S&P 500 briefly tops 1900 for first time

Stocks ended mixed Tuesday, but with the Dow and S&P 500 notching new all-time closing highs and the S&P 500 briefly jumping above the 1,900 mark for the first time.

At the closing bell, the S&P 500 index was up -- but only a scant 0.04% -- to 1,897.45. The Dow Jones industrial average gained 0.1% to 16,715.64 -- up 20 points -- and set a new intraday record high on its way, of around 16,735.

Sinking 0.3% was the Nasdaq composite, losing 14 points to close at 4,130.17.

NEW: USA TODAY's live markets blog

On Monday, the S&P 500 index rose 18.17 points, or 1%, to finish at an all-time high of 1,896.65. The Dow gained 112.13 points, or 0.7%, to end at record closing high of 16,695.47. The Nasdaq climbed 71.99 points, or 1.8%, to 4,143.86.

In economic news, retail sales grew a scant 0.1% in April, disappointing forecasters who expected more of an early spring pick-up. Economists' had forecast a 0.5% gain.

U.S. businesses increased their stockpiles by 0.4% in March and sales increased 1%, the Commerce Department reported. It was the largest increase in sales in 10 months and follows a 0.9% rise in February. The two months of sizable gains in sales should encourage businesses to keep restocking to meet rising demand.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note dropped to 2.62% from 2.66% late Monday.

The price of oil rose 72 cents, or 0.7%, to $101.31 a barrel.

Overseas, Japan's Nikkei climbed 2% to 14,425.44 after a smaller-than-expected current account surplus for Japan weakened the yen. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index gained 0.4% to 22,352.38.

European shares traded higher. London's FTSE 100 index was up 0.3% to 6,873.08 and Germany's DAX index jumped 0.5% to 9,754.43.

Contributing: The Associated Press

Top Net Payout Yield Companies To Watch For 2016

Top Net Payout Yield Companies To Watch For 2016: Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (SLXP)

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., incorporated on December 31, 2001, is a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to acquiring, developing and commercializing prescription drugs and medical devices used in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, which are those affecting the digestive tract. As of December 31, 2012, the Companys products included XIFAXAN, MOVIPREP, APRISO, RELISTOR, OSMOPREP, SOLESTA, DEFLUX, FULYZAQ, GIAZO, METOZOLV ODT, AZASAN, ANUSOL-HC, PROCTOCORT, PEPCID, DIURIL and COLAZAL. As of December 31, 2012, its primary product candidates under development included Rifaximin, Methylnaltrexone bromide oral, Budesonide foam and Rifaximin EIR. In January 2014, Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. acquired Santarus, Inc.

Xifaxan (rifaximin) tablets

Xifaxan is a gastrointestinal-specific oral antibiotic. The Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) approved Xifaxan 200 milligram for the treatment of patients 12 years of age and older with travelers diarrhea caused by noninvasive strains of E coli. Xifaxan 550 milligram was approved by the FDA for reduction in risk of overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE), recurrence in patients 18 years of age or older.

It launched Xifaxan 200milligram in the United States and Xifaxan 550 milligram using its own direct sales force. The Company is exploring potential additional indications, formulations, clinical trials and co-promotion arrangements to capitalize on the potential for Xifaxan, including its development program in irritable bowel syndrome.

In October 2012, the USPTO declared an interference action to determine the priority of invention between Ciplas application related to amorphous rifaximin and Solmag SpAs application directed to amorphous rifaximin. In February 2012, the FDA posted draft bioequivalence guidance for rifaximin 550 milligram tablets. The draft guidance for rifaximin 550 milligram tablet! s recommends that in ad dition to conducting the program outlined in the FDA posted ! draft guidance document for rifaximin 200 milligram tablets discussed above, a single-dose, three-way crossover in-vivo study of fasting bioequivalence with pharmacokinetic endpoints in both fasting and fed states be performed in the 550 milligram tablets. Additionally, the guidance stipulated that the formulation of the 550 milligram strength should be proportionally similar to that of the 200 milligram strength in order to file an ANDA for approval of a generic rifaximin 550 milligram tablet for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.

MoviPrep (PEG 3350, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium ascorbate and ascorbic acid) oral solution

MoviPrep is a patent-protected, liquid polyethylene glycol-salt, or PEG, bowel cleansing product that the FDA approved. MoviPrep is indicated for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, intestinal surgery and barium enema X-ray examinations.

Apriso (mesalamine) extended-release capsu les 0.375 gram

Apriso is a locally-acting aminosalicylate and is the only delayed and extended release mesalamine product approved by the FDA for once-a-day dosing for the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis. Apriso is designed to provide for the distribution of the active ingredient beginning in the small bowel and continuing throughout the colon. The products prolonged release mechanism might allow them to expand the range of treatment options for ulcerative colitis.

Relistor (methylnaltrexone bromide)

Relistor Subcutaneous Injection is indicated for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in patients with advanced illness who are receiving palliative care, when response to laxative therapy has not been sufficient. Relistor is approved for use in over 55 countries worldwide.

OsmoPrep and Visicol (sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, USP, sodium phosphate dibasic anh! ydrous, U! SP) tablets

Visicol and OsmoPrep tablets are indicated for clean! sing of t! he colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults 18 years of age or older. Visicol and OsmoPrep are the only, tablet bowel cleansing products approved by the FDA and marketed in the United States. OsmoPrep is a patented, second-generation tablet bowel cleansing product that the FDA approved. OsmoPrep offers potential benefits compared to Visico,l such as its lack of microcrystalline cellulose, smaller tablet size and possible lower dose administration.

Solesta

Solesta is a biocompatible tissue bulking agent, consisting of dextranomer microspheres and stabilized sodium hyaluronate. Solesta is indicated for the treatment of fecal incontinence in patients 18 years and older who have failed conservative therapy, such as diet, fiber therapy and/or anti-motility medications. It is the only injectable gel for this indication to be administered in an outpatient setting without the need for surgery or anesthesia.

Deflux

Deflux i s a medical device indicated for children affected by Grades II-IV vesicoureteral reflux, a malformation of the urinary bladder that can result in severe infections of the kidneys and irreversible kidney damage. Deflux was granted premarket approval application (PMA) approval, and has been on the market in the United States.

Fulyzaq (crofelemer) delayed-release tablets

On December 31, 2012, the FDA granted marketing approval for this product, under the trade name Fulyzaq. Fulyzaq is indicated for the symptomatic relief of non-infectious diarrhea in adult patients with HIV/AIDS on anti-retroviral therapy. Fulyzaq should also be eligible for five years of marketing exclusivity from the date of FDA approval, and the product might be entitled to patent term restoration.

Giazo (balsalazide disodium) tablets

February 3, 2012, the FDA granted marketing approval for this product under the tra! de name G! iazo. Giazo is indicated for the treatment of mildly to moderately active ulcerative col! itis in m! ale patients 18 years of age and older. It shipped Giazo to wholesalers in 2012.

Metozolv ODT (metoclopramide hydrochloride) 5 milligrams and 10 milligrams orally disintegrating tablets

METOZOLV ODT is indicated for the relief of symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux or short-term (4-12 weeks) therapy for adults with symptomatic, documented gastroesophageal reflux who fail to respond to conventional therapy and diabetic gastroparesis or the relief of symptoms in adults associated with acute and recurrent diabetic gastroparesis.

Azasan (azathioprine) tablets

Azasan is an FDA-approved drug that suppresses immune system responses and is indicated for preventing rejection of kidney transplants and treatment of severe arthritis. It launched the 75 and 100 milligrams dosage strengths of Azasan in the United States.

Anusol-HC and Proctocort (hydrocortisone) creams and suppositories

The Company acquired t he right to sell Anusol-HC 2.5% (hydrocortisone USP) cream, Anusol-HC 25 milligrams (hydrocortisone acetate) rectal suppositories, Proctocort 1% (hydrocortisone USP) cream and Proctocort 30 mg (hydrocortisone acetate) rectal suppositories from King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The two cream products are topical corticosteroids indicated for relief of the inflammatory and pruritic, or itching, manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses. The two suppository products are indicated for use in inflamed hemorrhoids and postirradiation proctitis, as well as an adjunct in the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis and other inflammatory conditions.

Pepcid (famotidine) for Oral Suspension and Diuril (Chlorothiazide)

Pepcid Oral Suspension is a widely known prescription pharmaceutical product indicated for several gastrointestinal indications, including the treatment of duodenal ulcer, benign gastric ulce! r and gas! tro-esophageal reflux disease. Pepcid Oral Suspension and Diuril Oral Suspension, both liquid form! ulations ! of their solid dosage form counterparts, compete in a combined annual United States market concentrated in pediatric and hospitalized patient populations.

Colazal (balsalazide disodium) capsules

The Company launched Colazal to physicians in the United States. FDA approved Colazal for use in pediatric patients between 5 to 17 years of age with ulcerative colitis. The pediatric use of Colazal has been granted orphan drug designation. The Office of Generic Drugs, or OGD, approved three generic balsalazide capsule products.

