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Top 10 Warren Buffett Companies To Own For 2014

This week, these five stocks have the worst ratings in Earnings Momentum, one of the eight Fundamental Categories on Portfolio Grader.

FNB United (NASDAQ:) is a bank holding company. FNBN gets F’s in Equity and Cash Flow as well. .

CommunityOne Bancorp (NASDAQ:) operates as the bank holding company for CommunityOne Bank and Bank of Granite, which provide consumer, wealth management, mortgage, and business banking services to individual and business customers in North Carolina. COB also gets F’s in Equity and Sales Growth. .

Navistar International Corporation (NYSE:) manufactures and markets medium and heavy trucks, school buses, mid-range diesel engines, and service parts. NAV also gets F’s in Earnings Growth, Analyst Earnings Revisions, Cash Flow, Operating Margin Growth, and Sales Growth. .

Schawk, Inc. Class A (NYSE:) provides strategic, creative and executional graphic services and solutions to clients in markets related to consumer products packaging, retail, pharmaceutical and advertising. SGK also gets F’s in Earnings Growth, Earnings Surprises, and Operating Margin Growth. .

Legacy Reserves LP (NASDAQ:) acquires and explores for oil and natural gas properties in the United States. LGCY gets F’s in Earnings Growth, Earnings Surprises, Cash Flow, Operating Margin Growth, and Sales Growth as well. The stock currently has a trailing PE Ratio of 98.60. .

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

Diamond Hill Funds Q3 Market Review and Large-Cap Fund Commentary

U.S. equity markets rose again during the third quarter of 2013 as investors continued to purchase riskier assets in search of higher returns. The S&P 500 Index returned 5.2%, including dividends, finishing the quarter just 2% below its all-time high reached on September 18, 2013. Equity markets traded off in the final days of September as political debates over the debt ceiling ensued in Washington D.C. In addition, the market's momentum slowed as valuations moved above average historical levels, prompting some investors to take money out of equities. Year-to-date, the S&P 500 Index total return was 19.8%.

After a difficult start to the third quarter for the bond markets, fixed income investors were given a reprieve when the Federal Reserve again surprised the markets with an announcement related to its bond buying program (QE). After prepping the global capital markets in May for a 'tapering' of QE, Chairman Bernanke announced in September that the committee had decided to continue purchasing securities at the same pace and pledged to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future. The bond market reacted positively to the announcement pushing interest rates back down. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield began the quarter at 2.49%, touched 3% on September 5, and then ended the quarter at 2.63%.

Third Quarter Results

Cyclical stocks led the way again this quarter with the materials (+10.3%), industrials (+8.9%), consumer discretionary (+7.8%), health care (+6.8%), technology (+6.6%), and energy (+5.2%) sectors all beating the S&P 500 Index. Only the telecommunications sector posted negative returns for the quarter.

Real economic growth around the world continued at a generally modest pace in the third quarter. The domestic picture also looks to be one of slow but positive economic growth as housing and automobile production provided key areas of strength, balanced by a difficult fiscal situation and still high aggregate debt levels. In the first two quarters of 2013, the U.! S. economy rose 1.1% and 2.5%, respectively; however, the jobless rate remains stuck above 7%.

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Against this backdrop, corporate revenue growth has slowed and margins remain near historical highs, making it difficult for companies to post higher profits. In addition, market valuations, as measured by the trailing twelve month price/earnings multiple, have moved above long-term averages. The combination of these factors presents potential headwinds for stocks.

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Market Outlook

As we have highlighted over the past couple of quarters, consumer debt- service burdens have improved significantly in the past few years and are now at relatively low levels by historical standards. However, total household debt, when compared to asset levels and disposable income, remains above long-term averages. Consequently, the healthy debt service picture remains closely linked to very low interest rates and low mortgage rates which have clearly moved higher since May and may present a meaningful risk to growth if we experience further increases in those rates. We continue to believe that the U.S. economy will be challenged for many years by financial deleveraging and the ultimate withdrawal of fiscal and monetary stimulus.

We believe the Fed is likely to maintain a very accommodative overall monetary stance for the foreseeable future. Despite the increase in yields during the last few months, we remain cautious on the Treasury markets when using a long time horizon. In addition, given the combination of modest economic growth, very strong corporate profit margins, and above average price/earnings multiples, we now expect positive but below average equity market returns over the next five years.

The Fund increased 5.42% (Class A, without sales charge) during the quarter, compared to a 6.02% increase in the! Russell ! 1000 Index.

During the quarter, the Fund's holdings in the industrials, energy, and financials sectors provided the largest positive contribution to return. Holdings in the consumer staples sector detracted from return.

The Fund's underperformance relative to the Russell 1000 Index was primarily driven by security selection in the information technology sector, as well as security selection and an overweight position in the consumer staples sector. Security selection in the energy and industrials sectors contributed to relative return.

BEST PERFORMERS

• Exploration and production company EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) continues to be a leader in the horizontal development of oil plays in the U.S. Results continued to improve and exceed expectations as productivity increased and costs are managed.

• Building and aerospace technology conglomerate United Technologies Corp. (UTX) experienced surprisingly strong order growth in the Otis, Carrier, and Pratt & Whitney segments. Lower pension costs and synergies from the Goodrich acquisition bode well for future financial performance.

• Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX), a medical device manufacturer, recently reported its first quarter of growth in more than three years, while also raising its earnings outlook. An emerging pipeline of new products offers the potential for continued improvement and the potential to return to mid-single digit revenue growth.

• Exploration and production company Cimarex Energy Co. (XEC) benefited from improving well results in the Delaware Basin in West Texas. Cimarex has a sizeable acreage position in the Wolfcamp Shale which we believe can help sustain strong production growth at very good economics if the development is successful.

• Diversified machinery manufacturer Dover Corp. (DOV) responded favorably to renewed organic sales growth, improving margins, and an improved outlook for its Communications Technologies business.

WORST PERFORMERS

• ConAgra Foods, Inc.! (CAG), a! packaged food manufacturer, fell as it reported volume declines in its branded foods businesses and higher-promotional spending.

• Sysco Corp. (SYY), a food distributor, announced disappointing earnings as weakness in its end markets has made it difficult to achieve anticipated revenue growth targets.

• Software provider Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) reported a number of noteworthy events during the quarter. Investors reacted positively to the announcement that Microsoft will appoint a new CEO within the next 12 months to replace Steve Ballmer. However, shares retreated after the company announced the purchase of Nokia's phone business along with certain patent rights for $7.2 billion as many investors question whether that market will ever prove profitable.

• Drug manufacturer Abbott Laboratories (ABT) reported revenue growth that was below expectations due to its exposure to the slower growth economies in Europe and the emerging markets. Despite the recent weakness, Abbott is a high-quality company with shares that we believe to be attractively priced. In addition, its management team has a strong record of investing capital prudently.

• Baxter International, Inc. (BAX), a medical supply manufacturer, declined during the quarter due to concerns that it could lose more market share than expected in the hemophilia market.

NEW POSITIONS

We initiated a new position in office products retailer Staples, Inc. Our view is that the company has a market leading position, the ability to generate strong free cash flow, and a strong balance sheet. Additionally, strategic initiatives to close stores and focus efforts on driving sales online and industry consolidation further support our thesis.

ELIMINATED POSITIONS

There were no positions eliminated during the third quarter.

The views expressed are those of the portfolio managers as of September 30, 2013, are subject to change and may differ from the views of other portfolio managers or the fi rm as a whol! e. These ! opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of results, or investment advice.

The Russell 1000 Index is a market capitalization-weighted index measuring performance of the largest 1,000 companies, on a market capitalization basis, in the Russell 3000 Index, a market-capitalization weighted index measuring the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies based on total market capitalization. One cannot invest directly in an index. Unlike mutual funds, the index does not incur expenses. If expenses were deducted, the actual returns of this index would be lower.

Performance is not guaranteed. Performance returns assume reinvestment of all distributions. Returns for the periods less than one year are not annualized. Class I and Class Y shares include performance based on Class A shares, which was achieved prior to the creation of Class I shares and Class Y shares. These total return fi gures may refl ect the waiver of a portion of a Fund's advisory or administrative fees for certain periods. In such instances, and without such waiver of fees, the total returns would have been lower. The total return fi gures refl ect the maximum sales charge applicable to each class. The maximum sales charge for A shares is 5.00%; C shares have a maximum contingent deferred sales charge (CDSC) of 1.00% for redemptions within the fi rst year of purchase; I shares and Y shares have no sales charge. Average annual total returns illustrate the annual compounded returns that would have produced the cumulative total return if the Fund's performance had remained constant throughout the period indicated. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change without notice.

Top 10 High Tech Stocks To Buy For 2014

The Large Cap Fund carries risks associated with stock market volatility.

An investor should consider the Fund's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses c! arefully ! before investing or sending any money. This and other important information about the Fund(s) can be found in the Fund's(s) prospectus or summary prospectus which can be obtained at www.diamond-hill.com or by calling 888-226-5595. Please read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before investing. The Diamond Hill Funds are distributed by BHIL Distributors, Inc. (Member FINRA), an affi liated company. Diamond Hill Capital Management, Inc., a registered investment adviser, serves as Investment Adviser to the Diamond Hill Funds and is paid a fee for its services. Like all mutual funds, Diamond Hill Funds are not FDIC insured, may lose value, and have no bank guarantee.

The performance data quoted represents past performance; past performance does not guarantee future results. The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund's current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investors may obtain performance information current to the most recent month-end, within 7 business days, at www.diamond-hill.com.

Related links:Diamond Hill Capital

Seagate Shares Slide on Q1 Miss (Update 1)

Top 5 Dividend Companies For 2014

This story has been updated with comments from Seagate CFO Pat O'Malley, the company's outlook and updated share price.

NEW YORK (TheStreet) - Seagate (STX) shares slid in extended trading, weighed down by the company's top and bottom-line miss in its first-quarter results.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based firm reported revenue of $3.5 billion, down from $3.7 billion in the prior year's quarter. Analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters were looking for sales of $3.56 billion.

Excluding items, Seagate earned $1.29 a share on net income of $473 million, down from $1.45 a share on net income of $594 million in the same period last year, and just below analysts' forecast of $1.30 a share. However, Seagate CFO Pat O'Malley told TheStreet that profits were lifted in last year's quarter thanks to the lingering effects of Thailand's 2011 floods. "That was the last of the quarters where the flood impacted," he said. "There was pricing leverage because there wasn't full supply out there." On a non-GAAP basis, the company's gross margin was 28.5% during its most recent quarter, compared to 29% in the prior year's quarter. For the second quarter, Seagate predicts revenue between $3.5 billion and $3.6 billion, slightly below Wall Street's forecast of $3.64 billion. The company also expects to report a relatively flat gross margin. Seagate shares, which closed up 0.1% at $49.85 during Monday's session, tumbled 4.51% to $47.60 in extended trading. Seagate, which generated $682 million in operating cash flow during the quarter, will increase its dividend from 38 cents a share to 43 cents a share. The dividend will be payable on Nov. 26, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Nov. 12, 2013 "While the challenges of technology transitions and macro uncertainty are driving us to manage our business conservatively, we remain focused on the fact that the demand for exabytes of storage continues to increase," said Steve Luczo, Seagate's chairman and chief executive officer, in the company's press release --Written by James Rogers in New York. Follow @jamesjrogers >Contact by Email.

Iceberg Ahead for Dell Shareholders

As each week goes by, the situation at Dell (NASDAQ: DELL  ) looks more and more like a repeat of the Titanic. There's an iceberg ahead, but nobody seems capable of doing anything about it. As Michael Dell and Carl Icahn struggle for control of this once-great company, ordinary shareholders' interests are increasingly being left by the wayside. As a result, Dell stock has been slowly losing altitude.

DELL Six-Month Price Chart. Data by YCharts.

It would be wrong to say there's no hope of a successful buyout. The original offer made by Michael Dell and Silver Lake -- to buy the company for $13.65 a share -- is still on the table. Moreover, the two parties have offered to raise their bid to $13.75 per share, if the special committee overseeing the proposed transaction agrees to change the voting rules to exclude non-votes, rather than counting them as "no" votes.

