cannabis

Last week, Benzinga sat down with Alan Brochstein of the 420 Investor newsletter. He has been one of the first analysts to cover the sector in-depth and offered his valuable outlook on the budding industry.

Brochstein will not be out there shorting Anheuser Busch Inbev (NYSE: BUD) and the beverage companies, or anticipating the country turning into a ��unch of stoners.��/p>

5 Best Diversified Bank Stocks To Own Right Now: Craft Brew Alliance Inc (BREW)

Craft Brew Alliance, Inc., incorporated on May 4, 1981, is an independent craft brewer. The Company is engaged in brewing, marketing and selling of craft beers in the United States. The Company operates two segments: Beer related operations and Pubs and Other. Beer related operations include the brewing and sale of craft beers from its five breweries. Pubs and Other operations primarily include its five pubs, four, of which are located adjacent to its breweries. The Company brews its Widmer Brothers, Redhook and Kona beers in each of its three mainland production breweries, including New Hampshire Brewery, Oregon Brewery and Washington Brewery. The Company also owns and operates a small manual style brewery, primarily used for small batch production at the Rose Quarter in Portland, Oregon. The Company�� beer portfolio is consisted of the Widmer Brothers, Redhook and Kona brand families. On May 2, 2011, the Company sold 42% interest in Fulton Street Brewery, LLC.

The Company�� Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen is a golden, cloudy wheat beer with a pronounced citrus aroma and flavor. This beer is usually served with a lemon slice. Its Drifter Pale Ale is brewed with generous amounts of summit hops. It also includes Drop Top Amber Ale and Rotator India Pale Ale. Initial beers in the series 924 series include the Nelson Imperial IPA and the Pitch Black IPA, which is a Pacific Northwest twist on a traditional IPA, brewed in the style of a Cascadian Dark. Beers in this brand are offered as a draft product and as a four pack for bottles. Widmer Brothers beers include Brothers��Reserve and Alchemy Project. Widmer Brothers seasonal beers are Citra Blonde, Okto, Brrr and W series.

The Redhook family of beers is consisted of sessionable (lower alcohol by volume) and approachable beers. Its Long Hammer IPA is the beer within the brand family and is English pub-style bitter ale with a bold hop aroma and profile that is not overpoweringly bitter. Its

Redhook Pilsner is a crisp, easy-! drinking, golden lager that is modeled after beers originally brewed in Plzen, Czechoslovakia. Redhook ESB is rich, full-bodied amber ale with a smooth flavor profile featuring toasted malts and a pleasant finishing sweetness. Its Copperhook Ale is copper-colored ale with caramel notes and a clean refreshing finish. The Company�� Blueline Series brand is offering from the Redhook brand family for the West Coast beer drinker. These beers are hand crafted by the brewers and are available at its Washington Brewery pub, as well as at select restaurants, bottle shops and public houses in the Seattle, Washington area. Its Brewery Backyard Series is produced at its New Hampshire brewery as a draft product available at the brewery�� pub and at select local establishments. Redhook seasonal beers include Nut Brown Ale, Winterhook Winter Ale and Wit.

The Company�� Kona Beers brand family is consisted of beers that deliver the essence of the Hawaiian Islands that is Always Aloha. The Company�� Longboard Island Lager is a traditionally brewed lager with a delicate, slightly spicy hop aroma that is complimented by a fresh, malt-forward flavor and a smooth, refreshing finish. Its Fire Rock Pale Ale is a crisp, Hawaiian Style pale ale with pronounced citrus and floral hop aromas and flavors that are backed up by a generous malt profile.

Kona seasonal beers include Koko Brown Ale, American brown ale with a deep amber color and rich mahogany hues. This ale has a smoky, roasted nut aroma and flavor, with a coconut twist. Koko Brown Ale is Kona�� spring seasonal. Its Pipeline Porter is smooth and dark, with a roasty aroma and earthy flavor. This ale is brewed with fresh 100% Kona coffee. Its Wailua Wheat is golden, sun-colored ale with a bright, citrusy flavor. This beer is brewed with a touch of tropical passion fruit to impart a slightly tart and crisp finish. Kona offers two variety packs: Island Hopper variety 12-packs and Big Kahuna variety 24-packs. Both packages include the brewe! ry�� Lo! ngboard Island Lager along with Fire Rock Pale Ale and then two of its Aloha series seasonal offerings: Koko Brown, Wailua Wheat and Pipeline Porter.

