Top Dividend Stocks To Buy For 2017: April 2014

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

ANN Is a Good Buy in a Difficult Retail Environment

ANN (ANN), with its strong quarterly results, indicates that the company is making a comeback. Despite headwinds in the retail apparel market and competition, ANN emerged as a winner by reporting strong quarterly results. ANN has outperformed in the past and is continually working on improving market share. The company looks positioned for a comeback and could be a good long-term holding as its recent results suggest.

Performing Well

The reason for the success of ANN has been its service of providing customers with fashionable, versatile products, excellent value for money, and an engaging shopping experience both in-store and online. As a result, the company saw a terrific 7% rise in its sales to $658 million. On the back of strong comps growth and strong revenue growth, EPS increased 17.1% year over year to $0.89.

Moving on, ANN is confident regarding a comeback with aggressive strategies. It is focusing on various aspects worldwide to gain market share. It is planning to strengthen its multi-channel initiative including e-commerce. ANN is expecting online sales to boost the business as it is seeing good customer response online led by high traffic and conversion at both brands. The retailer is further working on capturing small and mid markets under a strategy to promote LOFT in such markets.

ANN is worried about the weakness at the ANN Taylor factory outlet stores which declined by 6.9% in the past as a result of weak traffic and muted customer spending. The weakness was also due to the bad weather which further added to its woes. The company is therefore focusing more on online sales to offset the effect of weakness at the Taylor factory outlet that management expects in the next quarter.

Despite ANN's woes, the retailer provided a favorable margin forecast. Despite soft traffic, muted spending and bad weather, the company expects to see positive comps at both ANN Taylor and LOFT. Moreover, ANN's good, better and best pricing policy is also helping it to sell its products without discounts.

Peers' Moves

ANN majorly drove its revenue from comps. To drive its revenue up in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, competitor Chico (CHS)'s had to rely on its new store openings. Its comps declined 1.3% year over year due to weak traffic and a highly promotional environment. On the back of 115 new store openings, revenue grew 3% year over year to $655.6 million. However, earnings declined 12% year over year to $0.22 per share.

On the other hand, Chico's started the fourth quarter on the front foot. It is finding its strength in multi-channel expansion, crossing national boundaries for international growth. With aggressive investment between $140 million and $150 million and opening 120 to 130 new stores in 2014, the company is aiming at bolstering its presence in these markets.

As compared to Chico's, which was up with a strong third quarter, Aeropostale (ARO) is continually seeing weakness as its comps declined 15%, as a result of which the top-line fell by 15.1% to $514.6 million. The company lost its target customers as a result of poor performance, resulting in the widening of losses to $0.29 per share. It continues to disappoint investors as it expects this loss to continue in next quarter as well.

Conclusion

ANN managed to survive performing outstandingly amid stiff competition, while other apparel retailers are finding difficulty in growing comps and earnings. ANN also looks reasonable and can be a good pick in a difficult retail apparel environment.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Bear of the Day: HomeStreet (HMST) - Bear of the Day

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HomeStreet (HMST) missed the mark on the most recent earnings release and has seen estimates drop substantially over the last six months. It is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). It is the Bear of the Day.Mortgage Rates Move UpOver the last few weeks, interest rates have moved higher and that has caused rates for mortgages to increase as well. Along with a light housing inventory, this will keep some buyers on the sidelines which could hurt the real estate lending business for HMST.Company DescriptionHomeStreet (HMST) is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Seattle, WA serving consumers and businesses in the Pacific Northwest, California and Hawaii. The company operates four primary lines of business: Community Banking, Single Family Lending, Commercial Real Estate Lending and Residential Construction Lending. Its principal subsidiaries are HomeStreet Bank and HomeStreet Capital Corporation.Earnings HistoryThe most recent quarter was a big miss, with the company reporting earnings of $0.74 when the Zacks Consensus Estimate was calling for $0.84. The ten cent negative earnings surprise translates to a 11.9% miss. The topline also came in $5 million light, so another miss of 6% on top.Besides that quarter, things have been mostly good for HMST. Prior to the earnings miss the company posted four straight positive earnings surprises.Small BankHomeStreet Bank is a WA state chartered savings bank with a network of 23 retail bank branches, 28 stand-alone lending centers and three stand-alone commercial lending centers in Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii. Its size may keep some investors out of it beyond its limited geographical footprint.Earnings Estimates PlungeEstimates for HMST have done nothing but fall all year. The 2013 Zacks Consensus Estimate was $5.40 at the start of the year and that quickly dropped ! to $5.07 in the following month. By May the number was down to $3.57 and it is currently at $2.93. That is a significant decrease in just a little over 6 months.The 2014 Zacks Consensus Estimate has also been moving lower. It stood at $5.43 in February, but had fallen to $4.12 in May and is currently $3.73. The question becomes when will estimates stop falling?ValuationThe valuation picture HMST looks really, really good. That is if can get past the whole negative earnings growth expectations in 2013. The PE multiples of 4.6x trailing and 7.7x forward would make value investors get interested, as would a 1.2x book multiple. But investors need to look past low multiples and understand why they are low before making an investment in a stock like HMST.The Chart The year to date chart is one that will turn the stomachs of most investors. The limited footprint of the company can expose it to specific weaknesses that may be seen just in the Pacific Northwest, and that is a risk that many may not want to see. In the more immediate term, the increased rates may help net interest margin, but those rates are likely to change soon.

Brian Bolan is a Stock Strategist for Zacks.com. He is the Editor in charge of the Zacks Home Run Investor service, a Buy and Hold service where he recommends the stocks in the portfolio.Brian is also the editor of Breakout Growth Trader a trading service that focuses on small cap stocks and also carries a risk limiting strategy. Subscribers get daily emails along with buy, and sell alerts.Follow Brian Bolan on twitter at @BBolan1Like Brian Bolan on Facebook

Monday, April 28, 2014

America's most (and least) common jobs

The job market is an important indicator of the economy's health. A look at the most and least common jobs reflects the industries that are critical to the economy, as well as those that are gaining prominence, or becoming obsolete.

According to Martin Kohli, chief regional economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), industry growth trends play a significant role in driving job totals. Workers in the nation's most popular occupations "are employed in industries that have also been expanding," Kohli said. Food preparers, one of the most common jobs, are in food services, an expanding industry according to Kohli. Similarly, the number of registered nurses is keeping pace with the growing health care field.

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By contrast, many of the nation's least common jobs are in industries that are far smaller than they once were, such as the manufacturing sector. Many of these jobs, Kohli added, "are clearly on the decline because the industries that employ them are, and the technologies they use, are on the decline."

In fact, several rare occupations are expected to shrink considerably. The BLS currently estimates that the number of animal breeders will fall by 23% between 2012 and 2022, while the number of fabric menders will drop by 10%. The number of radio operators and wood pattern-makers is expected to be effectively flat, even as the number of total jobs is projected to rise by 11% in that time.

Still, some of these uncommon jobs do have growth potential and include relatively high salaries. The average geographer earned more than $75,000 annually as of 2013, and the average industrial-organizational psychologist earned nearly $88,000 annually. The BLS forecasts that these jobs will grow by 29% and 53%, respectively, between 2012 and 2022

In contrast, the nation's most common jobs tended to pay low wages. Cashiers, wait! ers and waitresses, and food preparation workers — all among the nation's most common jobs — earned, on average, less than $25,000 annually. By comparison, the average U.S. worker earned more than $46,000 per year. Among the nation's 10 most common occupations, only registered nurses earned an average salary above the national average for all jobs.

Most of the country's most common jobs require little in the way of a formal education. For example, food preparers often do not need a high school diploma and require little training. Other common jobs such as janitors, cashiers and retail salespersons also typically do not need higher education or substantial experience.

The most common jobs also offer few opportunities for advancement. And while there may well be exceptions, Kohli added that people "don't think of many of these jobs — such as cashier or retail salesperson — as having a career ladder that would lead to a higher-paid job." Additionally, these jobs are typically not unionized, which may also contribute to lower wages, said Kohli.

To determine the nation's most and least common jobs, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed figures published by the BLS' Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) on occupational employment and wages for more than 800 professions. These figures reflect data as of May 2013. We also reviewed employment forecasts from the Bureau's Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections. These projections forecast changes in employment, by occupation, between 2012 and 2022. Finally, we reviewed descriptive information on occupations from the Bureau's Occupational Outlook Handbook as well as O*NET OnLine. Because OES figures do not account for self-employed workers, occupations were excluded if other industry information indicated OES totals may be incomplete estimates.

These are America's most common jobs:

10. Janitors and cleaners
• Total number of jobs: 2.1 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 12.1%
• Average annual income! : $25,140!

The number of janitors is expected to grow by 12% between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS, roughly in line with the 10.8% projected growth rate for all jobs in the U.S. Becoming a janitor typically does not require a college education. The average annual salary for a janitor, however, is lower than most occupations that the BLS examines. The average janitor earned $25,140 in 2012, well below the U.S. average of $46,440.

9. Secretaries and administrative assistants
• Total number of jobs: 2.2 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 13.2%
• Average annual income: $34,000

Already one of the nation's most common jobs, the number of secretaries is projected to grow even larger. The BLS forecasts a 13.2% increase between 2012 and 2022, only slightly higher than the nationwide job growth rate of 10.8%. However, positions are not usually high paying. Secretaries and administrative assistants earned an average of $34,000 as of 2013, less than the U.S. average of $46,440 across all occupations.