Unfortunately, the original proposal does not seem to have enough shareholder support to go through, while the revised proposal is unlikely to make it to a vote, as the special committee is worried that it will seem unfair to change the rules. Yet the "fair" result is likely to be the worst one for shareholders: a stalemate that prevents any "value-unlocking" activity and leads to a big decline in Dell stock.

Last-minute maneuvers
Earlier this month, shareholders were supposed to vote on the original $13.65 buyout proposal from Michael Dell and Silver Lake. However, with shareholders split roughly 50/50 for and against the transaction, Dell and Silver Lake realized that the buyout proposal was likely to fail. The problem was language in the original agreement that counted non-votes as votes against the buyout proposal.

As a result, Dell and Silver Lake offered to raise their bid from their previous "best and final offer" of $13.65 to $13.75, as long as the special committee overseeing the process agrees to change the voting rules so that non-votes are excluded (i.e., counted as abstentions). Both the price increase and the proposed rule change were intended to smooth the way for Dell to go private. The vote was then rescheduled for this Friday.

Not surprisingly, Carl Icahn of Icahn Enterprises (NASDAQ: IEP  ) and his supporters -- who have vehemently opposed the Dell buyout for months -- are loudly protesting the proposed rule change. (After all, it would presumably end their hopes of gaining control of Dell.) Pressure from shareholders who oppose the buyout will make it difficult or impossible for the Dell special committee to change the voting rules, even if it would make sense to do so.

Top Growth Stocks To Invest In Right Now

Plenty of downside
While Icahn and his group believe that Dell could increase shareholder value by changing Dell's capital structure, it's hard to imagine a scenario where Icahn would be able to carry out those plans. Michael Dell has no intention of leaving the company if the go-private transaction fails.

Moreover, while Icahn's group may have enough votes to sink the go-private transaction, it is highly unlikely that they have enough votes to take control of the board. Michael Dell cannot vote on the go-private deal because of his conflict of interest, but if the deal falls through, his 16% ownership stake in the company will come back into play. Since he will certainly vote against Icahn's proposed board, Icahn will have to get far more than 50% of the "unaffiliated" stockholders to support his proposal. Given that the vote totals have reportedly been very close to 50-50 so far, Icahn seems certain to fall short.

Unfortunately, that would leave Dell in "status quo" mode. With analysts expecting adjusted EPS to plummet to $1 this year (from $1.72 last year) due to PC market weakness and margin compression, the status quo is not something Dell shareholders should look forward to. The Dell special committee estimated early this month that Dell's stock could trade between $5.85 and $8.67 if the buyout fails.

Bad situation
Dell shareholders have no good options right now. The ongoing battle between Carl Icahn and Michael Dell is turning ordinary investors into collateral damage. Neither Icahn nor Dell appears to have enough votes to enact their preferred scenario. However, both sides have dug in and so neither is likely to give up and sell to the other. Right now, Dell (the company) needs leadership and stability, yet the proxy battle is causing chaos. At the end of the day, Dell's competitors are likely to be the only ones who are happy.

It's incredible to think just how much of our digital and technological lives are almost entirely shaped and molded by just a handful of companies. Find out "Who Will Win the War Between the 5 Biggest Tech Stocks?" in The Motley Fool's latest free report, which details the knock-down, drag-out battle being waged by the five kings of tech. Click here to keep reading.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014

It's not easy to reinvent yourself in the biotechnology sector, but that's exactly the path that Alkermes (NASDAQ: ALKS  ) CEO Richard Pops has decided to take his company.

Source: Michael Chen, Flickr.

Over the last half-decade, we've witnessed a huge surge in the number of biotech companies that are geared toward treating orphan diseases (those that affect 200,000 or fewer people). There's absolutely nothing wrong with this given that people with rare diseases need treatment as well, and there can often be big profits in it for companies that put in the time and research dollars.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN  ) , for example, is currently worth more than $21 billion because of its focus on rare diseases. Its lone drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Soliris, is the most expensive drug in the world and is approved to treat a rare blood disorder known as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. This year alone, Soliris is expected to top $1.5 billion in sales.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: Algeta ASA (ALGETA.OL)

Algeta ASA is a Norway-based biotechnology company engaged in the development of targeted cancer therapies based on its alpha-pharmaceutical platform. The Company�� principal product is Alpharadin for the treatment of bone metastases resulting from castration-resistant prostate cancer. The Company�� pipeline also includes Alpharadin for the treatment of bone metastases resulting from breast cancer, a combination of Alpharadin with Taxotere for the treatment of bone metastases resulting from prostate cancer and Thorium-227 showing various cancer indications. The Company develops Alpharadin in a development and marketing cooperation with Bayer Schering Pharma. Algeta ASA is active through the two wholly owned subsidiaries, Algeta Innovations AS and Algeta UK Limited. On April 12, 2012, the Company announced that it estabilished a subsidiary active in the United States, Algeta US.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: Scancell Holdings PLC (SCLP.L)

Scancell Holdings PLC is a United Kingdom-based company. The Company�� principal activity of the consists of the discovery and development of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines for the treatment of cancer. In April 2012, the Company completed recruitment to the Phase 1 clinical trial of SCIBI. In May 2012, the Company commenced recruitment and treatment of the first patient in the second part of it Phase 1/2 clinical trial of SCIBI. The Phase 2 part of the trial is conducted in five United Kingdom centers in Nottingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, and Southampton. On August 15, 2012, the Company announced the development of a platform technology, Moditope.

Top 5 Clean Energy Companies For 2014: Neoprobe Corporation(NEOP)

Neoprobe Corporation, a biomedical company, engages in the development and commercialization of precision diagnostics that enhance patient care and improve patient benefit. The company is developing and commercializing targeted agents aimed at the identification of occult (undetected) disease. Neoprobe?s two lead radiopharmaceutical agent platforms, Lymphoseek and RIGScan are intended to help surgeons better identify and treat certain types of cancer. Lymphoseek is a diagnostic imaging agent intended for radiolabeling and administration in radiodetection and visualization of the lymphatic system draining the region of injection for delineation of the lymphatic tissue; and RIGScan is an intraoperative biologic targeting agent consisting of a radiolabeled murine monoclonal antibody. The company has a biopharmaceutical development and supply agreement with Laureate Biopharmaceutical Services, Inc. to support the initial evaluation of the viability of the CC49 master working c ell bank, as well as the initial steps in re-validating the commercial production process for the biologic agent used in RIGScan CR. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Dublin, Ohio.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.(REGN)

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, and commercializes pharmaceutical products for the treatment of serious medical conditions in the United States. The company?s commercial product includes ARCALYST (rilonacept) injection for subcutaneous use for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes, including familial cold auto-inflammatory syndrome and muckle-wells syndrome in adults and children. Its products under Phase III clinical development stage consist of VEGF Trap-Eye, an aflibercept ophthalmic solution developed using intraocular delivery for the treatment of serious eye diseases; ARCALYST for the prevention of gout flares in patients initiating uric acid-lowering treatment; and Aflibercept (VEGF Trap), which is developed in oncology. The company?s earlier stage clinical programs include various human antibodies, such as REGN727 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction, REGN88 for rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis; REGN668 for atopic dermatitis and asthma; REGN421 and REGN910 for oncology; REGN475 for the treatment of pain; and REGN728 and REGN846. It also conducts preclinical research programs in the areas of oncology and angiogenesis, ophthalmology, metabolic and related diseases, muscle diseases and disorders, inflammation and immune diseases, bone and cartilage, pain, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases. The company distributes its products through third party service providers. It has strategic collaboration with sanofi-aventis Group to discover, develop, and commercialize human monoclonal antibodies; and Bayer HealthCare LLC to develop and commercialize VEGF Trap. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is based in Tarrytown, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Carroll]

  Fellow major biotech stock Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN  ) lost 5% during the week, part of a sustained 15% slump over the past month. Like Biogen, however, Regeneron's a company with a drug preparing for a strong future. The company's asthma therapy dupilumab, made jointly with Big Pharma's Sanofi, absolutely crushed a mid-stage clinical trial by paring asthmatic episodes back 87%. While the drug will need to proceed through later-stage trials before reaching the approval stage, things are looking up for this potentially high-flying asthma therapy in a highly lucrative market.

• [By Sue Chang and Polya Lesova]

  Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (REGN) �shares extended losses for a third session to shed 3.8%. The shares have been very active in recent weeks due to strong interest in its cholesterol drug alirocumab.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Gilead has gained 0.5% to $60.58 today, while Celgene has risen 1.5% to $142.13 and Biogen has advanced 3.8% to $221.1. Medivation is up 1.9% to $57.60. Biogen and Regeneron (REGN), which has gained 6% to $256.71, are two of the three-best performers in the S&P 500 today.

• [By John Divine]

  Lastly, shares of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: REGN  ) shed 4.1% Friday. Shares in the biopharmaceutical company have more than doubled in the last year, and have been an absolute dream for longer-term shareholders, having been a 10-bagger in the past three years, and trading at more than 15 times their value five years ago. Right now, Wall Street is wondering whether Regeneron's still a bargain at 37 times forward earnings, and today's ruling was decisively negative on a day the health-care sector ended was the second-worst performing area of the markets.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: EntreMed Inc (ENMD.PH)

EntreMed, Inc. (EntreMed), incorporated in 1991, is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company. EntreMed's drug candidate is ENMD-2076, an Aurora A and angiogenic kinase inhibitor for the treatment of cancer. ENMD-2076 has completed Phase I studies in patients with advanced solid tumors, multiple myeloma and leukemia and is completing data for a multi-center Phase II study in patients with platinum resistant ovarian cancer. The Company�� other product candidates have includes MKC-1, ENMD-1198 and 2-methoxyestrdiol (2ME2, Panzem) for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

ENMD-2076 is a novel orally-active, Aurora A/angiogenic kinase inhibitor with potent activity against Aurora A and multiple tyrosine kinases linked to cancer and inflammatory diseases. ENMD-2076 is relatively selective for the Aurora A isoform in comparison to Aurora B. Aurora kinases are key regulators of the process of mitosis, or cell division, and are often over-expressed in human cancers. E NMD-2076 exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms of action, including anti-proliferative activity and the inhibition of angiogenesis. ENMD-2076 has demonstrated significant, dose-dependent preclinical activity as a single agent, including tumor regression, in multiple xenograft models (such as breast, colon, leukemia), as well as activity towards ex vivo-treated human leukemia patient cells.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: Exelixis Inc.(EXEL)

Exelixis, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops small molecule therapies for the treatment of cancer. It focuses on developing Cabozantinib, an inhibitor of tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis that target MET, VEGFR2, and RET, which are key kinases involved in the development and progression of various cancers. The cabozantinib is in Phase III clinical trial for the treatment for medullary thyroid cancer. The company also engages in various clinical programs for cabozantinib focused on the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and melanoma. In addition, Exelixis, Inc. involves in developing a portfolio of other novel compounds to address serious unmet medical needs through collaborations with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, sanofi-aventis, Genentech, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim Gm bH, and GlaxoSmithKline and Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited. Its products under development through collaborations include XL475, XL281, XL139, and XL413 inhibitors; ROR antagonists; therapies targeted against LXR, a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders; XL147, XL765, and isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors; XL518, a small-molecule inhibitor of MEK; sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor; XL880 inhibitor; and therapies targeted against the mineralocorticoid receptor, a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The company was formerly known as Exelixis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and changed its name to Exelixis, Inc. in February 2000. Exelixis, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  The biggest new holdings are The Finish Line�and Aeropostale. Other new holdings of interest include biotech company Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL  ) , which received FDA approval last year for its thyroid cancer drug, Cometriq. The drug may also get approved to treat prostate cancer, and the company is looking at treating as many as nine different cancers with it. On the other hand, Cometriq is expensive, and the company's debt has been growing, along with its share count.

