Intel Has a Chip on Its Shoulder This Earnings Season

Earnings season has begun, and next Tuesday Intel (NASDAQ: INTC  ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions with stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever surprises inevitably arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed, knee-jerk decision.

As the dominant manufacturer of microprocessor chips for the PC market, Intel has enjoyed huge success ever since the PC became popular decades ago, and it earned a spot in the Dow Jones Industrials (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) during the tech boom of the late 1990s. But the move toward mobile technology has threatened to leave Intel behind. Can the company make good on its promise to find similarly innovative products for the mobile market, or will it slowly fade into technology history? Let's take an early look at what's been happening with Intel over the past quarter and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

Stats on Intel

Analyst EPS Estimate	$0.41
Change From Year-Ago EPS	(23%)
Revenue Estimate	$12.63 billion
Change From Year-Ago Revenue	(2.2%)
Earnings Beats in Past 4 Quarters	4

Source: Yahoo! Finance.

Will Intel finally get moving in mobile this quarter?
Analysts haven't been sure what to make of Intel's earnings prospects in recent months. They've raised their calls for the just-ended quarter by $0.02 per share, but they've made a $0.03 per-share cut in their consensus for the full 2013 year. The stock has also been quite erratic, rising 4% since early January following one of the weakest performances in the Dow last year.

Value investors have gravitated to Intel's stock recently just because its earnings multiples have gotten so low. That in turn reflects the pessimism that many investors feel about Intel's growth prospects. The latest figures on PC shipments showed a double-digit percentage plunge, which reawakened fears that the demise of the PC industry may come sooner than expected, accelerating the decline of Intel's core PC chip market.

But Intel has taken aim at the smartphone and mobile market, and although it's been slow out of the gate, it has some advantages over its rivals. ARM Holdings (NASDAQ: ARMH  ) has gathered a client list that features most of the primary device-makers in the world, and its architecture has largely been accepted as the mobile standard. But Intel's investment in mobile manufacturing will result in smaller chips, with 22-nanometer design displacing its competitors' products. Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM  ) is widely seen as the leading-edge chip designer, but its current designs are based on 28-nanometer models. Intel has a huge opportunity to use its technological prowess to take a big step forward.

Hot Oil Companies To Invest In Right Now

One immediate hope for investors is that Intel's new Haswell mobile chip will turn out to be a hit. With the power to handle PC-sized applications on tablets, the chip promises better graphics without reduced performance or battery life. Still, with other manufacturers having gotten a big head-start in working their way into the architectures of popular mobile products, Intel faces an uphill battle.

In Intel's quarterly report, your focus should be on two things: the speed with which the PC chip market is deteriorating and the progress Intel has made in developing viable mobile chips. Unless the company deals with those issues first and foremeost, forays into other markets will play only a secondary role in determining the stock's future.

Learn more about Intel's immense mobile-market opportunity by reading our premium research report on the chip giant, in which our analyst runs through all of the key topics investors should understand about Intel. Click here now to learn more.

Click here to add Intel to My Watchlist, which can find all of our Foolish analysis on it and all your other stocks.

5 Best Services Stocks To Invest In 2015

5 Best Services Stocks To Invest In 2015: Teeka y Corporation(TK)

Teekay Corporation engages in the marine transportation of crude oil and gas in Bermuda and internationally. Its Shuttle Tanker and FSO segment operates shuttle tankers, and floating storage and off-take (FSO) units for offloading and transportation of cargo from oil field installations to onshore terminals; and provides floating storage services for oil field installations. The company?s FPSO segment provides floating production, processing, and storage services through floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) units. Its Liquefied Gas segment comprises liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas carriers. The company?s Conventional Tanker segment operates conventional crude oil and product tankers that are employed on long-term fixed-rate time-charter contracts. As of December 31, 2010, its fleet consisted of 151 vessels, including 11 vessels under construction. The company serves energy and utility companies, oil traders, oil and LNG consumers, p e troleum product producers, government agencies, and various other entities that depend upon marine transportation. Teekay Corporation was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Teekay (NYSE: TK) surged 14.67% to $66.92. The volume of Teekay shares traded 1390% higher than normal. Teekay adopted a new dividend policy and announced its plans to increase dividend by 75%-80%.

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Teekay (NYSE: TK) shares rose 13.26% to reach a new 52-week high of $66.10 after the company adopted a new dividend policy and announced its plans to increase dividend by 75%-80%.

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/5-best-services-stocks-to-invest-in-2015-2.html

Top 5 Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now

Top 5 Heal Care Companies To Own In Right Now: Landauer Inc (LDR)

Landauer, Inc. (Landauer) is a provider of technical and analytical services to determine occupational and environmental radiation exposure. The Company is domestic provider of outsourced medical physics services. The Company operates in two segments: Radiation Monitoring and Medical Physics. The Company has provided radiation dosimetry services to hospitals, medical and dental offices, universities, national laboratories, nuclear facilities and other industries. Landauer's services include the manufacture of radiation detection monitors, the distribution and collection of the monitors to and from customers, and the analysis and reporting of exposure findings. In addition to providing analytical services, the Company leases or sells dosimetry detectors and reading equipment to customers. Medical physics services are provided through the Company's Global Physics Solutions, Inc. (GPS) subsidiary. In November 2011, it acquired IZI Medical Products, LLC.

In Novem ber 2009, Landauer completed the acquisition of GPS. GPS is a nationwide service provider of clinical physics support, equipment commissioning and accreditation support and imaging equipment testing. In June 2010, Landauer, through its GPS subsidiary, completed the acquisition of Upstate Medical Physics (UMP), a provider of imaging physics services in New York. In November 2009, Landauer completed the acquisition of Gammadata Matteknik AB (GDM), a Swedish provider of radon measurement services. GDM provides measurement services throughout the Scandinavian region and Europe. In October 2009, Landauer completed the acquisition of dosimetry service in Sweden, called Landauer Persondosimetri AB (PDM).