The Company competes with GlaxoSmithKline plc, Giuliani S.p.A., Axcan Pharma, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, Warner Chilcott plc, Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., Alaven Pharmaceutical LLC, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Cumberland Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Prometheus Laboratories, Inc., Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Ferndale Laboratories, GATE Pharmaceuticals , Nycomed , Medtronic, Inc., and Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading UP
  Santarus (NASDAQ: SNTS) shot up 37.95 percent to $32.03 after Salix Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SLXP) announced its plans to buy Santarus for around $2.12 billion. Santarus and Pharming also announced new data from open-label repeat treatment study with RUCONEST.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-net-payout-yield-companies-to-watch-for-2016.html

Hot Services Stocks For 2016

Hot Services Stocks For 2016: Air Methods Corporation(AIRM)

Air Methods Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides air medical emergency transport services and systems in the United States. It transports persons requiring intensive medical care from either the scene of accident or general care hospitals to highly skilled trauma centers or tertiary care centers. The company operates through three segments: Community-Based Services, Hospital-Based Services, and United Rotorcraft. The Community-Based Services segment provides air medical transportation services, including aircraft operation and maintenance, medical care, dispatch and communications, and medical billing and collection services. This segment operates 201 helicopters and 15 fixed wing aircraft in 29 states. The Hospital-Based Services segment offers air medical transportation services, and medically equipped helicopters and airplanes for hospitals. It operates 212 helicopters and 6 fixed wing aircraft in 34 states. The United Rotorcraft segment designs, manufa ctures, installs, and certifies modular medical interiors, multi-mission interiors, and other aerospace and medical transport products for domestic and international customers, as well as provides quality assurance and certification services. Air Methods Corporation was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Luke Jacobi]

  Shares of Air Methods (NASDAQ: AIRM) saw a boost, shooting up 12.5 percent to $59.81 on upbeat quarterly results.

  NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares were also up, gaining 8.8 percent to $19 after the company posted higher Q2 earnings and issued a strong revenue forecast for the current quarter.

• [By John Kell]

  Air Methods Corp.(AIRM) issued a preliminary fourth-quarter profit outlook that missed Wall Street’s expectations, due to flight volume weakness and poor weather that led to cancellations. Shares dropped 5.8% to $48.40 premark! et.

• [By Ali Berri]

  Shares of Air Methods (NASDAQ: AIRM) got a boost, shooting up 11.86 percent to $59.50 on upbeat quarterly results.
  

  NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares were also up, gaining 7.22 percent to $18.72 after the company posted higher Q2 earnings and issued a strong revenue forecast for the current quarter.

• [By Ali Berri]

  Shares of Air Methods (NASDAQ: AIRM) got a boost, shooting up 8.91 percent to $57.93 on upbeat quarterly results.

  NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares were also up, gaining 7.62 percent to $18.79 after the company posted higher Q2 earnings and issued a strong revenue forecast for the current quarter.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/hot-services-stocks-for-2016.html

PriceSmart (PSMT): Plenty of Growth … But at What Cost?

Popular Posts: 3 Cash-Rich Stocks to Buy Now3 Legendary Names to Hold for Retirement4 Monthly Dividend Stocks for a Steady Diet of Income Recent Posts: PriceSmart (PSMT): Plenty of Growth … But at What Cost? 3 Cash-Rich Stocks to Buy Now Covered Calls: Generate $1,000 in Income With These 3 Trades View All Posts

A little-known fact about PriceSmart (PSMT): It actually merged with Costco (COST) in 1993, only to be spun back off in 1994. But I enjoy the connection, because I very much think of PSMT as the Latin American Costco.

But is PSMT stock as attractive as Costco? Well…

All told, PSMT stock rises and falls based on the fate of the company’s 32 stores: six in Costa Rica; four each in Panama and Trinidad; three each in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Colombia; two each in El Salvador and Honduras; and 1 each in Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, Nicaragua, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (PriceSmart also has expansion aspirations in other parts of Latin America.)

Everyone has their view about which emerging market will emerge the hardest. Various friends of mine in the investment and international communities view Latin America as the next big growth region. They are particularly excited about Costa Rica, Colombia and Brazil. I happen to agree, so any opportunity to place capital in these regions — especially with an established brand — is something I pay attention to.

PriceSmart recently reported earnings, and the market slammed PSMT stock — shares were off by about 11% and have bounced back only a bit since then. I’ll agree that PriceSmart was too expensive to buy into at the time, but PSMT’s battering appeared overdone … so, now’s a good time to revisit that thought.

For as bad as PSMT stock got beat up, though, the earnings report was actually pretty good.

PSMT Earnings

Net income rose to $28.3 million from $24.9 million last year, a 14% increase. That translated into an 8-cent-per-share analyst beat. Revenue increased 11% to $674 million, yet it fell short of analyst expectations of $678.91 million. Of course, I think it's crazy that a $4.91 million shortfall — less than 1% — would be considered such a disaster.

Gross margins decreased 19 basis points to 14.5%, but I hardly consider that to be the end of the world, either. But hey, if the market wants to discount the stock irrationally, I'm fine with that.

Top International Stocks To Watch Right Now

Let's check the overall financial picture to see if there's value here.

PSMT Financials

PriceSmart’s balance sheet looks pretty good, with about $79 million in cash and only $60 million in debt. The debt is comparably expensive, costing $5.2 million in interest annually, or about 9%. Yet that $5.2 million in the face of more than $100 million in annual net income for PSMT does not give me any reason for concern. Free cash flow has continually improved over the years, too, so there's no concern there.

Plenty of big-name mutual funds hold PSMT stock, so there's faith from the institutional community. I also love that insider holdings are at 37.5%. It means management's interests are strongly aligned with shareholders.

Bottom Line

I actually have very little problem with PSMT stock … until we actually hit the area that concerned me even before PriceSmart’s tumble: valuation.

PSMT stock is sitting around $93. FY14's projected earnings are $3.23 per share, giving PriceSmart a P/E ratio of 29. Long-term growth rate projections are at 17%, so on this basis, it's still overvalued.

The cash position isn't large enough to warrant a premium, nor is the FCF situation so overtly amazing that it earns a premium there, either.

Thus, despite now being well off its 52-week high of $126 — by a whopping 30% — PriceSmart still seems expensive to this value-driven investor.

I'm willing to pay for growth. I might even give it a 20x valuation on FY15's earnings because I like it so much.

But even then, PSMT stock would have to hit $70 to get me interested.

Back to the drawing board.

As of this writing, Lawrence Meyers did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. He is president of PDL Broker, Inc., which brokers financing, strategic investments and distressed asset purchases between private equity firms and businesses. He also has written two books and blogs about public policy, journalistic integrity, popular culture, and world affairs. Contact him at pdlcapital66@gmail.com and follow his tweets @ichabodscranium.

Garmin Navigates to Growth, Plans Dividend Hike

Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN) reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2013 results before markets opened Wednesday. For the quarter, the GPS equipment maker posted adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.76 on revenues of $759.7 million. In the same period a year ago, the company reported EPS of $0.68 on revenues of $768.5 million. The quarterly results also compare to the Thomson Reuters consensus estimates for EPS of $0.62 and $712.78 million in revenues.

For the full year, Garmin posted EPS of $2.62 on revenues of $2.63 billion, compared with EPS of $2.85 and revenues of $2.72 billion in 2012. The consensus estimates called for EPS of $2.47 on revenues of $2.59 billion.

The company posted double-digit revenue growth for the quarter in its fitness, aviation and marine segments, offsetting a 12% decline in its auto and mobile segment. The firm’s outdoor segment also posted revenue growth of 7%, posting quarterly revenue of $410 million, more than half the firm’s total.

For 2014, Garmin guides revenue in a range of $2.6 to $2.7 billion and EPS at $2.50 to $2.60. Overall gross margin is forecast at 54% to 55%, and operating margin is estimated at approximately 21%.

The company’s CEO said:

In the fourth quarter, we also achieved operating income growth in all five segments. This success serves as a solid starting point for 2014 and highlights the strength of our diversified product portfolio.

Garmin will recommend at its June annual meeting an increase in its yearly dividend from $1.80 to $1.92. If approved, the new dividend rate would be payable beginning in the second quarter of this year.

Garmin shares were up more than 5% early Wednesday, at $49.57 in a 52-week range of $32.52 to $52.72. Thomson Reuters had a consensus analyst price target of around $50.00 before this report.

Hot Small Cap Companies For 2016

Hot Small Cap Companies For 2016: Petroquest Energy Inc(PQ)

PetroQuest Energy, Inc. operates as an independent oil and gas company. It engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of oil and gas properties in Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas, as well as onshore and in the shallow waters offshore the Gulf Coast Basin. As of December 31, 2009, the company had estimated proved reserves of 1,931 thousand barrels of oil and 167,361 million cubic feet equivalent of natural gas. It owned working interests in 9 net producing oil wells and 277 net producing gas wells. PetroQuest Energy was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Nitish]

  PetroQuest Energy, Inc. (PQ) last month announced results for the second quarter of 2014. The following compares certain second quarter 2014 metrics to those of the second quarter of 2013, highlighting the company's continued growth driven by its successful drilling programs in Oklahoma and Texas, its acquisition of certain Gulf of Mexico assets in July 2013 ("Gulf of Mexico Acquisition") and stronger natural gas prices:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  PetroQuest Energy Inc. (NYSE: PQ) was downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at J.P. Morgan.

  Rubicon Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: RBCN) was downgraded to Underperform from Perform at Oppenheimer.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-small-cap-companies-for-2016.html

Best Consumer Stocks For 2016

Best Consumer Stocks For 2016: Fairway Group Holdings Corp (FWM)

Fairway Group Holdings Corp., incorporated on September 29, 2006, operates in the retail food industry, selling fresh, natural and organic products, prepared foods, and specialty and gourmet offerings along with a assortment of conventional groceries. The Company focuses on perishable product categories, which include produce, natural and organic, deli, specialty, cheese, butcher, seafood, bakery, coffee and kosher foods. Its non-perishable product categories consist of conventional groceries, as well as specialty foods. It operates two stores on the West Side of Manhattan, New York. As of September 24, 2012, it operated 11 locations in the Greater New York City metropolitan area, three of which include Fairway Wines & Spirits stores.

