The recent derailment of the�Montreal, Maine, and Atlantic Railway�train in Lac Megantic, Quebec, caused�irrevocable damage on a small town just 10 miles from the U.S.-Canada border. The primary cargo of that train, crude from the Bakken region, has led to many questions regarding the practice of moving oil by rail. A recent report from Moody's says this accident could lead to several new restrictions that could drastically hurt rail shipments. This probably isn't a revelation, but let'slook at where the oil-by-rail story started and who will see the worst effects of a slowdown.�
For lack of a better form of transportation
The recent surge in rail shipments of oil got its start back in 2009, when EOG Resources (NYSE: EOG ) announced a deal with Burlington Northern Santa Fe to move crude away from the Bakken region to markets such as Cushing, Okla. At that time, only 110,000 barrels of oil per day could be moved away from the region through pipeline, and the expansion of production there meant that other methods would need to happen. While trucking to other markets was deemed uneconomical, the differences in spot prices between Bakken crude and West Texas intermediate made it worth the extra costs to ship by rail.
Hot Restaurant Companies To Own In Right Now: Delphi Automotive PLC (DLPH)
Delphi Automotive PLC (Delphi), incorporated on May 19, 2011, is a global vehicle components manufacturer and provides electrical and electronic, powertrain, safety and thermal technology solutions to the global automotive and commercial vehicle markets. As of December 31, 2012, the Company operated 126 manufacturing facilities and 15 technical centers utilizing a regional service model that enables it to serve its global customers. The Company operates through four segments: Electrical / Electronic Architecture; Powertrain Systems; Electronics and Safety and Thermal Systems. In October 2012, the Company acquired FCI Group�� Motorized Vehicles Division.
The Company�� Electrical / Electronic Architecture segment provides complete design of the vehicle�� electrical architecture, including connectors, wiring assemblies and harnesses, electrical centers and hybrid power distribution systems. Its Powertrain Systems segment provides systems integration of full end-to-end gasoline and diesel engine management systems, including fuel handling, fuel injection, combustion, electronic controls and test and validation capabilities. Its Electronics and Safety segment provides critical components, systems and advanced software for passenger safety, security, comfort and infotainment, as well as vehicle operation, including body controls, reception systems, infotainment and connectivity systems, hybrid vehicle power electronics, passive and active safety electronics, displays and mechatronics. Thermal Systems segment provides powertrain cooling and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as compressors, systems and controls, and heat exchangers for the vehicle markets.
Electrical/Electronic Architecture
The Company�� offers complete electrical/electronic architectures for its customer-specific needs. Connectors are engineered for use in the automotive and related markets, but also have applications in the aerospace, military and telematics sector! s. Electrical centers provide centralized electrical power and signal distribution and all of the associated circuit protection and switching devices, thereby optimizing the overall vehicle electrical system. Distribution systems are integrated into one optimized vehicle electrical system, which can utilize smaller cable and gauge sizes and ultra-thin wall insulation.
The Company competes with Lear Corporation, Leoni AG, Molex Inc, TE Connectivity, Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation and Yazaki Corporation.
Powertrain Systems
The Company offers products for complete engine management systems (EMS) and other products to help optimize performance, emissions and fuel economy. The gasoline EMS portfolio features fuel injection and air/fuel control, valvetrain, ignition, sensors and actuators, transmission control products, and powertrain electronic control modules with software, algorithms and calibration. The diesel EMS product line offers common rail fuel and air injection system technologies. The Powertrain Systems segment also supplies integrated fuel handling systems for gasoline, diesel, flexfuel and biofuel configurations. It also includes diesel and automotive aftermarket and original equipment service in the Powertrain Systems segment.
