The First City-Specific ETF Targets Nashville Area

Procter & Gamble Declares Quarterly Dividends

One of the most famous and reliable dividend payers on the market is maintaining its long streak of shareholder payouts. Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG  ) has declared the latest in a great many series of quarterly distributions, committing to a payout of $0.6015 per share of its common stock and its series A and B convertible class A preferred securities. All will be handed out "on or after" Aug. 15 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on July 19 in the case of common stock, and as of the start of business the same day for the series A and B preferreds.

That amount matches P&G's previous set of distributions, which were disbursed in mid-May.

In the press release announcing the news, the company didn't shy away from pointing out that it has paid a dividend for 123 years in a row, increasing that amount for the past 57 of those years.

The just-declared dividends annualize to just under $2.41 per share. That yields 3% at P&G's most recent common stock closing price of $79.57.

Top Biotech Stocks To Buy For 2014

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE  ) �stock surpassed $30 per share earlier this month. I remember when it was just a teenager.

It wasn't that long ago.

For most of 2011, Pfizer stock traded for less than $20 per share. Since then, it's up 40%, more than doubling the Dow. That's downright amazing for a large drugmaker with a market cap of nearly $24 billion.

Let's take a look at a few reasons for the increase.

It's a drugmaker
Or put another way, rising tides lift all boats.

Lately, investors have been willing to take on risk. Pfizer isn't as risky as a biotech -- the Nasdaq biotech index is up more than 70% since the beginning of 2012 -- but it still has some of the risks inherent with drug development.

Someone that was really good at timing the market -- do they exist? -- could make a bundle jumping into the biotech sector when the overall stock market was doing well and jump out when it was on the decline.

Top Biotech Stocks To Buy For 2014: Bioanalytical Systems Inc.(BASI)

Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. provides drug discovery and development services for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and government organizations primarily in North America, the Pacific Rim, and Europe. The company operates in two segments, Contract Research Services and Research Products. The Contract Research Services segment offers various services, including product characterization, method development, and validation; bioanalytical testing to measure drug and metabolite concentrations in complex biological matrices; stability testing to establish and confirm product purity, potency, and shelf life; in vivo sampling services for the continuous monitoring of chemical changes in life; and pharmacokinetic and safety testing services, as well as provides screening and pharmacological testing, preclinical safety testing, formulation development, regulatory compliance, and quality control testing services. The Research Products segment offers analytical products compris ing liquid chromatographic and electrochemical instruments with associated accessories; in vivo sampling products, such as Culex family of automated in vivo sampling and dosing instruments; and Vetronics? products consisting of instruments and related software to monitor and diagnose cardiac function, and measure other vital physiological parameters in cats and dogs. The company was founded in 1974 and is headquartered in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tom Bishop]

  Bioanalytical Systems, Inc. offers one of the top rated biotechnology stocks found on the NASDAQ market. This stock now stands close to three hundred percent over the recent fifty two week low.

Top Biotech Stocks To Buy For 2014: ARIAD Pharmaceuticals Inc.(ARIA)

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer. The company?s lead cancer product, ridaforolimus is being studied in multiple clinical trials in patients with various types of cancers, including metastatic sarcomas, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Its product pipeline also includes ponatinib, a pan BCR-ABL inhibitor in phase 2 clinical trial for applications in various hematological cancers and solid tumors; and AP26113, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor in preclinical studies for the treatment of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. In addition, the company focuses on a drug discovery program centered on small-molecule therapies that are molecularly targeted to cell-signaling pathways implicated in cancer. Further, it licenses its ARGENT cell-sign aling regulation technologies to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop and commercialize therapeutic products, and to conduct drug discovery research. The company has collaboration and license agreements with Merck & Co., Inc. for the development, manufacture, and commercialization of ridaforolimus; and license agreements with Medinol Ltd. and ICON Medical Corp. to develop and commercialize stents and other medical devices to deliver ridaforolimus to prevent restenosis of injured vessels. ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Hilary Kramer]

  Ariad Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ARIA) is developing novel cancer treatments, and it has three promising drugs in its pipeline: ridaforolimus (which I expect to get FDA approval shortly), ponatinib (recently reported good Stage I/II results), and AP-26113 (a compound with strong potential that just started clinical testing). The stock is up nearly 50% since the early October lows, and while concerns over the possibility that Ariad will raise money could be a short-term overhang on the stock, I look for share prices to continue to climb as the company’s drugs move through the approval process.

• [By Peter Leeds]

  Based on percentages coming in from 9 battle ground states, and the number of electoral college votes from each, it appears that Obama would win if the election were held today.  I expect his lead to increase as the campaign enters full swing.

  One company that could benefit from a few more years of a Democratic president would be Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA 0.00%).  It is a pharmaceutical company that earned $13.9 million in the third quarter (10 cents per share), and sits on an impressive $86 million in cash. The Bush administration fought against stem cell research, which is a big part of Ariad's approach, and the company and its shares were hammered. Now, after several years of friendlier policies, and the prospect of another four, Ariad is building momentum and gobbling up market share. I think it could trade up to $16.20.

Hot Cheap Stocks To Watch Right Now: Quintiles Transnational Holdings Inc (Q)

Quintiles Transnational Holdings Inc. is a provider of biopharmaceutical development services and commercial outsourcing services. The Company operates in two segments: Product Development and Integrated Healthcare Services. The Company�� Product Development segment operates as a contract research organization (CRO) focused primarily on Phase II-IV clinical trials and associated laboratory and analytical activities. The Company�� Integrated Healthcare Services segment is a global commercial pharmaceutical sales and service organizations and Integrated Healthcare Services provides a range of services, including commercial services, such as providing contract pharmaceutical sales forces in geographic markets, as well as healthcare business services for the healthcare sector, such as outcome-based and payer and provider services. In August 2012, it acquired Expression Analysis, Inc.

Product Development

Product Development provides services and that allow biopharmaceutical companies to outsource the clinical development process from first in man trials to post-launch monitoring. The Company�� service offering provides the support and functional necessary at each stage of development, as well as the systems and analytical capabilities. Product Development consists of clinical solutions and services and consulting. Clinical solutions and services provides services necessary to develop biopharmaceutical products, including project management and clinical monitoring functions for conducting multi-site trials (generally Phase II-IV) (core clinical) and clinical trial support services that improve clinical trial decision making and include global laboratories, data management, biostatistical, safety and pharmacovigilance, and early clinical development trials, and strategic planning and design services that improve decisions and performance. Consulting provides strategy and management consulting services based on life science and advanced analytics, as well as regulatory and comp! liance consulting services.

The Company competes with Covance, Inc., Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc., PAREXEL International Corporation, ICON plc, inVentiv Health, Inc. (inVentive), INC Research and PRA International.

Integrated Healthcare Services

Integrated Healthcare Services provides the healthcare industry with both geographic presence and commercial capabilities. The Company�� commercialization services are designed to accelerate the commercial of biopharmaceutical and other health-related products. Service offerings include commercial services (sales representatives, strategy, marketing communications and other areas related to commercialization), outcome research (drug therapy analysis, real-world research and evidence-based medicine, including research studies to prove a drug�� value) and payer and provider services comparative and cost-effectiveness research capabilities, clinical management analytics, decision support services, medication adherence and health outcome optimization services, and Web-based systems for measuring quality improvement.

The Company competes with inVentiv, PDI, Inc., Publicis Selling Solutions, United Drug plc, EPS Corporation and CMIC HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.

Top Biotech Stocks To Buy For 2014: Cannabis Science Inc (CBIS)

Cannabis Science, Inc., incorporated on May 4, 2007, is a development-stage company. The Company is engaged in the creation of cannabis-based medicines, both with and without psychoactive properties, to treats disease and the symptoms of disease, as well as for general health maintenance. On February 9, 2012, the Company acquired GGECO University, Inc. (GGECO). On March 21, 2012, the Company acquired Cannabis Consulting Inc. (CCI Group).

The Company is engaged in medical marijuana research and development. The Company works with world authorities on phytocannabinoid science targeting critical illnesses, and adheres to scientific methodologies to develop, produce, and commercialize phytocannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.

Top Biotech Stocks To Buy For 2014: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated(VRTX)

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated engages in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing small molecule drugs for the treatment of serious diseases worldwide. Its products include telaprevir, a prescription medicine used for the treatment of patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection; and Ivacaftor, a prescription medicine used for the treatment of cystic fibrosis. The company markets its products under the INCIVEK brand name in the United States and Canada; INCIVO brand in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Sweden, Austria, Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, and Norway; KALYDECO brand in the United States; and TELAVIC brand in Japan. Its drug candidates comprise VX-222, a Phase II clinical trial drug candidate, and ALS-2200 and ALS-2158, a Phase I clinical trial drug candidates that are designed to inhibit the replication of HCV; VX-809 and VX-661, a Phase II clinical trial drug candidates that improve the function of defective cystic fibro sis; VX-509, a Phase II clinical trial drug candidate for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases; VX-765, a Phase II clinical trial drug for the treatment of epilepsy; and VX-787, an investigational drug candidate for the treatment of influenza A. The company was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dug]

  Vertex Pharmaceuticals is a discovery and development company focused on small molecule drugs for viral diseases such as Hepatitis C, cancer, autoimmune diseases and more. Their HCV (HepC virus) protease inhibitor drug, Telaprevir, is in Phase III trials, but the company also has a huge pipeline of additional candidates and collaborates with the likes of GlaxoSmithKline and Merck. Vertex shares were worth just under $25 in January 2012, peaked at nearly $35 in July and have held value showing a strong finish at just under $30 in December.

