Undervalued Stocks To Buy For 2014: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

Can CYS Investments Keep Its Dividend Going This Quarter?

On Wednesday, CYS Investments (NYSE: CYS ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions on stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever inevitable surprises arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed kneejerk reaction to news that turns out to be exactly the wrong move.

As a real estate investment trust focusing on mortgage-backed securities, CYS has benefited from the big tailwinds that the low-interest rate environment has provided the industry for years. Yet some increasingly fear that those lucrative days may be coming to an end. Let's take an early look at what's been happening with CYS Investments over the past quarter and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

Stats on CYS Investments

Analyst GAAP EPS Estimate	$0.27
Change From Year-Ago GAAP EPS	(59%)
Interest Income Estimate	$92.04 million
Change From Year-Ago Interest Income	Top Blue Chip Companies To Buy For 2014 41%
Earnings Beats in Past 4 Quarters	3

Source: S&P Capital IQ.

Will CYS Investments keep its earnings strong?
Analysts have been mixed in their views of CYS over the past few months, with two analysts downgrading the REIT back in February, but one of them reversing ground and upgrading it just last week. The stock, though, has gone pretty much nowhere since early January, with its quarterly dividend just about perfectly offsetting a drop in its share price.

CYS isn't the best-known mortgage REIT in the industry, but it presents an interesting bargain right now. With shares of CYS trading well below its net asset value of $13.31, the REIT has a margin of safety that you won't find with bigger rivals. Both Annaly Capital (NYSE: NLY ) and American Capital Agency (NASDAQ: AGNC ) trade at or above book value, compared to about a 7% discount at current prices for CYS.

But one problem that CYS has faced lately is a declining dividend. Its most recent payout of $0.32 was 20% below its previous regular dividend, reflecting the pressure that the Federal Reserve's ongoing purchases of mortgage-backed securities have put on mortgage REITs.

Longer-term, another obstacle CYS may face could come in the form of heightened regulation. Watching the expanding balance sheets of Annaly and American Capital Agency begin to dominate the industry, regulators see the potential for systemic risk and could seek to treat them as traditional mutual funds. That could kill their leverage-based models and bring their lucrative dividend yields to an end.

In CYS's quarterly report, watch closely for signs that the company may seek to expand its balance sheet once again. With the company having done dilutive secondary offerings in the past, the last thing investors want to see right now is new share issuance when the REIT is trading at a discount.

Like CYS's high yield, there's no question Annaly Capital's double-digit dividend is eye-catching. But can investors count on that payout sticking around? With the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates at historically low levels, Annaly has had to scramble to defend its bottom line. In The Motley Fool's premium research report on Annaly, senior analysts Ilan Moscovitz and Matt Koppenheffer uncover the key challenges the company faces and divulge three reasons investors may consider buying it. Simply click here now to claim your copy today!

Click here to add CYS Investments to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

9 most counterfeited products in the USA

Counterfeit products may cost the global economy up to $250 billion a year, according to estimates from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Millions of those shipments enter the United States.

While government agencies do their best to crack down on counterfeit goods, they only manage to catch a fraction of the fake products that enter the United States. Still, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) values that seized fraction at staggering amounts. The value of counterfeit goods seized rose by 38.1% in 2013, from $1.2 billion in 2012 to $1.7 billion last year.

Based on the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of the genuine versions of the counterfeit goods, some of the most valuable imitations were of handbags and wallets, watches and jewelry, and consumer electronics. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the nine most counterfeit items seized in 2013, based on their retail value.

The value and number of seizures changes considerably from year to year, depending on what items were being counterfeited, as well as law enforcement activity. Therese Randazzo, director of CBP policy and programs on intellectual property rights, explained that, in some cases, increases in seizures are the result of such activity. In other cases, such as footwear, decreases in seizures can also reflect the success of prior campaigns by CBP and other agencies, she added.

In some cases, changes in the number and value of goods seized did not move in tandem. For instance, while the number of watches and jewelry seized remained roughly the same between 2012 and 2013, the value of those seizures rose by 169%. According to Randazzo, fluctuations will occur with luxury goods like handbags, watches and other types of jewelry in particular, because there is such a large range of values with these products.

Luxury items tend to be the most counterfeited products because they are more valuable, according to Randazzo. And with better counterfeiting methods, there is a greater c! hallenge of detection as well as potential for even higher profits, she explained. Consumers can no longer take for granted obvious signs of imitation such as poor stitching or bad zippers. "Now, the quality [of fake products] has improved so dramatically that [criminals] have been able to charge at prices closer to the price of the genuine article."

China's role as manufacturer for a broad range of authentic products, as well as its intellectual property rights framework, may contribute to the country's high levels of counterfeiting. About $1.2 billion of the $1.7 billion worth of imitations picked up by U.S. law enforcement agencies originated in mainland China. More than $400 million worth of seized goods came from Hong Kong, which CBP classified separately.

The process and methods of detecting these counterfeiting operations is constantly evolving. The increased number of seizures in 2013, according to Randazzo, can be explained in part by new collaborative efforts between CBP and various partners, including China Customs, the customs agency for the People's Republic of China. The success of such operations has resulted in a measurable increase in the number and value of seizures and the ability to target and intercept shipments of knock-off products, she added.

Based on information provided by the CBP, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the nine most counterfeited items seized by officials based on the MSRP of the genuine article. We looked at the number of shipments of each product type confiscated in both 2013 and 2012. We also reviewed CBP data by country to identify the value of counterfeit goods produced in specific countries.

These are the 9 most counterfeited products in America.

1. Handbags/Wallets

> Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of seized goods: $700.2 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 40%

Handbags and wallets were again the most seized counterfeited product, by MSRP, in 2013. The roughly 2,200 shipments seized had a total ! MSRP of m! ore than $700 million, accounting for 40% of the total value of all goods seized. Because these products are valued so highly, a drop in total handbag and wallet seizures between 2012 and 2013 did not correspond with a drop in the market value of the items seized. In fact, while seizures fell by 17% in that time, the value of goods seized rose 37%, or by nearly $189 million. Randazzo explained that the retail value of the genuine goods can increase the value of the seized counterfeits considerably. While a fake Coach bag is often valued in the hundreds of dollars, "if we seize a counterfeit Hermes bag, the value …of some of those bags is thousands of dollars." Most such counterfeits originate in mainland China, which alone accounted for more than half a billion dollars in fake purses last year, according to the CBP.

2. Watches/Jewelry

> MSRP of seized goods: $502.8 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 29%

The value of seized imitation watches and jewelry grew by 168.9% between 2012 and 2013, considerably more than that of any other commodity. In total, the value of watches seized was more than half a billion dollars in 2013. Last year, there were 1,729 seizures, 21% less than there were in 2012. Randazzo noted that the different trends in value and seizures may be a product "of what's targeted and seized in a given year." For example, fake versions of high-end watches, which retail for thousands of dollars, can boost the values of counterfeits seized. The Federation of Swiss Watch Industry estimated that some 120,000 imitation watches were seized worldwide in 2013.

3. Consumer Electronics/Parts

> MSRP of seized goods: $145.9 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 8%

The dollar amount of counterfeit consumer electronics products seized rose by 40% in 2013, to $145.9 million from $104.4 million in 2012. Further, consumer electronics comprised 8% of the total value of items seized last year, making it the third most frequently seized! fake pro! duct. The number of seizures of counterfeit electronic products grew in conjunction with their total value. There were 5,656 such seizures in 2013, a 44% increase from the 3,928 seizures in 2012. According to a report by the CBP, one particularly big seizure in 2013 was by a joint CBP and China Customs operation. The two-month long operation resulted in 1,735 electronics shipments being seized, removing more than 243,000 counterfeit consumer electronic products from the market.

4. Wearing Apparel/Accessories

> MSRP of seized goods: $116.2 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 7%

Last year, the United States seized almost 10,000 shipments of counterfeit apparel and accessories, by far the most of any commodity and up 26.8% from the year before. In all, more than $116 million worth of such items were seized. Like with other goods, exactly what type of product is being counterfeited matters, Randazzo noted, with haute couture knockoffs assigned a higher MSRP than blue jeans, for example. Last year, the CBP, in conjunction with other federal and local agencies, conducted "Operation Red Zone," which seized $17.3 million worth of fake sporting apparel — jerseys and ball caps — and other collectibles coinciding with the 2013 Super Bowl.