The Company competes with BorgWarner Inc., Bosch Group, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Hitachi, Ltd. and Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
Electronics and Safety
The Company offers a range of electronic and safety equipment in the areas of controls, security, infotainment, communications, safety systems and power electronics. Electronic controls products consist of body computers and security systems. Infotainment and driver interface portfolio consists of receivers, advanced reception systems, digital receivers, satellite audio receivers, navigation systems, displays and mechatronics. Safety electronics includes occupant detection systems, collision warning systems, advanced cruise control technologies a! nd collis! ion sensing. Electric and hybrid electric vehicle power electronics includes power modules, inverters and converters and battery packs.
The Company competes Autoliv AB, Bosch Group, Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Harman International Industries and Panasonic Corporation.
Thermal Systems
The Company offers energy efficient thermal system and component solutions for the automotive market and continues to develop applications for the non-automotive market. Its automotive thermal products are designed to meet customers��needs for powertrain thermal management and cabin thermal comfort. Powertrain cooling products include condenser, radiator, fan module and charge air cooling heat exchangers assemblies. Climate control portfolio includes HVAC modules, with evaporator and heater core components, compressors and controls.
The Company competes with Denso Corporation, MAHLE Behr Industry, Sanden Corporation, Valeo Inc. and Visteon Corporation.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lisa Levin]
Westport Innovations (NASDAQ: WPRT) shares touched a new 52-week low of $15.22 after the company and Delphi Automotive (NYSE: DLPH) signed a joint development agreement to commercialize natural gas injector technology.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
JPMorgan’s Ryan Brinkman and team note that Delphi Automotive (DLPH) could be in the firing line. They explain:
We learned that Delphi is the supplier in question of the ignition switches [General Motors] is recalling on 1.6 mn affected vehicles. The ignition switch was produced by a predecessor entity to the current post-bankruptcy Delphi Automotive, potentially shielding the supplier from liability, but we nevertheless expect Delphi to incur costs to assist�[General Motors] in fixing the affected vehicles, which we believe both�[General Motors] and Delphi are committed to doing in as expeditious a manner as possible. Delphi management commented that a typical ignition switch is an inexpensive part, sometimes costing as little as $2 to $5 to produce (suggesting a total recall cost of ~$3.2 mn to $8.0 mn, ex-labor, or ~$0.01 to $0.02 of EPS), and that swapping the ignition for a new one is not labor intensive ��potentially done in only a few minutes. This contrasts with other recalls with which Delphi has been involved, which can sometimes necessitate replacement of a costlier component or one that is in a hard-to-reach area, such as deep within an engine, and was described as relatively straight-forward.
- [By MONEYMORNING]
That's why I think you should take a hard look at Delphi Automotive PLC (NYSE: DLPH).
A $1 Billion Backlog (and Counting)The once-struggling firm is uniquely poised to benefit from the marriage of new vehicles and high-tech systems.
- [By Ben Levisohn]
In our view, Lear�� valuation remains appealing for two core reasons: (1) Lear sports structurally�lower capex/sales vs. peers (< 3% vs. ~4+% for peers). That means that for a given EBITDA multiple, Lear will generate higher unlevered FCF than its peers, all else equal. Our 6.0x ��4E EBITDA target multiple = ~8% unlevered FCF yield, including restructuring. That Lear�� revenue is outpacing the industry while margins are expanding is evidence that capex is appropriately sized. We estimate Lear�� ��4 unlevered FCF yield is comfortably above peer average; (2) Lear�� EPMS segment appears to have crossed the threshold to becoming a double-digit EBITDA margin earner with clear secular growth attributes. We think a 7.5x EBITDA multiple is appropriate based on public peers (Delphi (DLPH)) and past connector M&A.�
5 Best Trucking Stocks To Buy Right Now: Zoltek Companies Inc (ZOLT)
Zoltek Companies, Inc. is a holding company, which operates through wholly owned subsidiaries, Zoltek Corporation, Zoltek Zrt., Zoltek de Mexico SA de CV, Zoltek de Occidente SA de CV, Engineering Technology Corporation (Entec Composite Machines), Zoltek Properties, Inc., and Zoltek Automotive, LLC. Zoltek Corporation (Zoltek) develops, manufactures and markets carbon fibers and technical fibers in the United States. The Company is an applied technology and advanced materials company. It commercialization of carbon fiber through composites used in a range of commercial products, which it sells under the Panex trade name. In addition to manufacturing carbon fiber, it produces an intermediate product, a stabilized and oxidized acrylic fiber used in flame- and heat-resistant applications, which it sells under the Pyron trade name. During fiscal year ended September 30, 2011 (fiscal 2011), its net sales to Vestas Wind Systems, a wind turbine manufacturer represented % of its net sales. In October 2011, Zoltek purchased a building in St. Peters, Missouri to house its prepreg operations.
