Western Alliance Bancorporation: Compelling Growth Story With Multiple Upside Triggers

Investment Summary: This article is on Western Alliance Bancorporation (WAL), a growth-oriented commercial lender in the Southwest. The banks looks set to improve profitability supported by economic recovery in Last Vegas, industry-leading revenue performance and operating leverage supported by expense control. The credit profile of the bank looks excellent with limited exposure to residential mortgage and well poised to grow its loan portfolio by 20% annually over the next 3 years. It is also well set on a path to credit recovery with improving fundamentals that justifies premium valuation going forward.

Company Overview: Western Alliance Bancorporation is a multi-bank holding company with $8.6 bn in assets and operations spread across 41 locations. As of 6/30/2013 Western Alliance had:

Loan portfolio of $6.4 bnAsset base of 8.6 bnDeposit base of $ 7.0 bnPre-Tax Pre-Provision Income of $40.2 mnNet Income of $34.1 mnNIM of 4.36%

It operates out of three main subsidiary banks and their details are as under:

(click to enlarge)

Western Alliance Bancorporation is the sole surviving community bank in Las Vegas to have weathered the brutal real estate meltdown in Arizona and Nevada and is now ready to restore top-tier profitability. Before discussing the key positive triggers, we will look into the key attributes that makes WAL fundamentally strong compared to its peers.

1. Commercial Driven Loan Portfolio with Potential To Grow At 20% : WAL has managed to grow its loan portfolio at 20% CAGR since its IPO in 2005. The bank had completed a total of 5 acquisitions (excluding the FED assisted ones) that contributed around 30% of the total balance sheet growth.

(click to enlarge) Source: Company Filings

Over the years, WAL has changed its loan origination strategy. Post crisis, WAL's i) loan growth has been driven by commercial real estate (CRE) and Commercial & Industrial loans (C&I), ii) Construction and development share of loans has reduced from 24% in 2005 to 7% in 1Q'2013 and iii) completely cessation of new loan origination in the residential mortgage segment.

WAL looks well positioned to grow its loan origination by close $1bn in 2013. This implies an 18% growth which we believe could be supported by $3 bn of originations, partly offset by $2 bn in run-off. Moreover growth in C&I segment is expected to outpace CRE, given the conservatively underwritten development deals that should help stabilize construction balances. Reflecting the same, shared national credits (SNCs) currently account for less than 5% of loans. The new loan origination are also of higher quality with i) passrated credits (1-5) representing 94% of the portfolio and ii) high pass (1-3) contributing 27% of the book (vs. 23% in 2Q'2012). The management had stated that majority of the new business over the past 6 months accrued from new hires who mainly refinanced their pervious customers.

2. Deposit Base That Benefit from Higher Rates & Additional Room to Grow: WAL has managed to grow its deposit base at 16% CAGR since its IPO in 2005. WAL looks well positioned to benefit from higher rates that should only increase the value of its deposits. Its ability to fund earning assets with core deposits would help improve the banks performance more meaningfully when short-term rates eventually rise.

(click to enlarge)
Source: Investor Presentation

Moreover its quality of deposits has improved over times given noninterest accounting for 27% of the total mix followed by interest bearing DDA (9%), savings / money market (42%), and CDs ( 21%). This shift along with lo! w rates h! as helped WAL reduce its cost of deposits to 0.32%.

(click to enlarge)

Source: Company Website

Other key highlight is that WAL looks well positioned from a growth standpoint. It has with low market share in Nevada (#6 or 7.0%), Arizona (#7 or 1.7%), and San Diego (#8 or 2.1%), increasing scope for more wins.

3: Funding from SBLF to Act as Low Cost Capital Source till 2016: The holding company owes $141 mn to the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF), which is a program run by the U.S. Treasury. The program enables participating banks to repay federal bailout funds received through the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP). Western Alliance is the largest participant in SBLF and has certainly been meeting the goals of the program, by growing its commercial loan portfolio at a strong pace.

SBLF has turned out to be a very low-cost source of capital for Western Alliance. The dividend on the preferred shares held by the Treasury is just 1% for banks achieving an i) annual growth rate of 10% for commercial and industrial loans or ii) loans secured by owner-occupied commercial real estate to businesses with less than $50 mn in annual revenue. In April 2016, the annual dividend on SBLF preferred shares for all participants is set to increase to 9%. WAL could also pay back the SBLF with retained earnings before the reset date and still maintain Tier 1 capital in excess of 9.50% under Basel III norms.

4. Ability to Complement Growth with Value Accretive M&A: WAL has regained the regulators' confidence, as evidenced by its ability to close on two M&A deals since the crisis. Western Alliance has been very active in deal making over the past one year, acquiring 2 banks: Western Liberty and Centennial. Key highlights of the deal were i) deals priced at a discount to TBV and ii) earnings accretion in the first year of acquisition. Total net gains realized ($0.15 per share in 4Q! ' 2012 an! d $0.10 per share in 2Q' 2013) contributed to the 21% increase in tangible book value to $7.26 / share at the end of 2Q' 2013.

(click to enlarge)

Source: Press Filings

Though acquisition targets at attractive valuation (deep discount to TBV) are rare under current circumstances, WAL is well place to bid given that it is trading at 2.5x TBV.

The Upside Triggers

Trigger 1 - Recovery in Credit to Act as Major Tailwind: WAL was badly affected during the credit crisis given its exposure to the construction, land development, and troubled commercial borrowers in the Nevada region. According to S&P/Case-Shiller, Las Vegas and Phoenix recorded one of the steepest declines in home prices during the credit cycle. San Diego also witnessed a fairly significant decline in home prices from peak to trough.

Source: S&P/Case-Shiller

WAL provisioning is down to 23 bps (after peaking at 504 bps in 3Q' 2009). On absolute terms, provision amount has fallen from $50 mn to $3.5 mn during the period. Classified plus watch and NPAs are also down to manageable 6.5% of loans (57% of TCE plus reserves) after reaching 19.2% of the portfolio (153% of economic capital in 2009). NPA's have fallen to 25% levels from the peak of 5.9% in 4Q' 2009.

Trigger 2 - Economic Recovery Underlying Las Vegas Strip: In 2012, Las Vegas tourism and gaming encountered significant headwinds in the form of weak national economy, the Euro zone crisis, and a slowdown of economic growth in Asian countries. However looking forward, signals point to a continuing recovery in Las Vegas tourism spending with scope for a robust acceleration from mid 2013 onwards. The state of Southern Nevada's tourist-based economy is reflected in a number of different indicators like i) Clark County visitor volume, ii) tot! al passen! gers at McCarran airport, ii) Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue and iv) Clark County taxable sales. Strong growth in all these areas is necessary for the Southern Nevada economy to do well for residents and businesses alike.

(click to enlarge)Source: Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, McCarran International Airport

The total number of passengers passing through McCarran has increased 4.2% since hitting bottom in early 2011. The number of visitors to Southern Nevada increased 7.4% since hitting bottom in 2010.

(click to enlarge)Source: Nevada Gaming Commission, Nevada Department of Taxation

Both Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue and consumer spending in Clark County have shown fairly strong growth in recent years. Although both took substantial hits in 2008, they have fared much better since late 2010. Gaming revenue on the Las Vegas Strip has increased by 13.9% since its bottom. Clark County taxable sales have increased by 14.1% since hitting bottom.

Trigger 3 - Visibility on the credit front and provisioning hitting a cyclical low: The new loan origination is of higher quality, with pass-rated credits (1-5) representing 94% of the total portfolio and high pass (1-3) accounting for 27% (vs. 23% in 2012). The shift toward a higher quality mix is underscored by having only $7.9 million or 2% of its cumulative NCOs since 2000 come from loans originated since the start of 2009. This implies that 95% ( $378 million) of its NCOs were derived from the 2004-08 vintages, a portfolio that is down to $1.5 billion or 25% of total loans outstanding.

(click to enlarge)

Source: Investor Presentation

Trigger 4 - Asset Sensitivity Increases with Higher Rates: Floating ! rate loan! s account for 45% of the total mix and WAL's balance sheet looks well positioned for higher rates. Any 100-400 bps increases in the curve would boost spread income by 0.1% to 6.8%. Though Fed is not expected to raise rates until 2015, wider spreads in the belly of the curve should help lessen margin pressure in the near term.

Trigger 5 - Steeper Curve to help Contain Margin Pressure: WAL has been able to hold up its net margins high at 4.7%, partially supported by purchase accounting associated with its 2 recent acquisitions. The stability in loan yields is expected to continue gives its ability to price products at premium in certain specialty lines of business like franchising, municipal lending and origination of complex esoteric deals. Though new loan origination at subpar yields could pressure margins, the rate of decline would slow going forward. However the total dollar net interest income looks poised to grow supported by higher volume which would be more than enough to offset pressure on asset yields. Also, the asset yield pressure could lessen as steeper curve would improve loan pricing mainly off the intermediate part of the curve and the reinvestment of cash flows off the securities portfolio.

