Best Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2015

Best Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2015: Philip Morris International Inc(PM)

Philip Morris International Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in markets outside of the United States. Its international product brand line comprises Marlboro, Merit, Parliament, Virginia Slims, L&M, Chesterfield, Bond Street, Lark, Muratti, Next, Philip Morris, and Red & White. The company also offers its products under the A Mild, Dji Sam Soe, and A Hijau in Indonesia; Diana in Italy; Optima and Apollo-Soyuz in the Russian Federation; Morven Gold in Pakistan; Boston in Colombia; Belmont, Canadian Classics, and Number 7 in Canada; Best and Classic in Serbia; f6 in Germany; Delicados in Mexico; Assos in Greece; and Petra in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It operates primarily in the European Union, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. The company is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Victor Selva]

  Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) manufactures and markets cigarettes outside the U.S. in 180 countries. The company麓s plan is to introduce new packaging, new blends and other line extensions. A key driver of the company is the strong market share and the economies of scale. Also, the company has combated unfavorable tax regulations with price increases, showing a good price-elasticity.

• [By GuruFocus]

  Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) Reached the 52-Week Low of $80.78

  The prices of Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) shares have declined to close to the 52-week low of $80.78, which is 16.5% off the 52-week high of $96.73. Philip Morris International Inc. is owned by 33 Gurus we are tracking. Among them, 17 have added to their positions during the past quarter. Seven reduced their positions. Philip Morris International Inc. is a Virginia holding company first incorporated in 1987. Philip Morris International Inc. has! a market cap of $129.42 billion; its shares were traded at around $80.78 with a P/E ratio of 15.20 and P/S ratio of 1.70. The dividend yield of Philip Morris International Inc. stocks is 4.40%. Philip Morris International Inc. had an annual average earnings growth of 14.50% over the past five years.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/best-blue-chip-stocks-to-invest-in-2015.html

Celgene: Why There’s Upside

If Celgene (CELG) were a Beach Boy, it would be David Marks, who left the band and missed out on all the fun.

This year, Celgene has dropped 9.9%, even as other giant biotech companies like Biogen Idec (BIIB), Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) has gained 7% or more. Even the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has managed to stay above water despite big March losses.

Part of Celgene’s weakness can be attributed to the battle over Revlimid, which is facing a patent challenge. UBS analyst Matthew Roden and team explain why they’re sticking with Celgene:

We spoke to the company and a legal expert following the Markman order this week, and continue to believe that a 2025-27 Revlimid patent duration is likely (which in our opinion is not priced in). Our Buy thesis on Celgene is unchanged, as it trades at a considerable discount to its DCF until the legal case is resolved 2014-1H15e, as well as other catalysts that we believe can drive upside to
numbers…

Apart from a possible settlement, we believe upside can be driven by a good Otezla launch and ph3 data in ankylosing spondylitis (1H14), as well as Revlimid and Vidaza label expansion studies. Indeed we are considerably higher than consensus 2015-17.

Shares of Celgene have slipped 0.4% to $152.68 at 2:09 p.m. today, while Biogen Idec has dipped 0.3% to $319.04, Gilead Sciences has fallen 1.4% to $80.90 and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has ticked up 0.2% to $306.76. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF has dropped 1.2% to $132.12.

Top 5 Consumer Service Companies To Buy Right Now

Top 5 Consumer Service Companies To Buy Right Now: SunPower Corp (SPWR)

SunPower Corporation, incorporated in April 1985, is a vertically integrated solar products and services company that designs, manufactures and delivers solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial, and utility-scale power plant customers. The Company operates in two business segments: the Utility and Power Plants (UPP) Segment and the Residential and Commercial (R&C) Segment. The UPP Segment refers to its solar products and systems business, which includes power plant project development and project sales, turn-key engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for power plant construction, and power plant operations and maintenance (O&M) services. UPP Segment also sells components, including huge volume of sales of solar panels and mounting systems to third parties, sometimes on a multi-year, firm commitment basis. The R&C Segment focuses on solar equipment sales into the residential and small commercial market through its third-party global dea ler network, as well as direct sales and EPC and O&M services in the United States and Europe for rooftop and ground-mounted solar power systems for the new homes, commercial and public sectors. In May 2012, K Road Power Holdings, LLC (K Road) and SunPower Corp announced that K Road acquired the 25-megawatt (AC) McHenry Solar Project, which the Company designed. In January 2013, the Company MidAmerican Solar acquired the 579-megawatt Antelope Valley Solar Projects (AVSP), two co-located projects in Kern and Los Angeles Counties in Calif from SunPower.

In January 2012, the Company completed its acquisition of the wholly owned Total SA subsidiary Tenesol SA, a global solar provider. In September 2011, NRG Energy Inc. acquired 250 megawatt California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) project from SunPower. In June 2011, the Company introduced SunPower E20 Series Solar Panel (E20) series. The Companys customers in its UPP Segment include investors, f! inancial institutions , project developers, electric utilities, and independent po! wer producers in the United States, Europe, and Asia. In its R&C Segment, the Company primarily sells its products to commercial and governmental entities, production home builders, and its third-party global dealer network serving residential owners and small commercial building owners.

Solar Cells

The A-300 solar cell is a silicon solar cell with a specified power value of 3.1 watts and a conversion efficiency averaging between 20.0% and 21.5%. The Companys A-330 solar cell delivers 3.3 watts with a conversion efficiency of up to 22.7%.

Solar Panels

The Companys SunPower solar panel series include solutions, such as SunPower E18 Series Solar Panel (E18), SunPower E19 Series Solar Panel (E19), and SunPower E20 Series Solar Panel (E20). Available in a 72-cell configuration, the E18 series panel uses its A300 all back-contact solar cells and delivers a total panel conversion of 18.1% to 18.5%. Available in a 72, 96, and 128-cell configuration, the E19 series panel uses its A300 all back-contact solar cells and delivers total panel conversion of 19.3% to 19.7%. Available in a 96-cell configuration, the E20 series panel uses its A-330 all back-contact solar cells and delivers total panel conversion of up to 20.1%.

Inverters

The Company sells a line of SunPower branded inverters. The inverters are manufactured by third parties.

Roof Mounted Products

The roof mounted products include SunPower T-5 Solar Roof Tile System (T-5), SunPower T-10 Commercial Solar Roof Tiles (T-10), PowerGuard Roof System (PowerGuard) and SunTile Roof Integrated System (SunTile). Tilted at a 5-degree angle, the T-5 roof tile is a non-penetrating photovoltaic rooftop product that combines solar panel, frame, and mounting system. The T-5 solar roof tile systems are primarily sold through its R&C Segment.

Tilted at a 10-degree angle! , the T-1! 0 commercial solar roof tiles is a non-penetrating panel interlock system! . Dependi! ng on geographical location and local climate conditions, this can allow for the generation of up to 10% more annual energy output than traditional flat roof-mounted systems. The T-10 commercial solar roof tile is primarily sold through its R&C Segment.

PowerGuard is a non-penetrating roof-mounted solar panel that delivers electricity while insulating and protecting the roof membrane from ultraviolet rays and thermal degradation. The PowerGuard roof system is primarily sold through its R&C Segment. SunTile solar shingles are designed to replace multiple types of roof panels, including the common concrete flat, low and high profile S tile and composition shingles. The SunTile roof system is also sold through its R&C Segment.