The Radiation Monitoring revenues are realized from radiation monitoring services and other services incidental to radiation dose measurement. The Company enters into agreements with customers to provide them with radiation monitoring services, for a! 12 month period. As part of its services, the Company provides to its custome! rs radiation detection badges, which are produced and owned by the Company. The badges are worn for a period selected by the customers (wear period), which is usually one, two, or three months in duration. At the end of the wear period, the badges are returned to the Company for analysis. The Company analyzes the badges that have been worn and provides its customers with a report indicating their radiation exposures. The Company recycles certain badge components for reuse, while also producing replacement badges on a continual basis.

The Company offers its service for measuring the dosages of x-ray, gamma radiation and other penetrating ionizing radiations, to which the wearer has been exposed, through badges, which contain optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) material, which are worn by customer personnel. This technology is marketed under the trade names Luxel+ and InLight. A component of the Company's dosimetry system is OSL crystal material. The Company's base OSL material is manufactured utilizing a process to create aluminum oxide crystals in a structure that is able to retain charged electrons following the crystal's exposure to radiation.

Landauer's InLight dosimetry system provides in-house and commercial laboratories with the ability to provide in-house radiation monitoring services using OSL technology. InLight services involve a customer acquiring or leasing dosimetry devices, as well as analytical reading equipment from the Company. The InLight system allows customers the flexibility to tailor their dosimetry needs. Landauer's operations include services for the measurement and monitoring of radon gas. The Company offers a service, which provides radon monitoring and, when necessary, remediation to purchasers of personal residences. Testing requires the customer to deploy a radon detector and return the detector to the Company's laboratories for dose determination and reporting. ! The Compa! ny assists with remediation services on properties where radon measurements ! exceed a ! specified threshold.

The Company competes with Mirion Technologies.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  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 Landauer (NYSE: LDR  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/top-5-heal-care-companies-to-own-in-right-now-3.html

Best Stocks To Buy For 2014

From the outset, behavioral finance has focused on documenting the irrational financial behavior of human beings, and even today, says Daniel Crosby, founder and president of Atlanta-based behavioral finance consulting firm, IncBlot, the science is still largely centered on highlighting the mistakes people make with respect to financial planning.

Crosby believes that people—financial advisors and the general investing public—have begun to tire of the seemingly endless litany of flaws (“I have counted 117 well-documented irrationalities or behavioral biases,” he said.) that behavioral finance has highlighted and are ready for something else.

“We’re at a point where behavioral finance needs to go in a new direction, one that answers the questions ‘so what’ and ‘now what,’” he said.

Crosby set up IncBlot to try to answer those questions and to be a part of what he believes is the important and necessary transition of behavioral finance from theory to practice—a change that will allow financial practitioners to use the science in a more meaningful, useful and realistic manner.

Hot Computer Hardware Companies To Buy Right Now: HeartWare International Inc (HTWR)

Heartware International, Inc. (HeartWare), incorporated on June 25, 2010, develops and manufactures small implantable heart pumps, or ventricular assist devices, for the treatment of advanced heart failure. The HeartWare Ventricular Assist System (the HeartWare System), which includes a ventricular assist device (VAD), or blood pump, patient accessories and surgical tools, is designed to provide circulatory support for patients in the advanced stage of heart failure. The core of the HeartWare System is a continuous flow blood pump, the HVAD Pump, which is a full-output device capable of pumping up to 10 liters of blood per minute. The HeartWare System is designed to be implanted adjacent to the heart, avoiding the abdominal surgery generally required to implant similar devices. In August 2012, it acquired World Heart Corporation. As of December 31, 2012, the HeartWare System has been implanted outside of the United States at approximately 168 health care sites in 28 countries. In December 2013, HeartWare International Inc acquired CircuLite, Inc.

Proprietary Pump Technology

The HeartWare System is full-output centrifugal pump designed to be implanted in the chest, directly adjacent to the heart. At the core of the Company�� technology platform is its hybrid system for suspending the impeller, which is the only moving part within the pump. The impeller is suspended within the pump housing by the opposing forces of passive magnets and hydrodynamic thrust generated by the pump impeller, which circulates a cushion of

blood. Once power is applied to the device and the impeller begins to rotate, there are no points of mechanical contact within the pump, thus providing a completely wearless pumping system.

The HeartWare System

The HeartWare System consists of the HVAD Pump, a small, permanently implantable VAD, patient accessories and surgical tools. The HVAD Pump is capable of generating up to 10 liters of blood flow per minute. With a displaced v! olume of only 50 cubic centimeters and a mass of 140 grams, the HVAD Pump is the only full-output pump implantable in the pericardial space, directly adjacent to the heart. It is also the only pump designed to be implanted above the diaphragm in all eligible patients.

The HeartWare MVAD

The miniaturized ventricular assist device (MVAD) is a miniaturized blood pump intended for chronic heart failure patients. The device is a full-output axial flow pump with a fully suspended rotor and a displacement volume approximately one-third that of the HVAD Pump.

The Company competes with Thoratec Corporation, Jarvik Heart, MicroMed Technology, Inc, Berlin Heart AG, Terumo Heart, Inc., Sunshine Heart, Inc and CircuLite, Inc., Evaheart Medical USA, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Maria Armental var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach]

  HeartWare International Inc.(HTWR) said it received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, citing concerns about procedures for validating device design and other issues.