3. Consumer Electronics/Parts

> MSRP of seized goods: $145.9 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 8%

The dollar amount of counterfeit consumer electronics products seized rose by 40% in 2013, to $145.9 million from $104.4 million in 2012. Further, consumer electronics comprised 8% of the total value of items seized last year, making it the third most frequently seized fake product. The number of seizures of counterfeit electronic products grew in conjunction with their total value. There were 5,656 such seizures in 2013, a 44% increase from the 3,928 seizures in 2012. According to a report by the CBP, one particularly big seizure in 2013 was by a joint CBP and China Customs operation. The two-month lon! g operati! on resulted in 1,735 electronics shipments being seized, removing more than 243,000 counterfeit consumer electronic products from the market.

2. Watches/Jewelry

> MSRP of seized goods: $502.8 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 29%

1. Handbags/Wallets

> MSRP of seized goods: $700.2 million

> Percentage of total seized goods: 40%

Handbags and wallets were again the most seized counterfeited product, by MSRP, in 2013. The roughly 2,200 shipments seized had a total MSRP of more than $700 million, accounting for 40% of the total value of all goods seized. Because these products are valued so highly, a drop in total handbag and wallet seizures between 2012 and 2013 did not correspond with a drop in the market value of the items seized. In fact, while seizures fell by 17% in that time, the value of goods seized rose 37%, or by nearly $189 million. Randazzo explained that the retail value of the genuine goods can increase the value of the seized counterfeits considerably. While a fake Coach bag is often valued in the hundreds of dollars, "if we seize a counterfeit Hermes bag, the value …of some of those bags is thousands of dollars." Most such counterfeits originate in mainland China, which alone accounted for more than half a billion dollars in fake purses last year, according to ! the CBP.

MORE: America's fastest-growing cities

MORE: America's most content (and miserable) cities

MORE: Nine cities where wealth is soaring

24/7 Wall St. is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now

Best Performing Companies To Watch In Right Now: Next Generation Energy Corp (NGMC)

Next Generation Energy Corp., incorporated on November 21, 1980, is an independent oil and natural gas company engaged in the exploration, development, and production of natural gas properties located onshore in the United States. On March 22, 2011, the Company purchased all of the membership interests of Knox Gas, LLC. Knox Gas, LLC owns a lease of 100 acres, which contains five drilled wells; a lease of 20.2 acres, which contains two drilled wells; a lease of 700 acres which contains no wells, and a lease of 400 acres, which contains three drilled wells.

The wells owned by Knox Gas were part of a larger field of 135 wells that was developed by Heartland Resources, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively Heartland), and were operated by Heartland Operating Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Heartland Resources, Inc. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company had no revenues.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Peter Graham]
Next Generation Energy Corp (OTCMKTS: NGMC) and Dutch Gold Resources, Inc (OTCMKTS: DGRI) are the latest small cap stocks to announce their entry into the marijuana business while peer Endocan Corp (OTCMKTS: ENDO) sees some paid promotions or investor relations activities, but otherwise remains quiet. So will investors and traders alike achieve a high with any of these small cap marijuana stocks? Here is a quick reality check:

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-performing-companies-to-watch-in-right-now.html

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Horizon Kinetics March 2014 Commentary - Corporate Risk Reduction

Top Canadian Stocks To Watch For 2014

Clients frequently ask what we expect the S&P 500 Index ("S&P 500") to return in a given year. Our answer is nothing if not consistent: we do not know (and are wary of those who claim they do). However, we have been building an analysis set for some time now that indicates that institutional biases increasingly emphasize liquidity needs for their enormous pools of capital over investment merit, all in the name of reducing volatility.

At the index level, this trend is reflected in the prevalence of the float‐adjusted market capitalization weighted index construction methodology, the results of which include increasingly top‐heavy indexes and the exclusion or under‐representation of smaller or more closely‐held companies, even of entire industry sectors. Unfortunately for index investors, the same large companies that dominate index returns also face the greatest challenge with respect to future growth. How can a company with a $100 billion sales base generate enough incremental sales each year to move the needle when it has already saturated its market? Complicating matters further, since investors wish to experience low volatility, the company with a $100 billion sales base is expected not only to increase its revenues and earnings materially, but to do so in a manner that does not result in a variable earnings stream or stock price.

In the face of these two seemingly antagonistic goals, the largest corporations appear to be favoring risk reduction over long‐term value creation. One way of measuring this trend is to use the basic corporate liquidity measure, which is cash as a percentage of assets. The following table shows this measure for the 12 largest nonfinancial companies in the S&P 500; this discussion considers only nonfinancial companies because cash as a percentage of assets for Bank of America, for example, is not a meaningful figure. Note, too, that the top 12 nonfinancial companies in the S&P 500 happen to comprise 19.83% of the market value of the entire index, which is not a small number.

Continue reading here.

About the author:Grass Hopper

Visit Grass Hopper's Website

Currently 5.00/512345

Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote)

Voters:

Subscribe via Email RSS Feeds

Subscribe RSS Comments

AlbertaSunwapta - 1 hour ago

Interesting insights. My experience has been that the cash rich companies can tumble quite far despite their cash. Just look at Apple in 2009. It's the buyers and sellers that determine volatility and a large cash horde might put a floor under the price but inefficiently so. Moreover I now believe that the expectation that cash on the balance sheet and the hoped for optionality value it possesses is over rated. In 2009, '10 and on that optionality wasn't utilized because managements mirror the fears of the market place and may freeze up just as investors do. Buffett was one of the few that acted and deployed cash in that crisis. A look to Japan over the past 20 years might confirm or dismiss my view since their decline was slow and much different than the 2009 credit crisis and I believe in Japan there were a large number of cash rich firms, net-nets, etc. I would guess that they too also failed to deploy cash opportunistically.

Please leave your comment:
More GuruFocus Links

Latest Guru Picks	Value Strategies
Warren Buffett Portfolio	Ben Graham Net-Net
Real Time Picks	Buffett-Munger Screener
Aggregated Portfolio	Undervalued Predictable
ETFs, Options	Low P/S Companies
Insider Trends	10-Year Financials
52-Week Lows	Interactive Charts
Model Portfolios	DCF Calculator
RSS Feed	Monthly Newsletters
The All-In-One Screener	Portfolio Tracking Tool

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

On the road — and run — with John McAfee

SOMEWHERE IN THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, Tenn. — John McAfee's distinctly British accent is on the other end of the cell call — and his instructions are precise.

"Sir, upon your flight's arrival, text me, and my people will coordinate their pickup of you," he says. "We will determine our rendezvous point."

Two hours later, after a circuitous journey from Memphis, I encounter McAfee sitting on the back porch of a remote farmhouse nestled deep in Tennessee's Blue Ridge Mountains. He is chain-smoking in a semicircle of weapons. McAfee travels with 10 guns — a Beretta .40 is hidden in the small of his back and a Ruger .380 is in his right front pocket. Often, he cradles a rapid-fire Kel-Tec shotgun as one would a newborn. A pitbull patrols the 40-acre spread, always keen to strangers.

It all sounds so LeCarre, but these are things one comes to expect from a rattled, sleep-deprived McAfee, who is convinced someone has put out a $650,000 contract on his life. He insists the initial hit was for $2 million, "so my value dead is in steep decline," he jokes.

McAfee is considered a legend in the computer industry for creating and popularizing antivirus software for the masses. But he cemented his place in the American zeitgeist with a murder mystery in Belize — he was named a "person of interest" in the case — and his desperate flight to freedom. That international adventure led to McAfee's claims of widespread corruption in the Belize government and, he insists, a contract on his life by a drug cartel. He and his wife, Janice, have been on the run in the USA for several months.

Authorities haven't called him a suspect in the murder. Raphael Martinez, a spokesman for the Belize police, says McAfee has not been charged and there is no plan to extradite him. U.S. authorities have made no effort to question McAfee since he returned in December 2012.

RISKY BUSINESS

For now, the mercurial McAfee's immediate concern is updating me on his adventures since we last met, in P! ortland, Ore., nearly a year ago. Since then, he says, he has narrowly escaped an attempt on his life in Portland in September, traversed the country with his wife to avoid hit squads and hardly slept a wink. At the same time, he's a frequent Fox TV contributor and was able to launch a start-up, Future Tense, based in Montreal. Its first product, DCentral 1, is about to be released. ("Our program makes you aware of apps that track you," he says. "No one is anonymous.")

The product launch is nothing short of miraculous considering that McAfee may be the only CEO in America overseeing a start-up while on the run from what he believes is a Central American hit squad.