Zoltek Zrt. is a Hungarian subsidiary that manufactures and markets carbon fibers and technical fibers and manufactures acrylic fiber precursor raw material used in production of carbon fibers and technical fibers. Zoltek de Mexico SA de CV and Zoltek de Occidente SA de CV are Mexican subsidiaries that manufacture carbon fiber and precursor raw material. Entec Composite Machines manufactures and markets filament winding and pultrusion equipment used in the production composite parts. The Company�� sales markets are in Europe and the United States. The Company has manufacturing plants in Nyergesujfalu, Hungary, Guadalajara, Mexico, Abilene, Texas and St. Charles, Missouri. Its Texas plant houses carbon fiber manufacturing lines and value-added processing capabilities. Its Missouri plant is engaged in the production of technical fibers for aircraft brake and other friction applications and also produces limited! amounts of carbon fibers. In addition, it has facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah where it designs and builds composite manufacturing equipment and produce resin pre-impregnated carbon fibers, called prepregs. It performs certain downstream processing, such as weaving, knitting, blending with other fibers, chopping and milling and preparation of pre-form, pre-cut stacks of fabric. In addition, its Salt Lake City-based Entec Composite Machines subsidiary designs and builds composite manufacturing equipment and markets the equipment along with manufacturing technology and materials. It also provides composite design and engineering for development of applications for carbon fiber reinforced composites.
The Company competes with Hexcel Corporation, Cytec Industries, Toray Group, Toho Tenax, Mitsubishi Chemical and SGL Carbon.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Maxx Chatsko]
3. Zoltek (NASDAQ: ZOLT )
Zoltek was an interesting investment at the beginning of the year for futurist investors. The company is one of the largest manufacturers of carbon fiber in the world. In fact, its lightweight and high-strength carbon fiber is used almost exclusively in the largest wind turbine blades around the world and played a major role in America's 20-fold improvement in breezy energy capacity since 2000. This material of the future has many other uses and potential uses as well, but Zoltek has never really gained the confidence of the market in any big way: Its market cap was hovering near $300 million at the start of the year. - [By Maxx Chatsko]
Shares of world-leading carbon fiber manufacturer�Zoltek� (NASDAQ: ZOLT ) �have been pushed to new highs after a frantic attempt by Quinpario Partners to acquire a large position in the company. Despite being turned away by management, the fund does make valid points about the company's general lack of progress given its global scope and potential. Investors in this business built around a game-changing material may be worrying whether shares are about to fall back to earth. In the following video, Fool.com contributor Maxx Chatsko gives at least one reason for investors to think that shares can hold their current levels -- or even trek higher.
- [By Lauren Pollock]
Toray Industries Inc.(3402.TO), the global market leader in carbon fiber, agreed to buy smaller rival Zoltek Cos.(ZOLT) in a deal valued at $584 million. The Japanese synthetic-fiber maker offered $16.75 a share, a 9.5% discount to Thurday’s close. Zoltek has struggled amid what it has called a cyclical downturn in the wind energy market. Zoltek shares dropped 10% to $16.58 in light premarket trading.