• [By Sean Williams]

  Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL  )
  Yesterday was a big day for Exelixis shareholders, as it gave them their first glimpse of Cometriq sales. Designed for the treatment of metastatic medullary thyroid cancer, or MTC -- a rare but particularly aggressive form of thyroid cancer -- Cometriq, which is Exelixis' first drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration, nearly tripled progression-free survival in trials relative to AstraZeneca's (NYSE: AZN  ) Caprelsa, the current standard of treatment (11.2 months compared to four months). Based on those stats alone, I expect Cometriq to take practically all sales from AstraZeneca in MTC.

• [By Sean Williams]

  Where investment dollars are headed
  Thyroid cancer is treated in nearly every case with a full or partial thyroid removal since the majority of thyroid cancers aren't aggressive. However, in those rare cases where surgery isn't an option or the disease has metastasized to other parts of the body, there are two drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration to choose from.

  Caprelsa: AstraZeneca's (NYSE: AZN  ) Caprelsa was approved to treat unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer in April 2011. In trials, AstraZeneca's pill increased progression-free survival over the placebo and delivered an overall response rate of 44%, compared with just 1% for the placebo -- although it should be noted that all responses were partial. However, Caprelsa also comes with a laundry list of side effects that range from something as simple as rash, nausea, and hypertension, to having resulted in death from respiratory arrest and cardiac failure with arrhythmia.� Cometriq: Exelixis' (NASDAQ: EXEL  ) Cometriq was approved last November to treat progressive metastatic medullary thyroid cancer. The capsules work by inhibiting multiple tyrosine kinases, which are crucial to blood vessel growth in solid and metastasizing tumors. In late-stage trials, patients receiving Cometriq demonstrated an astounding 11.2 months of progression-free survival compared with just four months for the placebo. Further, the objective response rate was 27% in the Cometriq arm and a goose egg for the placebo arm. Similar to AstraZeneca's Caprelsa, severe adverse reactions tended to increase for Cometriq users relative to the placebo.

  Just as we've witnessed with every previous cancer in this series, not every drug trial proves successful. Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE  ) Sutent, for instance, is a very successful treatment for kidney cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and pancreatic endocrine tumors, but it didn't fare as wel

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  Finally, SAC Capital's biggest closed positions included Coach�and Dover. Other closed positions of interest include Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL  ) and, also,�Tronox Ltd. (NYSE: TROX  ) . Biotech company Exelixis recently reported non-blowout early sales of its thyroid cancer drug, Cometriq. Some are waiting to see if the drug gets approved to treat prostate cancer, too, and the company is looking at treating as many as nine different�conditions with it, such as bone tumors. On the other hand, Cometriq is expensive, and the company's debt has been growing, along with its share count.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: RXi Pharmaceuticals Corp (RXII)

RXi Pharmaceuticals Corporation (RXi), incorporated on September 8, 2011, is a development-stage company. The Company is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing therapies addressing medical needs using RNA interference (RNAi)-targeted technologies. As of July 12, 2012, RXi was focusing on its internal therapeutic development efforts in fibrosis. RXI-109 is its RNAi product candidate, which is a dermal anti-scarring therapy that targets connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). The Company�� therapeutic platform consists of two main components: RNAi Compounds (rxRNA) and Advanced Delivery Technologies. RNAi compounds include rxRNAori, rxRNAsolo and sd-rxRNA, or self-delivering RNA. On April 26, 2012, it completed the spin-off transaction from Galena Biopharma, Inc. (Galena).

In January 2011, the Company announced research results in collaboration with Generex Biotechnology Corporation, and RXi�� wholly owned subsidiary Antigen Express, Inc., in developing vaccine formulations for immunotherapy. In January 2011, it announced initial results as part of its collaboration with miRagen Therapeutics, Inc. in creating microRNA mimics, or artificial copies of microRNAs, using the Company�� sd-rxRNA technology. In February 2011, it announced the initiation of RXi�� development program for RXI-109.

Hot Biotech Companies To Invest In 2014: Prima BioMed Ltd (PRR)

Prima BioMed Ltd is a biotechnology company is engaged in the development and commercialization of medical therapies with a focus on oncology. Its product candidates in development include Cvac, an autologous dendritic cell vaccine for ovarian cancer, monoclonal antibodies for multiple tumour types, and an oral formulation for the human papilloma virus (HPV), vaccine. Its product candidate Cvac is a dendritic cell therapy, for which it is conducting a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Cvac is designed to target the tumour antigen mucin-1, which is expressed at high levels on different tumour types. It also has two preclinical product development programs. In May 2011, Prima BioMed GmbH, a 100 % owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in Germany. In May 2011, Prima BioMed Middle East FZLLC, a 100 % owned subsidiary of Prima BioMed Ltd, was incorporated in the United Arab Emirates.

5 Stocks Insiders Love Right Now

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- Corporate insiders sell their own companies' stock for a number of reasons.

>>The Pros Hate These 5 Stocks -- Should You?

They might need the cash for a big personal purchase such as a new house or yacht, or they might need the cash to fund a charity. Sometimes they sell as part of a planned selling program that they have put in place for diversification purposes, which allows them to sell stock in stages instead of selling all at one price.

Other times they sell because they think their stock is overvalued and the risk/reward is no longer attractive. Some even dump their own stock because they have inside knowledge that a competitor is eating their lunch and stealing market share.

But insiders usually buy their own shares for one reason: They think the stock is a bargain and has tremendous upside.

>>5 Stocks Under $10 to Trade for Breakouts

The key word in that last statement is "think." Just because a corporate insider thinks his or her stock is going to trade higher, that doesn't mean it will play out that way. Insiders can have all the conviction in the world that their stock is a buy, but if the market doesn't agree with them, the stock could end up going nowhere. Also, I say "usually" because sometimes insiders are loaned money by the company to buy their own stock. Those loans are often sweetheart deals and shouldn't be viewed as organic insider buying.

At the end of the day, its large institutional money managers running big mutual funds and hedge funds that drive stock prices, not insiders. That said, many of these savvy stock operators will follow insider buying activity when they agree with the insider that the stock is undervalued and has upside potential. This is why it's so important to always be monitoring insider activity, but it's twice as important to make sure the trend of the stock coincides with the insider buying.

>>5 Rocket Stocks to Buy Now

Recently, a number of companies' corporate insiders have bought large amounts of stock. These insiders are finding some value in the market, which warrants a closer look at these stocks. Here's a look at five stocks whosed insiders have been doing some big buying per SEC filings.

SolarCity

One renewable energy player that insiders are snapping up a huge amount of stock in here is SolarCity (SCTY), which is engaged in designing, sales, engineering, installation, monitoring, maintenance and financing of solar energy systems to residential and commercial customers, and sale of electricity generated by solar energy systems to customers. Insiders are buying this stock into major strength, since shares are up 375% so far in 2013.

>>5 Stocks Poised for Breakouts

SolarCity has a market cap of $4.4 billion and an enterprise value of $4.7 billion. This stock trades at a premium valuation, with a price-to-sales of 37.33 and a price-to-book of 25.70. Its estimated growth rate for this year is 67.4%, and for next year it's pegged at 1.2%. This is not a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $159.61 million and its total debt is $299.36 million.

A director just bought 214,869 shares, or $10 million worth of stock, at $46.54 a share. The CEO also just bought 107,434 shares, or about $4.99 million worth of stock, at $46.54 a share. An officer also just bought 107,434 shares, or about $4.99 million worth of stock, at $46.54 a share.

From a technical perspective, SCTY is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last two months, with shares soaring higher from its low of $28.31 to its recent high of $64.50 a share. During that uptrend, shares of SCTY have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of SCTY into overbought territory, since its current relative strength index reading is 72.

If you're bullish on SCTY, then I would look for long-biased trades off a significant pullback, since this stock is too extended above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages. This stock has put in a major run recently, so it would be wise to wait for lower prices before initiating any new long positions. Some possible buy areas could be around $50 to $45 a share. Let this stock cool off first and base for a bit before jumping in.

Acorn Energy

Another technology player that insiders are active in here is Acorn Energy (ACFN), which provides digital solutions for energy infrastructure asset management. Insiders are buying this stock into major weakness, since shares are off by 56% so far in 2013.

>>5 Dogs of the Dow to Stomp the Market

Acorn Energy has a market cap of $62 million and an enterprise value of $45 million. This stock trades at a reasonable valuation, with a price-to-sales of 2.98 and a price-to-book of 1.56. Its estimated growth rate for this year is -11.8%, and for next year it's pegged at 50%. This is a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $13.35 million and its total debt is just $251,000. This stock currently sports a 4.3% dividend yield.

A director just bought 80,000 shares, or $228,000 worth of stock, at $2.85 per share.

From a technical perspective, ACFN is currently trending below both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bearish. This stock has been downtrending badly for the last four months, with share plunging from its high of $9.90 to its recent low of $2.85 a share. During that downtrend, shares of ACFN have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of ACFN have now entered oversold territory, since its current relative strength index reading is 33.31. Oversold can always get more oversold, but it's also an area where a stock can rebound sharply higher from.

If you're in the bull camp on ACFN, then look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above some near-term support at $3.21 and then once it breaks out above some near-term overhead resistance at $3.59 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above that level with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 213,249 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then ACFN will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $4.50 to its 50-day moving average at $5.37 a share. This stock could even hit $6 if we see big volume move in here on that breakout.

EV Energy Partner LP

One energy player that insiders are jumping into big here is EV Energy Partner LP (EVEP), which is engaged in the development and production of oil and natural gas properties. Insiders are buying this stock into big weakness, since shares are down by 33% so far in 2013.

>>5 Hated Earnings Stocks You Should Love

EV Energy Partner LP has a market cap of $1.6 billion and an enterprise value of $2.5 billion. This stock trades at a cheap valuation, with a forward price-to-earnings of 25.67. Its estimated growth rate for this year is 155.3%, and for next year it's pegged at 595.2%. This is not a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $8.28 million and its total debt is $1.02 billion. This stock currently sports a dividend yield of 8.4%.

The chairman of the board just bought 135,000 shares, or about $4.97 million worth of stock, at $36.86 per share. The CEO also just bought 15,000 shares, or about $552,000 worth of stock, at $36.86 per share.

From a technical perspective, EVEP is currently trending above its 50-day moving average and well below its 200-day moving average, which is neutral trendwise. This stock has been trending sideways and consolidating over the last two months and change, with shares moving between $34.01 on the downside and $39.74 on the upside. Shares of EVEP have just started to trend back above its 50-day moving average, and it's quickly moving within range of triggering a breakout trade above the upper-end of its sideways chart pattern.

If you're bullish on EVEP, then look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above some key near-term support levels at $36.55 or at $35.60 and then once it breaks out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $38.94 to $39.74 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average volume of 254,366 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then EVEP will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $42 to $42.50, or even its 200-day moving average of $43.29 a share.

Ryman Hospitality Properties

One REIT player that insiders are in love with here is Ryman Hospitality Properties (RHP), which operates as a real estate investment trust specializing in group-oriented, destination hotel assets in urban and resort markets. Insiders are buying this stock into notable weakness, since shares are off by 14% during the last six months.

>>5 Big Stocks to Trade for Big Gains

Top 10 Performing Stocks To Buy Right Now

Ryman Hospitality Properties has a market cap of $1.8 billion and an enterprise value of $2.9 million. This stock trades at a premium valuation, with a trailing price-to-earnings of 86.47 and a forward price-to-earnings of 27.94. Its estimated growth rate for this year is 400%, and for next year it's pegged at -20.2%. This is not a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $44.40 million and its total debt is $1.15 billion. This stock currently sports a dividend yield of 5.5%.

The CEO just bought 6,682 shares, or about $232,000 worth of stock, at $34.79 per share.

From a technical perspective, RHP is currently trending above its 50-day moving average and just below its 200-day moving average, which is neutral trendwise. This stock has been uptrending strong over the last two months, with shares moving higher from its low of $32.50 to its recent high of $37.96 a share. During that move, shares of RHP have been making mostly higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of RHP within range of triggering a big breakout trade.

