Top 10 Oil Companies To Buy Right Now

Top 10 Oil Companies To Buy Right Now: PBF Energy Inc (PBF)

PBF Energy Inc. (PBF Energy), incorporated on November 7, 2011, is an independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oils, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the United States. The Company produces a range of products at each of its refineries, including gasoline, ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), heating oil, jet fuel, lubricants, petrochemicals and asphalt. The Company sells its products throughout the Northeast and Midwest of the United States, as well as in other regions of the United States and Canada, and are able to ship products to other international destinations. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned and operated three domestic oil refineries and related assets. The Company's refineries have a combined processing capacity of approximately 540,000 thousand barrels per day. The Company's three refineries are located in Toledo, Ohio, Delaware City, Delaware and Paulsboro, New Jersey.

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The Company's Midcontinent refinery at Toledo processes light, sweet crude, has a throughput capacity of 170,000 thousand barrels per day and a Nelson Complexity Index of 9.2. Toledo's West Texas Intermediate (WTI) based crude is delivered through pipelines, which originate in both Canada and the United States. The Company's East Coast refineries at Delaware City and Paulsboro have a combined refining capacity of 370,000 thousand barrels per day and Nelson Complexity Indices of 11.3 and 13.2, respectively. These refineries process medium and heavy and sour crudes.

Delaware City Refinery

The Delaware City refinery is located on a 5,000-acre site, with access to waterborne cargoes and a distribution network of pipelines, barges and tankers, truck and rail. Delaware City is a fully integrated operation, which receives crude through rail at the crude unloading facility, or ship or barge at its docks located on the Delaware River. ! The crude an d other feedstocks are transported, through pipes, to a tank! farm where they are stored until processing. In addition, there is a 17-bay, 50,000 thousand barrels per day capacity truck loading rack located adjacent to the refinery and a 23-mile interstate pipeline that are used to distribute clean products.

The Delaware City refinery has a throughput capacity of 190,000 thousand barrels per day and a Nelson Complexity Index of 11.3. The Delaware City refinery processes a range of medium to heavy, sour crude oils. The refinery has conversion capacity with its 82,000 thousand barrels per day fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit, 47,000 thousand barrels per day fluid coking unit (FCU) and 18,000 thousand barrels per day hydro cracking unit with vacuum distillation. Hydrogen is provided through the refinery's steam methane reformer and continuous catalytic reformer. The Delaware City refinery has total storage capacity of approximately 10 million barrels.

Paulsboro Refinery

Paulsboro has a through put capacity of 180,000 thousand barrels per day and a Nelson Complexity Index of 13.2. The Paulsboro refinery is located on approximately 950 acres on the Delaware River in Paulsboro, New Jersey, just south of Philadelphia and approximately 30 miles away from Delaware City. Paulsboro receives crude and feedstocks through its marine terminal on the Delaware River. Paulsboro is one of two operating refineries on the East Coast with coking capacity, the other being Delaware City. Units at the Paulsboro refinery include crude distillation units, vacuum distillation units, an FCC unit, a delayed coking unit, a lube oil processing unit and a propane de-asphalting unit. The Paulsboro refinery processes a range of medium and heavy, sour crude oils. The Paulsboro refinery produces gasoline, heating oil and jet fuel and also manufactures Group I base oils or lubricants. In addition to its finished clean products slate, Paulsboro produces asphalt and petroleum coke.! In addit! ion, separ ate from the Company's agreement with Statoil the Company ha! s a long-! term contract with Saudi Aramco. The Paulsboro refinery has total storage capacity of approximately 7.5 million barrels. Of the total, approximately 2.1 million barrels are dedicated to crude oil storage with the remaining 5.4 million barrels allocated to finished products, intermediates and other products.

Toledo Refinery

Toledo has a throughput capacity of approximately 170,000 thousand barrels per day and a Nelson Complexity Index of 9.2. Toledo processes a slate of light, sweet crudes from Canada, the Midcontinent, the Bakken region and the United States Gulf Coast. Toledo produces a high percentage of finished products, including gasoline and ULSD, in addition to a range of petrochemicals, including nonene, xylene, tetramer and toluene. The Toledo refinery is located on a 282-acre site near Toledo, Ohio, approximately 60 miles from Detroit. Units at the Toledo refinery include an FCC unit, a hydrocracker, an alkylation unit and a UDEX unit. Crude is delivered to the Toledo refinery through three primary pipelines: Enbridge from the north, Capline from the south and Mid-Valley from the south. Crude is also delivered to a nearby terminal by rail and from local sources by truck to a truck unloading facility within the refinery.

Toledo is connected through pipelines, to a distribution network throughout Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The finished products are transported on pipelines owned by Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. and Buckeye Partners.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  One energy player that insiders are snapping up a decent amount of stock in here is PBF Energy (PBF), an independent petroleum refiners and suppliers of unbranded transportation fuels, heating oils, petrochemical feedstocks, lubricants and other petroleum products in the U.S. Insiders are buying this stock into notable ! weakness,! since shares are off by 22% so far in 2013.

  PBF Energy has a market cap of $896 million and an enterprise value of $1.63 billion. This stock trades at a cheap valuation, with a forward price-to-earnings of 7.35. Its estimated growth rate for this year is -67.7%, and for next year it's pegged at 88.4%. This is not a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $69.23 million and its total debt is $815.96 million. This stock currently sports a dividend yield of 5.4%.

  A director just bought 10,000 shares, or about $226,000 worth of stock, at $22.50 per share.

  From a technical perspective, PBF is currently trending above both its 50-day moving average, which is bullish. This stock has been trending sideways inside of a consolidation pattern for the last three months, with shares moving between $20.15 on the downside and $24.92 on the upside. Shares of PBF are now starting to bounce off its 50-day moving average of $22.44 a share and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent sideways trading chart pattern.

  If you're bullish on PBF, then look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above its 50-day at $22.44 or above more support at $21.89 to $20.59, and then once it breaks out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $23.49 to $24.92 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average volume of 1.11 million shares. If that breakout hits, then PBF will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major ov

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  It’s been a very good three months for oil refiners. Western Refining has gained 37% during that period, while Marathon Petroleum has risen 35%, Valero has advanced 38% and Tesoro is up 28%. The price of PBF Energy (PBF) shares has increased 39%. That was helped by the fact Brent crude, the European benchmark, had gained 2.! 2% to $11! 6.0 during that period, while the price of WTI crude, the U.S. benchmark fell 5.2%–increasing the difference between the two.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  As a result, Garcia and Molchanov changed their rating on a number of refining stocks. Valero Energy gets cut to Outperfrom from Strong Buy, while Holly Frontier, Delek US (DK) and PBF Energy (PBF) get downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform. Only “defensive, insulated” Phillips 66 gets an upgraded, to Outperform from Market Perform.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-10-oil-companies-to-buy-right-now.html

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015

On this day in economic and business history...

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) began its existence in the swelling optimism of a post-panic bull market. That growth continued for five years, with a brief interruption at the turn of the century, before peaking on June 17, 1901. That day marked the start of the longest secular bear market in Dow history.

Trading that day was light, and reports offered little indication of the long-term weakness to come. The export of $4 million worth of gold -- approximately 6.6 tons' worth at prevailing exchange rates -- to cover various debts was the only unpleasant news to be found, as lower gold stores could become a problem in the event of widespread withdrawals. A railroad price war in the American Northwest drew to a close. The damage wrought on the railroad industry by the Panic of 1893 finally seemed to be a thing of the past, and newly instituted railroad dividends and higher earnings appeared everywhere.

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (IMMY)

Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing non-invasive, topically delivered products. The Company�� Transdel cream formulation technology is designed to facilitate the effective penetration of a variety of products through the tough skin barrier. Ketotransdel, the Company�� lead pain product, utilizes the Transdel platform technology to deliver the active drug, ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), through the skin directly into the underlying tissues where the drug exerts its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Ketotransdel consists of a transdermal formulation of ketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and its Transdel drug delivery system and is being developed for the treatment of acute pain. In July 2013, it acquired intellectual property for IPI-120 from Buderer Drug Company.