The Companys natural and organic product categories include fruits and vegetables, natural and fresh juices, organic OBE beef and organic chicken, fresh organic peanut butter and natural almond butter, fresh roasted coffees an d loose teas, dried fruits and nuts, full assortment of natural and organic groceries, cold cuts and cheeses, breads, supplements (homeopathy, vitamins, herbs), nutritional bars and protein powders, health and beauty aids, dairy, including Fairway-branded organic milk, eggs, including Fairway-branded organic eggs, vegetarian dairy alternatives, frozen foods, e gluten-free selections, baby food and baby care items and cleaning products. It offers a classic New York deli counter. It carries smoked salmon prepared using its own recipe and hand-craft its own fresh mozzarella daily.

The Companys Specialty Imports and Specialty Grocery departments provide shoppers with specialty and gourmet items, such as Lapalisse pure and virgin nut oils; authentic Sicilian foodstuffs; Burgundy's organic La Trinquelinette fruit preserves made in small batches using only unrefined raw cane sugar; ready-to-eat vacuum-packed beets from the Loire Valley; L'Herbier de Milly! La Foret v erbena, hibiscus, peppermint and linden blossom infusions; La Quiberonnaise Vintage Sardines from Brittany, France; Pruneaux d'Agen (stuffed prunes), and Royal Medjool dates, Quercy's soft dried figs and apricots. It carries approximately 115 varieties of specialty olive oil, including numerous imported unfiltered olive oils, and offer all-day, every day tasting of olive oils in each of its stores.

The Company has meat delivered every day and it is cut and packaged at each of its stores within 24 hours of receipt. It also receives daily deliveries of fresh ice-packed chicken. It offers 50 to 80 different selections of fresh fish and seafood in each store every day. It utilizes a combination of on-site and centralized bakeries to produce our baked goods. Its full-service bakery prepares its signature cookies, tarts, cupcakes, baguettes and bagels. It offers over 100 types of artisanal coffee beans sold by the pound, as well as over a dozen varieties of Fair Trade certified and organic coffee.

The Company offers an array of kosher options, including Fairway's branded products, its conventional and specialty groceries, its coffee, as well as its baked goods, dairy, organic, gluten-free, imported and frozen items. It offers a variety of cuts of kosher poultry, red meat and seafood. It carries a range of conventional grocery items. Its grocery aisles are stacked high with the national brand names Tide, Bounty, Kleenex, Charmin, Lysol, Poland Spring, Oreo, Cheerios, Lipton, Hershey's, Coke, Green Giant, and many more. In addition, it offers an array of ethnic groceries that cater to each store's local demographic.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jason Moser]

  You can be forgiven if you've never heard of Fairway Group Holdings (NASDAQ: FWM  ) . The company is responsible for Fairway Market, a small chain of high-end grocery stores currently in and around the greater New York City metropolitan area.

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/best-consumer-stocks-for-2016.html

Hot Financial Companies To Own For 2015

Penn Mutual Life Insurance said Thursday that it had hit an important milestone in its work with Hearsay Social, a provider of social-media platforms, which could serve as a case study in how financial firms can rapidly and comprehensively embrace new technology.

“We have a roughly 50% adoption rate of Hearsay Social among our registered reps, and that is great for us,” said Robert Bonsall, assistant vice president of interactive marketing at Penn Mutual, in an interview. “We’ve been really pushing it.”

That’s not necessarily what some might expect would be the case for a 167-year-old insurance firm.

“It’s interesting. Companies with a long legacy of building businesses and client relations, like us, are embracing technology. We are being very progressive in how we enable advisors with tools like Hearsay Social,” Bonsall explained.

Penn Mutual worked with another social media vendor but switched to Hearsay to move “from the defensive aspect of being compliant by monitoring social media to being both compliant and engaging with consumers – playing defense and offense,” he said.

Top 10 Value Companies To Watch In Right Now: Annaly Capital Management Inc (NLY)

Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (Annaly), incorporated on November 25, 1996, owns, manage, and finance a portfolio of real estate related investments, including mortgage pass-through certificates, collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), Agency callable debentures, and other securities representing interests in or obligations backed by pools of mortgage loans. The Company's wholly owned subsidiaries offer diversified real estate, asset management and other financial services. The Company's subsidiary, RCap Securities, Inc. (RCap), operates as a broker-dealer. In August 2012, the Company liquidated FIDAC FSI LLC. In December 2012, the Company sold FIDAC Europe Limited.

The Company�� subsidiary Fixed Income Discount Advisory Company (FIDAC) is an investment advisor registered with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), is a fixed-income investment management company specializing in managing fixed income investments in residential mortgage-backed securities, commercial mortgage-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations for various investment vehicles and separate accounts. FIDAC is engaged in managing and structuring debt financing associated with various asset classes and as a liquidation agent of collateralized debt obligations. As of December 31, 2012, FIDAC was the adviser or sub-adviser for real estate investment trust (REITs )and other investment vehicles. Merganser Capital Management, Inc. (Merganser) is an investment advisor, registered with the SEC, engaged in a range of fixed income strategies and focuses on managing each portfolio based on each client�� specific investment principles. Merganser serves a group of clients in a range of disciplines globally, including pension, public, operating, Taft-Hartley and endowment funds, as well contribution plans. RCap Securities, Inc. (RCap) operates as a broker-dealer and is a member in the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Through the Company�� subsidiary Shannon Funding LLC (Shannon),! it provides warehouse financing to residential mortgage originators in the United States. It also owns an additional subsidiary, which owns trading securities. Under the Company�� investment policy, at least 75% of its total assets consisted of mortgage-backed securities and short-term investments. The remainder of its assets, consisting not more than 25% of its total assets, may consist of other qualified REIT real estate assets. As of December 31, 2012, all of the mortgage-backed securities, which it has acquired, have been backed by single-family residential mortgage loans. The Company also invests in Agency debentures, which consist of debentures issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Morgan Housel]

  Interest rates have risen over the last month, offering a taste. Pimco High Income Fund (NYSE: PHK  ) is down 10% in the last month. The Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond Fund (NASDAQ: VCLT  ) lost 4.6%. Mortgage REITS sensitive to the same interest rate risk have been pummeled; Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY  ) shares are off by one-fifth over the last year.

• [By Chris Hill]

  In this installment of Investor Beat, our Motley Fool analysts share two stocks on their radar. Matt has GameStop (NYSE: GME  ) on his mind, and Matt is watching Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY  ) .

• [By Kingkarn Amjaroen]

  Mortgage REITs have had a good run so far in 2014; they�have benefited from a return of investor confidence.�Exemplifying this difference from last year, shares of American Capital Agency Corporation (NASDAQ: AGNC  ) are up 18% this year, and shares of its largest competitor, Annaly Capital Management (NYSE: NLY  ) , increased 14%.

• [By Amanda Alix]

  Annaly Capital (NYSE: NLY  ) reported first-quarter earnings�yesterday afternoon, and the results are mixed, to say the least. While the megatrust beat analysts' earnings per share estimates by $0.13, the $0.47 EPS number edged up from the fourth quarter's $0.46 by only one penny and is still far below the year-ago figure of $0.54.

Hot Financial Companies To Own For 2015: iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index Fund (EWW)

iShares MSCI Mexico 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 Mexican market, as measured by the MSCI Mexico Index (the Index). The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Mexican 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. The Fund�� investment advisor is Barclays Global Fund Advisors.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Cross]

  A broad-based investment into the Mexican economy either through the iShares MSCI Mexico Investable Market Index (NYSE: EWW) or the Mexico Fund (NYSE: MXF) -- a favorite of StreetAuthority analyst Amy Calistri -- are good ways to establish a position. These funds not only have exposure to the manufacturing sector, but also to energy, health care and media -- sectors that are benefiting from political reforms and a growing Mexican middle class. The Mexico Fund has a powerful incentive for investors as well in the form of a hefty 10% dividend.

• [By Jim Powell]

  Jim Powell: I like the exchange-traded funds. I really think the iShares Mexico Fund (EWW)—EWW is a way for most Americans to go. If you have specialized knowledge of Mexico, and you know companies that you wish to invest in, you certainly can. There are plenty of them, but I recommend a fund.

• [By Jim Powell]

  Some developing countries are poor bets right now, but others are very attractive. Shorter-term, The Mexico Fund (EWW) is my number one choice as the most promising country ETF for this year.

Hot Financial Companies To Own For 2015: Euler Hermes SA (ELE)

Euler Hermes SA is a France-based credit insurance company. It offers a range of services, including loan assurance, risk assessment, trade debt collection, compensation of losses due to buyer insolvency, bonding and guarantees for companies, reinsurance of loans to individuals and fidelity insurance covering companies against financial loss caused by fraudulent acts. It operates a number of subsidiaries, including Euler Hermes SFAC, Euler Hermes ACI Holding Inc., Euler Hermes Reinsurance AG, among others. On January 1, 2012, the Company completed the simplification of its legal structure in Europe by grouping 13 of its former subsidiaries into one insurance company, Euler Hermes Europe, located in Brussels. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sarah Jones]

  Iberdrola SA (IBE), Spain�� biggest power company, fell 3.4 percent to 3.87 euros. Endesa SA (ELE) slumped 4.6 percent to 16 euros, while Acciona SA (ANA), which owns more than 4 gigawatts of wind farms in the country, tumbled 8.5 percent to 37.95 euros. Red Electrica Corp. slid 7.5 percent to 38.34 euros.

Hot Financial Companies To Own For 2015: Cutwater Select Income Fund (CSI)

Rivus Bond Fund (the Fund), formerly known as 1838 Bond-Debenture Trading Fund, is a diversified closed-end management investment company. The primary objective of the Fund is to maintain high level of income. Its portfolio includes long-term debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities. Effective July 7, 2006, the 1838 Bond-Debenture Trading Fund merged with and into the Rivus Bond Fund.