Trigger 6 - Lifting of MOU's to Bring Expense Relief : Western Alliance had signed 5 MOU's with the regulators during the credit crisis. As a result of new capital raise, declining credit costs, strengthened underwriting, risk controls, improving profitability and liquidity, the last MOU was lifted in July 2013. This could translate to cost savings from regulatory compliance (like the $2 mn of relief in FDIC insurance costs).

Trigger 7 - Operating Leverage to Improve Profitability Further: WAL's operating ROA has increased to 1.23% in 2Q'2013 supported by lower credit cost, growing revenues and muted expense growth. Going forward, VAL's pre-tax, pre-provision earnings (PTPP) could improve to 2.14% as a result of operating leverage. The loan growth is poised to show double digit growth! , while e! xpense growth could decrease due to lower regulatory and credit-related costs. Efficiency ratios could also fall below 50% levels as a result of its commercial focus and small branch network. This can be considered as baby steps to achieve management's long term PTPP ROA of 2.3%.

Need for Premium Valuation

With a market capitalization of just over $1.5bn, WAL is a true mid-cap opportunity. Western Alliance currently trades at i) 30% discount to 2014 earnings and ii) 35% premium on P/B value relative to the broader small cap bank group.

I strongly believe that WAL needs to trade at a premium due to the following reasons.

Strong and stable balance sheet with capacity to grow loan book at an annual pace of 20% over the next 3 yearsAbility to generate improve PTPP to 2.5%Scope to become more efficient and bring down efficiency ratio to below 50% levels andCapability to do value accretive M&A deals at attractive valuations

A premium multiple is warranted as these trends would continue into the near future as well. According to Nasdaq compilation of 2013 earnings estimates growth, WAL is project to grow its EPS by 68% (vs. Industry average of 9%) to $1.32. Even applying the industry average p/e multiple of 18.1x, translates to a price target of ~$24, which implies at 30% upside from the current price levels.

Stock Downside Risk

Investors buy into this stock for its above average growth prospects. I personally believe that the market is factoring a loan growth of 15%+. Though the bank looks set to grow its loan portfolio by 20%, any slowdown on this front could hurt earnings.Any slowdown of the economic recovery in Nevada, Arizona and the San Diego MSA could negatively impact WAL's growth prospects and underlying credit profile.

Conclusion: Last but not the least, the stock has seen strong interest from the hedge fund community. At the end of 2Q' 2013, a total of 18 of th! e hedge f! unds tracked by Insider Monkey were bullish in WAL, change of 64% from 1Q' 2013. Top 5 hedge funds with position in Western Alliance are Citadel Investment Group, Royce & Associates, Renaissance Technologies, Sirios Capital Management and Millennium Management. Western Alliance Bancorporation is the sole surviving community bank in Las Vegas to have weathered the brutal real estate meltdown in Arizona and Nevada and is now ready to restore top-tier profitability. WAL is an excellent play on the impending recovery of the Las Vegas economy and real estate with improving credit metrics and excellent earnings growth

Source: Western Alliance Bancorporation: Compelling Growth Story With Multiple Upside Triggers

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. (More...)

Wealthy optimistic: Do they know something we d…

Millionaires are feeling good. Maybe too good.

The Spectrem Group's Millionaire Confidence Index, which measures the investment outlook of the wealthy, reached its highest limit in its 9½-year history. After bumping along in single digits since the recession, millionaire confidence suddenly spiked to 23.

Basically, that means millionaires—those with $1 million or more in investible assets—are poised to move some of their huge piles of cash off the sidelines and into the market. The last time the index hit 23 was when it launched in 2004.

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There are three possible explanations. First, the survey was taken before the Syrian flare-up or the debt ceiling or the End of (former Fed candidate Larry) Summers. Things may change for them in September.

"These levels may be difficult to maintain if the market reacts negatively to any Syria issues, the continued political debate in Washington over the government shutdown and the Fed stimulus continuation," said George Walper, president of Spectrem Group.

The second possible explanation is that the wealthy are seeing sunlight through the investment clouds better than the rest of the population. While we may see Syria, emerging-market quakes, government shutdowns and shaky consumer confidence, they see an accommodative Fed, strong housing numbers and strong auto sales.

The third possible explanation is my own. My theory is that the wealthy spent so much time cavorting in the Hamptons and the South of France in August that their brains got sunburned. Now that they're back in the office, we may see a more realistic number in September.

Follow Frank on Twitter @robtfrank.

© CNBC is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news and commentary. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.

The Week Ahead: Will the Double Digit Gains Hold?

The S&P 500 is up 18% so far in 2013, but the Washington debt ceiling crisis has many people, including MoneyShow's Tom Aspray, wondering if the stock market can hold these gains through the rest of the year.

As we approach another financial crisis in Washington, a scene that may be repeated next month, many are wondering whether or not they should be invested in stocks. The year to date gain in the Spyder Trust (SPY) of over 18.4% is well into the double-digit territory I expected at the end of 2012. Of course the question is how will stocks do in the fourth quarter? But will the market be able to hold these gains until the end of the year?

January’s 4.6% gain reinforced the positive view and, as I noted on February 1st, “that since 1929, a higher January close in the S&P 500 has resulted in an average 13% gain.”  In that column, I pointed out that the best prior January was in 1997 when the S&P 500 finished up 31% for the year. There were several wide swings that year, as one had to endure a 13.6% drop in October, before the S&P 500 finished the year near its highs.

I also shared examples of 2001 and 1994 when strong January gains still resulted in a down performance for the year. I do not think this will happen in 2013, as the patterns of those years were much different. If we do get weekly sell signals, we will give up a chunk of the current gains before moving higher into the end of the year.

Asset values have improved markedly from the recession lows, as this WSJ chart illustrates. Pensions, as well as cash and other assets, have moved above the pre-crash highs. Stocks and bonds are close to the 2007 highs, as is real estate. Another positive is that the debt levels have improved.

Of course, the concern now is that the impasse in Washington will derail the recovery and that the higher mortgage rates will slow down the housing markets. As the Wall Street Journal pointed out, “Economic output would actually have contracted in both late 2012 and early 2013 if it hadn't been for solid gains in consumer spending.”

Consumer sentiment has had a rough month, as Friday’s release of the final month reading from the University of Michigan was 77.5. It  had been above the 80 level for the past several months. The positive uptrends for both consumer sentiment and consumer confidence are still intact

The bond market appears to have had a pivotal trend change since the FOMC announcement,  as yields on the 10-Year T-Note (TNX) have dropped from just under 3% to 2.614% on Friday. I have been looking for a pullback in yields for the last two months, but it certainly took longer than I expected.

The weekly chart shows the completion of the reverse head and shoulders bottom formation in May that was supported by the positive signals from the MACD. The break of initial support, line a, is consistent with a further decline in yields and the MACD is now moving into the sell mode. Therefore, a further decline to the 2.40% area is clearly possible.

The news out of the Euro zone continues to improve, but their major stock markets, like the German DAX, have also pulled back from their all-time highs. The GDP numbers out of China were also better than expected, and while the emerging markets are below their September highs, they still appear to be in the bottoming process.

NEXT PAGE: What to Watch

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J.C.Penney Keeps Slumping; Critics Worry About 2014

J.C. Penney's (JCP) plans to raise almost $1 billion though a public offering hasn't alleviated worries about the struggling department store operator.

What's the issue? Concerns that the company has been burning through cash faster than anyone expected and will keep right on blazing away next year. Or as UBS analyst Michael Binetti writes…

Liquidity Raise Does Not Alleviate Longer-Term Cash Burn Concerns. While an equity raise improves NT liquidity (like the $2.3B loan completed in May'13), we remain concerned that JCP will continue to burn cash in '14 and beyond. In our modest base case '14E recovery scenario (SSS: +5%; GM: +500bp, EBITDA -$40m) we are forecasting -$650m cash burn (assumes $385m int. expense, and capex 55% below Macy's at $300m). We fear JCP could require add'l capital (potentially to fund 2016 ops) until the company can sustainably generate $750M+ to cover cash int. expense + maintenance capex.

Announced late Thursday, the stock offering of 84 million shares was priced at $9.65 per share (a 7.4% discount to Thursday's closing price). And the company says it will have more than $2 billion in cash at year end.

But some Wall Street pros were left scratching their heads. The media had widely reported early Thursday that CEO Mike Ullman didn't see conditions for the rest of the year where the department store chain would need to raise capital.

J.C. Penney has seen some improvement in sales. But critics worry about the road ahead. Earlier this week, the credit research group at Goldman Sachs offered a bearish view of the retailer's prospects, and a Citigroup analysts cut herprice target from $11 to $7. Adding to worries is a downbeat outlook for the broader retail industry.

Brian Sozzi, CEO and chief equities strategist for Balus Capital Advisors, told Stocks to Watch:

All of the signs since August tell you that the company is underperforming and their margins haven't bottomed yet. The concern now is what will happen if these trends continue, and I think they will, as the company enters 2014…You are still looking at a J.C. Penney that is burning through cash and will have no other external ways of raising more. No one expects great holiday sale. In that sort of environment, how will a struggling J.C. Penney do?

Down more than 9% in Friday afternoon market action, J.C. Penney trades at $9.48.