Ketotransdel penetrates the skin barrier to reach the targeted underlying tissues where it exerts its localized anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Transdel is the Company�� transdermal cream drug delivery platform. It consists of a cream that enables transdermal penetration of drugs avoiding first pass metabolism by the liver and minimizing systemic exposure. The Transdel drug delivery system facilitates the effective dissolution and delivery of a drug across the skin barrier to reach targeted underlying tissues.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  The start of 2014 shows that biotech is still a hot area with the sector along with small cap biotech stocks like AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: AMAG), Mast Therapeutics Inc (NYSEMKT: MSTX), Cell Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: CTIC), Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: IMMY) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) producing news or returns�plus Auspex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ASPX), Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CARA), Egalet (NASDAQ: EGLT), Flexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FLXN) and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: RARE) are among the (many�� planned biotech IPOs that have recently been announced publicly:

• [By John Udovich]

  So far this year, Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NYSEMKT: RNN), Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: IMMY) and Arrowhead Research Corp (NASDAQ: ARWR) are up 186.3%, 157.2% and 142.5%, respectively, since the start of the year���making them the best performing small cap biotech stocks for 2014. But given their lackluster performance over the past few years, what is the secret behind their phenomenal 2014 rise and will they keep rising? For starters, none of these small caps have really produced anything in the way of blockbuster news:

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (MFG)

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial services in Japan and internationally. The company offers retail banking services, including housing and personal loans, credit cards, deposits, investment products, and consulting services; and corporate banking services comprising loans, syndicated loan arrangements, structured finance, advisory services, and capital markets financing services. It also provides derivatives and other risk hedging products; and securities services to individuals and corporate customers, as well as engages in the proprietary trading, such as foreign exchange and bond trading, and asset and liability management. In addition, the company offers wholesale securities and investment banking services, such as underwriting and trading of bonds and equities, advisory services, and structured finance. Further, it provides products and services related to trust, real estate, securitization and structured fi nance, pension and asset management, stock transfers, private banking, and trust and custody. Additionally, it offers non-banking services, including research and consulting services; information technology-related services; and advisory services to financial institutions. The company serves large corporations, financial institutions, public sector entities, foreign corporations, foreign governmental entities, individuals, small and medium sized enterprises, middle-market corporations, local governmental entities, and other public sector entities. It serves individual customers through its branch and automated teller machine network, as well as through telephone and Internet banking. As of March 31, 2010, the company had 431 branches in Japan. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Daniel Inman]

  Also in Japan, Mizuho Financial Group (JP:8411) � (MFG) �rose 0.5%, underperforming the broader market, after weekend media reports said that its Mizuho Bank unit will reprimand 54 current and former staff for failing to take responsibility for loans to borrowers associated with organized crime.

• [By Dan Carroll]

  The sector's taken off recently, with Nomura and fellow financial firms such as Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE: MFG  ) surging behind stimulus and easy money. After the Bank of Japan declared its intentions to double its monetary base within two years, financial companies have benefited and stocks have jumped. Mizuho has seen investor demand skyrocket, and the firm's picked up its planned hiring in response. Mizuho's stock has jumped a whopping 15.7% so far this year.

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks slipped early Monday, with the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) down 0.1% at 14,298.17, and the Topix dropping 0.4%. Singapore-traded lead futures for the Nikkei Average had suggested a 0.8% gain for the index, but the indicator fell after the Cabinet Office reported fourth-quarter economic growth of 0.3%, flat from the previous quarter and below expectations in separate Reuters and Wall Street Journal/Nikkei surveys. The disappointing economic data also pushed the yen higher, weighing on some exporters, with Panasonic Corp. (JP:6752) (PCRFF) down 1.8%, NEC Corp. (JP:6701) (NIPNF) off 1.3%, and Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) down 0.7% after S&P downgraded the firm's credit rating to BBB- from BBB with a negative outlook. Shares of Internet retailer Rakuten Inc. (JP:4755) (RKUNF) dropped 12% after announcing plans to buy online messaging and telecom firm Viber Media Inc. for $900 million as well as posting below-consensus full-year profit. Banks were broadly lower, with Mizuho Financial Group Inc. (JP:8411) (MFG) off 1% and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. (JP:8316) (SMFG) off 1.1%, though Daiwa Securities Group Inc. (JP:8601)

Best Quality Companies To Watch In Right Now: Signet Jewelers Limited(SIG)

Signet Jewelers Limited operates as a specialty jewelry retailer in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and the Channel Islands. The company retails jewelry, watches, and associated services. As of January 28, 2012, it operated a network of 1,318 stores in 50 states in the United States that trade nationally in malls and off-mall locations as ?Kay Jewelers?, and regionally under various mall-based brands, as well as operated as destination superstores under the ?Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry? trade name. The company also operated a network of 535 stores in the United Kingdom, including 14 stores in the Republic of Ireland and 3 in the Channel Islands under the ?H.Samuel?, ?Ernest Jones?, and ?Leslie Davis? trade names in high street locations and shopping malls. Signet Jewelers Limited was founded in 1950 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  Retail Stocks to Watch No. 9: Signet Jewelers Ltd. (NYSE: SIG)
  One-year retail sales growth: 9.5%
  Total 2013 U.S. sales: $3.6 billion
  Signet likes to grow by acquisition, as it has gobbled up Kay Jewelers, Jared, Earnest Jones, H. Samuel, and, earlier this year, Zales. Signet also increased its number of U.S. stores in 2013 by 10.4% to 1,471. The stock is up 15.6% over the past month. SIG closed at $117.54.

• [By John Kell]

  Signet Jewelers Ltd.(SIG) agreed to buy smaller rival Zale for about $690 million, significantly expanding the jewelry retailer’s presence in North America. Signet will offer $21 in cash for each Zale share, representing a 41% premium over Tuesday’s closing price. Zale shares jumped to $20.87 premarket and Signet climbed 12% to $88.40.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Top Headline
  Signet Jewelers (NYSE: SIG) announced its plans to buy Zale (NYSE: ZLC) for around $690 million. Signet will pay $21 per share to acquire Zale, representing a 41% premium to Zale's closing price of $14.91 on Tuesday.

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: Vectren Corporation (VVC)

Vectren Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides energy delivery services to residential, commercial, and industrial and other contract customers in Indiana and west central Ohio. It offers natural gas distribution and transportation services, and electric distribution services; and owns and operates coal-fired and gas-fired electric generating facilities with an installed generating capacity of 1,298 megawatts. The company�s electric transmission system consists of 989 circuit miles of 345, 138, and 69 kilovolt lines, and 35 substations; and distribution system comprises 4,281 pole miles of lower voltage overhead lines and 372 trench miles of conduit containing 1,999 miles of underground distribution cable, 96 distribution substations, and 54,000 distribution transformers. In addition, it provides gas marketing, gas portfolio optimization, and other portfolio and energy management services to municipalities, utilities, industrial operations, schools, and healthcar e institutions; mines and sells coal; offers underground construction and repair, performance contracting, and renewable energy services; and invests in energy-related opportunities and services, real estate, and leveraged leases. Further, the company engages in transmission pipeline construction and maintenance; pump station, compressor station, terminal, and refinery construction; and hydrostatic testing services. It serves the automotive assembly, parts, and accessories; feed, flour, and grain processing; metal castings; aluminum products; polycarbonate resin and plastic products; gypsum products; electrical equipment; metal specialties; glass; steel finishing; pharmaceutical and nutritional products; gasoline and oil products; ethanol; and coal mining industries. As of December 31, 2011, it supplied natural gas services to approximately 993,300 customers; and electric services to approximately 141,600 customers. Vectren Corporation was founded in 1912 and is headquartere d in Evansville, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Meanwhile, top losers in the sector included Exelon (NYSE: EXC), down 1.2 percent, and Vectren (NYSE: VVC), off 2.3 percent.

  Top Headline
  Hillshire Brands Co (NYSE: HSH) announced its plans to buy Pinnacle Foods (NYSE: PF) for around $6.6 billion including debt. Hillshire will offer $18.00 in cash and 0.50 shares of its common stock for each Pinnacle share.

• [By Chuck Carnevale]

  Vectren Corp. (VVC): A Low Growth Utility

  Our first example looks at Vectren Corp.�� historical earnings, a utility with a 15-year historical earnings growth rate that is below our 3% threshold established in Part 1. Note that fair valuation is calculated using Graham Dodd�� Formula (GDF) deriving a fair value PE of 13.8 (slightly below, but close to our PE 15 standard). However, a normal PE of 16 has been historically applied by Mr. Market. Therefore, valuation falls between a PE of 13.8 to 16, or well within a range of normalcy.

• [By Vita Nelson]

  Our strategy is to continue to invest on an ongoing basis through dividend reinvestment plans, such as those offered by our latest featured stock, Vectren (VVC).

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: Network Exploration Ltd (NET)

Network Exploration Ltd. is an exploration and development-stage company. The Company�� principal business activities include the exploration of minerals in its mineral properties. It focuses on base and precious metal properties in North and South America. Its activities include the process of exploring its mineral properties, reviewing and subsequently acquiring mineral properties and conducting exploration programs to determine whether these properties contain ore reserves that are recoverable. The Picha copper-silver project is located within the Tertiary Volcanic Arc of Southern Peru. The Pistala project is located east of the NW-SE trending Incapquio fault system in the Department of Tacna, Southern Peru. The Company is in the business of mineral exploration in Canada, Chile and Peru. Network Exploration Chile Limitada is its wholly owned subsidiary. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  The MSCI World Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure the global equity market performance of developed markets. This benchmark calculates reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes using Luxembourg tax rates. This index is unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in this index.