The Fund invests in various sectors, including automotive, chemicals, diversified financial services, energy, insurance, media, mining, real estate investment trusts, telecommunications, utilities and transportation. MBIA Capital Management Corp. serves as the investment advisor of the Fund.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sold At The Top]

  Today's release of the S&P/Case-Shiller (CSI) home price indices for August reported that the non-seasonally adjusted Composite-10 price index rose a notable 1.33% since July while the Composite-20 index also increased 1.32% over the same period.

Many feel like recession still hasn't ended

The U.S. economy is finally accelerating six years after the start of the Great Recession. Housing and stock prices are rising, the unemployment rate keeps falling, and the government's budget deficit is shrinking.

So why does it feel like the recession never really ended?

While there's little sense that the U.S. economy is headed for another downturn, most forecasters expect further improvement in 2014 will be gradual. Unless and until the job market improves substantially, and higher wages drive a convincing pickup in consumer spending and demand, the lingering damage to confidence will likely keep the weakest economic recovery in memory plodding along at a frustratingly slow pace.

READY? Real economy to surface as Fed help fades

VIDEO: Flat jobless rate in '14, pro says

2014: Advisers eye concerns in year ahead

"The economy is continuing to make progress, but it also has much farther to travel before conditions can be judged normal," Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told reporters in his final news conference as head of the 100-year-old institution.

As the evidence accumulates that the economy is beginning to heal, though, that progress is convincing enough that Fed policymakers decided to begin easing up on the central banks massive flow of cash.

There are plenty of signs that things are getting better. The latest data shows consumers are feeling more upbeat and spending more freely, in part because they have recently begun to see modest gains in wages.

The housing market continues to climb out of the deepest downturn since the Great Depression. Banks and households have written off large piles of bad debt, and lending is picking up again. Carmakers are wrapping up their best year since the financial collapse left the auto industry a government bailout away from oblivion.

Overall, the economy grew at a surprisingly strong 4.1 percent annual rate in the third quarter—the best showing in over a year.

"There is confidence that th! ere is strength in underlying demand," said Ira Kalish, chief global economist for Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. "If we see more investment and more hiring by small businesses it could have a very positive impact—because small businesses historically account for the lion's share of job growth. And that's where we haven't seen strong job growth."

That sluggish job growth goes a long way to explaining why—for millions of Americans—the Great Recession never ended. While the "official" unemployment rate has fallen steadily since the summer of 2009, the improvement in the data has come largely from the ongoing wave of jobless people who have given up looking for work.

Many of them—like Mary Villalba, 65, of Centennial, Colo.—fear they may never find a job as good as the one they lost to the recession.

Since getting laid off at a mortgage company in 2007, she's done consulting and taken part-time jobs. Though still looking for full-time work, she says she's growing resigned to being underemployed.

"It's hard not to be discouraged when I compare my credentials against those of people 40 years my junior who get the job offers," she said.

Business has also been slow this year for her husband of 25 years who works for a commercial roofing company. Villalba figures their household income, which peaked around $125,000 a year before the recession, has fallen roughly in half. She doubts it will ever get back to prerecession levels. The couple's retirement savings went to pay college tuition for their three now-grown daughters. Lately she's taken on part-time work handling title closings.

"The hours can be very long and erratic and there is no steady paycheck, but it at least helps pay some of the bills," she said. The couple has cut back on dining out and groceries, and she no longer goes clothes shopping.

For millions of underemployed workers like Villalba, the bills are much harder to keep up with than they were before the Great Recession.

The belt-tightening ha! s cut int! o sales at many businesses, including Balliets, a high-end women's clothing store in Oklahoma City. Owner Bob Benham said this year's sales were flat compared to last year.

Now, after a successful store expansion in 2010, Benham has shelved plans to open a new store, because his "gut feeling is: Sit tight."

"There is a lot of waiting-and-seeing both with consumers and small retailers," he said. "And I just think there are a number of anchors creating a less-than-exuberant feeling for both of them."

Those anchors include key forces that typically help propel an economy out of a downturn.

While the housing market has perked up in the past two years, for example, new construction and existing home sales are still below prerecession levels. Credit has begun easing, but mortgages are still hard to get. And ultra-low mortgage rates have begun moving higher this year.

Home prices, meanwhile, are still well below 2006 peak levels in many parts of the country, leaving more than 10 million owners who bought at the peak owing more than their home is worth.

That lost home equity helps explain why the "wealth effect" of rising housing and stock markets, which typically spurs further economic growth, has been so muted in the recovery.

This recovery has further concentrated that dual wealth boost among the richest Americans. Because those at the top of the wealth ladder typically spend a smaller share of their income than those in middle- and lower- income households, the concentration has further dampened overall consumer spending.

Government spending has also historically been a critical force propelling past recoveries. The impact of the Great Recession was substantially dampened by bank bailouts, massive federal stimulus spending and the Federal Reserve's unprecedented, $3.2 trillion flood of cash. But government stimulus has now turned to spending cuts, and the central bank is dialing down its cash machine.

Even as the federal budget deficit is shrinking, doze! ns of sta! te and local governments are grappling with shrunken revenues and rising costs—especially those municipalities that badly underfunded their pension plans in boom times. For Americans living and working in the nation's hardest-hit local economies, the recession never ended.

Yet the economy is improving, says Adam Aronson, CEO of Arrowsight, a Mount Kisco,N.Y.-based company that sells video monitoring systems to help improve safety and productivity in hospitals, factories and restaurants. He thinks, however, that businesses will hire workers and buy new equipment only if they feel confident they will make more money. There's little appetite for risk.

"They'll move, but only when they feel highly confident that there's a strong return," he said. "They're not as willing to just roll things out on a hunch like they might have been six or seven years ago. Right now it's a 'prove it to me' kind of environment that I'm seeing."

Follow Schoen on Twitter @johnwschoen.

© CNBC is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Buy For 2016

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Buy For 2016: Apple Inc.(AAPL)

Apple Inc., together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, as well as sells related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications worldwide. The company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers, and value-added resellers. In addition, it sells third-party Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and peripherals through its online and retail stores; and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. The company sells its products to consumer, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, government, and creative markets. As of September 25, 2010, it had 317 retail stores, including 233 stores in the United States and 84 stores internationally. The company, formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc., was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

  Ted S. Warren/APAmazon CEO Jeff Bezos introduced the Amazon Fire Phone last June. The world's leading online retailer is feeling pretty mortal these days. Amazon.com (AMZN) saw its shares slump 22 percent last year. History is on the side of those long Amazon. The stock hasn't suffered back-to-back years of declines in its nearly two dozen years as a public company. However, let's go over a few of the things that Amazon can do to make its own luck as it tries to bounce back into market fancy in 2015. 1. Profitability Must Return Amazon's net sales rose 18 percent through the first nine months of 2014, and that's impressive for a retail! er that will top $100 billion in sales this new year -- but sales growth is decelerating. The rub for Amazon has been its shrinking profitability as it spends a lot of money on products and service initiatives that won't pay off right away. Amazon can point to the $5.7 billion in operating cash flow that it has generated over its past four quarters -- or even the $1.1 billion in free cash flow that it has cranked out in that time -- but it needs to prove itself worthy of its market cap on the bottom line. CEO Jeff Bezos may brag about having the flexibility to take big bets, but investors are no longer as patient or risk-tolerant as they used to be. 2. Fire Phone Needs a Strong Sophomore Season Amazon's ambitious push into the smartphone market has been a dud. The Fire phone is certainly rich with unique features, but it's been held back by the limitations of not being a true Android device. Yes, the Fire Phone's operating system is built on top of Android's open source platform, but it's a unique system that does not play nice with the growing universe of applications available on Google's (GOOG) (GOOGL) Google Play app store. In short, it's at the mercy of Amazon or app developers porting over their programs to Fire Phone. That's been a deal breaker for many potential owners, and it's the most common complaint in the nega

• [By Tom Rojas var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach(func]

  Audio-equipment maker Monster LLC and its chief executive sued Apple Inc.'s(AAPL) Beats Electronics LLC, its co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, and Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC Corp.(2498.TW) for allegedly conspiring to dupe Monster out of a deal with Beats before the company was sold to Apple for $3.2 billion last year.

• [By Ashraf Eassa]

  Ever since Lenovo (NASDAQOTH: LNVGY  ) launched its Yoga 3 Pro convertible laptop, I have been skeptical about whether Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) would use Intel's (N! ASDAQ: IN! TC  ) Core M processor in a next-generation MacBook Air -- an idea I was initially quite fond of.

• [By Sam Mattera]

  Next year will be vital for Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) , and not just because of the Apple Watch.

  The success (or failure) of Apple's first wearable is likely to be important, but the Cupertino tech giant's performance in 2015 will depend primarily on the device that generates the vast majority of its revenue and profit: the iPhone.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-blue-chip-stocks-to-buy-for-2016.html

Top Value Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top Value Companies To Invest In Right Now: Tupperware Corpora tion(TUP)

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

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Teresa Rivas]

  We think KMB will be perceived as the safest of the multinationals. Its sales outside the US are about 55% of total; this compares to 65%-70% for Procter & Gamble (PG) and Coty (COTY) and! 80%-90% for Colgate (CL), Avon and Tupperware (TUP). In general, its risk to the most volatile currencies is below average (its exposure to Eastern Europe is less than 2% of sales), though it is still translating results in Venezuela (about 3% of sales and profit) at the official rate of 6.3 VEF/$ (the parallel rate just hit 175 VEF/$) and Argentina (also 3% of sales) may devalue again. The cost of important raw materials has started to weaken; as they follow oil's decline they could boost gross margins in 2H15. Of note, polypropylene and natural gas are off 17% 4Q-to-date; pulp prices, while not declining much, seem manageable.

