10 Best Small Cap Stocks To Invest In 2016

10 Best Small Cap Stocks To Invest In 2016: China Metro-Rural Holdings Limited(CNR)

China Metro-Rural Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the development and operation of agricultural logistics and trade centers in northeast China. It also involves in purchasing, processing, assembling, merchandising, and distributing pearls and jewelry products. The company markets its pearls and jewelry products to wholesale distributors and mass merchandisers in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, and other parts of Asia. In addition, it develops, sells, and leases residential and commercial properties in Hong Kong and the People?s Republic of China. The company is based in Tsimshatsui, Hong Kong.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Katie Brennan]

  Canadian National Railway Co. (CNR) added 0.9 percent to C$104.93 and Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. rose 1.7 percent to C$131.73.

  Niko Resources surged 3.4 percent to $8.64 after the company entered an agreement for a $60 million loan that will be funded by a group of institutional investors. Net proceeds from the loan will be used to fund working capital requirements.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/10-best-small-cap-stocks-to-invest-in-2016.html

5 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy Right Now

5 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Buy Right Now: Advanced Photonix Inc (API)

Advanced Photonix, Inc. (API), incorporated in June 22, 1988, is engaged in the development and manufacture of optoelectronic devices and value-added sub-systems and systems. The Company serves a variety of global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in a variety of industries. API supports its customers from the initial concept and design phase of the product, through testing to full-scale production. API has two manufacturing facilities located in Camarillo, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. API is a supplier of optoelectronic semiconductors packaged into high-speed optical receivers, custom optoelectronic subsystems and Terahertz instrumentation, serving a variety of global OEM markets. API supports the customer from the initial concept and design of the semiconductor, hybridization of support electronics, packaging and signal conditioning or processing from prototype through full-scale production and validation testing. The target markets served by it are industri al sensing/NDT, military/aerospace, telecom, medical and homeland security. On March 1, 2013, it acquired certain assets of Silonex, Inc.

The Companys high-speed optical receivers include avalanche photodiode (APD) technology and positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) photodiode technology based upon III-V materials, including InP, InAlAs, and GaAs. Its optoelectronic subsystems are based on its silicon large area avalanche photodiode (LAAPD), PIN photodiode, FILTRODE detectors and light emitting diode (LED) assemblies. APIs Terahertz sensor product line is targeted at the industrial homeland security and military markets. Using its fiber coupled technology and high speed Terahertz generation and detection sensors, the Company is engaged in transferring Terahertz technology from the laboratory to the factory floor for use in non-destructive testing and real time quality control.

The Company competes with First Sensor, Illinois ! Tool Works, JDS Unip hase, Neophotonix, U2T and Nippon Electric.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Advanced Photonix (NYSE: API) is expected to post a Q4 loss at $0.01 per share on revenue of $7.04 million.

  Sport Chalet (NASDAQ: SPCHB) is projected to post its quarterly earnings.

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  When most investors think of optical sensor makers, they tend to think of larger names like Honeywell International Inc. (NYSE:HON) or Vishay Intertechnology (NYSE:VSH). And well they should. VSH is a $2 billion company, and HON is a $71.5 billion organization. The fact is, however, there are a few small cap stocks in the optical sensor space that are worth a look, and one of them is worth a very close look right now for a very clear reason... Advanced Photonix, Inc. (NYSEMKT:API).

• [By Patricio Kehoe]

  In 2010, the company acquired privately held Nimsoft, a provider of IT performance monitoring solutions for $350 million in cash. In Sep 2010, CA signed a definitive agreement to acquire Hyperformix Inc. Recently; it acquired Layer 7 Technologies, a leading provider of Application Programming Interface (API) security and management. Furthermore, the acquisition of Arcot Systems Inc., a privately held company that provides authentication and fraud prevention software, in a move to boost its security offerings. These acquisitions have helped the firm to strengthen its cloud computing infrastructure and would also help to generate better profitability from the existing technology assets.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/5-best-semiconductor-stocks-to-buy-right-now.html

5 Best Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now

Three firms split a $45 million U.S. Department of Defense contract to supply the Defense Media Activity department at Fort Meade, Md., with Cisco satellite decoders and HD encryption systems. Curiously, however, none of these companies was actually named Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO  ) itself.

Instead, the winners who will compete among themselves to fulfill the $45 million firm-fixed-price, multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract include privately held Bluewater Communications Group LLC, small-cap Globecomm Systems (NASDAQ: GCOM  ) , and TVC Communications LLC, of Annville, Penn., a small subsidiary of larger electronics distributor WESCO International (NYSE: WCC  ) . All three will now be competing against each other to win the Pentagon's business on individual task orders for the Cisco and other HD equipment on order.

This contract exercises the "option" year on a pre-existing contract, and is expected to run through Aug. 31, 2014.

Hot Healthcare Technology Stocks To Own For 2016: VelaTel Global Communications Inc (VELA.PK)

VelaTel Global Communications Inc, formerly China Tel Group, Inc. (ChinaTel), incorporated on September 19, 2005, is engaged in the business, which combines its engineering and deployment, its equity funding relationships, its vendor partnership, radio frequency spectrum, fiber optic cable and concession rights assets acquired through a subsidiary or a joint venture relationship to create and operate wireless broadband access (WBA) networks worldwide. It offers Internet access, voice, video, and data services to the subscribers of various WBA networks it operate. The Company�� secondary business is to distribute products and services used in connection with WBA networks, specifically hydrogen fuel cells used as a back-up power source for certain transmission equipment, and devices and services. As of December 31, 2011, it holds investments or contracts in ten projects: the VelaTel Peru Network; the GBNC Network; the VN Tech Fuel Cell Business; the Exclusive Services Agreement with NGSN; the Exclusive Services Agreement with Aerostrong; the Sino Crossings Fiber Joint Venture; Zapna; the Novi-Net Network; the Montenegro Connect Network and the VeratNet Network. In April 2012, it acquired Herlong Investments Limited and its operating subsidiaries, Novi-Net and Montenegro Connect. In April 2012, it signed and closed a stock purchase agreement to acquire a 75% equity interest in Zapna, ApS. In November 2012, the Company acquired 100% of interest in China Motion Telecom (HK) Limited.

The Company sells prepaid and postpaid plans, and branded consumer devices using VelaTel Peru�� brand name GO MOVIL. Chinacomm holds licenses and permits from China to build and operate a 3.5-gigahertz wireless broadband telecommunications network (Chinacomm Network) in 29 cities in China. These licenses run through February 2013. Phase 1 of the Chinacomm Network consisted of the deployment of the Chinacomm Network in the 12 cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qindao, Nanjing, Chongqing, Harbin, X! ian, Xiamen, Wuhan and Kunming.. Portions of the Chinacomm Network are operational in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Perusat provides local and international long-distance telephone services, including fixed line and voice over Internet protocol (IP) services, to approximately 6,500 customers in nine cities in Peru (Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Piura, Santa, Cusco, Ica and Huanuco). Based on its status as a licensed telephone operator, Perusat has been granted a license in the 2.5-gigahertz spectrum covering these cities, other than Lima and its surrounding metropolitan area.

The Company contracted with Chinacomm to acquire a 49% equity interest in ChinaComm Limited (Chinacomm Cayman). Trussnet Capital Partners (HK), Ltd. (TCP) acquired a 49% interest in Chinacomm Cayman. Trussnet Dalian leased Yunji equipment required in the deployment of the Chinacomm Network and provide technical and management services to Yunji for the procurement, installation and optimization of the equipment.

The Compets with GBNC, VN Tech, NGSN, Aerostrong, Sino Crossings, Novi-Net, Montenegro Connect and VeratNet.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Alan Brochstein]

  Matula, who is currently a SVP for LiveDeal (LIVE), has a history of association with penny stock failures. An interesting angle is his tie to a lawyer in Las Vegas, Michael Balabon, who purports to have two separate practices, including a bankruptcy/divorce practice and an employment law practice who has acted as Registered Agent for many of these companies. I was unable to reach anyone at either office on several occasions. In any event, Balabon is the registered agent for PLPL. Coincidentally, he served in that role for NVLX as well as well as all of the former subsidiaries and partners the firm used (the new Medical Marijuana Sciences subsidiary too). Recall that the predecessor to PLPL was Diamond Ranch, and Balabon was the RA there as well. Matula has served in I.R. roles for perpetual failures like VelaTel Global (VELA.PK).