Ground Mounted Products

The ground mounted products include SunPower T-0 Tracker (T-0) & SunPower T-20 Tracker (T-20), SunPower Oasis Power Plant (SunPower Oasis), SunPower C-7 Tracker (C-7), and Fixed Tilt and SunPo wer Tracker Systems for Parking Structures. The T-0 and T-20 trackers are single-axis tracking systems that automatically pivot solar panels to track the sun's movement throughout the day. This tracking feature increases the amount of sunlight that is captured and converted into energy by up to 30% over flat or fixed-tilt systems, depending on geographic location and local climate conditions. A single motor and drive mechanism can control 10 to 20 rows, or more than 200 kilo watts of solar panels. The T-0 and T-20 trackers have been installed in a range of geographical markets principally in the United States, Germany, Italy, Portugal, South Korea, and Spain. The T-0 and T-20 trackers are sold through both its UPP and R&C Segments.

The Oasis is a solar power block that scales from 1 mega watts distributed installations to central station power plants. Oasis provides a way to deploy utility-scale solar power systems, streaming the! developm! ent and construction pr ocess while optimizing the use of available land. The SunPow! er Oasis ! is sold through its UPP Segment. The C-7 combines a horizontal single-axis tracker with rows of parabolic mirrors, reflecting light onto linear arrays of its solar cells. The C-7 tracker is sold through its UPP Segment. SunPower has developed designs for solar power systems for parking structures in multiple configurations. These dual-use systems typically incorporate solar panels into the roof of a carport or similar structure to deliver onsite solar power while providing shade and protection. They are suited for parking lots adjacent to facilities. Fixed Tilt and SunPower Tracker Systems for parking structures are sold through both its UPP and R&C Segments.

Other System Offerings

SunPowers metal roof system is designed for sloped-metal roof buildings, which are used in some winery and warehouse applications. This solar power system is designed for rapid installation. It also offers other architectural products, such as day lighting with translu cent solar panels.

Balance of System Components

Balance of system components are components of a solar power system other than the solar panels. It includes SunPower branded inverters, mounting structures, charge controllers, grid interconnection equipment, and other devices depending on the specific requirements of a particular system and project.

The Company competes with Canadian Solar Inc., JA Solar Holdings Co., Kyocera Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Q-Cells AG, Sanyo Corporation, Sharp Corporation, SolarCity Corporation, SolarWorld AG, Sungevity, Inc., SunRun, Inc., Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd., Trina Solar Ltd., Yingli Green Energy Holding Co. Ltd., Abengoa Solar S.A., Acconia Energia S.A., AES Solar Energy Ltd., Chevron Energy Solutions, EDF Energy plc, First Solar Inc., NextEra Energy, Inc., OPDE Group, NRG Energy, Inc., Recurrent Energy, Sempra Energy, Skyline Solar, Inc., Solar! gen Energ! y, Inc., Solaria Corporation, SolFocus, Inc., SunEdison and Tenaska, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  But First Solar has made some big moves toward boosting its efficiency. Its acquisition of TetraSun last month should help it move into the upper echelon of performance if its claims prove true, although even the most optimistic expectations would still leave rival SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR  ) with a nice efficiency advantage.

• [By Travis Hoium]

  Most solar going up in both states is the utility-scale variety, which makes for rapid expansion. Solar powerhouses First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR  ) and SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR  ) are turning large swaths of desert into power-generating assets in both states. First Solar is building the Desert Sunlight (550 MW) and Topaz Solar Farm (550 MW) in California and Agua Caliente (290 MW) in Arizona, while SunPower is building the 250 MW California Valley Solar Ranch in California (shown below).

• [By Travis Hoium]

  SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR  ) made a similar move in late May when it offered $300 million of convertible notes, due 2018. The notes carry a low interest rate of 0.75%, but can be converted into shares of SunPower stock at $24.95 per share if shares trade above that level by then. So, this wasn't a full-share sale like First Solar's announcement, but it's dilutive nonetheless.

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Most of the move in Trina's stock has come in just the past month, as two trends have really taken hold since April. First, U.S. companies First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR  ) and SunPower (NASDAQ: SPWR  ) have given rosy projections of their respective future prospects, as First Solar aims to improve its panels' efficiency through its acquisition of TetraSun, and SunPower has benefited from its industry-leading efficiency in boosting its profits. In addition, with the bond default earlier this year by S! untech Po! wer (NYSE: STP  ) , some believe that the Chinese government might allow weaker Chinese players to fail, which could potentially lead to reduced production and end what has been a crippling supply glut that has weighed on prices around the world.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-5-consumer-service-companies-to-buy-right-now.html

Top 5 Shipping Stocks To Invest In 2015

Top 5 Shipping Stocks To Invest In 2015: Brooks Automation Inc.(BRKS)

Brooks Automation, Inc. provides automation, vacuum, and instrumentation solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, and clean energy markets worldwide. The company?s Brooks Product Solutions segment provides a range of products critical to technology equipment productivity and availability. This segment?s products include atmospheric and vacuum tool automation systems, atmospheric and vacuum robots and robotic modules, and cryogenic vacuum pumping, thermal management, and vacuum measurement solutions, which are used to create, measure, and control critical process vacuum applications. Its Brooks Life Science Systems segment offers automated sample management systems, including automated sample storage, automated blood fractionation equipment, sample preparation and handling equipment, consumables, parts, and support services to various life science customers, including pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, biobanks, national laboratories, rese a rch institutes, and research universities. The company?s Brooks Global Services segment provides a range of support services, including on and off-site repair services, on and off-site diagnostic support services, and installation services to enable the customers to maximize process tool uptime and productivity. This segment also offers spare part support services to end-user customers. Brooks Automation, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  Brooks Automation Inc.'s(BRKS) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings fell 95% as the technology-products company’s revenue slipped on weak demand from semiconductor customers and a much smaller tax benefit. Results beat expectations, but the company gave a weak outlook for the first quarter. Shares edged lower.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-5-shipping-stocks-to-invest-in-2015.html

Top Income Companies For 2015

Top Income Companies For 2015: International Paper Co (IP)

International Paper Company (International Paper), incorporated on June 23, 1941, is a global paper and packaging company, with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Latin America, Russia, Asia and North Africa. The Company operates in four segments: Industrial Packaging, Printing Papers, Consumer Packaging and Distribution. As of December 31, 2012, in the United States, the Company operated 28 pulp, paper and packaging mills, 187 converting and packaging plants, 18 recycling plants and three bag facilities. Production facilities as of December 31, 2012 in Europe, Asia, Latin America and South America included 11 pulp, paper and packaging mills, 65 converting and packaging plants, and two recycling plants. It distribute printing, packaging, graphic arts, maintenance and industrial products principally through over 88 distribution branches in the United States and 32 distribution branches located in Canada, Mexico and Asia. As of December 31 , 2012, it owned or managed approximately 327,000 acres of forestland in Brazil and had, through licenses and forest management agreements, harvesting rights on government-owned forestlands in Russia. On July 2, 2012, it sold Ontario and Oxnard (Hueneme), California containerboard mills to New-Indy Containerboard LLC, and its New Johnsonville, Tennessee containerboard mill to Hood Container Corporation. On January 3, 2013, it acquired joint venture partner, Sabanci Holding.