• [By James Brumley]

  CSCO stock might be one of the market’s dark-horse stories of 2014; the dividend yield is the icing on the cake.

  Dividend Stocks to Buy: Tupperware Brands (TUP)

  Dividend Yield: 3.2%

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-value-companies-to-invest-in-right-now-3.html

Hot Up And Coming Stocks To Buy For 2015

As registered investment advisory firms grow, they are beginning to take a page out of the asset managers' handbook in creating a C-suite position to manage risk.

Many smaller firms haven't joined the trend yet, but the role of chief risk officer has become more important at RIA firms since the financial crisis — and recruiting is increasing for these types of jobs, said Jane Swan, the head of wealth management practice at executive search firm Sheffield Haworth Inc.

“I think it's the beginning of what's going to be a bigger trend,” she said. “We're definitely in a period of increased [regulatory] scrutiny.”

Top 10 Oil Service Stocks To Own For 2016: Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (ARI)

Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance, Inc., a real estate investment trust, engages in originating, acquiring, investing in, and managing performing commercial first mortgage loans, commercial mortgage-backed securities, mezzanine financings, and other commercial real estate-related debt investments in the United States. The company is qualified as a real estate investment trust (REIT) under the Internal Revenue Code. As a REIT, it would not be subject to federal income taxes, if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders. The company was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Mortgage real estate investment trust�Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance� (NYSE: ARI  ) announced this morning its second-quarter dividend for its 8.625% Series A cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred stock�of $0.5391�per share for the period ending July 15. That's the same rate it's paid for the past three quarters after it was increased 21% from $0.4432 per share.

Hot Up And Coming Stocks To Buy For 2015: Drew Industries Inc (DW)

Drew Industries Incorporated, incorporated on March 20, 1984, is a supplier of components for recreational vehicle (RVs) and manufactured housing. The Company operates in two segments: the RV products segment (RV Segment), and the manufactured housing products segment (MH Segment). The Company�� operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Lippert Components, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Lippert) and Kinro, Inc. and its subsidiaries (Kinro), each of which has operations in both the RV Segment and the MH Segment. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the RV Segment accounted for 87% of net sales and the MH segment accounted for 13% of net sales. On February 21, 2012, the Company acquired the business and certain assets of the United States RV entry door operation of Euramax International, Inc. In February 2014, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Lippert Components, Inc has acquired Innovative Design Solutions, Inc. (IDS).

RV Segment

The Company through its wholly owned subsidiaries manufactures and markets a variety of products used in the production of RVs, including steel chassis for towable RVs, axles and suspension solutions for towable RVs, slide-out mechanisms and solutions, thermoformed bath, kitchen and other products, manual, electric and hydraulic stabilizer and lifting systems, aluminum windows and screens, chassis components, furniture and mattresses, entry, baggage, patio and ramp doors, entry steps, awnings, and other accessories. The Company also supplies certain of these products to the RV aftermarket, and to adjacent industries, including manufacturers of truck caps, buses and trailers used to haul boats, livestock, equipment and other cargo. Operations of the Company's RV Segment consist primarily of fabricating, welding, painting and assembling components into finished products. The Company's RV Segment operations are conducted at 23 manufacturing and warehouse facilities throughout the United States, located in proximity to the cus! tomers they serve. Of these facilities, six also conduct operations in the Company's MH Segment. It markets extruded aluminum parts to manufacturers in other industries. The Company's RV Segment products are sold primarily to manufacturers of RVs such as Thor Industries Forest River (a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, and other original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and to distributors of aftermarket products.

MH Segment

The Company through its wholly owned subsidiaries manufactures and markets a variety of products used in the production of manufactured homes and to modular housing and mobile office units, including vinyl and aluminum windows and screens, steel chassis, steel chassis parts, axles, thermoformed bath and kitchen products, steel and fiberglass entry doors, and aluminum and vinyl patio doors. The Company also supplies windows, doors, and thermoformed bath products as replacement parts to the manufactured housing aftermarket, and to adjacent industries. MH Segment customers manufacture both manufactured homes and modular homes, and certain of the products manufactured by the Company are suitable for both types of homes. Operations of the Company's MH Segment consist primarily of fabricating, welding, thermoforming, painting and assembling components into finished products. The Company's MH Segment operations are conducted at 13 manufacturing and warehouse facilities throughout the United States, located in proximity to the customers they serve. Of these facilities, six also conduct operations in the Company's RV Segment. The Company's manufactured housing products are sold primarily to producers of manufactured homes such as Clayton Homes, Cavco Industries, Inc., Champion Home Builders, Inc., Skyline Corporation, and other OEMs, and to distributors of aftermarket products.

The Company competes with Kober Corporation and Dexter Axle Company.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Grace L. Williams]

  Shares of Winnebago have gained 4.4% to $28.47 today at 3pm. Thor Industries (THO), which also makes recreational vehicles, has ticked up 0.1% to $57.56, Drew Industries (DW) has risen 0.3% to $48.74, Arctic Cat (ACAT) has advanced 1% to $59.87 and Polaris Industries (PII) has fallen 0.3% to $132.08.

• [By John Udovich]

  The CEO of recreation vehicle (RV) stock Winnebago Industries, Inc (NYSE: WGO) recently appeared on CNBC to say that the economy is improving for RV makers, meaning its time to take a closer look at the stock plus take a look at the performance of other small cap RV stocks like Drew Industries, Inc (NYSE: DW), Skyline Corporation (NYSEMKT: SKY) and Thor Industries, Inc (NYSE: THO).

Hot Up And Coming Stocks To Buy For 2015: China Distance Education Holdings Ltd (DL)

China Distance Education Holdings Limited (CDEL), incorporated on January 11, 2008, offers a range of online education and test preparation courses and other related services and products. The Company operates and manages its business in the provision of online and offline education services and selling of related products. The Company�� online courses are designed to help professionals and other course participants obtain and maintain the skills, licenses and certifications necessary to pursue careers in China in the areas of accounting, law, healthcare, construction engineering and other industries. In addition, the Company also offers online foreign language courses. As of September 30, 2012, the Company operated 17 websites, including its main Website www.cdeledu.com and 16 other websites. The Company�� online courses feature audio-video lectures delivered through the Internet using streaming media and other Internet-based technologies, and are supplemented by textbooks, tutoring, online assignments and exercises, mock examinations, and other forms of learning activities and course-related support.

The Company sell books and reference materials through third-party bookstores and distributors across China, and, to a lesser extent, through its online bookstore and its offices in Beijing. In addition, it also offers offline business start-up training courses and in-person accounting and healthcare professional training to accounting firms and the general public. The Company provides course production services and platform production services for certain customers at their request.

Online Education Services

The Company offers online courses through its websites designed to help course participants obtain and maintain the skills, licenses and certifications necessary to pursue their careers and professions in China. Its online professional education courses cover a range of industries, including accounting, law, healthcare, construction engineering and! others. It also offers online test preparation courses to self-taught learners pursuing higher education diplomas or degrees and to secondary school and college students for various academic and entrance exams. Additionally, the Company offers online foreign language courses.

The Company�� courses feature audio-video lectures by experienced lecturers or practitioners within their respective fields delivered through a multimedia and interactive Web interface using streaming media and other Internet-based technologies. Its online lectures are supplemented by textbooks, tutoring, online assignments, exercises, mock examinations, and other forms of learning activities and course-related support. Course participants using different platforms, including smart phones, tablets or regular computers, are able to access its courses through the Internet at times and places convenient for them.

The Web page also provides hyperlinks allowing course participants to access other useful functions during the lecture. It also provides its course lectures in the form of downloadable media files that allow course participants to save copies of the lectures onto their own personal computers and to play them offline. The Company utilizes digital rights management, or digital rights management (DRM), technology to restrict the transfer and viewing of downloadable media files.

Professional Course Offerings

The Company�� professional course offerings include accounting Courses, legal courses, healthcare courses, construction engineering courses, online information technology courses and other professional education courses. The Company offer courses relating to China�� important nationwide legal examination, the National Judicial Examination. It offers courses relating to three nationwide healthcare exams: the National Practicing Medical Doctor Qualification Examination, the Healthcare Professional Technical Qualification Examination jointly administered by the Ministry! of Healt! h and the MOP and the National Pharmacist Qualification Examination administered by the MOP and the State Administration of Drug Supervision. It offers courses mainly relating to exams: Associate Constructor and Constructor Qualification Examinations, Construction Supervisor Qualification Examination, Construction Pricing Engineer Qualification Examination, Certified Safety Engineer Qualification Examination, Consulting Engineer Qualification Examination and Real Estate Appraiser Qualification Examination. The Company provides professional education courses in the areas of information technology, securities and various civil service positions.

Higher Education for Self-Taught Learners

The Company through its Website www.zikao365.com offers courses targeted at self-taught learners pursuing associate diplomas or bachelor�� degrees in various academic areas. They complete their self study and obtain government accredited diplomas or degrees by passing the Higher Education Examination for Self-Taught Learners administered by the MOE without having to enroll in and physically attend a traditional college or university. It offer test preparatory courses to help self-taught learners pass the requisite exams.

Academic Exam Preparation and Foreign Language Courses Study Courses

The Company through its Website www.cnedu.cn Website, the Company offer test preparation courses targeted at university students intending to take nationwide graduate school entrance exams in various disciplines administered by the MOE. It also operates websites focused on the secondary and college education market, foreign language study and other subjects. Its secondary education courses are designed to provide an online resource for secondary school course participants to prepare for these exams.