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8. Hand laborers and material movers
• Total number of jobs: 2.3 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 11.0%
• Average annual income: $26,690

Movers typically work in settings such as warehouses, where they pack, transport, and take inventory of goods that pass through. Oftentimes, the job requirements are based less on education, or training, and more on physical ability. According to the BLS, increasing consumer spending will continue to drive the need for warehousing. While this means increased need for movers, some of the potential increase may be offset by greater automation of some operations. Many of these jobs are often low paying. Movers earned an average of just under $13 an hour — or less than $27,000 — last year.

7. Customer service representatives
• Total number of jobs: 2.4 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 12.6%
• Average annual income: $33,3! 70

! Customer service representatives handle customer questions and complaints, primarily over the phone. Pay is often low for customer service representatives, who earned an average of $33,370 as of 2013, versus a nationwide average of more than $46,000. Opportunities to earn more in the profession are somewhat limited. The top-paid 10% of all customer service representatives earned more than $50,570, versus more than $88,000 annually for the top 10% of all workers.

6. Waiters and waitresses
• Total number of jobs: 2.4 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 5.6%
• Average annual income: $20,880

Waiters earned an average of just $20,808 last year, among the lowest in the country, but the job has its perks. Many restaurants offer their servers free meals. Also, servers often receive gratuities in cash. The job, in many cases, offers flexible hours, which is beneficial to students and individuals seeking extra income from part-time work. Roughly half of all waiters and waitresses worked part-time as of 2012, according to the BLS. The number of waiters and waitresses is expected to grow by nearly 6% between 2012 and 2022.

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5. Registered nurses
• Total number of jobs: 2.7 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 19.4%
• Average annual income: $68,910

Nursing is already one of the nation's most popular professions. And the BLS projects the number of registered nurses will continue to climb — by 19% between 2012 and 2022 — due to an aging population and improved access to health care services. There are several paths to becoming a registered nurse, including associate's and bachelor's degree programs, as well as nursing diploma programs. In addition to educational and licensing requirements, the work schedule of many nurses is demanding. However, nurses tend to be well paid, with an average annual wage of nearly $69,000 last year, well above the national average for all occupations.

4. Office clerks• Tot! al number of jobs: 2.8 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 6.2%
• Average annual income: $29,990

The responsibilities of office clerks vary from company to company, but they usually help make an office run smoothly. This involves sorting mail, editing and distributing memos, and copying, filing and organizing paper and electronic documents. The average office clerk earned $29,990 last year, making it among the lower paying occupations in the U.S. The skill set for the job typically does not require a college education. Pay was not especially high, even for top earners. Only 10% of clerks earned at least $45,350 per year. The number of clerks in the U.S. is expected to grow much more slowly than most occupations — by 6.2% between 2012 and 2022.

3. Food preparation and serving workers
• Total number of jobs: 3.0 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 14.2%
• Average annual income: $18,880

Food preparation and service workers are primarily employed in fast-food restaurants. The job usually does not require a high school diploma or long-term training. However, the physical demands of the job can be strenuous, and the environment, including hot ovens and wet floors, can be hazardous at times. The pay of many workers in food preparation and serving is very low. Workers earned an average of $9.08 per hour — less than half the U.S. average for all workers. In fact, many large employers in the industry have been criticized for their low pay. Half of all such workers were only employed part time as of 2012. A lack of full-time work is often cited as reason for why fast-food businesses fail to pay employees a living wage.

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2. Cashiers
• Total number of jobs: 3.3 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 2.6%
• Average annual income: $20,420

Cashiers earned $20,420 on average as of 2013, one of the lowest salaries in the country. The number of cashiers in the U.S. is expected to grow! by just ! 2.6% by 2022, well below the U.S. overall job growth expectation of 11% by that year, as self-service checkouts and online sales become more commonplace. According to BLS, roughly one-quarter of cashiers in the country worked in supermarkets, while 17% worked in gas stations.

1. Retail Salespersons
• Total number of jobs: 4.5 million
• Percent change 2012 to 2022: 9.8%
• Average annual income: $25,370

No profession had more workers than retail sales, with nearly 4.5 million employed as of May 2013. Retail salespersons can work selling a range of products, from apparel to electronics to cars. Retail salespeople are not necessarily paid well, earning an average hourly salary of $12.20 as of last year, or more than $10 per hour less than the average for all jobs. Roughly one-third of all retail salespersons worked part time in 2012, although some may want to work more. Many of the biggest retailers restrict hours to prevent workers from becoming full-time employees in order to limit their costs. Despite the growth in e-commerce, jobs for retail workers are expected to rise 10% between 2012 and 2022, according to the BLS.

MORE: Click here to see the top 10 least common jobs

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

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Why WGL Holdings's Earnings May Not Be So Hot

Although business headlines still tout earnings numbers, many investors have moved past net earnings as a measure of a company's economic output. That's because earnings are very often less trustworthy than cash flow, since earnings are more open to manipulation based on dubious judgment calls.

Earnings' unreliability is one of the reasons Foolish investors often flip straight past the income statement to check the cash flow statement. In general, by taking a close look at the cash moving in and out of the business, you can better understand whether the last batch of earnings brought money into the company, or merely disguised a cash gusher with a pretty headline.

Calling all cash flows
When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on WGL Holdings (NYSE: WGL ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Data is current as of last fully reported fiscal quarter. Dollar values in millions. FCF = free cash flow. FY = fiscal year. TTM = trailing 12 months.

Over the past 12 months, WGL Holdings burned $13.8 million cash while it booked net income of $157.1 million. That means it burned through all its revenue and more. That doesn't sound so great. FCF is less than net income. Ideally, we'd like to see the opposite.

All cash is not equal
Unfortunately, the cash flow statement isn't immune from nonsense, either. That's why it pays to take a close look at the components of cash flow from operations, to make sure that the cash flows are of high quality. What does that mean? To me, it means they need to be real and replicable in the upcoming quarters, rather than being offset by continual cash outflows that don't appear on the income statement (such as major capital expenditures).

For instance, cash flow based on cash net income and adjustments for non-cash income-statement expenses (like depreciation) is generally favorable. An increase in cash flow based on stiffing your suppliers (by increasing accounts payable for the short term) or shortchanging Uncle Sam on taxes will come back to bite investors later. The same goes for decreasing accounts receivable; this is good to see, but it's ordinary in recessionary times, and you can only increase collections so much. Finally, adding stock-based compensation expense back to cash flows is questionable when a company hands out a lot of equity to employees and uses cash in later periods to buy back those shares.

So how does the cash flow at WGL Holdings look? Take a peek at the chart below, which flags questionable cash flow sources with a red bar.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Data is current as of last fully reported fiscal quarter. Dollar values in millions. TTM = trailing 12 months.

When I say "questionable cash flow sources," I mean items such as changes in taxes payable, tax benefits from stock options, and asset sales, among others. That's not to say that companies booking these as sources of cash flow are weak, or are engaging in any sort of wrongdoing, or that everything that comes up questionable in my graph is automatically bad news. But whenever a company is getting more than, say, 10% of its cash from operations from these dubious sources, investors ought to make sure to refer to the filings and dig in.

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With 27.8% of operating cash flow coming from questionable sources, WGL Holdings investors should take a closer look at the underlying numbers. Within the questionable cash flow figure plotted in the TTM period above, other operating activities (which can include deferred income taxes, pension charges, and other one-off items) provided the biggest boost, at 19.4% of cash flow from operations. Overall, the biggest drag on FCF came from capital expenditures.

A Foolish final thought
Most investors don't keep tabs on their companies' cash flow. I think that's a mistake. If you take the time to read past the headlines and crack a filing now and then, you're in a much better position to spot potential trouble early. Better yet, you'll improve your odds of finding the underappreciated home-run stocks that provide the market's best returns.

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We can help you keep tabs on your companies with My Watchlist, our free, personalized stock tracking service.

Add WGL Holdings to My Watchlist.

Why Plug Power, Pandora Media, and Amazon.com Tumbled Today

Stocks gave up substantial ground Friday, as a host of negative earnings announcements combined with the threat of the dispute between Russia and Ukraine blossoming into outright war to send major stock market benchmarks sharply lower today. Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG ) , Pandora Media (NYSE: P ) , and Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN ) all did their part in leading the stock market down, closing the week with an overall loss despite having had gains earlier in the week.

Source: Plug Power.

Plug Power dropped 11% after the company priced its secondary stock offering last night at $5.50 per share, representing about an 8.5% discount to where the shares had closed Thursday night. Although Plug Power raised the possibility of using the proceeds for capital expenditures or potential acquisitions that could be favorable for the company in the long run, skeptical investors saw the move simply as another in a long series of dilutive offerings for the fuel-cell company. In the process, investors have largely ignored Plug Power's deal with Hyundai Hysco from earlier this week, which Fool energy specialist Tyler Crowe argues could actually be a step in the right direction for Plug Power in its efforts to grow and gain a greater foothold in the Asia-Pacific region.

Pandora Media plunged 17% after the streaming-music service gave current-quarter guidance that fell short of investors' lofty expectations. Pandora managed to boost its adjusted sales by 54% from the year-ago quarter, with a slightly narrower loss than investors had anticipated. Yet, guidance from Pandora that it might just barely break even on an adjusted basis in the second quarter left shareholders worried about the growth trajectory for the company, especially given that listener hours figures for the first quarter only grew at a 12% clip, with active listener growth slowing to 8%. If revenue for the current quarter comes in at the lower end of guidance, Pandora could have an ongoing problem for growth-hungry shareholders.