Industrial Packaging

International Paper is a manufacturer of containerboard in the United States. Its production capacity is about 14 million tons annually. The Companys products include linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled linerboard, recycled medium and saturating kraft. About 80% of its production is converted domestically into corrugated boxes and other packaging by its 178 United States container plants. In addition, it recycles approximately one million tons o! f old co rrugated containers (OCC) and mixed and white paper through ! our 20 recycling plants. In Europe, our operations include one recycled fiber containerboard mill in Morocco and 20 container plants in France, Italy, Spain, and Morocco. In Asia, its operations include 19 container plants in China and additional container plants in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Its container plants are supported by regional design centers, which offer total packaging solutions and supply chain initiatives.

Printing Papers

International Paper is a producer of printing and writing papers. Products in this segment include uncoated and coated papers, uncoated bristols and pulp. This business produces papers for use in copiers, desktop and laser printers and digital imaging. End use applications include advertising and promotional materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail. Uncoated papers also produce a variety of grades that are converted by its customers into envelop es, tablets, business forms and file folders. Uncoated papers are sold under private label and International Paper brand names that include Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark, Accent, Great White, Chamex, Ballet, Rey, Pol and Svetocopy. The mills producing uncoated papers are located in the United States, France, Poland, Russia, Brazil and India. The mills have uncoated paper production capacity of approximately five million tons annually.

Pulp products include fluff, and southern softwood pulp, as well as southern and birch hardwood paper pulps. These products are produced in the United States, France, Poland, Russia, and Brazil and are sold around the world. International Paper facilities have annual dried pulp capacity of about 1.7 million tons.

Consumer Packaging

International Paper is a producer of solid bleached sulfate board with annual United States production capacity of about 1.7 million tons. Its co! ated pape! rboard business produces coated paperboard for a variety of packag! ing and c! ommercial printing end uses. Its Everest, Fortress, and Starcote brands are used in packaging applications for everyday products, such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, computer software and tobacco products. Its Carolina brand is used in commercial printing end uses, such as greeting cards, paperback book covers, lottery tickets, direct mail and point-of-purchase advertising. Its United States capacity is supplemented by about 365,000 tons of capacity at its mills producing coated board in Poland and Russia and by its International Paper & Sun Cartonboard Co., Ltd. joint venture in China, which has annual capacity of 1.0 million tons. Its Foodservice business produces cups, lids, food containers and plates through three domestic plants and four international facilities.

Distribution

xpedx, the Companys North American merchant distribution business, distributes products and services to a number of customer markets, including commercial printer s with printing papers and graphic pre-press, printing presses and post-press equipment; building services and away-from-home markets with facility supplies; manufacturers with packaging supplies and equipment, and to a number of customers, it provides distribution capabilities, including warehousing and delivery services. xpedx is the wholesale distribution marketer in these customer and product segments in North America, operating 108 warehouse locations in the United States and Mexico.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  International Paper Company (NYSE: IP) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

  J. C. Penney Co. Inc. (NYSE: JCP) was downgraded to Hold from Buy at Maxim Group.

• [By Dr. Duru]

  The U.S. Postal Service is engaged in a well-publicized battle for survival in this era of digitization. With the closure of its paper mill in Courtland, Alabama, Internat! ional Pap! er (IP) has further underlined the inexorable drive of digitization. On September 11, 2013, IP announced the following:

• [By Dividend]

  International Paper (IP) has a market capitalization of $21.11 billion. The company employs 70,000 people, generates revenue of $27.833 billion and has a net income of $693.00 million. International Papers earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounts to $3.377 billion. The EBITDA margin is 12.13 percent (the operating margin is 3.68 percent and the net profit margin 2.49 percent).

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Forestry products company International Paper (NYSE: IP  ) will pay a second-quarter dividend of $0.30 per share, the same rate it's paid for the past two quarters after it increased it 14% from $0.2625 per share, the company announced yesterday.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-income-companies-for-2015.html

Top 10 Long Term Companies To Buy For 2015

Top 10 Long Term Companies To Buy For 2015: Crosstex Energy Inc.(XTXI)

Crosstex Energy, Inc., through its partnership interests in Crosstex Energy, L.P., engages in the gathering, transmission, processing, and marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and crude oil in the United States. The company connects the wells of natural gas producers in its market areas to its gathering systems; processes natural gas for the removal of NGLs; fractionates NGLs; and markets and transports natural gas and NGLs. It also purchases natural gas from natural gas producers and other supply sources; and sells that natural gas to utilities, industrial consumers, other marketers, and pipelines. In addition, the company operates processing plants that process gas transported to the plants by interstate pipelines or from its own gathering systems. Further, it purchases natural gas from producers not connected to its gathering systems for resale, as well as sells natural gas on behalf of producers; and through its crude oil terminal facilities in south L ouisiana provides access for crude oil producers. As of February 8, 2012, the company operated approximately 3,300 miles of pipeline, 9 processing plants, and 3 fractionators. Crosstex Energy, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Stocks on the Move: Crosstex Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: XTXI) is up 71.5% at $35.33 on a merger with Devon Energy Corp. (NYSE: DVN). Crosstex Energy LP (NASDAQ: XTEX) is up 33.9% at $27.25 on the same news. Voxeljet AG (NYSE: VJET) is up 22.7% at $35.34. J.C. Penney Co. Inc. (NYSE: JCP) is down 8.4% at $6.42, after posting another record low today.

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Crosstex Energys (XTXI) shares are up 59.4% at $32.84 after posting a new 52-week high of $34.21. Crosstex Energy LPs (XTEX) shares are up 38% at $28.08 after putting up a new high of $29.50 earlier.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Util! ities sector was the only decliner in the US market today. Top losers in the sector included UIL Holdings (NYSE: UIL), off 2.1 percent, and Crosstex Energy (NASDAQ: XTXI), down 2.2 percent.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Utilities sector was the only decliner in the US market today. Top losers in the sector included UIL Holdings (NYSE: UIL), off 2.1 percent, and Crosstex Energy (NASDAQ: XTXI), down 2.2 percent.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-10-long-term-companies-to-buy-for-2015.html

Top 10 Logistics Companies For 2015

Top 10 Logistics Companies For 2015: Education Realty Trust Inc. (EDR)

Education Realty Trust, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT), develops, acquires, owns, and manages student housing communities located near university campuses in the United States. It also provides third-party management services, including residence life and student development, marketing, leasing administration, strategic relationships, information systems, and accounting services for student housing communities owned by educational institutions and charitable foundations. In addition, the company offers third-party development consulting services, such as market analysis and evaluation of housing needs and options; co-operation with university in architectural design; negotiation of ground lease, development agreement, construction contract, architectural contract, and bond documents; oversight of architectural design process; co-ordination of governmental and university plan approvals; oversight of construction process; design, purchase, and installation of fu rniture; pre-opening marketing to students; and obtaining final approvals of construction. It provides its third-party development consulting services primarily to universities seeking to modernize their on-campus student housing communities, as well as to other third-party investors. As of December 31, 2009, the company owned 40 student housing communities located in 19 states containing 25,454 beds in 7,813 apartment units located near 35 universities. It also provided third-party management services for 20 student housing communities located in 9 states containing 10,186 beds in 3,272 apartment units at 16 universities. The company qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, it would not be subject to federal corporate income tax if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders. The company was founded in 1964 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monic! a Wolfe]

  Education Realty Trust (EDR)
  
  Over the past week two insiders made some buys. Both the CEO as well as the companys CFO made these buys.