"This is one of those things where truth is stranger than fiction — of which I am intimately familiar," says McAfee, who triggered worldwide headlines when he escaped the Central American country in disguise using old-fashioned tradecraft. He headed for Guatemala, then made his way to Miami.

"This is the age of paranoia, with the NSA, hit squads, government snooping — you name it," McAfee says, checking the sight on his Ruger pistol.

EARLIER: John McAfee breaks long silence in interview

For McAfee, so much has changed since he was named a person of interest in the unsolved 2012 murder of Gregory Viant Faull, an American expatriate and McAfee's neighbor in Belize. McAfee says he was fingered for Faull's death because he had refused to pay Belize officials a $2 million bribe months earlier.

McAfee says the FBI takes the threats against him seriously — so seriously that he is in almost daily contact with an agent. He shows me texts to back up his account. McAfee says the FBI has offered to place him in protective custody, but he is loath to accept such a fate because he considers the prospect of working in a grocery store in the Deep South under an assumed name "akin to a death sentence" of stultifying anonymity.

Dave Joly, an FBI spokesman in Denver, would neither confirm nor deny McAfee's claims.

An ! investigative reporter says his research on the case backs up McAfee's story. John Casaretto, a reporter for website Silicon Angle who spent three days with McAfee, says that a mountain of documents shows McAfee's claim of an elaborate plot against him isn't a hoax.

"There is too much evidence, too many coincidences, for this not to be true," Casaretto says. "A couple of things I know about John McAfee: I've never seen him do drugs. And he's been nothing but honest and open to me."

So far, the national press has largely ignored the latest chapter in McAfee's improbable journey. McAfee laid it out to me over two days from the haven of the mountain retreat. A couple, one packing heat, was hosting him. "If anyone comes around (to harm McAfee), they're dead," says John, one of McAfee's hosts, showing off his handgun with glee. "I don't miss anything from 1,000 feet when I shoot."

The cast of unlikely characters sounds like something out of a Martin Scorsese film, based on a Quentin Tarantino script. The star is McAfee, 68, a brilliant software developer who almost single-handedly created the anti-virus software industry — and will be the first to admit he is "not normal, if you will."

UNDER COVER OF NIGHT

Fifty phones, 50 places.

McAfee has plowed through that many phones and venues to evade a team of assassins, he says. The short-term plan is to zigzag the USA, paying for hotels with cash under anonymous names like James Corwell. With each phone, McAfee meticulously scrubs data, removes the GPS antenna and disables all apps.

Top 10 Cheapest Stocks To Buy For 2014

One trick McAfee, an amateur magician, employs is duct-taping active phones to 18-wheelers so as to confuse those hunting him via cellphone signals. Properly configured, a phone, with its GPS reinstalled, can run for six days. "This is a big country to get lost in," he says.

While we're in middle Tenne! ssee, McA! fee tailgates a propane truck. When the truck comes to a stop at a red light, he jumps out, drops one of his phones in the lip of the truck's back and jumps back into his car. The diversionary goal: to confound his trackers by having them chase the movements of a random propane truck.

"This should set (the cartel) on a merry chase," McAfee says, laughing. "Necessity focuses the mind remarkably."

McAfee is going to elaborate lengths to hide in plain sight because he and others are convinced at least one attempt was made on his life and another may come soon.

"I'm scared, but I feel alive," McAfee explains. "So many people lead dead lives, which is tragic. But I would gladly trade for a few of those days."

Instead, McAfee and his wife, whom he married in October, crisscross the country in an SUV tricked out with police lights, spotlights and infrared vision. The McAfees frequently change the vehicle's color, license plates and registration.

As for that new start-up, McAfee says, "Running a company while on the run is not easy." He does so with the help of a cadre of helpers in North America that includes Tom Gusinski.

"We talk once a day — it can be 10 a.m. or 5 a.m.," Gusinski says. "John is an amazing, intelligent man. Miraculously, he has been able to lay out what he wants, and our job is to get it done."

By Saturday afternoon, McAfee and his bride are on to the next stop on their whirlwind tour of cheap hotels, tucked-away safe houses and backwoods roads.

They check their guns, the truck's spotlights and supplies before hopping into the vehicle for the next leg of their improbable journey.

"We'll see you down the road," McAfee says. "I don't know where it will take us, but I'm sure it will be interesting."

Monday, March 24, 2014

Wall Street braces for first-quarter earnings

The first quarter of 2014 ends Monday, and that means the quarterly bombardment of profit reports from Corporate America likely will become the main market-moving force on Wall Street.

So how is the earnings reporting season shaping up?

The first thing to remember is the first three months of 2014 were bitterly cold, stormy and snowy. That means consumers were stuck inside their homes and not out doing what Americans do best: shop and spend.

MONDAY: Stocks end lower as Nasdaq flops

Thus, analysts' expectations for profit growth in the January-March quarter have been trending lower. Currently, consensus is that profits will grow at a 2.1% pace vs. the same period a year ago, below the 6.5% growth expected on Jan. 1, says Thomson Reuters. Profits grew 9.8% in the final quarter of 2013.

Negative corporate guidance from CEOs is partly responsible for the lower expectations. So far, there have been 124 profit pre-announcements, with 6.8 negative ones for every positive one. That's far more negative than the first quarter of 2013 (4.2-to-1) but better than the long-term 2.5-to-1 negative-to-positive ratio.

So where will the growth come from? The telecom sector is expected to grow profits 12.1% and utilities 7.8%. The weakest growth? Energy (down 5.4%) and materials (down 0.9%).

The good news? The bar probably has been lowered enough for companies to top expectations. And it's likely that investors will give companies a pass because of the lousy weather.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Now General Motors Is Finding Out How Toyota Felt

On Monday, General Motors General Motors announced that it would take a $300 million charge during the first quarter to reflect the cost of recalls for deadly ignition defects on the Chevrolet Cobalt and other problems. GM also announced three new recalls for another 1.5 million more vehicles, including sport utility vehicles, and Cadillac sedans, for a variety of potential defects.

The latest moves come after some difficult weeks for the largest U.S. carmaker, which is under scrutiny from Congress, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety advocates and numerous lawyers for recalls involving 1.6 million vehicles worldwide, including the small Cobalt, that date back a decade or more. The situation has raised questions why GM's new chief executive, Mary Barra, and other senior management did not know about or address the defects sooner. Twelve people died in accidents involving the faulty ignition switches, although GM says no injuries have been reported in the latest set of recalls.

In a statement, Barra said she had asked her executives to give added attention to their pending reviews of GM products, "bring them forward and resolve them quickly," reflecting the automaker's eagerness to get past the furor. GM also released a video of Barra speaking directly to employees.

GM's predicament is the same kind of uproar that surround Toyota five years ago. In 2009 and 2010, the Japanese' carmaker's sterling reputation was battered by millions of recalls involving sudden acceleration in a variety of its vehicles. Like GM, Toyota was in the spotlight for months, as investigators and trial lawyers delved into its production methods and corporate culture. While the crisis ended after about half a year, Toyota is still mopping up the damage.

Hot Long Term Stocks For 2014

The 2009-10 experience was a historic turning point for Toyota, coming not long after it passed GM to become the world's biggest carmaker. Used to maneuvering with an aura of opaqueness, Toyota had little preparation for the kind of scrutiny that came its way.

It was especially trying for Toyoda's new chief executive, Akio Toyoda, the grandson of the carmaker's founder. Toyota initially resisted efforts to have Toyoda testify before Congress, saying that the matter could be handled by its North American operations. But as it emerged that the decision making process for handling the recalls rested in Japan, Toyoda flew to Washington in February 2010 to appear before the House Committee On Oversight and Government Reform, one of three panels that opened investigations in the Toyota recalls.

English: Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Moto...

Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation, at the annual results conference in Tokyo, May 17, 2011, a year after he testified before Congress. Picture by Bertel Schmitt (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Flanked by a translator and a senior North American executive, Yoshi Inaba, Toyoda repeatedly apologized for the situation. "I extend my condolences from the deepest part of my heart," Toyoda said. He showed even more remorse later at an event with Toyota employees and dealers, when he choked up with emotion in thanking them for their support and again expressed his apologies. Asked what he would tell President Obama, Toyoda said, "Toyota cars are safe."

At the time, some members of Congress questioned whether Toyota was getting extra scrutiny in the wake of the federal GM bailout. Federal officials disagreed, noting that there had been recalls of more than 23 million automobiles from many different car companies.