Best Stocks To Buy For 2014: Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX)

Comfort Systems USA, Inc. provides installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement services for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the mechanical services industry in the United States. The company engages in the design, engineering, integration, installation, and start-up of HVAC, building automation controls, and related systems; and maintenance, repair, replacement, reconfiguration, and monitoring of HVAC systems and industrial process piping. It also provides specialized applications, such as building automation control systems, fire protection, process cooling, electronic monitoring, and process piping, as well as electrical and plumbing services. The company offers its services for office buildings, retail centers, apartment complexes, and manufacturing plants, as well as healthcare, education, and government facilities. It serves building owners and developers, general contractors, architects, consulting engineers, and property manag ers in the commercial, industrial and institutional HVAC markets. Comfort Systems USA, Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jeremy Bowman]

  What: Shares of HVAC-service provider Comfort Systems USA (NYSE: FIX  ) were heating up today, gaining as much as 13% on a promising earnings report.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  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 Comfort Systems USA (NYSE: FIX  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Best Stocks To Buy For 2014: Bazaarvoice Inc (BV)

Bazaarvoice, Inc., incorporated on May 25, 2005, connects businesses together to amplify the authentic voices of people where they shop. The Company�� solutions, which are primarily provided through Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, enable clients to capture and display online word of mouth about specific products and services, channel content into all the places where it will influence a purchase both within and outside its network, which it refers to as syndication, and use business insights so they can act on what consumers want.

Bazaarvoice Conversations Platform

The Company�� Conversations platform provides capabilities to capture, manage and display online word of mouth. Consumers interact with its solutions as they view or author consumer reviews, questions, photos, videos, long-format narratives and other forms of consumer-generated content. Content that is displayed by its Conversations platform is styled to match its clients��brand, preserving important branding elements of its clients��businesses. Content collected and managed by its Conversations platform is used by its clients in a range of applications, including their online Websites, mobile-optimized Websites, mobile applications, social networks, in-store kiosks, physical in-store displays, printed flyers, email and other forms of online and offline media. The Company�� Conversations platform allows clients to capture, manage and display consumer reviews about their products and services on their Websites and mobile-optimized Websites; allows clients to facilitate question and answer conversations between consumers, or between consumers and brand representatives, on their Websites; allows clients to collect consumer testimonials about their products and services and display these stories on their Websites; enables consumers to read or write reviews, product questions, product answers, or stories on its clients��pages on social networking Websites and easily share this content with the peopl! e they influence the most-their social network friends or followers, and provides third-party developers with tools to build products or extend its platform on behalf of its clients, which enables the Company to expand the use of its platform by leveraging applications built by third-party developers.

Bazaarvoice Connections Solutions

The Company�� Conversations clients are connected through its SaaS platform to form a network. The Company offers network syndication and brand engagement solutions to facilitate the sharing of online word of mouth among its clients and to enable brands to directly interact with consumers on its retail clients��Websites. BrandVoice enables brands to enter into distribution relationships allowing them to display review content from their brand Websites on retail Websites within its network, which it refers to as syndication. BrandAnswers enables brands to interact directly with consumers on retail websites within its network to answer questions and provide suggestions on alternative products that may better meet that consumer�� needs. Brand Response enables brands to interact with consumers by responding to reviews posted on retail Websites within its network.

Bazaarvoice Analytics Solutions

The Company�� Conversations platform includes its Intelligence solution, which is it enhanced analytics solution, and a Workbench Analytics solution, which provides analytics and self-service administration tools. Intelligence allows clients to derive sophisticated market, consumer and product insights in a timely manner from the underlying data it collects on their behalf through its platform. Workbench Analytics provides basic analytics capabilities that allow its clients to generate reports highlighting simple ratings trends, text analysis and product and service issue identification.

Bazaarvoice Media

The Company�� Bazaarvoice Media sells advertising on behalf of retailers, brands and agencie! s, and pr! ovides capabilities that incorporate consumers��authentic opinions in advertising campaigns, creating advertisements that are trusted, relevant and targeted. Bazaarvoice Media sells advertising on retail Websites, utilizing its relationships and knowledge of the intricacies of the retail environment. It develops custom programs for brands to reach consumers while they are in the shopping environment, while also selling to non-retail brands, such as within the automotive and financial industries, that wish to reach the engaged shopper within this channel. Word of Mouth Advertisements provides brands with the ability to increase engagement with their advertising through the inclusion of authentic consumer sentiment. Mobile Advertising enables brands to reach consumers on their mobile devices.

The Company competes with Pluck, Reevoo, Gigya, Viewpoints, Google and Facebook.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  Another earnings short-squeeze prospect is Bazaarvoice (BV), a provider of social commerce software solutions, which is set to release numbers on Wednesday after the market close. Wall Street analysts, on average, expect Bazaarvoice to report revenue of $44.12 million on a loss of 8 cents per share.

  The current short interest as a percentage of the float for Bazaarvoice is very high at 14.4%. That means that out of the 41.18 million shares in the tradable float, 6.33 million shares are sold short by the bears. The bears have also been increasing their bets from the last reporting period by 11.6%, or by 656,000 shares. If the bears are caught pressing their bets into a bullish quarter, then shares of BV could rip sharply higher post-earnings as the shorts rush to cover some of their bets.

  From a technical perspective, BV is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been trending sideways inside of a consolidation pattern for the last month and change, with shares moving between $10.15 on the downside and $11.50 on the upside. Any high-volume move above the upper-end of its recent range post-earnings could trigger a major breakout trade for shares of BV.

  If you're bullish on BV, then I would wait until after its report and look for long-biased trades if this stock manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $11.35 to $11.50 a share with high volume. Look for volume on that move that hits near or above its three-month average action of 661,797 shares. If that breakout triggers, then BV will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $13 to $14 a share.

  I would simply avoid BV or look for short-biased trades if after earnings it fails to trigger that breakout and then drops back below its 50-day at $10.34 a share and then below some key near-term support at $10.15 a share with high volume. If we get that m

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Bazaarvoice (NASDAQ: BV) tumbled 15.09 percent to $7.01 as the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California ruled against the company's acquisition of PowerReviews.