• [By TheStreet Staff]

  Vertex Pharma's (VRTX ) cystic fibrosis drug Kalydeco will be approved. More importantly, studies testing Kalydeco combined with other Vertex's cystic fibrosis drugs will show strong benefit in a larger swath of patients. Vertex becomes a cystic fibrosis company. Hepatitis C? What's that?
  
  Correct. Kalydeco was approved in January -- in my opinion, the most important drug approval in 2012. The Kalydeco-VX-809 combination study was successful, even though the Street is still debating the magnitude of the regimen's benefit to cystic fibrosis patients

• [By Melly Alazraki]

  Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)topped the list with a 38.4% return as of Wednesday's close of $48.48. This $9.8 billion market capnon-profitablecompany is all promise. It is itspipelinethat's drawing investors, especially thehepatitis C treatment telaprevirandpotential cystic fibrosis drug VX-770.
  
  Both diseases present large market opportunities: Liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virusaffects 3.2 million individualsin the U.S. and as many as 100 million people worldwide. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited genetic disease that affects about 30,000 people in the U.S. and has few treatment options.
  
  Analysts ! have favored the stock, with aconsensus buy recommendation. However, just on Thursday, Vertex announcedtwomore telaprevir studyresultsthat did not impress investors and the stock declined 2% to $47.50. Also, Vertex is not without competitors and is in a race with Merck (MRK) and its experime ntal Hep C drug boceprevir to be the first to reach the market.
  
  The stock's 52-week high of $52.13 was set on March 7, up from a low of $31.25 set on July 1, 2011.

U.S. Navy Awards Contracts for 9 -- or Perhaps 10 -- New Destroyers

Sequestration? What sequestration?

The Department of Defense started the week off with a bang Monday (if you'll pardon the expression). Across a field of 20 contracts awarded, the Pentagon laid out plans to spend nearly $6.6 billion in total contracts -- and just two contracts accounted for more than 90% of that total. It seems that tight budgets are not going to interfere with the drive to building a bigger Navy.

The contracts in question awarded to major martial shipbuilders Huntington Ingalls (NYSE: HII  ) and Bath Iron Works (the General Dynamics (NYSE: GD  ) subsidiary), respectively, are worth a combined $6.2 billion and commission the two defense contractors to build a total of nine Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided missile destroyers.

Of the two, Huntington won the bigger contract, a $3.3 billion fixed-price incentive, multiyear contract to begin building five destroyers over the course of fiscal 2013 to 2017 -- one per year. Construction work should complete on the five by July 2023.

Bath's contract is also for one ship per year, but it's only beginning building in fiscal years 2013, and 2015-2017 -- skipping 2014. Result: Bath will build four destroyers over the period. Accordingly, its contact dollar value is a bit smaller at "only" $2.8 billion.

The Huntington contract contains an option to install upgrades that could raise its total value to $3.4 billion. The Bath contract contains an even more lucrative option that, if exercised, would commission it to build a fifth destroyer. In that event, Bath's award would surpass Huntington's, rising to $3.5 billion.

The Hidden Factor Behind Boeing's Massive Profits

It's earnings season, and for defense stocks, investors will be looking at how defense-spending cuts are affecting defense companies' profits. Yet there's one defense giant for which investors will be more concerned about commercial profits than government profits. I'm talking about Boeing (NYSE: BA  ) , and, more pointedly, why commercial airline sales, such as for the 787 Dreamliner, have such a massive impact on Boeing's stock. 

Photo: Dave Sizer, via Wikimedia Commons. 

Money, money, money
As defense contractors go, Boeing is one of the largest defense companies in the world -- it's second only to Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT  ) in terms of revenue. But,where Lockheed gets an estimated 95.1% of its revenue from defense, Boeing only gets 38.4% from defense. The rest comes from commercial sales.  

A large portion of that commercial revenue comes from commercial airline sales. In fact, there's an estimated $100 billion-a-year jet market, for which a number of plane manufacturers compete. However, in the midst of that competition, Boeing is one of the top dogs and really sees major competition only from European Aeronautical Defense and Space's (NASDAQOTH: EADSY  ) Airbus. The rivalry between these two giants is intense, to say the least, because commercial airline revenue has a key impact on the companies' bottom line.  

Case in point: In its quarterly report, released on Wednesday, Boeing stated that it received $40 billion in new commercial aviation orders, beat projected profits, increased full-year-revenue guidance, and increased its operating margin for commercial airline production to 10.7 -- up from 10.2 during the same time last year. Furthermore, commercial aviation revenue rose 15%, while defense revenue remained flat. Following this news, Boeing's stock soared. Clearly, commercial aviation revenue is paramount to Boeing's bottom line. 

Top Stocks To Invest In Right Now

What to watch
Boeing has a number of lucrative planes available for commercial sale, but one that investors should keep especially close tabs on is the Dreamliner. It represents an evolution in aviation technology and is also Boeing's next-generation plane that airlines look at when they're going for modernization and improved fuel economy. For example, at this year's Paris Air Show, GE Capital Services, British Airways, Air Lease, United Airlines, and Singapore Airlines all placed orders for the 787-10 version of the Dreamliner -- which amounted to $30 billion in sales.

Right now, the Dreamliner's main competition is Airbus' A350. Both planes are next-gen, medium-sized planes, built for long-haul flights, and come with the bonus of improved fuel savings. Also, the A350 took its maiden voyage at this year's Paris Air Show -- and now that it's flying and not just a concept, Airbus' A350 will become more of a threat to Boeing's Dreamliner sales. Still, Boeing maintains that the Dreamliner gets better gas mileage, but Airbus counters the claim by saying the A350 is quieter and has lower operating costs.

What will happen with Dreamliner sales vs. A350 sales is anyone's guess. But considering how the Dreamliner affected Boeing's stock when it was grounded, and again when it was released from that grounding, investors should keep a close eye on the growing competition between the A350 and Dreamliner.

Boeing has a lot going for it, and it could make an excellent investment. However, there are risks to consider. A recent Motley Fool report, "3 Strong Buys for a Global Economic Recovery," outlines three companies, including Boeing, that could take off when the global economy gains steam. Click here to read the free full report!

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014

Global investment firm KKR� (NYSE: KKR  ) is acquiring global contract research organization PRA International from San Francisco-based private equity firm�Genstar Capital for an undisclosed sum, PRA announced today. The New York Times reports that a "person briefed on the matter" said the price was about $1.3 billion.

PRA is one of the world's biggest CROs with�more than 5,300 employees located in more than 50 offices worldwide, performing approximately 2,000 clinical trials in more than 80 countries for more than 300 clients since 2000.

That was underlined by KKR Health Care investing team member�Jim Momtazee, who was quoted as saying, "As one of the fastest growing companies in the CRO sector, PRA is known for its strong client relationships and differentiated therapeutic expertise."

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Autobytel Inc.(ABTL)

Autobytel Inc. operates as an automotive marketing services company in the United States. It assists automotive retail dealers and manufacturers to market and sell new and used vehicles to consumers through its online purchase request referrals, dealer marketing products and services, and online advertising programs and data products. The company provides vehicle purchase request programs, including new vehicle purchase request program, which allows consumers to submit requests for pricing and availability of specific makes and models; used vehicle purchase request program that allows consumers to search for used vehicles according to specific search parameters, such as the price, make, model, mileage, year, and location of the vehicle; and finance purchase request program designed to provide consumers the opportunity to obtain vehicle financing and other services from dealers or finance institutions. Its network of company-owned consumer-facing automotive Websites compris e Autobytel.com, which provide consumers the information and tools to aid them with their automotive purchase decisions and the ability to submit inquiries requesting dealers to contact the consumers for purchasing or leasing vehicles. In addition, the company provides products and services that assist dealers in connecting with in-market consumers and closing vehicle sales. The company, formerly known as Autobytel.com Inc., was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Irvine, California.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Monarch Cement Co(MCEM.OB)

The Monarch Cement Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of portland cement under the MONARCH brand name. It also offers ready-mixed concrete, concrete products, and sundry building materials that are used in residential, commercial, and governmental construction. The company sells its products primarily to contractors, ready-mixed concrete plants, concrete products plants, building materials dealers, and governmental agencies in Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. The Monarch Cement Company was founded in 1908 and is based in Humboldt, Kansas.