If you're bullish on RHP, then look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above some near-term support at $36 and then once it breaks out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at its 50-day of $38.43 to some past resistance at $38.74 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average volume of 795,155shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then RHP will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $42 to $44 a share, or even $47 a share.

Accelrys

One final name with some large insider buying is Accelrys (ACCL), which develops and commercializes scientific business intelligence software and solutions that enable its customers to accelerate the discovery and development of new drugs and materials. Insiders are buying this stock into modest strength, since shares are up 7.9% so far in 2013.

Accelrys has a market cap of $542 million and an enterprise value of $404 million. This stock trades at a premium valuation, with a trailing price-to-earnings of 85.70 and a forward price-to-earnings of 25.71. Its estimated growth rate for this year is -8.6%, and for next year it's pegged at 18.8%. This is a cash-rich company, since the total cash position on its balance sheet is $130.84 million and its total debt is zero.

A beneficial owner just bought 200,000 shares, or about $1.88 million worth of stock, at $9.40 per share.

From a technical perspective, ACCL is currently trending above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, which is bullish. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last five months, with shares moving higher from its low of 8.03 to its recent high of $10 a share. During that uptrend, shares of ACCL have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of ACCL within range of triggering a big breakout trade.

If you're bullish on ACCL, then look for long-biased trades as long as this stock is trending above its 50-day at $9.43 or its 200-day at $9.19 and then once it breaks out above some near-term overhead resistance at $9.90 a share to its 52-week high at $10 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 121,560 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then ACCL will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $13 to $15 a share.

To see more stocks with notable insider buying, check out the Stocks With Big Insider Buying portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

RELATED LINKS:

>>4 Financial Stocks Rising on Big Volume

>>4 Stocks Under $10 Spiking Higher

>>Do You Own These Blue-Chips? Sell Them!

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Roberto Pedone, based out of Delafield, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on technical analysis for small- and large-cap stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. Roberto studied international business at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany. His work has appeared on financial outlets including

CNBC.com and Forbes.com. You can follow Pedone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zerosum24 or @zerosum24.

Top 5 High Tech Companies To Watch In Right Now

U.S. stocks traded in a narrow range today, ending the day essentially unchanged as the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC  ) and the narrower, price-weighted Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) fell 0.05% and 0.28%, respectively.

Consistent with that small loss, the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) (VOLATILITYINDICES: ^VIX  ) , Wall Street's "fear index," rose just 0.4% to close at 16.44. (The VIX is calculated from S&P 500 option prices and reflects investor expectations for stock market volatility over the coming 30 days.)

Zynga: Don't play this game
The shares of social games developer Zynga (NASDAQ: ZNGA  ) are up by nearly a fifth in two days (see graph) on news that founder Mark Pincus is stepping down as CEO to make way for Don Mattrick, who had been the president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Division. Is that "pop" justified?

Top 5 High Tech Companies To Watch In Right Now: Astea International Inc.(ATEA)

Astea International Inc. develops, markets, and supports service management software solutions worldwide. The company licenses its solutions to various companies that sell and service equipment, and/or sell and deliver professional services. It offers Astea Alliance suite that includes series of applications to address lead generation, project quotation, service and billing, and asset retirement services. Astea International Inc. integrates and optimizes business processes for campaigns, call center, depot repair, field service, logistics, projects, and sales and order processing applications; provides mobile, dynamic scheduling, portals, and business intelligence solutions; and offers infrastructure tools and services. It also provides FieldCentrix Enterprise suite, a service management solution that runs on various mobile devices, such as handheld computers, laptops and PCs, and pocket PC devices, as well as integrates with CRM and ERP applications; and features a Web-ba sed customer self-service portal, workforce optimization capabilities, and equipment-centric functionality. In addition, the company offers consulting, implementation, training, and maintenance services. Its solutions are used in information technology, medical devices and diagnostic systems, industrial controls and instrumentation, retail systems, office automation, imaging systems, facilities management, telecommunications, and other industries with equipment sales and service requirements. Astea International Inc. markets its products through a network of direct and indirect sales and services offices; and through distributors consisting of value-added resellers, system integrators, and sales agents, as well as original equipment manufacturer partners. The company was formerly known as Applied System Technologies, Inc. and changed its name to Astea International Inc. in 1992. Astea International Inc. was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Horsham, Pennsylvania.

Top 5 High Tech Companies To Watch In Right Now: AsiaInfo-Linkage Inc.(ASIA)

AsiaInfo-Linkage, Inc. provides telecommunications software solutions and information technology (IT) products and services to telecommunications carriers and other enterprises in the People?s Republic of China. The company offers business and operation support systems product suites, including OpenBilling, a billing solution for telecommunications operators; OpenCRM, a CRM solution suite for telecommunications operators; OpenBOSS, a carrier-class business operation support system solution; OpenBI, a carrier-class operating analysis and decision support system platform; OpenPRM, a system that calculates, manages, and reconciles payment for intercarrier network access. It also provides network management solutions comprising NetXpert, a data and Internet protocol network management solution; and OpenXpert, an integrated telecommunications network management system. In addition, the company offers service applications products, such as Mail Center, an online messaging softwa re; Spam Patrol software for real time anti-spam control; and Net Disk, a network hard disk product, which facilitates Internet-based file transfer, sharing, and management, as well as supports other functions, such as data processing of short message folders and synchronization of mobile devices. Its service applications products also include Internet Short Messaging Gateway, a business support platform for value-added short messaging services; and Device Management Platform that enables mobile operators to manage various mobile devices and perform remote mobile device management, such as remote diagnosis and parameter setup. In addition, it offers software enhancement and maintenance, system integration, and other value-added IT consulting and planning services. The company was formerly known as AsiaInfo Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to AsiaInfo-Linkage, Inc. in July 2010. AsiaInfo-Linkage, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People?s Republ ic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rajhkumar K Shaaw]

  BNP Paribas Securities (Asia) Ltd., Macquarie Capital Securities (India) Pvt. and Ambit Capital Pvt. cut their Sensex targets as the Reserve Bank of India unexpectedly increased its benchmark interest rate to stem a record decline in the rupee and curb consumer prices in the world�� second-most populous nation. Strategists reduced their average profit estimate by 4.5 percent as higher borrowing costs threaten to worsen the slowest economic expansion since 2009.

Top 10 Value Stocks To Buy For 2014: Precision Castparts Corporation(PCP)

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCC) manufactures and sells metal components and products worldwide. Its Investment Cast Products segment offers aerospace structural and airfoil castings; industrial gas turbine (IGT) castings; artificial hips and knees; parts for satellite launch vehicles; landing gear struts and engine inlets for unmanned aerial vehicles; impellers for pumps and compressors; components for armament systems; and alloys for other manufacturers of investment castings. The company?s Forged Products segment provides forged components for jet engines, including fan discs, compressor discs, turbine discs, seals, spacers, shafts, hubs, and cases; airframe structural components, such as landing gear beams, bulkheads, wing structures, engine mounts, struts, tail flaps, and housings; discs, spacers, and valve components for steam turbine and IGT engines; shafts, cases, and compressor and turbine discs for marine gas engines; mechanical and structural tubular forged produ cts for energy markets; and forged components for propulsion systems on nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as forgings for pumps, valves, and structural applications. PCC?s Fastener Products segment offers aerospace fasteners comprising bolts, nuts, nut plates, latches, expandable diameter fasteners, quick release pins, hydraulic fittings, bushings, inserts, collars, and other precision components. It also provides refiner plates and screen cylinders for the pulp and paper industry; metal-injection-molded and ThixoFormed components; grinder pumps and components for sewer systems; gas monitoring systems for the power generation industry; and thread-rolling and trimming dies, pins and steel, and carbide forging tools for fastener production. PCC sells its fastener products and services through a network of distributors and independent sales representatives, as well as through a direct sales and marketing staff. The company was founded in 1949 and is based in Por tland, Oregon.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Precision Castparts Corp. (NYSE: PCP) was raised to Outperform from Market Perform and it was given a price range of $240 to $248 at Wells Fargo.

  Regeneron�Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) was started with an Outperform rating and a $300 price target at Oppenheimer.

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  Precision Castparts (NYSE: PCP  ) , up 38%, has been busy. The aerospace components maker recently acquired Permaswage for $600 million, and sold Primus Composites to Triumph Group. Its last quarter featured double-digit revenue and earnings growth, benefiting from the acquisition of Titanium Metals. One catalyst for the company is expected growth in commercial airplane sales.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Triumph Group (NYSE: TGI) now holds a new asset following a deal inked with Precision Castparts (NYSE: PCP). Triumph has acquired Primus Composites from its counterpart. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Precision Castparts (NYSE: PCP  ) will release its quarterly report on Thursday, and judging from the movement of its stock, investors are expecting good results. With activity in the aerospace industry helping the aircraft components maker's business, Precision Castparts earnings look poised to produce strong growth both this quarter and well into the future.

Top 5 High Tech Companies To Watch In Right Now: Blue Dolphin Energy Company (BDCO)

Blue Dolphin Energy Company operates as an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products. The company separates crude oil and condensate into off-road diesel and jet fuel for sale into nearby markets, as well as naphtha and atmospheric gas oil for sale to nearby refineries for further processing. It also provides pipeline transportation services comprising gathering and transporting oil and natural gas for producers/shippers operating offshore in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. In addition, the company engages in the oil and gas exploration and production activities. It holds leasehold interests in the North Sumatra Basin-Langsa field located offshore Indonesia; and High Island Block 115 located to the southeast of Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston Area Block 321 located to the southeast of Galveston, and High Island Block 37 located to the south of Sabine Pass in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Blue Dolphin Energy Company operates as a subsidiary of Lazarus Energy Holdings, LLC.

Top 5 High Tech Companies To Watch In Right Now: ARMOUR Residential REIT Inc (ARR)

ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc.( ARMOUR), incorporated on February 5, 2008, is an externally-managed Maryland corporation managed by ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. The Company invests primarily in hybrid adjustable rate, adjustable rate and fixed rate residential mortgage backed securities (RMBS). These securities are issued or guaranteed by a United States Government-sponsored entity (GSE), such as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), or are guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Administration (Ginnie Mae) collectively, Agency Securities. From time to time, a portion of its portfolio may be invested in unsecured notes and bonds issued by United States Government-chartered entities, collectively, Agency Debt. As of December 31, 2012, Agency Securities account for 100% of its portfolio.

The Company seeks long-term investment returns by investing its equity capital and borrowed funds in its targeted asset class of Agency Securities. The Company�� assets have been invested in Agency Securities or money market instruments, primarily deposits at federally chartered banks. The Company borrows against its Agency Securities using repurchase agreements. Its borrowings generally have maturities that may range from one month or less, up to one year, although occasionally it may enter into longer dated borrowing agreements to more closely match the rate adjustment period of its Agency Securities.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Amanda Alix]

  All mREITs are taking it on the chin
  The agency crew, led by heavy hitters Annaly Capital (NYSE: NLY  ) , American Capital Agency (NASDAQ: AGNC  ) , and Armour Residential (NYSE: ARR  ) , have all been close to hitting 52-week lows, but the blood-letting hasn't stopped there. Even hybrid mortgage REITs, which also buy some non-agency paper, have plunged, as well. Two Harbors (NYSE: TWO  ) , which enjoyed such a nice lift post-earnings about a month ago, recently sunk to new lows, and Invesco Mortgage Capital (NYSE: IVR  ) has also slipped, even after its CIO's recent show of faith, making a sizable insider purchase�of stock less than two weeks ago.

Cisco to Acquire Composite Software

Highlighting the continued importance of data virtualization, Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO  ) announced this morning it would acquire privately held Composite Software, a data virtualization software and services specialist, for approximately $180 million in cash and retention-based incentives.

By consolidating the data in a simplified view, Composite's software helps businesses quickly integrate and analyze data and workflow across platforms, taking into account the cloud, as well as big data. This allows businesses to make better, more informed decisions in real time. Through this connection, companies can better leverage their network knowledge and programmability, maximizing the benefits of data virtualization, because it appears as if it's all in one place.