• [By Eddie Staley]

  Bazaarvoice (NASDAQ: BV) tumbled 11.52 percent to $7.30 as the US District Court in the Northern District of California ruled against the company's acquisition of PowerReviews. Sears Holdings (NASDAQ: SHLD) was down, falling 13.88 percent to $36.66 after the company reported a 7.4% drop in same-store sales at Kmart and Sears for the nine-week period ended January 6. The department store expected to post a loss for the fourth quarter and full year.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  Bazaarvoice (NASDAQ: BV  ) was another big winner, soaring 27% higher on the week after posting better-than-expected financial results. Bazaarvoice's adjusted net loss of $0.12 a share was slightly better than the $0.13 a share in red ink that the pros were projecting.

Best Stocks To Buy For 2014: Clifton Star Resources Inc (CFO)

Clifton Star Resources Inc. (Clifton) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral resource properties in Canada. Clifton�� focuses on gold exploration in Quebec, but it also has precious and base metal projects in Quebec and Manitoba. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, a total of 41,730 meters have been drilled, with 124 holes completed. As of June 30, 2012, the Company had two drills operating on the Duparquet Project. The Company's exploration properties include Beattie, Donchester and Dumico properties, Central Duparquet, Duquesne property, Hunter Property and Cat Lake Property. The Duparquet Project covers 7.7 kilometers of strike length along the prolific gold bearing Porcupine-Destor Fault. The Central Duparquet property consists of 18 mineral claims totaling 293 hectares located in the Duparquet Township, Quebec. Duquesne property owns 55 mineral claims and one mining concession located in Destor Township, Quebec. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Muhammad Bazil]

  There are four criteria used to determine how profitable a company is. Of these four criteria, Facebook satisfies three, making it appear to be a very profitable company. Those criteria are as follows:

  Return on Assets (ROA): This figure is essentially the company�� net income. In order to meet this criterion in Piotroski�� method, the ROA must be a positive number. With an ROA of 0.40, Facebook meets this requirement and receives a 1.
  � Cash Flow from Operations (CFO): This tells investors how much the company is earning from its regular business activities (production, sales, etc). It must be a positive number in order to receive a score of 1. Facebook�� cash flow from operations was $1,612 meaning it definitely satisfies this requirement and receives a 1.
  � Change in ROA: In order for the profitability of a company to be considered sustainable, it must show a steadily increasing return on its assets. To calculate this, we take Facebook�� current ROA of 0.40 and subtract the previous year�� ROA (15.80). This gives us a difference of -15.40, showing a decrease. Therefore, Facebook does not meet this requirement and receives a 0.
  � Accrual: This criterion simply checks to make sure that the company�� cash flow from operations is higher than its return on assets. As we can see above, Facebook�� CFO of $1,612 is definitely greater than its ROA of 0.40 meaning that it receives a score of 1.

Best Stocks To Buy For 2014: California Water Service Group (CWT)

California Water Service Group, incorporated on August 2, 1999, is a holding company. The Company operates California Water Service Company (Cal Water), New Mexico Water Service Company (New Mexico Water), Washington Water Service Company (Washington Water), Hawaii Water Service Company, Inc. (Hawaii Water), and CWS Utility Services and HWS Utility Services LLC are collectively called Utility Services. Cal Water, New Mexico Water, Washington Water, and Hawaii Water are regulated public utilities. Utility Services provides non-regulated services to private companies and municipalities. The Company�� business is conducted through its operating subsidiaries. Its bulk business consists of the production, purchase, storage, treatment, testing, distribution and sale of water for domestic, industrial, public and irrigation uses, and for fire protection. It also provides non-regulated water-related services under agreements with municipalities and other private companies. The non-regulated services include full water system operation, billing and meter reading services. Non-regulated operations also include the lease of communication antenna sites, lab services, and promotion of other non-regulated services.

Regulated Business

California water operations are conducted by the Cal Water and CWS Utility Services entities, which provide service to approximately 473,100 customers in 83 California communities through 25 separate districts. Of these 25 districts, 23 districts are regulated water systems, which are subject to regulation by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Cal Water operates two leased water systems, the City of Hawthorne and the City of Commerce, which are governed through their respective city councils and are outside of the CPUC's jurisdiction. California water operations account for approximately 94% of its total customers and approximately 94% of its total consolidated operating revenue.

Hawaii Water provides service to approximately 4,2! 00 water and wastewater customers on the islands of Maui and Hawaii, including several resorts and condominium complexes. Hawaii's regulated operations are subject to the jurisdiction of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. Hawaii Water accounts for less than 1% of its total customers and approximately 3% of its total operating revenue.

Washington Water provides domestic water service to approximately 15,800 customers in the Tacoma and Olympia areas. Washington Water's utility operations are regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Washington Water accounts for approximately 3% of its total customers and approximately 2% of its total consolidated operating revenue.

New Mexico Water provides service to approximately 7,600 water and wastewater customers in the Belen, Los Lunas and Elephant Butte areas in New Mexico. New Mexico's regulated operations are subject to the jurisdiction of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. New Mexico Water accounts for approximately 2% of its total customers and approximately 1% of its total consolidated operating revenue.

Non-Regulated Businesses

Non-regulated activities consist primarily of operating water and waste water systems, which are owned by other entities; providing meter reading and billing services; leasing communication antenna sites on its properties; operating recycled water systems; providing lab services for water quality testing; billing of optional third-party insurance program to its residential customers; selling surplus property, and other services as requested by the client. The Company provides operating and maintenance, meter reading and customer billing services for several municipalities in California. It also provides sewer and refuse billing services to several municipalities. The Company leases antenna sites to telecommunication companies, which place equipment at various Company-owned sites. The antennas are used in cellular phone and personal communic! ation app! lications.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Utility holding company California Water (CWT) raised its quarterly dividend 1.5% to 16.25 cents per share, payable on Feb. 21 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 10.
  CWT Dividend Yield: 2.78%

Which Companies Won the Christmas Device Sales Battle?

For technology companies, the holiday season represents more than just a huge sales opportunity. This "most wonderful time of the year" provides them an opportunity to solidify market share, reboot a struggling product line, or see where they stand among peers.