Top Stocks For 2014: Standard Parking Corporation(STAN)

Standard Parking Corporation provides parking management, ground transportation, and other ancillary services to commercial, institutional, and municipal clients in the United States and Canada. Its services include collection and deposit of parking revenues; daily housekeeping; restriping of the parking stalls; maintenance of parking equipment, such as ticket dispensing machines, parking gate arms, and fee computers; painting of walkways, curbs, ceilings, walls, and other facility surfaces; and snow removal from sidewalks and driveways. The company also provides shuttle bus vehicles and drivers to operate them in support of on-airport car rental operations, as well as private off-airport parking locations; and ancillary ground transportation services at airports, such as taxi and livery dispatch, concierge-type ground transportation information, and support services for arriving passengers. In addition, it offers shuttle bus services, on-street parking meter collection, a nd other parking enforcement services for municipalities; and valet parking and shuttle bus services for the medical center and hospital markets. The company serves private and public owners, municipalities, managers and developers of office buildings, residential properties, commercial properties, shopping centers and other retail properties, sports and special event complexes, hotels, and hospitals and medical centers. As of December 31, 2011, it managed approximately 2,200 parking facility locations containing approximately 1.2 million parking spaces in approximately 345 cities; operated 147 parking-related service centers serving 61 airports; and a fleet of approximately 550 shuttle buses. The company was founded in 1929 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Cache Inc.(CACH)

Cache, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a mall and Web based specialty retailer of women?s lifestyle sportswear and dresses in the United States. It offers eveningwear; casual and daytime sportswear, including tops, bottoms, and dresses; and accessories, such as jewelry, belts, and handbags under the Cache brand name. The company also provides its products online through its Web site, cache.com. As of March 22, 2012, it operated 267 stores in 43 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cache, Inc. was founded in 1975 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Noble Corp (NE)

Noble Corporation is an offshore drilling contractor for the oil and gas industry. The Company performs contract drilling services with its fleet of 79 mobile offshore drilling units and one floating production storage and offloading unit (FPSO) located globally. As of December 31, 2011, its fleet consisted of 14 semisubmersibles, 14 drillships, 49 jackups and two submersibles. Its fleet includes 11 units under construction, which include five ultra-deepwater drillships, and six jackup rigs. As of February 15, 2012, approximately 84% of its fleet was located outside the United States in areas, which included Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India and the Asian Pacific. During the year ended December 31, 2011, it completed construction on the Noble Bully I, a drillship, owned through a joint venture with a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc; completed construction on the Noble Bully II, a drillship, and it completed construction of Globetrotter-class drillship. As of February 15, 2012, it had 10 rigs under contract in Mexico with Pemex Exploracion y Produccion (Pemex).

During 2011, the Company conducted offshore contract drilling operations, which accounted for over 98% of its operating revenues. It conducts its contract drilling operations in the United States Gulf of Mexico, Mexico, Brazil, the North Sea, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Middle East, India and the Asian Pacific. During 2011, revenues from Shell and its affiliates accounted for approximately 24% of its total operating revenues. During 2011, revenues from Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras) accounted for approximately 18% and 19% of its total operating revenues. Revenues from Pemex accounted for approximately 15%, 20% and 23% of its total operating revenues.

Semisubmersibles

Semisubmersibles are floating platforms which, by means of a water ballasting system, can be submerged to a predetermined depth so that a substantial portion of the hull is b! elow the water surface during drilling operations. As of December 31, 2011, the semisubmersible fleet consisted of 14 units, including five Noble EVA-4000 semisubmersibles; three Friede & Goldman 9500 Enhanced Pacesetter semisubmersibles; two Pentagone 85 semisubmersibles; two Bingo 9000 design unit submersibles; one Aker H-3 Twin Hull S1289 Column semisubmersible, and one Offshore Co. SCP III Mark 2 semisubmersible.

Drillships

The Company�� drillships are self-propelled vessels. These units maintain their position over the well through the use of either a fixed mooring system or a computer controlled dynamic positioning system. Its drillships are capable of drilling in water depths from 1,000 to 12,000 feet. The maximum drilling depth of its drillships ranges from 20,000 feet to 40,000 feet. As of December 31, 2011, the drillship fleet consisted of 14 units, including four drillships under construction with Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (HHI); three Gusto Engineering Pelican Class drillships; two Bully-class drillships to be operated by it through a 50% joint venture with a subsidiary of Shell; one dynamically positioned Globetrotter-class drillship that left the shipyard during the fourth quarter of 2011; one Globetrotter-class drillship under construction; one moored Sonat Discoverer Class drillship capable of drilling in Arctic environments; one NAM Nedlloyd-C drillship, and one moored conversion class drillship.

Jackups

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had 49 jackups in its fleet, including six jackups under construction. The rig hull includes the drilling rig, jacking system, crew quarters, loading and unloading facilities, storage areas for bulk and liquid materials, helicopter landing deck and other related equipment. All of its jackups are independent leg and cantilevered. Its jackups are capable of drilling to a maximum depth of 30,000 feet in water depths up to 400 feet.

Submersibles

The Company has two su! bmersible! s in the fleet, which are cold-stacked. Submersibles are mobile drilling platforms, which are towed to the drill site and submerged to drilling position by flooding the lower hull until it rests on the sea floor, with the upper deck above the water surface. Its submersibles are capable of drilling to a depth of 25,000 feet in water depths up to 70 feet.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Northeast Utilities(NU)

Northeast Utilities, a public utility holding company, provides electric and natural gas energy delivery services to residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Connecticut, New Hampshire, and western Massachusetts. The company engages in the purchase, delivery, and sale of electricity; and owns and operates approximately 1,200 megawatts of primarily fossil-fueled electricity generation assets. As of December 31, 2010, it served approximately 1.2 million customers in 149 cities and towns in Connecticut; 497,000 retail customers in 211 cities and towns in New Hampshire; and 206,000 retail customers in 59 cities and towns in western Massachusetts. The company also operates a natural gas distribution system in Connecticut and serves approximately 206,000 customers in 71 cities and towns. It offers gas supply to commercial and industrial customers; and to residential customers for heating, hot water, and cooking needs, as well as provides gas transportation services t o commercial and industrial customers. In addition, the company offers electric transmission services. Northeast Utilities was founded in 1927 and is headquartered in Hartford, Connecticut.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Summit Financial Group Inc.(SMMF)

Summit Financial Group, Inc. operates as a financial holding company for Summit Community Bank that provides commercial and retail banking services primarily in the eastern Panhandle and south central regions of West Virginia, and the northern region of Virginia. It offers a range of community banking services, including demand, savings, and time deposits; commercial, commercial real estate, construction and development, residential real estate, and consumer loans; letters of credit; and cash management services. The company also operates Summit Insurance Services, LLC, an insurance agency, which offers commercial and personal lines of insurance, including group health, life, and disability benefit plans. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 15 banking offices in West Virginia and Virginia, as well as an insurance agency. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Moorefield, West Virginia.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Xpress Holdings Ltd (I04.SI)

Xpress Holdings Ltd, an investment holding company, provides print management services. Its services include conceptualization, design, copywriting, translation, typesetting, and color proofing; printing; post-press packaging; and global distribution and delivery. The company�s products comprise financial research reports, annual reports, asset management reports, IPO prospectuses, corporate brochures, year books, magazines, and other commercial publications and collaterals. It operates primarily in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Australia, and Singapore. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Singapore.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: China Auto Logistics Inc.(CALI)

China Auto Logistics Inc. primarily engages in the sale and trading of imported automobiles in the People?s Republic of China. It also offers financing services, including letter of credit issuance, purchase deposit financing, and import duty advances, as well as automobile value-added services, including customs clearance, storage, and nationwide delivery services to automobile dealers and agents. In addition, the company operates Websites that provide subscribers with sales and trading information for imported and domestically manufactured automobiles. Its Websites include cali.com.cn, which provides auto living public with information about auto and auto-related products and services; at188.com that provides sales and trading information about imported automobiles, as well as parts and components information; at160.com, which provides sales and trading information about domestically manufactured automobiles; and goodcar.cn that provides information relating to automoti ve products and services, including discounted gas, car washes, emergency roadside assistance, body-shop repairs, and car maintenance. The company sells automobiles to authorized dealers, free traders or wholesalers, government agencies, and individual customers. China Auto Logistics Inc. is based in Tianjin, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  One under-$10 stock that's trending very close to trigger a major breakout trade is China Auto Logistics (CALI), which trades and sells imported automobiles in the People's Republic of China and also offers financing services. This stock has been on a tear during the last six months, with shares up sharply by 65%.

  If you take a look at the chart for China Auto Logistics, you'll notice that this stock recently formed a double bottom chart pattern at $2.77 to $2.80 a share. That bottom formed right above its 200-day moving average of $2.69 a share. Shares of CALI are now starting to bounce off those near-term support levels and the stock is quickly moving within range of triggering a major breakout trade.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in CALI if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $3.27 to $3.31 a share and then once it clears its 50-day moving average at $3.39 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 159,787 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then CALI will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to $5.50 a share.