Source: Mashable.

Amazon.com dropped almost 10% as investors paid an uncharacteristically large amount of attention to the online-retail giant's future bottom-line guidance. Sales soared 23%, sending earnings-per-share up by 27%, and Amazon projected that current-quarter revenue would be roughly consistent with investor expectations. Yet, even after many past quarters in which Amazon chose to make expenditures that reduced net income, many investors blamed the stock's drop on Amazon's guidance for an operating loss next quarter. The operating loss comes mostly from special items like stock-based compensation, but what seems a more likely reason for the stock's plunge is simply that high-growth investors lost patience temporarily with CEO Jeff Bezos and his well-established strategy of deferring profit in exchange for gaining greater market share. It'll be interesting to see if Amazon and Bezos change their way of doing business simply because shareholders panicked today.

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Friday, April 25, 2014

Solar Power Is Booming, But Will Never Replace Coal, Here's Why

Solar power has been growing like crazy. Last year the solar industry installed a record amount of solar capacity. The impact can be seen in the data. According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2012 there were 3.5 million megawatthours of electricity generated by solar photovoltaic panels. In 2013 that more than doubled to 8.3 million Mwh. And to think that a decade ago the U.S. generated just 6,000 Mwh from solar PV. Solar is closing in on price parity with the likes of coal — with full-cycle, unsubsidized costs of about 13 cents per kilowatthour, versus 12 cents for advanced coal plants.

So is the solar revolution finally here? Not quite. Even after a decade of rampant growth solar energy still barely moves the needle in the U.S. energy mix. In fact, solar merely equals the amount of electricity that the nation generates by burning natural gas captured from landfills. And it's only slightly more meaningful than the 7.3 million Mwh we get from burning human waste strained out of municipal sewer systems.

Indeed, when you factor in all the sources of energy consumed in this country, captured solar power amounts to well less than 1 quadrillion Btu out of an annual total of 96.5 quadrillion.

The biggest sources are the old standbys. Oil still reigns supreme at 36 quadrillion Btu, natural gas at 26 quads, nuclear 8. Hydropower and biomass bring up the rear at 2.6 and 2.7 quads. Wind is just 1.5 quads. And coal — the great carbon-belching demon of the global energy mix — its contribution is 19 quads. That's nearly 8 times all the nation's wind and solar generation combined.

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This is all important to keep in mind in light of pending efforts by the EPA to initiate draconian new regulations governing carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants. Coal is responsible for about 1.7 billion metric tons a year of carbon dioxide out of the 5.3 billion ton annual total.

The assumption, by policy makers like President Obama, is that the country can cut carbon emissions by closing coal plants, while making up for the lost electricity by burning more natural gas and building more solar and wind. Indeed, natural gas has taken a bite out of coal. In 2013, coal production from U.S. mines fell to 995.8 million short tons. The last time it was that low was in the late 1980s. Coal production peaked in 2008 at 1.17 billion short tons.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Dell Shareholder Vote Postponed

Today's special meeting of Dell (NASDAQ: DELL ) shareholders, which was called in order to vote on a buyout offer, was convened and adjourned without voting on the proposal, the company announced.

That vote on chairman and CEO Michael Dell's $24.4 billion offer was postponed until July 24 in order for Dell to get more proxy votes and more support. Michael Dell holds approximately 14% of his company's shares, and he needs a majority of the shares other than those he holds to take Dell private.

Carl Icahn, who owns 8.7% of Dell's shares and who had previously put forth a counteroffer for the company, foresaw the possible postponement and yesterday issued an open letter to stockholders and Dell's special committee decrying it.

"[I]t has been reported [that] the Board of Directors may decide to postpone the July 18 vote ... Can you imagine a political election contest where one side could push off the election to wait for ... a date when it is hoped they might do better in the vote than they would have done on the originally scheduled election date?" Icahn wrote.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Best Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now

Best Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: HopFed Bancorp Inc.(HFBC)

HopFed Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Heritage Bank that provides various banking products and services primarily in western Kentucky, and middle and western Tennessee. The company offers a range of deposit products, including demand deposits, time deposits, money market accounts, passbook savings accounts, individual retirement accounts, and certificates of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises one-to-four family residential loans, multifamily residential loans, construction loans, nonresidential loans, commercial real estate loans, and land and land development loans, as well as loans secured by deposits, other consumer loans, and commercial loans. The company, through its subsidiary, Fall and Fall Insurance Agency, sells life and casualty insurance products to individuals and businesses. HopFed Bancorp offers its products and services through its branch offices located in Hopkinsville, Murray, Cadiz, Elkton, Fulton, Calvert City, and Benton, Kentucky; and in Clarksville, Pleasant View, Ashland City, Kingston Springs, and Erin, Tennessee. The company was founded in 1879 and is headquartered in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Louis Navellier]
HopFed Bancorp (HFBC), at $85 million in market cap, operates 18 branches in middle Tennessee and Western Kentucky and can be thought of as poster child for what is going on in the small banking sector. An activist investor took a stake in the bank and opposed an ill-advised acquisition. Instead, he suggested HopFed management get its own house in order. Management went along and canceled the deal, instituted a stock buyback plan and doubled the dividend. HFBC was upgraded to an “A” back in May and still is a “strong buy” right now.

source from Top Stocks B! log:http://www.topstocksblog.com/best-safest-stocks-to-watch-right-now-2.html

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

High Trade Volume, and Gurusâ€™ 2013 Preferred Stock

At the beginning of April, the trade alarm for Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL) set off due to a larger seller coming together with the buyers to raise a posted offer. The phenomena pushed up stock face value, however unable to continue the previous trend. Hence, stock value has been on a decline since the month of March. Reasoning about the sources for the stagnation, will give potential investors important insight for a current or future investment. Given the nature of the firm, close attention should be paid to research and development. But, most importantly, to the business model as a whole and market environment. Looking at recent full year reports can also offer important information about specific performance indicators. In the middle, there is an important number of new positions consolidated by gurus through 2013, who would like to see new investors enter the business.

A Questioned Present

Sigma-Aldrich reported for fiscal year 2013 another year of strong performance with record sales, profits and free cash flow. Another important information presented by the report is the implementation of a major realignment of the company into three market-facing business units focused on the unique needs of Research Laboratory customers (Research BU), Diagnostic and Industrial customers (Applied BU), and Pharma and Electronics manufacturers (SAFC Commercial BU). In between the strong performance and model alignment lies the stagnant performance.

Part of the realignment for Sigma-Aldrich implied changes at managerial level and the introduction of new products. Darryl Goss has been promoted the past February as President of SAFC Hitech, the company's manufacturer of specialty chemicals and biologics for commercial life science applications. Also, the firm announced the launching of the genetically-modified HepaRG human liver cell line, and introduced four new Certified Spiking Solutions of the corticosteroids pregnenolone, 17alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, cortisone, and 11-deoxycorticosterone at concentrations of 100 ug/mL in methanol.

Most importantly for Sigma-Aldrich, new partnerships in order to distribute metals, alloys, and ceramics. The firm reached an agreement with Goodfellow Cambridge, Ltd., a leading international supplier of metals and materials for research and industry. "The addition of the Goodfellow portfolio expands Sigma-Aldrich's robust family of products for engineers and materials scientists. These products complement our current metals and ceramics offering and are aligned with our strategic focus areas," Bryce P. Nelson, Initiative Lead for Aldrich Materials Science said.

Looking Ahead

Sigma-Aldrich reported to be confident in the ability to deliver solid earnings growth. At the same time, the company identifies the development of new market tendencies. A more stable funding environment for U.S. academic and government institutions as the year progresses, improves the conditions of important end markets for the firm. Most importantly, growth opportunities were identified thanks to a strong product portfolio and longstanding relationships with more than a million customers.

The new opportunities for Sigma-Aldrich have elicited significant investments in sales, marketing and R&D initiatives are creating demand for its products. Also, the company has leveraged its SAFC business through the revitalization of core product lines, and widening of product offerings through acquisitions and licensing arrangements. Additionally, has extended the partnership with Sangamo Biosciences and continues to search for new acquisitions. The restructuring engaged by the firm entails a new retirement program to adjust costs and capacity.

Currently trading at 23.2 times its trailing earnings, Sigma-Aldrich carries a 37% premium to the industry average. Also, revenue growth during the last three years has fallen behind most peers. Nonetheless, operating margin remains high while debt level is acceptable.

Donald Yacktman (Trades, Portfolio) is the most important guru behind the stock. Besides his personal holding, the Yacktman Fund (Trades, Portfolio) and Yacktman Focused Fund (Trades, Portfolio) have acquired the stock during 2013, and converted themselves into the largest shareholders. But purchasing the stock at this time is not recommended given the changing market environment and small dividend.

Disclosure: Vanina Egea holds no position in any of the mentioned stocks.

Also check out: Donald Yacktman Undervalued Stocks Donald Yacktman Top Growth Companies Donald Yacktman High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Donald Yacktman keeps buying Yacktman Focused Fund Undervalued Stocks Yacktman Focused Fund Top Growth Companies Yacktman Focused Fund High Yield stocks, and Stocks that Yacktman Focused Fund keeps buying
About the author:Vanina EgeaA fundamental analyst at Lone Tree Analytics

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Monday, April 21, 2014

Shareholders: Remember Your Rights on Independence Day

The Fourth of July brings to mind barbecues and fireworks. The idea of living in a free country underlies these festivities. It's the perfect holiday for thinking about freedom and the rights of individuals, as well as the importance of having rights such as free speech and voting in political elections.