This year, the holiday shopping rush helped one sales leader fortify its No. 1 position while showcasing a surprising contender and exposing a number of weaker companies as well. It also showed a change in the buying patterns of consumers, which may impact what devices are made going forward.

Apple was the leader
If you had any doubts of whether Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  )  still holds a dominant position in phones and tablets, the company's holiday sales total should put them to rest. The company accounted for 51% of all new device activations worldwide between December 19 and 25, according to Flurry, a data analysis service owned by Yahoo!.

Samsung (NASDAQOTH: SSNLF  ) was a distant second with 18% of new activations.

"To put this in perspective, for every Samsung devices that was activated, Apple activated 2.9 devices," according to Flurry's report. "While the holidays in general and Christmas in particular are not the sole indicator of the smartphone market share and trends, it is safe to say that Apple's newly released iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have had a blockbuster holiday season, despite a lackluster holiday season for the consumer electronics industry."

Flurry, which said that Christmas Day is the biggest of the year for new device activations, compiles its data by tracking more than 600,000 apps.

Microsoft can claim victory, too
In some ways, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) won the holidays just by managing to have its devices -- mostly phones marketed under the Nokia brand -- break out at all. The company had 5.8% of new activations, which falls well behind Microsoft and Samsung but makes it the clear No. 3.

From all other manufacturers, only Sony (1.6%) and LG (1.4%) had more than a 1% share. That's good news for Microsoft, which has struggled to establish Windows Phone as an iOS and Android alternative. It also suggests the company is making some headway in its efforts to market mid and low-priced smartphones as an alternative to high-end devices.

Tablets are becoming phablets?
While the overall market share for tablets -- if you count large ones, small ones, and phablets -- has remained about the same since 2012, phablets are cannibalizing their larger cousins. In 2012, tablets accounted for 36% of new device activations -- with about 92% of that segment coming from large and small tablet activations. In 2013, that started to shift, with tablets overall delivering 33% of total activations but 88% came from large and small devices.

Most recently in 2014, consumers showed a real desire for phablets as overall tablet activations bounced back up to 35% of all devices, but large and small tablets now comprise just 63% of that segment. A big part of that trend is likely the iPhone 6 Plus, which Flurry said was a top five most-activated device, as well as Samsung's Galaxy Note line. 

"The phablet's popularity seems to come at the expense of full-sized tablets and to a lesser extent small tablets, Flurry wrote. "Even so, the medium-sized phone is still favored by most consumers and saw the largest share of device activations this Christmas."

Source: Flurry.

Trends are becoming clear
Whether Microsoft, Sony, or LG can improve their prospects is yet to be seen, but the other industry players like Xiaomi, Huawei, and HTC have a lot of catching up to do. It's also clear that consumers are looking for larger screens on their phones -- probably to avoid carrying a separate tablet.

This was a holiday season where the rich -- Apple and Samsung -- got richer and only one other company, Microsoft, has anything to celebrate. The major question for next year is whether the Windows-maker can grow beyond a niche audience to become a true alternative, and if that happens, who the market share will come from.

Apple, on the other hand, has received full justification for its decision to enter the phablet market with the iPhone 6 Plus and continued validation for the iPad mini. Those devices may have poached iPad sales, but if they did not exist, it seems likely Apple would have lost market share as consumers flocked to competitors for their holiday shopping.

5 Best Promising Stocks To Buy For 2015

5 Best Promising Stocks To Buy For 2015: Vantage Drilling Company(VTG)

Vantage Drilling Company, through its subsidiaries, provides offshore contract drilling services to oil and natural gas companies in the United States and internationally. The company offers drilling units, related equipment, and work crews under contract to drill oil and natural gas wells; construction supervision services; and operates and manages drilling units owned by others. Its customers primarily include multinational oil and natural gas companies, government owned oil and natural gas companies, and independent oil and natural gas producers. The company owns and manages four jackup rigs and three drillships. Vantage Drilling Company was founded in 2007 and is based in Houston, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Despite the recent pain for offshore drilliers like Diamond Offshore Drilling (DO), Noble (NE), Transocean (RIG) and Vantage Drilling (VTG), RBC Capital Markets’ Robert Pinkard and team don’t think it’s time to buy their stocks. They explain why:

• [By Dimitra DeFotis]

  Global Hunter also lowered its rating on Natural Gas Services Group (NGS) and Vantage Drilling (VTG). Global Hunter writes:

  The market seems to be showing fatigue particularly with positive onshore oil service data points that may nolonger seem incremental. Investors have become especially focused on potential issues and macro concerns. We believe this phaseof enhanced risk perceptions will pass and still recommend owning selective stocks based on attractive valuations and healthyfundamentals. Of the 16 oilfield services companies having reported their quarters to date, the share price changes have at timesbeen difficult to tie to specific results. … Five of the 12 companies who have beaten earnings expectations have seen their share prices drop on the day, including Basic Energy Services (BAS) (-9.0%), Baker Hughes (BHI) (-2.5%), National Oilwel! l Varco (NOV) (-1.5%), Oceaneering (OII) (-4.2%), and Schlumberger (SLB) (-2.0%). Other stocks beating expectations have traded higher as expected, including Cameron International (CAM) (+4.1%), FMC Technologies (FTI) (+3.1%), Mitcham In dustries (MIND) (+3.8%), Nabors Industries (NBR) (+1.2%), Patterson-UTI Energy (PTEN) (+1.8%), RPC (RES) (+8.4%), and Weatherford International (WFT) (+2.3%). Companies which have missed have universally seen their share prices decline, including Diamond Offshore Drilling (DO) (-4.3%), Gulfmark Offshore (GLF) (-0.1%), and Hercules Offshore (HERO) (-6.9%). Halliburton (HAL) was in line and flat on the day.

source from Top Stocks To Buy For 2015:http://www.topstocksforum.com/5-best-promising-stocks-to-buy-for-2015-2.html