  Traders can look to buy CALI off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right around its 200-day at $2.69 a share. One can also buy CALI off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop right below $3 a share.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Cornerstone Progressive Return Fund(CFP)

Cornerstone Progressive Return Fund is a closed-ended equity fund of fund launched and managed by Cornerstone Advisors, Inc. The fund invests funds investing in the public equity markets of the United States. It invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Cornerstone Progressive Return Fund was formed on April 26, 2007 and is domiciled in the United States.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2014

After a slow start to the day, the record-setting Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) hasn't been stopped from rising even higher, despite misgivings from wary investors over its year-to-date surge. As of 2:15 p.m. EDT, the blue chip index has pulled in gains of 20 points, or around 0.1%. Most stocks are in the green today, helped by falling jobless�claims reported by the Labor Department. Let's catch up on the stories and movers you need to know.

Mixed reactions around the market
AT&T (NYSE: T  ) hasn't been able to take advantage of the Dow's record gains today, and the telecom stock has weighed down the index from even bigger gains. Shares have fallen more than 1% to rank among the top Dow laggards even after the company announced the launch�of a no-contract, prepaid wireless service today, called Aio Wireless.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2014: McDonald's Corporation(MCD)

McDonald?s Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a worldwide foodservice retailer. It franchises and operates McDonald?s restaurants that offer various food items, soft drinks, coffee, and other beverages. As of December 31, 2009, the company operated 32,478 restaurants in 117 countries, of which 26,216 were operated by franchisees; and 6,262 were operated by the company. McDonald?s Corporation was founded in 1948 and is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Quickel]

  McDonald's, is just such a solid stock with the combination of growth, safety and income. We believe that MCD should be headed to $110 this year, which will not be as strong as some of our other targets. Yet, we also will be picking up a solid 2.8% yield that is attractive. Further, MCD has done a great job dealing with currency issues and has not seen a slowdown despite issues in Europe and China. We believe that MCD will continue to offer growth and value this year, and we like it to offset value and growth plays with income investing.

  Entry: $99.58

  Allocation: $2500

  Target: $105, $110

• [By JON C. OGG]

  McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) is at $85.08 and analysts have a consensus price target objective of $97.68.  It carries a 2.9% dividend yield and the stock is down 5% from its 52-week high.  McDonald’s trades at close to 6-times book value, but its return on equity is 37%.  S&P carries an “A” local long-term rating on the Golden Arches.  In the “you gotta eat somewhere” theory, McDonald’s seems to keep winning over and over and its shares and same-store sales keep rising handily.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2014: 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 Louis Navellier]

  Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) is involved with the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in over 180 countries across the globe. Year to date, PM stock is up 16%, compared to a loss of nearly 2% for the Dow Jones.

• [By MelvinPasternak]

  Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells cigarettes and other tobacco products. The company has raised distributions since the spin-off from Altria Group in 2008. The last dividend increase was 20.30% to 77 cents/share. Analysts are expecting that Philip Morris International will earn $5.22/share in 2012. I expect that the quarterly distribution will reach 85 cents/share in 2012. Yield: 3.90%

• [By Stephen]

  Philip Morris (PM, $75.92). Cigarette maker has strong free cash flow, pricing power, a yield of roughly 4% plus dividend growth. Share bu ybacks a plus.

5 Best Stocks To Buy For 2014: Apple Inc.(AAPL)

Apple Inc., together with subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets personal computers, mobile communication and media devices, and portable digital music players, as well as sells related software, services, peripherals, networking solutions, and third-party digital content and applications worldwide. The company sells its products worldwide through its online stores, retail stores, direct sales force, third-party wholesalers, resellers, and value-added resellers. In addition, it sells third-party Mac, iPhone, iPad, and iPod compatible products, including application software, printers, storage devices, speakers, headphones, and other accessories and peripherals through its online and retail stores; and digital content and applications through the iTunes Store. The company sells its products to consumer, small and mid-sized business, education, enterprise, government, and creative markets. As of September 25, 2010, it had 317 retail stores, including 233 stores in the United States and 84 stores internationally. The company, formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc., was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cupertino, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Scott Rothbort]

  Apple(AAPL), which I included on my previous list of low-PEG stocks, remains one of the cheapest stocks around. The stock has still managed to increase in value over 16% this year, despite falling 12% since reaching an all-time high in October.

  The iPhone 4S is a huge success. In 2012, the iPhone 5 and iPad 3 are likely to get introduced. The company's computers continue to grab market share away from Windows-based systems. The December quarter is expected to be the company's best ever. Earnings are expected to grow by 25% in 2011 and 12% in 2012. Yet the stock trades at just under 10 times 2012 earnings.

  Apple's raw beta is 0.77

  Apple shows up on recent lists of 5 Gadget Stocks for the Holidays and 9 Top Goldman Sachs Stocks for 2012.

• [By Kevin M. O'Brien]

  Apple Inc. (AAPL) will reach $500.00/share at some point in 2012. I view Apple as trading at an extreme discount right now. I am expecting to see a run-up in price ahead of the company's next earnings call on January 17, 2012. I am also expecting that this earnings release is going to be absolutely fantastic. It would be a wise choice to block out all the negative rumors and sentiment surrounding Apple right now. This is a stock that is so attractively priced right now that it will not stay at this level for very long. Check back with me after January 17th next year.

• [By Jim Jubak]

   Not all my picks for 2013 are riding trends. Some, including Apple (AAPL), make their own trends. If Apple's remarkable and maddening stock performance in 2012 demonstrated anything, it was that this stock dances to its own music. Apple shares are capable of climbing when everything else is tumbling and of plunging while the rest of the market is slowly moving ahead.

  The stock ended 2012 in deep retreat as sentiment, rather than fundamentals, turned against it. (And sentiment on this baby can quickly go into reverse.) Apple fell from $589 on Nov. 11 to $509 on Dec. 14 -- and that's after a plunge from $702 on Sept. 19 to $526 on Nov. 15.

  Investors sold Apple at the end of 2012 on downgrades from Wall Street analysts that cited order reductions to Apple suppliers. But curiously, sellers seem not to have read all the way through these opinions. For example, the analyst at Canaccord Genuity who cut his target price to $750 from $800 (while maintaining a buy rating) wrote that reduced orders to iPhone suppliers could be a result of softer-than-expected sales in international markets or Apple's intention to launch a new iPhone model in June. Other technology analysts,most notably Horace Dediu on Asymco, have argued that Apple is moving to a six-month cycle from a new-model-every-year cycle. This would be a huge change, and I find the argument convincing.

• [By James K. Glassman]

   When I think of cash, I think of Apple, a great company that generates tons of the green stuff. Between 2007 and 2011, Apple's net income -- the headline annual profits that most investors focus on -- rose by $22 billion. But over the same period, annual cash flow jumped from $5 billion to $38 billion. 
  
  Like geeks lining up for each new iGadget release, Apple investors anxiously awaited the company's first quarterly dividend of $2.65 a share, paid on August 16. The stock yields 1.7% and, despite a seemingly high price of $630.83 a share, it trades at just 12 times estimated earnings per share of $52.50 for the fiscal year that ends in September 2013.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2014: Chevron Corporation(CVX)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide. It operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment involves in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as holds interest in a gas-to-liquids project. The Downstream segment engages in the refining of crude oil into petroleum products; marketing of crude oil and refined products primarily under the Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex brand names; transportation of crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacture and marketing of commodity petrochemicals, plastics for industrial uses, and fuel and lubricant additives. It a lso produces and markets coal and molybdenum; and holds interests in 13 power assets with a total operating capacity of approximately 3,100 megawatts, as well as involves in cash management and debt financing activities, insurance operations, real estate activities, energy services, and alternative fuels and technology business. Chevron Corporation has a joint venture agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corp. and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in May 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is based in San Ramon, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Hawkinvest]

  Chevron Corporation (CVX) is a leading integrated energy company with exposure to oil, natural gas, refining, etc. This could be one of the most undervalued stocks in the market. Chevron pays a dividend that beats many other stock and bond yields, plus it has a below market price to earnings ratio of about 8 times earnings. The average stock in the S&P 500 Index currently trades for over 12 times earnings. If oil prices continue to rise, the already healthy profit estimates for Chevron might be too low. With oil prices showing strength this early in the season, Chevron could be poised to beat earnings in the coming months. However, the stock is trading at the upper end of the recent trading range. Recently, it has been possible to buy this stock at about $102 per share, so waiting for dips could pay off.

  Here are some key points for CVX:

  Current share price: $104.25

  The 52 week range is $85.63 to $110.01

  Earnings estimates for 2012: $12.66 per share

  Earnings estimates for 2013: $13.20 per share

  Annual dividend: $3.42 per share which yields 3.1%

• [By Goodwin]

  Chevron (CVX-N94.663.183.48%) is the world's second-largest energy company, after fellow Dow component Exxon Mobil (XOM-N73.951.121.54%).