5 Best Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Airbus Group NV (EADSY)

Airbus Group NV, known as European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company EADS NV, is a Netherlands-based company active within the aerospace and defense sector. The Company manufactures aircrafts, helicopters, commercial space launch vehicles, missiles, satellites, defense systems and defense electronics, and offers services related to these activities. The Company oprates four divisions. The Airbus division comprises the Airbus Commercial and Airbus Military segments, which develop, manufacture, market and sell commercial jet aircrafts, military transport aircrafts and special mission aircrafts, among others. The Eurocopter division develops, markets and sells civil and military helicopters. The Astrium division develops, manufactures and sells satellites, orbital infrastructures and launchers, as well as provides space-related services. The Cassidian division develops, manufactures and sells missiles systems, military combat and training aircrafts, among others. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  Foolish takeaway
  Boeing's planes have, and Boeing's stock has, stood the test of time -- 97 years, to be precise. Does all this prove conclusively that Boeing stock should be bought today, at a 19 P/E ratio? Maybe, maybe not. But before you count Boeing out over a couple of mishaps, remember -- its biggest rival today, Airbus parent EADS (NASDAQOTH: EADSY  ) , costs more than 25 times earnings. And EADS has only been around since 2000.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Boeing (BA) dropped 4.3% to $132.29 this week, making it the biggest loser in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Boeing fell after Emirates cancelled an order with Airbus (EADSY), raising concerns that more cancellations could follow, RBC cut its shares and Eric Cantor lost in a primary.

• [By Quick Pen]

  The 787 Max flaunts the latest and advanced CFM International LEAP-1B engines that provide greater fuel efficiency over similar range jets. The company claims that the derivative planes would be 14% more fuel efficient than the existing Next-Generation 737 planes. Not only this, operators of the 737 MAX 8 would enjoy 8% lower operating cost per seat relative to Airbus (EADSY) A320neo. The jet make has ensured to incorporate bleeding edge technology, and several other improvements to give the best reliability rate along with passenger comfort and pleasure.

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

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

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

Professional Support Services

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

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

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

Mission Support Services

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

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

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

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

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

• [By Rich Smith]

  The winners of this mega contract included:

  Britain's BAE Systems (NASDAQOTH: BAESY  ) Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH  ) Engility Corp. (NYSE: EGL  ) and three privately held companies -- Coherent Technical Services, AM Pierce and Associates, and Sierra Nevada Corp.

  Each of the six will share in a cost-plus-fixed-fee multiple award contract to supply systems engineering support to the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Department, Aircraft Control Systems Division. Contractors will work on such cutting-edge programs as Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS), Navy Unmanned Combat Aerial Systems (UCAS), Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS), Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS), War Fighter Networking, Unmanned Aircraft System/Ground Based Sense and Avoid, and Automated Aerial Refueling Support.

• [By Rich Smith]

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

• [By Rich Smith]

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

5 Best Defense Stocks To Buy Right Now: Lockheed Martin Corporation(LMT)

Lockheed Martin Corporation engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, operation, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products in the areas of defense, space, intelligence, homeland security, and government information technology in the United States and internationally. It also provides management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. The company operates in four segments: Aeronautics, Electronic Systems, Information Systems & Global Services (IS&GS), and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment offers military aircraft, including combat and air mobility aircraft, unmanned air vehicles, and related technologies. Its products and programs comprise the F-35 multi-role, stealth fighter; the F-22 air dominance and multi-mission stealth fighter; the F-16 multi-role fighter; the C-130J tactical transport aircraft; and the C-5M strategic airlifter modernization program; and support for the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft, and the U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. The Electronic Systems segment provides air and missile defense; tactical missiles; weapon fire control systems; surface ship and submarine combat systems; anti-submarine and undersea warfare systems; land, sea-based, and airborne radars; surveillance and reconnaissance systems; simulation and training systems; and integrated logistics and sustainment services. The IS&GS segment offers information technology solutions and advanced technology primarily in the areas of software and systems integration for space, air, and ground systems to various defense and civil government agencies. The Space Systems segment provides government and commercial satellites; strategic and defensive missile systems, including missile defense technologies and systems, and fleet ballistic missiles; and space transportation systems. Lockheed Martin Corporation was founded in 1909 and is based in Bethesda, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Katie Spence]

  Will the Navy remain mission-capable?
  Ships aren't the only area where the Navy is seeing cuts; the service was also planning on purchasing one P-8A maritime surveillance plane from Boeing (NYSE: BA  ) , one E-2D Hawkeye battle management aircraft and two unmanned Fire Scout helicopters from Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC  ) , and one F-35C carrier fighter from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT  ) -- all of which face being cut. �

Top Up And Coming Stocks To Invest In 2016

Top Up And Coming Stocks To Invest In 2016: Federated Investors Inc. (FII)

Federated Investors, Inc. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides its services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, pooled investment vehicles, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, and registered investment advisors. Through its subsidiaries, it manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and money market mutual funds and separate client-focused equity, fixed income, and balanced portfolios. The firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies. The firm makes its fixed income investments in ultra-short, short-term, and intermediate-term mortgage-backed, U.S. Government, U.S. Corporate, high yield, and municipal securities. It employs a fundamental and a quantitative analysis to make its equity investmen ts. The firm also makes sector-focused equity investments. Federated Investors was founded in 1955 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with an additional office in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  But there are winners–and they’re any stock that’s helped by higher rates. There are mutual fund companies with big money-market fund businesses, who wouldn’t be forced to run these funds for what is essentially free. Federated Investors (FII), for instance, has jumped 2.1% to $27.99. Life insurance companies, too, are rising because they should be able to earn more on their investments. MetLife (MET), for instance, has risen 1.3% to $53.03.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-up-and-coming-stocks-to-invest-in-2016.html

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now

The Dow Jones Industrial Average's (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) ride this morning has been something of a mild roller coaster -- though it hasn't spanned more than 40 points, the ups and downs have been staccato in fashion. But thanks to new earnings reports, at least one sector is climbing higher and bringing the Dow along with it. As of 11:30 a.m. EDT, the index is up modestly with an 8-point gain.

First, some economic news�
The Consumer Sentiment index fell in July to 83.9 from June's reading of 84.1. The drop was largely due to a decline in expectations for the future of the economy, with consumers believing that the higher mortgage interest rates and gasoline prices are a bad sign for the economy over the next six months.

Sentiment remains high regardless of the unexpected decline this month. May's reading of 84.5 was a six-year high, so this month's figure is still close to that measure. By contrast, sentiment during the recession averaged in the high 60s. Investors shouldn't be concerned that the recent slip is the beginning of another downturn for consumer sentiment; it's only a slight adjustment from the prior months' highs and should remain at these levels as the year progresses and we see further improvements in the labor and housing markets.

Best Freight Stocks To Buy For 2016: Athersys Inc.(ATHX)

Athersys, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery and development of therapeutic products in various disease areas in the United States. Its clinical development programs are focused on treating cardiovascular disease, neurological conditions, inflammatory and immune disorders, and other conditions. Its product pipeline includes MultiStem, a novel allogeneic approach to stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine for treating a range of diseases. The company is also involved in the development of novel small molecule compounds for applications in indications, such as obesity and other areas, including the treatment of neurological conditions, and for the modulation of stem cells or related applications in the regenerative medicine area. It has product co-development collaboration with Pfizer Inc. to develop and commercialize MultiStem to treat inflammatory bowel disease for the worldwide market; Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop and commerciali ze MultiStem to treat certain cardiovascular diseases, such as acute myocardial infarction; and RTI Biologics, Inc. to develop and commercialize biologic implants for certain orthopedic applications in the bone graft substitutes market. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Cleveland, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Athersys (ATHX), a biotechnology company, focuses on the research and development activities in the field of regenerative medicine. This stock closed up 2.5% to $1.59 in Thursday's trading session.

  Thursday's Range: $1.53-$1.59
  
  52-Week Range: $1.08-$4.33
  
  Thursday's Volume: 128,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 416,142

  From a technical perspective, ATHX bounced notably higher here right above some near-term support levels at $1.53 to $1.49 with lighter-than-average volume. This stock has been trending sideways and consolidating for the last two months, with shares moving between $1.49 on the downside and $1.99 on the upside. This spike higher on Thursday is starting to push shares of ATHX within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if ATHX manages to take out Thursday's intraday high of $1.59 to its 50-day moving average of $1.65 with high volume.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ATHX as long as it's trending above some key near-term support at $1.49 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 416,142 shares. If that breakout kicks off soon, then ATHX will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $1.70 to $1.73, or even $1.78. Any high-volume move above $1.78 will then give ATHX a chance to re-test or possibly take out the upper-end of its recent range at $1.99.