Top Machinery Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Popular Posts: 6 Oil and Gas Stocks to Buy Now16 Oil and Gas Stocks to Sell Now3 Machinery Stocks to Sell Now Recent Posts: 12 “Triple F” Stocks to Sell 8 “Triple A” Stocks to Buy 5 Stocks With Poor Analyst Earnings Revisions ��VCRA SUNE BONT VRTX PSEM View All Posts

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

These are the best of the best in the entire Portfolio Grader database. This week, there are 4,270 stocks and only these eight get top marks in all categories to make the elite “Triple A” stocks list. Here they are:

Best Rising Companies To Watch In Right Now: Giga-tronics Inc (GIGA)

Giga-tronics Incorporated (Giga-tronics), incorporated on March 5, 1980, includes the operations of the Giga-tronics Division and Microsource Inc. (Microsource), a wholly owned subsidiary. Giga-tronics Division designs, manufactures and markets a line of test and measurement equipment used in the development, test and maintenance of wireless communications products and systems, flight navigational equipment, electronic defense systems and automatic testing systems. These products are used primarily in the design, production, repair and maintenance of commercial telecommunications, radar, and electronic warfare equipment. The Company manufactures products used in test, measurement and control. The Company has two segments: Giga-tronics Division and Microsource. In April 2013, it completed the sale of its product line known as SCPM to Teradyne, Inc.

Giga-tronics

The Giga-tronics Division produces signal sources, generators and sweepers, and power measurement instruments for use in the microwave and radio frequency (RF) range (10 kilohertz (kHz) to 50 gigahertz (GHz)). Within each product line are a number of different models and options allowing customers to select frequency range and specialized capabilities, features and functions. The end-user markets for these products can be divided into three segments: commercial telecommunications, radar and electronic warfare. These instruments are used in the design, production, repair and maintenance and calibration of other manufacturers' products, from discrete components to complex systems.

The Giga-tronics Division also produces switch modules and interface adapters that operates with a bandwidth from direct current (DC) to optical frequencies. These switch modules may be incorporated within its customers' automated test equipment. The end-user markets for these products are primarily related to defense, aeronautics, communications, satellite and electronic warfare, commercial aviation and semiconductors.

Microsource

The Microsource segment develops and manufactures a broad line of yttrium, iron, garnet (YIG) tuned oscillators, filters and microwave synthesizers, which are used by its customers in operational applications and in manufacturing a variety of microwave instruments or devices.

Giga-tronics competes with Agilent, Anritsu, EADS, Aeroflex and Rohde & Schwarz.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Giga-tronics (NASDAQ: GIGA) dropped 14.84% to $1.32. Giga-tronics' trailing-twelve-month profit margin is -30.58%.

  MER Telemanagement Solutions (NASDAQ: MTSL) dropped 14.62% to $2.09 after the company terminated MVNE solution provider agreement with SBC Communications.

Top Machinery Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Austin Engineering Ltd (ANG)

Austin Engineering Limited is engaged in the manufacture, repair, overhaul and supply of mining attachment products, general steelwork structures and other associated products and services for the industrial and resources-related business sectors. The Company operates in four segments: Australia, which includes mining equipment, other products and repair and maintenance services; Americas, which includes mining equipment and other products, consisting of North America and South America; Asia, which includes Indonesia for mining equipment and other products, and the Middle East, which includes aluminum smelter equipment and products. In October 2013, Austin Engineering Limited completed the acquisition of the business of Servigrut. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Julia Leite]

  South African miners rallied after a recovery in gold prices. The FTSE/JSE Africa All-Share Index climbed 1.5 percent in Johannesburg, with Harmony Gold Mining Co. (HAR) and AngloGold Ashanti Ltd. (ANG) adding at least 5.2 percent.

Top Machinery Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Flowserve Corp (FLS)

Flowserve Corporation, incorporated on May 1, 1912, is a manufacturer and aftermarket service provider of flow control systems. The Company develops and manufacture precision-engineered flows control equipment integral to the movement, control and protection of the flow of materials in its customers' critical processes. The Company operates in three segments: Engineered Product Division (EPD), which includes long leads time, custom and other engineered pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems and replacement parts and related services, Industrial Product Division (IPD), which includes pre-configured engineered pumps and pump systems and related products and services, and Flow Control Division (FCD), which includes engineered and industrial valves, control valves, actuators and controls and related services. Effective December 10, 2013, Flowserve Corp acquired Innovative Mag-Drive LLC.

Through the Company's manufacturing platform and global network of Quick Response Centers (QRCs), the Company offers an array of aftermarket equipment services, such as installation, advanced diagnostics, repair and retrofitting. The Company's product portfolio of pumps, valves, seals, automation and aftermarket services supports global infrastructure industries, including oil and gas, chemical, power generation and water management, as well as certain general industrial markets where the Company's products and services add value. The Company sells its products and services to more than 10,000 companies, including some of the engineering, procurement and construction firms (EPC), original equipment manufacturers, distributors and end users.

Engineered Product Division

The Company designs, manufactures, distributes and services engineered pumps and pumps systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts and related equipment. The business primarily consists of long lead time, engineered, configured products, which require extensive test requirements a! nd project management skills. EPD products and services are primarily used by companies that operate in the oil and gas, power generation, chemical, water management and general industries. The Company markets its pump and mechanical seals products through its global sales force and its regional QRCs and service and repair centers or through independent distributors and sales representatives. A portion of the Company's mechanical seal products are sold directly to original equipment manufacturers for incorporation into rotating equipment requiring mechanical seals. The Company's pump products are manufactured in a range of metal alloys and with a variety of configurations to meet the critical operating demands of the Company's customers.