Cisco President and COO Gary Moore said: "By combining our network expertise with the performance of Cisco's unified computing system and Composite's software, we will provide customers with instant access to data analysis for greater business intelligence."

Top 5 Canadian Companies To Buy For 2014

Upon completion of the acquisition, Composite will be operated under Cisco's services platforms group and its integration brokerage technology group. The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2014.

Cisco's shares are down 0.6% to $24.54 in early morning trading.

What Big Data Will Mean for Advisors

Purchasing a prospect list or subscribing to some lead generation service is one of the more mundane activities of financial advisors seeking to build their business.

But that unremarkable activity flies in the face of a powerful emerging new trend across the economy — the rise of “big data” — whose very essence is analyzing and understanding the data assets you already own.

That is one of the findings of a new study of big data based specifically on financial professionals. The global survey, conducted jointly by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA),  might have been inspired by the needs of the accounting profession, but its lessons should apply equally to other financial professionals.

Respondents included more than 2000 CFOs and other finance professionals from more than 80 countries, and the feedback included interviews with senior executives.

One such interview was with Matthew Keylock, a top executive with dunnhumby, a data analytics company that helps companies better understand their customers.

Keylock made the key point that “your own data is the place to start,” adding that “buying third-party data may be fine for prospecting activity, and can add color to your own customer records, but it is not the foundation you want to build on.”

By sifting through your own data assets, financial professionals can, for example, “identify and address declining client accounts, but also…reward desirable behaviors,” Keylock is quoted as saying.

To financial professionals who may be intimidated by the notion of big data, Keylock counsels a phased approach: “A massive data project with the hope of some future value is a high-risk undertaking.”

But financial professionals ignore at their peril the insights they can glean from their data. That is because the benefits of that data, according to the surveyed financial professionals, include opportunities to identify cost savings and efficiencies; the ability to track your performance; forecasting capabilities; risk monitoring; and increased revenues — through factors such as better customer segmentation.

Harnessing the data — which can come from sources as diverse as call-center recordings and clients’ social media posts — is a key challenge: 86% of finance professionals surveyed said extracting insights from their data was a struggle.

That’s where the software industry comes in to develop tools for specific industry segments that can help in the process of insight extraction. But, as a summary of the survey states: “This remains challenging because businesses must first determine how they will use data to improve their performance before selecting a technical solution.”

To do that, a sound division of labor is needed. Big data is a new field; its analysis may require skills that financial professionals lack. Similarly, those skilled at such analysis typically do not have the skill set of financial professionals — “clear communication, the ability to lead and influence, and a strategic understanding of the business” in the words of the study — that can turn new ideas into concrete action.

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For that reason, financial professionals will need to partner with their IT colleagues to make their data assets actionable.

Financial professionals should not be daunted by the task. “They already know how to work with data, they understand the inner workings of the business and they are well placed to help turn new data insights into commercial advantage,” the report’s summary states.

The trick now is to harness nontraditional data, which will require new ways of thinking. But those who can make that adaptation — including small firms, the study emphasizes — should realize a competitive advantage in the coming years.

---

Check out Pershing CIO Targets Apple-Like User Experience on ThinkAdvisor.

5 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) is just about the most elite club on the market. The 30 component stocks made their way in through decades of rock-solid performance, a sterling business reputation, and a certain je ne sais quoi that sets the cream apart from the crop.

But even a top-shelf collection like this one contains a wealth of paradoxes. For example, Bank of America (NYSE: BAC  ) is a traditional value and income stock ��with a nearly nonexistent dividend and stellar share price growth. The megabank is still clawing its way back from the brink of oblivion, thanks to the 2008 subprime implosion.

AT&T (NYSE: T  ) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ  ) pay the richest dividend yields on the Dow right now ��but they are among the worst when it comes to growing those payouts. That's a truly mature industry at work. Meanwhile, nobody boosts dividend policies quite like insurance giant UnitedHealth (NYSE: UNH  ) but its yield still ranks among the thinnest on the Dow. That's a nice problem to have, since it stems from a rapidly rising share price.

5 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Chevron Corporation(CVX)

Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in petroleum, chemicals, mining, power generation, and energy operations worldwide. It operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment involves in the exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas; processing, liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as holds interest in a gas-to-liquids project. The Downstream segment engages in the refining of crude oil into petroleum products; marketing of crude oil and refined products primarily under the Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex brand names; transportation of crude oil and refined products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment, and rail car; and manufacture and marketing of commodity petrochemicals, plastics for industrial uses, and fuel and lubricant additives. It a lso produces and markets coal and molybdenum; and holds interests in 13 power assets with a total operating capacity of approximately 3,100 megawatts, as well as involves in cash management and debt financing activities, insurance operations, real estate activities, energy services, and alternative fuels and technology business. Chevron Corporation has a joint venture agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation. The company was formerly known as ChevronTexaco Corp. and changed its name to Chevron Corporation in May 2005. Chevron Corporation was founded in 1879 and is based in San Ramon, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Maxfield]

  In terms of individual stocks, shares of Chevron (NYSE: CVX  ) are headed higher in afternoon trading after the oil giant reported first-quarter earnings (link opens PDF) before the bell. While the oil giant saw its revenue and net income decline by 6.4% and 4.5%, respectively, its earnings per share managed to come in ahead of estimates. For the three months ended March 31, the company earned $3.31 per share compared to the consensus estimate of $3.09 per share. Like ExxonMobil, which reported yesterday, Chevron's top and bottom lines were the latest victims of falling global oil prices.

5 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Nordson Corporation(NDSN)

Nordson Corporation manufactures equipment used for precision dispensing, testing and inspection, and surface preparation and curing. Its Adhesive Dispensing Systems segment manufactures equipment for applying adhesives, lotions, and liquids to disposable products; automated adhesive dispensing systems for the food and beverage, and packaged goods industries; hot melt and cold glue adhesive dispensing systems for the paper and paperboard converting industries; adhesive and sealant dispensing systems for bonding or sealing plastic, metal, and wood products; and laminating and coating systems to manufacture continuous-roll goods in the nonwovens, textile, paper, and flexible-packaging industries. The company?s Advanced Technology Systems segment comprises automated gas plasma treatment systems used to clean and condition surfaces for the semiconductor, medical, and printed circuit board industries; controlled manual and automated systems for applying materials in customer pr ocesses requiring precision and material conservation; ultraviolet equipment used in curing and drying operations for specialty coatings, semiconductor materials, and paints; and bond testing and automated optical and x-ray inspection systems used in the semiconductor and printed circuit board industries. Its Industrial Coating Systems segment provides automated and manual dispensing systems used for applying coatings, paint, finishes, sealants, and other materials. Nordson Corporation markets its products in the United States and internationally through a direct sales force, as well as through qualified distributors and sales representatives. It serves various markets, including the appliance, automotive, bookbinding, container, converting, electronics, food and beverage, furniture, life sciences and medical, metal finishing, non woven, packaging, and semiconductor industries. The company was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Westlake, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Travis Hoium]

  What: Shares of industrial product manufacturer Nordson (NASDAQ: NDSN  ) dropped as much as 10% today after the company reported fiscal second-quarter earnings.

Best Blue Chip Companies For 2014: PMC Commercial Trust(PCC)

PMC Commercial Trust operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT). It primarily originates loans to small businesses, principally in the limited service hospitality industry, collateralized by first liens on the real estate of the related business. The company has elected to be treated as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and would not be subject to federal income tax, provided it distributes approximately 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders. PMC Commercial Trust was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

5 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: ITT Industries Inc.(ITT)

ITT Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells a range of engineered products, and provides related services worldwide. Its Defense & Information Solutions segment develops tactical communications equipment, electronic warfare and force protection equipment, radar systems, integrated structures equipment, and imaging and sensor equipment, including night vision goggles, as well as weather, location, surveillance, and other related technologies for military and government agencies. It also provides services comprising air traffic management, information and cyber solutions, large-scale systems engineering, and integration and defense technologies; satellite-based imaging payloads for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance solutions; and high-resolution commercial imaging systems with earth and space science applications, climate and environmental monitoring sensors and systems, and GPS navigation and software applications designed for image and data processing and dissemination. The company?s Fluid Technology segment provides water transport and wastewater treatment systems, pumps and related technologies, and other water and fluid control products with municipal, residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Its Motion & Flow Control segment manufactures shock absorbers and brake friction materials for the transportation industry; switch applications for the industrial and aerospace industries; electrical connectors used in telecommunications, computers, aerospace, medical, and industrial applications; and a range of pumps and tailored products for marine, food and beverage, and general industrial markets. The company was formerly known as ITT Industries, Inc. and changed its name to ITT Corporation in July 2006. ITT Corporation was founded in 1920 and is based in White Plains, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jeremy Bowman]

  What: Shares of ITT Educational Services (NYSE: ITT  ) were flying higher today, gaining as much 34% after smashing analyst estimates in its quarterly report.

• [By Will Ashworth]

  As for the other stocks in the portfolio, you can’t ignore the performance of both Apollo (APO) and ITT Corp. (ITT).

  It’s been a busy year for private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which got the Twinkie back on grocery store shelves in July. Carried interest income more than doubled in the first six months of the year to $1.4 billion.

• [By Stephen Simpson, CFA]

  This is a logical deal for SKF on multiple fronts. For starters, Kaydon will meaningfully expand the company's U.S. presence - something it could have done on its own eventually, but certainly not without spending money. With that, there is the possibility of using Kaydon's existing U.S. footprint to sell more SKF products and further trouble rivals like RBC Bearings (ROLL) and ITT (ITT).

5 Best Dividend Stocks To Buy Right Now: Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold Inc.(FCX)

Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. engages in the exploration, mining, and production of mineral resources. The company primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and cobalt. It holds interests in various properties, located in North and South America; the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; and the Tenke Fungurume minerals district in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of December 31, 2010, the company?s consolidated recoverable proven and probable reserves totaled 120.5 billion pounds of copper, 35.5 million ounces of gold, 3.39 billion pounds of molybdenum, 325.0 million ounces of silver, and 0.75 billion pounds of cobalt. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chandan Dubey]

  I am increasingly finding myself at a loss to describe what I feel after reading the proxy of Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold (FCX).

  I started getting interested in the stock in October 2011 when the stock price dropped precipitously to $28.85. The immediate reason was Indonesian labor strike at Grasberg. There were violent fights between unionized and un-unionized workers and the mine had to be closed at the expense of loss in production. Coupled with a jittery market the stock dropped to a level not seen since Jul 2010.

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  Shares of newly minted global resource company, Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE: FCX  ) , are up over 3% after the company reported its second-quarter earnings. The company beat Wall Street's earnings estimate, though its revenue was a little light. Let's take a quick look at what went down in the quarter.

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  Gold investors weren't the only ones having a rough year. Other commodities such as silver and copper have been sinking this year as well, sending top stocks such as Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW  ) and Freeport McMoRan (NYSE: FCX  ) down by double digits. Again, looking at the chart, you can see a pretty big correlation between falling commodity prices and the subsequent fall in the price of each stock.

21 Commercial Banking Stocks to Buy Now

Popular Posts: 7 “Triple A” Stocks to Buy7 Biotechnology Stocks to Buy Now16 Oil and Gas Stocks to Sell Now Recent Posts: 8 Biotechnology Stocks to Sell Now 7 Semiconductor Stocks to Sell Now 21 Commercial Banking Stocks to Buy Now View All Posts

The grades of 21 Commercial Banking stocks are better this week, according to the Portfolio Grader database. Every one of these stocks has an “A” (“strong buy”) or “B” overall (“buy”) rating.

Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ:) is bettering its rating of C (“hold”) from last week to a B (“buy”) this week. Pinnacle Financial Partners is a holding company for Pinnacle National Bank. In Portfolio Grader’s specific subcategory of Earnings Revisions, PNFP also gets an A. The stock price has risen 8.3% over the past month, better than the 1.3% decrease the Nasdaq has seen over the same period of time. .