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now: Sparton Corporation(SPA)

Sparton Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, offers electronic manufacturing services primarily for medical device, defense and security systems, and electronic manufacturing services industries worldwide. The company?s Medical segment engages in the contract development, design, production, and distribution of medical related electromechanical devices for the medical OEM and ET customers primarily in the vitro diagnostic and therapeutic device areas. Its EMS segment involves in the contract manufacturing, assembly, design, preproduction, prototyping, and/or box building assemblies, such as flight control systems and fuel control systems for the aerospace, medical diagnostics systems, security systems, detection systems, lighting, and defense. The company?s DSS segment engages in the design, development, and production of electromechanical equipment, such as sonobuoys, an anti-submarine warfare device used by the United States Navy and foreign governments; and perf orms an engineering development function for the United States military and prime defense contractors on advanced technologies for defense products, and replacement of current systems. It also offers non-sonobuoy related manufacturing and services. Sparton Corporation was founded in 1900 and is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Louis Navellier]

  Sparton Corporation (SPA) provides electromechanical systems and operates in three segments: medical devices, complex systems and defense and security systems. The medical devices segment makes devices used in diagnostic, therapeutic, surgical, and laboratory applications. Complex devices makes printed circuit assemblies used in military, aerospace, industrial and commercial OEMs, while the defense and security segment designs products for defense applications.

• [By Emma O��rien]

  Futures (SPA) on the Standard & Poor�� 500 Index fell and the yen climbed against the dollar as U.S. lawmakers continued to scrap over raising the debt limit and the government shutdown. Crude oil declined while gold rallied.

• [By Jasmine Ng]

  Futures (SPA) on the Standard & Poor�� 500 Index lost 0.3 percent today. The U.S. equities benchmark index dropped 0.3 percent yesterday amid data that showed manufacturing unexpectedly climbed last month and retail spending fell on the weekend after Thanksgiving for the first time since 2009.

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now: Essex Property Trust Inc. (ESS)

Essex Property Trust, Inc. operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust in the United States. It engages in the ownership, operation, management, acquisition, development, and redevelopment of apartment communities, as well as commercial properties. As of March 31, 2012, the company owned or had interests in 158 apartment communities; and 5 commercial buildings, as well as 5 development projects. Its communities are located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties in southern California; and the San Francisco Bay area in northern California, as well as in the Seattle metropolitan area. The company has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust. As a result, it would not be subject to corporate income tax on that portion of its net income that is distributed to shareholders. Essex Property Trust, Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Owners of BRE Properties (NYSE: BRE) will receive $12.33 in cash and 0.2971 shares of newly created Essex common stock following Essex Property Trust's (NYSE: ESS) acquisition. Shares of Essex lost 3.31 percent, closing at $142.81.

• [By Dividends4Life]

  Below are several stocks displaying confidence in the future by increasing their cash dividends:Target Corporation (TGT) operates general merchandise stores in the United States and Canada. June 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 21% to $0.52 per share. The dividend is payable September 10, 2014 to stockholders of record on August 20, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 3.6%.Caterpillar (CAT) manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. June 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 16.6% to $0.70 per share. The dividend is payable Aug 20, 2014 to stockholders of record on July 21, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.Essex Property Trust (ESS) operates as a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust in the United States. June 11th the company increased its quarterly dividend 7.4% to $1.30 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2014 to stockholders of record on June 30, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.9%.Best Buy (BBY) operates as a multi-national, multi-channel retailer of technology products in the United States, Canada, China, and Mexico. June 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 12% to $0.19 per share. The dividend is payable October 2, 2014 to stockholders of record on September 11, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 2.6%.Manhattan Bridge Capital (LOAN) provides short-term, secured, and non��anking loans to real estate investors to fund their acquisition and construction of properties in the New York Metropolitan area. June 10th the company increased its quarterly dividend 250% to $0.07 per share. The dividend is payable July 15, 2014 to stockholders of record on July 10, 2014. The yield based on the new payout is 9.3%. Selecting stocks with increasing dividends is critical for an income growth strategy. The above list contains stocks that recent

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Bloomberg reported�Essex Property Trust Inc. (NYSE: ESS) has made an offer to acquire BRE Properties for about $5 billion.

  BRE Properties Chief Executive Office Constance B. Moore had publicly hinted earlier this year that the company would consider ��ny legitimate proposal��after an investment firm Land & Buildings had made a $4.6 billion offer valued at $60 a share.

• [By Amanda Alix]

  With 93% of the multifamily units breaking ground in the first quarter slated for rental, apartment REITs like AvalonBay Communities (NYSE: AVB  ) , Essex Property Trust Inc. (NYSE: ESS  ) and Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR  ) are looking like a great way to invest in the new "renter nation".

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now: Solar Thin Films Inc (SLTZ)

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

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

The Company competes with Applied Materials and Oerlikon.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

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

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now: Jinzanghuang Tibet Pharmaceuticals Inc (JZHG)

Jinzanghuang Tibet Pharmaceuticals, Inc. distributes Tibetan pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products in the People�� Republic of China (PRC) through Leling Jinzanghuang Biotech Co., Ltd. (Leling JZH). The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Tibet Medicine, Inc., owns 100% of Beijing Taibodekang Consulting Co., Ltd. (Beijing Taibodekang), a wholly foreign owned entity. Beijing Taibodekang had entered into four agreements with Leling Jinzanghuang Biotech Co., Ltd. (Leling Jinzanghuang) and with the equity owners in Leling Jinzanghuang. Collectively, the agreements provide Beijing Taibodekang exclusive control over the business of Leling Jinzanghuang. Leling Jinzanghuang engages in the distribution of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products that Tibetans have used for centuries to treat diseases and facilitate health. The distributed products are classified by Leling Jinzanghuang in three major categories: pharmaceuticals, therapeutic supplements, and dietary supplements.

The 13 Tibetan health products that Leling Jinzanghuang distributes are among those Tibetan medicines made with modern drug manufacturing techniques. The manufacturing equipment and techniques used by its supplier are certified under China�� national standards of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), and are in compliance with applicable regulations of the Chinese Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), which regulates both the pharmaceutical and the nutraceutical industries in China.

Ying Huang Tablet

Ying Huang Tablet is one the two pharmaceutical products marketed by Leling Jinzanghuang that been approved by SFDA. The effective ingredients in the Ying Huang Tablet are extracts from the honeysuckle and the Huangqin herb. It can be used to treat upper respiratory infections including pharyngitis, encephalitis and conjunctivitis. It can also be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

San Qi Capsules

San Qi Capsules is a dietary supplements certified! by SFDA. San Qi Capsules lower blood lipid and cholesterol levels. Thus they can be used as a precautionary therapy to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, heart angina and stroke. In addition, the San Qi Capsules enhance immune system functions, which may help in the prevention of cancer.

Foshou Capsules

Foshou Capsules is a Tibetan nutraceutical. The effective ingredients, Xue Yu, Dongchong Xiacao, Fozhang, and Ginseng, are extracts of several plants and animals that are native to the Tibet Plateau.

Bai He Capsules

Bai He Capsules is a Tibetan dietary supplement. The effective ingredients consist of Baihe, Fozhang Ginseng and Himalayan purple jasmine. The Bai He Capsules are used to treat male erectile dysfunction and other sexual dysfunction problems.

The Company competes with Jingqiu Tibetan Medicine, Jinhe Tibetan Medicine and Tibetan Pharmaceutical Factory, Tibet Cheezheng Tibetan Medicine and Niemula Tibet Medicine.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap medical technology stock Sanomedics International Holdings (OTCMKTS: SIMH) recently completed financing and an acquisition while JinZangHuang Tibet Pharmaceuticals, Inc (OTCMKTS: JZHG) surged 48.28% on Friday. However, that�� only part of the story as one of these stocks has been the subject of paid promotions while the other has no new news for investors. So are either of these small cap stocks the cure for any portfolio pains you may be suffering from? Here is a quick reality check:

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now: Bayer AG (BAYRY.PK)

Bayer AG is a management holding company. The Company�� business operations are organized into three subgroups: HealthCare, CropScience and MaterialScience, supported by the service companies Bayer Business Services, Bayer Technology Services and Currenta. Bayer HealthCare is involved in the research, development and manufacture of health products for people and animals. Bayer CropScience is engaged in the crop protection and non-agricultural pest control. Bayer MaterialScience supplies polymers, and develops solution for a range of applications. In November 2009, Bayer MaterialScience acquired the polymer coatings business from Lombard Medical Technologies PLC. On November 2, 2009, it acquired Athenix Corporation. On October 1, 2009, it acquired two dermatology product lines from SkinMedica, Inc., Carlsbad, California, United States. On June 25, 2009, it acquired the remaining 10% interest in Bayer Polymers (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., China. In May 2009, it acquired the remaining 49% interest in Berlimed, s.a., Spain, from Juste s.a. Quimica Farmac茅utica (Juste), and in return sold its 51% interest of Justesa Imagen, s.a., Spain, to Juste. In May 2009, it also sold the Thermoplastics Testing Center, Krefeld, Germany, to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. In March 2010, the Company announced that its Bayer MaterialScience LLC has acquired Artificial Muscle, Inc, a company active in electroactive polymers for the consumer electronics industry.