• [By Jason Rivera]

  Assets:Book Value:Reproduction Value:Current AssetsCash And Cash Equivalents506506Accounts Receivable (Net)3,6193,076Inventories10,0006,000Deferred Income Taxes919460Prepaid Expenses799400Total Current Assets15,8439,986PP&E Net2,4151,449Equity and Other Investments4,5763,432Intangible Assets3,1391,570Deferred Income Taxes991496Total Assets26,96417,387
  Number of shares is 7,383.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  The MSCI World ex U.S. Small Cap Index (Net) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization index that is designed to measure global developed market equity performance, excluding the U.S. The MSCI Small Cap Indices target 40% of the eligible Small Cap universe within each industry group, within each country. MSCI defines the Small Cap universe as all listed securities that have a market capitalization in the range of USD200-1,500 million. This benchmark calculates reinvested dividends net of withholding taxes using Luxembourg tax rates. This index is unmanaged and investors cannot invest directly in this index.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  MSCI All Country World Index (Net) is an unmanaged index comprised of 44 country indices comprising 23 developed and 21 emerging market country indices and is calculated with dividends reinvested after de duction of withholding tax. The Index is a trademark of Morgan Stanley Capital International and is not available for direct investment.

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: Boise Inc (BZ)

Boise Inc., incorporated on February 1, 2007, is a manufacturer of packaging and paper products, including corrugated containers and sheets, containerboard, protective packaging products, imaging papers for the office and home, printing and converting papers, label and release papers, newsprint and market pulp. The Company operates in the United States, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. The Company operates in three segments: Packaging, Paper, and Corporate and Other. The Company�� newsprint is sold primarily to newspaper publishers in the southern and southwestern the United States. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 38% of the Company�� uncoated freesheet paper was sold to OfficeMax Incorporated, its customer.

Packaging

In the Packaging segment, the Company manufactures and sells linerboard, containerboard, corrugated containers and sheets, protective packaging products, and newsprint. Linerboard is a paperboard, which when combined with corrugating medium is used in the manufacture of corrugated sheets and containers. Corrugated sheets are containerboard sheets that are sold primarily to converters that produce a variety of corrugated products. Corrugated containers are corrugated sheets that have been fed through converting machines to create containers, which are used in the packaging of fresh fruit and vegetables, processed food, beverages, and other industrial and consumer products. Stock boxes are corrugated containers manufactured to pre-set dimensions.

Protective packaging products include multi-material customized packaging solutions, which may utilize kraft paper-based honeycomb corrugated packaging, foamed plastics, and air pocket packing materials Newsprint is a paper commonly used for printing newspapers, other publications, and advertising material. During the year ended December 31, 2012, its Packaging segment produced approximately 613,000 short tons of linerboard, and its Paper segment produced approximately 135,000 short tons! of corrugating medium. It manufactures linerboard and newsprint on two machines at its mill in DeRidder, Louisiana. It also manufactures corrugated containers and sheets and protective packaging products at 26 plants located in North America and Europe.

Paper

In its Paper segment, the Company manufactures and sells three general categories of products: communication-based papers; packaging-based papers, and market pulp. Its communication-based papers include cut-size office papers, and printing and converting papers. Its Packaging-Demand-Driven Papers include Label and release papers, Flexible packaging papers, and Corrugating medium. Printing and converting papers are used by commercial printers or converters to manufacture envelopes, forms, and other commercial paper products.

Its packaging-based papers include label and release papers and corrugating medium. The Label and release papers include label facestocks, as well as release liners. The coated and uncoated papers sold to customers create packaging products for food and nonfood applications. Market pulp is sold to customers in the open market for use in the manufacture of paper products. The Company manufactures its Paper segment products at three mills, all located in the United States.

Corporate and Other

The Company�� Corporate and Other segment includes transportation assets, such as rail cars and trucks, which it uses to transport its products from its manufacturing sites. The Company provides transportation services not only to its own facilities but also, on a limited basis, to third parties. Rail cars and trucks are typically leased.

The Company competes with International Paper Company, Rock-Tenn Company, Georgia-Pacific LLC, Packaging Corporation of America, Longview Fibre Paper, Packaging, Inc, Green Bay Packaging Inc., KapStone Paper, TexCorr, L.P., Resolute Forest Product, SP Newsprint Co. and Domtar Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sue Chang]

  PCA, the Packaging Corp. of America (PKG) ,�is likely to post third-quarter earnings of 89 cents a share. The company said last month it would buy Boise Inc. (BZ) �for $12.55 a share, or about $1.28 billion in total. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Lake Forest, Ill.-based PCA makes a wide line of linerboard and corrugated paper packaging products at four mills and 71 plants, according to its website.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Packaging Corp. of America�(PKG) has jumped 6.3% to $57.99 after it said it would buy Boise (BZ) for $1.28 billion. Boise has gained 26% to $12.55.

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: Zurich Insurance Group AG (ZURN)

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

• [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

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

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: FactSet Research Systems Inc. (FDS)

FactSet Research Systems Inc. provides financial and economic information to investment community worldwide. FactSet offers fundamental financial data on various companies, analytical applications, and client services to the portfolio managers, research and performance analysts, risk managers, marketing professionals, sell-side equity research professionals, investment bankers, and fixed income professionals. The company?s applications provide users access to company analysis, multicompany comparisons, industry analysis, company screening, portfolio analysis, predictive risk measurements, alphatesting, portfolio optimization and simulation, news and quotes, and tools to value and analyze fixed income securities and portfolios. FactSet combines commercial databases, including content regarding companies and securities from various markets into a single online platform of information and analytics. The company?s solutions for investment management professionals include analy zing market, sector, and fundamental series; offering applications for portfolio attribution, risk management, and quantitative analysis; building quant models and calculating risk; analyzing the nuances of the debt-driven market; viewing event transcripts and corporate event calendars; researching and analyzing companies, benchmarks, debt instruments, and economic series; integrating the client?s own data, such as portfolio holdings and research notes; and creating reports and presentations. FactSet?s solutions for investment banking professionals comprise creating models and presentations; tracking market performance and headlines; providing deal analytic and corporate governance servies; researching on public and private companies; auditing financials underlying SEC filings and annual reports; and providing access to reports via wireless handheld device. The company was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Bill Smith]

  FactSet Research System (FDS) is a company in the publishing industry, and appears on GuruFocus��Buffett-Munger screener. This screener can be used to find companies with high quality businesses at undervalued, or fairly-valued, prices. Businesses on this screener are able to consistently grow revenue and earnings, maintain and expand profit margins while growing, and incur little debt during growth.

Best Railroad Companies To Invest In 2015: NeurogesX Inc.(NGSX)

NeurogesX, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in developing and commercializing pain management therapies. The company offers Qutenza for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia, and for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain in non-diabetic adults. It also develops NGX-1998, which has completed Phase 2 clinical study, is a topical liquid formulation of high concentration capsaicin to treat neuropathic pain conditions; and acetaminophen prodrugs that is in preclinical stage for use in acute pain, including traumatic pain, post-surgical pain, and fever. The company was formerly known as Advanced Analgesics, Inc. and changed its name to NeurogesX, Inc. in September 2000. NeurogesX, Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in San Mateo, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By CRWE]

  Today, NGSX remains (0.00%) +0.000 at $.0054 thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 11:59AM EDT July 18, 2013).

  Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. previously reported it has acquired two neuropathic pain management assets from NeurogesX, Inc. (OTCBB: NGSX). Qutenza庐 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. The Company also acquired NP-1998, a Phase 3 ready, prescription strength capsaicin topical solution, being assessed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. NP-1998 was previously referred to as NGX-1998.

• [By CRWE]

  Today, NGSX has shed (-6.67%) down -0.0005 at $.0070 with 29,206 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 10:44AM EDT July 17, 2013), but don�� let this get you down.

  Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. previously reported it has acquired two neuropathic pain management assets from NeurogesX, Inc. (OTCBB: NGSX). Qutenza庐 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the management of neuropathic pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia. The Company also acquired NP-1998, a Phase 3 ready, prescription strength capsaicin topical solution, being assessed for the treatment of neuropathic pain. NP-1998 was previously referred to as NGX-1998.

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015

Matt York/AP WASHINGTON -- Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages rose slightly this week, staying near three-month lows. Rates could fall next week now that lawmakers reached a deal to avert a possible government debt default and reopen the federal government. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the 30-year loan increased to 4.28 percent from 4.23 percent last week. The average on the 15-year fixed loan edged up to 3.33 percent from 3.31 percent. Mortgage rates began falling last month after the Federal Reserve held off slowing its $85-billion-a-month in bond purchases. The bond buys are intended to keep longer-term interest rates low, including mortgage rates. And rates stayed relatively low during the 16-day partial government shutdown. Rates are likely to fall even lower now that Congress reached a deal to reopen the government and allow the Treasury to borrow normally until early February. Mortgage rates tend to follow the yield on the 10-year Treasury note. The 10-year note fell to 2.61 percent Thursday, down from 2.74 percent Tuesday.