Those who have invested in public companies have votes, too. For a long while, the corporate governance element of stock investing got lost in the bubbly times over the last several decades. As long as stocks made money, few investors thought much about corporate governance and their rights as shareholders.

However, we're moving into a more informed, more critical era. Incidents like the shareholder vote regarding Jamie Dimon's dual role at JPMorgan Chase illustrate that shareholder votes are important, and shareholders are beginning to take voting seriously.

Big bangs
Speaking of fireworks, shareholder votes have become more interesting at many companies this year. CEO compensation was previously one of the most accessible issues individual investors recognized, but other corporate governance issues are apparently building in shareholder support.

Majority voting is one of these. Really, majority voting is a simple and common-sense policy. It simply means that a majority of votes are required for functions such as director elections. Under plurality voting, a director can be elected with just one lousy vote. (Yes, that is outrageously similar to the kinds of things that would go on in a banana republic, in case you were wondering.)

This past proxy season, more investors have apparently seen the light when it comes to majority voting, and believe it will be a good thing at their companies. Check out the following significant vote results.

ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM ) is a massive and popular blue chip company. However, a sizable 45% of its shareholders voted in favor of majority voting. Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN ) shareholders pretty much split in half on the majority voting issue, with 51% voting for the policy. In that case, individual investors who sat on the sidelines and didn't vote (and we know that many still do) could have made a difference in a victory that barely squeaked by. Aetna (NYSE: AET ) experienced a landslide -- a landslide defeat on this issue, that is. John Chevedden's proposal for majority voting received 76% of shareholders' votes.

Significant shareholder revolts
Executive compensation remains the less esoteric issue, and it's alive and well in 2013 as majority voting gains more traction. This year, a few high-profile say-on-pay defeats or squeakers should grab our attention.

Target (NYSE: TGT ) shareholders just barely approved the company's compensation policy. In contrast to Devon Energy's narrow defeat, Target gained narrow approval, with just 52% of its shareholders voting for its executive pay policies. That's an even bigger deal when you consider that in last year's say-on-pay vote, 83% of shareholders gave the thumbs-up to Target's executive compensation.

Corporate governance experts and proxy advisor Glass Lewis didn't approve of Target's pay policies, or ability to parallel pay and performance. One issue is that one of Target's executives received a one-time stock award valued at $2.7 million, and he's not even CEO; he's the discount retailer's new chief marketing officer.

Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF ) has been a serial offender when it comes to shareholder abuse in the executive pay arena. It recently lost its say-on-pay vote when a pathetic 19% of its shareholders voted in favor of CEO Mike Jeffries' pay. In fact, shareholder support for Abercrombie's compensation scheme has been deteriorating over the course of several years.

Speaking of abusive CEO pay rates, corporate governance junkies know that the average ratio of CEO pay to that of the average American worker is crazy; as of the AFL-CIO's latest calculation for 2012, the ratio was 354-to-1.

If you think that's bad, just wait. Although Dodd-Frank has not yet mandated that companies disclose their specific internal pay ratios, Bloomberg conducted a fascinating bit of number crunching in April. According to the research, Jeffries' $48.1 million in fiscal 2012 pay created a compensation ratio of 1,640 times that of the average worker. Apparently flattery gets you everywhere in that company, notorious for hiring and exalting "beautiful people" -- it'd better, since they sure as heck aren't making much compared to Jeffries.

Barbecues and a side of food for thought
Beer, burgers, and pyrotechnics can certainly distract us from the reasons we celebrate July 4. However, let's remember that we do have rights and that we can and should use them. That goes for shareholders, too. After all, if everyone's brainwashed into thinking their votes and voice don't matter, it's a slippery slope into tyranny in one form or another.

Millions of Americans have waited on the sidelines since the market meltdown in 2008 and 2009, too scared to invest and put their money at further risk. Yet those who've stayed out of the market have missed out on huge gains and put their financial futures in jeopardy. In our brand-new special report, "Your Essential Guide to Start Investing Today," the Motley Fool's personal finance experts show you why investing is so important and what you need to do to get started. Click here to get your copy today -- it's absolutely free.

Check back at Fool.com for more of Alyce Lomax's columns on environmental, social, and governance issues.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

This Telecom Giant Looks North of the Border

It's been an exciting year so far in the U.S. telecom space, and we're only now passing the halfway mark. And, thankfully, if the past few weeks are any indication, the drama looks likely to keep on rolling. Investors were recently thrown another interesting curve ball when rumors surfaced that Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ ) might be planning on making an unexpected move, heading north of the border. So what's the deal? In this video, Fool tech and telecom analyst Andrew Tonner takes a look at the latest potential deal on the wireless giant's radar, and what it could mean for shareholders.

Want to get in on the smartphone phenomenon? Truth be told, one company sits at the crossroads of smartphone technology as we know it. It's not Nokia... or Verizon... or even Apple! In fact, you've probably never even heard of it! But it stands to reap massive profits NO MATTER WHO ultimately wins the smartphone holy war. To find out what it is, click here to access the "One Stock You Must Buy Before the iPhone-Android War Escalates Any Further..."

Saturday, April 19, 2014

5 Best Defense Stocks To Invest In 2015

Boeing (NYSE: BA ) secured three new contracts in the Department of Defense's latest issuance of defense contracting awards�on Wednesday. Specifically, the aerospace giant won:

$11.8 million: in the form of an option exercise on a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract previously awarded to its Insitu drone-building subsidiary. The option provides for Insitu to supply one Low Rate Initial Production land-based, small tactical unmanned aircraft system, plus associated testing and logistical support. The new drone will be delivered to the U.S. Navy by May 2014. $14.3 million: an add-on to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, foreign military sales contract to supply Apache Block III aircraft and associated parts and services to the government of Saudi Arabia. a significantly larger $69.2 million award modifying a related foreign-military-sales contract -- again for the supply of Apaches and associated parts and services to the Saudis.�

5 Best Defense Stocks To Invest In 2015: Spirit Aerosystems Holdings Inc.(SPR)

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc., through its subsidiaries, designs and manufactures commercial aerostructures worldwide. It operates in three segments: Fuselage Systems, Propulsion Systems, and Wing Systems. The Fuselage Systems segment develops, produces, and markets forward, mid, and rear fuselage sections and systems primarily to aircraft original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as well as offers related spares, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This segment also offers rotorcraft comprising forward cockpit and cabin for military aircrafts. The Propulsion Systems segment engages in the development, production, and marketing of struts/pylons; nacelles, including thrust reversers; and related engine structural components primarily to aircraft or engine OEMs, as well as provides related spares and MRO services. The Wing Systems segment develops, produces, and markets wings and wing components comprising flight control surfaces and other miscellaneous structural parts primarily to aircraft OEMs, as well as offers related spares and MRO services. This segment is also involved in designing, engineering, and manufacturing structural components for military aircrafts, including low observables that are radar absorbent and translucent materials; and radome new builds and refurbishment. It also provides other military services, such as fabrication, bonding, assembly, testing, tooling, processing, engineering analysis, and training. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. serves large commercial airplanes, business and regional jets, and military/helicopter sectors of the aerostructures industry. The company was formerly known as Mid-Western Aircraft Systems Holdings, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems Holdings, Inc. is headquartered in Wichita, Kansas.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Inyoung Hwang]
Axel Springer AG (SPR) declined 1.5 percent to 43.43 euros. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. cut its rating on Europe�� biggest newspaper publisher to sell from neutral, saying its valuation is the highest of the publishers it covers. Shares trade at 18.6 times earnings compared with 16.3 times for the DAX.
[By Ben Levisohn]
Shares of Textron have gained 1.2% to $36.63 at 1:09 p.m., while Embraer (ERJ) has risen 0.5% to $32.30, Triumph Group (TGI) has advanced 0.2% to $75.73 and Spirit AeroSystems (SPR) is off 0.8% at $33.90.

5 Best Defense Stocks To Invest In 2015: Thales SA (HO)

Thales SA is a France-based provider of integrated solutions and equipment of security systems primarily to the aerospace and defense markets. The Company operates in numerous countries through its divisions, including Aerospace, specialized in onboard equipment, electronics and systems for the civil and military markets; Space, offering solutions combining space and terrestrial technologies; Defence, which designs and delivers systems for all four environments: air, land, sea and space; Security, which offer the emergence of new types of threats from terrorism and organized crime to drug trafficking, mass immigration and cyber attacks; and Transportation, which offers a range of railways signaling solutions and integrated transportation systems, to ensure safe and secure transportation of operators, freight and passengers. In November 2013, it acquired XPI Simulation Ltd. In February 2014, it created a new business line called Critical Information Systems and Cybersecurity. Advisors' Opinion:

[By USATODAY 8 a.m. EST February 15]
Alex Pettyfer about to take the wheel of the Maserati Gran Turismo for a joyride with co-star Dayo Okeniyi.(Photo: HO)
Pettyfer and Okeniyi's character end up joyriding in the car along with Gabriella Wilde, who plays the rich girl falling in love with Pettyfer.

