Hot Railroad Companies To Buy Right Now

Hot Railroad Companies To Buy Right Now: BMC Software Inc. (BMC)

BMC Software, Inc. develops software that provides system and service management solutions for enterprises in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Enterprise Service Management and Mainframe Service Management. The Enterprise Service Management segment offers service assurance solutions that manage availability and performance management, event management, service impact management, and capacity management; service automation solutions managing provisioning, configuration change, and compliance automation for servers, networks, applications, and databases; service support solutions, which manages service desk, incident management, service request management, problem management, asset management, service level management, change and release management, and identity management; and BMC Atrium that provides shared technologies that unify information and processes from disparate management tools, and assigns priorities to business servic es. It also offers consulting, implementation, integration, IT process design and re-engineering, and educational services related to its software products. The Mainframe Service Management segment provides mainframe data and performance management solutions that ensure the availability and reliability of the business critical data, applications, and systems; and enterprise workload automation solutions comprising CONTROL-M product line, a set of features enabling data centers to automate their complex workloads and critical business processes. The company serves manufacturers, telecommunication companies, educational institutions, retailers, distributors, hospitals, and other industries, as well as channel partners, including resellers, distributors and systems integrators directly. BMC Software, Inc. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tom Taulli]

  As with many other hot clou! d companies, NOW stock has been a roller coaster lately. But this isn’t an issue for the companys CEO, Frank Slootman. I met with Slootman recently, and he told me that ServiceNow could be instantly profitable if he dialed down growth. He said that would be a mistake, though, because the market opportunity is massive. His competition is mostly made up of legacy operators like BMC (BMC) and Hewlett-Packard (HPQ).

• [By Rob DeFrancesco]

  Rob DeFrancesco: ServiceNow is disrupting the IT management space. They're cloud-based. They're going against legacy vendors like BMC (BMC). And ServiceNow, that's another strong revenue grower, up 50% expected for this year, 38% for next year.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/hot-railroad-companies-to-buy-right-now-2.html

Bearish CrossCurrents

Hot Managed Healthcare Stocks To Watch Right Now

In theory, derivatives are said to aid economic growth and are responsible for economic growth that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. Wrong, asserts Alan Newman, editor of CrossCurrents.

The theory that derivatives are responsible for economic growth have long ignored the obvious; they do not provide better economic growth. In fact, they hamper economic growth.

Over the last few years, we have been acutely aware of what we see as irresponsible stances of the financial industry, those committed to protect investors (such as the SEC) and by the Federal Reserve Board to hide all the facts.

Over time, more leverage, more credit, and methods to accommodate leverage and credit, have proliferated. We are now a society living, not only on borrowed money, but very likely on borrowed time as well.

While we have no doubt that derivatives, and especially leverage, have potential to temporarily boost economic growth, the attendant risks are gigantic.

The banks, exchanges, and the brokerage industry, have completely transformed the capital raising functions of the equity market, by reducing the long-term to microseconds.

The proliferation of high frequency trading has afforded privileges in which the public cannot participate, and which favors institutions, to the detriment of the public.

Derivatives have also favored institutions to the detriment of the public, by having the very substantial advantage of bailout possibilities.

In fact, at this point in time, it is clear that the situation has become so onerous that there is no doubt that way too many institutions are, indeed, too big to fail.

If one goes down, the potential harm to the remainder of the system is too great and, thus, another plunge into the chasm will be fixed the same way as before.

The banks and broker know this. The exchanges know this. There is no impetus to change or ameliorate the same kind of risks that placed the nation on the verge of the abyss in 2008. Thus, the public will again be punished, as the worst of double standards is allowed to endure.

For a stock market again so close to major index highs, there seems to be a perilous helping of deteriorating technical indicators that suggest very high odds for substantial weakness in the weeks to come.

Ten-day new highs minus new lows is diverging horribly, despite an awesome week for the major averages. What's wrong? What's wrong is that fewer strong issues are driving the indexes. The analogy of the troops deserting the Generals is apt.

As to sentiment, nothing scares this market. Truth be told, pessimism is out of vogue. In 49 years of observation, we've never seen a market so completely devoid of concern for what can go wrong. Given so much complacency, a rousing wake-up call is in order.

We have yet to see the high volume necessary for a substantial corrective wave to unfold. Stocks remain primarily and almost exclusively driven by mechanical factors, chiefly high frequency trading.

Despite the latest rally, the bulls are still losing control one foot at a time. There is not enough interest or liquidity at this time for money managers to commit big time to stocks.

With mutual fund cash remaining at extremely low levels, and margin debt in the stratosphere, the current environment is as dangerous as any this observer has ever seen.

The August 28 Dow mini-correction low of 14,760 seems far less important than the June 24 low of 14,551, the level at which we would expect the downside to accelerate. We are convinced a major top is brewing.

We see strong support in the Dow at 12,471; the worst case scenario of a smash to Dow 10,404 is still possible. The only good news is we don't think there is any way the March 2009 lows will ever be taken out.

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Top Clean Energy Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top Clean Energy Companies To Invest In Right Now: Glu Mobile Inc.(GLUU)

Glu Mobile Inc. designs, markets, and sells mobile games worldwide. It develops original games based on its intellectual property comprising Big Time Gangsta?, Blood & Glory, Bug Village, Contract Killer, Contract Killer: Zombies, Eternity Warriors, Frontline Commando, Gun Bros, Men vs. Machines, Stardom: The A-List, Super K.O. Boxing and Toyshop Adventures. The company also develops games based on licensed intellectual property consisting of Build-a-lot, Call of Duty, Deer Hunter, DJ Hero, Guitar Hero, Family Feud, Family Guy, Lord of the Rings, Paperboy, The Price Is Right, Transformers, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and World Series of Poker. It offers a portfolio of action/adventure and casual games to smartphones and tablet devices users through direct-to-consumer digital storefronts, as well as to feature phone users served by wireless carriers and other distributors. The company was formerly known as Sorrent, Inc. and changed its name to Glu Mobile Inc. in May 20 05. Glu Mobile Inc. was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

  3dsystems.com With 2014 coming to a close, the market's setting itself up to post modest gains for the year. Naturally, a rising tide doesn't lift all ships. There are a few industries that have fallen out of favor this year despite the gains elsewhere. Let's take a look at three markets that have been battered in 2014. There's a lot riding on them bouncing back in the year ahead. 3-D Printing One of the hottest new industries of 2012 and 2013 was 3-D printing. 3D Systems (DDD) and Stratasys (SSYS) were two of Wall Street's biggest winners as investors got pumped about the prospects of printers that produce physical 3-D objects in a wide range of forms, colors, and textures.! Reality hasn't been as kind as the romanticized vision of 3-D printing. There have been pricing and performance stumbling blocks. The machines are still too expensive and too slow. 3D Systems may have seen its stock more than triple in 2012 and more than double in 2013, but it's one of this year's most prolific laggards. Shares of 3D Systems have shed nearly two-thirds of their value. Adjusted earnings tumbled in its latest quarter, and 3D Systems warned of delays in new consumer products and a slowdown in metal printer sales. Stratasys initially held up well, but it has gone on to buckle along with 3D Systems and the other publicly traded 3-D printing specialists. It, too, had to hose down its guidance in its most recent financial report, and Stratasys stock has plunged 40 percent in 2014. Mobile Gaming We're in a mobile computing revolution, but the makers of mobile games aren't exactly feeling the love. We saw Zynga (ZNGA) implode in 2012 as gross bookings slipped at the company behind "Words With Friends" and "FarmVille"; after moving higher in 2013, it resumed its slide in 2014. Shares of Zynga have fallen 28 percent this year, and it's not alone. King Digital Entertainment (KING) went public earlier this year, hoping that it could parlay the success of its "Candy Crush Saga"

• [By Peter Graham]

  The Q3 2014 earnings report for small cap social media gaming stock Zynga Inc (NASDAQ: ZNGA), a potential peer of mobile gaming stock Glu Mobile Inc (NASDAQ: GLUU) and interactive entertainment stock King Digital Entertainment PLC (NYSE: KING), is scheduled for after the market closes on Thursday (November 6th). Aside from the Zynga Inc earnings report, it should be said that Glu Mobile Inc reported Q3 2014 earnings on October 29th (shares fell on profit expectations and missed revenue forecasts) while King Digital Entertainment PLC will also report Q3 2014 earnings after the market closes on Thursday. However, Zynga Inc has long struggled and has worked hard to come out from un! der the s! hadow of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ: FB) but Wall Street and investor patience may be running out.