12 “Triple F” Stocks to Sell

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This week, 12 stocks get F’s (“strong sell”) in Portfolio Grader‘s three main grading categories, Total Grade, Overall Fundamental Grade, and Quantitative Grade.

These are the worst of the worst in the entire Portfolio Grader database. This week, there are 4,298 stocks and only these 12 get failing marks in all categories to make the dreaded “Triple F” stocks list. Here they are:

Aluminum Corporation of China Limited Sponsored ADR Class H (NYSE:) is a producer of aluminium, with operations in bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary aluminium smelting, and aluminium fabrication. It also provides ancillary products and services. Shares of the stock have fallen 21.1% since January 1. This is worse than the S&P 500, which has seen a 12.1% increase over the same period. .

Cliffs Natural Resources (NYSE:) is an international mining and natural resources company. Shares of CLF are trading 37.9% lower than at the start of the year. As of Sept. 27, 2013, 34% of outstanding Cliffs Natural Resources shares were held short. .

Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ:) is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of high-performance, mixed-signal, programmable solutions that provide customers with rapid time-to-market and system value. .

Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:) explores, develops, and transports oil, gas, and natural gas liquids. .

Enerplus Corporation (NYSE:) is an oil and gas exploration and production company that owns a large, diversified portfolio of income-generating crude oil and natural gas properties. .

Eagle Rock Energy Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ:) engages in gathering, compressing, treating, processing, transporting, marketing, and trading natural gas, as well as fractionating and transporting natural gas liquids. Since the start of the year, EROC has declined 25.3%. .

Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:) is a development-stage biotechnology company dedicated to the discovery and development of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. As of Sept. 27, 2013, 21.9% of outstanding Exelixis, Inc. shares were held short. .

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE:) manufactures and markets medium and heavy trucks, school buses, mid-range diesel engines, and service parts. As of Sept. 27, 2013, 13.2% of outstanding Navistar International Corporation shares were held short. .

Newfield Exploration Company (NYSE:) is an independent oil and gas company which explores, develops, and acquires oil and natural gas properties. Shares of NFX stock have fallen 0.7% since January 1. .

Swift Energy Company (NYSE:) develops, explores, acquires and operates oil and natural gas properties, primarily those that are onshore and in the inland waters of Louisiana and Texas. Shares of SFY have slipped 29.8% since the first of the year. As of Sept. 27, 2013, 17.8% of outstanding Swift Energy Company shares were held short. .

Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc. (NYSE:) is an integrated North American primary producer of molybdenum. The price of TC has slipped 7.7% since the start of the year. As of Sept. 27, 2013, 11.2% of outstanding Thompson Creek Metals Company Inc. shares were held short. .

Walter Energy (NYSE:) is a producer and exporter of metallurgical coal for the global steel industry. Since the first of the year, WLT has dropped 59.6%. As of Sept. 27, 2013, 13.3% of outstanding Walter Energy shares were held short. .

Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being “strong buy,” and F being “strong sell.” Explore the tool here.

Hot Oil Stocks To Invest In 2014

Canadian oil-sands producers may want to sing "I Want to Be Free" right about now. Between the European Union's proposal of a penalty on oil sands consumed in Europe and the political wrangling surrounding TransCanada's (NYSE: TRP  ) Keystone XL pipeline, producers just can't seem to find a market. Even without the political problems, there are still some massive logistics problems facing Canadian oil sands. Let's take a look at one critical issue with Canadian oil sands and how one U.S. energy play could be a savior.

Sweet Sticky Thing
Even though we call everything "crude oil," every source of crude is different. Crude is a collection of hundreds of different types of molecules that are based on the same basic concept: chains or rings of carbon atoms flanked by hydrogen atoms. Depending on where oil comes from, the percentages of these molecule types change, which changes the physical properties -- and the market value -- of these crudes. In the case of the Canadian oil sands, the product is considered a heavy oil/bitumen crude source. This means it has a much higher percentage of long-chain molecules used for products such as lubricants, residual fuels such as home heating oil, and asphalt for roads and roofs. By contrast, lighter oil types, such as what we're seeing from shale oil in the U.S., have more short-chain molecules and will produce a higher percentage of light products, such as gasoline, kerosene, and jet fuel.�

Hot Oil Stocks To Invest In 2014: Tesoro Petroleum Corporation(TSO)

Tesoro Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in refining and marketing petroleum products in the United States. It operates in two segments, Refining and Retail. The Refining segment refines crude oil and other feed stocks into transportation fuels, such as gasoline, gasoline blendstocks, jet fuel, and diesel fuel, as well as other products, including heavy fuel oils, liquefied petroleum gas, petroleum coke, and asphalt. This segment also sells refined products in the wholesale market primarily through independent unbranded distributors; and in the bulk market primarily to independent unbranded distributors, other refining and marketing companies, utilities, railroads, airlines and marine, and industrial end-users. It owns and operates 7 refineries with a combined crude oil capacity of 665 thousand barrels per day. The Retail segment sells gasoline, diesel fuel, and convenience store items through company-operated retail stations, and third-party branded dea lers and distributors in the western United States. As of December 31, 2011, this segment had 1,175 branded retail stations under the Tesoro, Shell, and USA Gasoline brands. The company was formerly known as Tesoro Petroleum Corporation and changed its name to Tesoro Corporation in November 2004. Tesoro Corporation was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dimitra DeFotis]

  Among energy stocks, refiners, whose input costs are rising, were losers: Marathon Petroleum�(MPC) had dropped by 0.72%, while�Valero Energy�(VLO),�HollyFrontier�(HFC) and�Tesoro�(TSO) were down fractionally. Shares of integrated oil-and-gas producer and refiner ExxonMobil (XOM) were up 0.22% to $87.65. Exploration companies have been winners with the price of both oil and natural gas moving higher in July and August.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  During the past three months, Valero Energy (VLO) has fallen 7.3%, Marathon Petroleum (MPC) has dropped 17% and Tesoro (TSO) has plunged 21%. Phillips 66 (PSX) is off 13% during that period, while HollyFrontier (HFC) is down 7.7%.

Hot Oil Stocks To Invest In 2014: Caiterra International Energy Corp (CTI.V)

CaiTerra International Energy Corporation (Caiterra), formerly Cyterra Capital Corp., is a Canada-based company is engaged in the exploration and development of oil and gas properties. The Company�� project includes Faust, Amadou and Lac La Biche. On March 9, 2012, the Company completed its qualifying transaction with West Pacific Petroleum Inc. (WPP), pursuant to which the Company acquired all of WPP�� working interests in certain petroleum and natural gas leases and an oil sand lease in the Lac La Biche and Amadou Projects located in Alberta, Canada and certain other assets (the QT Oil and Gas Properties) from West Pacific Petroleum Inc. (WPP). On December 17, 2012 the Company acquired the Faust Property located just north of the Swan Hills oil field and south of the Town of Slave Lake.

Top 5 Penny Companies To Own In Right Now: Southern Union Company(SUG)

Southern Union Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the gathering, processing, transportation, storage, and distribution of natural gas in the United States. It operates in three segments: Transportation and Storage, Gathering and Processing, and Distribution. The Transportation and Storage segment engages in the interstate transportation and storage of natural gas in the Midwest and from the Gulf Coast to Florida. It also provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminalling and regasification services. The Gathering and Processing segment involves in gathering, treating, processing, and redelivering natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs) in Texas and New Mexico. It operates a network of approximately 5,500 miles of natural gas and NGL pipelines, 4 cryogenic processing plants with a combined capacity of 415 MMcf/d, and 5 natural gas treating plants with a combined capacity of 585 MMcf/d. The Distribution segment engages in the local distribution of natural gas in Missouri and Massachusetts. This segment serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers through local distribution systems. The company was founded in 1932 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Hot Oil Stocks To Invest In 2014: Alon USA Energy Inc. (ALJ)

Alon USA Energy, Inc. engages in refining and marketing petroleum products primarily in the South Central, Southwestern, and Western regions of the United States. The company operates in three segments: Refining and Marketing, Asphalt, and Retail. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil into petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, petrochemicals, feed stocks, asphalts, and other petroleum products. It markets finished products and blend stocks through sales and exchanges with other oil companies, state and federal governmental entities, unbranded wholesale distributors, and various other third parties. This segment also markets motor fuels to distributors under the Alon brand; and licenses Alon brand name and provides payment card processing services, advertising programs, and loyalty and other marketing programs to licensed locations. The Asphalt segment is involved in the marketing of patented tire rubber modified asphalt products; and production of paving and roofing grades of asphalt comprising performance-graded asphalts, emulsions, and cutbacks. This segment sells paving asphalt to road and materials manufacturers and highway construction/maintenance contractors; polymer modified or emulsion asphalt to highway maintenance contractors; and roofing asphalt to roofing shingle manufacturers or other industrial users. The Retail segment operates retail convenience stores that offer various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, food products, tobacco products, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and general merchandise primarily under the 7-Eleven and Alon brands. As of December 31, 2012, it had 298 retail convenience stores located in Central and West Texas, and New Mexico. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Alon USA Energy, Inc. is a subsidiary of Alon Israel Oil Company, Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tom Dorsey]

  Over a several day period, I submitted questions and Mr. Eisman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Alon USA Energy Inc. (ALJ) and the parent company of Alon USA Partners LP Inc. (ALDW) responded. He provided some key insights to some challenges the company faces, where the company is going, and the opportunities available in the future. This insight should provide investors with additional information to understand the value of the company and the opportunity as an investor in the company.