  But, analysts favour Chevron's stock, which receives positive reviews from 76 per cent of researchers in coverage. In contrast, Exxon receives positive reviews from 42 per cent of analysts, ranking third-worst in the Dow. Chevron is scheduled to report fourth-quarter results on Jan. 28. Its third-quarter adjusted earnings tally of $1.87 (reflecting 8.7 per cent year-over-year growth) missed the consensus forecast of $2.15 by 13 per cent, sending shares down modestly. The sales figure, at $49-billion, missed by 1.9 per cent. Chevron has integrated global operations and sells at a peer discount.

  Its stock trades at a trailing earnings multiple of 11, a forward earnings multiple of 8.9, a book value multiple of 1.8, a sales multiple of 1 and a cash flow multiple of 6.2, 43 per cent, 52 per cent, 58 per cent, 67 per cent and 32 per cent discounts to oil-and-gas industry averages. Based on forward earnings, Chevron is the fourth cheapest Dow stock. It also pays a 72-cent quarterly dividend, translating to a 3.1 per cent dividend yield, seventh highest in the Dow. It has boosted the payout 7.9 per cent a year, on average, over a three-year span and 10 per cent a year, on average, over a five-year span. Chevron has $15-billion of cash, compared to $11-billion of debt.

  Bullish Scenario: Macquarie expects Chevron's stock to rise 21 per cent to $114 in 12 months.

  Bearish Scenario: JPMorgan, despite rating Chevron “overweight”, has a $90 target.

• [By Louis Navellier]

  Chevron (NYSE:CVX) provides support to its subsidiaries in the following fields: petroleum operations, chemicals operations, mining operations, power generation and energy services. While many stocks on the NYSE have underperformed in 2011, Chevron stock is up 8% year to date.

• [By Chuck Carlson]

  Chevron provides administrative, financial, management and technology support to the United States and international subsidiaries that engage in petroleum operations, chemicals operations, mining operations, power generation and energy services. Cramer holds 500 shares of CVX stocks. CVX has a dividend yield of 3.21% and returned 10.91% since the beginning of this year. It has a market cap of $195.53B and a P/E ratio of 8.52. Phill Gross and Robert Atchinson invested over $300 million in CVX.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2014: International Business Machines Corporation(IBM)

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) provides information technology (IT) products and services worldwide. Its Global Technology Services segment provides IT infrastructure and business process services, including strategic outsourcing, process, integrated technology, and maintenance services, as well as technology-based support services. The company?s Global Business Services segment offers consulting and systems integration, and application management services. Its Software segment offers middleware and operating systems software, such as WebSphere software to integrate and manage business processes; information management software for database and enterprise content management, information integration, data warehousing, business analytics and intelligence, performance management, and predictive analytics; Tivoli software for identity management, data security, storage management, and datacenter automation; Lotus software for collaboration, messaging, and so cial networking; rational software to support software development for IT and embedded systems; business intelligence software, which provides querying and forecasting tools; SPSS predictive analytics software to predict outcomes and act on that insight; and operating systems software. Its Systems and Technology segment provides computing and storage solutions, including servers, disk and tape storage systems and software, point-of-sale retail systems, and microelectronics. The company?s Global Financing segment provides lease and loan financing to end users and internal clients; commercial financing to dealers and remarketers of IT products; and remanufacturing and remarketing services. It serves financial services, public, industrial, distribution, communications, and general business sectors. The company was formerly known as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co. and changed its name to International Business Machines Corporation in 1924. IBM was founded in 1910 and is based in Armonk, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jim Cramer]

  When this company talked about lofty EPS for 2015, initially the street was skeptical especially after IBM reported a blah quarter soon after the expectations were laid out. I now think the company has $20 earnings per share capabilities out three years and that $13 is doable for 2011. You keep the multiple the same and you get a $169 stock. I think it does just that. This one's cheap, way too cheap and it will be cheap next year, too, but on a bigger earnings base which is how it can get to my price target.

• [By Louis Navellier]

  IBM (NYSE:IBM) is an international IT company made famous by its line of personal computers and various IT services. A year-to-date gain of 18% shows IBM stock has a lot to offer.

Top Blue Chip Stocks To Invest In 2014: Colgate-Palmolive Company(CL)

Colgate-Palmolive Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. It offers oral care products, including toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouth rinses, as well as dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and other oral health professionals; personal care products, such as liquid hand soap, shower gels, bar soaps, deodorants, antiperspirants, shampoos, and conditioners; and home care products comprising laundry and dishwashing detergents, fabric conditioners, household cleaners, bleaches, dishwashing liquids, and oil soaps. The company offers its oral, personal, and home care products under the Colgate Total, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate 360 Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ChuckCarlson]

  Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL), together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. The company has raised distributions for 48 years in a row. The 10 year annual dividend growth rate is 12.40%/year. The last dividend increase was 9.40% to 58 cents/share. Analysts are expecting that Colgate Palmolive will earn $5.52/share in 2012. I expect that the quarterly dividend will be raised to 64 cents/share in 2012. Yield: 2.60%

• [By Hesler]

  Colgate-Palmolive Company(NYSE: CL), together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets consumer products worldwide. This dividend champion has raised distributions for 48 years in a row and currently yields 2.80%.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now

People in�Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut can make donations to a fund to help victims of the Boston Marathon bombing and their families via TD Bank's (NYSE: TD  ) coin-counting machines.

All service fees will be waived for donations made through the bank's Penny Arcade through May 12, as part of TD Bank's "Coins for Caring" campaign. Customers and non-customers can take advantage of this giving mechanism. The money goes to The One Boston Fund. Donations can also be made at TD Bank locations that do not have Penny Arcades. Additionally, TD Bank donated $50,000 to The One Fund Boston independent of its "Coins for Caring" program.

The One Fund Boston was created by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to provide aid to victims of the April 15bombing. According to reports, in its first week, the fund raised $20 million, including $5 million from individual donors.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: Flexsteel Industries Inc.(FLXS)

Flexsteel Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture, import, and market of residential and commercial upholstered and wooden furniture products in the United States. Its upholstered and wooden furniture products include sofas, loveseats, chairs, reclining and rocker-reclining chairs, swivel rockers, sofa beds, convertible bedding units, occasional tables, desks, dining tables and chairs, and bedroom furniture. The company distributes its products for use in home, office, hotel, and other commercial applications through its sales force and various independent representatives, as well as to various national and regional chains. Flexsteel Industries, Inc. was founded in 1929 and is based in Dubuque, Iowa.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: SRS Labs Inc.(SRSL)

SRS Labs, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the development and provision of audio and voice technology solutions. The company principally develops and markets audio rendering, voice, and surround sound technologies and solutions to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, semiconductor manufacturers, and software providers. The company?s portfolio of licensable technologies includes Surround Sound, Audio Rendering, Voice Processing, and Solutions Suite. A surround sound technology, Circle Surround, is an encoding and decoding format. Circle surround encoding enables the distribution of up to 6.1 channels of audio over existing two-channel carriers, such as digital media files, standard definition and high-definition television, FM radio, and compact discs; and Circle Surround decoding decodes Circle Surround encoded material for multichannel playback or creates up to 6.1 channels of audio from older formats of material, including mono, ste reo, 4-channel surround, or other matrix surround formats. Audio Rendering technologies optimize device audio output and enable the presentation of 3D and multichannel audio content over two speakers. Its TruVoice and SRS Noise Reduction technologies reduce noise to produce a clearer dialog over wireless communication devices and improve the intelligibility of the human voice in a variety of listening situations, including high ambient background environments. The company?s solutions suites combine various technologies to deliver a package of post processing audio enhancement products. It serves home entertainment, personal computers, personal telecommunications, automotive, portable media devices, and broadcast markets. The company sells its products and services in Korea, Japan, the Americas, the People's Republic of China, the Asia Pacific, and Europe. SRS Labs, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.