The Company competes with Heineken, Corona Extra and Guinness.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Louis Navellier]

    The fantastic performance and growth of this company was noted by Portfolio Grader back in August and the stock was upgraded to an A. Shares of SAM stock remain a “strong buy” at the current price. When it comes to beer stocks to buy now, this is one of the most tempting.

    Best Booze Stocks to Buy Now -�Craft Brew Alliance (BREW)

    Craft Brew Alliance (BREW) makes craft beers under three very popular brands for beer aficionados. The Widmar Brothers, Redhook and Kona brands of beer have all received rave reviews … and that’s just one reason BREW is one of the best beer stocks to buy now.

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now: Drinks Americas Holdings Ltd (DKAM)

Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd., incorporated in February 14, 2005, develops, produces, markets and/or distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for sale primarily in the continental United States. Through its majority-owned subsidiaries, Drinks imports, distributes and markets premium wine and spirits and alcoholic beverages to beverage wholesalers throughout the United States and internationally. The alcoholic products distributed by the Company are KAH Tequila, Old Whiskey River Bourbon (R), Rheingold Beer, Damiana, a Mexican liqueur, Mexicali Beer, Agave 99, Chili Devil Beer, Crazy PigAle and Red Pig Ale. In June, 2011 the Company acquired the rights to distribute and market existing brands and products from Fabrica De Tequilas Finos S.A. de C.V. (Finos) and Cervecera Mexicana, S. de R.L. de C.V. (Cerveceria). In June 2011, the Company acquired the rights to distribute and market existing brands and products through a licensing agreement with Worldwide Beverage Imports, LLC, (WBI). On November 2, 2011, the Company acquired worldwide licensing and distribution rights on both the spirits and beer products owned or licensed by WBI. In June 2013, the Company announced the development of Drinks Americas Consumer Beverage Consulting Division.

The Company owns, distributes or licenses or collects royalties from a number of Spirits Brands to include Old Whiskey River Bourbon, Damiana Liqueur and Rheingold Beer. The Company owns 25% interest in Old Whiskey River Distilling Company, LLC which owns or licenses the related trademarks and trade names associated with the Old Whiskey River products.

The Company compets with Diageo, Allied Domecq, Pernod Ricard, Brown-Forman and Bacardi & Company, Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Peter Graham]

    Last Friday, small cap stocks MedCAREERS Group Inc (OTCMKTS: MCGI), USmart Mobile Device Inc (OTCMKTS: UMDI) and Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd (OTCMKTS: DKAM) were all over the place with the first two sinking 54% and 48.05%, respectively, while the last one rose 10.81%. It should be mentioned that all three small cap stocks have been the subject of paid promotions albeit none of these stocks have been over promoted. So where can investors and traders expect these stocks to head this week? Here is a quick look at what you might expect:

  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    Even though you're reading this now, odds are that three weeks ago you'd never even heard of Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DKAM). And, like so many other young, nano-cap stocks, it would be easy to assume the current strength being exhibited by DKAM is nothing but a short-term phenomenon, meaning there's no particular reason to jump on the stock now. If there was ever a reason to jump onto a micro cap name for a quick trade though, this may be it.

  • [By Bryan Murphy]

    Say whatever you want about Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd. (OTCMKTS:DKAM), but one thing is undeniable... this company is producing a lot of revenue despite being a very small company. More specifically, the DKAM market cap is abnormally low relative to the sales figures the company is putting up.

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now: Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc (DPS)

Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS), incorporated on October 24, 2007, is an integrated brand owner, manufacturer and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a diverse portfolio of flavored (non-cola) carbonated soft drinks (CSDs) and non-carbonated beverages (NCBs), including ready-to-drink teas, juices, juice drinks and mixers. The Company operates in three segments: Beverage Concentrates, Packaged Beverages and Latin America Beverages. The Company primarily serves two groups of customers: bottlers and distributors and retailers. As of December 31, 2011, it operated 20 manufacturing facilities across the United States and Mexico, excluding its manufacturing facility for its joint venture with Acqua Minerale San Benedetto. Effective March 1, 2013, it acquired Dr. Pepper/7-UP Bottling Co of the West, a producer and wholesaler of bottled soft drinks.