Hot Oil Stocks To Invest In 2014: EXCO Resources NL(XCO)

EXCO Resources, Inc., an independent oil and natural gas company, engages in the exploration, exploitation, development, and production of onshore North American oil and natural gas properties with a focus on shale resource plays. The company holds interests in various projects located in East Texas, North Louisiana, Appalachia, and the Permian Basin in west Texas. As of December 31, 2010, it had proved reserves of approximately 1.5 trillion cubic feet equivalent; and operated 7,276 wells. The company was founded in 1955 and is based in Dallas, Texas.

Hot Oil Stocks To Invest In 2014: Enbridge Inc(ENB)

Enbridge Inc. engages in the transportation and distribution of crude oil and natural gas primarily in Canada and the United States. Its Liquids Pipelines segment operates common carrier and contract crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and refined products pipelines and terminals. The company?s Gas Distribution segment distributes natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers primarily in central and eastern Ontario, northern New York State, Quebec, and New Brunswick. Enbridge?s Gas Pipelines, Processing and Energy Services segment invests in natural gas pipelines, processing and green energy projects, and commodity marketing businesses, as well as performs commodity storage, transport, and supply management services. Its Sponsored Investments segment transports crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons through common carrier and feeder pipelines, as well as transports, gathers, processes, and markets natural gas and NGLs; operates a crude oil and liqui ds pipeline and gathering system; and owns a 50% interest in the Canadian portion of Alliance Pipeline and partial interests in various green energy investments. The company was formerly known as IPL Energy Inc. and changed its name to Enbridge Inc. in October 1998. Enbridge Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Callum Turcan]

  Bridging the way
  Enbridge (NYSE: ENB  ) currently carries 2.2 million barrels of crude oil and liquids�each day through its vast 15,372 thousand mile pipeline system.Enbridge has recently undergone�a $6.2 billion program to grow shipping capacity in Western Canada and the Bakken by 400,000 bpd. Western Canada is home to the booming oil sands play, so Enbridge is trying to capitalize on two high-growth markets.

Zwerner Answers DoJ Efforts To Collect Multiple 50 Percent Civil FBAR Penalties

U.S. taxpayers with previously undisclosed interests in foreign financial accounts and assets continue to analyze and seek advice regarding the most appropriate methods of coming into compliance with their U.S. filing and reporting obligations. Many are pursuing participation in the current IRS offshore voluntary disclosure program (the OVDP which began in 2012), modeled after similar programs in 2009 and 2011. Taxpayers participating in the ongoing 2012 OVDP generally agree to file amended returns and file FBARs for eight tax years, pay the appropriate taxes and interest together with an accuracy related penalty equivalent to 20 percent of any income tax deficiency and an "FBAR-related" penalty (in lieu of all other potentially applicable penalties associated with a foreign financial account or entity) of 27.5 percent of the highest account value that existed at any time during the prior eight tax years.

Under the 2009 OVDP, the FBAR-related penalty was 20 percent and under the 2011 OVDP the FBAR-related penalty was 25 percent of the highest account value during the prior six tax years. The 2012 OVDP is ongoing and does not have a stated expiration date but it can be terminated by the IRS at any time either entirely or as to specific classes of taxpayers.

Quiet Disclosures. There remain viable alternatives to the OVDP, including the voluntary disclosure practice of the IRS set forth in Internal Revenue Manual 9.5.11.9 [see Example 6(A) – a letter from an attorney which encloses timely amended returns from a client which are complete and accurate (reporting legal source income omitted from the original returns) and which offers to pay the tax, interest, and any penalties determined by the IRS to be applicable in full), Section 4.01 of the Criminal Tax Manual for the U.S. Department of Justice, and Section 3, Policy Directives and Memoranda, Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. These practices and policies provide protection from a criminal investigation and prosecution but do not determine the outcome of any civil examination proceedings.

Despite various potential risks of not coming into compliance through the OVDP, some continue to disclose their offshore accounts outside the OVDP in a "quiet disclosure" by simply filing amended income tax returns for all or some of the tax years otherwise covered by an offshore program, and report previously unreported income – whether such income is associated with the previously unreported accounts or otherwise. At the same time, taxpayers attempting a quiet disclosure typically file late Forms 90-22.1, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs), if they had not previously filed FBARs, or amended FBARs, if they had, to disclose the previously unreported offshore accounts.

BSA Filing Requirements. Under the Bank Secrecy Act, U.S. residents or a person in and doing business in the United States must file a report with the government if they have a financial account in a foreign country with a value exceeding $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. Taxpayers comply with this law by noting the account on their income tax return and by filing the FBAR. Civil penalties for willful failure to comply with the reporting requirements of Section 5314 can be imposed under 31 U.S.C. § 5321(a) (5). For violations involving the willful failure to report the existence of an account, the maximum amount of the penalty that may be assessed under Section 5321(a) (5) is the greater of $100,000 or 50 percent of the balance in an unreported foreign account, per year, for up to six tax years.

​Amarin Regains Ahead of Vital Q4 Catalysts

Shares of Amarin Corporation (NASDAQ: AMRN) finally seem to be recovering from a prolonged selloff in July and August – possibly on the "adequate" prescription sales data that has recently been coming through for the company's flagship drug Vascepa. Shares bottomed at a newly-made 52-week low of $5.12/share before rallying (strongly) in the last few weeks. This recent rally fought against the broader bearish trend in the pharmaceutical space as well as the broader market.

This is an encouraging turn of events for Amarin shareholders, who have otherwise seen a truly disastrous year. Investors, still upset over the fact that the company was unable to secure a buyout or partnership before the market launch of hypertriglyceridemia drug Vascepa, have punished the stock with a >50% drop in share price since the decision was finalized in December 2012 (along with a non-dilutive debt financing). The NCE status of Vascepa also remains undetermined to the frustration of bulls and bears alike.

Recent Lack of Action in Amarin

Because of the lack of predictable catalysts in the last few months and the relatively unsurprising trend in Vascepa sales, trading interest has slowed down a bit. The NCE status of Vascepa, which would have been revealed in the FDA's monthly Orange Book release, did remain a popular "catalyst" trade throughout the year. Throughout the last few months options traders have attempted a number of straddles in an attempt to capture Amarin's volatility in the event of an NCE, although these trades failed due to the lack of any FDA decision.

It is still unknown when this decision will be made, although we can infer that the binary event will have a noticeable impact on share price. The NCE status of Vascepa will determine whether the drug received 3 or 5 years of exclusivity in the US market. Since this alters the long term revenue potential of the product in its hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular risk indications, it should have an even larger impact on the current valuation.

Based on enterprise valuation, we can say that Vascepa is currently worth a bit over $1 B. Analysts are not expecting Vascepa sales to break $100 M this year, although the growth is expected to be enormous over the next few years. By 2016, analysts are anticipating Vascepa sales to be north of $500 M given that the drug stays on its current path and expands into new indications.

Amarin and Vascepa in Q4 2013

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2013, we expect some returning interest in Amarin as we approach very big catalysts for Vascepa.

From our previous note:

Recently, the FDA announced the scheduling of an Advisory Committee for the sNDA submitted by Amarin earlier in the year. An approved for this would expand Vascepa's hypertriglyceridemia indication into the 200-500 mg/dL range, and would add "mixed dyslipidemia" to the Vascepa label (this is also referred to as the "ANCHOR" indication). While this is not as expansive as the REDUCE-IT (cardiovascular risk) indication, it is a huge step forward for the drug and allows the company to market to ~40 M patients in the United States as opposed to the current ~4 M.

The AdCom will take place on October 16th, 2013 and the PDUFA goal date for the ANCHOR sNDA is December 20th, 2013.

Generally we would expect increased volatility of the stock before these events, although the opposite can occur as well. What we do know is that these events will have a profound impact on the long-term success of Vascepa. Expect big reactions from Wall Street soon.

(Original Article)

Atossa Genetics is Hangin' By a Thread (ATOS)

I have little doubt that what I'm about to say could inflame some fans and followers of Atossa Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ:ATOS). But, I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't call 'em like I see 'em. So, here goes. ATOS is on the verge of a substantial meltdown. It's possible the stock could circumvent this pullback, but the odds don't favor it.

If you've never heard of Atossa Genetics, don't sweat it - you're not alone. The $63 million company only went public in November of last year. The stock got off to a surprisingly good start following its launch, moving from an initial price of $4.55 to a peak of $12.40 by March. But, that's when the usual post-IPO tendency started to kick in, pulling ATOS back the $4.00/$5.00 range, where the bleeding apparently stopped.

As veteran IPO investors can attest, though, it's unusual for a new stock to not dip deep into the red ink within the first twelve months of being issued, which means ATOS is near overdue for a sizeable move lower. And, the shape of the chart says that dip from Atossa Genetics may be just around the corner if the bears can just take one more poke.