As GM's time in the spotlight continues, it's likely that Barra, too, will have to testify before Congress. Most likely, she can hope for the settled waters that soon surrounded Toyota. After a series of Congressional hearings in winter 2010, public interest in the Toyota recall situation began to wane.

By the New York International Auto Show in late March 2010, there was little mention of the recalls, which at the time totaled 6 million, and company executives were tentatively expressing optimism that the company could soon return to normal.

But as with the aging Cobalts, Toyota's quality issues still haunt it. Last fall, Consumer Reports removed the Toyota Camry from its recommended list, along with the the RAV-4, the industry's original crossover vehicle, and the Prius-V. The step took place because Camry and the other vehicles failed a new test from the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety.

And last month, neither a Toyota nor a GM vehicle won the top spot from the magazine in its annual car ratings. That went to the Tesla Model S, which is built in a factory in Fremont, California, that was once home to a joint venture between Toyota and GM.

Akio Toyoda

The Week Ahead: Don't Let Anything Derail Your Investing Plan

It was another rollercoaster week in the global equity markets but that has really been the trend so far in 2014, even though many of the US averages have made new all-time highs. The volatility is thought to be a friend of the trader, but I heard one commentator on national TV say that "he had been wrong for the last 60 points in the S&P."

Of course, no active trader would ever risk that large an amount on their view of the market's direction. It does illustrate that it hasn't been an easy year for many traders as those who have been shorting the market since early in the year had to be very nimble in order to profit. But what is the investor to do?

chart
Click to Enlarge

This 30-minute percentage change chart tracks the S&P 500 futures and the 10-year T-note from Monday through Friday morning. The two-day uptrend in the S&P futures, line a, was broken on Wednesday at 2:00 pm Eastern time (see arrow). The futures were up around 1.8% and then quickly dropped to up just 0.75% early Thursday.

At the same time, yields were just as wild as they started to rise before the S&P futures broke support. The 10-year yield went from up 0.75% for the week to up over 4% in less than 24 hours. The actual yield jumped from 2.67% to 2.78%.

As I mentioned in Thursday's column, I thought that the decline, Wednesday, was a mis-interpretation of Yellen's comments and nothing had really changed for the stock market. Hopefully, investors ignored the market's reaction but it's events like this, as well as the sharp selloff in early February, that makes it imperative for investors to have a plan.

Depending on your age and your financial status, I think everyone should have a commitment to the stock market as long as the NYSE Advance/Decline stays positive and economic indicators like the LEI show no signs of a recession. For those who do not want to study the market, a passive approach that invests in low-cost index-tracking ETFs that follow US, as well as overseas stocks, would be the best bet. But what should the more active investor do?

chart
Click to Enlarge

The % change in the various asset classes show quite a few wide swings already this year. Gold as represented by the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) has been the clear winner, up about 9.3%, but down from the mid-March high of 12.7%. Bonds are next as the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) is up just over 5%.

As of early Friday, the Spyder Trust (SPY) is up 2.6% while the Vanguard European Stock Index (VGK) is trailing a bit, up 1.9%. The emerging markets, as represented by the Vanguard Emerging Markets Index (VWO) were unchanged for the year in late January, but by early February, were down 7.6% for the year. VWO has improved from its worst levels as it is currently down just 2% for 2014.

I still think the emerging markets may be the surprise in 2014 as the technical outlook has improved but a bottom has not yet been confirmed. The more active investor should consider investing in several index-tracking ETFs, but in volatile areas, like the emerging markets, the percentage commitment should be kept low. One should consider not only the large-cap S&P 500 but also the small-cap sectors like iShares S&P 600 Small-Cap (IJR), which I recommended last Wednesday.

chart
Click to Enlarge

If you are willing to spend the time and do the work, I think you can become your own investment analyst. These more active investors should consider a core position in an S&P-500-tracking ETF and then allocate to other industry-specific ETFs. So far in 2014, the Select Sector SPDR Utilities (XLU) is up 8.8% for the year. Not too far behind is the Select Sector SPDR Health Care (XLV), which is up 7.8%.

Friday, March 21, 2014

What ETFs Currently Have the Most Value?

As long as it's fear, not fundamentals, that's driving selling, Jim Lowell is almost always going to be buying and he offers some ETFs to consider before you do.

TERRY: I'm Terry Savage from MoneyShow.com talking with Jim Lowell of the Fidelity Advisor, and he writes the Forbes ETF newsletter. Let's talk about exchange traded funds. It's like the hottest fad for the last three or four years. Don't buy a regular mutual fund, by an exchange traded fund. I guess you can get in and out during the day.

JIM: You can trade them like a stock, that's probably their single best characteristic. They tend to not be less expensive or more tax efficient or inefficient for that matter. Within a well run mutual fund, especially a good low cost, no-load fund from T. Rowe Price, Vanguard, Fidelity, so there's a lot of hype. People were basically thinking that they were not only new but somehow a much better investment vehicle. I don't believe that's the case at all, even though I write about ETFs frequently. I started writing about them in 1996, made our first professional investment in them in 1998, so they can play a role and should play a role in your portfolio.

TERRY: Right, so there's lots of ETFs out there -

JIM: Yeah.

TERRY: - and there's sector funds and there's specific industry groups.

JIM: Yeah.

TERRY: What do you do, just throw a dart and have one of each, or how do you play that game?

JIM: No, I have model portfolios in the newsletter that really I hope do a good job of figuring out how to piece together for different risk tolerances and objectives, good ETFs, but I almost always opt for very narrowly defined, narrowly specified ETFs rather than the broad market averages.

TERRY: All right. Here we are only in 2014. What ETFs do you think have the most promise given the fact the market was down in January and who knows from here?

JIM: I'll give you two that I think would be reasonable for any investor to consider. One would be the Dow Diamonds, the multi-national battleship balance sheet blue chip stocks. They trade globally, they're still undervalued by any historical measure although you'd think by now they would be at least relatively fairly valuable. They aren't, they're undervalued.

TERRY: Why? I mean, the Dow isn't undervalued to the S&P.

JIM: A big flood of money continues to push momentum and valuations up in the small and mid cap space here in the US, so you are getting a reasonable level of valuation left over in that really truly mega cap space, and then Vanguard Europe ETF, great way to play Europe. I prefer active management but if I'm going the EFT route, that would be the recommendation that I would make.

TERRY: A lot could blow up in Europe, the Euro for one.

JIM: Sure.

TERRY: What about that?

JIM: Well, if things don't threaten to blow up, then chances are you're not going to be able to find many bargains in the street, so as long as it's fear, not fundamentals, that's driving the selling I'm almost always going to be on the buy side.

TERRY: Okay, thank you very much, Jim Lowell. You can find him at FidelityInvestor.com. I'm Terry Savage for MoneyShow.com.

4 Stocks Spiking on Unusual Volume

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

>>5 Stocks Insiders Love Right Now

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

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

>>Hedge Funds Are Selling These 5 Stocks -- Should You?

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

Abiomed

Abiomed (ABMD) provides medical devices in circulatory support and continuum of care in heart recovery to acute heart failure patients. This stock closed up 3.9% at $26.76 in Wednesday's trading session.

Wednesday's Volume: 1.05 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 417,390

Volume % Change: 157%

>>5 Stocks Set to Soar on Bullish Earnings

From a technical perspective ABMD spiked higher here right above some near-term support at $25.26 with above-average volume. This stock pulled back over the last few weeks from its high of $30.75 to its low of $25.26. That low corresponded with some previous support from February at $25.32. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if ABMD manages to take out Wednesday's high of $27.10 to its 50-day moving average of $27.90 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ABMD as long as it's trending above some key near-term support levels at $25.26 or above its 200-day at $24.62 and then once it sustains a move or close above $27.10 to $27.90 with volume that this near or above 417,390 shares. If that move materializes soon, then ABMD will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $29 to $30. Any high-volume move above those levels will then give ABMD a chance to tag or take out its 52-week high at $30.77.

Charles Schwab

Charles Schwab (SCHW), through its subsidiaries, provides securities brokerage, banking, money management and financial advisory services. This stock closed up 3.2% at $27.58 in Wednesday's trading session.

Wednesday's Volume: 18.77 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 6.82 million

Volume % Change: 171%

>>5 Rocket Stocks Worth Buying This Week

From a technical perspective, SCHW spiked notably higher here and broke out above some near-term overhead resistance at $27.31 with strong upside volume. This spike pushed shares of SCHW into new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if SCHW manages to take out Wednesday's high of $27.75 with strong volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SCHW as long as it's trending above some near-term support at$26.50 or above its 50-day moving average of $25.85 and then once it sustains a move or close above $27.75 with volume that hits near or above 6.82 million shares. If that move gets underway soon, then SCHW will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $33 to $35.