Beverage Concentrates

The Company�� Beverage Concentrates segment is principally a brand ownership business. In this segment the Company manufactures and sells beverage concentrates in the United States and Canada. Most of the brands in this segment are CSD brands. Its brand portfolio includes CSD brands, such as Dr Pepper, Sunkist soda, 7UP, A&W, Canada Dry, Crush, Squirt, Penafiel and Schweppes. Beverage concentrates are shipped to third party bottlers, as well as to its own manufacturing systems, who combine them with carbonation, water, sweeteners and other ingredients, package it in PET containers, glass bottles and aluminum cans, and sell it as a finished beverage to retailers. Beverage concentrates are also manufactured into syrup, which is shipped to fountain customers, such as fast food restaurants, who mix the syrup with water and carbonation to create a finished beverage at the point of sale to consumers. Its Beverage Concentrates brands are sold by its bottlers, including its own Packaged Beverages segment, through all retail channels, including supermarkets, fountains, mas! s merchandisers, club stores, vending machines, convenience stores, gas stations, small groceries, drug chains and dollar stores.

Packaged Beverages

The Company�� Packaged Beverages segment is principally a brand ownership, manufacturing and distribution business. In this segment, it primarily manufacture and distribute packaged beverages and other products, including its brands, third party owned brands and certain private label beverages, in the United States and Canada. Key NCB brands in this segment include Hawaiian Punch, Snapple, Mott's, Yoo-Hoo, Clamato, Deja Blue, AriZona, FIJI, Mistic, Nantucket Nectars, ReaLemon, Mr and Mrs T, Rose's and Country Time. Key CSD brands in this segment include 7UP, Dr Pepper, A&W, Sunkist soda, Canada Dry, Squirt, RC Cola, Big Red, Sun Drop, Diet Rite, IBC and Vernors. Approximately 87% of its 2011 Packaged Beverages net sales of branded products come from its own brands, with the remaining from the distribution of third party brands, such as Big Red, AriZona tea, FIJI mineral water, Neuro beverages, Vita Coco coconut water and Hydrive energy drinks. A portion of its sales also comes from bottling beverages and other products for private label owners or others, which is also referred to as contract manufacturing. Its Packaged Beverages��products are manufactured in multiple facilities across the United States and are sold or distributed to retailers and their warehouses by itsown distribution network or by third party distributors. The Company sells its Packaged Beverages��products both through its Direct Store Delivery system (DSD), supported by a fleet of approximately 6,000 vehicles and 12,000 employees, including sales representatives, merchandisers, drivers and warehouse workers, as well as through its Warehouse Direct delivery system (WD), both of which include the sales to retail channels, including supermarkets, fountain channel, mass merchandisers, club stores, vending machines, convenience stores, gas stations, small groce! ries, dru! g chains and dollar stores.

Latin America Beverages

The Company�� Latin America Beverages segment is a brand ownership, manufacturing and distribution business. This segment participates mainly in the carbonated mineral water, flavored CSD, bottled water and vegetable juice categories, with particular strength in carbonated mineral water, vegetable juice categories and grapefruit flavored CSDs. Its brands include Squirt, Penafiel, Aguafiel, Crush and Clamato.

In Mexico, it manufactures and distributes its products through its bottling operations and third party bottlers and distributors. In the Caribbean, it distributes its products through third party bottlers and distributors. In Mexico, it also participate in a joint venture to manufacture Aguafiel brand water with Acqua Minerale San Benedetto. The Company sells its finished beverages through Mexican retail channels, including mom and pop stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and on premise channels.

The Company competes with The Coca-Cola Company (Coca-Cola), PepsiCo, Inc. (PepsiCo), Nestle, S.A. (Nestle), Kraft Foods Inc. (Kraft) and The Cott Corporation (Cott).

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Eileen Rojas]

    Changing consumer habits are influenced by other beverage options
    Dwindling diet soda sales are bad news for PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP  ) and its competitors Coca-Cola� (NYSE: KO  ) and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS  ) , which derive a quarter or more of their U.S. sales from soft drinks. In the third-quarter earnings call, PepsiCo chairman Indra Nooyi noted that "a fundamental shift in consumer habits and behaviors" is taking place within the beverage segment. In addition to the artificial sweetener issue, more beverage options have become available and this has played a major part in the loss of consumer interest in diet sodas.