The good news is, a support line has developed at $4.29. That's close to where ATOS found a bottom in early June, and then again in early August, and then once again in mid-August.

That's bullish, on the surface, but in this case, may not mean much. While Atossa Genetics may have a horizontal support level in place, you can also see the stock's being pushed lower by the 20-day moving average line. The support and resistance lines are on a collision course too, and soon - very soon - something will have to give. Given the broad picture, it's apt to be the floor that buckles, which will jump-start a wave of pent-up selling pressure.

Yes, it's possible ATOS could push its way above the 20-day moving average line and all this pent-up energy could turn into bullishness instead. It's just the less likely of the two outcomes, however. After three quarters of the scrutiny that only being publicly-traded can bring, the natives are getting restless. The company's revenue growth still only meant $330,000 in sales last quarter, and for every step forward the company makes on the revenue front, the already-sizeable quarterly loss gets exponentially bigger. The odds of the usual post-IPO "right-pricing" are growing. One nudge under the $4.29 mark could start the avalanche.

If you'd like to get more trading ideas and insights like this, be sure to sign up for the free SmallCap Network newsletter today. You'll get stock picks, market calls, and more!
 

Hot Blue Chip Companies To Own For 2014

After a bizarre mini "flash crash" situation earlier in the day, blue chips rallied back from their 143-point plunge to post big gains. The brief dip, which lasted only a few minutes, was sparked by a phony tweet from the Associated Press Twitter account saying there was an explosion at the White House and the president was injured. When it became clear those rumors were unfounded, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) resumed its upward march, finishing 152 points, or 1.1%, higher to close at 14,719.�

E.I. du Pont de Nemours (NYSE: DD  ) , which added 2.5% yesterday in anticipation of earnings, met and exceeded the market's expectations, ending 4.1% higher. Investors cheered after it announced higher-than-expected profits, bolstered by the strength of its growing agricultural division. It didn't hurt that the company upped its quarterly dividend by 5%, bringing the annual rate to about 3.4%.�

Hot Blue Chip Companies To Own For 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 Dividend]

  Philip Morris International (PM) has a market capitalization of $135.05 billion. The company employs 87,100 people, generates revenue of $77.393 billion and has a net income of $9.154 billion. Philip Morris International�� earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounts to $14.827 billion. The EBITDA margin is 19.16 percent (the operating margin is 17.89 percent and the net profit margin 11.83 percent).

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Phillip Morris (PM) gained 2.8% to $86.56 after boosting its dividend by 10.6%.

  Restoration Hardware (RH) dropped 12% to $68.04 despite what many considered to be a solid earnings�report. Not Barron’s.

• [By Shauna O'Brien]

  On Wednesday, Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) announced that its board has approved a 10.6% increase to its quarterly dividend.

  PM has increased its dividend from 85 cents to 94 cents per share, or $3.76 annually.

  The dividend will be paid on October 11 to shareholders of record on September 26. The stock will go ex-dividend on September 24.

  Philip Morris shares were mostly flat during pre-market trading Wednesday. The stock has been mostly flat YTD.

Hot Blue Chip Companies To Own For 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 ]

  IBM is a global technology company that provides essential products and services to companies and consumers worldwide. The company is currently undergoing some measures in order to improve the company. The stock has not done well in recent quarters and is now trading near lows for the year. Over the last four quarters, earnings have been rising while revenues have been declining which has not really pleased investors in the company. Relative to its peers and sector, IBM has been a weak year-to-date performer. WAIT AND SEE what IBM does in coming quarters.

• [By Douglas A. McIntyre]

  What Microsoft could do is what International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE: IBM)�did when it reached a critical stage of failure. It brought on a gifted executive who had little to no tech experience. Lou Gerstner was CEO of RJR Nabisco and a top executive at American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP). Before that, he was an executive at McKinsey & Co., a breeding ground for big company CEOs. Gerstner took over at Big Blue in 1993, and by the time he left in 2002 , he returned IBM to its place as one of the most highly regarded technology companies in the world.

Top Stocks To Invest In Right Now: 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

Hot Blue Chip Companies To Own 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 Nick Taborek]

  The Dow�� price-weighting system has proven a barrier to inclusion for some of America�� most-heavily traded technology stocks. Apple Inc. (AAPL) and Google Inc. (GOOG), which change hands above $500, have been left out. At the same time, the three companies to be removed had the lowest prices in the average.

Hot Blue Chip Companies To Own For 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 Marc Bastow]

  The qualifications for being a purple chip are basically a screen for stability and performance: smooth earnings profiles, including seven years of consecutive EPS growth, and market caps north of $1 billion. Not surprisingly, you’ll find Procter & Gamble (PG), McDonald’s (MCD) and IBM (IBM) on Macke’s list of what I’d call the “usual suspects.”

• [By Stoyan Bojinov]

  Fast food bellwether McDonald’s (MCD) announced on Tuesday that it had rolled out a new payment method that it is testing in select cities across the Southwest.Lisa McComb, spokesperson for McDonald’s, commented in an email to Bloomberg that the company has released an application that allows for customers to pay at the register directly from their smartphone. McComb went on to mention that the payment app is currently being tested in restaurant locations across Salt Lake City, Utah and Austin, Texas. McDonald’s also released global monthly sales data on the day; sales in the U.S. improved by 0.2% for the month while Europe saw a 3.3% jump.

  McDonald’s shares traded higher on Tuesday, gaining 0.46% on the day. The stock is up nearly 10% YTD.

• [By David Goodboy]

  I regularly screen the market for pullback trading opportunities, and I recently found a powerful one. I would never buy a stock on the technical picture alone, but when other bullish factors combine with a technical setup, it can paint a compelling picture. The technical pullback setup is in none other than Dow Jones Industrial Average component McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014

In this video, health-care analyst David Williamson takes a look at the tremendous success of the�Bluebird Bio (NASDAQ: BLUE  ) �IPO. The company increased the size of its initial public offering, and priced shares at $17 -- above the top end of its range -- but that still couldn't contain investor appetite for this stock. Shares shot up 50% on the opening day of trading, and have remained there.

Bluebird doesn't have any products in late stage trials, but its three drug-development programs are extremely intriguing. Is the hype for its shares justified, or is this another sign of a biotech bubble? And would investors possibly be better served taking a look at Bluebird's partner Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG  ) ?

Watch and find out.

Every in-the-know biotech investor has an eye on Celgene. Shares have skyrocketed this year as the company outlined a plan to almost triple its profits in only a few years. But should you buy the story Celgene is selling? Make sure you understand the key opportunities and risks facing this company by picking up The Motley Fool's brand new premium report on Celgene. To claim your copy today, simply click here now.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Osiris Therapeutics Inc.(OSIR)

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., a stem cell company, focuses on the development and marketing of therapeutic products to treat various medical conditions in the inflammatory, autoimmune, orthopedic, and cardiovascular areas. It operates in two business segments, Therapeutics and Biosurgery. The Therapeutics segment focuses on developing biologic stem cell drug candidates from a readily available and non-controversial source, adult bone marrow. The Biosurgery segment works to harness the ability of cells and novel constructs to promote the body's natural healing. This segment focuses on developing biologic products for use in surgical procedures. The company?s lead biologic drug candidate is Prochymal, which is in phase 2 and 3 clinical trails for various indications, including acute graft versus host disease (GvHD), Crohn's disease, acute myocardial infarction, type 1 diabetes, pulmonary disease, and gastrointestinal injury resulting from radiation exposure. Its biologic drug candidates also include Chondrogen, a preparation of adult mesenchymal stem cells that is in phase 2 clinical trials for osteoarthritis and cartilage protection. The company has collaboration agreements with Genzyme Corporation for the development and commercialization of Prochymal and Chondrogen in various countries except in the United States and Canada. It also has a partnership with Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation for the development of Prochymal as a treatment for the preservation of insulin production in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus. Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Columbia, Maryland.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Nektar Therapeutics(NKTR)

Nektar Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in developing a pipeline of drug candidates that utilize its PEGylation and polymer conjugate technology platforms. The company?s product pipeline consists of drug candidates across various therapeutic areas, including oncology, pain, anti-infectives, anti-viral, and immunology. Its research and development activities involve small molecule drugs, peptides, and other potential biologic drug candidates. The company?s proprietary drug candidates in clinical development comprise NKTR-118, a peripheral opioid antagonist, which has completed Phase II clinical trail for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation; BAY41-6551 that has completed Phase II clinical trail to treat gram-negative pneumonias; NKTR-102, a topoisomerase I inhibitor-polymer conjugate, which is in Phase II clinical trail for multiple cancer indications, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal; and NKTR-105 that is in Phase I clinica l trail to treat solid tumors. Its preclinical products consists of NKTR-119 (Opioid/NKTR-118 combinations) for the treatment of pain; NKTR-181 (abuse deterrent, tamper-resistant opioid) to treat pain; NKTR-194 (non-scheduled opioid) for the treatment of mild to moderate pain; NKTR-171 (tricyclic antidepressant) to treat neuropathic pain; and NKTR-140 (protease inhibitor candidate) to treat HIV. The company has collaboration with Bayer Healthcare LLC to develop BAY41-6551 (NKTR-061, Amikacin Inhale), which is an inhaled solution of amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic; and a license agreement with AstraZeneca AB for the development and commercialization of Oral NKTR-118 and NKTR-119. In addition, Nektar Therapeutics has various license, manufacturing, and supply agreements for its technology with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as Affymax, Amgen, Baxter, Roche, Merck, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in San Franc isco, California.