Bayer HealthCare

The Company researches, develops, manufactures pharmaceutical and medical products. Bayer HealthCare operates in four operating divisions: Animal Health, which is engaged in manufacture of veterinary medicines and grooming products; Bayer Schering Pharma, which is engaged in manufacture of prescription medicines; Consumer Care, which is engaged in the manufacture of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements, and Medical Care, which is engaged in manufacture of blood glucose monitoring devices and contrast agent injecti! on systems. Its products for farm animals include Baytril. Its products for companion animals include Advantage/Advantix and Baytril. Its drug discovery in the pharmaceuticals segment focuses on the areas of cardiology, oncology,

women�� healthcare and diagnostic imaging.

Bayer CropScience

CropScience maintains a global network of research and development facilities. In the Crop Protection segment it identifies and develops safe and economically sustainable insecticides, fungicides and herbicides and carries its research projects in areas, such as plant health or stress tolerance. As of December 31, 2009, its active ingredient pipeline of Crop Protection contained 20 development projects, of which 10 was at an advanced stage and 10 at an early stage of development, and an additional 45 projects was undergoing early-stage research. Its operations are structured into six business operations units: four regional Crop Protection units plus the Environmental Science and BioScience units. Its insecticides include Confidor/ Admire, Calypso, Decis, Temik and Oberon. Its fungicides include Antracol, Fandango, Flint/Stratego/Sphere/Twist, Folicur and Previcur Energy. Its herbicides include Atlantis, Basta, Betanal, Fenikan, Hoestar, Husar, MaisTer, Puma. Its seed treatment products include Bariton, Gaucho, Lamarador, Poncho and Raxil.

Bayer MaterialScience

The Company supplies materials, such as polycarbonates and polyurethanes and system solutions for a range of everyday uses. It operates in three business units: Polyurethanes, Polycarbonates, and Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties. Its Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties producst include Desmodur, Bayhydur, Dispercoll and Artwalk. Its Polycarbonates include Makrolon, Makrofol / Bayfol, Fantasia and Bayblend. Its Polyurethanes include Multitec, Baydur, Bayflex, Baypreg and Vulkollan. Its Thermoplastic Polyurethanes include Desmopan / Texin.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bioassociate Consulting]

  KYTH holds a collaboration agreement with Bayer's (BAYRY.PK) dermatology division to develop and commercialize ATX-101 outside the United States and Canada, and is eligible to receive up to $297m in additional regulatory and commercialization milestones, as well as escalating sales royalties in mid to high-teens. Bayer completed two pivotal Phase III trials of ATX-101 in Europe for the reduction of submental fat. During June 2012, Kythera released results from these studies, in which ATX-101 achieved a statistically significant reduction in submental fat based on clinician, patient and objective ratings.

• [By Henry Kawabe]

  In June, Seattle Genetics announced it entered into a collaboration with Bayer HealthCare (BAYRY.PK) for access to its Seattle Genetics' auristatin-based ADC technology to create cancer drugs that home in on tumors and then deliver a toxic dose to their cells. The collaboration will generate upfront and option exercise fees of up to $20 million. Seattle Genetics is also eligible to receive up to approximately $500 million in potential milestone payments, as well as royalties on worldwide net sales of any resulting products under the multi-target collaboration.

Top 10 Forestry Companies To Buy Right Now: Bank of Ireland (BKIR)

Bank of Ireland and its subsidiaries provide a range of banking and other financial services. The Company operates in five segments: Retail Ireland, Bank of Ireland Life, Retail UK, Corporate and Treasury and Group Centre. Group Centre includes capital management activities, unallocated Group support costs and the cost of the Credit Institutions. Retail Ireland distributes a range of financial products and services through the Bank�� branch operations in the Republic of Ireland and through its direct channels. The Company operates in the life and pensions market in Ireland through its wholly owned subsidiary New Ireland Assurance Company plc (NAIC).Retail UK consists of Business Banking in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the branch network in Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom residential mortgage business and the business activities with the United Kingdom Post Office. Corporate and Treasury division consists of Corporate Banking, Global Markets and IBI Corporate Finance. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sarah Jones]

  In Dublin, Bank of Ireland (BKIR) slipped 3.4 percent to 14.1 euro cents and Permanent TSB Group Holdings Plc (IPM) tumbled 13 percent to 2.6 cents. Allied Irish Banks Plc (ALBK), which is owned by the state, slid 1.5 percent to 6.5 cents.

Best Rising Companies To Own For 2016

Best Rising Companies To Own For 2016: Old Republic International Corporation(ORI)

Old Republic International Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides various insurance and mortgage guaranty products in North America. The company operates in three segments: General Insurance, Mortgage Guaranty, and Title Insurance. The General Insurance segment provides liability insurance coverages to businesses, government, and other institutions in commercial construction, forest products, energy, general manufacturing, and financial services industries; and transportation, including trucking and general aviation industries. It provides various insurance products, such as automobile extended warranty, aviation, commercial automobile insurance, general liability, home warranty, inland marine, travel accident, and workers? compensation, as well as liability coverage for claims arising from the acts of owners or employees, and protection for the physical assets of businesses. This segment also offers financial indemnity products, such as consumer credit indemnity , errors and omissions/directors and officers, guaranteed asset protection, and surety, as well as bonds that cover the exposures for losses of monies, or debt and equity securities due to acts of employee dishonesty. The Mortgage Guaranty segment insures first mortgage loans, primarily on residential properties incorporating one-to-four family dwelling units to mortgage bankers, brokers, commercial banks, and savings institutions. The Title Insurance segment provides lenders' and owners' title insurance policies to real estate purchasers and investors based upon searches of the public records. It also provides escrow closing and construction disbursement services; and real estate information products, national default management services, and services related to real estate transfers and loan transactions. Old Republic International Corporation markets its! products directly, as well as through insurance agents and brokers. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Chi cago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lawrence Meyers]

  The part I like the most is that WGL sells energy credits and carbon offsets to retail customers. The company makes good money on these elements, selling to customers who just like to feel good about how they are "helping the environment". WGL has a long history as an energy company and has paid a dividend for 37 years. It currently pays 4.3% annually.

  Old Republic International (ORI)

  The next of our dividend stocks is one you may have heard of: Old Republic International (ORI). Old Republic started back in 1887 and is an insurance company that offers a huge array of products. A lot of insurance products are very high margin, and Old Republic has mastered the art of selling these. Extended Automobile Warranty, Home Warranty an Travel Accident Insurance are great segments to be playing in.

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Insurance underwriting company Old Republic (ORI) raised its quarterly dividend 5.8% to 18 cents per share, payable on Dec. 16 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 4.
  ORI Dividend Yield: 4.28%

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-rising-companies-to-own-for-2016.html

Top Supermarket Companies To Invest In 2016

Top Supermarket Companies To Invest In 2016: Molycorp Inc (MCP)

Molycorp, Inc. (Molycorp) is a rare earth oxide (REO) producer in the Western hemisphere. The Company owns developed rare earth projects outside of China. The Company also owns rare earth oxide and rare metal producer in Europe. The Company is the producer of rare earth alloys in the United States. It has three operating segments: Molycorp Mountain Pass, Molycorp Tolleson and Molycorp Sillamae. On April 1, 2011, the Company acquired 90% interest in AS Silmet located in Sillamae, Estonia. On April 15, 2011, it acquired Santoku America, Inc. On October 24, 2011, it acquired the remaining 9.9% interest in Molycorp Sillamae. On August 22, 2011, Molycorp opened an office in Tokyo, Japan to provide customer support, as well as consulting and technical services to its customers in Japan. In June 2012, the Company acquired Neo Material Technologies Inc.

The Company sells and transports a portion of the REOs it produces at its Molycorp Mountain Pass and Molycorp Sillam ae facilities to customers for use in their particular applications. The remainder of the REOs are processed into rare earth metals and rare earth alloys. The Company produces rare earth metals outside of the United States through third-party tolling arrangements and through tolling at its Molycorp Sillamae facility. A portion of these metals is sold to end-users, and it processes the rest into rare earth alloys at its Molycorp Tolleson facility in Arizona. These rare earth alloys can be used in a variety of applications, including but not limited to electrodes for nickel metal hydride battery production; samarium cobalt (SmCo), magnet production, and neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnet production.

Molycorp Sillamae sells products to customers in Europe, North and South America, Asia, Russia, and other former Soviet Union countries. At the Molycorp Mounta! in Pass facility, the Company owns an open-pit mine containing rare earth deposits outside of China. In addi tion to the mine, its Molycorp Mountain Pass facility includ! es associated crushing, milling, flotation and separation facilities. Its Molycorp Mountain Pass facility is located approximately 60 miles southwest of Las Vegas, Nevada near Mountain Pass, San Bernardino County, California.