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    Getty Images/Joe Raedle Nelson Peltz doesn't want to wash down his Fritos with a Pepsi -- at least, not if they're both sold by the same company. His investment firm, Trian Fund Management, is a major shareholder in PepsiCo (PEP), which owns both of those brands, and he's pushing for it to separate its beverage business from its snack foods. The proposal cuts at the foundation of PepsiCo's business strategy, which revolves around the perceived synergies between its liquid offerings and its foodstuffs. Not surprisingly, the company has been swift to reject Peltz's idea in the strongest possible terms. But before we toss it out with the recycling, let's take a look to see if the proposal could be beneficial, or if it's really just so much flat soda. On its website, PepsiCo's lineup of products appears under the category "Brands You Love." Indeed, you'd be hard-pressed to fine someone who isn't a fan of at least one -- Pepsi, Tropicana, Lipton, Quaker Oats, Doritos, Fritos, Lay's and Ruffles, among many others. Synergy Among a Portfolio of Lovable Brands But Peltz argues the familiarity and renown of those products has not translated into meaningful returns lately. In a letter Trian sent PepsiCo, it said that under the reign of current CEO Indra Nooyi, the firm's growth in earnings per share "has significantly trailed that of peers." Trian argues that separating the two businesses would eliminate the overhead that comes from a sprawling corporate structure, and make each of the resultant companies leaner and more "entrepreneurial." A glance at recent history seems to indicate otherwise. Look at the arc of a recent snack food divorcee, Mondelez International (MDLZ). The company, which divested itself of what is now Kraft Foods Group (KRFT) in October 2012, saw fourth-quarter 2013 revenues of just under $9.5 billion. This was slightly lower than the result in the same quarter last year, its first as a stand-alone entity. Attributable net ballooned more than th

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now: MOJO Organics Inc (MOJO)

MOJO Organics, Inc., incorporated on August 2, 2007, engages in product development, production, marketing and distribution of CHIQUITA TROPICALS. CHIQUITA TROPICALS are a 100% fruit juice, produced under license agreement from Chiquita Brands. The Company�� product flavors include Banana Strawberry, Mango, Passion Fruit, and Pineapple.

The Company�� juices are produced without preservatives and without added sugar. The Company produces and packages the CHIQUITA TROPICALS products through production facilities and services on a contract basis.

The Company competes with The Coca-Cola Company and PepsiCo, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Lisa Levin]

    Catalog & Mail Order Houses: The industry gained 1.13% by 10:15 am. The top performer in this industry was Mojo Organics (OTC: MOJO), which gained 6.6%. Mojo Organics shares have jumped 361.54% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 16.18% in the same period.

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now: California Grapes International Inc (CAGR)

California Grapes International, Inc., formerly China Food Services, Corp., incorporated in 1992, conducts its primary business operations as an importer, exporter and distributor of staple, organic, specialty, and gourmet foods and beverages, catering to the Asian Pacific Rim. The Company owns and operates Golden Dragon Food & Beverage Import & Export Company of Hong Kong, Ltd. (GDHK) in central Hong Kong and Beijing Flying Golden Dragon International Trading Co., Ltd. in China (BFGD). Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. has agreements with the United State food manufacturers. It acts as a buying agent for GDHK, negotiating vendor contracts and services with the United States food and beverage industry partners.

The Company focuses to offer wholesale food distribution to grocery chains and independent food stores throughout China. The Company focuses on purchasing goods directly from manufactures in the United States, Latin America and Europe, and distributes these products to distributors, grocery stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout China.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By John Emerson]

    Open any Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)(BRK.B) annual letter and the first thing you see will be a listing of the yearly gains in the book value per share of BRK.A from 1965 to the present year. At the bottom of the year-by-year synopsis lies the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of those gains in equity. Later in the article I will show the mathematical formula for calculating those compound gains.

  • [By Julie Young]

    In 2013 the Microsoft Business segment generated revenue of $24.7 billion with a three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. Operating income grew steadily ending 2013 at $16.2 billion with a three-year CAGR of 11%. Revenue in the Microsoft Business segment is primarily derived from Office products which generate over 90% of sales for the segment. This segment appears set for continued growth as demand remains high for Office products.