• [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

  www.glu.com Shares of Glu Mobile (GLUU) opened sharply lower on Thursday after it reported disappointing quarterly results. The mobile gaming company that raced into market fancy this summer as its "Kim Kardashian: Hollywood" game raced up the mobile apps charts is now going the other way. It seems like a monster quarter at first glance. Adjusted revenue soared 270 percent to $83.6 million when pitted against last year's third quarter, fueled largely by the success of the Kardashian celebrity simulator, in which players create a character that rubs elbows with the rich and famous as they plot their way to stardom in an interactive adventure. Glu's adjusted profit clocked in at 17 cents a share, well ahead of the 11 cents a share that analysts were targeting. Glu had posted a quarterly loss a year earlier. Glu also boosted its guidance higher for all of 2014 in Wednesday night's report. This is often the recipe for a surging stock, but Glu took a hit because analysts were holding out for more than a 270 percent pop on the top line. Wall Street was banking on $85.2 million in revenue. As for that improved outlook for this year -- with Glu now eyeing between $225.5 million and $230.5 million in revenue in 2014 -- analysts were modeling $232.6 million on the top line. Glu may be in a better place than it was three months ago, but the market overshot on the potential of a single hot franchise. Rubber Meets Glu Glu Mobile has been one of this year's most volatile stocks. It began the year at $3.88, rarely mentioned in the same circles as casual-gaming leaders King Digital (KING) and Zynga (ZNGA). However, the stock had doubled by this summer when Kardashian's game took the mobile gaming market by storm. In a stunning run this summer, Glu shares posted four consecutive weeks of double-digit percentage gains, soaring with weekly pops of 19 percent, 13 percent,! 14 perce! nt and 13 percent. It's been all downhill after that. As soon as Kardashian's game began to sl

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

Top Gas Utility Stocks To Buy For 2015

BETHESDA, Md. �� Lockheed Martin will furlough 3,000 employees on Monday and potentially more in coming weeks due to the government shutdown.

The defense contractor said Friday that the furloughs will affect its business nationwide and it is working closely with customers to assess the impact. It said the number of employees put on furlough will increase weekly if the shutdown continues, but did not specify how high the count could rise.

"I'm disappointed that we must take these actions and we continue to encourage our lawmakers to come together to pass a funding bill that will end this shutdown," Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed's CEO and president, said in a statement. "We hope that Congress and the Administration are able to resolve this situation as soon as possible."

UNITED TECHNOLOGIES: May furlough 5,000

Hot Consumer Stocks To Invest In 2016: Ishares Msci Singapore Ews (EWS)

iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund (the Fund) seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in the aggregate in the Singaporean market, as measured by the MSCI Singapore Index (the Index).

The Index seeks to measure the performance of the Singaporean equity market. The Index is a capitalization-weighted index that aims to capture 85% of the (publicly available) total market capitalization. The Fund invests in a representative sample of securities in the Index, which has a similar investment profile as the Index. iShares MSCI Singapore Index Fund's investment advisor is Barclays Global Fund Advisors.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Doug Fabian]

  The country seems to have been boosted by an unexpected rise in manufacturing and gains in the service sector. One way to invest in Singapore is through the iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS).

Top Gas Utility Stocks To Buy For 2015: GTT Communications Inc (GTT)

GTT Communications, Inc., formerly Global Telecom & Technology, Inc., incorporated on January 3, 2005, is a global network integrator providing a portfolio of Wide-Area Network (WAN), dedicated Internet access and managed data services. The Company combines multiple networks and technologies, such as traditional OC-x, MPLS and Ethernet, to deliver solutions designed for each client��s requirements. The Company improves its client performance through its Client Management Database (CMD), providing customers with an integrated support system for all of their services. It is provides solutions, project management and 24x7 global operations support. In May 2012, the Company acquired nLayer Communications Inc. In April 2013, Neutral Tandem Inc acquired the global data services business of Global Telecom & Technology Inc.

The Company��s global operations consist of two parts: global customer operations, and global network operations and engineering. Customer operations include project management and development of its CMD system. Global project management assures the implementation of a customer services after the sale. Network operations and engineering consists of global Network Operations Center (NOC) and Engineering and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). The NOC receives, prioritizes, tracks and resolves network outages or other customer needs, along with provisioning and testing of services. Engineering provides support for the NOC and the sales team, as well as carrying out all provisioning for GTT Network Services. ICT manages all internal desktop, and network and server infrastructure.

The Company competes with Level 3, Qwest, KPN, XO Communications, COLT, Verizon Business, AT&T, British Telecom, NTT and Deutsche Telekom.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By The GeoTeam]

  This brings us to Global Telecom (GTT), a company that provides customers with innovative connectivity solutions by utilizing its own network assets.

Top Gas Utility Stocks To Buy For 2015: Genuine Parts Company (GPC)

Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates in four segments: Automotive Parts Group, Industrial Parts Group, Office Products Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The Automotive Parts Group segment distributes automotive replacement parts for imported vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles, small engines, farm equipment, and heavy duty equipment. This segment also distributes accessory items used in the automotive aftermarket, such as repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns, and individuals. It owns and operates automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores under the NAPA name. The Industrial Parts G roup segment distributes industrial replacement parts and related supplies, such as bearings, mechanical power transmission, industrial automation, hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial supplies, and material handling products. This segment serves various industries, including the food, forest products, primary metal, paper, mining, automotive, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries. The Office Products Group segment involves in the wholesale distribution of a line of office and other business related products that are used in the daily operation of businesses, schools, offices, and institutions. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group segment distributes insulating and conductive materials, assembly tools, test equipment, and custom fabricated parts. This segment provides distribution services to original equipment manufacturers, motor repair shops, and assembly markets. The company was founded in 1928 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.19 per share on revenue of $3.76 billion.

  First Niagara Financial Group (NASDAQ: FNFG) is projected to report its Q3 earnings at $0.19 per share on revenue of $365.77 million.

• [By Lawrence Meyers]

  Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is a $12 billion company with 1,100 Napa Auto Parts stores in the US, Canada, and Mexico.�It holds $250 million in debt and $197 million in cash. �Free cash flow improved to $800 million in FY12 from $600 million in FY11. GPC has a projected long term-growth rate of 10%, and trades at a FY13 P/E of 19, so I consider it vastly overvalued.

• [By Chuck Saletta]

  Speaking of those goals...
  Last week, two companies paid their dividends to the iPIG portfolio: railroad giant Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP  ) and car parts magnate Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC  ) . Union Pacific's dividend added $4.14 to the iPIG portfolio's coffers, while Genuine Parts' added $12.36. Union Pacific has held its dividend steady for three quarters, while Genuine Parts has paid two dividends at its current level. Both companies have track records of annual increases, and the iPIG portfolio looks forward to seeing if that trend continues.

• [By Dividends4Life]

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

Top Gas Utility Stocks To Buy For 2015: Remy Cointreau SA (RCO)

Remy Cointreau SA is a France-based company engaged in the production and distribution of wines and spirits. The Company's activities are divided into two segments. Cognac, which offers a range of products under the Remy Martin brand and Liqueurs and Spirits, distributing liquors under the Cointreau, Izarra and Passoa brand names, as well as spirits under such brand names as Mount Gay (rum), St Remy (brandy), Ponche Kuna (rum) and Metaxa (brandy). The Company is a sole distributor of the Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck brands, as well as Piper Sonoma (the sparkling wine brand). The Company's subsidiaries include production companies, such as E. Remy Martin & Cie, and distribution companies, such as Remy Cointreau USA Inc. In August 2013, it completed the sale of Larsen Cognac to the Finnish group Altia. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Inyoung Hwang]

  Remy Cointreau SA (RCO) jumped 6 percent, the most since January. Chinese cognac shipments increased 20.5 percent in August, rising for the first time since January, according to UBS AG, citing from BNIC, a trade association of cognac makers.

• [By Inyoung Hwang]

  EasyJet Plc and International Consolidated Airlines Group SA climbed as oil prices fell after the U.S. and Russia agreed on a plan to destroy Syrian chemical weapons. Hennes & Mauritz AB (HMB) advanced to a three-year high after sales topped estimates. Remy Cointreau SA (RCO) soared the most in almost four years as Chinese cognac shipments increased.

Top Gas Utility Stocks To Buy For 2015: Pool Corporation (POOL)

Pool Corporation operates as a wholesale distributor of swimming pool supplies, equipment, and related leisure products in North America and Europe. The company offers approximately 100,000 national brand and Pool Corporation branded products. It sells maintenance products, such as chemicals, supplies, and pool accessories; repair and replacement parts for cleaners, filters, heaters, pumps, and lights; packaged pool kits, including walls, liners, braces, and coping for in-ground and above-ground pools; pool equipment and components for new pool construction and the remodeling of existing pools; and irrigation and landscape products, such as professional lawn care equipment. The company also offers complementary products, including building materials used for pool installations and remodeling, such as concrete, plumbing and electrical components, and pool surface and decking materials; and other discretionary recreational and related outdoor lifestyle products. Pool Corpora tion serves swimming pool remodelers and builders, retail swimming pool stores, swimming pool repair and service businesses, landscape construction and maintenance contractors, and golf courses. The company was founded in 1993 and is based in Covington, Louisiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  When judging a company's prospects, how quickly it turns cash outflows into cash inflows can be just as important as how much profit it's booking in the accounting fantasy world we call "earnings." This is one of the first metrics I check when I'm hunting for the market's best stocks. Today, we'll see how it applies to Pool (Nasdaq: POOL  ) .