The Company's Molycorp Sillamae facility consists of various manufacturing, research and administration buildings located on 67 acres of land at 2 Kesk Street, Sillamae, Estonia, 200 kilometers from Tallinn, the Estonian capital. The Company's Molycorp Tolleson facility includes various manufacturing, research, and administration buildings situated on seven acres of land at 8220 West Harrison Street, Tolleson, Arizona, which is just south of Interstate 10 about 15 miles west of Phoenix, Arizona's Sky Harbor Airport. As of December 31, 2011, its Molycorp Tolleson facility had the installed capacity to produce approximately 1,350 tons of ingot cast alloys and 750 tons of strip cast alloys per year.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  And there are a handful of active mines operating now that have been spurred into high gear by the opportunity as well. Lynas ramped up production at its Mt. Weld mine in Australia and went live with a processing facility in Malaysia, Great Western Minerals rehabilitated its Steenkampskraal project in South Africa, and of course, U.S.-based Molycorp (NYSE: MCP  ) is pumping out REEs from its Mountain Pass, Calif., facility.

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Basic materials sector was the top loser in the US market on Tuesday. Top decliners in the sector included Kraton Performance Polymers (NYSE: KRA), Molycorp (NYSE: MCP), and AuRico Gold (NYSE: AUQ).

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Basic materials sector was the top loser in the US market on Tuesday. Top decliners in the sector included Kraton P! erformanc! e Polymers (NYSE: KRA), Molycorp (NYSE: MCP), and AuRico Gold (NYSE: AUQ).

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Molycorp (NYSE: MCP) also took a beating on Friday's session, falling 18.60 percent to $3.02 after the company caught a downgrade from JP Morgan to an Underweight rating from Neutral.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-supermarket-companies-to-invest-in-2016.html

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Own In Right Now

Top 5 Diversified Bank Companies To Own In Right Now: Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund Inc (IAF)

Aberdeen Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (the Fund) is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The Funds principal investment objective is long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in equity securities of Australian companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited. Its secondary objective is current income, which is expected to be derived primarily from dividends and interest on Australian corporate and governmental securities. The Fund invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities, consisting of common stock, preferred stock and convertible stock, of companies tied economically to Australia (each an Australian Company), and at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities, consisting of common stock, preferred stock and convertible stock, listed on the Australian Stock Exchange Limited (ASX). Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dividends4Life]

  According to a Gabelli Funds report, managed distribution policies offer several advantages, including:1. Lower difference between the funds market price and its NAV per share.2. Provides support during periods when the stock market is in a decline.3. Provides a measurable performance target for the investment adviser.Below are several high-yield funds from CEFA that have a managed distribution policy (yields as of December 16):Aberdeen Australia Eqty (IAF)- Distribution Yield: 10.4%- Income Yield: 346%Bexil Advisers LLC (DNI)- Distribution Yield: 11.1%- Income Yield: 3.56%BlackRock En Capital&Inc (CII)- Distribution Yield: 8.78%- Income Yield: 2.34%Cornerstone Strat Value (CLM)- Distribution Yield: 18.77%- Income Yield: 1.83%Cornerstone Total Return (CRF)- Distribution Yield: 19.10%- Income Yield: 0.85%Delaware Inv Div & Inc (DDF)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 5.26%Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB)- Dist! ribution Yield: 7.58%- Income Yield: 1.54%Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT)- Distribution Yield: 9.45%- Income Yield: 2.84%MFS Special Value Trust (MFV)- Distribution Yield: 9.60%- Income Yield: 5.73%Nuveen Tx-Adv TR Strat (JTA)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 3.12%TCW Strategic Income (TSI)- Distribution Yield: 10.54%- Income Yield: 7.88%Zweig Total Return (ZTR)- Distribution Yield: 7.27%- Income Yield: 1.95%As noted in the Gabelli report, a managed distribution policy may create confusion regarding the true current yield since the reported yield includes the return of capital portion. You can see the disparity above between the income yield and the distribution (reported) yield.If you are looking for a sustainable and growing dividend, you may want to consider some blue-chip dividend stocks such as these with a Free Cash Flow Payout less than 50%, 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases and a 2%+ yield:3M Co. (MMM) is a diversified global company provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-5-diversified-bank-companies-to-own-in-right-now.html

Dow Components to Watch This Coming Week

After last week, when eight of the Dow Jones Industrial Average's (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) 30 components reported earnings, this week may seem slow, with only four companies releasing their second-quarter financials. Before they do, let's take a few minutes to review what Wall Street is expecting from each of them.

Monday will be a busy day for earnings releases, though not from any of the Dow's components. Things will heat up for the index on Tuesday, with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE  ) and Merck (NYSE: MRK  ) both set to report earnings before the opening bell on Tuesday.

Wall Street expects Pfizer to report earnings per share at $0.55 on revenue of $13.02 billion. The EPS number is based on 15 analysts' estimates, with the high end at $0.61 and the low end at $0.52. One year ago, Pfizer posted EPS of $0.62 while analysts had expected $0.54. Pfizer posted revenue of $15.06 billion in Q2 2012, so with this quarter's estimate, analysts are expecting a sales decline of 13.5%.  

As for Merck, the Street expects revenue of $11.22 billion and an average analyst EPS target of $0.83. The high-end estimate for EPS is $0.89, and the low end is $0.80. Last year, Merck's $1.05 EPS beat estimates of $1.01, while sales came in at $12.31 billion. Wall Street is expecting the company to post an 8.9% sales decline this year over last.  

Both Pfizer and Merck have been hit hard in recent months as the companies deal with the patent cliff and their high-performing drugs lose market share in the face of generic-drug competition. If either company can beat expectations, shares should respond upward nicely, but if they do even worse than expected results, we may just see the bottom fall out.

ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM  ) reports on Thursday, while fellow energy stock Chevron (NYSE: CVX  ) pulls in on Friday. For Exxon, the Street wants to see EPS of $1.90 on revenue of $105.54 billion. A year ago, Exxon posted EPS of $1.80 and sales of $127.36 billion. Earnings are thus set to rise, and that's what really matters. The EPS estimate of $1.90 is an average of 21 analysts' opinions, with the high end at $2.05 per share and the low end coming in at $1.63. The expected 17.1% year-over-year revenue drop for Q2 isn't a great sign, and it could pose a big problem if Exxon misses expectations.  

As for Chevron, the outlook is for revenue of $56.01 billion, 10.5% below the same quarter in 2012. EPS are also forecast to be down to $2.96, from $3.56 a year ago. Last year analysts expected EPS of $3.24, and if a big surprise was to come again this year, the stock could respond very favorably -- but don't hold your breath.  

While both companies are benefiting from higher oil prices and the large amount of oil and natural gas to be extracted here in the U.S., getting the fuel out of the ground and transporting it is becoming more difficult and costly for the companies involved. Investors should be watching costs, especially to see how fast they riss from a year ago, before making any buy or sell decisions here.

If you're on the lookout for some currently intriguing energy plays, check out The Motley Fool's "3 Stocks for $100 Oil." For free access to this special report, simply click here now.

Guidewire Software Posts Q3 Loss

Guidewire Software (NYSE: GWRE  ) results for the company's fiscal Q3 have been released. For the quarter, revenue was $68 million, an improvement over the $57 million it posted in the same period the previous year. The bottom line turned red, however, swinging to a loss of $2.7 million ($0.05 per diluted share) from Q3 2012's profit of $3.1 million ($0.05). 

In spite of the shortfall, Guidewire Software managed to top its existing guidance for top line. This past February, it estimated it would take in $62.5 million-$64.5 million. The company did, however, anticipate a net profit. Its projection was for EPS of $0.01-$0.03. 

Hot Chemical Companies To Buy For 2016

The firm's management sounded an optimistic note about its future prospects. In the press release announcing the results, it quoted CEO Marcus Ryu as saying that "we believe that we are in the early stage of our market opportunity, and we continue to invest in expanding our product capabilities and global reach to advance our leadership position."

link

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015

Industrial conglomerate�Valmont Industries� (NYSE: VMI  ) �will pay a�regular quarterly cash dividend�of $0.25 per share, representing an 11.1% increase in the payout to shareholders.

The payment will be made on July 15 to the holders of record at the close of business on June 28, the company announced Monday.

Valmont has paid a quarterly dividend consistently since 1992, with the just-declared quarterly dividend up from its prior distribution of $0.225. The dividend has increased every year since 2005.

Valmont designs and manufactures poles, towers, and structures for lighting and traffic, wireless communication, and utility markets, industrial access systems, and highway safety barriers. It also provides protective coating services and mechanized irrigation equipment for agriculture.

The most recent dividend payment equates to a $1.00-per-share annual dividend yielding 0.7% based on the closing price of Valmont Industries' stock on�April 30.