Calamos Asset Management

Calamos Asset Management (CLMS) is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm provides investment advisory services to individuals, including high-net-worth individuals, and institutions. This stock closed up 5.1% at $13.43 in Wednesday's trading session.

Wednesday's Volume: 446,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 180,082

Volume % Change: 150%

From a technical perspective, CLMS ripped sharply higher here right off some near-term support at $12.75 with above-average volume. This move is quickly pushing shares of CLMS within range of triggering a major breakout trade. That trade will hit if CLMS manages to take out Wednesday's high of $13.47 to its 52-week high at $13.69 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CLMS as long as it's trending above Wednesday's low of $12.82 or above some more near-term support at $12.42 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that's near or above 180,082 shares. If that breakout kicks off soon, then CLMS will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $17 to $20.

Zillow

Zillow (Z) operates real estate and home-related information marketplaces on mobile and the Web in the U.S. This stock closed up 2.3% at $95.95 in Wednesday's trading session.

Wednesday's Volume: 3.48 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 1.10 million

Volume % Change: 163%

From a technical perspective, Z trended notably higher here with above-average volume. This stock has been uptrending for the last number of trading sessions, with shares moving higher from its low of $79.05 to its intraday high of $98.35. During that move, shares of Z have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. Market players should now look for a continuation move higher in the short-term if Z manages to take out Wednesday's high of $98.35 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in Z as long as it's trending above Wednesday's low of $92.76 or above $90 and then once it sustains a move or close above $98.35 with volume that's near or above 1.10 million shares. If that move starts soon, then Z will set up to re-test or possibly take out its all-time of $103.

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

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Top 10 Insurance Stocks To Watch Right Now

Top 10 Insurance S tocks To Watch Right Now: Metlife Inc (MET)

MetLife, Inc. (MetLife), incorporated on August 10, 1999, is a provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers in over 50 countries. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife operates in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. It is organized into six segments: Insurance Products, Retirement Products, Corporate Benefit Funding and Auto & Home (collectively, U.S. Business), and Japan and Other International Regions (collectively, International). In addition, the Company reports certain of its results of operations in Corporate & Other, which includes MetLife Bank, National Association (MetLife Bank) and other business activities. U.S. Business provides insurance and financial services products, including life, dental, disability, auto and homeowner insurance, guaranteed interest and stable value products, and annuities through independent retail distribution channels, as well as a t the workplace. Outside the U.S., it operates in Japan and over 50 countries within Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. MetLife is the life insurer in Mexico and also holds positions in Japan, Poland, Chile and Korea. This business provides life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement and savings products to both individuals and groups. In August 2012, it acquired Reynolds Plantation. In January 2013, the Company completed the sale of MetLife Bank, N.A.'s deposit business. Effective July 25, 2013, MetLife Inc acquired Broadstone Laurel Highlands, from Alliance Residential Fund I. In September 2013, MetLife Inc and Thayer Lodging Group acquired the 365-room Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico in a joint venture.

Insurance Products

Th! e Insurance Products segment offers a range of protection products and services aimed at serving the financ ial needs of its customers throughout their lives. These pro! ducts are sold to individuals and corporations, as well as other institutions and their respective employees. It is organized in three businesses: Group Life, Individual Life and Non-Medical Health.

The Group Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, and term life products. It offer group insurance products as employer-paid benefits or as voluntary benefits where all or a portion of the premiums are paid by the employee. These group products and services also include employee paid supplemental life and are offered as standard products or may be tailored to meet specific customer needs.

The Individual Life insurance products and services include variable life, universal life, term life and whole life products. Additionally, through its broker-dealer affiliates, it offers a full range of mutual funds and other securities products. The products within both Group Life and Individual Life include Variable Life, Universa l Life, Term Life and Whole Life. Variable life products provide insurance coverage through a contract that gives the policyholder the policyholder flexibility in investment choices and, depending on the product, in premium payments and coverage amounts, with certain guarantees. With variable life products, premiums and account balances can be directed by the policyholder into a variety of separate account investment options or directed to the Company's general account. In the separate account investment options, the policyholder bears the entire risk of the investment results.

Universal life products provide insurance coverage on the same basis as variable life, except that premiums, and the resulting accumulated balances, are allocated only to the Company's general account. Universal life products may allow the insured to increase or decrease t! he amount! of death benefit coverage over the term of the contract and the owner to adjust the frequency and amount of premium payments.

Term life products provid! e a guara! nteed benefit upon the death of the insured for a specified time period in return for the periodic payment of premiums. Specified coverage periods range from one year to 30 years, but in no event are they longer than the period over, which premiums are paid. Death benefits may be level over the period or decreasing. Decreasing coverage is used principally to provide for loan repayment in the event of death. Premiums may be guaranteed at a level amount for the coverage period or may be non-level and non-guaranteed. Term insurance products are sometimes referred to as pure protection products, in that there are typically no savings or investment elements. Term contracts expire without value at the end of the coverage period when the insured party is still living.

Whole life products provide a guaranteed benefit upon the death of the insured in return for the periodic payment of a fixed premium over a predetermined period. Premium payments may be required for the e ntire life of the contract period, to a specified age or period, and may be level or change in accordance with a predetermined schedule. Whole life insurance includes policies that provide a participation feature in the form of dividends. Policyholders may receive dividends in cash or apply them to increase death benefits, increase cash values available upon surrender or reduce the premiums required to maintain the contract in-force.

The Non-Medical Health products and services include dental insurance, group short- and long-term disability, individual disability income, long-term care (LTC), critical illness and accidental death & dismemberment coverage. Other products and services include employer-sponsored auto and homeowners insurance provided through the Auto & Home segment and prepaid legal plans. The Company also sells administrative! services! -only (ASO) arrangements to some employers. The products in this area are Dental, Disability and Long-term Care (LT C). Dental products provide insurance and ASO plans that ass! ist emplo! yees, retirees and their families in maintaining oral health while reducing out-of-pocket expenses and providing superior customer service. Dental plans include the Preferred Dentist Program and the Dental Health Maintenance Organization. Disability products provide a benefit in the event of the disability of the insured. This benefit is in the form of monthly income paid until the insured reaches age 65. In addition to income replacement, the product may be used to provide for the payment of business overhead expenses for disabled business owners or mortgage payment protection. This is offered on both a group and individual basis. LTC products provide protection against the potentially high costs of LTC services. They generally pay benefits to insureds that need assistance with activities of daily living or have a cognitive impairment.

Retirement Products

The Retirement products segment includes a variety of variable and fixed annuities that are primarily sold to individuals and employees of corporations and other institutions. The products in this area are Variable Annuities and Fixed Annuities. Variable annuities provide for both asset accumulation and asset distribution needs. Variable annuities allow the contract holder to make deposits into various investment options in a separate account, as determined by the contract holder. The risks associated with such investment options are borne entirely by the contract holder, except where guaranteed minimum benefits are involved.

Fixed annuities provide for both asset accumulation and asset distribution needs. Fixed annuities do not allow the same investment flexibility provided by variable annuities, but provide guarantees related to the preservation of principal and interest credited.

Corporate Benefit Funding!

The Corporate Benefit Funding segment includes a range of annuity and investment products, including, guaranteed intere st products and other stable value products, income annuitie! s, and se! parate account contracts for the investment management of defined benefit and defined contribution plan assets. This segment also includes certain products to fund postretirement benefits and company, bank or trust owned life insurance used to finance non-qualified benefit programs for executives. The products in this area are Stable Value Products, Pensions Closeouts, Torts and Settlements, Capital Markets Investment Products and other Corporate Benefit Funding Products and Services. The Company offers general account guaranteed interest contracts, separate account guaranteed interest contracts, and similar products used to support the stable value option of defined contribution plans. It also offers private floating rate funding agreements that are used for money market funds, securities lending cash collateral portfolios and short-term investment funds.

The Company offers general account and separate account annuity products, generally in connection with the termination of defined benefit pension plans, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. It also offers partial risk transfer solutions that allow for partial transfers of pension liabilities and annuity products that include single premium buyouts. It offers strategies for complex litigation settlements, primarily structured settlement annuities. Under the Capital Markets Investment Products, the products offered include funding agreements, Federal Home Loan Bank advances and funding agreement-backed commercial paper. Under the Other Corporate Benefit Funding Products and Services, it offers specialized insurance products designed specifically to provide solutions for non-qualified benefit and retiree benefit funding purposes.