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015: Integrys Energy Group(TEG)

Integrys Energy Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as a regulated electric and natural gas utility company in the United States and Canada. It provides natural gas utility services in Chicago, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. As of December 31, 2009, the company served approximately 1,669,000 residential, commercial and industrial, transportation, and other customers. It had approximately 22,000 miles of natural gas distribution mains; and approximately 1,010 miles of natural gas transmission mains. The company also generates and distributes electric energy form coal, natural gas, fuel oil, hydroelectric, and wind resources in Wisconsin and Michigan. It served approximately 489,000 residential, commercial and industrial, wholesale, and other customers. In addition, Integrys Energy offers nonregulated energy supply and services; and electric transmission services. The company was formerly known as WPS Resources Corporation and changed its name to Integrys En ergy Group, Inc. in February 2007. Integrys Energy Group, Inc. was founded in 1883 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Justin Loiseau]

  In the same week that TECO is applying for its foray into New Mexico natural gas, Illinois is solidifying its own reliance on the fuel source. Integrys (NYSE: TEG  ) released a statement this week commending Illinois politicians for their "swift signing" of the Natural Gas Consumer, Safety, & Reliability Act.

• [By Justin Loiseau]

  Getting more from gas
  Integrys Energy's (NYSE: TEG  ) Michigan Gas Utilities subsidiary has filed a request for a 6% increase in natural gas rates beginning in 2014. The company has recently hit a rough spot because of falling sales, pricey upgrade costs, more expensive customer service functions, and inflation.

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Exelon (NYSE: EXC) has agreed to acquire the retail electricity division of Integrys Energy (NYSE: TEG) for $60 million. Shares of Exelon lost 1.46 percent, closing at $31.01 while shares of Integrys Energy lost 2.16 percent, closing at $67.54.

• [By Melvin Backman]

  5. Buying power in energy stocks: Wisconsin Energy (WEC) announced this morning that it will acquire Integrys Energy Group (TEG) for for $71 per share in order to increase its natural gas business and its footprint in the Great Lakes region. Wisconsin's stock is flat, and Integrys shares have jumped over 14% to nearly $70.

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015: CenturyLink Inc.(CTL)

CenturyLink, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated communications company. The company provides a range of communications services, including voice, Internet, data, and video services in the continental United States. Its services include local exchange and long distance voice telephone services, as well as enhanced voice services, such as call forwarding, caller identification, conference calling, voicemail, selective call ringing, and call waiting; wholesale local network access services; and data services, including high-speed Internet access services, data transmission services over special circuits and private lines, and switched digital television services, as well as special access and private line services. The company also offers fiber transport, competitive local exchange carrier, security monitoring, and other communications, as well as professional and business information services. In addition, it provides other related services, such as leasing, selling, installing, and maintaining customer premise telecommunications equipment and wiring; payphone services; and network database services, as well as participates in the publication of local telephone directories. Further, the company offers printing, direct mail services, and cable television services; and wireless broadband Internet access services and satellite television services. As of December 31, 2010, it operated approximately 6.5 million telephone access lines. CenturyLink, Inc was founded in 1968 and is based in Monroe, Louisiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Burrows]

  HCP stock is having a fine year for a big dividend payer, putting up a gain of 3% so far in 2014. That’s not bad for a stock that offered up disappointing full-year guidance, despite beating the Street on fourth-quarter earnings — helped by higher revenue, not cost cuts.

  #3: CenturyLink (CTL)

  CTL Dividend Yield: 7.02%

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  CenturyLink (CTL) has risen 2.9% to $39.90 after the telecom company reported Street-beating earnings and offering guidance that was in line with analyst forecasts.

• [By Jim Fink]

  Year-to-Date Performance

  Industry Diamond Offshore (NYSE: DO) $55.39 $7.7 billion 3.3 -14.2% Oil Drilling HCP Inc. (NYSE: HCP) $36.22 $16.5 billion 3.5 -16.0% Healthcare REIT American Realty Capital Properties (Nasdaq: ARCP) $12.64 $2.4 billion 8.6 1.9% Retail and Office REIT Southern Co. (NYSE: SO) $40.88 $36.1 billion 9.8 -0.1% Electric Utility Cooper Tire & Rubber (NYSE: CTB) $22.01 $1.4 billion 10.3 -11.8% Automobile Tires CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) $31.36 $18.5 billion 11.8 -14.5% Telecommunications Quest Diagnostic (NYSE: DGX) $54.05 $7.8 billion 13.4 -5.4% Medical Diagnostic Tests Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP) $79.57 $34.9 billion 15.4 6.0% Energy pipeline MLP Altera (Nasdaq: ALTR) $31.98 $10.3 billion 15.9 -5.6% Semiconductors ADT Corp. (NYSE: ADT) $40.01 $8.0 billion 16.8 -12.9% Home Security

  Source: Bloomberg

Hot Heal Care Companies To Watch For 2015: HD Supply Holdings Inc (HDS)

HD Supply Holdings, Inc., incorporated on June 18, 2007, is an industrial distributor in North America. It operates in four segments: Facilities Maintenance, Waterworks, Power Solutions and White Cap. Facilities Maintenance distributes maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) products, provides value-add services and fabricates custom products to multifamily, hospitality, healthcare and institutional facilities. Waterworks distributes complete lines of water and wastewater transmission products, serving contractors and municipalities in the water and wastewater industries for non-residential and residential uses. Power Solutions distributes electrical transmission and distribution products, power plant MRO supplies and smart-grid products, and arranges materials management and procurement outsourcing for the power generation and distribution industries. White Cap distributes specialized hardware, tools, engineered materials and safety products to non-residential and residential contractors.

Maintenance, Repair & Operations

In the Maintenance, Repair & Operations market sector, the Company�� Facilities Maintenance, Crown Bolt and Repair & Remodel business units serve customers across multiple industries by primarily delivering supplies and services needed to maintain and upgrade multifamily, hospitality, healthcare and institutional facilities. Facilities Maintenance and Crown Bolt are distribution center based models, while Repair & Remodel operates through retail outlets primarily serving cash and carry customers.

Infrastructure & Power and Specialty Construction

In the Infrastructure & Power market sector, Waterworks and Power Solutions support both established infrastructure and new projects by meeting demand for critical supplies and services used to build and maintain water systems and electrical power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. In the Specialty Construction market sector, White Cap and Creative Touch Interiors (! CTI) serve professional contractors and trades by meeting their distinct and customized supply needs in non-residential, residential and industrial applications. White Cap is its primary business unit serving this sector through the broad national presence of its regionally organized branch distribution network.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Mani]

  The long-term set up for HD Supply Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:HDS) appears to be favorable, primarily driven by prospective U.S. non-residential construction recovery and rapid balance sheet deleveraging in the future.

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015: Silver Spruce Resources Inc (SSE)

Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a junior exploration company. The Company�� operations consist of the exploration for precious and base minerals with a focus on uranium, mainly in the Central Mineral Belt of Labrador, which include Popes Hill, the Popes Hill JV with Great Western Minerals Group, and the MRT, RWM and Straits properties. The Company�� projects include Double Mer Property, Mount Benedict Property, Big Easy Property, MRT Property, Pope�� Hill area, Red Wine Mountains and Straits Property. The Snegamook Lake property is located just to the southeast of Snegamook Lake in central Labrador, in the western part of the Central Mineral Belt (CMB), consists of 86 claims. The Fishhawk lake is located to the southeast of Snegamook Lake in central Labrador, in the western part of the CMB, consists of 164 claims. On August 22, 2012, the Company purchased a uranium exploration property in the CMB of Labrador from Virginia Energy Resources Inc. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Namitha Jagadeesh]

  SSE Plc (SSE) slid 5.8 percent to 1,489 pence as Citigroup said in a note that the supplier of gas and electricity would suffer the most from price caps or other forms of government intervention because it gets 97 percent of revenue from the U.K.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Offshore drillers have company now that falling oil prices are hitting the shares of Helmerich & Payne (HP), Patterson-UTI Energy (PTEN), Nabors Industries (NBR) and Seventy Seven Energy (SSE)–and for good reason, say Susquehanna’s Charles Minervino and Kai Wang. They explain:

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015: Essar Energy Plc (ESSR)

Essar Energy plc is a holding company. The Company is an energy company with assets across the power and oil and gas industries. The Company operates in the areas petroleum refining and marketing, exploration and production and power transmission and generation. The Refining and Marketing business in India comprises of the Vadinar refinery located on the west coast of India and a retail franchise network of around 1,400 fuel stations across India and the Refining, and Marketing business in the United Kingdom comprises of the Stanlow refinery located near Liverpool, north west England and on the south bank of Manchester ship canal. The Company�� exploration and production segment includes a portfolio of 15 blocks and fields in the various stages of exploration and production of oil and gas in India, Indonesia, Nigeria and Vietnam. In Power segment, the Company operates coal fired, captive fuel and gas based power plants in India and Canada together with a number of mining assets. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sarah Jones]

  Essar Energy Plc (ESSR) climbed 2.5 percent to 122 pence after reporting that revenue rose 24 percent to $27.3 billion in the 12 months through March. The company cited higher margins and volumes at its Vadinar refinery in India and its Stanlow refinery in the U.K.