Best European Companies To Buy For 2016: Greenhill & Co Inc (GHL)

Greenhill & Co., Inc. (Greenhill), incorporated on March 10, 2004, is an independent investment bank focused on providing financial advice on mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, financings and capital raising to corporations, partnerships, institutions and governments. The Company acts for clients located throughout the world from its offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia and Sweden. The Company provides advisory services primarily in connection with mergers and acquisitions, financings, restructurings, and capital raisings. On merger and acquisition engagements, it provide a broad range of advice to global clients in relation to domestic and cross-border mergers, acquisitions, and similar corporate finance matters and are generally involved at each stage of these transactions, from initial structuring to final execution. It advises client�� matters, including acquisitions, divestitures, defensive tactics, special committee projects and other important corporate events. It also provides advice on valuation, tactics, industry dynamics, structuring alternatives, timing and pricing of transactions, and financing alternatives.

In the Company�� financing advisory and restructuring practice, the Company advise debtors, creditors, governments, other stakeholders and companies experiencing financial distress as well as potential acquirers of distressed companies and assets. It provides advice on valuation, restructuring alternatives, capital structures, financing alternatives, and sales or recapitalizations. The Company also assists those clients who seek court-assisted reorganizations by developing and seeking approval for plans of reorganization as well as the implementation of such plans. In its private capital and real estate capital advisory business the Company assists fund managers and sponsors in raising capital for new funds and provide related advisory services to private equity and real estate funds and other organizations globally. It ! also advises on secondary transactions.

The Company competes with America Corporation, Barclays Bank PLC, Citigroup Inc., Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank AG, Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, UBS A.G., Evercore Partners Inc., Jefferies Group, Inc., Lazard Ltd., Credit Suisse and Park Hill.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Mark Hulbert]

  The stocks are C.H. Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) �, a freight-transportation company; chip maker Cirrus Logic (CRUS) �; independent oil company Forest Oil (FST) �; investment bank Greenhill & Co. (GHL) �; Intrepid Potash (IPI) �, a fertilizer company; retailer J.C. Penney (JCP) �; Quest Diagnostics (DGX) �, a medical diagnostic company; Strayer Education (STRA) �, a for-profit college; Tower Group International (TWGP) �, an insurance company; and Windstream Holdings (WIN) �, a rural telecommunications firm.

• [By Matt Koppenheffer and David Hanson]

  An article in Financial Times came out suggesting that smaller investment banks, such as Greenhill (NYSE: GHL  ) or Lazard (NYSE: LAZ  ) , might be workplaces that offer more options and flexibility for those pursuing a banking career. Will we start to see the best talent move away from Wall Street's biggest banks to find the true opportunities? In the video, Matt tells us what effect this could have on big banking as a whole.

• [By John Seward]

  Timken Steel Corp. will replace Greenhill & Co. (NYSE: GHL), and Greenhill replaces Spartan Motors Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAR) in the SmallCap 600 June 30. Timken Co. (NYSE: TKR) is spinning off TimkenSteel to shareholders.

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015: Carbo Ceramics Inc. (CRR)

CARBO Ceramics Inc. manufactures and supplies resin-coated ceramic and resin-coated sand proppants primarily used in the hydraulic fracturing of natural gas and oil wells in the United States and internationally. The company offers proppants, including CARBOHSP and CARBOPROP designed for use in deep gas wells; CARBOLITE used in medium depth oil and gas wells; CARBOECONOPROP; CARBOHYDROPROP used to enhance performance in slickwater fracture treatments; CARBOBOND LITE for oil and natural gas wells that are subject to the risk of proppant flow-back; and CARBOBOND RCS, a conductivity proppant. It also provides fracture simulation software, as well as offers fracture design, engineering, and consulting services to oil and natural gas companies. In addition, the company provides a range of technologies for spill prevention, containment, countermeasures, and geotechnical monitoring, as well as offers monitoring systems and services for bridges, buildings, tunnels, dams, slopes, e mbankments, volcanoes, landslides, mines, and construction projects primarily for customers in auto racing teams, surveyors, experimental physicists, radio astronomers, and naval architects markets. It principally sells its products and services to operators of oil and natural gas wells, and oilfield service companies. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  The other risk that can't be overlooked is the threat from ceramic proppants, like those made by�CARBO Ceramics� (NYSE: CRR  ) , which could take a greater market share than is currently projected. Referring to the demand chart, frac sand is projected to remain 75% of the proppant market as that market grows. However, some shale plays like the Bakken are forcing producers to turn to higher-cost ceramic proppants because the returns are better.�Halcon Resources� (NYSE: HK  ) , for example, pointed out that its strategy to use ceramic proppants was one of the�driving forces�behind its improved returns in the Bakken. The company saw much higher initial production rates, while expecting better estimated ultimate recovery rates from its investment in ceramic proppants. If ceramics do end up taking market share, it could crush my investment in Hi-Crush.

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015: Pacific Gas & Electric Co.(PCG)

PG&E Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as a public utility company that engages in electricity and natural gas distribution primarily in northern and central California. The company also involves in the generation, procurement, transmission, and distribution of electricity; and procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution of natural gas. It owns and operates electricity generation facilities, transmission and distribution lines, and substations; and an integrated natural gas transportation, storage, and distribution system, as well as has underground natural gas storage fields in California. The company serves residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, public street and highway lighting, and other electric utility customers. As of December 31, 2009, it served approximately 5.1 million electricity distribution customers and approximately 4.3 million natural gas distribution customers. The company also operated 18,650 circuit miles of intercon nected transmission lines and 141,213 circuit miles of distribution lines for electricity; and 42,142 miles of distribution pipelines, 6,438 miles of backbone and local transmission pipelines, and 3 storage facilities for natural gas. PG&E Corporation was founded in 1905 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Myra P. Saefong , Sital S. Patel]

  PCG: PG&E Corp. (PCG) �shares lost 4%. The utility said late Thursday that it expects the federal government to bring criminal charges against it over the fatal 2010 San Bruno, Calif. natural-gas transmission pipeline blast.

• [By Alyce Lomax]

  Even massive conglomerate Honeywell (NYSE: HON  ) has delved into the demand response and energy efficiency arena. In March, Honeywell teamed up with Opower to provide an integrated energy management platform with five utilities, including PG&E (NYSE: PCG  ) , to test-drive the relatively untapped residential market.

• [By Alex Planes]

  Looking for a way to invest in hydropower? California's PG&E (NYSE: PCG  ) is the nation's largest hydropower utility, producing nearly 12 billion kilowatt-hours of water-sourced electricity each year. CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS  ) , which currently operates 13 hydroelectric power plants in Michigan -- including one near the site of that first Grand Rapids turbine -- provides power to about 70,000 people each year from the movement of water.

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015: SGOCO Group Ltd(SGOC)

SGOCO Group, Ltd. designs, manufactures, and distributes liquid crystal display (LCD) consumer products in the People?s Republic of China and internationally. Its products include LCD personal computer monitors, LCD televisions, light emitting diode back-light modules, and application-specific LCD systems. The company also provides custom manufacturing services for application-specific LCD monitors, such as rotating screens, CCTV monitors for security systems, billboard monitors for advertising and public notice systems, and touch screens for non-keyed entries. SGOCO Group, Ltd. sells its products under the SGOCO, Edge 10, POVIZON, and No. 10 brands through a network of independent retail outlets operating under the ?SGOCO Image? name. The company offers its products to industry clients, such as medical centers, educational institutions, government complexes, public emergency response systems, and corporate offices, as well as to retail customers. As of December 31, 201 0, it had 603 retail stores covering 14 provinces and municipalities in the People?s Republic of China. The company, formerly known as SGOCO Technology, Ltd., was founded in 2006 and is based in Beijing, China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Small cap flat panel display stock�Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: OLED) was hit by bearish news in late November and the trend lines on its technical�charts appear to be confused as to what direction the stock will head, meaning its probably time to take a closer look at the situation along with the stock�� performance verses that of flat panel display peers like large cap Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW)�and small cap players like Daktronics, Inc (NASDAQ: DAKT) and SGOCO Group Ltd (NASDAQ: SGOC)

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  SGOCO Group (SGOC) engages in designing and developing LCD/LED monitors, TVs and other application-specific products for sale primarily to the flat-panel display market in China. This stock closed up 8.8% to $2.58 in Tuesday's trading session.

  Tuesday's Range: $2.26-$2.59
  
  52-Week Range: $0.70-$3.40
  
  Tuesday's Volume: 146,000
  
  Three-Month Average Volume: 522,556

  From a technical perspective, SGOC bounced sharply higher here right off some near-term support at $2.25 with lighter-than-average volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last month and change, with shares moving higher from its low of $1.51 to its recent high of $3.10. During that move, shares of SGOC have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of SGOC within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That trade will hit if SGOC manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $3.10 to its 52-week high at $3.40.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SGOC as long as it's trending above $2.25 or its 50-day at $1.92 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that's near or above 522,556 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then SGOC will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $4 to $4.50.