Other Products and Services

The Company sells books and reference materials relating to various professional courses and exam s! ubjects. ! To promote the use of its online courses, the Company also sells books and reference materials related to its courses such as the Elementary Level and Intermediate Level Accounting Professional Qualification Examination, the CPA Qualification Examination, the Registered Tax Agent Qualification Examination, the Certified Asset Appraiser Qualification Examination, the Accounting Professional Qualification Examination, accounting continuing education, the National Judicial Examination, the National Practicing Medical Doctor Qualification Examination, the Construction Supervisor Qualification Examination, the Constructor Qualification Examination, the Construction Pricing Engineer Qualification Examination, and the Intermediate Economist Qualification Examination.

The Company provides primary and secondary school supplementary tutoring services to students in a range of subject areas, such as Chinese, math and science. Students may attend offline courses taught by its in-person lecturers or view pre-recorded video courses on its Website at www.g12e.com. Its offline classes are available in Beijing and are subscribed during winter and summer breaks. It also provides course production services to certain customers on a contractual basis.

Regular, Premium and Elite Classes

The Company offer regular, premium and elite classes, which include foundation classes, intensified focus classes, exam Questions analysis classes and crash-course classes. It offers elite classes to legal practitioners, self-taught learners pursuing higher education diplomas or degrees, and professionals in the healthcare, construction engineering and other industries. Its foundation classes contain detailed instructions and content to provide course participants with a broad and comprehensive knowledge base relating to a specific subject area. Its intensified focus classes are designed to provide more intensive instructions focused on important topics in a specific subject area at a more! advanced! pace to course participants who already have basic knowledge of the subject area. Its exam questions analysis classes contain materials and instructions tailored specifically to preparation for the actual exams and the types of questions and topics that come up in each exam. Its crash-course classes are designed to provide a quick review of critical topic areas for specific exam subjects to enable course participants to make final preparations in the weeks prior to an exam. Its exam simulation system offers a wealth of mock test questions developed based on real tests, closely conforms to the syllabus and test requirements, and fully covers various key examination points.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Louis Navellier]

  ABTL stock was upgraded to an “A” in Portfolio Grader back in July, and remains a “strong buy” as we head into the end of the year.

  ‘Best of the Best’ Stock Picks #2: China Distance Education Holdings (DL)

  China Distance Education Holdings (DL) provides education services in China.

Hot Up And Coming Stocks To Buy For 2015: Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL)

Delta Air Lines, Inc. (Delta) provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo throughout the United States and around the world. The Company�� route network gives it a presence in every domestic and international market. Delta�� route network is centered around the hub system it operate at airports in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. Each of these hub operations includes flights that gather and distribute traffic from markets in the geographic region surrounding the hub to domestic and international cities and to other hubs. The Company�� network is supported by a fleet of aircraft that is varied in terms of size and capabilities.

Delta has bilateral and multilateral marketing alliances with foreign airlines to improve its access to international markets. These arrangements can include code-sharing, reciprocal frequent flyer program benefits, shared or reciprocal access to passenger lounges, joint promotions, common use of airport gates and ticket counters, ticket office co-location, and other marketing agreements. Its international code-sharing agreements enable it to market and sell seats to an expanded number of international destinations. The Company has international codeshare arrangements with Aeromexico, Air France, Air Nigeria, Alitalia, Aeroflot, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, CSA Czech Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Olympic Air, Royal Air Maroc, VRG Linhas Aereas (operating as GOL), Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Australia and WestJet Airlines.

In addition to the Company�� marketing alliance agreements with individual foreign airlines, it is a member of the SkyTeam airline alliance. Delta also has frequent flyer and reciprocal lounge agreements with Hawaiian Airlines, and codesharing agreements with American Eagle Airlines (American Eagle) and Hawaiian Airlines. It has air service agreements with multiple do! mestic regional air carriers that feed traffic to its route system by serving passengers primarily in small-and medium-sized cities.

Through the Company�� regional carrier program, it has contractual arrangements with 10 regional carriers to operate regional jet and, in certain cases, turbo-prop aircraft using its DL designator code. In addition to Delta�� wholly owned subsidiary, Comair, it has contractual arrangements with ExpressJet Airlines, Inc. and SkyWest Airlines, Inc., both subsidiaries of SkyWest, Inc.; Chautauqua Airlines, Inc. and Shuttle America Corporation, both subsidiaries of Republic Airways Holdings, Inc.; Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. and Mesaba Aviation, Inc. (Mesaba), both subsidiaries of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (Pinnacle); Compass Airlines, Inc. (Compass) and GoJet Airlines, LLC, both subsidiaries of Trans States Holdings, Inc. (Trans States), and American Eagle.

The Company�� SkyMiles program allows program members to earn mileage for travel awards by flying on Delta, Delta�� regional carriers and other participating airlines. Mileage credit may also be earned by using certain services offered by program participants, such as credit card companies, hotels and car rental agencies. In addition, individuals and companies may purchase mileage credits. The Company reserves the right to terminate the program with six months advance notice, and to change the program�� terms and conditions at any time without notice.

SkyMiles program mileage credits can be redeemed for air travel on Delta and participating airlines, for membership in the Company�� Delta Sky Clubs and for other program participant awards. Mileage credits are subject to certain transfer restrictions and travel awards are subject to capacity controlled seating. During the year ended December 31, 2011, program members redeemed more than 275 billion miles in the SkyMiles program for more than 12 million award redemptions. During 2011, 8.2% of revenue miles flown on Delta were from a! ward trav! el.

The Company generates cargo revenues in domestic and international markets through the use of cargo space on regularly scheduled passenger aircraft. Delta is a member of SkyTeam Cargo, an airline cargo alliance. SkyTeam Cargo offers a network spanning six continents and provides customers an international product line.

The Company has several other businesses arising from its airline operations, including aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO); staffing services for third parties; vacation wholesale operations, and its private jet operations. Delta�� MRO operation, known as Delta TechOps, is an airline MRO in North America. In addition to providing maintenance and engineering support for its fleet of approximately 775 aircraft, Delta TechOps serves more than 150 aviation and airline customers. Its staffing services business, Delta Global Services, provides staffing services, professional security, training services and aviation solutions to approximately 150 customers. The Company�� vacation wholesale business, MLT Vacations, is the provider of vacation packages in the United States. Its private jet operations, Delta Private Jets, provides aircraft charters, aircraft management and programs allowing members to purchase flight time by the hour.

The Company competes with SkyTeam, United Air Lines, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa German Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  United has historically lagged its major competitors in PRASM growth; 3Q14 could signify a turning point as management forecasts 3Q14 PRASM growth of 2% to 4%, compared to our estimate of 2% and in line with Delta’s (DAL) forecast. We consider this guide a major positive for the company as we have long been concerned about the company’s PRASM deficiencies…

Hot Up And Coming Stocks To Buy For 2015: Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc.(KTOS)

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. provides mission critical products, services, and solutions in the United States. The company?s Kratos Government Solutions segment offers various services comprising weapon systems sustainment, lifecycle support, and extension; command, control, communications, computing, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance services, including cybersecurity, cyberwarfare, information assurance, and situational awareness solutions; military range operations and technical services; missile, rocket, and weapons systems test and evaluation; mission launch services; modeling and simulation; unmanned aerial vehicle products and technology; advanced network engineering and information technology services; and public safety, security, and surveillance systems integration. Its Public Safety & Security segment provides independent integrated solutions for homeland security, public safety, critical information, and security and su rveillance systems. This segment?s solutions consists of designing, installing, and servicing building technologies that protect people, critical infrastructure, assets, information, and property in various areas, such as the design, engineering, and operation of command and control centers; design, engineering, deployment, and integration of access control; building automation and control; communications; digital and closed circuit television security and surveillance; fire and life safety; maintenance services; and product support services. The company primarily serves the United States government agencies, including the department of defense, classified agencies, intelligence agencies, other national security agencies, and homeland security related agencies. The company was formerly known as Wireless Facilities, Inc. and changed its name to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. in September 2007. The company was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in San Diego, Cali fornia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading UP
  Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) shot up 7.19 percent to $7.75 after the company reported that it has been awarded a five-year seaport-e contract.

• [By Rich Smith]

  On Monday, the Department of Defense awarded 19 contracts, which added�up to just under $1.5 billion in total value. The largest award went to a private company to pay for "full line food distribution" in Okinawa. But even so, there were a few contracts worth noting, going to publicly traded companies:

• [By MONEYMORNING]

  And in subsequent reports this summer, we recommended Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. (Nasdaq: KTOS), a defense-and-cybersecurity stock that zoomed as much as 50% before surrendering some of those gains. We still have a double-digit profit in the stock. And we continue to like it for the long haul.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading UP
  Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (NASDAQ: KTOS) shot up 7.74 percent to $7.79 after the company reported that it has been awarded a five-year seaport-e contract.

Hot Up And Coming Stocks To Buy For 2015: Athabasca Oil Corp (ATHOF.PK)

Athabasca Oil Corporation, formerly Athabasca Oil Sands Corp., is focused on the exploration and development of unconventional oil resource plays in Alberta, Canada. The Company is organized into two divisions: thermal oil and light oil. Thermal oil includes the Company�� assets, liabilities and operating results for the exploration, development and production of bitumen from sand and carbonate rock formations located in the Athabasca region of Northern Alberta. Light oil includes the Company�� assets, liabilities and operating results for the exploration, development and production of unconventional oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids located in various regions in the province of Alberta. Athabasca has accumulated more than 1.5 million (net) acres of oil sands leases in the Athabasca area of northern Alberta. The Company�� oil sands projects are Hangingstone (100%), Dover West Sands (100%), Dover West Carbonates (100%), Dover (40%), Birch (100%) and Grosmont (50%). Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephan Dube]

  Athabasca's most notable producers:

  Suncor Energy (SU) (Part 1), see article here.Suncor Energy (Part 2), see article here.Athabasca Oil (ATHOF.PK), see article here.Canadian Natural Resources, see article here.Imperial Oil, see article here.Cenovus Energy (CVE), see article here.MEG Energy (MEGEF.PK), see article here.Devon Energy, see article here.Royal Dutch Shell, see article here.Ivanhoe Energy (IVAN), see article here.Nexen (CNOOC) (CEO), see article here.