  Executive VP, CFO and Treasurer Randall Brown bought 5,500 shares at $9.04 per share. This cost him a total of $49,720. The price per share has increased 1.44% since then. Brown now holds on to 99,346 shares of company stock.

• [By Rich Duprey]

  College dorm room operatorEducation Realty Trust (NYSE: EDR  ) announced today its second-quarter dividend of $0.11 per share, a 10% hike in the payout of $0.10 per share that it made last quarter.

source from Top Penny Stocks For 2015:http://www.seekpennystocks.com/top-10-logistics-companies-for-2015.html

Top Financial Stocks To Buy Right Now

Top Financial Stocks To Buy Right Now: Investment Technology Group Inc (ITG)

Investment Technology Group, Inc. (ITG), incorporated on March 10, 1994, is an independent execution and research broker that partners with global portfolio managers and traders to provide data-driven insights throughout the investment process. It operates in three segments: United States Operations, Canadian Operations, European Operations and Asia Pacific Operations. The United States Operations segment provides electronic and trade execution, trade order and execution management, network connectivity, analytical products and investment research services. The Canadian and Asia Pacific Operations segments provide electronic and high-touch trade execution, trade execution management, network connectivity, analytical products and investment research services. The European Operations segment provides electronic and high-touch trade execution, trade order and execution management, network connectivity and analytical products and includes a technology research and development facility in Israel.

ITG offers a range of solutions for asset managers in the areas of electronic brokerage, research sales and trading, trading platforms and analytics. These offerings include trade execution services and solutions for portfolio management, as well as investment research, pre-trade analytics and post-trade analytics and processing. Its principal subsidiaries include: ITG Inc., AlterNet Securities, Inc., ITG Derivatives LLC, Investment Technology Group Limited, ITG Australia Limited, ITG Canada Corp., ITG Hong Kong Limited, ITG Software Solutions, Inc. and ITG Solutions Network, Inc.

Electronic Brokerage

ITG electronic brokerage services include self-directed trading using algorithms, smart routing and matching through POSIT in cash equities (including single stocks and portfolio lists), futures and options! . ITG Algorithms and ITG Smart Router offer portfolio managers and traders a way to trade orders quickly, from any ITG Execution Management System (EMS) or ITG Order Managemen! t System (OMS) and third-party trading platforms. ITG Algorithms help users pursue execution through two suites: ITG Single Stock Algorithms and ITG List-Based Algorithms. ITG Smart Router offers an alternative to routing trades that can help capture liquidity with a combination of speed and confidentiality. These routers continuously scan markets for liquidity with an emphasis on trading without displaying the order.

POSIT Alert is a buyside-only block crossing mechanism within POSIT. POSIT Alert scans uncommitted shares from participating clients. When a crossing opportunity is detected, POSIT Alert notifies the relevant users that a matching opportunity exists. POSIT Marketplace provides access to POSIT liquidity, the dark pools of other ATSs, and certain exchange hidden order types. POSIT Marketplace is a dark pool aggregator that provides clients with access to a range of liquidity destinations. POSIT Marketplace uses advanced quantitative techniques in an effort to protect clients from gaming and to interact with quality liquidity. ITG Derivatives provides electronic-listed futures and options trading, including algorithmic trading and direct market access. ITG offers options features for traders employing volatility or delta-neutral strategies and also provides low-latency application programming interfaces.

ITG offers guidance, administration, and consolidation of client commission arrangements across the range of preferred brokerage and research providers of its clients using ITG Commission Manager, a robust, multi-asset Web-based commission management portal. Through stock borrow and stock loan transactions, ITG facilitates shortened or extended settlement periods to help clients meet their internal cash flow needs.

Research Sales & Trading

ITG provides unbiased,! data-dri! ven equity research through its ITG Investment Research subsidiary. This offering has expanded ITG's client relat ionships beyond the trading desk to chief investment officer! s, portfo! lio managers and analysts. ITG Market Research offers market research capabilities to corporate clients within the healthcare and telecom industries. The healthcare market research practice combines survey results with empirical data to deliver syndicated and custom reporting capabilities. ITG provides high-touch sales trading and portfolio trading for institutional clients. ITG's high-touch trading desk is staffed with experienced trading professionals who provide ITG clients with execution expertise and also convey trading ideas based on ITG Investment Research.

Trading Platforms

ITG EMSs are designed to meet the needs of disparate trading styles. Triton Derivatives is a broker-neutral direct access EMS that provides traders with access to scalable, low-latency, multi-asset trading opportunities. ITG OMS combines portfolio management, compliance functionality (ITG Compliance Monitoring System), trading and post-trade processing (ITG Trade Operat ions Outsourcing), and a fully integrated and supported financial services communications network (ITG Net) with a consolidated, outsourced service for global trade matching and settlement (ITG Trade Operations Outsourcing) that provides connectivity to the industry's post-trade utilities, support for multiple, flexible settlement communications methods and a real-time process monitor. ITG Net is a global financial communications network that provides secure, reliable and fully supported connectivity between buy-side and sell-side firms for order routing and indication-of-interest messages from ITG and third-party trading platforms.

ITG's commitment to execution platforms also extends to broker-neutral operational services to help ensure that trades clear and settle efficiently, and to significantly lower the transaction costs assoc! iated wit! h trade tickets. The ITG Smart Trading Analytics suite enables portfolio managers and traders to improve execution performa nce before the trade happens (pre-trade) and during trading ! (real-tim! e) by providing reliable portfolio analytics and risk models that help them perform predictive analyses, manage risk, change strategy and reduce trading costs. ITG Transaction Cost Analysis (TCA) offers measurement and reporting capabilities to analyze performance across the trading continuum. ITG Alpha Capture Reporting measures cost at every point of the investment process and provides portfolio managers with quarterly analytical reviews, written interpretations and on-site consultative recommendations to enhance performance.

ITG provides tools to assist asset managers with portfolio decision-making tasks from portfolio construction and optimization to the enterprise challenges of global, real-time portfolio compliance monitoring and the fair valuation of securities. ITG Portfolio Fair Value Service helps mutual fund managers meet their obligations to investors and regulators to fairly price the securities within their funds, and helps minimize the impact of m arket timing. ITG Portfolio Optimization System allows portfolio managers to develop new portfolio construction strategies and solve complex optimization problems. ITG Portfolio Optimization System allows users to accurately model tax liability, transaction costs and long/short objectives, while adhering to diverse portfolio-specific constraints.

Non-U.S. Operations

ITG has a development center in Tel Aviv. In Asia Pacific, ITG has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Hong Kong and Singapore. Local representation in regional markets provides an important advantage for ITG. ITG also provides electronic and high-touch trading for Latin American equities, including algorithms for Brazil and Mexico, from its New York headquarters.

Canadian Operations

ITG Canada provides electronic brokerage se! rvices, i! ncluding ITG Algorithms, ITG Smart Router and the POSIT suite, as well as high-touch agency execution and portfolio trading services. In addition, ITG Canada provides Triton, Triton Derivatives! , connect! ivity services, ITG Single Ticket Clearing, ITG Portfolio Optimization System, ITG Smart Trading Analytics, ITG TCA and investment research services. ITG Canada also engages in principal trading activities. ITG Canada's customers primarily consist of asset and investment managers, broker-dealers and hedge funds.