5 Best Stocks To Invest In Right Now: IRIS International Inc.(IRIS)

IRIS International, Inc. manufactures in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products for urinalysis and body fluids. The company?s IVD segment offers iQ analyzer, an automated urine microscopy and body fluids analyzer; iQ Body Fluids Module; Optional iWare Software; iChem VELOCITY and iRICELL, an automated urine chemistry analyzer; 3GEMS Urinalysis and Body Fluids; and 3GEMS Hematology, a blood count analyzer. This segment also provides consumables for microscopy systems, test strips, calibrators, controls, and urine chemistry analyzers. Its Sample Processing segment offers benchtop centrifuges, small instruments, and supplies used for applications in coagulation, cytology, hematology, urinalysis, and DNA processing. This segment provides Express centrifuge line for clinical diagnostic market; ThermoBrite, a DNA workstation for FISH procedures; Cytofuge 2, a centrifuge for layer cell preparation; Cytofuge 12, a 12 placement centrifuge used for thin layer cell preparation; IDEXX Drive and IDEXX whole blood separator for use in IDEXX chemistry analyzers; and OvaTube, an ova and parasite testing for veterinarian market. The company?s Personalized Medicine segment offers oncology and molecular diagnostics services. This segment?s products include Arista Molecular Tests for the diagnosis and prognostication of pathologic entities; Flow cytometry, a cell analysis platform; FISH for the detection of DNA on chromosomes; NADiA ProsVue used in prognostication of patients; NADiA HIV to monitor HIV viral load; and NADiA CECs for the detection of circulating epithelial cells. It serves medical institutions, commercial laboratories, clinics, doctors? offices, veterinary laboratories, and research facilities. IRIS International sells its products through a direct sales and service force in the United States, as well as through distributors internationally. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Chatsworth, California.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: Wonder Auto Technology Inc.(WATG)

Wonder Auto Technology, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of electrical parts, suspension products, and engine components. It offers starters, alternators, engine valves, and tappets in the People?s Republic of China, South Korea, and Brazil, as well as airbags and seatbelts in People?s Republic of China. The company?s products are primarily used in a range of passenger and commercial automobiles. It also manufactures and sells rectifier and regulator products for use in alternators; and various rods and shafts for use in shock absorbers, alternators, and starters. Its customers include automakers, engine manufacturers, and auto parts suppliers. Wonder Auto Technology, Inc. is headquartered in Jinzhou City, the People?s Republic of China.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: National American University Holdings Inc.(NAUH)

National American University Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiary, Dlorah, Inc., engages in the ownership and operation of National American University that provides post-secondary education services primarily to working adults and other non-traditional students in the United States. It provides associate?s, bachelor?s, and master?s degrees programs in business-related disciplines, such as accounting, applied management, and business administration, as well as information technology; and healthcare-related disciplines, such as nursing and healthcare management. The company also offers diploma programs consisting of a series of courses focused on a particular area of study, for students who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge in the areas of healthcare coding, practical nursing, therapeutic massage, and veterinary assisting. National American University Holdings offers its courses through educational sites, as well as online. As of May 31, 2010, the company had enr olled approximately 3,565 students in online programs, 3,742 students on-campus, and 1,451 students in hybrid learning centers. In addition, it manages apartment units, as well as develops and sells multi family residential real estate in the Rapid City, South Dakota area. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: China Valves Technology Inc.(CVVT)

China Valves Technology, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in developing, manufacturing, and selling low, medium, and high-pressure metal valves for customers in the electricity, petroleum, chemical, water, gas, nuclear power station, and metal industries in China. The company?s product categories include high pressure and high temperature valves for power station units; valves for long distance petroleum and gas pipelines, and sewage; special valves for chemical lines; and large valves for water supply pipe networks. Its products comprise gate, globe, check, throttle, butterfly, ball, safety, water pressure test, vacuum, and extraction check valves. The company markets its products through regional agents and distributors. China Valves Technology, Inc. has a strategic cooperation frame agreement with Dongfang Electric Corporation for the development of high-end valves. The company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Kaifeng, the People's Republic of China. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Robert Hsu]

  China Valves Technology (NASDAQ: CVVT) recently announced that its subsidiary, Able Delight Valve,  has been certified as a qualified supplier of China Nuclear Power Engineering. This is CVVT’s second subsidiary to receive this certification.

  This is a nice milestone for the company as CVVT continues to gain market share in the nuclear power industry. The demand for nuclear power applications is growing but the inspection of prospective suppliers is strict — and the company believes that the addition of Able Delight as a qualified supplier will become another catalyst for rapid growth in the near future. CVVT is a buy under $10.50.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: Books-A-Million Inc.(BAMM)

Books-A-Million, Inc. operates as a book retailer in the southeastern United States. The company operates superstores and traditional bookstores that offer a selection of hardcover and paperback books, magazines, and newspapers. It also offers other merchandise, including gifts, cards, collectibles, magazines, music, DVDs, and electronic accessories, as well as coffee, tea, and other edible products. The company markets its products under the trademarks of Books-A-Million, BAM! Books-A-Million, Bookland, Books & Co., Millionaire?s Club, Sweet Water Press, Thanks-A-Million, Big Fat Coloring Book, Up All Night Reader, Read & Save Rebate, Readables Accessories for Readers, Kids-A-Million, Teachers First, The Write-Price, Bambeanos, Hold That Thought, Book$mart, BAMM, BAMM.com, BOOKSAMILLION.com, Chillatte, Joe Muggs Newsstand, Page Pets, JOEMUGGS.com, FAITHPOINT.com, Faithmark, Joe Muggs, Anderson?s Bookland, Snow Joe, Summer Says, On the John University, OTJU, American Whole sale Book Company, AWBC, and NetCentral. It also offers its products over the Internet at Booksamillion.com. As of August 11, 2011, the company operated 231 stores in 23 states and the District of Columbia. Books-A-Million, Inc. was founded in 1917 and is based in Birmingham, Alabama.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: (NWBO)

Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc., a development stage biotechnology company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of immunotherapy products that generate and enhance immune system responses to treat cancer in the United States. Its technology platforms comprise dendritic cell-based cancer vaccines (DCVax) and monoclonal antibodies for cancer therapeutics. The company?s product candidates include DCVax-Prostate for the treatment of non-metastatic hormone independent prostate cancer, which cleared Phase III clinical trial; DCVax-Brain that is in Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme; and DCVax-LB, which cleared Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Its product candidates also comprise DCVax-Direct that cleared Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of ovarian, head, and neck cancer; and DCVax-L, which completed Phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of resectable solid tumors. In addition, the company develops CXCR4 antibodies, which are involved in various phases of disease progression, including proliferation of the primary tumor, migration of cancer cells out of the primary tumor, and establishment of distant metastatic sites for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, glioblastoma multiforme, colon cancer, melanoma, prostate, pancreatic, kidney, ovarian, and certain blood cancers. Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jim Lowell]

  Northwest Biotherapeutics Inc (OTC: NWBO)is up 20.40% to $0.530 on volume of over 414K shares.Biomedreports published a specialreporton the drug developer and some developments involving its clinical trials of DCVax for GBM brain cancer. (OTC:NWBO), (NWBO)

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: LSI Industries Inc.(LYTS)

LSI Industries Inc. provides corporate visual image solutions primarily in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Latin America. It operates in three segments: Lighting, Graphics, and Technology. The Lighting segment manufactures and markets outdoor and indoor lighting, canopy lighting, landscape lighting, light emitting diodes (LED) lighting, light poles, and photometric layouts products, as well as lighting analysis services. The Graphics segment manufactures and sells exterior and interior visual image elements for use in visual image programs. It offers signage and canopy graphics; pump dispenser graphics; building fascia graphics; decals; interior signage and marketing graphics; aisle markers; wall mural graphics; fleet graphics; prototype program graphics; and solid state LED video screens for the sports and advertising markets, as well as installation services for graphics products. The Technology segment designs, produces, and supports light engines and large fo rmat video screens using LED technology; and specialty LED lighting. Additionally, the company offers menu board systems. It serves commercial, industrial, and multi-site retail markets; petroleum/convenience stores; sports and advertising; and entertainment markets. The company sells its products through regional sales managers, independent sales representatives, and distributors. LSI Industries was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Top 10 Penny Companies To Invest In Right Now: The Hackett Group Inc.(HCKT)

The Hackett Group, Inc. operates as a strategic advisory and technology consulting firm primarily in the United States and western Europe. The company offers executive advisory programs, benchmarking, business transformation, and technology consulting services, as well as shared services, offshoring, and outsourcing advice. Its executive advisory programs consists of advisor inquiry, an inquiry service used by clients for access to fact-based advice on proven approaches and methods to increase the effectiveness of selling, general, and administrative processes (SG&A); best practice research, a research that provides insights into the proven approaches in use at organizations; peer interaction program comprising member-led Webcasts, annual Best Practice Conferences, annual Member Forums, membership performance surveys, and client-submitted content; and best practice intelligence center, an online, searchable repository of practices, performance metrics, conference presentat ions, and associated research. The company?s bench marking services conduct studies in the areas of SG&A, finance, human resources, information technology, procurement, enterprise performance management, shared service centers, and working capital management. These services are used by clients to establish priorities, generate organizational consensus, align compensation to establish performance goals, and develop the required business case for business and technology investments. Its business transformation programs help clients to develop coordinated strategy for achieving performance improvements across the enterprise; and Hackett Technology Solutions help clients choose and deploy the software applications that meet their needs and objectives. The company was formerly known as Answerthink, Inc. and changed its name to The Hackett Group, Inc. in January 2008. The Hackett Group, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Time Warner Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

Media and entertainment company Time Warner (NYSE: TWX  ) has appointed a new chief financial officer, Howard Averill, effective Jan.1, the company announced this week. Time Warner's current CFO, John Martin, will then take on the title of chief executive officer for Turner Broadcasting System.

Averill currently serves as Time Inc.'s chief financial officer, where his duties include overseeing accounting, taxes, and budgeting activities. He is also responsible for Time's marketing business, and has previously served as  executive vice president and CFO for NBC Universal Television.