The Company also manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal that is used in high-speed compressors for gases pipelines and in the oil and gas production and process markets. The Company's products are manufactured at 29 plants worldwide, nine of which are located in Europe, 11 in North America, four in Asia Pacific and five in Latin America. The Company also conducts business through strategic foreign joint ventures. The Company has six unconsolidated joint ventures that are located in China, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, where a portion of its products are manufactured, assembled or serviced in these territories. The Company manufactures more than 40 different active types of pumps and approximately 185 different models of mechanical seals and sealing systems.

The Company's EPD products include between bearings pumps, which include single case- axially split, single case- radially split, double case; overhung pumps, which includes api process; positive displacement pumps, which includes multiphase, reciprocating and screw; mechanical seals and seal support systems, which includes gas barrier seals and dry-running seals, and specialty products, which includes nuclear pumps, nuclear seals, cryogenic p! umps, cry! ogenic liquid expander, hydraulic decoking systems, and API slurry pumps. The Company�� EPD Brand Names include BW Seals, Byron Jackson, Calder Energy Recovery Devices, Cameron, Durametallic, Five Star Seal, Jeumont-Schneider, and Interseal. EPD Services includes provision of engineered aftermarket services through its global network of 128 QRCs, some of which are co-located in manufacturing facilities, in 41 countries. Its EPD service personnel provide a comprehensive set of equipment services for flow management control systems, including installation, commissioning, repair, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and retrofit programs, machining and comprehensive asset management solutions. The Company provides asset management services and condition monitoring for rotating equipment through special contracts with many of its customers that reduce maintenance costs.

Industrial Product Division

The Company designs , manufactures, distributes and services pre-configured engineered pumps and pumps systems, including submersible motors, for industrial markets. IPD's standardized, general purpose pump products are primarily utilized by the oil and gas, chemical, water management, power generation and general industries. The Company's products are manufactured in 12 manufacturing facilities, three of which are located in the United States and six in Europe. IPD operates 20 QRCs worldwide, including 11 sites in Europe, three in the United States , five in Asia Pacific and one in Latin America. The Company manufactures approximately 40 different active types of pumps available in a wide range of metal alloys and non-metallics with a variety of configurations. The products includes Overhung, which includes Chemical Process ANSI and ISO, Industrial Process , and Slurry and Solids Handling ; Specialty Products, which includes Molten Salt VTP Pump, Submersible Pump, Thruster, Geothermal Deepwell, and Barge Pump; Between Bearings, which includes Single Case- Axially Split and Single Case- Radia! lly Split! ; Vertical, which includes Wet Pit, Deep Well Submersible Motor, Slurry and Solids Handling, and Sump; Positive Displacement, which includes Gear. The Company�� brands include Aldrich, Durco, IDP, Pacific, Pleuger, Scienco, Sier Bath, Western Land Roller, TKL, Worthington, and Worthington-Simpson. The Company markets its pump products through its worldwide sales force and its regional service and repair centers or through independent distributors and sales representatives. The Company provide an array of aftermarket services including product installation and commissioning services, spare parts, repairs, re-rate and upgrade solutions, advanced diagnostics and maintenance solutions through its global network of QRCs.

Flow Control Division

The Company�� FCD designs, manufactures, distributes and services a portfolio of industrial valve and automation solutions, including isolation and control valves, actuation, controls and related equipment. In addition, FCD offers energy management products, such as steam traps, boiler controls and condensate and energy recovery systems. FCD products are used to control, direct and manage the flow of liquids and gases and are an integral part of any flow control system. The Company's valve products are often customized and engineered to perform specific functions within each customer's unique flow control environment. The Company's flow control products are primarily used by companies operating in the chemical (including pharmaceutical), power generation (nuclear, fossil and renewable), oil and gas, water management and general industries (including aerospace, pulp and paper and mining). FCD has 58 sites worldwide, including 25 principal manufacturing facilities ( five of which are located in the United States and 13 of which are located in Europe) and 33 QRCs, including three consolidated joint ventures. A small portion of the Company's valves are also produced through an unconsolidated joint venture in India.

The Company's pr! oducts ar! e used in a variety of applications, from general service to the severe and demanding services, including those involving high levels of corrosion, extreme temperatures and/or pressures, zero fugitive emissions and emergency shutdown. The Company's smart valve and diagnostic technologies integrate sensors, microprocessor controls and software into high performance integrated control valves, digital positioners and switchboxes for automated on/off valve assemblies and electric actuators. These technologies permit real-time system analysis, system warnings and remote indication of asset health. These technologies have been developed in response to the growing demand for reduced maintenance, improved process control efficiency and digital communications at the plant level. The Company's valve automation products encompass a range of pneumatic, electric, hydraulic and stored energy actuation designs to take advantage of whatever power source the customer has available.

The Company�� products includes valve automation systems, control valves, ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, check valves, lined plug valves, lubricated plug valves, diagnostic software, digital positioners, pneumatic positioners, intelligent positioners, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, diaphragm actuators, direct gas and gas-over-oil actuators. steam traps, boiler controls, digital communications, and valve and automation repair services. The Company�� brands include Accord, Anchor/Darling, Argus, Atomac, Durco, Edward, Flowserve, Gestra, Kammer, Limitorque, McCANNA/MARPAC, NAF, NAVAL, Noble Alloy, Norbro, Nordstrom, PMV, Serck Audco, Schmidt Armaturen, Valbart, Valtek, Vogt, and Worcester Controls. The Company provides equipment maintenance services for flow control systems, including advanced diagnostics, repair, installation, commissioning, retrofit programs and field machining capabilities.

The Company competes with Sulzer Pumps, Ebara Corp., SPX Corp., Eagle Burgmann, A. W. Chesterton Co. an! d AES Cor! p, John Crane Inc., and Weir Group Plc, ITT Industries, KSB Inc., Sulzer Pumps, Pentair Ltd., Cameron International Corp., Emerson Electric Co., General Electric Co. and Crane Co.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Charles Carlson]

  If you are new to DRIP investing, treat yourself to a few DRIPs this holiday season. Trust me��t'll change your life.