• [By John Udovich]

  On Tuesday, large cap�LCD glass maker�Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) began surging some 20% in after hours trading after announcing that it will take over an existing joint venture (Samsung Corning Precision Materials) with Samsung���meaning it might be worth taking a closer look at some small cap peers like Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: OLED), Daktronics, Inc (NASDAQ: DAKT) and SGOCO Group Ltd (NASDAQ: SGOC) who also have a piece of the LCD glass or related flat panel display action. Specifically, the deal involves a series of transactions to�give Corning Incorporated full ownership of Samsung Corning Precision Materials Co., Ltd. (SCP), which manufactures LCD glass in Korea and it should be noted that Corning already relies on sales of LCD-TV glass for the bulk of its profit. In addition, Corning Incorporated���board of directors has authorized an additional $2 billion of share repurchases through Dec. 31, 2015, dependent upon the transaction closing. Wendell P. Weeks, the chairman, CEO and president of Corning Incorporated was quoted in the press release announcing the deal as saying:

• [By John Udovich]

  Small cap display stock SGOCO Group Ltd (NASDAQ: SGOC) just sank 27.89% after reporting earnings, meaning its worth taking a closer look at it along with some other innovative display stocks like�Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Universal Display Corporation (NASDAQ: OLED). After all, just about every new consumer gadget along with cars and even appliances are incorporating display technology. I should also mention that we have had Corning Incorporated in our SmallCap Network Elite Opportunity (SCN EO) portfolio since early December (we are up around 29.20%) as we believe the company is in the sweet spot for next generation flexible screens and mobile wearables.

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015: Miller/Howard High Income Equity Fund (HIE)

Miller/Howard Fund (the Fund) is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company. The Fund�� primary investment objective is to provide a high level of income from dividends, distributions and interest. As a secondary objective, the Fund seeks capital appreciation. The Fund focuses to invest in a portfolio of equity securities generating high income with an emphasis on dividend growth. The Fund focuses to invest primarily in securities of United States companies and in holdings of non-United States companies traded on United States exchanges, such as through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in securities of master limited partnerships (MLPs), generally in the energy sector. Miller/Howard Investments, Inc. serves as the Fund�� investment advisor (the Investment Advisor). Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Richard Cox]

  During periods of heightened volatility in equity markets, income strategies become much more appropriate. �This approach offers investors added yield protection that can make it much easier to survive any bearish downturns that might be seen in the benchmark stock indices. �One of the newest selections in this space can be found in the Miller/Howard High Income Equity Fund (NYSE:HIE), which offers access to an expertly managed portfolio of high-yielding stocks with solid potential for long-term dividend growth. �

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015: BRF SA (BRFS)

BRF - Brasil Foods S.A. (BRF), incorporated on August 18, 1934, is a food company, which focuses on the production and sale of poultry, pork, beef cuts, milk, dairy products and processed food products under several brands. The Company�� processed products include marinated, frozen, whole and cut Chester rooster and turkey meats, specialty meats, frozen processed meats, frozen prepared entrees, portioned products and sliced products. It also sells margarine, juices, soy products, animal feed, fresh pasta, sweet specialties and sandwiches. During the year ended December 31, 2010, it launched 333 new products, including Meu Menu (My Menu) portfolio, which is targeted at single people.

Poultry

The Company produces frozen whole and cut poultries, partridges and quail. During 2010, it sold 1,895 thousand tons of frozen chicken and other poultry products. During 2010, it produced 1,694 million day-old chicks, including chickens, Chester roosters, turkeys, partridge and quail. It hatches these eggs in its 25 hatcheries. As of December 31, 2010, it had a fully automated slaughtering capacity of 31.2 million heads of poultry per week.

Pork and Beef

The Company produces frozen pork and beef cuts, such as loins and ribs, and whole carcasses. During 2010, it sold 427 thousand tons of pork and beef cuts. Iits sales of pork cuts are to its export markets. As of December 31, 2010, it had a beef slaughtering capacity of 1,797 heads per week.

Milk

The Company produces pasteurized and ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk, which it sells in its domestic market. During 2010, it sold 873 thousand tons of pasteurized and UHT milk. It produces dairy products in 15 plants. It receives milk from a network of over 11,000 milk producers in more than 553 cities.

Processed Food Products

The Company produces processed foods, such as marinated, frozen chicken, Chester rooster and turkey meat, specialty meats, frozen processed foo! ds, frozen prepared entrees, dairy products, portioned products and sliced products. During 2010, it sold 2,472 thousand tons of processed foods. It processes pork to produce specialty meats, such as sausages, ham products, bologna, frankfurters, salamis, bacon and cold meats. It also processes chicken and other poultry to produce specialty meats, such as chicken sausages, chicken hot dogs and chicken bologna. It produces a range of frozen processed poultry, beef and pork products, including hamburgers, steaks, breaded meat products, kibes, meatballs and ready-to-eat snacks. It also produces soy-based vegetarian products, such as hamburgers and breaded products. It produces marinated and seasoned chickens, roosters and turkeys.

The Company produces several varieties of lasagna and pizza. It produces the meat used in these products and buys other raw materials in the domestic market, except for the durum flour used to make the noodles for the lasagna, which it imports. It sells a range of frozen vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, peas, French beans, French fries and cassava fries, through its Escolha Saudavel line of products. It produces a range of pies and pastries, such as chicken and heart-of-palm pies and lime pies. It produces the meat, sauces and toppings used in its pies and pastries, and it purchases other raw materials, such as heart-of-palm, lime and other fillings from third parties.

Other

The Company produces animal feed mainly to feed poultry and hogs raised by it. It also sells a portion of its animal feed production to its integrated outgrowers or to unaffiliated customers. It produces a range of soy-based products, including soy meal and refined soy flour.

The Company competes with Sadia, Aurora, Marfig, Danone, Nestle, Paulista, Frangosul, Plamplona and Aurora.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  BRF S.A. (NYSE: BRFS) should be safe on the surface as a meat-producing and dairy giant. Apparently being defensive doesn’t help either. At $18.50, its 52-week range is $18.34 to $26.35. This ADR is down just over 10% so far in 2014.

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  And with very quick gains of 9% in BRF SA (NYSE ADR: BRFS), 5.2% in South American agricultural play Adecoagro SA (NYSE: AGRO) and 1.6% in high-tech agribusiness player Neogen Corp. (Nasdaq: NEOG), we're doing well with our plays on (pockets of) accelerating U.S. inflation.

10 Best Integrated Utility Stocks For 2015: 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.

Multiple Questions Remain Unanswered at This Company

Companies in the oil and gas space have been posting performances that beat analyst estimates quite often this quarter, and InterOil (NYSE: IOC  ) is part of that growing list. While its recent performance and the company's prospects for exporting LNG to the Asia-Pacific market may sound tempting, there are a couple reasons why you may want to hold off just a little bit longer before making a decision on InterOil.

With so much of the company's success pinned on picking a partner for its LNG export facility, and with founding CEO Phil Mulacek recently retiring, there are still some questions about this company left unanswered. In this video, Fool.com contributor Tyler Crowe details why these lingering questions should offer enough reasons to hold off on InterOil just a little bit longer.

While waiting to see how InterOil addresses these open questions, energy investors would be hard-pressed to find another company trading at a deeper discount than Chesapeake Energy. Its share price depreciated after negative news surfaced concerning the company's management and spiraling debt picture. While the debt issues still persist, giant steps have been taken to help mitigate the problems, such as choosing a new CEO. To learn more about Chesapeake and its enormous potential, you're invited to check out The Motley Fool's brand-new premium report on the company. Simply click here now to access your copy.

Top 5 Gold Companies For 2016

Best Defensive Stocks For 2015

U.S. stocks climbed again on Friday, carrying the Dow Jones Industrial Average to a seventh advance in a row and fourth straight record finish.

Bloomberg News

Trading volumes were light, but no threats emerged to hinder 2014′s seasonal “Santa Rally” that has carried the blue-chip benchmark up nearly 6% over past seven trading sessions.

Utility sector stocks on the S&P 500 rose most, more than 1.2%. Normally regarded as a “defensive” sector that lags in market rallies, utilities have been month’s and year’s top performers.

Tesla Motors (TSLA) added 2.5% after the electric car maker announced that it had made enhancements to its “Roadster” model that will lengthen its driving range. Elon Musk, Tesla’s chief executive, hinted at the announcement via Twitter on Thursday.