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015: Yappn Corp (YPPN)

Yappn Corp., formerly Plesk Corp., incorporated on November 3, 2010, is focusing on social media Website that will host multi-language conversations based on different topics, such as interests, brands and activities. Its platform will enable users to meet people from all over the world without any language barriers and to interact with them through online chatting and forums by providing access to topical discussion boards in almost 70 languages. This will permit real-time multiple language conversations to co-exist without the fracturing that comes as a result of many people posting in multiple languages to a single chat area or splintering the audience by segregating posts by language. Yappn is a topic or interest focused site bringing people together to discuss current events, celebrities, technology, sports, entertainment and other popular areas of conversation. On March 28, 2013, it purchased social media platform and related group of assets known as Yappn.

The Company will have gamification system that will reward users for their engagement through virtual trophies, badges, and medals for participation in selected events. The Company, with the power of Ortsbo offers a set of communication tools where users can create opportunities to meet, chat, engage and consume in their own virtual location creating global social engagement for private events and closed networks. Users can also connect to social networks and engage friends and followers on Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter and more. It will be available on all devices through mobile, portable and desktop online access. With Yappn, user generated content be closed captioned in multiple languages in minutes, using Ortsbo�� pending business processes and tools for a translation experience. Commercial enterprises can use its Website to communicate their content, their e-commerce offerings and other messaging on a global scale.

The Company competes with Facebook, LinkedIn, Craigslist, Google and Apple.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Digital Caddies Inc (OTCMKTS: CADY), MEDL Mobile Holdings Inc (OTCMKTS: MEDL) and Yappn Corp (OTCMKTS: YPPN) offer different ways to potentially profit from Internet or mobile technology. However, all three small cap stocks have also been the subject of paid promotions or investor relations types of activities. So will investors actually profit from the efforts of these small caps to profit from the Internet or mobile technology? Here is a quick reality check:

Top Healthcare Equipment Stocks To Watch For 2015: Blue Nile Inc.(NILE)

Blue Nile, Inc. operates as an online retailer of diamonds and fine jewelry worldwide. Its fine jewelry selection includes diamond, gemstone, platinum, gold, pearl and sterling silver jewelry, and accessories, as well as wedding bands, earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and watches. Blue Nile, Inc. sells its products through the Web sites bluenile.com, bluenile.ca, and bluenile.co.uk. The company was formerly known as Internet Diamonds, Inc. and changed its name to Blue Nile, Inc. in November 1999. Blue Nile, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  We think the next chapter of Internet growth will be driven by increasing broadband penetration and mobile 3G rollouts globally. Baron invests in the global Internet in two ways: 1) U.S. based Internet companies that have substantial international businesses, and 2) foreign based Internet companies. Several Baron portfolio holdings such as Google, Inc. and priceline.com, Inc. receive 50% or more of their revenues outside the U.S., and we think the faster growth of Internet access in emerging economies will be a substantial benefit to these companies. Other Baron portfolio companies such as LinkedIn Corp. (LNKD) and Blue Nile, Inc. (NILE) are also accelerating their efforts to penetrate international markets in 2012 and beyond.

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014

LONDON -- Successful investors use a disciplined approach to picking stocks, and checklists can be a great way to make sure you've covered all the bases.

In this series I'm subjecting companies to scrutiny under five headings: prospects, performance, management, safety, and valuation. How does�Vodafone� (LSE: VOD  ) (NASDAQ: VOD  ) measure up?

1.�Prospects
One of the world's largest mobile providers, Vodafone enjoys wide geographic diversification. Though its sector is fundamentally defensive it is economically sensitive. Thus revenues are sluggish in Northern Europe, dire in Southern Europe, and growing in emerging markets and the U.S. (through Verizon Wireless).

Vodafone's future strategic direction depends on the fate of its 45% interest in Verizon Wireless. With estimates of its worth over $100 million, 70% of Vodafone's total market cap, and majority shareholder Verizon Communications keen to buy out its partner, a deal could leave Vodafone bursting with cash but shorn of its biggest cash flow generator.

Top 5 Cheapest Companies To Own For 2015: ViewPoint Financial Group Inc.(VPFG)

ViewPoint Financial Group, Inc. operates as the holding company for ViewPoint Bank, which provides financial services for consumers and businesses. Its deposit products include checking, savings, money market, demand accounts, and certificates of deposit. The company?s loan portfolio comprises real estate loans, such as one-to four-family, commercial construction, and home equity loans, as well as commercial real estate loans for office buildings, retail centers, light industrial facilities, warehouses, and multifamily properties; consumer loans, including new and used automobile loans, recreational vehicle loans, loans secured by savings deposits, and unsecured consumer loans; and commercial non-mortgage loans, including loans to finance business working capital, commercial vehicles, and equipment, as well as lines of credit. It also offers brokerage services for the purchase and sale of non-deposit investment and insurance products through a third party brokerage arrang ement. As of March 31, 2011, the company operated 23 community bank offices in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and 13 loan production offices located in Texas, Oklahoma, and Ohio. ViewPoint Financial Group, Inc. is headquartered in Plano, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  Plano, Texas-based ViewPoint Financial Group (NASDAQ: VPFG  ) is looking for a new CFO.

  On Wednesday, just before investors packed their bags for the holiday, ViewPoint announced that Chief Financial Officer Pathie E. McKee�intends to resign from the bank holding company at the end of this month. She will continue assisting ViewPoint in the capacity of a consultant through the end of the year, however, helping to ensure a smooth transition for her replacement.

• [By John Udovich]

  Texas has set another record for job creation�with small cap Texas banking stock like Texas Capital Bancshares (NASDAQ: TCBI), ViewPoint Financial Group (NASDAQ: VPFG) and First Financial Bankshares (NASDAQ: FFIN) naturally being well positioned to take advantage of the Texas economic miracle (see my previous article: Texas is Booming and So Are These Texas Stocks (EE, TPL & ATO)). I should�add that I wrote about�these Texas banking stocks back in late 2012�(see: Don�� Mess With Texas Banking Stocks TCBI, VPFG & FFIN) and the Texas Workforce Commission has just�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. Moreover, several companies surveyed by the Dallas Fed responded by saying�they are seeing labor market tightness�while companies are saying they are experiencing upward wage pressures�and�staffing�firms�note that�candidates are often receiving multiple offers.

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation(NTT)

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Japan. It offers fixed and mobile voice related services, IP/packet communications services, system integration and network system services, and other telecommunications related services; sells telecommunications equipment; and operates telephone networks. The company provides intra-prefectural and inter-prefectural communications, international communications, mobile telephone services, and related ancillary services; and data communications services, such as strategic planning, systems planning and systems design, and information communications systems and computer networks installation. It also engages in building maintenance, real estate property rental, systems development, leasing, and research and development activities. As of March 31, 2011, the company provided telephone and ISDN services to 34,884 thousand subs cribers; broadband services to 15,059 thousand FLET?S Hikari subscribers and 2,858 thousand FLET?S ADSL subscribers; and mobile phone services to 58,010 thousand subscribers. It also offered Plala Internet connection service to 3,101 thousand subscribers and Open Computer Network service to 8,234 thousand subscribers. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation was founded in 1952 and is based in Tokyo, Japan.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, Japanese telecom giant Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NYSE: NTT  ) earned a respected four-star ranking. �

• [By Jonas Elmerraji]

  The strength in Japanese stocks is evident in Nippon Telegraph & Telephone (NTT), the $60 billion telco in the Land of the Rising Sun. Shares of NTT are up close to 22% since the first trading session in January -- and now, a technical setup points to even higher ground in the month ahead.

  That's because NTT is currently forming an ascending triangle pattern, a bullish price setup that's formed by horizontal resistance above shares at $27 and uptrending support to the downside. Basically, as NTT bounces in between those two technical levels, it's getting squeezed closer and closer to a breakout above resistance. When that move above $27 happens, traders have their buy signal.

  At first glance, the abundance of gaps on NTT's chart may be alarming. But those gaps, called suspension gaps, are just the rest of off hours trading on the Tokyo and London exchanges. From a technical standpoint they're irrelevant, but they're common in foreign traded names that are dual-listed overseas.

• [By Damian Illia] t wireless service provider in the country with 62.2 million subscribers. And it also owns the two incumbent fixed-line operators, NTT East and NTT West, which account for a 50% market share. Moreover, it provides information and communications technology and data services, which the firm improved in 2010 by boosting its capabilities through the acquisition of Dimension Data and Keane.

  A Narrow Moat

  Its size and cost advantages have carved the firm a narrow economic moat. Apart from controlling half of Japan�� total wireline market, the company has a 43% market share of the wireless business. To manage such volume, Nippon has built the largest telecom networks in Japan, which support a higher percentage of calls, thus resulting in cost savings. Additionally, its scale provides it with a competitive upside when negotiating pricing discounts with suppliers.