  An analysis of the current operations of the company will be examined with the objective to provide the most complete information available to potential investors before deciding to seize the opportunity that the 54,132 square miles of the Carbonate Triangle has to offer. Let's start by introducing Athabasca, a famous and most prolific region in the Canadian oil sands as well as one of the largest reserve in the world.

2 Stocks Spiking on Unusual Volume

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- Professional traders running mutual funds and hedge funds don't just look at a stock's price moves; they also track big changes in volume activity. Often when above-average volume moves into an equity, it precedes a large spike in volatility.

>>5 Big Stocks to Trade for Big Gains

Major moves in volume can signal unusual activity, such as insider buying or selling -- or buying or selling by "superinvestors."

Unusual volume can also be a major signal that hedge funds and momentum traders are piling into a stock ahead of a catalyst. These types of traders like to get in well before a large spike, so it's always a smart move to monitor unusual volume. That said, remember to combine trend and price action with unusual volume. Put them all together to help you decipher the next big trend for any stock.

>>5 Stocks Poised to Pop on Bullish Earnings

With that in mind, let's take a look at several stocks rising on unusual volume today.

NuStar

NuStar GP Holdings (NSH) owns general partner and limited partner interests in NuStar Energy, which engages in the terminaling and storage of petroleum products, transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and petroleum refining and marketing. This stock closed up 7% at $25.43 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 404,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 235,914

Volume % Change: 105%

>>5 Stocks Poised for Breakouts

From a technical perspective, NSH soared higher here and broke out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $24.28 to $24.66 with above-average volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last month and change, with shares moving higher from its low of $19.34 to its intraday high of $25.52. During that move, shares of NSH have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in NSH as long as it's trending above Monday's low of $23.50 and then once it sustains a move or close above Monday's high of $25.52 with volume that's near or above 235,914 shares. If we get that move soon, then NSH will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $26.82 to its 200-day at $26.95. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give NSH a chance to tag $30 to $32.

Synergy Resources

Synergy Resources (SYRG) is an exploration-stage company engaged in oil and gas acquisitions, exploration, development and production activities. This stock closed up 2.8% at $11.03 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 949,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 589,711

Volume % Change: 75%

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy Now

From a technical perspective, SYRG trended up here right above some near-term support at $10.54 and into new 52-week-high territory with above-average volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last five months, with shares soaring higher from its low of $6.23 to its intraday high and new 52-week high at $11.40. During that uptrend, shares of SYRG have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SYRG as long as it's trending above some key near-term support at $10.54 and then once it sustains a move or close above its 52-week high at $11.40 with volume that's near or above 589,711 shares. If we get that move soon, then SYRG will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory above, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $13 to $15.

To see more stocks rising on unusual volume, check out the Stocks Rising pn Unusual Volume portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

RELATED LINKS:

>>5 Stocks Under $10 to Trade for Breakouts

>>The Pros Hate These 5 Stocks -- Should You?

>>Why I'm Sticking By Dow 55,000

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Roberto Pedone, based out of Delafield, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on technical analysis for small- and large-cap stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. Roberto studied international business at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany. His work has appeared on financial outlets including

CNBC.com and Forbes.com. You can follow Pedone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zerosum24 or @zerosum24.

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now

Stocks kicked off this week on a positive note as earnings season optimism permeated the markets right from the opening bell on Monday morning. A larger-than-expected increase in consumer credit further bolstered confidence involving the health of the domestic recovery, as the figure came in at $20 billion, compared to last month�� reading of $11 billion. Looking ahead, all eyes are on the upcoming FOMC minutes this Wednesday as investors are looking for further reassurance that the Fed won�� prematurely scale back on stimulus efforts .

Our ETF to watch for today is the CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust as it flirts with a key support level ahead of U.K. GDP estimates. Analysts are expecting for the U.K. economy to expand by 0.6% for the second quarter this year, while a surprise in either direction is sure to spark volatile trading for the pound in the currency market.

Chart AnalysisThe British pound has taken a beating thus far on the year as investors have largely favored the U.S. greenback over foreign currencies�while the European debt crisis has continued to drag on without a definitive resolution in sight. FXB appeared to have hit a bottom in March of this year when it stabilized just below $148 a share; the ETF went onto stage a steep rebound, charging as high as $154 a share in less than two months. As the chart below reveals, however, profit-taking pressures have kept FXB underneath its 200-day moving average (yellow line) on two occasions this year, with its most recent clash with resistance taking place in mid-June�.

Top Clean Energy Companies For 2016: Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.(NBIX)

Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of neurological and endocrine-related diseases and disorders in the United States. It develops drugs for endometriosis, stress-related disorders, pain, tardive dyskinesia, uterine fibroids, diabetes, insomnia, and other neurological and endocrine-related diseases and disorders. The company?s products in clinical development include Elagolix, a Phase II drug for endometriosis; Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 Inhibitor (VMAT2), a Phase II drug for movement disorders; CRF2 Peptide Agonist, a Phase II drug for cardiovascular diseases; CRF1 Antagonist, a Phase II drug for stress-related disorders; and Elagolix, a Phase II drug for uterine fibroids. Its research programs comprise G Protein-Coupled Receptor 119 (GPR119) for type II diabetes; VMAT2 for schizophrenia; GnRH Antagonists for men?s and women?s health, and oncology; Antiepileptic Drugs for epilepsy, essential tremor, and pain; and G Protein-Coupled Receptors for other conditions. The company has collaborations with GlaxoSmithKline to develop and commercialize CRF antagonists for psychiatric, neurological, and gastrointestinal diseases; Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Co. Ltd. to develop and commercialize Indiplon in Japan; Abbott International Luxembourg S.�r.l. to develop and commercialize elagolix and GnRH antagonists for women?s and men?s health indications; and Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule GPR119 agonists for the treatment of type II diabetes and other indications. Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading UP
  Shares of Neurocrine Biosciences (NASDAQ: NBIX) got a boost, shooting up 57.43 percent to $15.37 after the company reported positive results of VMAT2 inhibitor NBI-98854 in Kinect 2 study.

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now: Raytheon Company(RTN)

Raytheon Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides electronics, mission systems integration, and other capabilities in the areas of sensing, effects, and command, control, communications, and intelligence systems, as well as mission support services in the United States and internationally. It operates in six segments: Integrated Defense Systems, Intelligence and Information Systems, Missile Systems, Network Centric Systems, Space and Airborne Systems, and Technical Services. The Integrated Defense Systems segment provides integrated naval, air, and missile defense and civil security response solutions. The Intelligence and Information Systems segment offers intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, advanced cyber solutions, weather and environmental solutions, and information-based solutions for law enforcement and homeland security. The Missile Systems segment develops and produces weapon systems, including missiles, smart munitions, close-in weapon systems, projectiles, kinetic kill vehicles, and directed energy effectors for the armed forces of the U.S. and other allied nations. The Network Centric Systems segment provides net-centric mission solutions, including integrated communications systems, command and control systems, combat systems, and operations and precision components for the U.S. federal, state, and local government customers, as well as civil customers. The Space and Airborne Systems segment designs and develops integrated systems and solutions for missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; precision engagement; unmanned aerial operations; and space. The Technical Services segment provides training, logistics, engineering, product support, and operational support services for the mission support, homeland security, space, civil aviation, counterproliferation, and counterterrorism markets. Raytheon Company was founded in 1922 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Raytheon Co (NYSE: RTN) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.33 per share on revenue of $5.81 billion.

  McKesson (NYSE: MCK) is projected to report its Q2 earnings at $2.04 per share on revenue of $32.08 billion.

• [By Vinay Singh] company also provides various security solutions in the United States and internationally.

  It has $12.39 per share in cash and a current ratio of 1.57; the company is liquid. Analysts expect $5.44 in EPS for the next fiscal year, and the current stock price is less than 10 times that figure, compared to a peer average of 17 times, suggesting Raytheon is significantly undervalued.

  It has an impressive EBITDA margin in the mid-teens and an operating cash flow margin in the mid single digits. It reported strong operating cash flow from continuing operations at $1.0 billion in the fourth quarter and $2.0 billion for the entire year.

  Backed by the strong free cash flow, the company should be able to further increase its cash reserve by $7.5 per share next year. ** Also, the share count has fallen from 425 million in fiscal 2008 to less than 330 million at the end of 2012, and considering the management's plans on buybacks, this trend should continue.

  Like L-3 Communications, Raytheon faces revenue declines from defense spending cuts. Nevertheless, I think Raytheon can grow its free cash flow at a 2-5% rate for the long-term. Discounting that back, it suggests a fair value of about $66.

  The bottom line

  To generate safe and stable income in a volatile market environment, investors should diversify their portfolios with different industries. With impressive cash flows and dividend yields of more than 2.5%, the aforesaid stocks in the Aerospace/Defense Industry offer investors a valuable source of regular income, as well as the potential for long-term capital appreciation.