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now: Molson Coors Brewing Company(TAP)

Molson Coors Brewing Company brews, markets, sells, and distributes beer brands. It sells its products in Canada, under the Coors Light, Molson, Rickard's Red, Carling, Pilsner, Keystone Light, Creemore Springs, and Granville Island brands. The company also brews or distributes products under license from third parties, which include Heineken, Amstel Light, Murphy's, Asahi, Asahi Select, Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller Chill, Milwaukee's Best, Milwaukee's Best Dry, and Foster's. In addition, it imports, distributes, and markets the Corona, Coronita, Negra Modelo, and Pacifico brands, through a joint venture agreement with Grupo Modelo. Further, the company sells various brands in the United States, which include Coors Light, Miller Lite, Coors Banquet, Miller Genuine Draft, MGD 64, Miller Chill, Sparks, Miller High Life, Miller High Life Light, Keystone Light, Icehouse, Mickey's, Milwaukee's Best, Milwaukee's Best Light, Old English 800, Blue Moon, Henry Weinhard 's, George Killian's Irish Red, Leinenkugel's, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Pilsner Urquell, Grolsch, Coors Non-Alcoholic, and Sharp's. Additionally, it sells various brands in the United Kingdom comprising Carling, C2, Coors Light, Worthington's, White Shield, Caffrey's, Kasteel Cru, and Blue Moon, as well as various regional ale brands. The company also sells the Grolsch brands through a joint venture with Royal Grolsch N.V. and the Cobra brands through a joint venture called Cobra Beer Partnership Ltd.; and distributes brands sold under license, including Corona, Coronita, Negra Modelo, Pacfico, Singha, and Magners Draught Cider. In addition, it markets and sells Zima, Si'hai, Coors Gold, and Coors Extra brands to various international markets. The company was formerly known as Adolph Coors Company and changed its name to Molson Coors Brewing Company as a result of its merger with Molson Inc. in February 2005. Molson Coors Brewing Company was founded in 1873 and is headquartere d in Denver, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Rich Duprey]

    C&C says the cider market is growing 9% to 10% globally, and we're seeing a number of other brewers also recognize the potential. Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD  ) introduced�Stella Artois Cidre and�Michelob Ultra Light Cider, Heineken distributes the U.K.-based�Strongbow brand, and the joint venture of SABMiller and Molson Coors (NYSE: TAP  ) , Miller Coors, acquired Crispin cider.

  • [By Brian O'Connell] Micro-brewers aren’t so micro anymore.

    The gourmet beer industry is in a quandary these days that will impact the value of industry stocks, such as Boston Beer (NYSE: SAM), Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD), and MolsonCoors (NYSE: TAP), among others. We think Boston Beer, maker of Sam Adams, is in the best position to thrive.

    First, let’s wipe the foam way and study a problem for the industry that’s in significant need of a solution.

    The brewery industry has unleashed an army of lobbyists upon Washington, DC, to curry favor, twist some arms (and yes, bend some elbows) to convince Congress to reduce tax burdens micro-brewers consider heavy and onerous. These taxes are a bottom line killer in a combative industry.

    Companies such as Boston Beer and Anheuser Busch may have a point on high excise taxes. No longer are North America and Europe no-brainers for beer companies. Growth has stagnated in the so-called “old continents” and breweries are looking to new, emerging market opportunities such as China, India, and increasingly, Africa.

    But the entire industry has the dry heaves over a declining market, with older Baby Boomers giving up their wicked ways and their Millennial kids opting for that raspberry cake martini over a nice pint of lager.

    That’s where the lobbying campaign comes in, with 2012 a banner year for micro-brewery lobbying efforts, and 2013 should follow suit. In fact, lobbying ranks were significantly swelled as the big micro-brewers put the full-court press on Congress to alleviate what industry executives view as exorbitantly higher excise taxes.

    This summer, the US Brewers Association launched a huge lobbying effort that targeted 90 US Senators and 250 members of the House of Representatives, with face-to-face meetings on tap with 250 brewery executives.

    Under particular lobbying pressure is House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, a Michigan Republica
  • [By Marc Bastow]

    Indeed, the diversity in the types of dividend stocks getting more generous made for an interesting week, from network provider Cisco (CSCO) to beer giant Molson Coors (TAP) to package delivery service UPS (UPS).

  • [By RichardCox]

    ImmunoGen's central focus is on targeted antibody payload technology (TAP), which is a chemotherapy treatment for reduced capacity cancer cells. Earlier this year, the HER2-positive breast cancer drug Kadcyla received approval from the FDA. Most encouraging about the progress is the fact that this creates additional possibilities for the combination therapies using the TAP technology. ImmunoGen has reached for late-stage trials for one of its compounds, mid-stage trials for eight of its compounds, and has nine compounds in early-stage trials. This essentially means that ImmunoGen has 18 separate opportunities to use its TAP technology with compounds developed by its pharmaceutical and biotech partnerships. This product diversification presents some interesting (and risk-protected) opportunities for long-term investors.