Best Trucking Stocks To Buy Right Now: Engility Holdings Inc (EGL)

Engility Holdings, Inc. (Engility), incorporated on November 18, 2011, is a provider of systems engineering services, training, program management, and operational support for the United States Government worldwide. The Company�� business is focused on providing a range of engineering, technical, analytical, advisory, training, logistics and support services. The Company operates in two segments: Professional Support Services and Mission Support Services. The Professional Support Services segment provides Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services, program management support and software engineering lifecycle sustainment and support services. Through its Mission Support Services segment, it provides capabilities, such as defense related training, education and support services, law enforcement training, national security infrastructure and institutional development. In July 2012, L-3 Communications Holdings, Inc. (L-3) completed the spin-off of its subsidiary, Engility. In January 2014, Engility Holdings Inc completed the acquisition of Dynamics Research Corp.

The SETA services that it provides are categorized under the United States Government Professional, Administrative and Management Support Services spending. The Company�� customers include the United States Department of Defense (DoD), the United States Department of Justice (DoJ), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United States Department of State (DoS), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and allied foreign governments. During the year ended December 31, 2011, it had revenues of 98% of which was derived from its United States Government customers.

Professional Support Services

Engility�� SETA services include systems engineering and integration, including requirements development and traceability; test and evaluation; field testing and data analysis; modeling and simulation (M&S), and systems training solut! ions assessment, development and delivery. The Company provides services for a range of systems, including combat systems, health and welfare systems, information technology (IT) networks and depot-level maintenance, including counter-improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Engility has supported Developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) and Operational test and evaluation (OT&E) for a range of DoD, DHS, and FAA customers, performing a variety of tests, including in management, planning, execution, integration, formal systems, interoperability, regression, reporting, end-to-end testing, and combined test force/integrated test team/integrated process team support.

The Company�� field testing and data analysis business provides staff developing research reports, white papers, test plans, test reports, monthly status reports and inputs for technology data calls and presentation materials. Engility�� M&S business supports the DoD, DHS, FAA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Its Systems Training Solutions Assessment, Development and Delivery business provides systems training solutions assessment, development and delivery support. In addition, Engility provides training solutions across the DoD with regard to training requirements for several acquisition programs, as well as Air Operations Centers and Distributed Mission Operations. It provides technology training solutions for Command and Control, Command, Control and Communications, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Air Traffic Control and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD).

The Company�� Program Management Support business provides qualified staff to perform all aspects of Program and Project Management, including support for planning, organizing, securing, and managing resources. It provides strategic planning and support to program management offices and business operations. It provides financial/budget analysis and management, acquisition manage! ment supp! ort, logistics, and supply chain management and lifecycle support. Engility�� field service representatives deliver technical and advisory services, such as system administration, tactical operations center process engineering, on-location Website development and implementation, analysis center operations process engineering, network implementation and operation, database design and implementation, and information assurance procedure development, documentation, and implementation.

Mission Support Services

This segment consists of six service and support lines: military and the United States Government mission support; defense related training, education and support services; law enforcement training, education and support services; capacity building; international development and support to USAID; linguist services; counter IED analytical operational support, and asset forfeiture support. The Company trains individual soldiers and operational units, and it assists the United States Armed Forces in developing and implementing doctrine-based training systems and programs. In addition, Engility is a provider of leader development programs. Engility is a provider of law enforcement training, support and technical services to international customers, and it holds two contracts through which the United States trains foreign police.

The Company provides integrated programs that help organizations, institutions and governments abroad develop the capacity to fulfill their legally-mandated functions. International Resources Group Ltd. (IRG), its wholly owned subsidiary, has completed over 850 contracts with USAID in 140 countries. Engility�� Translation and Interpretation business provides a range of language services in support of military, intelligence and law enforcement operations, as well as document translation and exploitation services. The Company provides staffing and support services to the agencies of the DoJ, including seized assets management and disposition! , program! management support, and legal and investigative support services.

The Company competes with Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Systems Company, SAIC, Booz Allen, DynCorp International, Inc., TASC, ManTech, AECOM, ITT Exelis, CSC, Cubic and CACI.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Rich Smith]
The Department of Defense awarded three of its favorite defense contractors a combined $220 million on Monday, hiring each of Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH ) , SAIC (NYSE: SAI ) , and Engility Holdings (NYSE: EGL ) to "support shore networks with sustainment services for the Base Level Information Infrastructure."
[By Rich Smith]
The Department of Defense ended the week with a bang (if you'll pardon the expression) Friday. Across a field of 26 contracts awarded, the Pentagon laid out plans to spend nearly $2.5 billion in total. A few of the publicly traded companies winning awards included:

5 Best Defense Stocks To Invest In 2015: Rockwell Collins Inc (COL)

Rockwell Collins, Inc. (Rockwell Collins), incorporated on March 1, 2001, is engaged in design, production and support of communications and aviation electronics for commercial and military customers worldwide. The Company�� products and systems are primarily focused on aviation applications, The integrated system solutions and products it provide to its served markets include communications, navigation, automated flight control, displays/surveillance, simulation and training, integrated electronics and information management systems. The Company also provides a range of services and support to its customers through a network of service centers, including equipment repair and overhaul, service parts, field service engineering, training, technical information services and aftermarket used equipment sales. The Company operates in two segments: Government Systems and Commercial Systems.

Government Systems

The Company�� Government Systems business provides a range of electronic products, systems and services to customers, including the United States Department of Defense, other ministries of defense, other government agencies and defense contractors around the world. These products, systems and services support airborne, precision weapon, ground and maritime applications and are used in line-fit applications on new equipment, as well as in retrofit and upgrade applications designed. The Company�� defense-related systems, products and services include communications systems and products designed to enable the transmission of information across the communications spectrum, including satellite communications; navigation products and systems, including radio navigation products, global positioning system (GPS) equipment, handheld navigation devices and multi-mode receivers; avionics sub-systems for aircraft flight decks that combine flight operations with navigation and guidance functions that can include flight controls and displays, information/data processing and communicat! ions, navigation, safety and surveillance systems; cockpit display products, including multipurpose flat panel head-down displays, wide field of view head-up and helmet-mounted displays; simulation and training systems, including visual system products, training systems and services, and maintenance, repair, parts and after-sales support services.

Avionics consists of electronic solutions for a range of airborne platforms, including fixed and rotary wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the associated aircrew and maintenance training devices and services. The Company provides complete avionics solutions (including cockpit avionics, mission system applications and system integration) and also provides individual avionics products to platform integrators. The Company serves various roles within these markets, including system and subsystems integrator, as well as provider of various electronic products. Communication products include spectrum voice and data connectivity for government and military use in the air, on the ground and at sea. Surface solutions include electronic systems applied to a variety of non-airborne market segments.

Commercial Systems

The Company�� Commercial Systems business supplies aviation electronics systems, products and services to customers located throughout the world. The customer base is consists of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of commercial air transport, business and regional aircraft, commercial airlines and business aircraft operators. The Company�� systems and products are used in both OEM applications, as well as in retrofit and upgrade applications designed.

The Company�� commercial aviation electronics systems, products and services include integrated avionics systems, such as Pro Line Fusion. Capabilities include synthetic and enhanced vision enabled flight displays, advanced flight and performance management systems, fly-by-wire integrated flight controls and information management! solution! s to improve operational efficiency; integrated cabin electronics systems, including cabin management systems, passenger connectivity and entertainment solutions, business support systems to improve passenger productivity and passenger flight information systems; communications systems and products, such as data link, high frequency, very high frequency and satellite communications systems; navigation systems and products, including landing sensors to enable automatic landings, radio navigation and geophysical sensors, as well as flight management systems; situational awareness and surveillance systems and products, such as synthetic and enhanced vision systems, surface surveillance and guidance solutions, head-up guidance systems, weather radar and collision avoidance systems; integrated information management solutions to improve the overall efficiency of flight, maintenance and cabin operations. These include on-board information management systems and connectivity solutions, airborne and ground applications and services, and ground infrastructure and services; electro-mechanical systems, including integrated pilot control solutions and primary and secondary actuation systems; simulation and training systems, including full-flight simulators for crew training, visual system products, training systems and engineering services, and maintenance, repair, parts, after-sales support services and aftermarket used equipment.

Air transport aviation electronics include avionics, cabin systems and flight control systems for commercial transport aircraft platforms. Business and regional aviation electronics include integrated avionics, cabin management and flight control systems for application on regional and business aircraft platforms. The Company develops integrated avionics, cabin and flight control solutions for business and regional aircraft OEMs and support them with the integration into other aircraft systems. Products offered for OEM applications in the business and regional aircraft cate! gory are ! marketed directly to the aircraft OEMs.