Top Gas Utility Stocks To Buy For 2015: NetQin Mobile Inc. (NQ)

NetQin Mobile Inc. operates as a software-as-a-service provider of consumer-centric mobile Internet services focusing on security and productivity in the People?s Republic of China and internationally. It provides a suite of mobile Internet services that protect mobile users from security threats and enhance their productivity. It offers mobile security services, including mobile malware scanning, Internet firewall, account and communication safety, anti-theft, performance optimization, hostile software rating and reporting, and other services to protect users from mobile malware threats, data theft, and privacy intrusion. The company also provides mobile productivity services comprising screening incoming calls, filtering unwanted spam, SMS messages, protecting communication privacy, and managing calendar activities, as well as cloud-side synchronization of personal data, including address books, text messages, and calendars to enhance time and relationship management. In addition, it provides personalized intelligent cloud services that utilize synchronized user information to provide tailored user experience and extend the functionalities of its core services. Further, the company offers security forums and download services for third-party mobile applications. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Telecommunications services shares gained around 0.25 percent in today’s trading. Top gainers in the sector included NQ Mobile (NYSE: NQ), Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NYSE: NTT), and SK Telecom Co (NYSE: SKM).

• [By Garrett Cook]

  On Wednesday, the telecommunications services sector proved to be a source of strength for the market. Leading the sector was strength from Internet Gold Golden Lines (NASDAQ: IGLD) and NQ Mobile (NYSE: NQ).

10 Best Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Invest In 2016

10 Best Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Invest In 2016: Gastar Exploration Ltd (GST)

Gastar Exploration Ltd (Gastar) is an independent energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of natural gas and oil in the United States. The Company's principal business activities include the identification, acquisition, and subsequent exploration and development of natural gas and oil properties with an emphasis on unconventional reserves, such as shale resource plays. As of December 31, 2011, it is pursuing the development of liquids-rich natural gas in the Marcellus Shale in the Appalachia area of West Virginia and, to a lesser extent, central and southwestern Pennsylvania. The Company also holds prospective acreage in the deep Bossier play in the Hilltop area of East Texas and conduct limited coal bed methane (CBM) development activities within the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana. The Company is a holding company. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Robert Rapier]

  Gastar Exploration (NYSE: GST) is another Aggressive Portfolio pick made on Dec. 11, and so far it has rallied quite aggressively, producing a three-week capital gain of 26 percent. It helped here too to catch the very bottom of the recent correction, but Gastar has continued to report strong test well results from the Hunton Limestone play it’s pioneering in Oklahoma.

• [By Heather Ingrassia]

  Gastar Agreement: On April 1st it was announced that Gastar Exploration, Ltd. (GST) had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire proven reserves and undeveloped leasehold interests in Kingfisher and Canadian counties of Oklahoma from Chesapeake Energy Corporation, repurchase Chesapeake's common shares of the Company and settle all litigation for $1 million. Although smaller in scope than most of Chesapeake's previous asset-shedding transactions, the agreement with Gasta! r accomplishes two things. First, is the fact the settlement resolves the legal wrangling both companies were engaged in and as a result Chesapeake walks away with $85 million of the potential $130 million they were suing for. Second, is the fact Chesapeake wipes it hands of acreage, that although producing, may not be producing as much as Chesapeake had once hoped, and therefore was worth much more to Gastar in the long run.

• [By David Smith]

  Earlier, the company had pocketed $75.2 million by selling to Gastar Exploration (NYSEMKT: GST  ) leasehold acreage in Oklahoma's Kingfisher and Canadian counties. It'll obviously require a passel of sales of that magnitude to shore up an overweight balance sheet.

• [By Josh Young]

  The parallel to Goodrich in the transaction is Gastar Exploration (GST), which has approximately 100,000 net acres in the Hunton (excluding additional exposure from the WEHLU deal). Gastar, similar to Goodrich prior to the Sanchez TMS deal, seems to trade at a discount to a $2,000 per acre implied value for its unconventional oil acreage. In fact, Gastar's CEO recently said he thought the current liquidation value of Gastar's Marcellus assets would be $4-7 per share, net of debt, versus the current $4.25 share price.

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

Best Gold Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Best Gold Stocks To Invest In Right Now: NEW GOLD INC.(NGD)

New Gold Inc. engages in the acquisition, exploration, extraction, processing, and reclamation of mineral properties. The company primarily explore for gold, silver, and copper deposits. Its operating properties include the Mesquite gold mine in the United States; the Cerro San Pedro gold-silver mine in Mexico; and the Peak gold-copper mine in Australia. The company also has development projects, including the New Afton gold, silver, and copper project in Canada; and a 30% interest in the El Morro copper-gold project in Chile. The company was formerly known as DRC Resources Corporation and changed its name to New Gold Inc. in June 2005. New Gold Inc. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

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

• [By MONEYMORNING]

  New Gold Inc. (NSYEMKT: NGD) completed its takeover of Rainy River Resources back in October. New Gold got 4 million ounces in a good jurisdiction (Ontario) and paid less than book value.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  January is nearing an end, and that means one thing: Gold miners will start announcing earnings. New Gold (NGD) will get things started on Feb 6, followed by Kinross Gold (KGC) on Feb. 12 and Goldcorp (GG) and Barrick Gold (ABX) on Feb. 13.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-gold-stocks-to-invest-in-right-now-4.html

10 Best Defensive Stocks To Watch For 2016

10 Best Defensive Stocks To Watch For 2016: TCW Strategic Income Fund Inc (TSI)

TCW Strategic Income Fund, Inc. (the Fund), formerly TCW Convertible Securities Fund, Inc., incorporated on January 13, 1987, is a diversified closed-end investment management company. The Fund's investment objective is to seek a total return consisting of current income and capital appreciation by investing in convertible securities, marketable equity securities, investment-grade debt securities, high-yield debt securities, options, and securities issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies and instrumentalities (U.S. Government Securities). The Fund also invests in repurchase agreements, mortgage-related securities, asset-backed securities, money market securities and other securities.

The Fund may invest in repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Government Securities. The Fund invests in sectors, such as financial services, aerospace and defense, airlines, automobiles, banking, commercial services, electric utilities, insurance, media, utilities, biotechnology and chemicals. The Funds investment advisor is TCW Investment Management Company.

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)- Distrib! ution Yield: 19.10%- Income Yield: 0.85%Delaware Inv Div & Inc (DDF)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 5.26%Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB)- Distribution Yield: 7.58%- Income Yield: 1.54%Gabelli Utility Trust (GUT)- Distribution Yield: 9.45%- Income Yield: 2.84%MFS Special Value Trust (MFV)- Distribution Yield: 9.60%- Income Yield: 5.73%Nuveen Tx-Adv TR Strat (JTA)- Distribution Yield: 6.70%- Income Yield: 3.12%TCW Strategic Income (TSI)- Distribution Yield: 10.54%- Income Yield: 7.88%Zweig Total Return (ZTR)- Distribution Yield: 7.27%- Income Yield: 1.95%As noted in the Gabelli report, a managed distribution policy may create confusion regarding the true current yield since the reported yield includes the return of capital portion. You can see the disparity above between the income yield and the distribution (reported) yield.If you are looking for a sustainable and growing dividend, you may want to consider some blue-chip dividend stocks such as these with a Free Cash Flow Payout less than 50%, 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases and a 2%+ yield:3M Co. (MMM) is a diversified global company provides enhanced product functionality in electronics, health care, industrial, consumer

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/10-best-defensive-stocks-to-watch-for-2016.html

5 Best Chemical Stocks To Watch Right Now

5 Best Chemical Stocks To Watch Right Now: Albemarle Corp (ALB)

Albemarle Corporation (Albemarle), incorporated in 1993, is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals, which meet customer needs across a range of end markets, including the petroleum refining, consumer electronics, plastics/packaging, construction, automotive, lubricants, pharmaceuticals, crop protection, food-safety and custom chemistry services markets. As of December 31, 2011, the Company and its joint ventures operated 50 facilities, encompassing production, research and development facilities, and administrative and sales offices in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia. It serves approximately 3,000 customers in over 100 countries. It operates in three segments: Polymer Solutions, Catalysts and Fine Chemistry. On May 11, 2011, the Company acquired Catilin Inc. In October 2013, Albemarle Corp acquired Cambridge Chemical Co Ltd.

Polymer Solutions

The Company's Polymer Solutions seg ment consists of two product market categories: flame retardants and stabilizers and curatives. Its products include plastic enclosures for consumer electronics, printed circuit boards, wire and cable, electrical connectors, textiles, foam insulation, and foam seating in furniture and automobiles. Its brominated flame retardants include products such as Saytex; its mineral-based flame retardants include products, such as Martinal and Magnifin, and its phosphorus-based flame retardants include products, such as Antiblaze and Ncendx.

The Company produces plastic additives, as well as other additives, such as curatives, antioxidants and stabilizers. Its additives products include curatives for polyurethane, polyurea, and epoxy system polymerization. This business also produces antioxidants and stabilizers. Its Ethacure curatives are used in cast elastomers, co! atings, reaction injection molding (RIM) and specialty adhesives, which are incorporated into products, su ch as wheels, tires and rollers. Its line of Ethanox antioxi! dants is used by manufacturers of polyolefins to maintain physical properties during the manufacturing process, including the color of the final product. These antioxidants are found in applications, such as slit film, wire and cable, food packaging and pipes.