  Supporting Leadership

  Nippon generates a healthy free cash flow of over JPY500 billion annually, which it diligently uses to keep an edge over competition. Thus, it was the first company to launch LTE services in 2010, which gave it a two-year advantage over its rivals. Since then, its improved network has boosted data usage as well as average revenue per user.

  Furthermore, Nippon recently gained access to the iPhone, which earns the firm the opportunity to reverse its share losses in the youth market. Earlier, market share on the wireless side had declined in favor of competitor Softbank Corp. (SFTBF), which had exclusive rights to sell Apple Inc. (AAPL)�� iPhone in Japan.

  On the other hand, the firm is near to completing the roll out of its fiber to the home network, which has a broader reach than its competitors. Moreover, it allows broadband speeds of 200 Mb/second, which is faster than cable operators��offering and a rarity among incumbent telecom operators.

  Downsides

  However positive for long-term growth, the building of its FTTH network depressed

• [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).

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014: Selectica Inc.(SLTC)

Selectica, Inc. provides contract management and sales configuration software solutions that allow enterprises to manage sell-side business processes. It offers Selectica contract lifecycle management (CLM) solution, a contract authoring, analysis, repository, and process automation product that is offered on-premise or hosted basis enables customers to create, manage, and analyze contracts in a single repository. The company also offers Selectica sales configuration (SCS) solution, which consolidates configuration, pricing, and quoting functions into a single application platform. It provides SCS solutions to manufacturers, service providers, and financial services companies to streamline the opportunity-to-order process. In addition, the company provides professional implementation and customization services; on-demand hosting services for CLM solutions; and complex product configuration modeling services for SCS solutions. It sells its CLM products primarily through its direct sales force and strategic and OEM partners, as well as SCS products primarily through partnership relationships in the United States, Canada, India, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By The GeoTeam]

  Our recent 2013 articles on SaaS companies Selectica (SLTC), E2open (EOPN), Responsys (MKTG), Vocus (VOCS), and ExactTarget (ET) highlighted such opportunities. The average return since the inception of our coverage currently stands at around 34% (55% at their highs).

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014: Waddell & Reed Financial Inc. (WDR)

Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides investment management, investment product underwriting and distribution, and shareholder services administration to mutual funds, and institutional and separately managed accounts in the United States. The company acts as an investment adviser for institutional and other private investors, and provides sub advisory services to other investment companies; underwrites and distributes registered open-end mutual fund portfolios; distributes business partners� variable annuity products, and retirement and life insurance products to advisors channel customers; sells life insurance and disability products underwritten by various carriers; and offers fee-based asset allocation investment advisory products to advisors channel customers. It distributes investment products through independent financial advisors, broker/dealers, registered investment advisors, and various retirement platforms; and markets investment a dvisory services to institutional investors directly or through consultants. Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc. was founded in 1937 and is based in Overland Park, Kansas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Investment services and shareholder services administrator Waddell & Reed (WDR) raised its quarterly dividend 21% to 34 cents per share, payable on Feb. 3 to shareholders of record as of Jan. 13.
  WDR Dividend Yield: 2.2%

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Mutual fund complex�Waddell & Reed Financial� (NYSE: WDR  ) announced today its third-quarter dividend of $0.28 per share, the same rate it's paid for the past two quarters after raising the payout 12% from $0.25 per share.

• [By Will Ashworth]

  With the future of asset managers clearly in the hands of ETFs, iShares��formidable market share suggests that Larry Fink and company have more good years ahead. When it comes to large-cap asset managers I see BLK stock as your best bet in 2014.

  Waddell & Reed (WDR)

  One of the oldest mutual fund companies in the U.S., Waddell & Reed (WDR) is still growing quarterly revenues and earnings by double digits. With $114 billion in assets under management, analysts expect WDR to report Q4 earnings of 78 cents on Feb. 4 — 28% higher year-over-year.

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014: 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 founded in 1960 and is headquartered in M ississauga, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Heather Long]

  Four of his picks -- LinkedIn (LNKD, Tech30), 3D Systems (DDD), Fidelity National (FNF) and Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) -- did extremely well. Then there was Lululemon (LULU) -- the yoga apparel retailer whose shares sank more than 20%.

• [By Dan Burrows]

  True, that’s peanuts compared to the $100 billion Pfizer (PFE) is offering for AstraZeneca (AZN),� and just a fraction of the $46 billion Valeant (VRX) offered for Allergan (AGN). Holders of Merck stock probably know the deal between MRK and Bayer even pales compared to the $25 billion acquisition of Forest Labs (FRX) by Actavis (ACT).

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014: Manchester United PLC (MANU)

Manchester United plc, formerly Manchester United Ltd., incorporated on April 30, 2012, is engaged in the operations of professional sports team. It provides manchester united a platform to generate revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and matchday. The Company had three principal sectors: Commercial, Broadcasting and Matchday.

Commercial

Within the Commercial revenue sector, the Company had three revenue streams which include sponsorship revenue; retail, merchandising, apparel and product licensing revenue; and new media and mobile revenue. Retail, Merchandising, Apparel and Product Licensing, it markets and sells sports apparel, training and leisure wear and other clothing featuring the Manchester United brand on a global basis. In addition, it also sells other licensed products, from coffee mugs to bed spreads, featuring the Manchester United brand and trademarks. These products are distributed through Manchester United branded retail centers and e-commerce platforms, as well as its partners' wholesale distribution channels.

The Company retails, merchandizes, apparel & product licensing business is managed by Nike, who pays it a minimum guaranteed amount and a share of the business' cumulative profits. It has formed mobile telecom partnerships in 44 countries. In addition, it markets content directly to its followers through its Website, www.manutd.com, and associated mobile properties.

Broadcasting

The Company generates revenue from distribution and broadcasting of live football content. Broadcasting revenue is derived from the global television rights relating to the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions. In addition, its global television channel, MUTV, delivers Manchester United programming to 54 countries around the world. Broadcasting includes all revenue covering domestic and international television and radio rights. Broadc! asting revenue including, in some cases, prize money received by it in respect of the various competitions.

Matchday

The Company generates revenue during the matchday from the Old Trafford, a sports venue.

Other Matchday revenue includes matchday catering, event parking, program sales as well as membership and travel, Manchester United Museum revenue and a share of the ticket revenue from away matches in domestic cup competitions. Matchday revenue also includes revenue from other events hosted at Old Trafford, including other sporting events (including football matches as part of the London 2012 Olympic Games and the annual Rugby Super League Grand Final), music concerts and entertainment events.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Trista Kelley]

  Science in Sport was created by cycling enthusiast Tim Lawson in a kitchen in 1992 and was bought by Provexis two years ago. About 60 percent of sales come from cyclists, though the brand has been raising its profile among other athletes with help from the London Olympics last year and from Wimbledon champion and Go gel user Andy Murray. SiS has also widened its appeal to soccer fans, supplying products to Manchester United Plc (MANU) players, Moon said.

• [By Rich Smith]

  Three months later and an ocean away, another "football" team, British soccer club Manchester United (NYSE: MANU  ) , had a different story to tell. On Monday, April 22, 2013, Man Utd claimed their 20th league title, beating Aston Villa 3-0 to win the English Premier League Championship�.

Hot Defensive Companies To Own For 2014: Big Tree Group Inc (BIGG)

Big Tree Group Inc., formerly Transax International Limited (Transax), incorporated on January 28, 1987, is engaged in the business of toys sourcing, distribution and contractual manufacturing targeting international and domestic distributors and customers in the toys industry. The Company's main business focus is to function as a one stop shop for the sourcing, distribution and specialty manufacturing of toys and related products. The Company conducts these operations through both its BT Brunei and BT Shantou subsidiaries.

The Company sources a wide variety of more than 300,000 toys made of plastic, wood, metal, wool, and electronic materials, primarily targeting at children from infants to teenagers. These toys include, but are not limited to, infant appliances, games, balls, dolls, stuffed toys, transformers, racing track sets, play sets, water toys, and educational toys. The offered toys can be operated by battery, manual power, wire control, remote control, voice control, infrared ray control, and other applications.

The Company's Big Tree Magic Puzzle (3D) cater to consumers ranging from minor children to adults. Big Tree Magic Puzzle (3D) consists of 18 assembly parts made of ABS environmental-friendly plastic materials in multiple shapes including, but not limited to, squares, triangles, right-angled connectors, etc. The Big Tree Magic Puzzle (3D) adopts a plug-in design that goes beyond the traditional planar and linear plug-in to achieve the transformations among the common and unconventional shapes such as diamond, sphere and dynamic warping, etc. Each assembly part offers 10 color choices that encourage children to learn colors and shapes in an interesting and attractive playing environment. The Company has developed over 10 series of Big Tree Magic Puzzle (3D) including about 200 product items.