The Company competes with Honeywell International, Inc., Thales S.A., Panasonic, Raytheon Co., Harris Corp., BAE Systems Aerospace, Inc., General Dynamics Corporation, L3 Communications, Inc., The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corp., CAE Inc., General Electric Co. and Garmin International Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Rich Smith]
The U.S. Department of Defense awarded multiple contractors shares in some 17 contracts Tuesday, valued at up to $1.3 billion in combined dollar value. Most of the funds awarded went to a series of 13 contractors working on a single cyber-defense project -- but there were a few other winners. Among them:

5 Best Defense Stocks To Invest In 2015: Air Industries Group Inc (AIRI)

Air Industries Group, Inc. (AIRI), incorporated on January 13, 2006, is an aerospace and defense company. The Company designs and manufactures structural parts and assemblies that focus on flight safety, including landing gear, arresting gear, engine mounts, flight controls, throttle quadrants and other components. It also provides sheet metal fabrication of aerostructures, tube bending and welding services. AIRI�� products are deployed on a range of military and commercial aircraft, including Sikorsky's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Northrop Grumman's E2D Hawkeye, Boeing's 777, Airbus' 380 commercial airliners, and the US Navy F-18 and USAF F-16 fighter aircraft. On July 1, 2013, Air Industries Group Inc announced that it has acquired certain assets and the business of Decimal Industries (Decimal) of Copiague, Long Island, New York. On June 20, 2012, the Company, through a newly created subsidiary, Nassau Tool Works, Inc. (NTW), acquired from an unrelated company formerly known as Nassau Tool Works, Inc. (Old Nassau Tool) and its shareholders (the NTW Sellers) all of the assets of Old Nassau Tool. In November 2013, the Company announced that it has acquired Miller Stuart Inc of Hauppauge, Long Island, New York.

Air Industries Machining Corp.

AIM manufactures aircraft structural parts and assemblies principally for prime defense contractors in the defense/aerospace industry, including, Boeing, Goodrich Landing Gear, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 90% of AIM's revenues were derived from sales of parts and assemblies for military applications. AIM's parts are installed onboard Sikorsky's U/MH - 60M/S Helicopters, known as The BlackHawk, Lockheed�� F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Northrop Grumman�� E2-C/D Hawkeye, the Airbus A-380 Super Jumbo airliner, and the C-17 Globemaster.

AIM is also a manufacturer of mechanical and electro-mechanical suba! ssemblies and an engineering integrator. As of December 31, 2012, AIM produced over 2,400 individual products (SKU's) that are assembled into electromechanical devices, mixer (primary flight control) assemblies, rotor-hub components for Blackhawk helicopters, arresting gear for the E2C/D Hawkeye, C2A Greyhound and United States Navy Fighters, vibration absorbing assemblies for Sikorsky helicopters, landing gear components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and many other subassembly packages.

Welding Metallurgy, Inc.

Welding Metallurgy, Inc. (WMI) provides specialty welding services and metal fabrications to the defense and commercial aerospace industry. Its customers include GKN Corporation, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. WMI�� product and service offerings include tube bending and metal fabrications of aircraft structures. WMI�� services and products are principally provided to prime contractors, aerospace engine manufacturers and to other subcontractors to aerospace manufacturers throughout the United States. Welding Metallurgy is a primary supplier on the Northrop Grumman E-2 C/D Hawkeye Program producing approximately 300 different parts annually. During 2012, nearly 100% of WMI�� revenues were derived from sales of parts and assemblies for military applications. WMI produces the inlet housing and the auxiliary long and short beams for the Sikorsky BlackHawk helicopter and various welded door and panel assemblies for the Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter. WMI also provides environmental tubing to Lockheed for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Nassau Tool Works, Inc.

NTW�� principal business is the fabrication and assembly of landing gear components and complete landing gear for fighter aircraft for the United States and foreign governments. NTW also performs sub-contract machining for other aerospace manufacturers, including Air Industries. NTW is a manufacturer of complete landing gear and landing gear components! for the ! F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-18 Hornet aircraft of the United States Air Force and Navy. In addition NTW specializes in deep hole gun-drilling and trepanning and performs sub-contract machining services for prime contractors in the defense and aerospace industries.

The Company competes with Sterling Machine, Stellex Aerospace, Triumph Aerospace Group, Heroux Aerospace and Magellan Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

[By Dividends4Life]
Air Industries Group Inc. (AIRI), an aerospace and defense company, designs and manufactures structural parts and assemblies that focus on flight safety. Sept. 17, the company increased its quarterly dividend 100% to $0.125 per share. The dividend is is payable Oct. 15, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Sept. 30, 2013. The yield based on the new payout is 6.9%.

Friday, April 18, 2014

UnitedHealth Drops As Investors Fret About Healthcare Reform Impact

UnitedHealth (UNH) was trading lower on Thursday, as a small earnings beat wasn't enough to distract investors from light revenue and worries about the Affordable Care Act.

The nation's largest insurer—and the first to report earnings that reflect changes mandated by healthcare reform—said it earned $1.1 billion, or $1.10 a share, down from $1.16 a share a year ago but one penny ahead of analysts' expectations.

Revenue grew 4.5% to $31.7 billion, just below the $32 billion consensus.

Yet the company's commentary about the effect of the healthcare law was downbeat, saying the Affordable Care Act shaved off about 30 cents per share in earnings, as a result of taxes, Medicare Advantage cuts, and loss of customers (although it saw an increase in its Medicaid plans).

Raymond James' Michael Baker remained bullish on the name, writing that he "expect share price performance will be driven by the company's ability to grow in a challenging backdrop, leveraging its diversified footprint."

By contrast, Citigroup's Carl McDonald downgraded the stock to Neutral yesterday, which caused a selloff in UnitedHealth and the broader sector. He had these initial thoughts: "This will be the first test of whether the market was expecting weather related utilization pressure to fuel big first quarter beats, or if everyone is okay with in-line to slightly better results. United's commercial medical loss ratio (MLR) improved 100 basis points versus last year, to 77.3%, but the health insurance industry fee should have pushed the commercial MLR down over 200 basis points alone. United cited hepatitis costs as one factor, while lower reserve development may have been another contributor."

Best Investments For 2015

UnitedHealth’s decline was weighing on peers Thursday, with names like WellPoint (WLP) Aetna (AET) and Humana (HUM) in the red.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Is Medicare enough?

If you're considering getting supplement insurance, or Medigap, sign up within six months of enrolling in Medicare.

NEW YORK (Money Magazine) My father just went on Medicare. Should he buy Medigap insurance? Which policy is best? -- Joe, Houston.

If your dad isn't insured by a former employer, he should buy supplement insurance, or Medigap, which pays for some costs not covered by Medicare.

Ultimate Guide to Retirement Getting started401(k)s & company plansInvestingAnnuitiesIRAsSelf-employment plansPensions and benefit plansSocial SecurityInsuranceEstate planningLiving in retirementGetting help

And, says Bonnie Burns, a policy specialist with California Health Advocates, he should sign up within six months of enrolling in Medicare, when he can't be rejected for health reasons (some states let you qualify later on for a similar six-month window if your employer plan is canceled).

Since switching policies later may involve a physical, your dad's best plan is one that suits him over time, not just one that meets his needs cheaply now.

All policies must match one of Medicare's 10 standardized plans -- from basic coinsurance to coverage of skilled nursing. Learn more at Medicare.gov.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Three Key Metrics to Identify a Superstar Investment

The Mining Report: Alphastox.com follows junior equities in everything from gold, silver and diamonds to uranium, oil and gas. Why did you choose those particular market segments?

Etienne Moshevich: If you invested wisely and at the right time—meaning in companies that have the right management teams, the right projects and the right capital structure—there's a lot of upside in those segments. Every day I come to work, there's a new opportunity for me to relay to my subscribers.

TMR: Alphastox.com is part of the larger Transcend Resource Group. How do you remain independent in your coverage?

EM: I'm totally open in terms of my disclosure for every company I feature.

If I think a company offers good growth opportunity, I want to feature it, to help it build a track record. I'm very open about whether I've been paid, whether I own stock and at what price or if I'm just looking at becoming an investor. I often feature companies that don't pay me or that are not Transcend clients.

TMR: In a recent research report you wrote that the junior mining sector is "not where it was in 2009, but it's definitely getting better." What makes you think that?

EM: In the last three months, more money has poured into the junior markets than in all of 2013. A lot more financings are being done. Banks are starting to raise money for exploration and development plays. Investors see that the game is back on; the institutional side is showing more interest.

The retail side is starting to follow along. You see transactions like Goldcorp Inc.'s (G:TSX; GG:NYSE) bid to take over Osisko Mining Corp. (OSK:TSX). You see Yamana Gold Inc. (YRI:TSX; AUY:NYSE; YAU:LSE) buying 50% of Osisko's assets. People see quality assets getting the recognition they deserve, and the market is reacting.

TMR: You've written about mitigating risk in the junior resources market. How can investors reduce risk in their resource portfolio?

"Investors would greatly benefit by investing in a public vehicle that has the right management team to intelligently invest their capital. Zimtu Capital Corp. is a perfect example of this."

EM: To lower risk, number one, you have to diversify. Out of the 10 junior listed companies one invests in, some lose market share, and a couple may stay even, but you really hope one makes it big—hopefully big enough to pay off all the other losses and then some. That's the name of the game.

However, the amount of capital needed to invest in several companies at the same time can pose a problem. Second, many retail investors don't have the necessary expertise to invest in the right company at the right price. That is why investors would greatly benefit by investing in a public vehicle that has the right management team to intelligently invest their capital. Zimtu Capital Corp. (ZC:TSX.V) is a perfect example of this. By investing in one entity like a Zimtu Capital, you not only gain exposure to a number of different companies and decrease your risk, but you are also investing in an undervalued company where its asset value is worth more than its current market cap.

Which brings me to my next point: Invest in companies that are fundamentally sound—companies that have cash in the bank, companies that are trading below cash or asset value and companies with the right structure. With the right capital structure, if the company were to make a real discovery, investors will get the appreciation and the valuation they deserve. Bottom line, you need to invest in companies with sound assets, whether that be cash or a project with real assets that can be objectively valued.