The Company produces antioxidants used in fuels and lubricants. Its line of Ethanox fuel and lubricant antioxidants is used by refiners and fuel marketers to extend fuel storage life and protect fuel systems, and by oil marketers and lubricant manufacturers to extend the useful life of lubricating oils, fluids and greases used in engines and various types of machinery. Its polymer solutions segment offers more than 80 products to a range of end-markets. It sells its products to chemical manufacturers and processors, such as polymer resin suppliers, lubricant manufacturers, refiners and other specialty chemical companies.

The Company competes with Chemtura Corporation, Israel Chemicals Ltd, Jia ngsu Yoke Technology Co., Ltd., Zhejiang Wansheng Chemical Co., Ltd., J.M. Huber Corporation, Kyowa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Nabaltec GmbH, BASF Corporation, Chemtura Corporation and Songwon Industrial Co., Ltd.,

Catalysts

The Company's Catalysts segment includes its refinery catalysts and catalyst solutions businesses. Its main refinery catalysts product lines are hydroprocessing catalysts (HPC), and fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC), catalysts and additives. HPC catalysts are used to reduce the quantity of sulfur and other impurities in petroleum products, as well as to convert feedstock into lighter products. FCC catalysts assist in the cracking of petroleum streams into derivative, higher-value products, such as fuels and petrochemical feedstock. Its FCC additives are used to remove sulfur in gasoline and to reduce emissions o! f sulfur ! dioxide and nitrogen oxide in FCC units. It offers approximately 130 different HPC catalysts products an d approximately 40 different FCC catalysts and additives pro! ducts to ! its customers.

The Company has three business units in its performance catalyst solutions (PCS) division: polymer catalysts, chemical catalysts and electronic materials. It manufactures organometallic co-catalysts, as well as metallocene components and co-catalysts. It also offers finished Single-Site catalysts with or without its ActivCat technology and a range of Ziegler-Natta catalysts under the Advantage brand. Its co-catalysts and finished catalysts are used in its customers' production of polyolefin polymers. Such polymers are commodity (Ziegler Natta polymerization technology) and specialty (Single Site polymerization technology) plastics serving a range of end markets, including packaging, non-packaging, films and injection molding. Some of its organometallic products are also used in the manufacture of alpha-olefins (hexene, octane and decene). In electronic materials, it manufacture and sells metal organic products into electronic applications, such as the production of light emitting diodes (LEDs) for displays and general lighting, as well as other products used in the production of solar cells. Its chemical catalysts include a range of catalysts used in the chemical industry.

The Company competes with Criterion Catalysts and Technologies, W.R. Grace & Co./Advanced Refining Technologies, Haldor Topsoe, W.R. Grace & Co., BASF Corporation, AkzoNobel and Chemtura Corporation.

Fine Chemistry

The Company's Fine Chemistry segment consists of two categories: performance chemicals, and fine chemistry services and intermediates. Performance chemicals include products, such as elemental bromine, alkyl bromides, inorganic bromides, brominated powdered activated carbon and a range of bromine fine chemicals. Its products are used in chemical synthesis, oil and gas well d! rilling a! nd completion fluids, mercury control, paper manufacturing, water purification, beef and poultry processing and ot her industrial applications. Other performance chemicals, wh! ich it pr! oduces include tertiary amines for surfactants, biocides, disinfectants and sanitizers; potassium-based products used in industrial applications; alkenyl succinic anhydride used in paper-sizing formulations, and aluminum oxides used in a range of refractory, ceramic and polishing applications. It sells these products to customers globally for use in personal care products, automotive insulation, foundry bricks and other industrial products.

The Company's fine chemistry services business offers custom manufacturing, research and chemical scale-up services for companies. Its pharmaceutical bulk active is ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is used to provide pain relief and fever reduction. Bulk ibuprofen is formulated by pharmaceutical companies, which sells in both the prescription and over-the-counter markets. The Company also produces a range of intermediates used in the manufacture of a range of over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

The Company's agrich emicals are sold to agrichemical manufacturers and distributors, which produce and distribute finished agricultural herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and soil fumigants. Its products include orthoalkylated anilines used in the acetanilide family of pre-emergent herbicides used with corn, soybeans and other crops and methyl bromide, which is used as a soil fumigant. It also manufactures and supplies a range of custom chemical intermediates for the agricultural industry.

The Company competes with Chemtura Corporation, Israel Chemicals, BASF Corporation, Lonza, Clariant Ltd. and Cilag AG.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Anna Prior]

  Albemarle Corp.(ALB) will buy Rockwood Holdings Inc.(ROC) for a deal valued at about $6.2 billion in cash and stock, the specialty chemical companies said. The merger agreement va! lues Rock! wood at $85.53 a share, a 13% premium over its Monday closing price. Albemarle shares rose 4% to $75.50 premarket, while Rockwood shares climbed 13% to $85.43.

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) has agreed to acquire Rockwood Holdings (NYSE: ROC) for $6.2 billion, or $85.53 per share. The acquisition represents a roughly 13 percent premium to Rockwood Holdings' closing price. The newly formed company will combine two of the world's largest specialty chemical companies. According to Albemarle's CEO Luther Kissam the acquisition will result in a “broader customer reach, increased diversity across end markets, technologies and geographies, and more consistent and predictable earnings growth.” Shares of Albemarle hit new 52-week highs of $76.28 before turning negative and closing the day at $70.03, down 3.57 percent. However, shares of Rockwood Holdings hit new 52-week highs of $86.18 before closing the day at $83.14, up 9.83 percent.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/5-best-chemical-stocks-to-watch-right-now-2.html

Hot Consumer Service Companies To Invest In 2015

Highway crashes create an enormous economic toll on the lives of Americans, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in a new study. The annual price tag for those crashes: $871 billion in economic loss and societal harm in 2010.

The total includes $277 billion in economic costs ��nearly $900 for each person living in the USA ��and $594 billion in societal harm from the loss of life and the pain and decreased quality of life because of injuries.

"No amount of money can replace the life of a loved one, or stem the suffering associated with motor vehicle crashes," U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. "While the economic and societal costs of crashes are staggering, today's report clearly demonstrates that investments in safety are worth every penny used to reduce the frequency and severity of these tragic events."

Top 10 Tech Companies To Watch In Right Now: 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)):

Hot Consumer Service Companies To Invest In 2015: El Paso Electric Company (EE)

El Paso Electric Company, a public utility company, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity primarily in west Texas and southern New Mexico. It principally operates nuclear, natural gas, and coal power plants, as well as wind turbines. As of December 31, 2010, the company owned 6 electrical generating facilities with a net generating capacity of approximately 1,643 megawatts. It serves approximately 370,000 residential, commercial, industrial, public authority, and wholesale customers. The company sells its products to electric utilities and power marketers, as well as to oil and copper refining, and steel production facilities, universities, and the United States military installations. El Paso Electric Company was founded in 1901 and is based in El Paso, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  If we were to pinpoint a company that�embodies�this�success�as of late, it's First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR  ) . It just sold a 139 megawatt facility to�utility�giant -- and large coal consumer -- Southern (NYSE: SO  ) , and recently signed a power purchase deal with El Paso Electric (NYSE: EE  ) that will supply El Paso with electricity for half what it pays for power from coal. These deals also come with the announcement that the company upped guidance earlier in April which sent share prices up by 46% in one day.�

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  It may have been a long time coming, but the technology for renewable fuels is very close to the point that they can can compete on the open market against traditional energy sources. First Solar just recently announced a deal with El Paso Electric (NYSE: EE  ) that it will sell electricity to El Paso from its Macho Springs solar facility for 5.79 cents per kilowatt hour, less than half what El Paso pays for electricity from coal. Also, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission has stated that 83% of all additional energy generation in the U.S. for Q1 2013 came from either wind or solar facilities. Perhaps the route to developing better solutions wasn't the smoothest, but it's hard to deny the overall outcome.�

• [By John Udovich]

  Texas has just set another record for job creation���meaning it might be worth it for investors to take a closer look at Texas based stocks like El Paso Electric Company (NYSE: EE), Texas Pacific Land Trust (NYSE: TPL) and Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE: ATO) that have good exposure to the booming Texas economy. I should mention that I wrote about�these stocks before back in late 2012�(see: Do These Texas Stocks offer Texas Sized Returns? EE, ATO & TPL),�but the Texas Workforce Commission has reported that the Texas economy added 36,400 jobs in September while over the past 12 months, employers added 413,700 jobs ��the most ever recorded by the state. In addition, several companies surveyed by the Dallas Fed responded that they are seeing labor market tightness plus companies are saying they are experiencing upward wage pressures while�staffing�firms�note that�candidates are often receiving multiple offers. Given that Texas is a deep ��ed state���ith a business friendly climate where taxes and regulations are much lighter than in any ��lue state,��there is no reason to believe the boom won�� continue.