10 Best Beverage Stocks To Buy Right Now: Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd (STBFY)

Suntory Beverage & Food Limited is principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of beverages and food. The Company operates in two geographical segments. The Domestic segment is engaged in the manufacture and sale of various soft drinks within Japan, such as coffee drinks, mineral water, green tea drinks, tea drinks, carbonated drinks, fruit juice drinks, functional beverages, milk beverages, and food for specified health use, as well as syrup for general and business usage. The International segment is engaged in the manufacture and sale of carbonated drinks, fruit juice drinks, health food, seasoning, tea-based beverages and others, with operations in Europe, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. As of May 29, 2013, the Company had 80 subsidiaries and 10 associated companies. On October 15, 2013, the Company acquired Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited. On December 12, 2013, the Company acquired Suntory Beverage & Food Europe Limited. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Charles Sizemore]

    Let�� start with Suntory Beverage & Food Limited (STBFY),which recently completed its acquisition of�Beam Inc., formerly the purest play on bourbon. Beam was the owner of the eponymous Jim Beam brand, as well as the higher-end Maker�� Mark and Knob Creek and the lower-end Old Crow.�Suntory is Japan�� leading spirits company, though most Americans will be unfamiliar with its Japanese whisky brands, such as Yamazaki and Hakushu. (Note for booze snobs: Japanese whisky��ike Scotch and Canadian whisky��s correctly spelled ��hisky.��American bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and Irish whiskey are correctly spelled ��hiskey.��

Top 5 Low Price Companies To Own For 2014

NEW YORK ��Treadmills for $33? Computer monitors for $9? The deals are too good to be true ��even at Wal-Mart.

It turns out they're not.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. says a "technical error" caused certain products to be priced absurdly low or high on its website Wednesday morning.

The company said late Wednesday that it had resolved the issue and Walmart.com is now operating normally. Walmart.com had intermittent problems with availability throughout the day as the discounter was trying to fix the problem.

"We apologize for any inconvenience to our customers," said Ravi Jariwala, a spokesman for Wal-Mart's online operations.

Earlier Wednesday, shoppers took to Twitter to cite ridiculously low prices like treadmills for $33.16 and Hewlett Packard LCD monitors for $8.85. Jariwala said that the company is notifying customers who ordered these items that their orders have been canceled and they'll be refunded in full. In addition, it will send customers a $10 e-gift card that can be used toward future purchases at its stores or on its website.

Best Forestry Companies To Watch In Right Now: Forbes Energy Services Ltd (FES)

Forbes Energy Services Ltd. (FES Ltd) is an independent oilfield services contractor that provides a range of well site services to oil and natural gas drilling and producing companies to help develop and enhance the production of oil and natural gas. These services include fluid hauling, fluid disposal, well maintenance, completion services, workovers and recompletions, plugging and abandonment, and tubing testing. FES Ltd operates in two segments: well servicing and fluid logistics and other. Its operations are concentrated in the onshore oil and natural gas producing regions of Texas, with additional locations in Mississippi, in Pennsylvania and, prior to the disposition of its Mexican assets in January 2012, which is discussed below, in Mexico. In January 2012, the Company sold its assets located in Mexico, as well as its equity interests in Forbes Energy Services Mexico Servicios de Personal, S. de R.L. de C.V. Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By CRWE]

    Forbes Energy Services Ltd. (NASDAQ:FES), a leader in well servicing and fluid logistics management in the oilfield services industry, will participate in the GHS 100 Energy Conference being held June 25-26, 2012, at the Intercontinental Hotel in San Francisco.