The Company's customers for the Company's toy sourcing business consist of distributors, trading companies, and wholesalers primarily located in mainland Chi! na, Hong Kong, Europe, South America, Asia and the United States. The Company's Big Tree Magic Puzzle (3D) is marketed directly to consumers in China through the Company's sales locations in Dennis Department Stores and its online store at Taobao Mall (www. Tmall.com).

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks Drinks Americas Holdings, Ltd (OTCMKTS: DKAM), 7 Star Entertainment Inc (OTCMKTS: SAEE), Rising India Inc (OTCMKTS: RSII) and Big Tree Group Inc (OTCMKTS: BIGG) have all been attracting attention thanks to paid promotions. Of course, there is nothing wrong with properly disclosed and paid for promotions or investor relation activities, but they can backfire on unwary investors and traders alike. So are stock promoters blowing a bunch of hot air regarding these four small cap stocks or are they actually potential winners? Here is a quick reality check to help you decide:

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks To Buy For 2015

Diversified machinery manufacturer Dover Corp. (DOV) responded favorably to renewed organic sales growth, improving margins, and an improved outlook for its Communications Technologies business.

From Diamond Hill Capital (Trades, Portfolio) Large Cap Fund third quarter 2013 commentary.

Also check out: Diamond Hill Capital Undervalued Stocks Diamond Hill Capital Top Growth Companies Diamond Hill Capital High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Diamond Hill Capital keeps buying

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Top 10 Undervalued Stocks To Buy For 2015: Dollar Tree Inc.(DLTR)

Dollar Tree, Inc. operates discount variety stores in the United States and Canada. Its stores offer merchandise primarily at the fixed price of $1.00. The company operates its stores under the names of Dollar Tree, Deal$, Dollar Tree Deal$, Dollar Giant, and Dollar Bills. Its stores offer consumable merchandise, including candy and food, and health and beauty care, as well as household consumables, such as paper, plastics, household chemicals, in select stores, and frozen and refrigerated food; variety merchandise, which includes toys, durable housewares, gifts, party goods, greeting cards, softlines, and other items; and seasonal goods, such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas merchandise. As of April 30, 2011, it operated 4,089 stores in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as well as 88 stores in Canada. The company was founded in 1986 and is based in Chesapeake, Virginia.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Terri Stridsberg]

  Dollar Tree (DLTR), has had a banner 2013, gaining 45.3% year-to-date, and tagging a new record high of $59.68. Nevertheless, short interest skyrocketed by close to 398% over the most recent reporting period, and now accounts for a healthy 6.7% of the equity's available float.

• [By reports.droy]

  As the competitive ground in dollar-stores intensifies in the U.S., the No. 3 dollar-store, Dollar Tree�(DLTR), first placed a bid to acquire Family Dollar for $8.5 billion. This created some tension among the top brass of Dollar General who placed a counter-bid of $9 billion (excluding debt) for Family Dollar ��knowing well that if Family Dollar accepted the bid, then it would become a giant with over 13,000 stores in North America with the revenue swelling to over $18 billion.

• [By Richard Stavros]

  For example, Dollar General (NYSE: DG), the nation’s largest dollar-store chain with 11,100 locations, offered a weak profit outlook in the early part of the year after reporting weak fourth-quarter sales. And Dollar Tree (Nasdaq: DLTR), which operates about 5,000 locations, missed profit expectations for the holiday quarter in February. What has happened to the American consumer? Even McDonald�� sales were flat in April.

• [By Ben Eisen]

  Perpetually struggling department store J.C. Penney Co. (JCP) �said it expects a sales boost this holiday season as it returns to a promotional strategy. But for the most part, retailers including Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR) �, GameStop Corp. (GME) � and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) � gave dour outlooks in their earnings reports.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks To Buy For 2015: Caterpillar Inc.(CAT)

Caterpillar Inc. manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. It operates through three lines of businesses: Machinery, Engines, and Financial Products. The Machinery business offers construction, mining, and forestry machinery, including track and wheel tractors, track and wheel loaders, pipelayers, motor graders, wheel tractor-scrapers, track and wheel excavators, backhoe loaders, log skidders, log loaders, off-highway trucks, articulated trucks, paving products, skid steer loaders, underground mining equipment, tunnel boring equipment, and related parts. It also manufactures diesel-electric locomotives; and manufactures and services rail-related products and logistics services for other companies. The Engines business provides diesel, heavy fuel, and natural gas reciprocating engines for Caterpillar machinery, electric power generation systems, marine, petrol eum, construction, industrial, agricultural, and other applications. It offers industrial turbines and turbine-related services for oil and gas, and power generation applications. This business also remanufactures Caterpillar engines, machines, and engine components; and offers remanufacturing services for other companies. The Financial Products business provides retail and wholesale financing alternatives for Caterpillar machinery and engines, solar gas turbines, and other equipment and marine vessels, as well as offers loans and various forms of insurance to customers and dealers. It also offers financing for vehicles, power generation facilities, and marine vessels. The company markets its products directly, as well as through its distribution centers, dealers, and distributors. It was formerly known as Caterpillar Tractor Co. and changed its name to Caterpillar Inc. in 1986. Caterpillar Inc. was founded in 1925 and is headquartered in Peoria, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jennifer Liberto]

  Conservative Republicans groups like the Heritage Foundation and the libertarian Cato Institute have said the Ex-Im Bank is corporate welfare, because giant companies like Boeing, General Electric, Caterpillar (CAT) and Bechtel account for most of the dollars loaned by the bank.

5 Best Quality Stocks To Invest In 2015: Tupperware Corporation(TUP)

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

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Johanna Bennett]

  Corporate earnings took a back seat today to the Fed�� latest policy decision. Still, quarterly financial results, and other news sent shares of McCormick & Co. (MKC) and Tupperware (TUP), falling during regular market hours�Here�� a rundown of several of today�� moves:

• [By James Brumley]

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

  Dividend Stocks to Buy: Tupperware Brands (TUP)

  Dividend Yield: 3.2%

• [By John Udovich]

  Everyone is familiar with�the Tupperware brand from�consumer products stock Tupperware Brands Corporation (NYSE: TUP) and you are probably familiar with the brands�of mid cap stock Jarden Corp (NYSE: JAH) along with small cap stocks Libbey Inc (NYSEMKT: LBY) and Lifetime Brands Inc (NASDAQ: LCUT); but what about the stocks themselves? Chances are, their brands or products are right under your nose at home and you probably don�� know anything about the mid cap or small cap stock behind them.

• [By Jonathan Berr]

  Multilevel marketing (MLM) groups such as Herbalife operate through independent sales representatives, who earn money both through the sales of product and by recruiting other people to join their team. This business model — which is used by scores of companies, including�Pampered Chef, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), Tupperware (TUP) and Mary Kay Cosmetics — is legal provided that actual products are sold.

Top 10 Undervalued Stocks To Buy For 2015: Schlumberger N.V.(SLB)

Schlumberger Limited, together with its subsidiaries, supplies technology, integrated project management, and information solutions to the oil and gas exploration and production industries worldwide. The company?s Oilfield Services segment provides exploration and production services; wireline technology that offers open-hole and cased-hole services; supplies engineering support, directional-drilling, measurement-while-drilling, and logging-while-drilling services; and testing services. This segment also offers well services; supplies well completion services and equipment; artificial lift; data and consulting services; geo services; and information solutions, such as consulting, software, information management system, and IT infrastructure services that support oil and gas industry. Its WesternGeco segment provides reservoir imaging, monitoring, and development services; and operates data processing centers and multiclient seismic library. This segment also offers variou s services include 3D and time-lapse (4D) seismic surveys to multi-component surveys for delineating prospects and reservoir management. The company?s M-I SWACO segment supplies drilling fluid systems to improve drilling performance; fluid systems and specialty tools to optimize wellbore productivity; production technology solutions to maximize production rates; and environmental solutions that manages waste volumes generated in drilling and production operations. Its Smith Oilfield segment designs, manufactures, and markets drill bits and borehole enlargement tools; and supplies drilling tools and services, tubular, completion services, and other related downhole solutions. The company?s Distribution segment markets pipes, valves, and fittings, as well as mill, safety, and other maintenance products. This segment also provides warehouse management, vendor integration, and inventory management services. Schlumberger Limited was founded in 1927 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Richard Moroney, Editor, Dow Theory Forecasts]

  Founded in 1926, Schlumberger (SLB), operates in all major facets of oilfield services, essentially covering the lifespan of reservoirs that house natural gas and oil.

• [By David Smith]

  As June came to an end, the company finalized a joint venture, OneSubsea, with Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB  ) . The intriguing partnership -- in which Cameron has a 60% interest, with the remainder Schlumberger's -- will develop products, systems, and services for the subsea oil and gas market.

Hot Growth Stocks To Buy Right Now

LONDON -- Dividend income accounts for around two-thirds of total returns, the actual rate of return taking into account both capital and income appreciation. Given that share prices are often volatile and unpredictable, the potential for plump dividends can give shareholders much-needed peace of mind for decent returns.