Hot Consumer Service Companies To Invest In 2015: Bowl America Inc (BWL.A)

Bowl America Incorporated, incorporated in July 22, 1958, is engaged in the entertainment business. The Company operates in one segment. Its principal source of revenue consists of fees charged for the use of bowling lanes and other facilities and from the sale of food and beverages for consumption on the premises. Merchandise sales, including food and beverages, were approximately 30% of operating revenues. The balance of operating revenues (approximately 70%) represents fees for bowling and related services. During the fiscal year ended July, 1 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries operated 19 bowling centers. These 19 bowling centers contain a total of 756 lanes. As of September 1, 2012 the Company and its subsidiaries operated 10 bowling centers in the greater metropolitan area of Washington, D.C., one bowling center in the metropolitan area of Baltimore, Maryland, one bowling center in Orlando, Florida, three bowling centers in the metropolitan area of Jacksonville, Florida, and four bowling centers in the metropolitan area of Richmond, Virginia.

These establishments are air-conditioned with facilities for service of food and beverages, game rooms, rental lockers, and meeting room facilities. All centers provide shoes for rental, and bowling balls are provided free. In addition, each center retails bowling accessories. Most locations are equipped for glow-in-the-dark bowling, popular for parties and non-league bowling. The bowling equipment essential for the Company's operation is readily available. Two of the Company's bowling centers are located in leased premises, and the remaining seventeen centers are owned by the Company.

The Company competes with Brunswick Corporation and AMF Bowling Worldwide, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Fredrik Arnold]

  The balance of the top ten included one technology firm, AT&T Inc. (T) in fourth place; one consumer goods, Altria Group Inc. (MO), placed fifth; Bowl America Class A (BWL.A) in seventh place was the lone service dog. Two utilities, Northwest Natural Gas (NWN), and Consolidated Edison (ED), in ninth and tenth places completed the representation of market sectors in the champions index.

Hot Consumer Service Companies To Invest In 2015: Republic Airways Holdings Inc.(RJET)

Republic Airways Holdings Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides scheduled passenger services. The company offers scheduled passenger services on approximately 1,500 flights daily to 133 cities in 42 states, the Bahamas, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Mexico under branded operations and through fixed-fee airline services agreements. As of December 31, 2011, its total operational fleet consisted of 281 aircrafts. The company also offers cargo and charter services. Republic Airways Holdings Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Michele Lerner, The Motley Fool]

  Alan Diaz/APAmerican Airlines did better at staying on schedule last year than it did in 2012, when it accused pilots of a work slowdown. DALLAS -- A big drop in customer complaints helped U.S. airlines post their best ratings ever even though more flights were late and more bags were mishandled, according to a report released Monday by university researchers. Virgin America topped the ratings, and three regional airlines scored at the bottom. Among the four biggest airlines, Delta Air Lines (DAL) ranked best followed by Southwest (LUV), American (AAL) and United (UAL), according to researchers from Wichita State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The researchers have graded airlines since 1991 on government figures for on-time performance, mishandled bags, bumping passengers, and complaints filed with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Their key findings: On-Time Performance: Airlines operated 78.4 percent of their flights on time in 2013, down from 81.8 percent in 2012. Best: Hawaiian Airlines (HA); worst: American Eagle. Only two airlines improved: American Airlines and United. Bag Handling: The rate of lost, stolen or delayed bags rose 5 percent. Best: Virgin America; worst: American Eagle. Bumping: The rate of bumping passengers from flights fell 8 percent. Best: JetBlue Airways (JBLU); worst: SkyWest (SKYW). Complaints: Consumer complaints to the government dropped 15 percent in 2013 after rising 20 percent the year before. Best: Southwest Airlines; worst: Frontier (RJET). One of the report's authors, Wichita State business professor Dean Headley, credited the drop in complaints partly to United Airlines. The company suffered several computer-network outages and grounded hundreds of flights in 2012 when it combined the United and Continental computer networks after a merger, but "got their act together" in 2013, he said. Headley said the drop in complaints might also reflect "a certain amount of resignation" that "it's neve

• [By Alex Planes]

  Investors love stocks that consistently beat the Street without getting ahead of their fundamentals and risking a meltdown. The best stocks offer sustainable market-beating gains, with robust and improving financial metrics that support strong price growth. Does Republic Airways (NASDAQ: RJET  ) fit the bill? Let's take a look at what its recent results tell us about its potential for future gains.

• [By Adam Levine-Weinberg]

  Regional airline operator Republic Airways (NASDAQ: RJET  ) has been focused on three goals this year: selling or spinning its Frontier Airlines subsidiary; winning new fixed-fee contracts from the network airlines; and sealing competitive labor agreements with its employees.

• [By Alex Planes]

  This year has been one of big deals and big rumors for Embraer. Just a few days ago, the company announced a deal with American International Group's (NYSE: AIG  ) airplane leasing subsidiary for at least 50 jets and potentially up to 100, beginning in 2018. It's a multibillion-dollar deal that could be worth more than Embraer's entire trailing-12-month revenue stream. Embraer also has a deal with Republic Airways (NASDAQ: RJET  ) for at least 47 E-175 jets -- the first of which should be delivered around this time of year -- and potentially 47 more if the airline likes what it sees. Several major carriers are also looking to expand their fleet of regional jets, which is Embraer's specialty and thus also its great opportunity. SkyWest (NASDAQ: SKYW  ) is also committed to buying 40 of the E-175s�and could buy up to 140. Between these three deals, Embraer's backlog should swell considerably.

Hot Growth Stocks To Own For 2016

Hot Growth Stocks To Own For 2016: Checkpoint Systms Inc.(CKP)

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. manufactures and markets identification, tracking, security, and merchandising solutions for the retail and apparel industry worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Shrink Management Solutions, Apparel Labeling Solutions, and Retail Merchandising Solutions. The Shrink Management Solutions segment provides shrink management and merchandise visibility solutions. It offers electronic article surveillance systems, such as EVOLVE, a suite of RF and RFID-enabled products that act as a deterrent to prevent merchandise theft in retail stores; and electronic article surveillance consumables, including EAS-RF and EAS-EM labels that work in combination with EAS systems to reduce merchandise theft in retail stores. This segment also provides keepers, spider wraps, bottle security, and hard tags, as well as Showsafe, a line alarm system for protecting display merchandise. In addition, it offers physical and electronic store monitoring solutions, incl uding fire alarms, intrusion alarms, and digital video recording systems for retail environments; and RFID tags and labels. The Apparel Labeling Solutions segment provides apparel labeling solutions to apparel retailers, brand owners, and manufacturers. It has Web-enabled apparel labeling solutions platform and network of 28 service bureaus located in 22 countries that supplies customers with customized apparel tags and labels. The Retail Merchandising Solutions segment offers hand-held label applicators and tags, promotional displays, and queuing systems. The company serves retailers in the supermarket, drug store, hypermarket, and mass merchandiser markets through direct distribution and reseller channels. Checkpoint Systems was founded in 1969 and is based in Thorofare, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ovenerio]

  But the firm must continue ! working hard because growth remains below management's expectations from a few years ago. Competition includes Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (CKP), R-pac International Corporation, and SML Group Limited.

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Checkpoint Systems (NYSE: CKP) surged 17.73% to $14.21. The volume of Checkpoint Systems shares traded was 525% higher than normal. Checkpoint announced its intent to extend the filing date of its annual report.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/hot-growth-stocks-to-own-for-2016.html

Hot New Companies To Buy For 2016

Hot New Companies To Buy For 2016: Solar Thin Films Inc (SLTZ)

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

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

The Company competes with Applied Materials and Oerlikon.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

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

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/hot-new-companies-to-buy-for-2016.html

Best High Tech Stocks To Buy Right Now

Best High Tech Stocks To Buy Right Now: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc(VRX)

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and markets pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology, dermatology, and branded generics. It offers Wellbutrin XL to treat depressive disorders; Xenazine to treat chorea associated with Huntington?s disease; CeraVe to rebuild and repair skin barrier; and Kinerase, a cosmetic product. The company also provides Zovirax ointment to treat initial genital herpes; Xerese to treat recurrent herpes labialis; Elidel to treat atopic dermatitis; and Acanya and Atralin gels to treat acne vulgaris. In addition, it offers Cesamet to treat nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy; Tiazac XC to treat hypertension and angina; Wellbutrin to treat depressive illness; Sublinox to treat insomnia; and Lodalis to treat hypercholesterolemia. Further, the company provides Cold-FX to strengthen immune system; Duromine/Metermine for weight loss; Difflam to treat sore throa ts; and Duro-Tuss and Rikodeine to treat dry and chesty cough, as well as various branded generics for treatments, including antibiotics, treatments for cardiovascular and neurological diseases, antifungal medications, and diabetic therapies. Additionally, it offers Bisocard to treat hypertension and angina pectoris; Flucinar, a corticosteroid ointment; and Sachol mouth ulcer gel; Bedoyecta to treat neurotic pain; M.V.I., a hospital dietary supplement for trauma and burns; Tandene to treat fever and headache; Melleril to treat anxiety and depression; and products for therapeutic classes, such as vitamin deficiency, antibacterials, and dermatology. It markets its products in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, southeast Asia, and South Africa. The company was formerly known as Biovail Corporation and changed its name to Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. in September 2010. The company was fou! nded in 1960 and is headquartered in M ississauga, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Allergan (NYSE: AGN) shares were also up, gaining 15.61 percent to $164.16 on buyout offer from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (NYSE: VRX).