10 Best Gold Stocks To Invest In 2014: Fuse Science Inc (DROP)

Fuse Science, Inc. ( Fuse Science), incorporated on September 21, 1988, is a consumer products holding company. The Company maintains the rights to sublingual and transdermal delivery systems for bioactive agents that can effectively encapsulate and charge many varying molecules in order to produce complete product formulations which can be consumed orally, applied topically or delivered otherwise sublingually or transdermally, thereby bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and entering the blood stream directly. The Fuse Science technology is designed to accelerate conveyance of medicines or nutrients relative to traditional pills and liquids and can enhance how consumers receive these products. In December 2012, the Company launched its initial DROP products, PowerFuse, an energy formulation in a concentrated drop and ElectroFuse, an electrolyte formula in a concentrated drop, online, with the expansion into targeted retail distribution channels.

The Company is developing formulations and devices, which are compatible with alternative delivery systems for energy, medicines, vitamins and minerals, among other bioactives. These alternative systems include, but are not limited to, sublingual, transdermal and buccal drug delivery methods. use Science has developed and continues to advance, in conjunction with its scientific team, sublingual and transdermal delivery systems for bioactives that can effectively encapsulate and charge varying molecules in order to produce product formulations which can be consumed orally, applied topically or otherwise delivered sublingually or transdermally, thereby bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and entering the blood stream directly. The delivery technology is consists of encapsulation vesicles and ion exchange permeation enhancers. This technology utilizes a gradient across the mucosa membrane to help deliver the bioactive more efficiently through the mucosa.

The Company�� products consist of EnerJel, PowerFuse and ElectroFuse. Ene! rJel is a topical product leveraging some of its technology, which is designed to address muscle fatigue and soreness, before, during and after physical activity. The product contains a natural anti-inflammatory and energy source which is directly applied to the problem area. PowerFuse contains natural ingredients, causes no sugar crash with zero calories and less than half the caffeine of an eight ounce cup of premium coffee. It is available in a great tasting Berry Blast Flavor. ElectroFuse contains natural ingredients, causes no sugar crash with zero calories, is easily portable and is available in a great tasting Salty-Sweet flavor.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Telik Inc (TELK)

Telik, Inc. (Telik), incorporated in 1988, is a clinical-stage drug development company focused on discovering and developing small molecule drugs to treat cancer. The Company discovers its product candidates using the Company�� drug discovery technology, Target-Related Affinity Profiling (TRAP). TELINTRA, its principal drug product candidate in clinical development, is a small molecule glutathione analog inhibitor of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GST P1-1). TELCYTA, its other product candidate, is a small molecule cancer drug product candidate designed to be activated in cancer cells.

Clinical Product Development

TELINTRA is the Company�� lead small molecule product candidate in clinical development for the treatment of blood disorders, including cancer. It has a mechanism of action and acts by inhibiting GST P1-1, an enzyme that is involved in the control of cellular growth and differentiation. Inhibition of GST P1-1 results in the activation of the signaling molecule Jun kinase, a regulator of the function of blood precursor cells. Preclinical tests show that TELINTRA is capable of causing the death or apoptosis of leukemic or malignant blood cells, while stimulating the growth and development of normal blood precursor cells. TELINTRA has been studied in Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) using two formulations. A liposomal formulation was developed for intravenous administration of TELINTRA and was used in Phase I and Phase II studies in MDS patients. The results from the Phase II intravenous liposomal TELINTRA clinical trials demonstrated that TELINTRA treatment was associated with improvement in all three types of blood cell levels in patients with all types of MDS, including those in intermediate and high-risk groups. An oral dosage formulation (tablet) was subsequently developed and results from a Phase I study with TELINTRA tablets showed clinical activity and the formulation to be well tolerated. In June 2011, the Company initiated a Phase II clinical ! trial to evaluate TELINTRA tablets. In October 2011, the Company initiated an additional Phase IIb clinical trial to evaluate TELINTRA tablets. '

The activity and safety profile of tablet formulation allowed the Company to complete a Phase II trial of TELINTRA tablets in MDS. The primary objective of the Phase II TELINTRA tablet study was to determine the efficacy of TELINTRA. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify MDS disease prognostic factors associated with erythroid improvement response rates, including prior MDS treatment, age, gender, the international prognostic scoring system (IPSS), risk, Eastern Cooperative Group performance status, years from MDS diagnosis, MDS World Health Organization subtypes, anemia only versus anemia plus other cytopenias, dose schedule and starting dose. Results from this study show that TELINTRA is the first GSTP1-1 enzyme inhibitor shown to cause clinically reductions in red blood cell transfusions, including transfusion independence in low to intermediate-1 risk MDS patients, as well as improvement in platelet count and white blood cell levels in certain patients. TELINTRA, administered orally twice daily, appeared to be convenient and flexible for chronic treatment administration.

TELCYTA is a small molecule drug product candidate that the Company is developed for the treatment of cancer. TELCYTA binds to GST. TELCYTA has been evaluated in multiple Phase II and Phase III clinical trials, including trials using TELCYTA as monotherapy and in combination regimens in ovarian, non-small cell lung, breast and colorectal cancer. Results from these clinical trials indicate that TELCYTA monotherapy was generally well-tolerated, with mostly mild to moderate side effects, particularly when compared to the side effects and toxicities of standard chemotherapeutic drugs. When TELCYTA was evaluated in combination with standard chemotherapeutic drugs, the tolerability of the combinations was similar to that expected of each! drug alo! ne.

Clinical activity including objective tumor responses and/or disease stabilization was reported in the TELCYTA Phase II trials; however, TELCYTA did not meet its primary endpoints in the Phase III studies. Positive results from a Phase I-IIa multicenter, dose-ranging study of TELCYTA in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel as first-line therapy for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, or NSCLC, were published in a peer reviewed publication. Clinical data demonstrated positive results of TELCYTA in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel in the treatment of first-line lung cancer followed by TELCYTA maintenance therapy. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had an on-going investigator-led study at a single site of TELCYTA in patients with refractory or relapsed mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse B cell lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

Preclinical Drug Product Development

The Company has a small molecule compound, TLK60404, in preclinical development that inhibits both Aurora kinase and VEGFR kinase. Aurora kinase is a signaling enzyme whose function is required for cancer cell division, while VEGF plays a key role in tumor blood vessel formation, ensuring an adequate supply of nutrients to support tumor growth. These lead compounds prevented tumor growth in preclinical models of human colon cancer and human leukemia by inhibiting both Aurora kinase and VEGFR kinase. A development drug product candidate, TLK60404, has been selected.

The Company, using its TRAP technology has discovered TLK60357, a novel, potent small molecule inhibitor of cell division. TLK60357 inhibits the formation of microtubules that are necessary for cancer cell growth leading to persistent G2/M cancer cell cycle block and subsequent cell death. This compound demonstrates potent broad-spectrum anticancer activity against a number of human cancer cells. This compound also displays oral efficacy in multiple, standard preclinical models of cancer. TLK60596, a potent VG! FR kinase! inhibitor, blocks the formation of new blood vessels in tumors. Oral administration of TLK60596 to animal models of human colon cancer reduced tumor growth.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Hemispherx Biopharma Inc (HEB)

Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc. (Hemispherx) is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the clinical development of new drugs therapies based on natural immune system enhancing technologies for the treatment of viral and immune based chronic disorders. Hemispherx focuses on two core pharmaceutical technology platforms Ampligen and Alferon N Injection.The commercial focus for Ampligen includes application as a treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and as an influenza vaccine enhancer (adjuvant) for both therapeutic and preventative vaccine development. Alferon N Injection is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved product with an indication for refractory or recurring genital warts. Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral) is a formulation under development targeting influenza. It has three subsidiaries BioPro Corp., BioAegean Corp., and Core BioTech Corp. The Company's foreign subsidiary is Hemispherx Biopharma Europe N.V./S.A.

Ampligen

Ampligen is an experimental drug, which is undergoing clinical development for the treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Over 1,000 patients have participated in the Ampligen clinical trials representing the administration of more than 90,000 doses of this drug. The Company is also engaged in ongoing, experimental studies assessing the efficacy of Ampligen against influenza viruses.

Alferon N Injection

Alferon N Injection is the registered trademark for the Company's injectable formulation of natural alpha interferon. Interferons are a group of proteins produced and secreted by cells to combat diseases. The Company's natural alpha interferon is produced from human white blood cells. Alferon N Injection [Interferon alfa-n3 (human leukocyte derived)] is a highly purified, natural-source, glycosylated, multi-species alpha interferon product.