Auto & Home

The Auto & Home segment includes personal lines property and c! asualty i! nsurance offered directly to employees at their employer's worksite, as well as to individuals through a variety of retail distributi on channels, including independent agents, property and casu! alty spec! ialists, direct response marketing and the individual distribution sales group. Auto & Home primarily sells auto insurance, which represented 67% of Auto & Home's total net earned premiums in 2011. Homeowners and other insurance represented 33% of Auto & Home's total net earned premiums in 2011. The products in this area are Auto Coverages and Homeowners and Other Coverages. Auto insurance policies provide coverage for private passenger automobiles, utility automobiles and vans, motorcycles, motor homes, antique or classic automobiles and trailers. Auto & Home offers traditional coverage, such as liability, uninsured motorist, no fault or personal injury protection, as well as collision and comprehensive. Homeowners' insurance policies provide protection for homeowners, renters, condominium owners and residential landlords against losses arising out of damage to dwellings and contents from a variety of perils, as well as coverage for liability arising from ownership or occupancy. Other insurance includes personal excess liability (protection against losses in excess of amounts covered by other liability insurance policies), and coverage for recreational vehicles and boat owners. Most of Auto & Home's homeowners' policies are traditional insurance policies for dwellings, providing protection for loss on a replacement cost basis. These policies also provide additional coverage for reasonable, normal living expenses incurred by policyholders that have been displaced from their homes.

International

International provides life insurance, accident and health insurance, credit insurance, annuities, endowment and retirement & savings products to both individuals and groups. The Company focuses on markets primarily within Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe an! d the Mid! dle East.. It operates in international markets through subsidiaries and affiliates. The Company operates in 22 countries in Latin America, with o perations in Mexico, Chile and Argentina. It operates in fou! r countri! es in Asia Pacific with operations in Korea, Hong Kong and Australia. It operates in 35 countries in Europe and the Middle East with operations in Poland, the United Kingdom, France, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as through a consolidated joint venture in India.

Corporate & Other

Corporate & Other contains the excess capital not allocated to the segments, which is invested to optimize investment spread and to fund company initiatives and various start-up and run-off entities. Mortgage products offered by MetLife Bank include forward and reverse residential mortgage loans. Residential mortgage loans are originated through MetLife Bank's national sales force, mortgage brokers and mortgage correspondents. The residential mortgage banking activities include the origination and servicing of mortgage loans. Mortgage loans are held-for-investment or sold primarily into Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corpo ration (FHLMC) or Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) securities. Deposit products include traditional savings accounts, money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs) and individual retirement accounts.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Ben Levisohn]
But there are winners–and they’re any stock that’s helped by higher rates. There are mutual fund companies with big money-market fund businesses, who wouldn’t be forced to run these funds for what is essentially free. Federated Investors (FII), for instance, has jumped 2.1% to $27.99. Life insurance companies, too, are rising because they should be able to earn more on their investments. MetLife (MET), for instance, has risen 1.3% to $53.03.
[By Ben Levisohn]
It’s be! en a good ! day for life insurers across the board today, thanks to speculation that the Fed could get more hawkish following today’s jobs report–and higher interest rates would benefit insurers. Shares of Prudential have gained 2% to $88.47 at 2:53 p.m. today, while Metlife (MET) has risen 1.3% to $53.04 and Lincoln National (LNC) has advanced 1.6% to $52.75. American International Group (AIG) has dropped 0.2% to $51.05.
[By Lauren Pollock]
Rothesay Life Ltd. agreed to buy MetLife Inc.'s(MET) U.K.-based annuity pension unit as it continues to build out its annuity portfolio. Financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter, weren’t disclosed.
[By Christina Rexrode]
Marsh & McLennan Cos Inc. (MMC) and MetLife Inc. (MET) have been rising since those companies reported earnings earlier this week.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-10-insurance-stocks-to-watch-right-now.html

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Top Warren Buffett Companies To Watch In Right Now

Top Warren Buffett Companies To Watch In Right Now: Powershares Dynamic Media Portfolio (PBS)

PowerShares Dynamic Media Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the Dynamic Media Intellidex Index (the Media Intellidex). The Media Intellidex consists of stocks of 30 United States media companies. These are companies that are principally engaged in the development, production, sale and distribution of goods or services used in the media industry. These companies may include advertising, marketing and public relations companies; companies that own, operate or broadcast free or pay television, radio or cable stations; theaters; film studios; publishers or sellers of newspapers, magazines, books or video products; printing, cable television and video companies and equipment providers; pay-per-view television companies; companies involved in emerging technologies for the broadcast and media industries; cellular communications companies; companies involved in the development, syndication and t ransmission of television, movie programming, advertising and cellular communications; companies that distribute data-based information, and other companies involved in the ownership, operation or development of media products or services. Stocks are selected principally on the basis of their capital appreciation potential as identified by the AMEX (the Intellidex Provider) pursuant to its Intellidex methodology.

The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks of media companies. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Media Intellidex. The Media Intellidex is adjusted quarterly, and the Fund, using an indexing investment approach, attempts to replicate the performance of the Media Intellidex. The Fund's investment advisor is Pow! erShares Capital Management LLC.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By John Udovich]
On Monday, shares of small cap Rocket Fuel Inc (NASDAQ: FUEL) took off like a rocket by surging 18.96% after plunging about 20% on Friday after earnings – meaning it might be time to take a closer look at the stock as well as benchmark it with the performance of the Global X Social Media Index ETF (NASDAQ: SOCL) and the PowerShares Dynamic Media Portfolio ETF (NYSEARCA: PBS).
[By John Udovich]
Small cap media stock LIN Media LLC (NYSE: LIN) might not be a household name, but there is a good chance you might be watching the company's programs because like the Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc (NASDAQ: SBGI) and Nexstar Broadcasting Group, Inc (NASDAQ: NXST), its helping to consolidate the media industry plus its making investment in other forms of media like social media. The stock has also outperformed those two peers along with the PowerShares Dynamic Media Portfolio ETF (NYSEARCA: PBS).

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-warren-buffett-companies-to-watch-in-right-now.html

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Low Inflation Means More of the Same From Fed

As of 1 p.m. EDT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI ) was up 81 points, or 0.50%, the S&P 500 rose 0.59%, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.95%. The across-the-board rise in the U.S. stock indices come amid continued calm in the Russia-Ukraine dispute over Crimea and after positive economic data was released this morning. The Consumer Price Index rose just 0.1% in February, following a 0.1% rise in January and a 0.2% increase in December. This is a sign that inflation is under control, despite all the stimulation the Federal Reserve has been giving the economy. Low interest rates will typically cause inflation to rise, but we have yet to see that happen, which likely means the central bank will continue stimulating economic growth.

The biggest mover within the Dow today is Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT ) , as shares were up more than 3.7% following reports that the company would release a new version of Microsoft Office that will run on Apple's iPad.This would open a whole new market for the company to sell software, which should help offset faltering sales due to consumers' shift from PCs to tablet and mobile computing. Software has always been Microsoft's bread and butter, so seeing the company attempt to improve that part of its business is very reassuring.

One Dow component not having as good of a day is Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT ) , as shares are basically flat. The stagnant share price seems a little odd after the giant retailer announced this morning that it would roll out a video game trade-in program. Beginning March 26, more than 3,100 Wal-Mart stores nationwide will accept old video games in exchange for Wal-Mart gift cards. The move is an attempt to draw in customers who otherwise would be going to places like GameStop (NYSE: GME ) . Shares of the video game specialty store are down 4% this afternoon on the announcement. Many have pointed to GameStop's quarterly results as a reason why it makes sense for Wal-Mart to get into the business. GameStop reported that 18% of its holiday shopping sales were pre-owned games, and that its first-quarter gross margin for the recycled games will range from 46% to 49%. These figures indicate there is a profitable market for used games. However, Wal-Mart is already so large that the additional revenue from used games will not be likely to move the needle. Still, this may help improve overall traffic to stores, which could result in noticeably higher sales.

Outside the Dow, shares of fashion designer Michael Kors (NYSE: KORS ) are trading lower by 2.3% after Barclays hit the stock with a sell rating and an $85 price target. Since going public more than two years ago, Michael Kors has been a great momentum trade as it seemed everyone was rallying behind the company. The Barclays rating is one of the first negative opinions released about the Kors, meaning the stock will likely experience a little more downward pressure from this report than we would otherwise see. For long-term investors the company is still growing rapidly and looking healthy. While the stock may be overvalued today based on current fundamentals, I believe the company still has a long road ahead and therefore I will be holding on to my shares.