Jeff Bewkes, Time Warner's chairman and CEO, was quoted in the company press release as saying that Averill has proved to be a solid, dependable leader whose "financial acumen, sound judgment, and broad understanding of our business will be an asset to Time Warner's management team and our company."

Time Warner also announced Monday that Joseph A. Ripp has been named chief executive officer of Time Inc. Ripp, a former top Time Inc. and Time Warner executive, is currently the CEO of OneSource Information Services Inc. He begins his new role in September.

In March, Time Warner announced plans for the legal and structural separation of Time Inc. from Time Warner through a spin-off. Following the separation, Time Inc. will be an independent publicly traded company.

Time Warner has seen its stock price rise 29% since the beginning of 2013. On Monday, the company's price per share moved from $61.91 to $62.22.

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Bank of America Just Can't Seem to Grasp the Mortgage Business

The latest survey gauging customer satisfaction with mortgage servicers was released last week, and it delivered both good and not-so-good news. On the bright side, big banks like Citigroup (NYSE: C  ) , JPMorgan Chase, (NYSE: JPM  ) and Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC  ) all did quite a bit better this year compared to last, and all came in well above the industry average.

On the other hand, Bank of America (NYSE: BAC  ) showed little change from its poor performance of last year, and dedicated mortgage servicing companies like Nationstar Mortgage (NYSE: NSM  ) and Ocwen Loan Servicing (NYSE: OCN  ) remain on the bottom of the customer-satisfaction heap.

A sore point for the biggest banks
The mortgage business has been problematic for big banks since the crisis, as practices such as robo-signing and lax servicing models have caused outrage leading to regulatory reprimands and penalties. Issues still exist, as the most recent National Mortgage Settlement monitor report shows.

But, things are getting better, and J.D. Power, the administrator of the 2013 U.S. Primary Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study gives the credit to reforms required by the $25 billion pact signed by Ally Financial and the Big Four. The firm found that satisfaction has increased from last year's survey, noting that rules promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau have helped address some of the more gregarious problems.

The best, and the worst
For the fourth year in a row, BB&T (NYSE: BBT  ) has taken the top spot for the highest consumer approval rating among mortgage servicers -- scoring 765 out of a possible 1,000 points -- though it did register a drop from last year's grade of 803. At the very bottom of the pile, servicers Ocwen and Nationstar still reside: Ocwen improved by 36 points, though Nationstar lost 11 points.

The average satisfaction index marker rose to 733 from 725 from the 2012 survey to the current poll, and most of the big banks sit well above this symbolic line in the sand. JPMorgan earned a score that placed it in the category with the best of the servicers, a step up from last year. Wells Fargo moved up by two ratings, putting it on the same level as JPMorgan. Citigroup moved up a notch as well, leaving only Bank of America sitting below the industry standard, with a rating of 714.

Bank of America must address these issues, or else
The survey gauged customer satisfaction in four areas, according to J.D. Power: billing and payment, escrow accounts, servicers' websites, and telephone contact.

As big banks shed their mortgage servicing rights to ease into new capital requirements, servicers like Nationstar and Ocwen have grown by leaps and bounds. Though these companies need to adequately deal with the shortcomings highlighted by this study, it is possible that the relative newness of the servicing industry may be to blame for some of the errors that irked customers, made by servicers with little experience in the business.

For Bank of America, however, no such excuses can be made. The bank has been in the mortgage business long enough to know better, and its acquisition of Countrywide should have given it ample opportunity to get up to speed -- particularly when it comes to dealing with troubled accounts and distressed borrowers. And, yet, it still can't seem to get the hang of the mortgage business, particularly the customer relations side.

Bank of America seems to go out of its way to cause itself problems, as evidenced most recently by the allegations of lying and deceit in regards to loan modifications. The mortgage business may be slow right now, but it is a great moneymaker for banks, and it will pick up again as the housing recovery gains strength. B of A needs to smarten up and fix its internal problems, or it will find itself out in the cold when the new mortgage wave hits.

It's nice to see that most of the big banks are listening to customers, and those that do are apt to be the most successful. While many investors are still terrified about investing in big banking stocks after the crash, the sector has one notable stand-out. In a sea of mismanaged and dangerous peers, it rises above as "The Only Big Bank Built to Last." You can uncover the top pick that Warren Buffett loves in The Motley Fool's new report. It's free, so click here to access it now.

Best Heal Care Stocks To Watch Right Now

Is GM still "Government Motors"?

The simple answer is "yes". The U.S. government still owns some GM stock. But it won't for much longer.

General Motors (NYSE: GM  ) picked up its "Government Motors" nickname after it emerged from bankruptcy in 2009, a bankruptcy assisted by $49.5 billion in government loans. At that time, the U.S. government held over 60% of GM's common stock, and GM still owed taxpayers billions.

Many thought the bailout was necessary. Even Ford (NYSE: F  ) lobbied for it. But resentment over the politics of the bailout, and to some extent over the way GM had been run into the ground by its prior management, helped the name stick.

But here's something that you might not know: The government's GM stock will all be sold before long, and GM repaid the last of the cash it owed three years ago.

Best Heal Care Stocks To Watch Right Now: China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation(SNP)

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation engages in the exploration, development, production, and marketing of crude oil and natural gas properties primarily in China. It operates 16 oil and gas production fields in China. As of December 31, 2010, the company?s estimated proved reserves of crude oil and natural gas consisted of 3,963 million barrels-of-oil equivalent comprising 2,888 million barrels of crude oil and 6,447 billion cubic feet of natural gas. It also engages in the refining of crude oil; marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products; and production and sale of petrochemical products that consist of intermediate petrochemicals, synthetic resins, synthetic fiber monomers and polymers, synthetic fibers, synthetic rubber, and chemical fertilizers, as well as owns and operates oil depots and service stations. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in Beijing, the People?s Republic of China. China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of China Petrochemical Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dave Friedman]

  Institutional investors bought 5,494,530 shares and sold 2,172,970 shares, for a net of 3,321,560 shares. This net represents 0.00% of common shares outstanding. The number of shares outstanding is 86,702,513,470. The shares recently traded at $91.14 and the company’s market capitalization is $95,379,393,775.12. About the company: China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) refines, produces and trades petroleum and petrochemical products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, ethylene, synthetic fibers, synthetic rubber, synthetic resins, and chemical fertilizers. Also, The company explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas in China.

Best Heal Care Stocks To Watch Right Now: CTPartners Executive Search Inc. (CTP)

CTPartners Executive Search Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides retained executive search services to clients worldwide. It facilitates the recruitment and hiring of C-level executives, such as chief executive officers, chief financial officers, chief legal officers, chief marketing officers, and chief human resource officers; other senior executives; and board members. The company also offers board advisory services. It primarily serves various industry verticals, including financial services, professional services, life sciences, technology/media/telecom, and consumer/industrial. The company was founded in 1980 and is based in New York, New York.

10 Best Stocks For 2014: First Savings Financial Group Inc.(FSFG)

First Savings Financial Group, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for First Savings Bank, F.S.B. that provides various banking products and services to consumers and businesses. The company generates deposits and originates loans. Its deposit products include checking accounts, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market accounts, regular savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. The company?s loan portfolio comprises one-to four-family mortgage loans, multifamily loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans, and construction loans, as well as consumer loans comprising home equity lines of credit and credit cards. As of January 25, 2010, it operated 14 offices in Clarksville, Jeffersonville, Charlestown, Sellersburg, Floyds Knobs, Georgetown, Corydon, English, Leavenworth, Marengo, Milltown, and Salem communities, Indiana. The company is based in Clarksville, Indiana.

Best Heal Care Stocks To Watch Right Now: Wild Acre Metals Limited(WAC.AX)

Wild Acre Metals Limited engages in the exploration of mineral properties in Australia. The company primarily explores for gold, nickel, porphyry copper, and iron oxide deposits. It holds interests in the Sambalay, Chaparra, and Yauca projects, which cover approximately 16 concessions totaling 13,900 hectares located in southern Peru. The company also has interests in the Quinns, Mt Ida South, and Yerilla projects located in the eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Wild Acre Metals Limited was incorporated in 2007 and is based in West Perth, Australia.

Best Heal Care Stocks To Watch Right Now: PIMCO Income Strategy Fund(PFL)

PIMCO Income Strategy Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors Fund Management LLC. The fund is co-managed by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC. It invests in fixed income markets across the globe. The fund invests in a diversified portfolio of floating rate debt instruments with an average duration of around three years. It employs fundamental analysis with top-down approach to create its portfolio. The fund was formerly known as PIMCO Floating Rate Income Fund. PIMCO Income Strategy Fund was formed on June 19, 2003 and is domiciled in the United States.