• [By Jesse Solomon]

  Outside of earnings, a mega pharmaceutical deal emerged late Monday. Shares in Botox maker Allergan (AGN, Fortune 500)surged 16% after activist investor Bill Ackman (Allergan's largest shareholder) said he approved of Valeant Pharmaceutical (VRX)'s bid to buy the company. Allergan had already gained 6% on Monday.

• [By Johanna Bennett]

  Citing unnamed sources, the WSJ reports that Ackman could be setting up Zoetis as a a fallback plan for Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) if it fails to buy Allergan (AGN)

• [By Sean Williams]

  What: Shares of Hyperion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HPTX  ) , a biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for orphan diseases and hepatology, rose as much as 10% after receiving orphan drug exclusivity status for Ravicti from the Food and Drug Administration, and exercising an option to acquire two additional urea cycle drugs from Valeant Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: VRX  ) .

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/best-high-tech-stocks-to-buy-right-now-2.html

Top 5 Financial Stocks To Own Right Now

Top 5 Financial Stocks To Own Right Now: CYS Investments Inc (CYS)

CYS Investments, Inc. is a specialty finance company created with the objective of achieving consistent risk-adjusted investment income. The Company invests in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) collateralized by fixed rate single-family residential mortgage loans (typically 15, 20 or 30 years), adjustable-rate mortgage loans (ARMs), which typically have coupon rates that reset monthly, or hybrid ARMs, which typically have a coupon rate that is fixed for an initial period (typically three, five, seven or 10 years) and thereafter resets at regular intervals. In addition, its investment guidelines permit investments in collateralized mortgage obligations issued by a government agency or government-sponsored entity that are collateralized by Agency RMBS (CMOs), although the Company had not invested in any CMOs as of December 31, 2011.

The Company finances its Agency RMBS investments using a diversified approach involving repurchase agreements w ith multiple commercial and investment banks. Agency RMBS are residential mortgage pass-through securities, the principal and interest of which are guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) or the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae). Its portfolio of Agency RMBS is backed by fixed rate mortgages and hybrid ARMs that typically have a fixed coupon for three, five or seven years, and then pay an adjustable coupon that generally resets annually over a predetermined interest rate index. As of December 31, 2011, its Agency RMBS portfolio consisted of 10 Year Fixed Rate, 15 Year Fixed Rate, 20 Year Fixed Rate, 30 Year Fixed Rate and Hybrid ARMs. On September 1, 2011, the Company acquired certain assets and entered into agreements to internalize its management (the Internalization).

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  CYS Investm! ents (NYSE: CYS  ) is being a little more generous this quarter with its common stock payout. The company has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.34 per share for that class of security, to be paid on July 17 to shareholders of record as of June 25. That amount is $0.02 higher than the firm's previous common stock distribution, which was paid in April.

• [By Jay Jenkins]

  For these mREITS, the market has ignored the rebounding real estate market, the explicit backing ofFannie Mae (NASDAQOTCBB: FNMA  ) andFreddie Mac (NASDAQOTCBB: FMCC  ) by the U.S. government, strong performances from mortgage originators this year, and the impressive dividends offered by leading companies likeAmerican Capital Agency (NASDAQ: AGNC  ) , CYS Investments (NYSE: CYS  ) , and Hatteras Financial (NYSE: HTSI  ) .

• [By Amanda Alix]

  Analysts at odds over mREITs
  Financial analysts have been busy noting the underperformance of mREITs lately, especially since the Fed dropped the QE3 taper bombshell almost two weeks ago -- immediately igniting fears of rising interest rates, which would decrease the value of the trusts' legacy assets, thus dinging book values. The pain hasn't been limited to the stocks mentioned above, as CYS Investments (NYSE: CYS  ) , and even hybrids like Invesco (NYSE: IVR  ) , have been on a roller-coaster ride ever since.

• [By Amanda Alix]

  Investors were bullish on CYS Investments (NYSE: CYS  ) early on Wednesday, apparently expecting great news from the mortgage REIT's second-quarter earnings report. Later in the day, their hopes were quashed, as CYS announced a loss of $402.3 million, or $2.32 per share, compared with a $17.7 million loss, or $0.10 per share, in the previous quarter. One year ago, CYS declared net income of $101.7 million, or $0.87 per share.

source from Top Stoc! ks To Buy! For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-5-financial-stocks-to-own-right-now-3.html

Top 5 Dow Dividend Companies To Buy For 2016

Top 5 Dow Dividend Companies To Buy For 2016: Geospace Technologies Corp (GEOS)

Geospace Technologies Corporation, formerly OYO Geospace Corporation, incorporated on September 13, 1997, designs and manufactures instruments and equipment used in the acquisition and processing of seismic data, as well as in the characterization and monitoring of producing oil and gas reservoirs. The Company also manufactures and distributes thermal imaging equipment and dry thermal film products to a variety of markets including the screenprint, point of sale, signage and textile markets. As of September 30, 2011, OYO Corporation U.S.A. (OYO USA) owned approximately 20.3% of the Company's common stock. The Company operates in two segments: Seismic and Thermal Solutions. The seismic segment of its business accounts for the majority of its sales. Its thermal solutions product technologies were developed for seismic data processing applications.

Seismic Products

Geoscientists use seismic data primarily in connection with the exploration, develop ment and production of oil and gas reserves to map hydrocarbon bearing formations and the geologic structures that surround them. The Company provides many of the components of seismic data recording systems, including data acquisition systems, geophones, hydrophones, multi-component sensors, seismic leader wire, geophone strings, connectors, seismic telemetry cables and other seismic related products. Its marine seismic products help steer streamers while being towed and help recover streamers if they become disconnected from the vessel.

The Company has developed permanently installed high-definition reservoir characterization products for ocean-bottom applications in producing oil and gas fields. It also produces a retrievable version of this ocean-bottom system for use on fields where permanently installed systems are not appropriate or! economical. Seismic surveys repeated over selected time intervals show dynamic changes within the reservoir and can be used to monitor the effects of production. In addition, it produc! es seismic borehole acquisition systems which employ a fiber optic augmented wireline capable of high data transmission rates. These systems are used for several reservoir characterization applications, including an application pioneered by it allowing operators and service companies to monitor and measure the results of fracturing operations.

The Company designs and manufactures power and communication transmission cable products for offshore applications and market these products to the offshore oil and gas and offshore construction industries. These products include a variety of specialized cables, primarily used in deepwater applications, such as remotely operated vehicle (ROV) tethers, umbilicals and electrical control cables. These products also include specially designed and manufactured cables, including armored cables, engineered to withstand harsh offshore operating environments. In addition, it designs and manufactures industrial sensors for the vibra tion monitoring, security and earthquake detection markets. The Company also design and manufacture other specialty cable and connector products, such as those used in connection with global positioning products and water meter applications.

Its seismic product lines consists of land and marine nodal seismic data acquisition systems, high-definition reservoir characterization products and services, geophones and hydrophones, including multi-component geophones and hydrophones, seismic leader wire, geophone string and acquisition system connectors, seismic telemetry cables, marine seismic cable retrieval and steering devices and specialized data acquisition systems targeted at conventional and niche markets.

The Company's high-definition reservoir characterization products include the HDSeis product line and a suite of! borehole! and reservoir characterization products and services. Its HDSeis System is a high-definition seismic data acquisition syst em with architecture that allows it to be configured as a bo! rehole se! ismic system or as a subsurface system for both land and marine reservoir-monitoring projects. Its multi-component seismic product developments include an omni-directional geophone for use in reservoir monitoring, a compact marine three-component or four-component gimbaled sensor and special-purpose connectors, connector arrays and cases. Its products used in marine seismic data acquisition include its marine seismic streamer retrieval devices (SRDs). Its SRDs, which are attached to the streamer cables, contain air bags which are designed to inflate automatically at a given depth, bringing the severed streamer cables to the surface. It also produces seismic streamer steering devices, or birds, which are finlike devices that attach to the streamer cable. These birds help maintain the streamer cable at a certain desired depth as it is being towed through the water.

The Company competes with CGGVeritas, ION Geophysical, INOVA, Amphenol Corporation, Fairfield Indus tries, Petroleum Geo-Services ASA, Avalon, Mitcham Industries, Inc. and Seismic Equipment Solutions.

Thermal Solutions Products

The Company thermal printers include both thermal imagesetters for graphics applications and thermal plotters for seismic applications. In addition, its thermal solutions products include direct-to-screen systems, thermal printheads, dry thermal film, thermal transfer ribbons and other thermal media. Its thermal imaging solutions produce images ranging in size from 12 to 54 inches wide and in resolution from 400 to 1,200 dots per inch. It markets its thermal imaging solutions to a variety of industries, including the screen printing, point-of-sale, signage, flexographic and textile markets. It also distributes private label dry thermal media for use in its thermal printers and direct! -to-scree! n systems. In addition, the Company is engaged in efforts to develop new lines of dry thermal film and ribbon in order to improve the image quality of its media for use with printheads.