European Operations

ITG Europe focuses on trading European, Middle Eastern and African equities, as well as providing ITG's technologies to its clients. ITG Europe provides electronic brokerage services, including ITG Algorithms, ITG Smart Router, and the POSIT suite, as well as high-touch agency execution and portfolio trading services. ITG Europe also provides ITG OMS, Triton, connectivity services, ITG Single Ticket Clearing, ITG TCA, ITG Alpha Capture Reporting and ITG Smart Trading Analytics.

Asia Pacific Operations

ITG provides institutional investors with a range of ITG's products and services including tra de execution, trade execution management through Triton, connectivity services and pre-and post-trade analysis through ITG TCA and ITG Smart Trading Analytics. Execution services are provided through electronic brokerage products such as ITG Algorithms and the POSIT suite and through an experienced high-touch agency trading services team. Other trading tools provided by ITG Hong Kong include Triton, connectivity services, ITG TCA and ITG Smart Trading Analytics. ITG Singapore provides institutional investors in Singapore with a range of ITG's products and services including electronic and high-touch execution services, trade execution management through Triton and trading analysis through ITG TCA and ITG Smart Trading Analytics.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By victorselva]

  The Charles Schwab Corporation! (SCHW) i! s a savings and loan holding company. The company is engaged, through its subsidiaries, in securities brokerage, banking, money management, and financial advisory services. Its subsidiaries include Charles Schwab & Co. (a leading discount broker-dealer), Charles Schwab Investment Management (a mutual fund investment advisor) and Charles Schwab Bank.In this article, let's take a look at this brokerage firm and try to explain to investors the reasons this is an apparently appealing investment opportunity.The FocusThe company provides financial services to individuals and institutional clients through two segments: Investor Services and Institutional Services. The Investor Services segment provides retail brokerage and banking services to individual investors. The Institutional Services segment provides custodial, trading, and support services to independent investment advisors. The Institutional Services segment also provides retir ement plan services, specialty brokerage services, and mutual fund clearing services. The company seeks to meet the financial services needs of investors, advisers and employers. It focuses on building client loyalty with the goal of attracting new clients and serving them. Additionally, Schwab´s strengths through shared core processes and technology advances which help create services that are scalable and consistent with the business.Interest Rates, Capital Structure and Debt-to-Capital RatioThe results are dependent on short-term interest rates, as 37% of its top line came from net interest income in the first quarter of 2014.The broker has been making significant efforts to become less dependent on interest rates, which we expect Federal Reserve will raise them in late 2014 or 2015. Also, the company´s plan is to reach a low-cost capital structure and targets a long-term debt-to-total financial capital ratio of less than 30%.Lucrative Derivatives Trading In 2011, the c ompany acquired Compl

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Investment Technology Group Inc. (NYSE:! ITG) was! downgraded to Market Perform from outperform by Keefe Bruyette & Woods.

  Liquidity Services Inc. (NASDAQ: LQDT) was raised to Buy from Underperform, and the price target was raised up to $45 from $28.50, at Merrill Lynch.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-financial-stocks-to-buy-right-now-3.html

Why Pandora Looks Like A Dead-Money Investment

The number of companies which offer a music subscription or internet radio service seems to be growing larger every day. There's Pandora (P), which has proven to be exceptionally popular with its free ad-supported model and an ad-free subscription service. Then there's Spotify, which has a much larger library than Pandora and also offers a free ad-supported version. Pandora has about three times as many active users as Spotify does, but the company has also been around a lot longer. There's also iHeartRadio, which allows you to stream live radio, and the smaller Slacker Radio.

Here comes Google

This already crowded space got a new competitor recently as Google launched the Google Play Music All Access service. This new service is similar to Spotify, where users pay $10 per month to be able to stream an unlimited number of songs. But Google introduces some unique features, like the ability to merge your personal music library with the streaming catalog. This allows you to listen to songs which you already own in addition to Google's catalog all in the same place. The service also has a radio feature similar to Pandora's, where playlists are automatically generated.

The benefit that Google has is its already large and ubiquitous ecosystem of products and services. With Android being the dominant OS in the mobile space integrating the new music service into Google Play gives the service a big advantage over the competition.

The problem with online music

Any business model which involves paying royalties to content owners in order to serve that content is not a very attractive one. A huge portion of the revenue which these companies generate is spent on royalties, and that fact is unlikely to change anytime soon. This means that profits, if they exist at all, will necessarily be small.

Pandora and Spotify pay royalties in different ways. While Spotify negotiates directly with the content owners Pandora pays a royalty rate which is determined by the federal government. So every time Pandora plays a song it must pay a fraction of a cent in royalties, and this is the reason that the company limits its free service to 40 hours per month.

Pandora's struggles

Most of Pandora's revenue comes from selling advertisements, but thus far costs have grown just as fast as revenue. In the most recent quarter revenue jumped by an impressive 54% year-over-year but operating income fell from $-8 million to $-14 million as costs rose. This is a fundamental problem with the business model which will not go away unless federal laws are reformed.

Buying Pandora stock essentially boils down to a gamble on the actions of the federal government regarding royalty rates. You're paying $2.8 billion for a company that is not profitable and will likely never be profitable unless laws are changed. And even if royalty rates come down Pandora faces an onslaught of competition. Pandora only has about 900,000 songs in its library compared to Spotify's 20 million, putting it at a major disadvantage.

What about Apple?

Apple (AAPL) has been long rumored to be working on a music streaming service. Apple's iTunes remains popular, with the service passing the 25 billion songs mark in February. But with Google launching a service it's likely only a matter of time before Apple joins the fray. Recently rumors have emerged suggesting that Apple is close to an agreement with Universal Music Group, the largest of the major record companies, on a streaming deal.

Best Recreation Companies To Own In Right Now

Apple's goal with the service will be similar to Google's - locking people into the companies' respective ecosystems. Apple's service will likely have some sort of iTunes integration, meaning that users of iTunes with considerable libraries will have a reason to choose Apple over the competition. Competing with both Google and Apple in an industry like this is not exactly a recipe for success.

The bottom line

Pandora is in a world of trouble. Not only is its current business model unable to turn a profit, competition from Google and likely Apple along with the current competition from companies like Spotify puts Pandora's future in jeopardy. Investing in Pandora is almost certainly a huge mistake.

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Toyota Gets Aggressive With Its New Corolla

Toyota's new Corolla, shown here in sporty "S" trim, is much more sharply styled than its predecessor. Toyota announced aggressive pricing for the new Corolla this past week. Photo credit: Toyota

Toyota's (NYSE: TM  ) Corolla is one of the world's best-selling cars, and the company hopes to build on that success with this all-new version, which will be at U.S. dealers soon. The company announced U.S. pricing for its mainstay compact this past week, and to no surprise, Toyota appears determined to offer good value -- and to undercut the Corolla's biggest global rival, Ford's (NYSE: F  ) Focus.

Will the new Corolla help Toyota regain lost ground in the U.S.? In this video, Fool contributor John Rosevear looks at how the new car stacks up -- and gives his thoughts on whether it will succeed in what has become a fiercely competitive market segment.

Ford shareholders have already been rewarded as the Blue Oval has gained ground on Toyota this year. But for Ford's stock to really soar, a few more critical things need to fall into place. In The Motley Fool's special free report entitled, "5 Secrets to Ford's Future" we outline the key factors every Ford investor needs to watch. Just click here now for your free report.