5 Best Trucking Stocks To Buy Right Now: Suntory Beverage & Food Ltd (STBFY)
Suntory Beverage & Food Limited is principally engaged in the manufacture and sale of beverages and food. The Company operates in two geographical segments. The Domestic segment is engaged in the manufacture and sale of various soft drinks within Japan, such as coffee drinks, mineral water, green tea drinks, tea drinks, carbonated drinks, fruit juice drinks, functional beverages, milk beverages, and food for specified health use, as well as syrup for general and business usage. The International segment is engaged in the manufacture and sale of carbonated drinks, fruit juice drinks, health food, seasoning, tea-based beverages and others, with operations in Europe, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. As of May 29, 2013, the Company had 80 subsidiaries and 10 associated companies. On October 15, 2013, the Company acquired Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited. On December 12, 2013, the Company acquired Suntory Beverage & Food Europe Limited. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Charles Sizemore]
Let�� start with Suntory Beverage & Food Limited (STBFY),which recently completed its acquisition of�Beam Inc., formerly the purest play on bourbon. Beam was the owner of the eponymous Jim Beam brand, as well as the higher-end Maker�� Mark and Knob Creek and the lower-end Old Crow.�Suntory is Japan�� leading spirits company, though most Americans will be unfamiliar with its Japanese whisky brands, such as Yamazaki and Hakushu. (Note for booze snobs: Japanese whisky��ike Scotch and Canadian whisky��s correctly spelled ��hisky.��American bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and Irish whiskey are correctly spelled ��hiskey.��
- [By John Udovich]
Whiskey has become increasingly cool and popular thanks to the whole cocktail movement, something that�� good for big whiskey stocks like Suntory Beverage & Food Limited (OTCMKTS: STBFY), Diageo plc (NYSE: DEO) and Brown-Forman Corporation (NYSE: BF.B) who�also produce a wide variety of�liquors and beverages. In fact,�a recent episode of the�Daily Ticker�cited these stats from a USA Today article:
5 Best Trucking Stocks To Buy Right Now: The Providence Service Corporation(PRSC)
The Providence Service Corporation provides and manages government sponsored social services and non-emergency transportation services. It offers home and community based counseling, foster care and therapeutic foster care, and provider management services. The company?s home and community based counseling services include home based and intensive home based counseling, substance abuse treatment, school support services, correctional services, and workforce development. Its not-for-profit managed services comprise administrative support, information technology, and accounting and payroll services; intake, assessment, and referral services; monitoring services; and case management. The company also provides non-emergency transportation management services to state Medicaid programs, local government agencies, hospital systems, and health maintenance organizations, as well as to individuals with limited mobility, people with limited means of transportation, people with disa bilities, and Medicaid members; and school transportation services to special needs students who are physically fragile, or mentally ill children. The Providence Service Corporation offers its services in the United States and the District of Columbia; and British Columbia, Canada. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Tucson, Arizona.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lisa Levin]
Providence Service (NASDAQ: PRSC) shares rose 6.58% to $40.50. The volume of Providence Service shares traded was 1483% higher than normal. On Tuesday, Providence Service agreed to acquire Ingeus for $58 million.
After hitting a multi-year low in April, WPRT shares have clearly been on the rise. The stock's crossed above all of the key moving averages, save one - the key 200-day moving average line (green) at $18.28. Westport Innovations came close to hurdling this key long-term line in late June, but a brush with the key level sent the stock back-pedaling... for a few days. Shares bounced back today, crossing above the 200-day average for a while this morning before settling back to get comfortable right around the 200-day average's value.
As for MEDNAX Inc., it's hanging by a thread right on top of its 200-day moving average line (green). On slip-up, however, and the balance could be disrupted, MD could break under the 200-day average at $56.76, and a selling avalanche could begin. There's a modest chance of a floor being found around May's low of $56.25, but most likely, once the 200-day average breaks down as a floor, the sellers aren't apt to look back.