  American Water Works (AWK)��ielding 2.7% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Cincinnati Financial (CINF)��ielding 3.2% with a DRIP minimum of $25
  
  CVS Caremark (CVS)��ielding 1.4% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Dominion Resources (D)��ielding 3.4% with a DRIP minimum of $40
  
  Domino's Pizza (DPZ)��ielding 1.2% with a DRIP minimum of $65
  
  Eaton (ETN)��ielding 2.3% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Flowserve (FLS)��ielding 0.8% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Kellogg (K)��ielding 3.0% with a DRIP minimum of $50
  
  New Jersey Resources (NJR)��ielding 3.7% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Quest Diagnostics (DGX)��ielding 2.0% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Tim Hortons (THI)��ielding 1.7% with a DRIP minimum of $25
  
  

  Subscribe to Dow Theory Forecasts here��/p>

• [By Holly LaFon]

  Flowserve Corp. (1.1%) (FLS)($70.52 - NYSE) is one of the largest global pump companies, serving the petroleum, chemical, and power industries. The company�� products include engineered and industrial pumps, automated and control valves, actuators, and seals. About 40% of FLS revenues are derived from the oil and gas industry, and should benefit from the refurbishment of the aging refineries in developed countries and the first time build out of the infrastructure in developing nations around the world. Further, oil companies are bringing up dirtier, heavier, and harder to access crude from thousands of feet below ground, as the cleaner, lighter, and easier to obtain crude that is closer to the surface is depleted. This demands more highly engineered pumps, valves, and seals that can work under very high pressure, high temperature, or underwater, boding well for FLS products.

Top Machinery Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Stanley Black & Decker Inc (SWJ)

Stanley Black & Decker Inc., June 4, 1901, is a diversified global provider of power and hand tools, mechanical access solutions (automatic doors, commercial and residential locking systems), electronic security and monitoring systems and products and services for various industrial applications. The Company�� operations are classified into three business segments: Construction & Do-It-Yourself (CDIY), Security, and Industrial. In September 2011, Stanley Black & Decker acquired Niscayah Group AB. In September 2011, the Company acquired Microtec Enterprises, Inc. In January 2011, the Company acquired InfoLogix, Inc. In December 2012, Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc acquired Hardware & Home Improvement Group (HHI) of the Company. In February 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of Infastech.

CDIY

The CDIY segment consists of the professional power tool and accessories business, the consumer power tool business, which includes outdoor products, plumbing (Pfister) and the hand tools, fasteners and storage business. The segment sells its products to professional end users, distributors and retail consumers. The majority of sales are distributed through retailers, including home centers, mass merchants, hardware stores, and retail lumber yards. During the year ended December 31, 2011, annual revenues in the CDIY segment represented 50% of the Company�� total revenues. The professional power tool and accessories business sells professional grade corded and cordless electric power tools and equipment, including drills, impact wrenches and drivers, grinders, saws, routers and sanders. The business also sells power tool accessories, which include drill bits, router bits, abrasives and saw blades.

The consumer power tool business sells corded and cordless power tools sold under the Black & Decker brand, lawn and garden products and home products. Lawn and garden products include hedge trimmers, string trimmers, lawn mowers, edgers and related accessories. Home pro! ducts include hand held vacuums, paint tools and cleaning appliances. The hand tools, fasteners and storage business sells measuring and leveling tools, planes, hammers, demolition tools, knives, saws and chisels. Fastening products include pneumatic tools and fasteners including nail guns, nails, staplers and staples. Storage products include tool boxes, sawhorses and storage units.

Security

The Security segment consists of the electronic security solutions and the mechanical access solutions businesses. Annual revenues in the Security segment represented 26% of the Company�� total revenues in 2011. The electronic security solutions business designs, supplies and installs electronic security systems and provides electronic security services, including alarm monitoring, video surveillance, fire alarm monitoring, systems integration and system maintenance. Purchasers of these systems typically contract for ongoing security systems monitoring and maintenance at the time of initial equipment installation. The electronic security business also sells healthcare solutions, which includes medical carts and cabinets, asset tracking solutions, infant protection, pediatric protection, patient protection, wander management, fall management, and emergency call products.

The electronic security solutions business sells to consumers, retailers, educational, financial and healthcare institutions, as well as commercial, governmental and industrial customers. Products are sold predominantly on a direct sales basis. The mechanical access solutions business sells and installs automatic doors, residential and commercial hardware, locking mechanisms, electronic keyless entry systems, keying systems, tubular and mortise door locksets. The mechanical access solutions business sells to both residential and commercial customers, with distribution through direct sales, through retailers (including home centers) and, through third party distributors.

Industrial

!

The In! dustrial segment consists of the industrial and automotive repair tools, engineered fastening and infrastructure businesses. Annual revenues in the Industrial segment represented 24% of the Company�� total revenues. The industrial and automotive repair business sells hand tools, power tools, and engineered storage solution products. The business sells to industrial customers in a variety of industries and geographies. The products are distributed through third party distributors, as well as a direct sales force. The engineered fastening business primarily sells engineered fasteners designed for specific applications. The product lines include stud welding systems, blind rivets and tools, blind inserts and tools, drawn arc weld studs, engineered plastic fasteners, self-piercing riveting systems and precision nut running systems.

The business sells to customers in the automotive, manufacturing, and aerospace industries, amongst others, and the Company's products are distributed through direct sales forces. The infrastructure business consists of the CRC-Evans business, and the Company�� hydraulics business. The business�� product lines include custom pipe handling machinery, joint welding and coating machinery, weld inspection services and hydraulic tools and accessories. The business sells to the oil and natural gas pipeline industry and other industrial customers. The products and services are primarily distributed through a direct sales force.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Rooney]

  Stanley Black & Decker (SWJ) tumbled roughly 10% after the power tools maker lowered its full-year earnings outlook. The company said it expected "uncertainty created by the U.S. government's sequestration and shutdown" to hurt business and consumer spending.