Stocks to Watch: Aeropostale, Fresh Market, GameStop

Among the companies with shares expected to actively trade in Friday’s session are Aeropostale Inc.(ARO), Fresh Market Inc.(TFM) and GameStop Corp.(GME)

Aeropostale Inc.’s fiscal first-quarter loss widened as the youth-focused apparel retailer was unable to stem falling sales. Aeropostale, which operates children’s and teen retail chains, has faced challenges in its core basics business, especially with its graphic T-shirts and fleece offerings that haven’t resonated with fashion-conscious teen shoppers. Shares fell 18% to $3.69 premarket.

Fresh Market Inc.’s first-quarter earnings fell by more than half as higher costs masked a double-digit increase in sales that benefited from special promotions and the Easter holiday, partially offsetting the negative impact of harsh winter weather. Shares rose 8% to $31 premarket.

Hot Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2015

GameStop Corp. said its fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 25% as continued strong demand for Microsoft Corp.'s(MSFT) Xbox One and Sony Corp.'s(6758.TO) PlayStation 4 led sales growth. Shares rose 5.6% to $38.95 premarket.

Foot Locker Inc.(FL) on Friday said its fiscal first-quarter profit rose 17%, as sales and margins improved. The results handily topped analysts’ expectations. Shares rose 2.8% to $49.50 premarket.

Marvell Technology Group Ltd.'s(MRVL) earnings nearly doubled driven by better-than-expected demand in its LTE solutions segment, the company said. The chipmaker, which specializes in microprocessor architecture and digital-signal processing, has benefited from an uptick in demand from mobile, wireless and storage customers. However, its outlook for the current quarter was mostly below analysts’ expectations. Shares fell 1.2% to $15.40 premarket.

TiVo Inc.(TIVO) swung to a first-quarter profit as the maker of television set-top boxes reported the highest level of subscriptions in the company’s history and an increase in its service and technology revenues. Shares rose 4.6% to $12.48 premarket.

Gap Inc.(GPS) reaffirmed its full-year outlook as the apparel retailer reported a 22% decline in first-quarter earnings, hurt by weakening foreign currencies.

Hewlett-Packard Co.(HPQ) said its fiscal second-quarter profit rose 18%, but the computer maker recorded another quarter of lower revenue and said it plans to eliminate more jobs as part of an ongoing restructuring.

Hibbett Sports Inc.(HIBB) posted an 8.3% rise in fiscal first-quarter earnings, with the sporting-goods retailer saying it is benefiting from stronger demand in footwear and apparel.

Ross Stores Inc.'s(ROST) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 4% as the off-price retailer benefited from sales growth as well as inventory and cost controls.

Shoe Carnival Inc.(SCVL) sales were hurt by harsh winter weather conditions and weak traffic, as the company reported a 4% earnings drop for the first quarter. The Indiana footwear and accessories chain’s results missed expectations, and the company issued a weaker projection for the current quarter.

Zumiez Inc.(ZUMZ) said its fiscal first-quarter earnings were essentially flat with the year-ago period, though the teen apparel and sports-equipment retailer saw net sales increase.

Warren Buffett's Top 25 Stocks for 2014

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Warren Buffett is considered the most respected and successful investor. Often called "The Oracle of Omaha" for his impressive investing prowess, he is among the world's wealthiest people.

Buffett studied under the legendary Benjamin Graham at Columbia University who had a major impact on Buffett's life and investment strategies.

Buffett is chairman of Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRK.A) which he built from a textile company into a major corporation with a market cap over $200 billion. Under Buffett's leadership, Berkshire shares averaged a 21.4% compounded annual gain in per share book value from 1965-2006.

He follows a value investing strategy that is an adaptation of Graham's approach: Discipline, patience and value consistently outperforms the market. His moves are followed by investors worldwide. Buffett seeks to acquire great companies trading at a discount to their intrinsic value, and to hold onto them for a long time. He will only invest in businesses that he understands, and always insists on a margin of safety. Regarding the types of businesses Berkshire likes to purchase, Buffett has said,"We want businesses to be one that we can understand, with favorable long-term prospects, operated by honest and competent people, and available at a very attractive price." What follows are Buffett's top 25 holdings as of March 31, 2014.

1. Wells Fargo & Co (WFC)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  463,458,000
Value of Holdings:  $23.05 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  21.8%

Wells Fargo & Co is a diversified financial services company. It provides retail, corporate and commercial banking services through banking stores and offices, the internet and other distribution channels to individuals, businesses and institutions.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates WELLS FARGO & CO as a Buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate WELLS FARGO & CO (WFC) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, growth in earnings per share, expanding profit margins, notable return on equity and increase in net income. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow." You can view the full analysis from the report here: WFC Ratings Report

2. Coca-Cola (KO)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  400,000,000
Value of Holdings:  $15.46 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  14.6%

Coca-Cola Co manufactures, distributes and markets non-alcoholic beverage concentrates and syrups.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates COCA-COLA CO as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate COCA-COLA CO (KO) a BUY. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its good cash flow from operations, expanding profit margins, reasonable valuation levels and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had lackluster performance in the stock itself." You can view the full analysis from the report here: KO Ratings Report

3. American Express Co (AXP)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  151,611,000
Value of Holdings:  $13.65 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  12.9%

American Express Co is a payments, network and travel company, which offers credit payment card products and travel-related services to consumers and businesses.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014

TheStreet Ratings team rates AMERICAN EXPRESS CO as a Buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate AMERICAN EXPRESS CO (AXP) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity, impressive record of earnings per share growth, increase in net income and solid stock price performance. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated." You can view the full analysis from the report here: AXP Ratings Report

4. International Business Machines Corp (IBM)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  68,355,000
Value of Holdings:  $13.15 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  12.4%

International Business Machines Corp is an Information Technology (IT) company. It creates business value for clients and solves business problems through integrated solutions that leverage information technology & knowledge of business processes.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates INTL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:  "We rate INTL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP (IBM) a BUY. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its notable return on equity and expanding profit margins. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." You can view the full analysis from the report here: IBM Ratings Report

5. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  58,052,000
Value of Holdings:  $4.43 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  4.2%

Wal-Mart Stores Inc, operates retail stores in various formats under various banners. Its operations comprise of three reportable business segments, Walmart U.S., Walmart International and Sam's Club in three categories retail, wholesale and others.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates WAL-MART STORES INC as a Buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate WAL-MART STORES INC (WMT) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, good cash flow from operations, reasonable valuation levels, increase in stock price during the past year and notable return on equity. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins." You can view the full analysis from the report here: WMT Ratings Report

6. Proctor & Gamble  (PG)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  52,793,000
Value of Holdings:  $4.25 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  4%

Procter & Gamble Co provides branded consumer packaged goods. It markets its products in about 180 countries through mass merchandisers, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores, department stores among others.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates PROCTER & GAMBLE CO as a Buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate PROCTER & GAMBLE CO (PG) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its good cash flow from operations, growth in earnings per share, increase in net income, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity." You can view the full analysis from the report here: PG Ratings Report

7. Exxon Mobile Corporation  (XOM)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:   41,130,000
Value of Holdings:  $4.01 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  3.8%