Alferon LDO (Low Dose Oral)

Alferon LDO [Low Dose Oral Interferon Alfa-n3 (Human Leukocyte Derived)]! is an experimental low-dose, oral liquid formulation of Natural Alpha Interferon and like Alferon N Injection should not cause antibody formation, which is a problem with recombinant interferon. It is an experimental immunotherapeutic that works by stimulating an immune cascade response in the cells of the mouth and throat, enabling it to bolster systemic immune response through the entire body by absorption through the oral mucosa.

The Company competes with Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, AstraZeneca, Baxter International, Fletcher/CSI, AVANT Immunotherapeutics, AVI BioPharma and Genta.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own 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.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: Merck & Company Inc.(MRK)

Merck & Co., Inc. provides various health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. The company?s Pharmaceutical segment provides human health pharmaceutical products, such as therapeutic and preventive agents for the treatment of human disorders in the areas of bone, respiratory, immunology, dermatology, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity, infectious diseases, neurosciences and ophthalmology, oncology, vaccines, and women's health and endocrine. This segment also offers human health vaccines, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets animal health products. This segment offers antibiotics, anti-inflammatory products, vaccines, products for the treatment of fertility disorders, and parasiticides for cattle, swine, horses, poultry, dogs, cats, salmons, and fish. The Consumer Care segment develops, manufac tures, and markets over-the-counter, foot care, and sun care products. Its over-the-counter product line includes non-drowsy antihistamines; treatment for occasional constipation; decongestant-free cold/flu medicine for people with high blood pressure; nasal decongestant spray; and treatment for frequent heartburn. This segment?s foot care products comprise topical antifungal, and foot and sneaker odor/wetness products; and sun care products include sun care lotions, sprays and dry oils; and sunburn relief products. The company serves drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, physicians, physician distributors, veterinarians, animal producers, and managed health care providers, as well as food chain and mass merchandiser outlets in the United States and Canada. Merck & Co., Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jim Lowell, Partner and Chief Investment Strategist, Adviser Investments]

  He owns names that have global imprint, but pretty much, are domestically based, so his international equity stake is under 8% of the overall portfolio, but the companies that he owns—Apple (AAPL), GE (GE), Wells Fargo (WFC), Microsoft (MSFT), Google (GOOG), he also owns Merck (MRK), JP Morgan (JPM)—they've got a global footprint, so I like the safety in numbers.

Best Biotech Stocks To Own For 2014: DiaMedica Inc (DMA)

DiaMedica Inc. (DiaMedica) is a development-stage company. The Company is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of diabetes and related diseases. DiaMedica's compound, DM-199, is a recombinant human protein for the treatment of both Type I and Type II diabetes and their complications. DiaMedica is starting a Phase I/II clinical trial for DM-199. DM-199 is a recombinant human protein, which improves glucose control, protects beta cells through the expansion of a population of antigen-specific immunosuppressive cells (Tregs), and proliferates insulin producing beta cells through the activation of certain growth factors. The Company�� DM-204 is a G-protein-coupled receptor agonist (GPCR) monoclonal antibody to treat Type II diabetes and some of the associated complication's. activating a receptor resulted in insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion and vasodilation.

Rising Mortgage Rates Lead to Job Cuts

The sharp rise in mortgage interest rates over the past six months are going to do some serious damage to the nation's largest mortgage lenders. Just last week, Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC) said it would fire 2,400 employees in its mortgage services unit, and that may be only the beginning.

The interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage has climbed from about 3% in January to more than 4.4% in August. Research firm SNL notes a month-over-month decline in lending at the four largest lenders, and only one, Wells Fargo, posting year-over-year growth. Lending at J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is down more than 6% compared with the second quarter of 2012. Bank of America Corp. (NYSE: BAC) lending is down nearly 9%, and Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) lending is down nearly 10%. At Wells Fargo, lending is up about 1%.

For the most part, the blame is assigned to refinancings, which have dropped from highs of over 80% of all new mortgage applications to less than 65%. And even though the market for new homes is improving, it is not rising fast enough to pick up the slack.

Wells Fargo is not the only large bank cutting staff. Citigroup has said it will fire 120 employees at a call center in Illinois, and J.P. Morgan plans to pare 15,000 mortgage-related jobs by the end of 2014, according to SNL. Bank of America cut 1,320 jobs at its Buffalo, N.Y., mortgage servicing office earlier this year.

What is causing the rise in interest rates and the decline in mortgage applications, as well as the job losses? The U.S. 10-year Treasury note yield rose to around 2.9% last week and is down before markets open Monday morning to around 2.79%. The interest rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage historically averages about 1.5% above the yield on the 10-year Treasury. That is about where rates are now.

And what is causing the 10-year yield to rise? Most likely the belief that the Fed will begin tapering before the end of this year is creating enough uncertainty in the equities markets that the safe haven of U.S. debt is becoming attractive again. Even gold has reacted positively to the tapering talk.

As the cheap money made available by the Fed leaves the market, Treasury yields will continue to rise and so will mortgage rates. Wages and incomes for the vast majority of Americans are unlikely to rise at the same pace, and that will crimp the mortgage lending business. The impact on housing is more difficult to predict, but the recovering market for new houses may not be hit until mortgage rates rise to about double today's rates.

Fidelity sued by employees over its own 401(k) plan

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) Fidelity Investments, one of the country's largest retirement plan providers, is being sued over the 401(k) plan it offers its own workers.

A group of current and former employees claim the plan is dominated by expensive Fidelity mutual funds when lower-fee options are available within Fidelity's own offerings and from other providers.

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Fidelity's employee retirement plan covers more than 50,000 participants and has roughly $8.5 billion in assets, according to court documents.

An industry leader, Fidelity is the 401(k) provider for roughly 12 million workers across thousands of companies.

The legal battle heated up earlier this month when 26 current and former employees signed on to join the proposed class action, which was filed by a former employee in March. Their request to join the suit is pending.

All of the more than 150 investment options available in the Fidelity plan were offered by Fidelity or a company subsidiary, according to the suit. And, at the end of 2010, nearly 85% of the plan's assets were held in actively managed Fidelity mutual funds, which tend to have higher fees than passively managed index funds.

Fidelity has filed to dismiss the lawsuit, citing that its employees have a wide variety of investments to choose from -- including low-cost index funds.

"We believe the lawsuit is totally without merit, and we intend to defend vigorously against it," said spokesman Vincent Loporchio. "Fidelity has a very generous benefits package that provides significant contributions to our employee's retirement planning."

Fidelity provides a 100% match for up to 7% of a worker's salary and typically makes annual profit-sharing contributions as well, according to court documents.

One of Fidelity's big competitors, TD Ameritrade, gets around potential conflicts of interest by outsourcing its 401(k) plan, the lawsuit said.

The Fidelity complaint comes on the heels of a wave of 401(k)-related lawsuits against financial firms and other companies that allege mismanagement and inappropriately high fees.

Under the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, companies with 401(k) retirement plans have a "fiduciary responsibility" to act in the best interest of their employees.

In 2011, for example, Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortun! e 500) agreed to pay $17.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit that alleged it had engaged in self-dealing when choosing investments for its 401(k) plan. In the same year, Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500) and Merrill Lynch settled a multimillion dollar lawsuit that alleged the Wal-Mart 401(k) plan had subjected its worker to excessively high fees.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014

The Oklahoman reported last week about a movement out of Oklahoma City to get the United States Postal Service to switch from gasoline and diesel to natural-gas-powered vehicles. Natural gas is cheaper than either of those two fuels right now, which would be good for the USPS, but the real story here is in the power of demand. In this video, Fool.com contributor Aimee Duffy takes a look at what would happen if the Post Office pursued this idea.

The movement toward alternative energy is gaining momentum. One potential opportunity in this field is Clean Energy Fuels, which focuses its natural gas efforts primarily on trucking and fleets. It's poised to make a big impact on an essential industry. Learn everything you need to know about Clean Energy Fuels in The Motley Fool's premium research report on the company. Just click here now to claim your copy today.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: Ship Finance International Limited(SFL)

Ship Finance International Limited, through its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership and operation of vessels and offshore related assets in Bermuda, Cyprus, Malta, Liberia, Norway, the United States, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the Marshall Islands. The company also involves in the charter, purchase, and sale of assets. As of March 22, 2011, it owned 29 oil tankers, 8 oil/bulk/ore carriers, 3 dry bulk carriers, 9 container vessels, 2 jack-up drilling rigs, 3 ultra-deepwater drilling units, 6 offshore supply vessels, and 2 chemical tankers. The company offers its services to various sectors of shipping and offshore industry, including oil transportation, drybulk shipments, chemical transportation, container transportation, drilling rigs, and offshore supply vessels. Ship Finance International Limited was founded in 2003 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: LaPorte Bancorp Inc.(LPSB)

LaPorte Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for the The LaPorte Savings Bank, which provides commercial banking services to individuals and small businesses. The company?s deposits include savings accounts, health savings accounts, NOW accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and IRAs, as well as commercial checking accounts for businesses. Its lending portfolio includes one to four family residential loans, mortgage warehouse loans, commercial real estate loans, construction and land loans, commercial loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and consumer and other loans. The company also offers trust services. It operates through eight branches in LaPorte and Porter Counties, Indiana. The company is based in LaPorte, Indiana. LaPorte Bancorp, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of LaPorte Savings Bank, MHC.