Best Japanese Companies To Buy For 2016: LSI Logic Corporation (LSI)

LSI Corporation designs, develops, and markets storage and networking semiconductors worldwide. It offers integrated circuits for hard disk and tape drive solutions, which are used to store and retrieve data in personal computers, corporate network servers, archive/back-up devices, and consumer electronics products. The company�s storage electronics products include systems-on-a-chip, read channels, pre-amplifiers, serial physical interfaces, and hard disk controllers, as well as custom firmware required to read, write, and protect data. It also offers pre-amplifiers, which are used to amplify the initial signal to and from the drive disk heads; and solutions that transmit data between a host computer and storage peripheral devices. In addition, the company provides custom and standard networking solutions that include chips, such as network processors, digital signal processors, content-inspection processors, traffic shaping devices, and physical layer devices, as well a s software, evaluation systems, and reference designs for office, home office, and small-to-medium business applications; flash storage processors; server storage semiconductor products, and server RAID adapters and software; and high-speed interface intellectual property that combine with customers� intellectual property to provide a connection to the SAN, memory systems, and host buses. Further, it offers networking solutions include communication processors, network processors, media processors, content-inspection processors, and physical layer devices, as well as software tools and segment specific applications, evaluation systems, and reference designs. The company was formerly known as LSI Logic Corporation and changed its name to LSI Corporation in April 2007. The company was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Milpitas, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ICRAOnline]

  Revenue for the last quarter stood at $73.4 million, up 27.9% from the year-ago quarter. This was primarily driven by the growth in memory technology licensing, coupled with impressive performance of its security technology licensing business. During the quarter, Rambus also signed new licensing agreements with tech giant Samsung Electronics, Micron Technology (MU), STMicroelectronics (STM), LSI Semiconductor (LSI) and SK Hynix. However, the company�� LED lighting business failed to make any significant contribution.

• [By Patricio Kehoe]

  Finally, I always like to see one of the most important financial ratios applying to stockholders, the best measure of performance for a firm's management: the return on equity. With a ROE of -7.19% is below the industry mean of 5.06%. Other more attractive option in terms of this ratio is LSI Corporation (LSI) with a ROE of 8.68%.

Best Defensive Stocks For 2015: Kosmos Energy Ltd. (KOS)

Kosmos Energy Ltd. explores and produces oil and gas in Africa, Europe, and South America. Its asset portfolio includes production and other projects offshore Ghana, as well as exploration licenses with hydrocarbon potential offshore Ireland, Mauritania, Morocco, and Suriname. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bryan Murphy]

  It may seem trite (and a little dated) on the surface, but Warren Buffett's sage advice stands as tall today as it did the first time her ever said it.... "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful." And, to say investors have been fearful of oil names like Kosmos Energy Ltd (NYSE:KOS), Africa Oil Corp. (CVE:AOI), and Hydrocarb Energy Corp. (OTCBB:HECC) of late would be an understatement. Not only have all three been pressured against a backdrop of plunging oil prices, HECC, KOS, and AOI have been doubly pressured because a big piece of what they do within their oil exploration exploits is done in Africa, where oil's recent volatility has been particularly disruptive. As Buffett� has accurately explained so many times in the past though, trends have a funny way of ending right around the time most investors are certain they'll never end.

Best Defensive Stocks For 2015: Parnassos Enterprises SA (PARN)

Parnassos Enterprises SA is a Greece-based holding company. The Company mainly operates through its subsidiary Seirios SA, which offers traveler services on the Athens - Lamia highway. Seirios SA owns a building complex with a total area of 16,720 square meters and it operates two petrol stations, a trading and repairing tire center, two road assistance buildings, two car washing stations, a laundry-lubricator station for tracks, snack bars, restaurants, and coffee shops. It also operates two more petrol stations on the Athens - Lamia highway in the Olympus Plazza block of buildings, which also operates two car washer and two track washer stations. The Company also owns, through Seirios SA, the subsidiary Alsity SA, a company which is engaged in the design, construction, development and operation of the Olympic Sailing Centre in Agios Kosmas, Greece. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Biotech news this week was dominated by a number of healthcare and biotech related IPOs, including Parnell Pharmaceuticals Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ: PARN), Signal Genetics Inc (NASDAQ: SGNL), ZS Pharma Inc (NASDAQ: ZSPH), Ardelyx Inc (NASDAQ: ARDX)�and Zafgen Inc (NASDAQ: ZFGN) with Kite Pharma Inc (NASDAQ: KITE), Microlin Bio Inc (NASDAQ: MCLB) and�Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: SNDX) presumably set to debut today (Note:�See�This Week�� Biotech IPOs: Two Losers and One Winner So Far (PARN, SGNL & ZSPH)):

Best Defensive Stocks For 2015: Matrix Metals Ltd (MXB)

Matrix Metals Limited is a mineral exploration company. The Company�� Wee MacGregor Project is located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Mt Isa in Queensland. The Project consists of five granted Exploration Permits for Minerals (EPMs) covering an area of 209 kilometers square and one EPM application covering an area of approximately 19.2 kilometers square. The Inkerman prospect is located on EPM17907 and flanks the old Inkerman workings located on a small Mining Claim in the north (not held by the Company). The Rosebud prospect is located on EPM17449 and surrounds historic Rosebud workings located on a small Mining Lease in the north (not held by the Company). The Copper Cone prospect is located on EPM17449 and is hosted in a tightly folded sequence of the Ballara quartzite. In February 2014, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Caeneus Minerals Pty Ltd. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bill Smith]

  FDS operates in a highly competitive industry, some with more resources. Their competitors include:
  Thomson Reuters Corp. (TRI)BloombergInteractive (IDC)MSCI Inc. (MXB)Morningstar Inc. (MORN)Track Data Corp. (TRAC)Edgar Online (EDGR)McGraw-Hill (MHP )

Best Defensive Stocks For 2015: Fifth Third Bancorp(FITB)

Fifth Third Bancorp operates as a diversified financial services holding company in the United States. The company?s Commercial Banking segment offers credit intermediation, cash management, and financial services; lending and depository products; and foreign exchange and international trade finance, derivatives and capital markets services, asset-based lending, real estate finance, public finance, commercial leasing, and syndicated finance for business, government, and professional customers. Its Branch Banking segment provides deposit and loan, and lease products to individuals and small businesses. This segment?s products include checking and savings accounts, home equity loans and lines of credit, credit cards, loans for automobile and personal financing needs, and cash management services. The company?s Consumer Lending segment engages in the mortgage and home equity lending activities, such as origination, retention, and servicing of mortgage and home equity loans ; and other indirect lending activities, which include loans to consumers through mortgage brokers and automobile dealers. Its Investment Advisors segment offers investment alternatives for individuals, companies, and not-for-profit organizations. It offers retail brokerage services to individual clients, and broker dealer services to the institutional marketplace. This segment also provides asset management services; holistic strategies to affluent clients in wealth planning, investing, insurance, and wealth protection; and advisory services for institutional clients, as well as advises the company?s proprietary family of mutual funds. As of December 31, 2011, the company operated 1,316 full-service banking centers, including 104 Bank Mart locations; and 2,425 automated teller machines in 12 states in the midwestern and southeastern regions of the United States. The company was founded in 1862 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By The Part-time Investor]

  The following stocks met the criteria in January of 2008 and were put into the initial portfolio:

  Abbot Labs (ABT)Advanced data processing (ADP)Associated Banc-Corp (ASBC)Bank of America (BAC)BB&T Corp. (BBT)Bemis Company (BMS)Anheuser Busch (BUD)The Chubb Corporation (CB)Clorox (CLX)Comerica Inc. (CMA)Diebold Inc. (DBD)Emerson Electronics (EMR)First Dollar Corp. (FDO)First Third BanCorp. (FITB)Gannett Co, Inc. (GCI)General Electric (GE)Hershey (HSY)Illinois Tools Works (ITW)Johnson and Johnson (JNJ)Leggett and Platt (LEG)Eli Lilly (LLY)La-Z-Boy (LZB)McDonald's (MCD)Marsh and Ilsley (MI)M&T Bancorp (MTB)PepsiCo (PEP)Pfizer (PFE)Procter & Gamble (PG)Pentair Ltd. (PNR)Regions Financial Corp. (RF)Rohm and Haas (ROH)RPM International (RPM)Sherwin Williams (SHW)Sysco Corp. (SYY)UDR Inc. (UDR)

  Historical quotes were taken from Yahoo Finance. $10,000 was put into each position, to the nearest whole share, so a total of $349,262.89 was invested. From 1/15/08 through 5/16/13 all dividends were reinvested back into the stock that paid them. If a dividend cut was announced, that stock was sold on the ex-div date of the new, lower dividend.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ: FITB) is projected to report its Q1 earnings at $0.41 per share on revenue of $1.51 billion.

  Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) is estimated to report its Q1 earnings at $1.16 per share on revenue of $7.01 billion.

• [By Tom Reese]

  Regional banker Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) on Monday received a big upgrade from analysts at Evercore Partners.

  The firm lifted its rating on FITB from “Equal Weight” to “Overweight” while boosting its price target to $23. That new target suggests a 15% upside to the stock’s Friday closing price of $20.09.

  Evercore analyst Andrew Marquardt commented, “We are upgrading shares of FITB to OW (from EW) based on above avg top line growth/profitability, expense flexibility, continued AQ leverage, and strong capital/deployment.” Accordingly, the firm also lifted its earnings estimates for the company through 2015.

  Fifth Third Bancorp shares were inactive in pre-market trading Monday. The stock has gained 32% since the beginning of 2013.