TMR: How do you determine which companies fit that profile?

EM: I look first at capital structure, even before looking at the people and the project. Oftentimes, companies with great management and great projects don't get the valuation they deserve because there's too much stock out there.

I need to know where 70–80% of the stock is before deciding to get involved in the deal. If you have investors with similar mindsets all rowing the boat in the same direction, you have a higher chance of success.

When it comes to people, I look at track records. I look for success; not just one discovery, but multiple successes.

TMR: How much do you like to see owned by the management team?

EM: I need to see at least 10% management ownership. If it's not good enough for management, how can it be good enough for others to invest in?

I make sure management is writing a check at the same level that I'm writing a check; that management is buying stock in the market and putting it out on its Canadian Insider reports.

TMR: How do you react if management starts selling?

EM: I don't come to any conclusions right away. I speak with the CEO and get his reasons for the sale, then decide whether I'm positive about the sale or not. Often, management will sell some stock, but will come back into the private placement if the company is doing one. I'm fine with that.

Generally however, I try to make sure that a lot of the management stock is tied up so it can't be sold easily. If management sells into the market, no matter what the reason, the market will react negatively. It damages confidence. You can't blame the market for that.

TMR: Let's turn to your thesis for the oil and gas sector for 2014 and beyond.

"Cub Energy Inc.'s netbacks are very high, something I look for when evaluating oil and gas companies."

EM: Oil and gas prices are going higher. I see a narrowing spread between West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent. Canadian companies are now paying for their operations in Canadian dollars, but are getting paid back in U.S. dollars. Geopolitical issues are creating higher demand for North American supply. The gloom and doom that hung over the sector due to worries over Canadian oil and gas production are fading. These are all positive signs.

Given increased demand for natural gas, I see those prices stabilizing in 2014.

TMR: Which companies do you follow in the oil and gas space?

EM: Crocotta Energy Inc. (CTA:TSX) is one. It's about a $350 million ($350M) market cap company that does about 10,000 barrels oil equivalent per day (10 Mboe/d). The company is targeting its Edson play in Alberta and the Montney play out of British Columbia. Crocotta is taking a conservative approach to growth, going after stable and proven fields.

Jagercor Energy Corp. (EM:CNSX; JAMTF:OTC) is basically a shell company right now; it has no asset. However, I invested in its last private placement at $0.20/share because I'm betting on the management team. The company is run by Matias Bullrich. He spent 11 years at Morgan Stanley structuring energy deals in Argentina, which is where Jagercor is looking for an asset. I'm betting on Bullrich and CEO Edgardo Russo, an ex-YPF guy, to pick a good asset and get it financed.

Two years ago, no one in the oil and gas sector was bullish on Argentina because of the YPF SA (YPF:NYSE) expropriation. Today, a lot more positive sentiment and capital are going into the country. Chevron Corp. (CVX:NYSE), Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDS.A:NYSE; RDS.B:NYSE) and Wintershall Holding GmbH are paying between $7.5–10K/acre. Yesterday, YPF and Chevron signed an agreement to invest $15 billion ($15B) over 35 years. That's giving more confidence to the space.

TMR: Jagercor dropped 7% in one day in early April. Is volatility like that common with these stocks?

EM: Yes. If you're looking at it as a penny stock, that means the stock went down two pennies from $0.27 to $0.25/share. That might not seem like a lot, but yes it is 7.5%. Investors need to be aware that penny stocks are risky. Your portfolio can go up 10–50% or down 70–80% in a day. You have to be patient.

TMR: Are there any other oil and gas companies you want to discuss?

EM: I follow Cub Energy Inc. (KUB:TSX.V), which has assets in Ukraine. The company is doing about 1,800 boe/d. Mikhail Afendikov, its president and CEO, has lots of experience in the region. The company just announced that it is drilling its O-11 development well. Cub owns 30% of that well.

TMR: KUB-Gas LLC owns the other 70%. What's the relationship with KUB-Gas?

EM: KUB-Gas is Cub Energy's subsidiary. Cub Energy has a 30% ownership interest in KUB-Gas.

TMR: This story is really about the netbacks isn't it?

EM: Yes. Cub's netbacks are very high, something I look for when evaluating oil and gas companies.

Two other companies I follow, in totally different jurisdictions, are Taipan Resources Inc. (TPN:TSX.V) and High North Resources Ltd. (HN:TSX.V).

I took a position in Taipan's latest financing at $0.36/share. The company has assets in East Africa. Africa Oil Corp. (AOI:TSX.V) got a massive valuation for its discovery in the same area. If Taipan does the same, the market will react and move the stock a lot higher.

High North is targeting its Montney wells in Alberta. The company just closed about $8.5M on a convertible debenture led by GMP Capital Inc. High North is doing about 350 bbl/d now. We saw great results from its first two Montney wells and I expect more from the third well that it is drilling now. President and CEO Collin Soares has been very successful with privately held companies. He has the right people in place to guide High North on the public side.

TMR: Is it easier for companies to get financing through private placements, given that capital is more difficult to come by these days?

EM: Definitely. Sentiment is becoming more positive. Investors are more willing to put money into the right deals. Companies are more able to raise money without having to restructure. But both retail investors and the investment banks are a lot pickier in terms of which deals they decide to raise money for. That weeds out a lot of the deals that should not be in the game in the first place.

TMR: Uranium is another energy play getting fresh attention. Is that just about Fission Uranium Corp.'s (FCU:TSX.V) big discovery in the Athabasca Basin or is this a larger story?

"The discovery that Fission Uranium Corp. and Alpha made in the Athabasca Basin is huge."

EM: In the long term, the outlook for uranium is positive, and the discovery that Fission and Alpha Exploration Inc. (AEX:TSX.V) made in the Athabasca Basin is huge. There were only three big winners in 2013 for investors, in terms of penny stocks going to multiple dollars: Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. (ZEN:TSX.V) went from $0.30 to $5/share, Alpha went from $0.20 to over $7.50/share and Fission from $0.20–0.30 to close to $2/share. When investors saw that two of the three big winners were in the uranium space, they started moving there.

TMR: Beyond the discovery itself, it was about the discovery being a different deposit model in a structure thought to be barren of uranium mineralization. This could be a game changer, no?

EM: I agree; it opens a lot of doors. People forget that Fission was spun out of Strathmore Minerals Corp. (STM:TSX; STHJF:OTCQX). Fission is exploring assets that Strathmore had not. This gives people hope that the majors may have overlooked properties and that a junior could leap to being a developer and vastly expand its market cap.

TMR: What other companies operating in the basin could benefit from this renewed interest?

EM: Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (SYH:TSX.V) is one. It's run by Jordan Trimble. When the company got into the uranium sector, it syndicated with a few partners. Now, it's the largest landholder around Fission's discovery. Skyharbor is fully funded for this program.

TMR: To some investors, Jordan Trimble might seem rather young. What would you say to them?

EM: He is young, but I'd much rather invest with somebody who's willing to work and market his company every single day. I don't care how old somebody is. Skyharbor stock more than tripled from $0.04 to $0.14/share over the last year, so he has made his investors substantial profits. All that matters are the returns, and Jordan Trimble has delivered them so far.

I judge people on track record and what they can bring to the table. He is an extremely hard worker. He brought a lot of contacts from the market side into the business when he stepped in as president and CEO. He's always willing to tell his story, nonstop.

Trimble has the right team in place. Skyharbour has the right advisors helping run the field and exploration programs, people like Thomas Drolet, Rick Kusmirski, who ran JNR Resources Inc. (JNN:TSX.V; JNRRF:OTCPK), and Jim Pettit, the CEO of Bayfield Ventures Corp. (BYV:TSX.V). These are successful people. Any successful company needs one guy who knows the geology and the project inside out, and can lead a drill program. You need guys with capital markets experience and capital markets contacts. Jordan brings those contacts to the table.

TMR: Skyharbour just acquired 60% of the Mann Lake uranium project. What do you make of that?

EM: I think Skyharbour got a great project at a cheap price, for $15,000 and 1M shares. It offers investors a nice bonus property. Mann Lake gives Skyharbour another chance to make a discovery in the basin.

TMR: What other companies do you follow in the Athabasca Basin?

EM: Lakeland Resources Inc. (LK:TSX.V) has done extremely well for investors, going from $0.10/share to a high of $0.295 in January.

Lakeland's President and CEO is Jonathan Armes. He has great support for financing and market from Dave Hodge and Ryan Fletcher of Zimtu Capital, one of Lakeland's largest shareholders. It may take some time, but we see Lakeland rewarding shareholders over the next three to six months. Recently, Lakeland did an option with Declan Resources Inc. (LAN:TSX.V), another company that I've talked about and whose stock I own. Declan has an option to earn up to 70% of Lakeland's Gibbon's Creek project by incurring $6.5M of staged exploration expenditures.

Lakeland has a great model and a very tight share structure. At Gibbon's Creek, for example, Declan is committed to spending about $1.25M in the first year. Declan brings a great team to the table, as well with David Miller as their new CEO. Miller used to run Strathmore Minerals (bought by Energy Fuels in late 2013). Altogether, both Lakeland and Declan have built a solid asset base and large scale presence in the Basin. Lakeland is well funded, having recently closed an oversubscribed $2.8M private placement and can continue to build its asset base and advance its projects by exploration, joint-ventures, and options. Look for Declan to follow suit shortly.