Best Oil Companies To Invest In 2014: Fluidigm Corporation(FLDM)

Fluidigm Corporation engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of microfluidic systems for growth markets in the life science and agricultural biotechnology (Ag-Bio) industries. The company?s proprietary microfluidic systems consist of instruments and consumables, including chips (integrated fluidic circuits) and reagents. Its technology enables customers to perform and measure various biochemical reactions on samples smaller than the content of a single cell by utilizing minute volumes of reagents and samples; and rapid preparation of multiple samples in parallel for next generation DNA sequencing. The company?s products include the BioMark HD system, which performs high-throughput gene expression analysis using real-time and end point PCR, SNP genotyping, single-cell analysis, and digital PCR using TaqMan, EvaGreen dye, and other chemistries; The EP1 System that performs end point PCR and is commonly used in production settings for Ag-Bio, digital PCR, and copy number variation experiments using TaqMan, EvaGreen dye, and other chemistries; and the Access Array system that enables automated sample preparation and tagging for next generation DNA sequencers. The company serves pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academic institutions, diagnostic laboratories, and Ag-Bio companies. Fluidigm Corporation distributes its instruments and supplies through direct field sales and support organizations in North America, Europe, and Japan; and through distributors or sales agents in parts of Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company was formerly known as Mycometrix Corporation and changed its name to Fluidigm Corporation in April 2001. Fluidigm Corporation was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: Prominex Resource Corp(PXR.V)

Prominex Resource Corp. engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The company explores for base metals and gold. Its principal properties include the Tulks Hill Project and Reid Lot 50, Lake Bond project, located in central Newfoundland. The company was formerly known as Sino Pacific Development, Ltd. and changed its name to Prominex Resource Corp. in October 2005. Prominex Resource Corp. was founded in 1980 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: Sogefi(SGFI.MI)

Sogefi S.p.A. manufactures and markets auto parts components for the automobile industry. The company offers filtration systems, such as oil, engine air, petrol and diesel fuel, and cabin air filters; and suspension components and precision springs, including coil springs for shock absorbers, stabilizer bars, torsion bars, stabilinks, leaf springs, precision springs, and track adjusters. It serves motor vehicle manufacturers in the OEM, OES, and IAM markets primarily in Europe and South America, as well as in the United States, China, and India. The company was founded in 1980 and is based in Milan, Italy. Sogefi S.p.A. is a subsidiary of CIR S.p.A.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: lancashire hldgs com stk usd0(LRE.L)

Lancashire Holdings Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides specialty insurance and reinsurance products worldwide. The company underwrites risks within the property, energy, marine, and aviation segments, as well as terrorism, and political risks. It also provides coverage for natural catastrophes. The company is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: US Ecology Inc.(ECOL)

US Ecology, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides waste treatment, disposal, recycling, and transportation services to commercial and government entities in the United States. The company offers treatment and disposal services for radioactive, hazardous, polychlorinated biphenyl, and non-hazardous industrial wastes. Its customers include oil refineries, chemical production facilities, manufacturers, electric utilities, steel mills, biotechnology companies, military installations, waste brokers/aggregators, and medical and academic institutions. The company was formerly known as American Ecology Corporation and changed its name to US Ecology, Inc. in February 2010. US Ecology, Inc. was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in Boise, Idaho.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: OceanFirst Financial Corp.(OCFC)

OceanFirst Financial Corp. operates as the holding company for OceanFirst Bank that provides community banking services to retail, government, and business customers primarily in Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties in New Jersey. Its deposit products include money market accounts, savings accounts, interest-bearing checking accounts, non-interest bearing accounts, and time deposits. The company?s loan portfolio comprises conventional first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residences, residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, multi-family and land loans, and real estate construction loans; consumer loans, such as home equity loans and lines of credit; and commercial loans. In addition, it offers trust and asset management, and merchant check card services; and sells alternative investment products, including mutual funds, annuities, and life insurance. The company operates 22 branches, as well as a loan production office and a trust and weal th management office. OceanFirst Financial Corp. was founded in 1902 and is based in Toms River, New Jersey.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: First Commonwealth Financial Corporation(FCF)

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation operates as the holding company for First Commonwealth Bank that provides consumer and commercial banking services to individuals and small and mid-sized businesses in central and western Pennsylvania. The company offers personal checking accounts, interest-earning checking accounts, savings accounts, health savings accounts, insured money market accounts, debit cards, investment certificates, fixed and variable rate certificates of deposit, and IRA accounts. It also provides secured and unsecured installment loans, construction and mortgage loans, safe deposit facilities, credit lines with overdraft checking protection, and student loans, as well as Internet and telephone banking, and automated teller machine services. In addition, the company offers commercial banking services, including commercial lending, small and high-volume business checking accounts, on-line account management services, ACH origination, payroll direct deposi t, commercial cash management services, and repurchase agreements. Further, it provides various trust and asset management services, as well as a complement of auto, home, business, and term life insurance. Additionally, the company offers annuities, mutual funds, stock, and bond brokerage services through an arrangement with a broker-dealer and insurance brokers. It operates 115 community banking offices in western Pennsylvania and 2 loan production offices in downtown Pittsburgh and State College, Pennsylvania. The company was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

Top 10 Clean Energy Companies To Invest In 2014: BlackRock Municipal Income Trust (BFK)

BlackRock Municipal Income Trust is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc. It is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. The fund invests in fixed income markets. It invests in companies operating across industrial and pollution control, hospital, tobacco, housing, transportation, education, water and sewer, and power industries. BlackRock Municipal Income Trust was formed on July 31, 2001 and is domiciled in United States.

Stock Futures Cautious on Mixed Housing Data, Fed Watch as Adobe Jumps

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Stock futures were little changed Wednesday as investors digested mixed U.S. housing market data and wait for the Federal Reserve to announce whether it will begin cutting back on the central bank's bond-buying stimulus program.

Futures for the S&P 500 were up 0.5 points, or 1.59 points above fair value, to 1,698.75. Futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average were down 3 points, or 21.27 points above fair value, to 15,462. Futures for the Nasdaq were ahead by 6.25 points, or 7.87 points above fair value, to 3,190.25.

In company news, Adobe Systems (ADBE), the maker of creative-suite products like Photoshop and InDesign, said fiscal third-quarter earnings on an adjusted basis fell to 32 cents a share from 58 cents a share a year earlier. Revenue fell 8% in the quarter to $995.1 million. Wall Street expected Adobe to report earnings of 34 cents a share on revenue of $1.01 billion.

Still, shares were gaining more than 6% to $51.06 in premarket trading as investors noted that Adobe has been shifting its business to a subscription-based model. The company said subscription revenue rose 73% to $299.4 million and its Creative Cloud service gained 331,000 paying subscribers during the quarter, surpassing 1 million. Apple (AAPL) shares were gaining 1.25% to $461.05. A report by the 9to5Mac blog said Apple's iPhone 5s could be in short supply. Customers in China and Hong Kong could reserve the iPhone 5s starting Tuesday. But just minutes after the phone became available, most models and colors sold out across the country, the blog reported. FedEx (FDX) shares were popping 3.23% to $114.25 after the overnight package shipper beat Wall Street estimates as net income rose 7%, driven by growth in each of the company's transportation segments. BlackBerry (BBRY) shares were rising 0.99% to $10.66 as the company introduced its new Z30 touchscreen smartphone in Malaysia. The Z30, which features a five-inch display and 1.7 gigahertz processor, has been launched amid the company's efforts to reclaim market share from Samsung and Apple. The FOMC meeting announcement is expected take place at 2 p.m. EDT, followed by a press conference with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke at 2:30 p.m. It's widely expected that the Fed will reduce the pace of its monthly bond purchases by $10 billion while emphasizing that the Fed funds rate will be kept at a low level. "Tension and excitement build up as we eagerly anticipate the announcement of the policy decision," Joyce Liu, a Singapore-based investment analyst at Phillip Futures, commented in a note. The Census Bureau reported Wednesday a smaller than expected increase in U.S. housing starts to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 891,000 in August versus the average economist expectation of 917,000 driven by the volatile multi-family sector. Similarly, building permits also rose less than expected to 918,000 compared with expectations of an annual rate of 950,000 due to a slide in the multi-family sector as well. However, gains of 3% in single family permits continued to provide reassurances on the housing market recovery. The FTSE 100 was up 0.16% and the DAX in Germany was rising 0.47%. The Hong Kong Hang Seng finished down 0.27% while the Nikkei 225 in Japan closed up 1.35%. The benchmark 10-year Treasury was falling 1/32, lifting the yield to 2.857%. The dollar was falling 0.06% to $81.09 according to the U.S. dollar index. December gold futures were falling $7.60 to $1,301.80 an ounce while October crude oil futures were up 76 cents to $106.18 a barrel. Follow @atwtse -- Written by Andrea Tse in New York >To contact the writer of this article, click here: Andrea Tse.>