Top Up And Coming Stocks For 2014

It's always nice for big companies and their PR spin machines to mention how green and environmentally friendly their operations have become. However, those statements are often just that -- PR spinning its wheels. We have to be honest with ourselves: While the going green theme will help improve Ford's (NYSE: F  ) or General Motors'�brand image, it hasn't historically contributed much to the bottom line, if at all. A recent study by Interbrand found that the automotive industry has improved by leaps and bounds in producing environmentally green brands and, this time, there is more substance for investors looking at the bottom line.

Best global green brands
Recently Interbrand, the world's leading brand consultancy, released its annual "Best Global Green Brands" report. Surprisingly to some, the automotive sector dominated, with Toyota (NYSE: TM  ) , Ford, and Honda�owning the top three spots -- in that order. Automakers also make up 50% of the top 10, with Nissan ranking fifth,�and Volkswagen in at No. 7. Nissan was even named the most improved, jumping 16 spots from last year to its No. 5 ranking.

Top Up And Coming Stocks For 2014: Pacific Iron Ore Corporation (POC.V)

Pacific Iron Ore Corporation, a development stage company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Canada. It explores for gold, silver, copper, and iron ore. As of March 31, 2011, the company held 100% working interest in 285 mineral claims covering approximately 170,648 hectares in Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It also held various mining properties comprising 110 mining claims and 15 leases totaling 15,472 hectares located in Ontario. Pacific Iron Ore Corporation is based in Calgary, Canada.

Top Up And Coming Stocks For 2014: Lagasco Corp. (LCO.V)

El Condor Minerals Inc. engages in the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties. It holds an option to acquire the Millennium gold-silver project located in southwestern Arizona, the United States; and the Carol property located in Sonora State, Mexico. The company was formerly known as Lagasco Corp. and changed its name to El Condor Minerals Inc. in August 2010. El Condor Minerals Inc. was incorporated in 1948 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 10 Integrated Utility Companies To Own For 2014: Weingarten Realty Investors(WRI)

Weingarten Realty Investors operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT). The company engages in the management, acquisition, and development of real estate. It operates in two segments, Shopping Center and Industrial. The Shopping Center segment engages in the acquisition, development, and management of real estate, primarily anchored neighborhood and community shopping centers located in Texas, California, Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Florida, North Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Utah, Kentucky, and Maine. Its customer base includes supermarkets, discount retailers, drugstores, and other retailers. The Industrial segment engages in the acquisition, development, and management of bulk warehouses and office/service centers. Its properties are located in Texas, Nevada, Georgia, Florida, California, and Tennessee. As of June 30, 2005, Weingarten Realty Investors owned or operated under long -term leases, directly or through its interest in joint ventures or partnerships, a total of 350 developed properties and 3 properties that are in various stages of development. Its properties include 294 shopping centers and 59 industrial properties. Weingarten Realty Investors qualifies as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, it would not be taxed on the portion of its income, which is distributed to shareholders, provided it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income. The company was founded in 1948 and is based in Houston, Texas.