The! Company thermal solutions products include thermal imagesetters for graphics applications and thermal plotters for seismic applications. In addition, its thermal solution products include thermal printheads and thermal media products. It markets these products to a variety of industries, including the screen print, point of sale, signage and textile markets. It also sells these products to seismic customers.

The Company competes with KIWO USA, Inc., Colour Scanned Technology and iSys Group.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Geospace Technologies (Nasdaq: GEOS  ) reported earnings on May 2. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 31 (Q2), Geospace Technologies whiffed on revenues and whiffed on earnings per share.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-5-dow-dividend-companies-to-buy-for-2016.html

Top Railroad Companies To Invest In Right Now

Top Railroad Companies To Invest In Right Now: Iberpapel Gestion SA (IBG)

Iberpapel Gestion SA is a Spain-based holding company engaged in the paper industry. The Company operates through three divisions: Forestry, involved in the acquisition and cultivation of eucalyptus plantations in Argentina, Uruguay and Spain; Industrial, focused on the production of bleached pulp and paper products, and Commercial, specialized on the distribution of products such as printing and photocopy paper, offset paper, light-coated paper, laser printing paper, paper bags and envelopes. The Companys subsidiaries include Distribuidora Papelera SA, Moliner Dominguez y Cia SA, Ibereucaliptos SA, Papelera Guipuzcoana de Zicunaga SA, Central de Suministros de Artes Graficas Papel SA and Copaimex SA, among others. The Companys major shareholders include ONCHENA, SL and BESTINVER GESTION, SA. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By GURUFOCUS]

  The top contributing stock for the quarter was Saft Groupe (XPAR:SAFT). The company has two main divisions: the Specialty Battery Group (SBG), which makes lithium batteries for various end markets including satellites, utility meters and military applications; and the Industrial Battery Group (IBG), which produces rechargeable nickel and lithium-ion batteries for industrial back-up power, aviation, rail, telecom and energy storage industries.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  The top contributing stock for the quarter was Saft Groupe (XPAR:SAFT). The company has two main divisions: the Specialty Battery Group (SBG), which makes lithium batteries for various end markets including satellites, utility meters and military applications; and the Industrial Battery Group (IBG), which produces rechargeable nickel and lithium-ion batteries for industrial back-up power, aviation, rail, telecom and energy storage industries.

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-railroad-compani! es-to-invest-in-right-now-4.html

Top Heal Care Stocks To Own For 2016

Top Heal Care Stocks To Own For 2016: China XD Plastics Company Ltd (CXDC)

China XD Plastics Company Limited (China XD), incorporated on November 16, 1999, is a specialty chemical companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture and sale of modified plastics primarily for automotive applications in China. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Co., Ltd. (Harbin Xinda), the Company manufactures and sells modified plastics, primarily for use in the fabrication of automobiles parts and components. China XD develops its products using its technology through its wholly owned research laboratory, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Research Center Co., Ltd. (Xinda Macromolecule Research Center). Xinda Macromolecule Research Center is a macromolecular material research and development institution. On March 31, 2011, Harbin Xinda established a wholly owned subsidiary, Harbin Xinda Macromolecule Material Testing Technical Co., Ltd. (Testing Technical), to develop a testing laboratory and provide testing service s of macromolecule materials, engineering plastics and other products.

The Company's modified plastics are used by its customers to fabricate the auto components, such as exteriors (automobile bumpers, rearview and sideview mirrors, license plate parts), interiors (door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, glove compartment and safety belt components), and functional components (air conditioner casing, heating and ventilation casing, engine covers, and air ducts). The Company's specialized plastics are utilized in more than 23 automobile brands manufactured in China, including brands, such as AUDI, BMW, Toyota, Buick, Mazda, Volkswagen, Cherry, Geely, and Hafei new energy vehicles. The Company operates three manufacturing bases in Harbin, Heilongjiang in the People's Republic of China (PRC). As of December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 165,000 ! metric tons of annual production capacity across 38 automatic production lines utilizing German twin-screw extru ding systems, automatic weighing systems and Taiwan conveyer! systems. In December 2011, the Company launched its third production base in Harbin, which has 90,000 metric tons of annual production capacity across 20 new production lines installed in two completed factories.

The Company's products are organized into seven categories, based on their physical characteristics: Modified PP, Modified ABS, Modified PA, Engineering Plastics, Alloy Plastic, Environmentally friendly plastics and Modified Plastic for Special Engineering. Modified PP includes brands, such as COMPNIPER, COMPWIPER and COMPGOPER. COMPNIPER products are primarily used for the interior parts, such as inner panels, instrument panels and box lids. COMPWIPER products are primarily used for external parts, such as the front and back bumpers and mudguards. COMPGOPER products are used for functional components, such as the unit heater shells and air conditioner shells. Modified ABS includes the MOALLOLY brand, which is used in functional components, such as h eat dissipating grids and wheel covers. Modified PA's brand is POLGPAMR, which is used in parts requiring high flame and heat resistance.

The Company's Engineering Plastics product group includes the MOAMIOLY brand, which is used in engine hoods, intake manifold and bearings. BRBSPCL is Alloy Plastic's brand, which is used in rearview mirrors, grilles, automotive electronics and other components. Products can also be used in computers, plasma televisions and mobile phones. POLGBSMR is the brand under the Company's Environmentally friendly plastics product group. Modified Plastic for Special Engineering's brand is PEEK, which is used in communications and transport, electronics and electrical appliances, machinery, medical and analytical equipment.

The Company competes with Guangzhou Kingfa Science & Technology Co., Ltd. and Shang! hai Pret ! Composites Co., Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lisa Levin]

  China XD Plastics Company (NASDAQ: CXDC) shares rose 6.34% to touch a new 52-week high of $8.39 after the company reported its Q1 earnings of $0.34 per share.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  China XD Plastics Company (NASDAQ: CXDC) shares gained 4.17% to touch a new 52-week high of $6.01. China XD Plastics' trailing-twelve-month revenue is $1.05 billion.

source from Top Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-heal-care-stocks-to-own-for-2016.html

Best Long Term Stocks To Buy For 2015

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD  ) presented at the Morgan Stanley Healthcare Conference last week. Rather than the standard presentation of a slide deck, the conference is more of a Q&A, which produces off-the-cuff responses that can be more enlightening for investors than the rehearsed sound bites you often hear at conferences.

Here are five quotes from John Milligan, president and COO of Gilead, from the conference:

John Milligan.�Source: Gilead Sciences.

"If you think about the overall HCV market in the United States, there's, from a patient perspective, somewhere between 3 million and 4 million -- I think it's closer to 4 million patients -- who have HCV. Through the first half of this year we've treated 70,000, and that's been a pretty significant increase in the run rate versus last year."

Do the math. At the current rate, it'll take 20 years or more to work through all of the patients infected with the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. There was a bump in sales between the first and second quarters, so the run rate will probably be a little more than 140,000 per year, but it's pretty clear the limiting factor in the near term will be the number of slots for doctors appointments, not the number of patients. For the long term, the key is how accurate the estimate of 3 million-4 million patients is since many of them are undiagnosed.

10 Best Wireless Telecom Stocks To Buy Right Now: Old National Bancorp Capital Trust I(ONB)

Old National Bancorp operates as a holding company for Old National Bank, which provides financial services to individuals and commercial customers primarily in Indiana, eastern and southeastern Illinois, and central and western Kentucky. The company?s Community Banking segment originates loans, such as home equity lines of credit, residential real estate loans, consumer loans, commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, letters of credit, and lease financing; and generates deposit products comprising noninterest-bearing demand, negotiable order of withdrawal, savings and money market, and time deposits. It also offers debit and ATM cards, telephone access, online banking, and other electronic banking services. In addition, this segment provides investment services and various brokerage products, including investment options and investment advice. Further, it offers merchant cash management and other services relating to the general banking business; reinsures credit life insurance; and provides property and casualty insurance. The company?s Treasury segment manages investments, wholesale funding, interest rate risk, liquidity, and leverage for the bank; and provides capital markets products, including interest rate derivatives, foreign exchange, and industrial revenue bond financing for its commercial clients. Old National Bancorp also offers fiduciary and trust services; and insurance brokerage services, such as commercial property and casualty, surety, loss control services, employee benefits consulting and administration, and personal insurance. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 161 banking financial centers, as well as loan production or other financial services offices. The company was founded in 1834 and is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  First Merchants' biggest competitor is Old National Bancorp (NASDAQ: ONB  ) , the largest bank by assets in Indiana ($9.4 billion in assets). Old National has been exercising its regional flexibility of late by closing more than a dozen Indiana-based branches and purchasing some 20 offices from Bank of America�in Michigan.

Best Long Term Stocks To Buy For 2015: First Trust Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund (FGB)

First Trust Speciality Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, formerly First Trust/Gallatin Specialty Finance and Financial Opportunities Fund, is a non-diversified, closed-end fund that seeks a high level of current income. The Fund�� secondary objective is to seek total return. The Fund will seek to achieve its investment objectives by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in a portfolio of securities of specialty finance and other financial companies that offer opportunities for income and capital appreciation. The Fund will invest at least 25% of its total assets in securities of companies within industries in the financial sector. First Trust Advisors L.P. (First Trust Advisors) is the Fund's investment adviser.