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• [By Ben Levisohn]

  The government shutdown has taken its toll on government contractors this week. In the Dow, United Technologies (UTX) dropped 4.7% to $104.27, making it the blue-chip index’s biggest loser, after said it could furlough workers. Raytheon (RTN) fell 5.7% to $74.25.

• [By Rich Smith]

  The Pentagon continues stocking up on new bombs, and Raytheon (NYSE: RTN  ) is happy to help them out with that.

  On Wednesday, the defense contractor won yet another order for AGM-154C-1�Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW) from the Navy. This order, for 200 units of Full Rate Production Lot 9 of the JSOW, is worth $80.5 million to Raytheon. In addition to the armed versions, Raytheon is also asked to deliver one test-round, a single JSOW for use in a "performance characterization test."

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now: Gray Television Inc (GTN)

Gray Television, Inc. (Gray), incorporated on January 25, 1897, is a television broadcast company. The Company owns and operates television stations broadcasting 40 primary channels and 45 secondary channels in 30 television markets. 19 of the primary channels and one secondary channel are affiliated with the CBS Network owned by CBS Inc. (CBS), 10 primary channels are affiliated with the NBC Network owned by National Broadcasting Company, Inc. (NBC), eight primary channels and one secondary channel are affiliated with the ABC Network owned by American Broadcasting Company (ABC), and three primary channels and two secondary channels are affiliated with the FOX Network owned by the FOX Broadcasting Company (FOX). The Company also broadcasts 9 local news/weather channels in certain of its existing markets. In February 2013, the Company acquired KSNB-TV. In November 2013,

Gray Television, Inc announced that it consummated its announced acquisition from News-Press & Gazette Company (NPGCo) of the non-license assets of KJCT(TV) and associated low power television stations broadcasting ABC, CW, Telemundo, and local programming.

All of the Company�� stations broadcast primary channels that are affiliated with major networks. In addition to the primary channels, the majority of Gray�� stations also broadcast secondary digital channels that are affiliated with various networks. The Company��s operating revenues are derived primarily from broadcast and Internet advertising and from other sources such as production of commercials, tower rentals, retransmission consent fees and management fees. Television station revenue is derived primarily from local, regional and national advertising. Advertising revenues consists of the primary source of revenues for the Company�� stations.

The Company competes with Two And A Half Men and Jeopardy.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Gray Television (NYSE: GTN  ) reported earnings on May 2. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Gray Television beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

• [By John Emerson]

  My selection of stocks was now almost entirely based upon themes. Instead of seeking out value in out-favor-sectors, I had temporarily diverted to the path of attempting to identify investing themes, although I would only purchase a stock if I deemed it to be a bargain. The major themes I had identified were natural gas related stocks, material stocks such as cement companies, and discounted Chinese growth stocks which made their money by selling their products to Chinese consumers. I also owned significant positions in some other purely American companies which included Casey�� (CASY) and Gray Television (GTN). Ultimately, Gray Television would turn out to be a colossal failure (more on GTN later).

• [By Jonas Elmerraji]

  Meanwhile, small-cap TV broadcaster Gray Television (GTN) is showing some bullish overtones after tracking sideways for the last month and change. GTN is currently forming a cup-and-handle pattern, a classical bullish setup that triggers on a move through the $9.25 level. Don't put too much thought into the cup-and-handle setup itself; instead, just focus on that breakout level at $9.25.

  Whenever you're looking at any technical price pattern, it's critical to think in terms of those buyers and sellers. Triangles, and other pattern names are a good quick way to explain what's going on in a stock, but they're not the reason it's tradable. Instead, it all comes down to supply and demand for shares.

  That $9.25 resistance level is a price where there has been an excess of supply of shares; in other words, it's a place where sellers have been more eager to step in and take gains than buyers have been to buy. That's what makes a breakout above it so significant -- the move means that buyers are finally strong enough to absorb all of the excess supply above that price level.

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now: International Business Machines Corporation(IBM)

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

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  We recently had a chance to interview one of the portfolio managers for the Ranger Equity Bear ETF (NYSEMKT: HDGE), which is an actively managed short selling exchange-traded fund. It acts like a short selling hedge fund but with instant market liquidity features that an ETF structure provides. The ETF’s major short selling position in shares of International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM) was what really piqued our interest. Investors did well who decided to move out of IBM as Big Blue’s stock price has managed to fall by more than $11 per share since then. It turns out that the team here remains a short seller of IBM, and this is indirectly a bet against Warren Buffett.

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now: Westar Energy Inc.(WR)

Westar Energy, Inc., an electric utility company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. It produces electricity through various sources, including coal, wind, nuclear, natural gas, oil, and diesel. As of October 26, 2011, it served approximately 687,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Kansas; and had approximately 7,100 megawatts of generating capacity, as well as operated and coordinated approximately 34,000 miles of electric distribution and transmission lines. Westar Energy, Inc. also engages in energy marketing, and in the purchase and sale of electricity. It serves public streets, highways, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and other electric utilities in central and northeastern Kansas, including the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, and Hutchinson. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Now don’t misunderstand. Gordon isn’t telling investors to avoid all regulated utilities. He has some favorites, including American Electric Power (AEP), Dominion Resources (D), ITC Holdings (ITC), Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) and Westar Energy (WR).

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, electric utility Westar Energy (NYSE: WR  ) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now: Rentech Inc (RTK)

Rentech, Inc. (Rentech), incorporated in 1981, is a provider of clean energy solutions. The Company owns and operates a nitrogen fertilizer plant in East Dubuque, Illinois, that manufactures and sells natural gas-based nitrogen fertilizer products within the corn-belt region in the United States. It is developing energy projects to produce certified synthetic fuels and electric power from carbon-containing materials, such as biomass, waste and fossil resources. Its technologies can produce synthesis gas (syngas) from biomass and waste materials, and convert syngas from its own or other gasification technologies into complex hydrocarbons (the Rentech Process) that are then upgraded into fuels using refining technology that it licenses. In addition to developing projects using these technologies, it is pursuing the licensing of its technologies to developers of projects that are expected to produce fuels and/or power. In May 2011, it acquired majority interest in ClearFuels Technology Inc. In May 2013, Rentech Inc acquired the entire share capital of Fulghum Fibres Inc. In August 2013, Rentech Inc announced that a subsidiary of the Company closed the sale of approximately 450 acres in Natchez, Mississippi to Adams County, Mississippi.

The Rentech Process is a technology based on Fischer-Tropsch (FT) chemistry, which converts syngas that can be produced from a range of biomass, waste and fossil resources into hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can be processed and upgraded into synthetic fuels, such as military and commercial jet fuels and low sulfur diesel fuel, as well as waxes and chemicals. Unlike some other alternative transportation fuels, such as ethanol, fuels produced from the Rentech Process can be transported and used in existing infrastructure, including pipelines and engines without blending restrictions. Its technology portfolio also includes the Rentech-SilvaGas biomass gasification technology (the Rentech-SilvaGas Technology), which enables it to offer integrated technologies t! hat can convert biomass and wastes to syngas and into clean fuels and electric power.

The Rentech Process can produce synthetic diesel fuels (RenDiesel1 fuels), which are clean burning having lower emissions of regulated pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter, than traditional petroleum-based diesel fuels. The Rentech Process also can produce synthetic jet fuel (RenJet fuel), which when blended with conventional jet fuel meet jet fuel specifications for military jet fuel and commercial Jet A and Jet A-1 fuels. It is developing a proposed project near Natchez, Mississippi (the Natchez Project) designed to produce approximately 30,000 barrels per day of synthetic fuels and chemicals and approximately 120 megawatts of power. It is evaluating alternative configurations for the Natchez site, which would initially be smaller in scale. The alternate configurations may use various feed-stocks alone or in various combinations, and include proportions of waxes and chemicals as products.

The Company owns, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Rentech Energy Midwest Corporation (REMC), a nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing plant that uses natural gas as its feedstock to produce syngas and then nitrogen fertilizer products. The products, the Company can produce include renewable synthetic diesel and jet fuels, naphtha and power from biomass resources; synthetic diesel and jet fuels, naphtha and power from fossil or fossil and biomass resources, and paraffinic waxes, solvents and specialty chemicals.

The Company competes with ExxonMobil, the Royal Dutch/Shell group, Statoil, BP and Sasol.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Travis Hoium]

  What: Shares of fertilizer and renewable energy company Rentech (NASDAQ: RTK  ) jumped 17% today after the company announced an acquisition.

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Alternative energy specialist�Rentech� (NASDAQ: RTK  ) �will be�buying back�up to $25 million worth of company stock through the rest of the year, the board of directors announced Monday.

Top 10 Industrial Disributor Stocks To Own Right Now: Dorchester Minerals L.P.(DMLP)

Dorchester Minerals, L.P. engages in the acquisition, ownership, and administration of producing and non-producing natural gas and crude oil royalty, net profits, and leasehold interests in the United States. Its net profits interests represent net profits overriding royalty interests in various properties owned by the operating partnership; and royalty properties consist of producing and nonproducing mineral, royalty, overriding royalty, net profits, and leasehold interests located in 574 counties and parishes in 25 states. Dorchester Minerals Management LP serves as the general partner of Dorchester Minerals, L.P. The company was founded in 1982 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Robert Rapier]

  Q: The writer before you did not like Dorchester.  Could you research it and give a recommendation by the next chat?

  Dorchester Minerals (Nasdaq: DMLP) is a Texas-based partnership that owns producing and non-producing crude oil and natural gas properties, royalty, overriding royalty, net profits, and leasehold interests. The partnership is primarily a natural gas producer, and the biggest knock against it historically is that it hasn’t done a great job of growing proved reserves:
  
  
  
  

  Dorchester Minerals Reserves History. Source: Dorchester Minerals Investor Presentation