Best Heal Care Stocks To Watch Right Now: Diageo plc(DEO)

Diageo plc engages in producing, distilling, brewing, bottling, packaging, distributing, developing, and marketing spirits, beer, and wine products worldwide. It offers a range of brands, including Johnnie Walker scotch whiskies, Smirnoff vodka and Smirnoff ready to drink products, Baileys Original Irish Cream liqueur, Crown Royal Canadian whisky, Captain Morgan rum and rum based products, Jose Cuervo tequila, JeB scotch whisky, Buchanan?s scotch whisky, Windsor Premier scotch whisky, Ketel One vodka, Ciroc vodka, Tanqueray gin, Bushmills Irish whiskey, and Guinness stout. The company also provides other spirits brands that comprise Gordon?s gin and vodka, Old Parr scotch whisky, Bell?s scotch whisky, The Classic Malts scotch whiskies, Seagram?s 7 Crown whiskey and Seagram?s VO whisky, Cacique rum, White Horse scotch whisky, Don Julio tequila, and Bundaberg rum. In addition, it offers beer under various brands, such as Malta Guinness non-alcoholic malt, Harp lager, Tu sker lager, Smithwick?s ale, Senator lager, and Red Stripe lager; and wine under a range of brands, including Blossom Hill, Sterling Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard, Navarro Correas, Acacia Vineyard, Rosenblum Cellars, Piat d?Or, Chalone Vineyard, and Santa Rita. Further, Diageo plc owns the distribution rights for the Jose Cuervo tequila brands in North America and internationally. The company was founded in 1886 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Richard Young]

  Diageo has had great success in Africa and is replicating that success in South America. In Brazil, nine out of 10 shots of Scotch served are Diageo’s brands. Fifty percent of Scotch served in Venezuela is Diageo’s. The potential in South America is attractive. Between 10 million and 15 million people are entering the middle class in Latin America every year. My relative strength chart for Diageo has reached a five-year high.

• [By Richard Young]

  Shortly after Diageo‘s (NYSE:DEO) success in Africa, the company announced the acquisition of Meta Abo Brewery in Ethiopia. Meta Abo is the second-largest brewery in Ethiopia. Its purchase will give Diageo access to the country and a lead-in for its premium spirits brands.

  You can see on my price chart that a strong trend in Diageo’s price has developed after the financial crisis. Buy Diageo shares today.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In Right Now

When we go to the hospital, the last thing on our mind is that something could go wrong or that we could actually become sicker than when we first went in. Unfortunately, human errors do happen, infections can spread, and surgery can occasionally be botched. Make no mistake about it; errors are quite rare, and you should certainly seek medical attention when you need it -- but these bad apples are enough to spoil the public's perception of safety in our nation's hospitals.

Source: U.S. Navy, Wikimedia Commons.

It's pretty easy for the public to be skeptical of medical care in hospitals when you don't have to look far for tales of wrongdoing. Just last year, CNN highlighted 10 common mistakes found in hospitals, ranging from operating on the wrong body part, to patients waking up during surgery. Ultimately, some of these mistakes do result in what would be deemed a preventable death in our nation's hospitals.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In Right Now: Charles Stanley Grp(CAY.L)

Charles Stanley Group Plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides investment and financial services in the United Kingdom. The company operates in three segments: Private Clients, Financial Services, and Charles Stanley Securities. The Private Clients segment offers investment management services to individuals, trusts, and charities. The Financial Services segment provides corporate finance and wealth management services; pension administration services; and markets unit trusts, open ended investment company units, and packaged financial products to private clients. The Charles Stanley Securities segment offers stock broking, financial planning and benefit consultancy, and small and mid-cap advisory and institutional broking services. The company also provides life and health assurance, and tax advisory services. Charles Stanley Group Plc was founded in 1792 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

Top Medical Companies To Invest In Right Now: Worthington Industries Inc.(WOR)

Worthington Industries, Inc. operates as a diversified metals processing company focusing on steel processing and manufactured metal products in the United States, Canada, and Europe. It processes flat-rolled steel and stainless steel for the automotive, construction, lawn and garden, hardware, furniture, office equipment, electrical control, tubing, leisure and recreation, appliance, agricultural, HVAC, container, and aerospace markets. The company also produces low-pressure liquefied petroleum gas and refrigerant gas cylinders; high-pressure and industrial/specialty gas cylinders; seamless steel high pressure cylinders for compressed natural gas storage in motor vehicles; aluminum-lined, composite-wrapped high-pressure cylinders; airbrake tanks; and consumer products. In addition, it produces recovery tanks for refrigerant gases; air reservoirs for truck and trailer original equipment manufacturers; and Balloon Time helium kits. Further, the company designs and manufactu res reusable custom platforms, racks, and pallets made of steel for supporting, protecting, and handling products throughout the shipping process; provides framing systems and stairs for mid-rise buildings, and current and past model automotive service stampings; designs, builds, and supplies light gauge steel framed commercial structures and multi-family housing units; supplies and constructs metal framing products for single family housing with a focus on military housing; and manufactures pre-engineered steel egress stair solutions. Worthington Industries was founded in 1955 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Castle Brands Inc. (ROX)

Castle Brands Inc. develops and markets beverage alcohol products. The company provides rum, whiskey, liqueurs, vodka, tequila, and wine. It offers its products under various brands, including Gosling�s Rum, Gosling�s Dark �n Stormy, Jefferson�s, Jefferson�s Reserve and Jefferson's Presidential Select, Jefferson�s Rye, Clontarf, Pallini, Boru, Knappogue Castle Whiskey, Tierras, Celtic Honey, Brady's Irish Cream, Travis Hasse�s Original Pie, Gozio, A. de Fussigny, and CC. The company offers its products through a network of wholesale distributors and state-operated agencies in the United States, Ireland, Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Bulgaria, France, Russia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and China, as well as in continental Europe and Latin America. Castle Brands Inc. is based in New York, New York.

Why Science Will Be the Key to Unlocking the Utica’s Potential

Last year was not the year Utica producers were hoping to have. What was once viewed as America's next great oil play only turned in a trickle of oil production in 2012. In fact, the 87 wells drilled by 11 different companies produced just 1,750 barrels of oil per day last year, or about 635,900 barrels of oil in totality. For perspective, the Bakken produced 674,621 barrels of oil per day in January. Suffice it to say, the Utica has a long way to go.

This is why several of the play's producers, including Range Resources (NYSE: RRC  ) and EQT Corp (NYSE: EQT  ) , are coming together on a joint industry project to gain better insight into the play. The project, which is expected to last at least a year, will help the companies gain a better fundamental understanding of what rock properties are the most important for good wells. The hope is that the project will enable producers to better target the play in order to earn a return.

Source: Chesapeake Energy

Because of the lackluster returns so far, major oil and gas producers like Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK  ) and Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN  ) have announced plans to reduce operations in the play. Devon, which is completely exiting the play, really had a rough year, as most of the wells it drilled were not economical. One of the issues is the oil accumulations located in the shale were in areas that lacked the pressure necessary to force the oil out of the shale. Chesapeake, on the other hand, is selling what is no longer core acreage in order to shore up its balance sheet.

Because of this, the play is a lot more gassy than originally thought, and with natural gas prices still low, it is not helping producers that had turned to the Utica for higher margin liquids. The hope is that the joint industry project will help the industry better target the more liquids-rich gas portions of the play, which would provide higher rates of return.

So far, Gulfport Energy (NASDAQ: GPOR  ) has had the best success rate in targeting the liquids rich part of the play. The company is spending $499 million of its $570 million capital budget this year on the Utica. Those funds will help drive the company's production from just over 7,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day last year to more than 21,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day this year. This is mainly due to the fact that Gulfport has been drilling some of the best wells in the play.

Chesapeake has also found some of the more successful areas of the play. It expects to see its production jump from 60 mmfce/d, where it ended the first quarter, all the way to 300 mmcfe/d by the end of the year. Chesapeake has not only found some of the better spots, but by moving to multi-well pad drilling, it expects to shave about 30% off its well costs, which will help to boost its returns.

Range and EQT are relative newcomers to the play, as both have focused more extensively on the Marcellus. That focus has enabled them to be among the lowest cost natural-gas producers in the country, which enables both to profit even as natural gas prices stay low. The joint project in the Utica is designed to find the most economical ways to target that play, so that overall returns won't be harmed. 

The takeaway for investors is pretty clear: the potential to earn solid returns from the Utica remains. The trick will be finding the best ways to develop the play. As first movers, Chesapeake and Gulfport have already laid claim to some great spots in the play, which is a reminder of the rewards of being a first mover. On the other hand, Devon's big miss highlights the risk of being a first mover. That's why Range and EQT are banding together with a couple other peers and using science as leverage to find the right techniques to develop the play. That will help both companies deliver returns, but with less risk of coming up dry.

Many were hoping that the Utica would add to the record oil and natural gas production that is revolutionizing the United States' energy position. It still might, but finding the right plays, while historic amounts of capital expenditures are flooding the industry, are what will really pad your investment nest egg. That's why the Motley Fool is offering a comprehensive look at three energy companies set to soar, as all three have found the best ways to play this transformation in the energy industry. To find out which three companies are spreading their wings, check out the special free report, "3 Stocks for the American Energy Bonanza." Don't miss out on this timely opportunity; click here to access your report -- it's absolutely free.