This week, Taylor Capital Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:) is showing good progress as the company’s rating jumps from a B (“buy”) last week to an A (“strong buy”). Taylor Capital Group is a bank holding company for Cole Taylor Bank. .

BSB Bancorp, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:) ratings are looking better this week, moving up to a B from last week’s C. BSB Bancorp operates as a bank holding company. .

BNC Bancorp (NASDAQ:) shows solid improvement this week. The company’s rating rises from a C to a B. BNC Bancorp offers products and services to individuals and small- to medium-sized local businesses. .

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:) earns a B this week, jumping up from last week’s grade of C. Wells Fargo provides financial services in mainly wholesale banking, mortgage banking, consumer finance, equipment leasing, agricultural finance and commercial finance. .

PacWest Bancorp (NASDAQ:) improves from a C to a B rating this week. PacWest Bancorp is the holding company for Pacific Western Bank. Wall Street seems to agree with the upgrade and has propelled the stock up 8.7% over the past month. .

This is a strong week for U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:). The company’s rating climbs to B from the previous week’s C. U.S. Bancorp provides banking and financial services. .

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (NASDAQ:) is seeing ratings go up from a C last week to a B this week. Huntington Bancshares is a multi-state bank holding company. .

Independent Bank Corp. (NASDAQ:) boosts its rating from a C to a B this week. Independent Bank is the holding company for Rockland Trust. .

The rating of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:) moves up this week, rising from a C to a B. First Financial Bankshares is a multi-bank holding company. .

Pacific Continental Corporation (NASDAQ:) gets a higher grade this week, advancing from a B last week to an A. Pacific Continental Bank is a bank holding company that provides commercial banking, financing, and mortgage lending in parts of Washington state and Oregon. .

This week, First Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:) pushes up from a C to a B rating. First Community Bancshares is the holding company for First Community Bank. Wall Street has pushed the stock higher by 7.9% over the past month. .

This week, Bryn Mawr Bank Corporation’s (NASDAQ:) ratings are up from a C last week to a B. Bryn Mawr Bank offers a full range of personal and business banking services. .

The rating of Banco de Chile Sponsored ADR (NYSE:) moves up this week, rising from a C to a B. NonactiveBanco de Chile provides a wide customer base of individuals and corporations with general banking services. At present, the stock has a dividend yield of 3.3%. .

This is a strong week for BOK Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:). The company’s rating climbs to B from the previous week’s C. BOK Financial provides a range of financial services to commercial and industrial customers, other financial institutions, and consumers in the United States. .

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:) gets a higher grade this week, advancing from a C last week to a B. Glacier Bancorp is a regional multi-bank holding company providing commercial financial services to individuals and corporations. Investors seem to agree with the upgraded status of the stock, and have pushed the stock up 6.5% over the past month. .

Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:) ratings are looking better this week, moving up to a B from last week’s C. Washington Trust offers a range of financial services to individuals and businesses, including wealth management. Investors have pushed the stock price up 7.2% over the past month. .

First Connecticut Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ:) shows solid improvement this week. The company’s rating rises from a C to a B. First Connecticut Bancorp operates as the holding company for Farmington Bank that provides consumer and commercial banking services to businesses, individuals, and governments in central Connecticut. Wall Street seems to agree with the upgrade and has propelled the stock up 7.5% over the past month. .

First Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:) improves from a B to an A rating this week. South Carolina Bank and Trust is a bank holding company that provides retail and commercial banking, mortgage lending, consumer finance loans, and trust and investment services. .

This week, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:) pushes up from a C to a B rating. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce is a global financial institution that serves clients through CIBC retail markets and wholesale banking. The stock’s dividend yield is 3.6%. .

The Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:) boosts its rating from a C to a B this week. Bank of Nova Scotia offers various personal, commercial, corporate, and investment banking services in Canada and internationally. The current dividend yield is 2.4%. .

5 Best Penny Stocks For 2014

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

3 Tech Stocks Rising on Big Volume

DELAFIELD, Wis. (Stockpickr) -- Professional traders running mutual funds and hedge funds don't just look at a stock's price moves; they also track big changes in volume activity. Often when above-average volume moves into an equity, it precedes a large spike in volatility.

>>5 Stocks Ready to Break Out

Major moves in volume can signal unusual activity, such as insider buying or selling -- or buying or selling by "superinvestors."

Unusual volume can also be a major signal that hedge funds and momentum traders are piling into a stock ahead of a catalyst. These types of traders like to get in well before a large spike, so it's always a smart move to monitor unusual volume. That said, remember to combine trend and price action with unusual volume. Put them all together to help you decipher the next big trend for any stock.

>>5 Hated Earnings Stocks You Should Love

With that in mind, let's take a look at several stocks rising on unusual volume today.

Evolving Systems

Evolving Systems (EVOL) is a provider of software solutions and services to the wireless, wireline and cable markets. This stock closed up 1.8% to $11.19 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 623,000

Three-Month Average Volume: 59,439

Volume % Change: 350%

>>5 Big Stocks to Trade for Big Gains

From a technical perspective, EVOL spiked higher here with heavy upside volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last six months, with shares moving higher from its low of $5.25 to its recent high of $11.34. During that uptrend, shares of EVOL have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. That move has now pushed shares of EVOL within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if EVOL manages to take out its 52-week high at $11.34 with high volume.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in EVOL as long as it's trending above some near-term support levels at $10.50 or at $10, and then once it sustains a move or close above its 52-week high at $11.34 with volume that hits near or above 59,439 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then EVOL will set up to enter new 52-week-high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $15 to $17.

SunPower

SunPower (SPWR) designs, manufactures and delivers high-performance solar electric systems worldwide for residential, commercial and utility-scale power plant customers. This stock closed up 4.66% at $30.35 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 6.31 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 3.47 million

Volume % Change: 98%

>>5 Stocks Under $10 Set to Soar

From a technical perspective, SPWR ripped higher here with strong upside volume. This stock has been uptrending strong for the last two months, with shares moving higher from its low of $20.61 to its intraday high of $31.19. During that move, shares of SPWR have been consistently making higher lows and higher highs, which is bullish technical price action. This move also pushed shares of SPWR into new 52-week-high territory, since the stock took out its previous 52-week high at $29.48.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in SPWR as long as it's trending above Monday's low of $28.25 and then once it sustains a move or close above its new 52-week high at $31.19 with volume that hits near or above 3.47 million shares. If we get that move soon, then SPWR will set up to enter new 52-week high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $35 to $40.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor (TRIP) is an online travel company empowering users to plan and have the perfect trip. This stock closed up 1.3% at $75.01 in Monday's trading session.

Monday's Volume: 3.28 million

Three-Month Average Volume: 1.69 million

Volume % Change: 92%

>>5 Stocks Hedge Funds Love This Fall

From a technical perspective, TRIP rose modestly higher here and trended back above its 50-day moving average of $74.60 with strong upside volume. This stock recently dropped sharply from its high of $79.89 to its low of $68.11. Since that drop, shares of TRIP have started to rebound sharply and test its 50-day moving average.

Traders should now look for long-biased trades in TRIP as long as it's trending above Monday's low of $72.54 and then once it sustains a move or close above Monday's high of $75.07 with volume that's near or above 1.69 million shares. If we get that move soon, then TRIP will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $79.89 to its 52-week high at $82.19.

To see more stocks rising on unusual volume, check out the Stocks Rising on Unusual Volume portfolio on Stockpickr.

-- Written by Roberto Pedone in Delafield, Wis.

RELATED LINKS:

Top Cheap Companies To Watch For 2014

>>Why I'm Sticking By Dow 55,000

>>4 Stocks Under $10 Making Big Moves

>>SolarCity Set to Soar Even Higher

Follow Stockpickr on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

At the time of publication, author had no positions in stocks mentioned.

Roberto Pedone, based out of Delafield, Wis., is an independent trader who focuses on technical analysis for small- and large-cap stocks, options, futures, commodities and currencies. Roberto studied international business at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and he spent a year overseas studying business in Lubeck, Germany. His work has appeared on financial outlets including

CNBC.com and Forbes.com. You can follow Pedone on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zerosum24 or @zerosum24.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014

ABN Amro Private Banking trimmed its global equity allocation for the first time in a year as investor speculation that the Federal Reserve may reduce the pace of its asset purchases sent a measure of volatility to a 15-week high this month.

ABN Amro�� wealth-management unit cut its equity holding to 40 percent in June from 44 percent in March after increasing it for three consecutive quarters. It raised its cash investment to 13 percent from zero, the highest in a year. The Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index, or VIX, a gauge of options used to protect against losses in the Standard & Poor�� 500 Index, rose to 18.59 on June 12, the highest since Feb. 25.

��e��e seeing higher volatility across almost all asset classes,��Didier Duret, chief investment officer for the private bank, which manages 165 billion euros ($220 billion), said in an interview from Amsterdam yesterday. ��e want to observe the volatility in the equity and currency markets, and manage risk. Seeing volatility come down would be an opportunity for us to go back into equities, which are the next target.��

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: State Street Corporation(STT)

State Street Corporation, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to institutional investors worldwide. The company?s Investment Servicing business line provides products and services, including custody, product- and participant-level accounting; daily pricing and administration; master trust and master custody; record-keeping; foreign exchange, brokerage, and other trading services; securities finance; deposit and short-term investment facilities; loan and lease financing; investment manager and alternative investment manager operations outsourcing; and performance, risk, and compliance analytics. This segment also offers shareholder services, which comprise mutual fund and collective investment fund shareholder accounting. Its Investment Management business line provides a range of investment management, investment research, and other related services, such as securities finance; and strategies for managing passive and active financ ial assets, such as enhanced indexing and hedge fund strategies for U.S. and global equities and fixed-income securities. The company serves mutual funds, collective investment funds and other investment pools, corporate and public retirement plans, insurance companies, foundations, endowments, and investment managers. State Street Corporation was founded in 1832 and is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By GuruFocus]

  Sold Out: State Street Corp (STT)

  Tom Gayner sold out his holdings in State Street Corp. His sale prices were between $56.51 and $67.44, with an estimated average price of $62.2.

• [By Sean Williams]

  Similarly, investment management and services company State Street (NYSE: STT  ) added 4.1% in spite of a lack of news. The move does, however, come just a few days after TheStreet.com reiterated its buy recommendation on the stock. It's also worth noting that State Street Chairman and CEO Joseph Hooley will be presenting at the Morgan Stanley�Financials Conference in two weeks. Usually conferences like these allow investment firms like State Street to instill confidence in analysts, and it's not uncommon to see upgrades (and downgrades) follow these meetings.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Popular Inc.(BPOP)

Popular, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of retail and commercial banking products and services primarily to corporate clients, small and middle size businesses, and retail clients in Puerto Rico and Mainland United States. It offers deposit products; commercial, consumer, and mortgage loans, as well as lease finance; and finance and advisory services. The company also offers trust and asset management, brokerage and investment banking, and insurance and reinsurance services. As of December 31, 2010, it owned and occupied approximately 94 branch premises and other facilities in Puerto Rico; and 119 offices, including 20 owned and 99 leased in New York, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Texas. Popular, Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Popular (NASDAQ: BPOP) shares tumbled 5.54 percent to $27.48 after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock from Equal-weight to Underweight.

  Pacific Coast Oil Trust (NYSE: ROYT) down, falling 7.13 percent to $16.70 after the company priced a public offering by Pacific Coast Energy Company LP and other selling unitholders of 13,500,000 trust units at a price of $17.10 per unit.

Top 10 Performing Companies To Watch For 2014: Itau Unibanco Holding SA (ITUB.N)

Itau Unibanco Holding S.A., incorporated on September 9, 1943, is a bank in Brazil. The Company has four operational segments: Commercial Banking, Itau BBA, Consumer Credit and Corporate and Treasury. Commercial banking, including insurance, pension plan and capitalization products, credit cards, asset management and a variety of credit products and services for individuals, small and middle-market companies). Itau BBA includes corporate and investment banking. Consumer credit includes financial products and services to its non-accountholders. Corporate and treasury includes the results related to the trading activities in its portfolio, trading related to managing currency, interest rate and other market risk factors, gap management and arbitrage opportunities in domestic and foreign markets. It also includes the results associated with financial income from the investment of its excess capital.