TMR: Moving on to copper, prices have hovered around $3/pound ($3/lb) since early March. Where do you think the price is headed?

EM: I think copper prices are going to stabilize and then could increase over the next 12–18 months.

One reason is China. I think China's demand will rise. Chinese utilities account for around 40% of Chinese copper demand. The State Grid Corporation of China (SGSC) provides power to 80% of the world's second largest economy. SGSC recently reported it would boost its annual investment to more than $60B. That sort of increase in capital investment should firm up or increase prices.

The second reason is supply. A number of weather issues, strikes and scheduled maintenance at major facilities flattened the growth in copper production. A hold on supply should increase the price.

TMR: Are you following any copper stories?

EM: I am. One is Kombat Copper Inc. (KBT:TSX.V). The company has the right guys in place to take the project to the next level. It just brought Justin Reed on as chairman. He is the president of Sulliden Gold Corp. (SUE:TSX; SDDDF:OTCQX; SUE:BVL) and used to be the head of mining and metals at National Bank Financial. He brings a lot of capital market experience and contacts on the Street. Kombat's president and CEO Bill Nielsen, formerly vice president of exploration at Nevsun Resources Ltd. (NSU:TSX; NSU:NYSE.MKT), was there when that company made its big discovery on the Bisha Gold volcanogenic massive sulfide deposit.

The project in Namibia is very good. This month, Kombat will release an initial resource report, followed by a preliminary economic assessment. The initial resource will come from a historic, past-producing mine. The existing infrastructure will cut down on a lot of the cost.

TMR: Kombat owns an 80% interest in five mining licenses and five exclusive prospecting licenses. Who owns the other 20%?

EM: It varies from project to project.

TMR: What is Kombat's core focus?

EM: It will be on the Kombat mine, the past-producing, underground copper mine I mentioned. Over 54 years, it produced 12 million tonnes (12 Mmt) of ore between 2.5–3% copper. Kombat hopes to prove there's a lot more there.

If Kombat can show an initial resource of 2 Mmt grading at 2.5%, the company could be looking at a market cap a lot greater than where it currently stands at $16–17M. That doesn't even take into consideration the tailings.

In its presentation, the company estimates it has 17,400 tonnes. At $6,500 per tonne, that pencils out to more than $110M. If you assume 60% recovery, that's $68M going to Kombat.

"Freyja Resources Inc. just raised money on the debt and equity side. The next step is to turn the company into a producer."

TMR: How soon could it be in production?

EM: Probably 18 to 24 months.

TMR: Any other copper names?

EM: Freyja Resources Inc. (FRA:TSX.V) is trying to take its Las Cristinas copper project in Mexico into production. The company just raised money on the debt and equity side. The next step is to turn the company into a small-scale producer and generate real cash flow.

Alain Lambert is its chairman. He wants to fund further exploration work with the cash flow the company generates from its production, which I like. Too many companies keep going back to the public markets to raise more equity and dilute their structure.

TMR: What do you think of Mexico as a copper jurisdiction?

EM: I like it. Mexico has very rich copper resources and high grades. Some districts are favorable to mining. It drives a lot of the Mexican economy.

TMR: Do you follow any precious metals stories?

EM: Definitely. Ascot Resources Ltd. (AOT:TSX.V) just released an NI 43-101 resource of 2.85 Moz at just over 1 gram per ton (1 g/t) Indicated on its Premier/Dilworth project near Stewart, British Columbia, not far from Pretium Resources Inc.'s (PVG:TSX; PVG:NYSE) project.

Ascot's management team is second to none. John Toffan is the CEO. He ran Westfield Securities. He took Delaware Resources from $0.30 to $26/share, by discovering gold in the Steward area. Then he started Stikine Resources Ltd., the Eskay Creek discovery that went from $0.10 to $75/share. Even better, John has brought Bob Evans, Stikine's CFO and many of Stikine's biggest backers to Ascot.

Ascot is close to a $95M market cap. In addition to its Premier project, Ascot has a gravel pit filled with 66 Mmt of gravel. That's important because liquid natural gas (LNG) plants use a lot of gravel. Ascot's Swamp Point gravel deposit could be one of the cheapest deposits around. Several LNG plants in the area are exploring a deal with Ascot. At $4.50/t, 66 Mmt is worth $300M. That's a significant cash injection.

The company also has the Mt. Margaret project in Washington state. That is a 523 Mmt, NI 43-101-non-compliant historic resource from Duval Corp in 1980. Ascot has the Bureau of Land Management permits and will hopefully be developing that resource later this year.

I've also been looking at Source Exploration Corp. (SOP:TSX.V). It just announced 97 meters (97m) of 2.7 g/t gold equivalent ounces at its Las Minas project in Mexico. The results are very promising. These are shallow holes. It won't take a lot of money. The company drilled more than 22 holes on $320K. With such low all-in costs, Ascot will be able to generate incredible results.

David Baker, who's now the chairman of Source Exploration, accumulated his stock in Source in the market while he was still at Goldbrook Ventures Inc. The moment he sold Goldbrook for $100M to a Chinese group, he fell in love with Las Minas and decided that Source Exploration would be his next venture.

TomaGold Corp. (LOT:TSX.V) is one of the first companies I featured on Alphastox.com. The company completed a $17.5M joint venture with IAMGOLD Corp. (IMG:TSX; IAG:NYSE) recently. IAMGOLD is now heading up TomaGold's Monster Lake project, having to spend $17.5M to acquire a 50% stake. Toma drilled a hole that hit over 237 g/t on its Monster Lake Project a couple of years ago, and the stock ran to $0.96. IAMGOLD values the Monster Lake asset at $35M and the company now has a $10M market cap and the program is just starting up again. This is a very exciting time for TomaGold. David Grondin, Toma's CEO, is extremely hard working and always works to add value for his shareholders. One way or another, I believe in Toma and the potential of its assets and more importantly, the team which surrounds it.

TMR: One more?

EM: Sure. Great Bear Resources Ltd. (GBR:TSX.V) is looking to potentially develop a 2 Moz NI 43-101-non-compliant exploration target first drilled by Newmont Mining Corp. (NEM:NYSE) and BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP:NYSE; BHPLF:OTCPK) in the late 1980's. The company has a very tight share structure, with about 17M shares out. It has about $1.1M cash in its treasury. It hopes to get its exploration permit in May or June and assess its drilling options then.

Atna Resources Ltd. (ATN:TSX) is another cyanide heap-leach producer in the same county. California once posed a lot of environmental hurdles for mining. That is changing because the state is not doing very well financially.

TMR: It may be changing, but not quickly enough for the appetite of most investors.

EM: Previously, many projects couldn't even get exploration permits because of the environmental lobbyists. That has changed; there are active mining operations in the area today.

TMR: That's a positive outlook on an unexpected topic to end our conversation. Etienne, thanks for your time and insights.

Etienne Moshevich is the editor of Alphastox.com, a junior market newsletter featuring companies with the very best in management teams, projects and capital structures. Moshevich is also the president of Transcend Resource Group, an investor relations company based in Vancouver, B.C., specializing in exposing undervalued companies to the market place. With a degree in economics, Moshevich has helped finance many successful mining, oil and gas, technology and biotech companies over the years, many of which have rewarded shareholders with substantial returns.

Read what other experts are saying about:

Cub Energy Inc. Fission Uranium Corp. Freyja Resources Inc. Zimtu Capital Corp.

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DISCLOSURE:
1) Brian Sylvester conducted this interview for Streetwise Reports LLC, publisher of The Gold Report, The Energy Report, The Life Sciences Report and The Mining Report, and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an independent contractor. He owns, or his family owns, shares of the following companies mentioned in this interview: None.
2) The following companies mentioned in the interview are sponsors of Streetwise Reports: Pretium Resources Inc., Freyja Resources Inc., Sulliden Gold Corp., Fission Energy Corp., Cub Energy Inc., Zimtu Capital Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc. Goldcorp Inc. is not affiliated with The Mining Report. Streetwise Reports does not accept stock in exchange for its services.
3) Etienne Moshevich: I own, or my family owns, shares of the following companies mentioned in this interview: Great Bear Resources, Source Exploration, TomaGold, Skyharbour, Declan and Jagercor. I personally am, or my family is, paid by the following companies mentioned in this interview: Ascot, Great Bear, TomaGold, Skyharbour, Lakeland, Jagercor, Crocotta, Cub Energy and High North. My company has a financial relationship with the following companies mentioned in this interview: Zimtu Capital Corp. I was not paid by Streetwise Reports for participating in this interview. Comments and opinions expressed are my own comments and opinions. I had the opportunity to review the interview for accuracy as of the date of the interview and am responsible for the content of the interview.
4) Interviews are edited for clarity. Streetwise Reports does not make editorial comments or change experts' statements without their consent.
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( Companies Mentioned: AOI:TSX.V, AEX:TSX.V, AOT:TSX.V, ATN:TSX, CTA:TSX, KUB:TSX.V, LAN:TSX.V, FCU:TSX.V, FRA:TSX.V, GBR:TSX.V, IMG:TSX; IAG:NYSE, EM:CNSX; JAMTF:OTC, KBT:TSX.V, LK:TSX.V, SYH:TSX.V, SOP:TSX.V, STM:TSX; STHJF:OTCQX, TPN:TSX.V, LOT:TSX.V, ZEN:TSX.V, ZC:TSX.V, )

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