Top 5 Low Price Companies To Own For 2014: Activision Blizzard Inc(ATVI)

Activision Blizzard, Inc., through its subsidiaries, publishes online, personal computer (PC), console, and handheld games worldwide. The company develops and publishes PC-based computer games and maintains its proprietary online-game related service, Battle.net. It publishes interactive software products and peripherals. Its products cover various game categories, such as action/adventure, action sports, racing, role-playing, simulation, first-person action, music, and strategy. Activision?s products comprise Monsters vs. Aliens, Guitar Hero, X-Men Origins, PROTOTYPE, Transformers, Ice Age, Wolfenstein, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Bakugan Battle Brawlers, DJ Hero, Band Hero, Call of Duty, Tony Hawk, Guitar Hero, Three map packs for Call of Duty, True Crime, Spider-Man, Bakugan, Blur, and Singularity. Its customers include retail outlets and distributors, including mass-market retailers, consumer electronics stores, discount warehouses, and game specialty stores. Activision Blizzard, Inc. is based in Santa Monica, California. Activision Blizzard, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Vivendi.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

    Activision is a very well-run company that�� still trading at a fair valuation. There will be setbacks, especially during bear markets, but over the long haul, Activision is a winner. It�� also possible that Activision will make an important acquisition at some point in the future. This would increase market share, and Activision has the cash to do it. However, it�� not a necessary move.

  • [By Brian Pacampara]

    What: Shares of video game publisher Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI  ) surged 13% today after announcing an $8.2 billion deal to split from parent company Vivendi.�

Top 5 Low Price Companies To Own For 2014: NCR Corp (NCR)

NCR Corporation (NCR), incorporated on January 02, 1926, is a technology company, which provides products and services, which enable businesses to connect, interact and transact with their customers and enhance their customer relationships by addressing consumer demand for convenience, value and individual service. NCR�� portfolio of self-service and assisted-service solutions serve customers in the financial services, retail, hospitality, travel and gaming and entertainment industries and include automated teller machines (ATMs), self-service kiosks and point of sale (POS) devices, as well as software applications, which can be used by consumers to enable them to interact with businesses from their computer or mobile device. NCR complements these product solutions by offering a portfolio of services to help customers design, deploy and support its technology tools. NCR also resells third-party networking products and provides related service offerings in the telecommunications and technology sectors. The Company operates in four segments: Financial Services, Retail Solutions, Hospitality (formerly Hospitality and Specialty Retail), and Emerging Industries. Its product and service offerings include ATMs and Other Financial Products, Self-Service Kiosks, Point of Sale, Check and Document Imaging, Services, and Consumables. In June 2012, the Company acquired POS Integrated Solutions, a reseller of the NCR Aloha solution for restaurants; Wyse Sistemas de Informatica Ltda., a provider of software solutions, including the Colibri suite of hospitality software, and Radiant Distribution Solutions (RDS), a NCR Hospitality hardware distribution partner. In June 2012, Coinstar, Inc.�� wholly owned subsidiary, Redbox Automated Retail, LLC, acquired certain assets of the Company�� self-service entertainment DVD kiosk business. In November 2012, NCR acquired Retalix Ltd. In January 2013, the Company purchased uGenius Technology, Inc. In February 2013, the Company acquired Retalix Ltd. In January 2014, NCR Co! rp completed the acquisition of Digital Insight Corporation.

ATMs and Other Financial Products

The Company provides financial institutions, retailers and independent deployers with financial-oriented self-service technologies, such as ATMs, cash dispensers, and software solutions, including the APTRA application suite as well as consulting services related to ATM security, software and bank branch optimization. ATM and other financial product solutions are designed to quickly and reliably process consumer transactions and incorporate advanced features such as automated check cashing/deposit, automated cash deposit, Web-enablement and bill payment (including mobile bill payment).

Point of Sale

The Company provides retail and hospitality oriented technologies such as point of sale terminals, bar-code scanners, software and services to companies and venues worldwide. Combining its retail and hospitality industry, software and hardware technologies, and consulting services, its solutions are designed to enable cost reductions and improve operational efficiency while increasing customer satisfaction.

Self-Service Kiosks

The Company provides self-service kiosks to the retail, hospitality, travel and gaming, and entertainment industries and also owns and operates self-service kiosks in the entertainment industry. Its versatile kiosk solutions can support retail self-service functions, including self-checkout, wayfinding, bill payment and gift registries. It provides self check in/out kiosk solutions to airlines, hotels and casinos, which allows guests to check-in/out without assistance. These solutions create pleasant and convenient experiences for consumers and enable its customers to reduce costs. Its kiosks for the hospitality industry provide consumers the ability to order and pay at restaurants while enabling its customers to streamline order processing and reduce operating costs.