Exxon Mobil Corporation is engaged in energy, involving exploration for, and production of, crude oil and natural gas, manufacture of petroleum products and transportation and sale of crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates EXXON MOBIL CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate EXXON MOBIL CORP (XOM) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its attractive valuation levels, good cash flow from operations, increase in stock price during the past year and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins." You can view the full analysis from the report here: XOM Ratings Report

8. U.S. Bancorp  (USB)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  80,027,000
Value of Holdings:  $3.43 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  3.2%

U.S. Bancorp is a multi-state financial holding company. It provides financial services through its subsidiaries, including lending and depository services, cash management, foreign exchange and trust and investment management services.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates U S BANCORP as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate U S BANCORP (USB) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its expanding profit margins, good cash flow from operations and solid stock price performance. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." You can view the full analysis from the report here: USB Ratings Report

9. Direct TV  (DTV)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  34,515,000
Value of Holdings:  $2.63 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  2.5%

DirecTV is a provider of digital television entertainment in the United States and Latin America. It operates two direct-to-home, or DTH, business units: DIRECTV U.S. and DIRECTV Latin America.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates DIRECTV as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate DIRECTV (DTV) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, revenue growth, good cash flow from operations and expanding profit margins. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." You can view the full analysis from the report here: DTV Ratings Report

10. DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc  (DVA)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  37,621,000
Holdings Value:  $2.59 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  2.4%

DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc operates kidney dialysis centers and provides related lab services mainly in dialysis centers and in contracted hospitals across the United States. It also operates other ancillary services and strategic initiatives.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates DAVITA HEALTHCARE PARTNERS as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:  "We rate DAVITA HEALTHCARE PARTNERS (DVA) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, revenue growth, notable return on equity and good cash flow from operations. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins." You can view the full analysis from the report here: DVA Ratings Report

11. Goldman Sachs Group Inc.  (GS)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  12,632,000
Holdings Value:  $2.07 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  2%

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a investment banking, securities and investment management firm. Its segments include Investment Banking, Trading and Principal Investments, Asset Management and Securities Services.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC (GS) a BUY. This is driven by several positive factors, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its attractive valuation levels and increase in stock price during the past year. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." You can view the full analysis from the report here: GS Ratings Report

12. Moody's Corporation (MCO)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  24,670,000
Holdings Value:  $1.95 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  1.9%

Moody's Corporation is a provider of credit ratings, credit and economic related research, data and analytical tools, risk management software and quantitative credit risk measures, credit portfolio management solutions and training services.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates MOODY'S CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate MOODY'S CORP (MCO) a BUY. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity, reasonable valuation levels, solid stock price performance and impressive record of earnings per share growth. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated." You can view the full analysis from the report here: MCO Ratings Report

13. Graham Holdings Co.  (GHC)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  1,728,000
Holdings Value:  $1.21 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  1.1%

Graham Holdings Co together with its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified education and media company in the United States and internationally.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates GRAHAM HOLDINGS CO as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate GRAHAM HOLDINGS CO (GHC) a BUY. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth and compelling growth in net income. Although no company is perfect, currently we do not see any significant weaknesses which are likely to detract from the generally positive outlook." You can view the full analysis from the report here: GHC Ratings Report

14. USG Corp (USG) 

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  34,890,000
Holdings Value:  $1.14 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  1.1%

USG Corp, through its subsidiaries, is a manufacturer and distributor of building materials, producing products for use in new residential, new nonresidential and residential and nonresidential repair & remodel construction.

TheStreet Ratings team rates USG CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate USG CORP (USG) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, impressive record of earnings per share growth and compelling growth in net income. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including generally higher debt management risk and poor profit margins." You can view the full analysis from the report here: USG Ratings Report

15. General Motors (GM)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  30,000,000
Holdings Value:  $1.03 billion
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.98%

General Motors Company designs, builds and sell cars, trucks and automobile parts. The Company also provides automotive financing services through General Motors Financial Company, Inc.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates GENERAL MOTORS CO as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate GENERAL MOTORS CO (GM) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, good cash flow from operations, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and increase in stock price during the past year. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." You can view the full analysis from the report here: GM Ratings Report

Top Beverage Companies To Watch In Right Now

16. Bank of New York Mellon Corp  (BK)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  24,653,000
Holdings Value:  $870 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.82%

Bank of New York Mellon Corporation is a global investment company. Its business segments are: Investment Management and Investment Services. Its other segments includes credit-related services, the leasing portfolio, corporate treasury activities.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORP (BK) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, solid stock price performance, attractive valuation levels, expanding profit margins and compelling growth in net income. Although no company is perfect, currently we do not see any significant weaknesses which are likely to detract from the generally positive outlook." You can view the full analysis from the report here: BK Ratings Report

17. Chicago Bridge & Iron Co  (CBI)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  9,551,000
Holdings Value:  $832 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.79%

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company provides conceptual design, technology, engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction and commissioning services to customers in the energy, petrochemical and natural resource industries.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON CO as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate CHICAGO BRIDGE & IRON CO (CBI) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, notable return on equity, solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth and compelling growth in net income. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins." You can view the full analysis from the report here: CBI Ratings Report

18. ConocoPhillips  (COP)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  11,080,000
Holdings Value:  $779 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.74%

ConocoPhillips is engaged in exploration, development and production of crude oil and natural gas.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates CONOCOPHILLIPS as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate CONOCOPHILLIPS (COP) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, solid stock price performance, attractive valuation levels, good cash flow from operations and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. Although the company may harbor some minor weaknesses, we feel they are unlikely to have a significant impact on results." You can view the full analysis from the report here: COP Ratings Report

19. Phillips 66 (PSX)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  9,741,000
Holdings Value:  $751 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.71%

Phillips 66 is a downstream energy company. The Company's segment includes Refining and Marketing (R&M), Midstream and Chemicals businesses. Its Chemicals business is conducted through its 50% interest in Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates PHILLIPS 66 as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate PHILLIPS 66 (PSX) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, increase in net income, attractive valuation levels and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins." You can view the full analysis from the report here: PSX Ratings Report

20. Liberty Media Corporation  (LMCA)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  5,300,000
Holdings Value:  $693 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.66%

Liberty Media Corporation is engaged in media, communications and entertainment industries. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, it operates in North America.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates LIBERTY MEDIA CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate LIBERTY MEDIA CORP (LMCA) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and notable return on equity. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including feeble growth in the company's earnings per share, deteriorating net income and weak operating cash flow." You can view the full analysis from the report here: LMCA Ratings Report

21. National Oilwell Varco Inc (NOV)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  8,880,000
Holdings Value:  $691 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.65%

National Oilwell Varco, Inc., is a provider of equipment and components used in oil and gas drilling and production operations, oilfield services, and supply chain integration services to the upstream oil and gas industry

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO INC as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate NATIONAL OILWELL VARCO INC (NOV) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, attractive valuation levels and growth in earnings per share. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity." You can view the full analysis from the report here: NOV Ratings Report

22. M&T Bank Corp (MTB)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  5,382,000
Holdings Value:  $653 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.62%

M&T Bank Corp is a New York business corporation and a bank holding company. The Company through subsidiaries provides individuals, corporations and other businesses, and institutions with commercial and retail banking services.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates M & T BANK CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate M & T BANK CORP (MTB) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its expanding profit margins and solid stock price performance. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income." You can view the full analysis from the report here: MTB Ratings Report

23. Viacom Inc (VIAB) Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  7,607,000
Holdings Value:  $647 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.61%

Viacom Inc. (VIAB) is an entertainment content company that connects with audiences in over 160 countries and territories and creates compelling television programs, motion pictures, short-form video, applications, games, consumer products, social media and other entertainment content.