Want more out of your investments?

It's no secret that investors tend to be impatient with the market, but the best investment strategy is to buy shares in solid businesses and keep them for the long term. In the special free report "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich," The Motley Fool shares investment ideas and strategies that could help you build wealth for years to come. Click here to grab your free copy today.

Monday, March 17, 2014

Top Long Term Companies To Buy For 2014

Top Long Term Companies To Buy For 2014: Hudson City Bancorp Inc.(HCBK)

Hudson City Bancorp, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Hudson City Savings Bank that provides a range of retail banking services. It offers a range of deposit accounts, including passbook and statement savings accounts, interest-bearing transaction accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and time deposits, as well as IRA accounts and qualified retirement plans. The company?s loan portfolio primarily comprises one-to four-family first mortgage loans for residential properties; multi-family and commercial mortgage loans; construction loans; and consumer loans, such as fixed-rate second mortgage loans and home equity credit line loans, as well as collateralized passbook loans, overdraft protection loans, automobile loans, and secured and unsecured commercial lines of credit. As of December 31, 2009, it operated 95 branches located in 17 counties throughout the State of New Jersey; 10 branch offices in Westchester County, 9 branch offices in Suffolk Cou nty, 1 branch office each in Putnam and Rockland Counties, and 6 branch offices in Richmond County; and 9 branch offices in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The company was founded in 1868 and is based in Paramus, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Lauren Pollock]
M&T Bank Corp.(MTB) and Hudson City Bancorp Inc.(HCBK) said they expect additional delays in completing their merger deal, and any action isn’t expected to occur until the latter half of 2014. “While all parties are disappointed that the transaction is delayed further, we are gratified that M&T continues to see the value in the Hudson City franchise,” said Hudson City CEO Ronald E. Hermance Jr.
[By Dan Caplinger]
Beyond the Dow, Hudson City Bancorp (NASDAQ: HCBK ) has dropped more than 5% after the bank and i! ts proposed acquirer, M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB ) , said there would be a delay in completing their merger. M&T, which has slipped almost 4%, cited regulatory concerns from the Federal Reserve over its bank secrecy and anti-money-laundering programs. Despite the two banks' plan to extend their agreement until the end of January 2014, they aren't sure the merger will be complete even by then. Shareholders will still vote on the deal later this month, but the delay has to be disconcerting for investors on both sides.
[By Eric Volkman]
M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB ) will take a little longer to absorb fellow lender Hudson City Bancorp (NASDAQ: HCBK ) . The companies said in a joint press release that they believe more time will be needed to address regulatory issues in order to effect the planned acquisition, first announced in Aug. 2012.
[By Amanda Alix]
It was a long engagement, but the union between growth-oriented M&T Bank (NYSE: MTB ) and Hudson City Bancorp (NASDAQ: HCBK ) looks like it is definitely back on track.

source from Top Stocks Blog:http://www.topstocksblog.com/top-long-term-companies-to-buy-for-2014.html

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Companies To Own In Right Now

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- At Stockpickr, we track daily portfolios of stocks that are the biggest percentage gainers and the biggest percentage losers.

>>5 Big Stocks to Trade for Gains

Stocks that are making large moves like these are favorites among short-term traders because they can jump into these names and try to capture some of that massive volatility. Stocks that are making big-percentage moves either up or down are usually in play because their sector is becoming attractive or they have a major fundamental catalyst such as a recent earnings release. Sometimes stocks making big moves have been hit with an analyst upgrade or an analyst downgrade.

Regardless of the reason behind it, when a stock makes a large-percentage move, it is often just the start of a new major trend -- a trend that can lead to huge profits. If you time your trade correctly, combining technical indicators with fundamental trends, discipline and sound money management, you will be well on your way to investment success.

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Companies To Own In Right Now: Smiths Group PLC (SMGKF.PK)

Smiths Group plc is a technology company. It has five divisions: Smiths Detection, Smiths Medical, John Crane, Smiths Interconnect and Flex-Tek. The Company and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture, sale and support advanced security equipment, including trace detection, millimeter-wave, infrared, biological detection and diagnostics; mechanical seals, seal support systems, engineered bearings, power transmission couplings and specialist filtration systems, and medical devices aligned to specific therapies, principally airway, pain and temperature management, and vascular access. It also develops, manufactures, sells and supports specialized electronic and radio frequency products for the global wireless telecommunications, aerospace, defense, space, medical, rail, test and industrial markets, and engineered components, including ducting, hose assemblies and heating elements. In May 2011, it acquired the entire issued share capital of SDBR Comercio De Equipamentos De Seguanca LTDA. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Daniel Lauchheimer]
Currently, three main companies supply security equipment to the TSA - Safran (SAFRY.PK), Smiths (SMGKF.PK), and Level-3 Holdings (LLL). All three of these companies sell the whole range of their products to the TSA, with an ETD offering included. Recently, however, a new company, Implant Sciences Corporation (IMSC.PK) received approval from the TSA to begin selling their ETD equipment to airport security professionals. This approval has opened the door for IMSC to begin taking some market share away from the more established players in the US and beyond.

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Companies To Own In Right Now: ThyssenKrupp AG (TKA)

ThyssenKrupp AG is a Germany-based technology holding company operating in seven business areas. The Steel Europe division produces carbon steel flat products. The Steel Americas division is engaged in production, processing and marketing of high-grade carbon steels. The Materials Services division is engaged in global distribution of materials and the provision of complex technical services for the production and manufacturing sectors. The Elevator Technology division is engaged in the area of passenger transportation systems. The Plant Technology division focuses on specialty and large-scale plant construction. The Components Technology division is engaged in manufacturing components for the automotive, construction and engineering sectors as well as for wind turbines. The Marine Systems division focuses on naval and civil shipbuilding. Apart from its business areas, it provides business services, which are diversified into Business Services and Information Technology (IT) Services. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Corinne Gretler]
ThyssenKrupp AG (TKA) slumped 9.3 percent after Germany�� largest steelmaker raised 882.3 million euros ($1.21 billion) through a share sale. Standard Chartered Plc lost 8.1 percent. Sage Group (SGE) Plc, the U.K.�� biggest software maker, rose 6.8 percent after reporting revenue growth that exceeded analysts��estimates. AZ Electronic Materials SA surged 43 percent after Merck KGaA (MRK) agreed to buy it for about 1.6 billion pounds ($2.6 billion).
[By Corinne Gretler]
Telekom Austria (TKA) slid 1.6 percent to 5.63 euros. Second-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization fell to 330.3 million euros ($439 million) from 364.8 million euros a year earlier. That compared with the average 332.7 million-euro analyst estimate.
[By Sofia Horta e Costa]
ThyssenKrupp AG (TKA), Germany�� largest steelmaker, rose to a five-week high. YOC AG (YOC) surged the most in more than three months after the mobile-phone advertising company said it sold 1.3 million euros ($1.7 million) of shares to increase capital. Lanxess AG (LXS), the chemical maker that joined the DAX in September, retreated 3.4 percent.

Best Bank Stocks To Buy For 2014: Orkla ASA (ORK)

Orkla ASA is a Norway-based company active in various sectors. The Company�� operations are structured into two segments: Branded Consumer Goods and Other Businesses. The Branded Consumer Goods segment is divided into five units: Orkla Foods, which comprises the Company�� food businesses in the Nordic region and the Baltics; Orkla Confectionery, which comprises five branded consumer goods businesses which serve the Nordic region and the Baltics as their home markets; Orkls Home & Personal consists of five branded consumer goods businesses, including Lilleborg, Lilleborg Profesjonell, the Axellus Group, Pierre Robert Group and House Care; Orkla Food Ingredients cover product categories, including margarine, marzipan, bread improvers and mixes, and yeast, and Orkla International includes branded consumer goods companies outside the Nordic region and the Baltics. The Other Businesses segment covers the Company�� operation in aluminum, real estate and hydropower sectors, among others. Advisors' Opinion:

[By Jonathan Morgan]
Orkla ASA (ORK), the Norwegian industrial conglomerate transforming itself into a consumer-goods producer, slumped 11 percent to 46.78 kroner, the largest drop since November 2011. The company reported second-quarter pretax profit of 514 million kroner ($86 million), missing estimates of 965 million kroner in a Bloomberg survey of analysts.