I am currently looking at the dividend prospects of�SSE� (LSE: SSE  ) and assessing whether the company is an appetizing pick for income investors.

How does�SSE's dividend history stack up?

� 2009 2010 2011 2012 FY Dividend Per Share 66p 70p 75p 80.1p DPS Growth 9.1% 6.1% 7.1% 6.8% Dividend Cover 1.6x 1.6x 1.5x 1.4x

Source: SSE Company Accounts

Providing chunky shareholder payouts is ingrained in power play SSE's DNA. The company has been a dependable deliverer of dividend growth dating back to 1999, and has punched mid-to-high-digit-percentage growth over the past five years. The company's commitment to maximizing shareholder returns is illustrated by last year's dividend, the growth of which outstripped a 0.4% earnings per share (EPS) increase.

5 Best Undervalued Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Nordstrom Inc.(JWN)

Nordstrom, Inc., a fashion specialty retailer, offers apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories for women, men, and children in the United States. It offers a selection of brand name and private label merchandise. The company sells its products through various channels, including Nordstrom full-line stores, off-price Nordstrom Rack stores, Jeffrey? boutiques, treasure & bond, and Last Chance clearance stores; and its online store, nordstrom.com, as well as through catalog. Nordstrom also provides a private label card, two Nordstrom VISA credit cards, and a debit card for Nordstrom purchases. The company?s credit and debit cards feature a shopping-based loyalty program. As of September 30, 2011, it operated 222 stores, including 117 full-line stores, 101 Nordstrom Racks, 2 Jeffrey boutiques, 1 treasure & bond store, and 1 clearance store in 30 states. The company was founded in 1901 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Stifel’s Dave Lutz calls retail “the main anchor on the tape today”– and we know what’s been happening with retail. Department stores are off about 1.5% as JC Penney (JCP), and Nordstrom (JWN) fall. Momentum stocks like Celgene (CELG), too, are also sagging. Add in a strengthening yen, and falling bond yields, and there you go.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Top Headline
  Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) reported upbeat third-quarter net income.

  Nordstrom's quarterly net income declined to $137 million, or $0.69 per share, from $146 million, or $0.71 per share, in the year-earlier period.

• [By Robert Martin]

  Deutsche Bank�(DB) analysts, for example, expect the department store space overall to struggle this holiday season in the face of declining mall traffic and overall spending that is lackluster. That means they expect stronger stores like�Macy’s�(M)�and�Nordstrom�(JWN) to post even lower earnings, and flailing JCPenney to post an even wider loss.

• [By Sue Chang and Saumya Vaishampayan]

  Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) �shares rose 3.2%. The retailer on Wednesday announced plans to close underperforming stores in Portland, Ore. and Vancouver, Wash. The closures will affect about 280 employees.

Hot Growth Stocks To Buy Right Now: Crocs Inc.(CROX)

Crocs, Inc. and its subsidiaries engage in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, and distribution of footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. The company primarily offers casual and athletic shoes, and shoe charms. It also designs and sells a range of footwear and accessories that utilize its proprietary closed cell-resin, called Croslite. The company?s footwear products include boots, sandals, sneakers, mules, and flats. In addition, it provides footwear products for the hospital, restaurant, hotel, and hospitality markets, as well as general foot care and diabetic-needs markets. Further, the company offers leather and ethylene vinyl acetate based footwear, sandals, and printed apparels principally for the beach, adventure, and action sports markets; and accessories comprising snap-on charms. The company sells its products through the United States and international retailers and distributors, as well as directly to end-user consumers th rough its company-operated retail stores, outlets, kiosks, and Web stores primarily under the Crocs Work, Crocs Rx, Jibbitz, Ocean Minded, and YOU by Crocs brand names. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 164 retail kiosks located in malls and other high foot traffic areas; 138 retail stores; 76 outlet stores; and 46 Web stores. Crocs, Inc. operates in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company was formerly known as Western Brands, LLC and changed its name to Crocs, Inc. in January 2005. Crocs, Inc. was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Niwot, Colorado.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Shares of Deckers Outdoor have dropped 13% to $73.90, while Crocs (CROX) has gained 0.8% to $15.24, Steve Madden (SHOO) has dropped 0.1% to $36.52, Wolverine World Wide (WWW) has fallen 1.2% to $126.36 and Skechers (SKX) has fallen 1.6% to $33.82.

• [By Dividends4Life]

  Memberships and Peers: NKE is a member of the S&P 500 and a member of the Broad Dividend Achievers��Index. The company's peer group includes: Crocs Inc. (CROX) with a 0.0% yield, Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) with a 0.0% yield and Wolverine World Wide Inc. (WWW) with a 0.4% yield.

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  What: Shares of plastic shoe specialist Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX  ) plummeted 21% today after its quarterly results and outlook easily missed Wall Street expectations.

Hot Growth Stocks To Buy Right Now: Delphi Financial Group Inc. (DFG)

Delphi Financial Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated employee benefit services. The company operates in two segments, Group Employee Benefit Products and Asset Accumulation Products. The Group Employee Benefit Products segment provides disability, group life, and excess workers? compensation insurance products to small and mid-sized employers. It also offers travel accident, voluntary accidental death and dismemberment, group dental, and limited benefit health insurance products, as well as assumed workers? compensation and casualty reinsurance. This segment markets its group products to employer-employee groups and associations in various industries primarily through independent brokers and agents. The Asset Accumulation Products segment primarily offers fixed annuities, such as single premium deferred annuities, flexible premium annuities, and multi-year interest guarantee products to individuals through networks of independent insurance agen ts. The company also provides integrated disability and absence management services, including event reporting, leave of absence management, claims and case management, and return to work management. Delphi Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1987 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  Some of Elliott Management�� top equity positions in the first quarter 2012 are Brocade Communications Systems (BRCD), Delphi Automotive (DFG), Iron Mountain (IRM) and News Corp. (NWS).

Hot Growth Stocks To Buy Right Now: Eastern Insurance Holdings Inc.(EIHI)

Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides workers compensation insurance and reinsurance products in the United States. The company?s Workers Compensation Insurance segment provides traditional workers compensation insurance coverage products, including guaranteed cost policies, policyholder dividend policies, retrospectively-rated policies, deductible policies, and alternative market products to employers. This segment distributes its workers? compensation products and services through its independent insurance agents primarily in Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, Maryland, Indiana, and Virginia. Its Segregated Portfolio Cell Reinsurance segment offers alternative market workers compensation solutions comprising program design, fronting, claims administration, risk management, segregated portfolio cell rental, asset management, and segregated portfolio management services to individual companies, groups, and associations. Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  ProAssurance Corp.(PRA) agreed to acquire Eastern Insurance Holdings Inc.(EIHI) for about $205 million, expanding the insurance company’s casualty insurance offerings. Eastern Insurance is a domestic casualty insurance group specializing in workers’ compensation products and services, among other things. ProAssurance plans to pay $24.50 in cash for each outstanding Eastern share, a 16% premium over Monday’s closing price.

Hot Growth Stocks To Buy Right Now: CNO Financial Group Inc. (CNO)

CNO Financial Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the development, marketing, and administration of health insurance, annuity, individual life insurance, and other insurance products for senior and middle-income markets in the United States. The company markets and distributes Medicare supplement insurance, interest-sensitive and traditional life insurance, fixed annuities, and long-term care insurance products; Medicare advantage plans through a distribution arrangement with Humana Inc.; and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans through a distribution and reinsurance arrangement with Coventry Health Care. It also markets and distributes supplemental health, including specified disease, accident, and hospital indemnity insurance products; and life insurance to middle-income consumers at home and the worksite through independent marketing organizations and insurance agencies. In addition, the company markets primarily graded benefit and simplified issue life insurance products directly to customers through television advertising, direct mail, Internet, and telemarketing. It sells its products through career agents, independent producers, direct marketing, and sales managers. CNO Financial Group, Inc. has strategic alliances with Coventry and Humana. The company was formerly known as Conseco, Inc. and changed its name to CNO Financial Group, Inc. in May 2010. CNO Financial Group, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By David Fried, Editor, The Buyback Letter]

  Insurance holding company CNO Financial Group (CNO) and its insurance subsidiaries��rincipally Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Washington National, and Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company��erve pre-retiree and retired Americans.

Hot Growth Stocks To Buy Right Now: Buffalo Wild Wings Inc.(BWLD)

Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc. engages in the ownership, operation, and franchise of restaurants in the United States. The company provides quick casual and casual dining services, as well as serves bottled beers, wines, and liquor. As of July 26, 2011, it had 773 Buffalo Wild Wings locations in 45 states in the United States, as well as in Canada. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Garrett Cook]

  Buffalo Wild Wings (NASDAQ: BWLD) was down, falling 14.45 percent to $142.99 despite the company beating Q2 expectations and raising its 2014 outlook. Wunderlich Securities analyst Robert M. Derrington lowered the price target on the stock from $180.00 to $170.00.