On October 24, 2010, Itau Unibanco completed the integration of customer service locations throughout Brazil. In total, 998 branches and 245 customer site branches (CSB) of Unibanco were redesigned and integrated as Itau Unibanco customer service locations, thus creating a network of approximately 4,700 units in the country under the Itau brand. The Company is a financial holding company controlled by Itau Unibanco Participacoes S.A. (IUPAR). As of December 31, 2010, it had a network of 3,747 service branches throughout Brazil. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 913 CSBs throughout Brazil. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 28,844 automated teller machines (ATMs) throughout Brazil.

Commercial banking

The commercial banking segment offers a range of banking services to a diversified base of individuals and companies. Services offered by the commercial banking segment include insurance, pension plan and capitalization products, credit cards, asset management, credit products and customized products and solu tions. The commercial banking segment comprises the special! i! zed areas and products, such as retail banking (individuals); public sector banking; personnalite (banking for high-income individuals); private banking (banking and financial consulting for wealthy individuals); very small business banking; small business banking; middle-market banking; credit cards; real estate financing; asset management; corporate social responsibility fund; securities services for third parties; brokerage, and insurance, private retirement and capitalization products.

The Company�� credit products include personal loans, overdraft protection, payroll loans, vehicles, credit cards, mortgage and agricultural loans, working capital, trade note discount and export. Its investments products include pension plans, mutual funds, time deposits, demand deposit accounts, savings accounts and capitalization plans. Its services include insurance (life, home, credit/cash cards, vehicles, loan protection, among others), exchange, brokerage and others. Its core business is retail banking, which serves individuals with a monthly income below R$7,000. In October 2010, it completed the conversion of branches under the Unibanco brand to the Itau brand and as of December 31, 2010, it had over 15.2 million customers and 4,660 branches and CSBs. Its public sector business operates in all areas of the public sector, including the federal, state and municipal governments (in the executive, legislative and judicial branches). As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately 2,300 public sector customers. Itau Personnalite�� focus is delivering financial advisory services by its managers, who understand the specific needs of its higher-income customers; a portfolio of exclusive products and services; special benefits based on the type and length of relationship with the customer, including discounts on various products and services. Itau Personnalite�� customer base reached more than 600,000 individuals as of December 31, 2010. Itau Personnalite customers also have access to Itau Unibanco! ne! twor! k of ! branches and ATMs throughout the country, as well as Internet banking and phone.

Itau Private Bank is a Brazilian bank in the global private banking industry, providing wealth management services to approximately 17,951 Latin American clients as of December 31, 2010. The Company serves its customers��needs for offshore wealth management solutions in major jurisdictions through independent institutions in the United States through Banco Itau Europa International and Itau Europa Securities , in Luxembourg through Banco Itau Europa Luxembourg S.A. , in Switzerland through Banco Itau Suisse , in the Bahamas through BIE Bank & Trust Bahamas and in Cayman through Unicorp Bank & Trust Cayman. As of December 31, 2010, it had over 565 very small business banking offices located throughout Brazil and approximately 2,500 managers working for over 1,235,000 small business customers. Loans to very small businesses totaled R$5,981 million as of December 31, 2010. As of Dece mber 31, 2010, it had 374 small business banking offices located nationwide in Brazil and nearly 2,500 managers who worked for over 525,000 companies. Loans to small businesses totaled R$28,744 million as of December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately 115,000 middle-market corporate customers that represented a range of Brazilian companies located in over 83 cities in Brazil. The Company offers a range of financial products and services to middle-market customers, including deposit accounts, investment options, insurance, private retirement plans and credit products. Credit products include investment capital loans, working capital loans, inventory financing, trade financing, foreign currency services, equipment leasing services, letters of credit and guarantees. The Company also carries out financial transactions on behalf of middle-market customers, including interbank transactions, open market transactions and futures, swaps, hedging and arbitrage transactions. It also offers its middle-ma! rket cus!! tomers co! llection services and electronic payment services. The Company is able to provide these services for virtually any kind of payment, including Internet office banking. It charges collection fees and fees for making payments, such as payroll, on behalf of its customers.

The Company is engaged in the Brazilian credit card market. Its subsidiaries, Banco Itaucard S.A. (Banco Itaucard) and Hipercard Banco Multiplo S.A. (Hipercard), offers a range of products to 26 million customers as of December 31, 2010, including both accountholders and non-accountholders. As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately R$16,271 million in outstanding real estate loans. As of December 31, 2010, it had total net assets under management of R$291,748 million on behalf of approximately 2.1 million customers. The Company also provides portfolio management services for pension funds, corporations, private bank customers and foreign investors. As of December 31, 2010, it had R$184,496 mill ion of assets under management for pension funds, corporations and private bank customers. As of December 31, 2010, the Company offered and managed about 1,791 mutual funds, which are mostly fixed-income and money market funds. For individual customers, it offered 154 funds to its retail customers and approximately 287 funds to its Itau Personnalite customers. Private banking customers may invest in over 600 funds, including those offered by other institutions. Itau BBA�� capital markets group also provides tailor-made mutual funds to institutional, corporate and private banking customers.

The Company provides securities services in the Brazilian capital markets. Its services also include acting as transfer agent, providing services relating to debentures and promissory notes, custody and control services for mutual funds, pension funds and portfolios, providing trustee services and non-resident investor services, and acting as custodian for depositary receipt programs. The Company also provides brokerage ! services ! to i! nternatio! nal customers through its broker-dealer operations in New York, through its London branch, and through its broker-dealers in Hong Kong and Dubai. Its main lines of insurance are life and casualty (excluding Vida Gerador de Benefucio Livre), extended warranties and property. Its policies are sold through its banking operations, independent local brokers, multinational brokers and other channels. As of December 31, 2010, it had 9.9 million in capitalization products outstanding, representing R$2,620 million in liabilities with assets that function as guarantees of R$2,646 million. The Company distributes these products through its retail network, Itau Personnalite and Itau Uniclass branches, electronic channels and ATMs. These products are sold by its subsidiary, Cia. Itau de Capitalizacao S.A.

Itau BBA

Itau BBA is responsible for its corporate and investment banking activities. As of December 31, 2010, Itau BBA offered a portfolio of products and ser vices to approximately 2,400 companies and conglomerates in Brazil. Itau BBA�� activities range from typical operations of a commercial bank to capital markets operations and advisory services for mergers and acquisitions. As of December 31, 2010, its corporate loan portfolio was R$ 76,584 million. In investment banking, the fixed income department was responsible for the issuance of debentures and promissory notes that totaled R$18,888 million and securitization transactions that amounted to R$4,677 million in Brazil in 2010. In addition, Itau BBA advised 35 merger and acquisition transactions with an aggregate deal volume of R$16,973 million in 2010.

Itau BBA is also active in Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Economico e Social (BNDES) on-lending to finance large-scale projects, aiming at strengthening domestic infrastructure. In consolidated terms, total loans granted by Itau BBA under BNDES on-lending represented more than R$9,010 million in 2010. Itau BB A focuses on the products and initiatives! in the i! nternation! al busine! ss unit, such as structuring long-term, bilateral and syndicated financing, and spot foreign exchange. In addition, in 2010 Itau BBA continued to offer a large number of lines of credit for foreign trade.

Consumer Credit

As of December 31, 2010, its portfolio of vehicle financing, leasing and consortium lending consisted of approximately 3.8 million contracts, of which approximately 71.1% were non-accountholder customers. The personal loan portfolio relating to vehicle financing and leasing reached R$60,254 million in 2010. The Company leased and financed vehicles through 13,706 dealers as of December 31, 2010. Sales are made through computer terminals installed in the dealerships that are connected to its computer network. Redecard S.A. (Redecard) is a multibrand credit card provider in Brazil, also responsible for the capturing, transmission, processing and settlement of credit, debit and benefit card transactions. As of December 31, 2010, the Com pany held approximately 50% interest in Redecard�� capital stock.

The Company competes with Bradesco, Banco do Brasil S.A. (Banco do Brasil), Banco Santander, Caixa Economica Federal (CEF), BNDES, HSBC, Banco Citibank S.A, Banco de Investimentos Credit Suisse (Brasil) S.A., Banco JP Morgan S.A., Banco Morgan Stanley S.A., Banco Merrill Lynch de Investimentos S.A., Banco BTG Pactual S.A., Banco Panamericano S.A, Citibank S.A., Banco GE Capital S.A. and Banco Ibi S.A.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA.OB)

Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) chartered by the United States Congress to support liquidity and stability in the secondary mortgage market, where mortgage-related assets are purchased and sold. The Company�� activities include providing market liquidity by securitizing mortgage loans originated by lenders in the primary mortgage market into Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities (Fannie Mae MBS), and purchasing mortgage loans and mortgage-related securities in the secondary market for its mortgage portfolio. Fannie Mae operates in three business segments: Single-Family business, Multifamily Business (formerly Housing and Community Development (HCD)) and Capital Markets group. Its Single-Family Credit Guaranty and Multifamily businesses work with its lender customers to purchase and securitize mortgage loans customers deliver to the Company into Fannie Mae MBS.

The Company obtains funds to suppo rt its business activities by issuing a variety of debt securities in the domestic and international capital markets. Fannie Mae acquires funds to purchase mortgage-related assets for its mortgage portfolio by issuing a variety of debt securities in the domestic and international capital markets. It also makes other investments. Fannie Mae conducts its business in the United States residential mortgage market and the global securities market. It conducts business in the United States residential mortgage market and the global securities market. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company��

Single-Family Business

Single-Family business includes mortgage securitizations, mortgage acquisitions, credit risk management and credit loss management. Single-Family business works with the Company�� lender customers to provide funds to the mortgage market by securitizing single-family mortgage loans into Fannie Mae MBS. Its Single-Family business also works with its Capital Markets group to facilitate th! e! purchase of single-family mortgage loans for the Company�� mortgage portfolio. Fannie Mae�� Single-Family business prices and manages the credit risk on its single-family guaranty book of business, which consists of single-family mortgage loans underlying Fannie Mae MBS and single-family loans held in its mortgage portfolio. Single-Family business and Capital Markets group securitize and purchase primarily single-family fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, first lien mortgage loans, or mortgage-related securities backed by these types of loans.

The Company securitizes or purchases loans insured by Federal Housing Administration (FHA), loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and loans guaranteed by the Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Program of the Department of Agriculture, manufactured housing loans, reverse mortgage loans, multifamily mortgage loans, subordinate lien mortgage loans and other mortgage-related securities. I ts Single-Family business securitizes single-family mortgage loans and issues single-class Fannie Mae MBS. Fannie Mae�� Single-Family business securitizes loans solely in lender swap transactions, in which lenders deliver pools of mortgage loans to the Company, which are placed immediately in a trust, in exchange for Fannie Mae MBS backed by these loans. Generally, the servicing of the mortgage loans held in its mortgage portfolio or that backs its Fannie Mae MBS is performed by mortgage servicers on the Company�� behalf. Lenders who sell single-family mortgage loans to Fannie Mae service these loans for the Company. For loans it owns or guarantees, the lender or servicer must obtain its approval before selling servicing rights to another servicer.

Fannie Mae�� mortgage servicers collect and deliver principal and interest payments, administer escrow accounts, monitor and report delinquencies, perform default prevention activities, evaluate transfers of own ership interests, respond to requests for partial releas! es o! f s! ecurit! y, and handle proceeds from casualty and condemnation losses. Its mortgage servicers are the primary point of contact for borrowers and perform implementation of its homeownership assistance initiatives, negotiation of workouts of troubled loans, and loss mitigation activities. Mortgage servicers also inspect and preserve properties and process foreclosures and bankruptcies.