Check and Document Imaging

The ! Company�� check and document imaging offerings provide end-to-end solutions for both traditional paper-based and image-based check and item processing. These solutions utilize advanced image recognition and workflow technologies to automate item processing, helping financial institutions efficiency and reduce operating costs. Consisting of hardware, software, consulting and support services, its comprehensive check and document imaging solutions enable check and item-based transactions to be digitally captured, processed and retained within a flexible, scalable environment.

Consumables

The Company develop, produce and market a complete line of printer consumables for various print technologies. These products include two-sided thermal paper (2ST), paper rolls for receipts in ATMs and POS solutions, inkjet and laser printer supplies, thermal transfer and ink ribbons, labels, laser documents, business forms, and specialty media items such as photo and presentation papers. Consumables are designed to optimize operations and improve transaction accuracy, while reducing overall costs.

Services

The Company provides maintenance and support services for its product offerings and also provides other services, including site assessment and preparation, staging, installation and implementation, systems management and complete managed services. It also offers a range of software and services, such as Software-as-a-Service, hosted services, and online, mobile and transactional services and applications, such as bill pay and digital signage. In addition, it is also focused on expanding the resale of third party networking products and related service offerings to a base of customers in the telecommunications and technology sectors and servicing third-party computer hardware from select manufacturers.

The Company competes with Diebold, Inc., Wincor Nixdorf GmbH & Co., Hyosung, IBM, Wincor, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, ToshibaTec, Dell, Honeywell, Micros Syste! ms, Verif! one, Datalogic, SITA and IER.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Damian Illia]

    Another initiative introduced in the guest experience business model is the installment of tablets in all of its restaurants to provide exclusive social gaming opportunities. Teaming up with NTN Buzztime Inc. (NTN) Buffalo uses Beond tablets to allow guests order food and drinks, play games, and pay their bill. Also, the three-year collaboration with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has enabled the company to be an authorized hangout for the NCAA March Madness sports series, increasing visibility as a brand and attracting more customers to their outlets. These efforts, along with more intense advertising initiatives, new point-of-sales programs, improved supply chain and remodeling of its restaurants are expected to boost sales, and strengthen the business in the long run. Buffalo Wild Wings has selected the NCR Corp. (NCR) Aloha Online Ordering solution for its locations to help drive its takeout ordering business. The NCR technology will enable Buffalo to handle both on and off-premise transactions within one system.

  • [By Suravi Thacker]

    One of its strongest rivals, NCR Corporation (NCR), has been getting some great contracts to deliver its technology. Its expansion in China looks interesting with China Eastern Airlines expanding NCR check-in kiosks for its domestic airports.

  • [By Holly LaFon]

    NCR Corporation (NCR) was the Fund's largest detrac tor during the fourth quarter, falling over 14 percent and detracting 25 basis points of return . The nancial technology company delivered a slightly weaker than expected quarter t hat surprised us as well as the Street. They reafrmed guidance which implies a strong fourth qu arter and suggested that cash ows will continue to be cautiously managed. Since we like th e business and valuation, as well as the improved balance sheet, we are inclined to stay the course.

Top 5 Low Price Companies To Own For 2014: Ocwen Financial Corporation(OCN)

Ocwen Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides residential and commercial mortgage loan servicing, special servicing, and asset management services in the United States and internationally. The company provides loan servicing, including asset management and resolution services primarily to owners of subprime residential mortgages. It also invests in subprime residential loans held for resale; and is involved in subprime residual mortgage backed trading securities related to subprime loan origination operation and whole loan purchase and securitization activities, as well as engages in the management of residential assets. Ocwen Financial Corporation was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Christina Rexrode]

    Companies like Nationstar have grown tremendously in recent years by buying the rights to service mortgages from big banks. Ben Chittenden, an analyst at Oppenheimer & Co., estimates that Nationstar, Ocwen Financial Corp. (OCN) and Walter Investment Management (WAC) have grown their combined servicing books from $141 billion in the first quarter of 2011 to $1 trillion in the third quarter of 2013.

  • [By Amanda Alix]

    Bank of America involved, again
    Reuters reports that fraud fighter Lisa Epstein discovered that mortgage servicers have been feeding mortgage bond investors incorrect information concerning the mortgages that lie within the MBSes they hold. Servicers such as Bank of America and Ocwen Financial (NYSE: OCN  ) , for example, have supplied information to bond trustees Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC  ) and Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE: BK  ) indicating that homes that have long since been sold or paid off are still in foreclosure.