Hot Industrial Conglomerate Companies To Own In Right Now: Siemens AG (SI)

Siemens AG (Siemens), incorporated on August 28, 1996, is a globally operating technology company with core activities in the fields of energy, healthcare, industry and infrastructure. Siemens business activities focus on four sectors, Energy, Healthcare, Industry and Infrastructure & Cities. These sectors form four of Siemens reportable segments. In addition to the four sectors, Siemens has two additional reportable segments: Equity Investments and Siemens Financial Services (SFS). The Energy sector comprises four divisions: Power Generation, Wind Power, Power Transmission and Energy Service. The Healthcare Sector includes four divisions: Imaging & Therapy Systems, Clinical Products, Diagnostics and Customer Solutions; and one sector-led Business Unit, Audiology Solutions. The Industry sector consists of three divisions: Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services; and one sector-led Business Unit, Metals Technologies. The Infrastructure & Cities sector consists of five divisions: Rail Systems, Mobility and Logistics, Low and Medium Voltage, Smart Grid, and Building Technologies. In July 2013 Siemens sold its stake in the Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) joint venture to Nokia and OSRAM Licht AG was spun off from Siemens.

Industry

The Industry Sector offers a broad spectrum of products, solutions and services that help customers use resources and energy. The Sector�� integrated technologies and holistic solutions primarily address industrial customers, particularly those in the process and manufacturing industries. The portfolio spans industry automation, industrial software, drive products and services, system integration, and solutions for industrial plant businesses. The Industry Sector consists of three Divisions: Industry Automation, Drive Technologies and Customer Services. The Sector also includes a sector-led Business Unit, Metals Technologies. In addition to its Sector-level financial results, Industry also breaks out financial results for the Indust! ry Automation Division and the Drive Technologies Division. The Industry Automation Division offers a range of standard products and system solutions for automation technologies used in the manufacturing and process industries. The Division�� offerings include automation systems and software, motor controls, machine-to- machine communication products, sensors, product and production lifecycle management products, and software for simulating and testing mechatronic systems. The Drive Technologies Division offers products and comprehensive systems across the entire drive train. These offerings are customized to the respective application and include numerical control systems, inverters, converters, motors (geared and gearless), drives and couplings. In addition, Drive Technologies supplies integrated automation systems for machine tools and production machines. The Division also offers integrated lifecycle solutions and services for industries such as shipbuilding, cement, mining, and pulp and paper. The Customer Services Division offers a comprehensive portfolio of services and supports industrial customers.

Energy

The Energy Sector offers a spectrum of products, solutions and services for generating and transmitting power, and for extracting, converting and transporting oil and gas. The Fossil Power Generation Division offers products and solutions for fossil-based power generation. The Division concentrates on products and solutions for gas and steam turbines, turbo generators, heat recovery steam generators including control systems, with an emphasis on combined-cycle power plants. It also develops solutions for instrumentation and control systems for all types of power plants and for use in power generation. The Wind Power Division manufactures wind turbines for onshore and offshore applications, including both geared turbines and direct drive machines. The product portfolio is based on four product platforms, two for each of the onshore and offshore applications. The Oil ! & Gas Div! ision has a comprehensive portfolio of rotating machinery (gas turbines, steam turbines, compressors with associated equipment) and electrical, instrumentation and telecommunication (EIT) solutions. The Power Transmission Division provides customers with turnkey power transmission solutions as well as discrete products, systems and related engineering and services. It covers high-voltage transmission solutions, power and distribution transformers, high-voltage switching and non-switching products and systems, and alternating and direct current transmission systems. The Energy Service Division offers comprehensive services for products, solutions and technologies, covering performance enhancements, maintenance services, customer trainings and consulting services for the Divisions Fossil Power Generation, Wind Power and Oil & Gas. The Wind Power Division is active in both the onshore and the offshore market segments globally. Power Transmission Division is expanding infrastructure in emerging countries, equipment replacement and modernization in mature economies, and integration of renewable energies.

Healthcare

The Healthcare Sector offers customers a comprehensive portfolio of medical solutions across the treatment chain-ranging from medical imaging to in-vitro diagnostics to interventional systems and clinical information technology systems-all from a single source. In addition, the Sector provides technical maintenance, professional and consulting services, and, together with Financial Services (SFS), financing to assist customers in purchasing the Sector�� products. The Healthcare Sector includes four Divisions: Imaging & Therapy Systems, Clinical Products, Diagnostics and Customer Solutions. The Sector also includes one sector-led Business Unit, Audiology Solutions. In addition to its Sector-level financial results, Healthcare also separately breaks out financial results for the Diagnostics Division.

The Imaging & Therapy Systems Division provides large-scale! medical ! devices for diagnostic imaging and for image-guided therapies. Imaging equipment includes computed tomographs, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, angiography systems for diagnostics, and positron emission tomography. The Clinical Products Division mainly comprises the business with ultrasound and X-ray equipment including mammography. The Diagnostics Division offers products and services in the area of in-vitro diagnostics. The Division�� product portfolio represents a comprehensive range of diagnostic testing systems and consumables, including offerings for clinical chemistry and immunodiagnostics, molecular diagnostics, hematology, hemostasis, microbiology, point-of-care testing and clinical laboratory automation solutions. The Customer Solutions Division provides healthcare information technology (HIT) systems. It is responsible for the Sector�� service business and customer relationship management on a global level.

Equity Investments

The Equity Investments comprises equity stakes held by Siemens that are accounted for by the equity method, at cost or as current available-for-sale financial assets and for strategic reasons are not allocated to a Sector, SFS, Centrally managed portfolio activities, Siemens Real Estate (SRE), Corporate items or Corporate Treasury. Its main investments within Equity Investments are its stake of 50% in BSH Bosch and Siemens Hausgerate GmbH (BSH), its stake of 17% in OSRAM Licht AG (OSRAM) as well as its 49% stake in Enterprise Networks Holdings B.V. (EN).

Financial Services

Financial Services provides a variety of financial services and products to other Siemens units and their customers and to third parties. SFS has three strategic pillars: supporting Siemens units with finance solutions for their customers, managing financial risks of Siemens and offering third-party finance services and products. SFS��business can be divided into capital business and fee business. The Commercial Finance Business Unit offers! a compre! hensive range of solutions for equipment financing, leasing, rental and related financing for equipment supplied by Siemens or third-party providers. The Venture Capital Business Segment�� main task, together with Siemens��Sectors, is to identify and finance young companies worldwide. The Treasury Business Unit operates the global Corporate Treasury of the Siemens Group, with SFS employee�� thereby managing liquidity, cash and financial risks (interest, foreign exchange, commodities) on behalf of Corporate Treasury. The Financing & Investment Management Business Unit manages fee-based receivables and offers investment management services. The Insurance Business Unit acts primarily as an insurance broker for Siemens and external customers.

Infrastructure & Cities

The Infrastructure & Cities Sector offers a range of technologies for the sustainability of metropolitan centers and urban infrastructures worldwide, such as integrated mobility solutions, building and security systems, power distribution equipment, smart grid applications and low and medium-voltage products. The Sector consists of five Divisions: Rail Systems; Mobility and Logistics; Low and Medium Voltage; Smart Grid; and Building Technologies. The Rail Systems Division comprises Siemens��rail vehicle business, encompassing the entire spectrum of rolling stock-including high-speed trains, commuter trains, passenger coaches, metros, people movers, light rail vehicles, locomotives, bogies, traction systems and rail-related services. The Mobility and Logistics Division primarily provides products, solutions (including IT solutions) and services for rail transportation operating systems, such as central control systems, interlockings and automated controls. The Division also provides offerings for road traffic, including traffic detection, information and guidance systems.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Abu Bakr Hussain]
NSN is a joint venture with Siemens (SI) in the field of telecoms infrastructure. Its chief competitors are the likes of Alcatel-Lucent (ALU), Ericsson (ERIC) and yes, Huawei. As the latter is a rather opaquely-owned Chinese company, we cannot use it to help create a valuation for NSN. However, I believe using the first two companies mentioned is sufficient to give us a decent indication of NSN's true value.
[By Dan Carroll]
For Germany's economy, the ongoing swamp of the eurozone will weigh on the nation's exports -- and export-reliant companies -- as it has already. That's no easy hurdle to jump for such a trade-reliant economy as this, and for Germany's top international businesses like industrial conglomerate Siemens (NYSE: SI ) , European business will grow all the more troubling.