Specialty finance companies provide capital or financing to businesses and consumers within specified market segments. Specialty finance companies often engage in asset-based and other forms of non-traditional financing activities. The Fund intends to invest primarily in business development company�� (BDC) shares, which are trading in the secondary market on a United States securities exchange but may, in certain circumstances, invest in an initial public offering of BDC shares or invest in certain debt instruments issued by BDCs. The Fund is not limited with respect to the specific types of real estate investment trusts (REITs), in which it invests and intends to invest primarily in REIT shares, which are trading in the secondary market on a United States securities exchange but may, in certain circumstances, invest in an initial public offering of REIT shares or invest in certain debt instruments issued by REITs.

The Fund may invest in commercial mortgage-related securities issued by corporations. These are securities that represent an interest in, or are secured by, mortgage loans secured by commercial property, such as industrial and warehouse properties, office buildings, retail space and shopping malls, multi-family properties and cooperati! ve apartments, hotels and motels, nursing homes, hospitals, and senior living centers. Other mortgage-related securities, in which the Fund may invest include mortgage pass-through securities, collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), mortgage dollar rolls, CMO residuals (other than residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits), stripped mortgage-backed securities (SMBSs) and other securities that directly or indirectly represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans on real property. The Fund may invest in other types of asset-backed securities that are offered in the marketplace. Other asset-backed securities may be collateralized by the fees earned by service providers.

The principal industry groups of financial companies include banks, savings institutions, brokerage firms, investment management companies, insurance companies, holding companies of the foregoing, and companies that provide related services to such companies. Banks and savings institutions provide services to customers such as demand, savings and time deposit accounts and a variety of lending and related services. Brokerage firms provide services to customers in connection with the purchase and sale of securities.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Shaji Mathew]

  JPMorgan also raised the price estimate of First Gulf Bank, (FGB) its top pick among banks in the Middle East and North Africa, to 18 dirhams from 13.50 dirhams. The overweight recommendation was maintained. The stock has risen 25 percent this year to 14.55 dirhams last week.

Best Long Term Stocks To Buy For 2015: Biosev SA (BSEV3)

Biosev SA, formerly LDC Bioenergia SA, is a Brazil-based company active in the sugar and energy business. It is primarily engaged in the sugarcane processing. The Company produces sugar and ethanol, and supplies its products to domestic and international markets. Its refined sugar is sold under the Estrela brand name on the Brazilian retail market. The ethanol products comprise: hydrous ethanol, anhydrous ethanol and neutral ethanol. Other products from its plants include animal feed, dry yeast, molasses powder and bioelectricity from sugarcane bagasse. The Company�� customers include Nestle, Coca-Cola, AmBev, Kraft, Dori and Unilever, among others. The Company's production units are present in five Brazilian states: Mato Grosso do Sul, Sao Paulo, Minas Gerais, Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lucia Kassai]

  Biosev SA (BSEV3), Louis Dreyfus Holding BV�� Brazil unit, tumbled in its debut after giving investors in its initial public offering a money-back guarantee.

Best Long Term Stocks To Buy For 2015: Winnebago Industries Inc.(WGO)

Winnebago Industries, Inc. manufactures and sells recreation vehicles primarily for leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The company offers motor homes, which are self-propelled mobile dwellings that provide living accommodations for approximately seven persons and include kitchen, dining, sleeping, and bath areas, as well as a lounge; and optional equipment accessories, such as generators, home theater systems, king-size beds, upholstery, and interior equipment. It manufactures motor homes constructed directly on medium- and heavy-duty truck chassis, which include engine and drivetrain components; and on van-type chassis onto which the motor home manufacturer constructs a living area with access to the driver's compartment under the Winnebago and Itasca brand names, as well as panel-type vans with sleeping, kitchen, and/or toilet facilities under the Era brand name. The company also produces original equipment manufacturing parts, including extruded aluminum and other component products for other manufacturers and commercial vehicles. Winnebago Industries markets its motor homes through independent dealers primarily in the United States and Canada. The company was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Forest City, Iowa.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Demitrios Kalogeropoulos]

  The motor home sales rebound is chugging along nicely, and Winnebago Industries (NYSE: WGO  ) keeps winning a growing share of that market. The RV seller today announced results for its fiscal fourth quarter that beat Wall Street's estimates on both the top and bottom lines.�

• [By John Kell and Lauren Pollock var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); ]

  Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Thursday’s session are Citigroup Inc.(C), GameStop Corp.(GME) and Winnebago Industries Inc.(WGO)

• [By Jack Kramer and Nick Martell]

  2. Winnebago sales surged last quarter
  If the van is a-rockin', investors come a-knockin'. That's the basic premise behind the recent performance of Winnebago (NYSE: WGO  ) , the recreational-vehicle giant that all good nature-loving rural Americans love. The stock rose 3.6% Monday after reporting $247.7 million in quarterly revenue, a 13.5% jump from the same period last year.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Winnebago Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WGO) is estimated to report its Q1 earnings at $0.45 per share on revenue of $234.64 million.

  Accenture plc (NYSE: ACN) is expected to report its Q1 earnings at $1.20 per share on revenue of $7.69 billion.

Best Long Term Stocks To Buy For 2015: Sodexo SA (SW)

Sodexo SA, (formerly Sodexho Alliance SA), is a global provider of services in three primary business areas: The On-site Services Solutions offer various services that range from food services to construction management, reception to the maintenance of scanners and laboratory equipment, management of data centers, leisure cruises and provides housekeeping to rehabilitation services at correctional facilities. The Motivation Solutions division provides passes and vouchers, comprising Restaurant Pass, Gift Pass, Sport Pass, Training Voucher, Service Card and Book Card, among others. The Company also provides Personal and Home Services in the form of childcare, tutoring, concierge services and in-home service care facilities. The Company is present in 80 countries in a number of geographic areas, such as North America, South America, Continental Europe and United Kingdom and Ireland. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Glenwoods]

  Recently giant food conglomerate, Cargill announced it had partnered with the Swiss biosynthetic pharmaceutical company, Evolva (EVE:SW), to develop a more consistent and less expensive stevia sweetener via Evolva�� microbial fermentation-based process.� This is big news for the future of stevia because a microbial fermentation-based process does not have to rely on soil conditions or weather, and stevia can be manufactured anywhere, thus having the potential of guaranteeing an endless supply line of stevia.� Through the microbial fermentation, the manufacturer has the capability to process the key sweet individual components of stevia using low-cost plant sugars, and allows for the individual components of stevia, regardless of how minute, to be developed creating blends in any volume, which then could open the door for these manufacturers to fine-tune its stevia to local tastes.� But what would be most attractive is that, because the fermentation process does not require the entire plant, the method could conceivably shave upwards of 70% off the cost of producing stevia extracts.�

Best Long Term Stocks To Buy For 2015: Bri-Chem Corp (BRY)

Bri-Chem Corp. is a North American distributor, blender, and manufacturer of drilling fluids and steel pipe for the oil and gas industry in North America. The Company operates in three segments: Fluids, Steel Distribution and Steel Manufacturing. Its Fluids segment includes the sale of fluids and chemical additives to the resource and industrial markets. The Steel Distribution segment includes the sale of tubular steel products to the resource, industrial and construction industries. The Steel Manufacturing segment produces seamless steel pipe through a thermal expansion process for sale to steel pipe distributors in North America. On May 31, 2011, it acquired all membership interest in Bri-Chem Supply Corp, LLC (BSU) and Stryker Transportation Ltd. (Stryker). In September 2013, Bri-Chem Corp acquired the cement blending business assets of Sun Coast Materials Co. and certain additional transportation assets from its affiliate Acme Trucking, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  The latest headlines point out that LINN is finally coming clean on its derivative costs, which shows that the company is overstating its cash flow. One article calls this a "surprise disclosure" that was "buried in a recently regulatory filing." The buried disclosure, found on page 257 of its registration statement for the joint deal with LinnCo (NASDAQ: LNCO  ) for Berry Petroleum (NYSE: BRY  ) says that mark-to-market losses on commodity derivatives:

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  The speed at which the Whiting deal closed is also important to note, especially when considering LINN Energy's complex, and drama-filled deal to acquire�Berry Petroleum (NYSE: BRY  ) . Because that deal is a first of its kind, including using shares of affiliate LinnCo (NASDAQ: LNCO  ) as the currency, the deal has taken the company much longer to close than expected. Also, it has faced a barrage of short-seller accusations which has now brought the attention of the SEC. So, while short-sellers call BreitBurn "LINN Energy Junior" that is simply not the case and this deal proves that these companies do operate very differently.�

• [By Tyler Crowe]

  LINN Energy (NASDAQ: LINE  ) had a "wait and see until we finish our Berry Petroleum (NYSE: BRY  ) acquisition" kind of quarter. While overall production jumped a very healthy 69% over last year, it just didn't quite meet what the company expected. Weather was part of the problem, but much of the company's woes came in one place: Texas. Does LINN have a problem with Texas' tea? Let's take a look at these pieces of bad news and see if the problems lie with LINN or the Lone Star State.