24. VeriSign Inc (VRSN)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  11,686,000
Holdings Value:  $630 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.60%

VeriSign, Inc. is a provider of internet infrastructure services for the networked world. It provides network confidence & availability for mission-critical Internet services, such as domain name registry services & infrastructure assurance services.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates VERISIGN INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate VERISIGN INC (VRSN) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, expanding profit margins, increase in net income and impressive record of earnings per share growth. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow." You can view the full analysis from the report here: VRSN Ratings Report

25. Verizon Communications (VZ)

Shares Held by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway:  11,023,000
Holdings Value:  $524 million
Portfolio Weighting as of 3/31/2014:  0.50%

Verizon Communications Inc. is a provider of communications, information and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses and governmental agencies. Its two segments are Wireless and Wireline.

Free Report: Jim Cramer's Best Stocks for 2014 TheStreet Ratings team rates VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

"We rate VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC (VZ) a BUY. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity, expanding profit margins, compelling growth in net income and impressive record of earnings per share growth. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated." You can view the full analysis from the report here: VZ Ratings Report

Best Mid Cap Companies To Buy Right Now

Best Mid Cap Companies To Buy Right Now: Sotherly Hotels Inc (SOHO)

SoTHERLY Hotels Inc., formerly MHI Hospitality Corporation, incorporated on August 2004, is a self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) that was formed to own, acquire, renovate and reposition primary full-service upper upscale and upscale hotel properties located in primary markets in the Mid-Atlantic and Southern United States. The Company conducts its business through MHI Hospitality, L.P., its operating partnership, of which the Company is the general partner. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned approximately 77% of the partnership units in its operating partnership. In November 2013, SoTHERLY Hotels Inc announced that it has acquired the entity which owns the Crowne Plaza Houston Downtown Hotel, a 259-room, upscale, full-service hotel located in downtown Houston, Texas.

As of March 1, 2012, the Company's portfolio consisted of 10 primarily full-service up-scale and upper up-scale hotels located in seven states with a n aggregate of 2,424 rooms and approximately 120,200 square feet of meeting space. Nine of these hotels are wholly owned by subsidiaries of its operating partnership and operate under the Hilton Worldwide, InterContinental Hotels Group and Starwood Hotels and Resorts brands and are managed on a day to day basis by MHI Hotels Services, LLC (MHI Hotels Services). It also owns a 25% indirect non-controlling interest in the Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Resort through a joint venture with Carlyle.

The Company leases its hotel properties to MHI Hospitality TRS, LLC (its TRS Lessee), which in turn has engaged MHI Hotels Services, an independent management company, to manage its hotels. Its TRS Lessee is a wholly owned subsidiary of MHI Hospitality TRS Holding, Inc. (MHI Holding, and collectively, MHI TRS). As of March 1, 2012, the Company's portfolio consisted! of the properties, including Crowne Plaza Hampton Marina, Crowne Plaza Tampa Westshore , Crowne Plaza Jacks onville Riverfront , Crowne Plaza Jacksonville Riverfront , ! DoubleTree by Hilton Brownstone - University and Holiday Inn Laurel West. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owns two leasehold interests in the Shell Island Resort, a 160-unit condominium resort property in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By George Putnam]

  Steve Halpern: Now, another pick that you have is Sotherly Hotels (SOHO). Could you tell us about that company?

  George Putnam: Sure. This is a small-cap name. Like many others in the industry, it had to struggle a bit from 2008 and has devoted most of its attention to getting its balance sheet back in order, and some of its existing hotels fixed-up and repositioned.

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Upscale hotel property real estate investment trust Sotherby (SOHO) raised its quarterly dividend 12.5% to 4.5 cents per share, payable on Jan. 1, 2014 to shareholders of record as of Dec. 13.
  SOHO Dividend Yield: 3.87%

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-mid-cap-companies-to-buy-right-now-2.html

4 Money Challenges Veterans Face - and How to Defeat Them

Derek Gordon/Shutterstock

The transition from military to civilian life can be fraught with emotional challenges, but practical things like getting a job, finding a place to live and paying bills can be just as difficult. Many veterans entered the military young, having never received much guidance about money management. If they've never spent much time as adults out of uniform, they are likely to need extra help to learning to handle debt and homeownership issues, and advice on creating a personal financial plan. When Mechel Lashawn Glass returned from her deployment as an Army intelligence analyst in Turkey during the Persian Gulf War in the early 1990s, she moved back in with her parents. Glass had joined the military and left home at 17; she returned home as an adult, but without a job or a home. "There used to be a two-year transition for veterans before they left service so they could put a plan in place and decide where they wanted to live and what they want to do with the rest of their lives as civilians," says Glass. "Now with the drawdown, many veterans are given 30 to 60 days' notice to leave the military and start a new life. The emotional, physical, and behavioral challenges for veterans are unique because so many of them have been overseas for years and don't really know where to begin. They usually go home but find that their families and friends have all changed or even moved away." A Hard Homecoming Glass stayed with her parents for a little while but the emotional trauma of her deployment left her withdrawn and difficult to communicate with, she says, so her mother asked her to leave the house. She eventually pulled herself together, found an entry-level job with IBM, and used her military benefits to go to college and eventually get a better position with the company. Today she is vice president of education for ClearPoint Credit Counseling Solutions. Glass says that the military has a lot of programs in place to help veterans find work and handle financial problems, but not all veterans are aware of them, and some are too proud to ask for help. So she co-authored with Scott Scredon "The Veteran's Money Book: A Step-by-Step Program to Help Military Veterans Build a Personal Financial Action Plan and Map Their Futures to give advice to veterans about paying off debt, repairing their credit and creating a long-term financial plan that can help them overcome some of the challenges of returning to civilian life. Glass says that many veterans face four major challenges.

Finding civilian employment. "Since the drawdown started, more veterans are coming back home to look for employment," says Glass. "The problem they're having is how to equate military experience with private employment."

Wednesday’s Dividend Changes: 8 Companies Raise Payouts (VIAB, DCI, UFCS, More)

U.S. equities ended Wednesday’s session higher after the Fed minutes revealed the central bank believes the economy is gradually improving. Also during today’s session, eight companies raised their dividend payouts.

Viacom Raises Dividend 10%

Viacom, Inc. (VIAB) raised its quarterly dividend from $0.30 to $0.33, or $1.32 annualized. The new dividend will be paid on 7/1/2014 to shareholders on record as of 6/13/2014. The stock will go ex-dividend on 6/11/2014.

Donaldson Co., Inc. Lifts Dividend 17.9%

Donaldson Co., Inc. (DCI) raised its quarterly dividend from $0.14 to $0.165, or $0.66 annualized. The new dividend will be paid on 6/20/2014 to shareholders on record as of 6/6/2014. The stock will go ex-dividend on 6/4/2014.

United Fire Group, Inc. Boosts Dividend 11.1%

United Fire Group, Inc (