Multifamily Mortgage Business

Multifamily business works with the Company�� lender customers to provide funds to the mortgage market by securitizing multifamily mortgage loans into Fannie Mae MBS. Through its Multifamily business, Fannie Mae provides liquidity and support to the United States multifamily housing market principally by purchasing or securitizing loans that finance multifamily rental housing properties. It also provides some limited debt financing for other acquisition, development, construction and rehabilitation activity related to projects that complement this business. Fannie Mae�� Multifamily business also works with its Capital Markets group to facilitate the purchase and securitization of multifamily mortgage loans and securities for Fannie Mae�� portfolio, as well as to facilitate portfolio securitization and resecuritization activities.

The Company�� multifamily guaranty book of business consists of multifamily mortgage loans underlying Fannie Mae MBS and multifamily loans and securities held in Fannie Mae�� mortgage portfolio. Revenues for Fannie Mae�� Multifamily business are derived from a variety of sources, including guaranty fees received as compensation for assuming the credit risk on the mortgage loans underlying multifamily Fannie Mae MBS and on the multifamily mortgage loans held in its portfolio and on other mortgage-related securities; transaction fees associated with the multifamily business, and other bond credit enhancement related fees. As with the servicing of single-family mortgages, multifamily mortgage servicing is performed by the ! lenders !! who sell ! the mortgages to the Company. Fannie Mae�� Multifamily business is organized and operated as an integrated commercial real estate finance business.

Capital Markets

Capital Markets group's primary business activities include mortgage and other investments, mortgage securitizations, structured mortgage securitizations and other customer services, and interest rate risk management. Capital Markets group manages the Company�� investment activity in mortgage-related assets and other interest-earning, non-mortgage investments. It funds its investments primarily through proceeds the Company receives from the issuance of debt securities in the domestic and international capital markets. Its business activity is focused on making short-term use of its balance sheet rather than long-term investments. Activities Fannie Mae is undertaking to provide liquidity to the mortgage market include whole loan conduit, early funding, real estate mortgage investment c onduit (REMICs) and other structured securitizations and dollar roll transactions. Whole loan conduit activities include its purchase of both single-family and multifamily loans principally for the purpose of securitizing them. During the year ended December 31, 2010, it was engaged in dollar roll activity. A dollar roll transaction is a commitment to purchase a mortgage-related security with a concurrent agreement to re-sell a similar security at a later date or vice versa.

Fannie Mae�� Capital Markets group is engaged in issuing both single-class and multi-class Fannie Mae MBS through both portfolio securitizations and structured securitizations involving third party assets. Its Capital Markets group creates single-class and multi-class Fannie Mae MBS from mortgage-related assets held in its mortgage portfolio. Fannie Mae�� Capital Markets group may sell these Fannie Mae MBS into the secondary market or may retain the Fannie Mae MBS in its investment portf olio. The Company�� Capital Markets group cr! eates sin! gle-c! lass and ! multi-class structured Fannie Mae MBS, for its lender customers or securities dealer customers, in exchange for a transaction fee. The Company�� Capital Markets group provides its lender customers and their affiliates with services that include offering to purchase a range of mortgage assets, including non-standard mortgage loan products; segregating customer portfolios to obtain optimal pricing for their mortgage loans, and assisting customers with hedging their mortgage business.

Although the Company�� Capital Markets group�� business activities are focused on short-term financing and investing, revenue from its Capital Markets group is derived primarily from the difference, or spread, between the interests it earns on its mortgage and non-mortgage investments and the interest it incurs on the debt the Company issues to fund these assets. Its Capital Markets revenues are primarily derived from the Company�� mortgage asset portfolio. Capital Markets gro up funds its investments primarily through the issuance of a variety of debt securities in a range of maturities in the domestic and international capital markets. Investors in the Company�� debt securities include commercial bank portfolios and trust departments, investment fund managers, insurance companies, pension funds, state and local governments, and central banks.

The Company competes with Freddie Mac, FHA and Ginnie Mae.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ)

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) provides a range of banking and financial products and services to retail, small business, corporate and institutional clients. The Company conducts its operations in Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific region. It also operates in a range of other countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The Company operates on a divisional structure with Australia, International and Institutional Banking (IIB), New Zealand, and Global Wealth and Private Banking. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had 1,337 branches and other points of representation worldwide, excluding automatic teller machines (ATMs). In September 2012, it sold its remaining shareholding in Visa Inc. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Adam Haigh]

  Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (ANZ) sank 3 percent after Australia�� third-largest bank by market value forecast interest margins will keep dropping. Hyundai Merchant Marine Co. jumped 6.9 percent in Seoul after North Korea and South Korea agreed to reopen the Gaeseong industrial complex. Chinese stock exchange officials are investigating a spike in the Shanghai Composite Index, which soared from a loss of as much as 1 percent to a gain of 5.6 percent in two minutes. Everbright Securities Co. said it experienced a trading error.

• [By Weiyi Lim]

  The funds lured a net $25.9 billion in the period, Wei Liang Chang, a foreign-exchange strategist at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. (ANZ), said by phone from Singapore today, citing data from EPFR Global. Developed markets posted $24.3 billion of inflows, while emerging-nation funds drew $1.6 billion, according to Chang.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MTU)

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFJ), incorporated on April 2, 2001, is a holding company for The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. (BTMU), Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation (MUTB), Mitsubishi UFJ Securities Holdings Co., Ltd. (MUSHD), Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities Co., Ltd.( MUMSS), Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS Co., Ltd. (Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS) and other companies engaged in a range of financial businesses. Its services include commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, leasing and fields of financial services. In May 2010, the Company and Morgan Stanley formed two joint ventures in Japan by integrating our respective Japanese securities companies engaged in investment banking and securities businesses. The Company converted the wholesale and retail securities businesses conducted in Japan by the former MUS into one of the joint venture entities, which is named MUMSS. Morgan Stanley contributed the investment banking operations conducted in Japan by its formerly wholly owned subsidiary, Morgan Stanley Japan Securities Co., Ltd. (MSJS) into MUMSS and converted the sales and trading and capital markets businesses conducted in Japan by MSJS into a second joint venture entity called Morgan Stanley MUFG Securities, Co., Ltd.

Integrated Retail Banking Business Group

The Integrated Retail Banking Business Group covers all domestic retail businesses, including commercial banking, trust banking and securities businesses, and enables the Company to offer a range of banking products and services, including financial consulting services, to retail customers in Japan. This business group integrates the retail business of BTMU, MUTB and MUMSS, as well as retail product development, promotion and marketing in a single management structure. Many of its retail services are offered through its network of MUFG Plazas providing individual customers with access to its financial product offerings of integrated commercial b! anking, trust banking and securities services.

The Company offers a range of bank deposit products, including a non-interest-bearing deposit account that is redeemable on demand and intended for payment and settlement functions, and is insured without a maximum amount limitation. It also offers a variety of asset management and asset administration services to individuals, including savings instruments, such as current accounts, ordinary deposits, time deposits, deposits at notice and other deposit facilities. MUFJ also offers trust products, such as loan trusts and money trusts, and other investment products, such as investment trusts, performance-based money trusts and foreign currency deposits.

The Company creates portfolios by combining savings instruments and investment products. It also provide a range of asset management and asset administration products, as well as customized trust products for high-net-worth individuals, as well as advisory services relating to the purchase and disposal of real estate and effective land utilization, and testamentary trusts. The Company provides a varied line up of investment trust products allowing its customers to choose products according to their investment needs through BTMU, MUTB and MUMSS, as well as kabu.com Securities, which specializes in online financial services. In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, BTMU offered a total of five investment trusts. As of the end of March 2010, BTMU offered its clients a total of 73 investment trusts.

The Company offers securities, including publicly offered stocks, foreign and domestic investment trusts, Japanese government bonds, foreign bonds and various other products. The Company offers housing loans, card loans and other loans to individuals. With respect to housing loans, in addition to housing loans incorporating health insurance for seven major illnesses, BTMU began offering in June 2009 preferential interest rates under its Environmentally Friendly Support program ! to custom! ers who purchase environment-conscious houses (like houses with solar electric systems), which meet specific criteria in response to increasing public interest in environmental issues. In September 2009, BTMU launched housing loans with home mortgage insurance, which BTMU jointly developed with the Japan Housing Finance Agency, a governmental agency under the Japanese government�� economic stimulus measures, under which the agency indemnifies BTMU for losses from housing loans.

The Company offers products and services through a range of channels, including branches, automated teller machines (ATMs) (including convenience store ATMs shared by multiple banks), Mitsubishi-Tokyo UFJ Direct (telephone, Internet and mobile phone banking), the Video Counter and postal mail. It offers integrated financial services combining its banking, trust banking and securities services at MUFG Plazas. These Plazas provide retail customers with integrated and flexible suite of services at one-stop outlets. As of March 31 2010, the Company provided those services through 47 MUFG Plazas. The Company offers MUTB�� trust related products and advisory services through its trust agency system not only for MUTB customers but also for BTMU and MUMSS customers. As of March 31, 2010, BTMU engaged in eight businesses as the trust banking agent for MUTB: testamentary trusts, inheritance management, asset succession planning, inheritance management agency operations, business management financial consulting, lifetime gift trusts, share disposal trusts, and marketable securities administration trusts.

Integrated Corporate Banking Business Group

The Integrated Corporate Banking Business Group covers all domestic and overseas corporate businesses, including commercial banking, investment banking, trust banking and securities businesses, as well as UnionBanCal Corporation (UNBC). UNBC is a wholly owned subsidiary of BTMU and a US bank holding company with Union Bank being its primary subsidiary. T! he Compan! y provides various financial solutions, such as loans and fund management, remittance and foreign exchange services. It also helps its customers develop business strategies, such as inheritance-related business transfers and stock listings.

It offers advanced financial solutions to companies through corporate and investment banking services. Product specialists globally provide derivatives, securitization, syndicated loans, structured finance and other services. It also provides investment banking services, such as merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory, bond and equity underwriting. It provides online banking services that allow customers to make domestic and overseas remittances electronically. It also provides a global cash pooling/netting service, and the Treasury Station, a fund management system for a multi-company group. The Company�� global Corporate and Investment Banking business (Global CIB), primarily serves companies, financial institutions, and sovereign and multinational organizations with a set of solutions for their financing needs.

Integrated Trust Assets Business Group

The Integrated Trust Assets Business Group covers asset management and administration services for products, such as pension trusts and security trusts by integrating the trust banking expertise of MUTB and the international strengths of BTMU. The business group provides a range of services to corporate and pension funds, including stable and secure pension fund management and administration, advice on pension schemes, and payment of benefits to scheme members. Its Integrated Trust Assets Business Group combines MUTB�� trust assets business, comprising trust assets management services, asset administration and custodial services, and the businesses of Mitsubishi UFJ Global Custody S.A., Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co., Ltd. and KOKUSAI Asset Management Co., Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Carroll]

  Mitsubishi UFJ (NYSE: MTU  ) also plunged in the Japanese financial sector's sell-off, with the firm's stock dropping 12.3% over the week. This firm faced more of a threat from Thursday's action, however: Japan's benchmark bond yield climbed to its highest level in more than a year, and Mitsubishi is the largest lender by assets in the country and holds more than 48 million yen in government bonds. Bond yields are still coming off of record lows, so Mitsubishi's hardly in a dangerous place. The firm's attempts to expand recently may also help boost revenue at a company that posted declining net income in its most recent quarter.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Northern Trust Corporation(NTRS)

Northern Trust Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides asset servicing, fund administration, asset management, and fiduciary and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, families, and individuals worldwide. The company offers corporate and institutional services, including global master trust and custody, trade settlement, and reporting; fund administration; cash management; investment risk and performance analytical services; investment operations outsourcing; and transition management and commission recapture services. It also provides personal financial services, such as personal trust, investment management, custody, and philanthropic services; financial consulting; guardianship and estate administration; brokerage services; and private and business banking services, as well as customized products and services. In addition, the company offers active and passive equity and fixed income portfolio management, as well as alternative asset classes comprisin g private equity and hedge funds of funds, and multi-manager products and advisory services. Further, it engages in fund administration, investment operations outsourcing, and custody business that provides specialized services to a range of funds, which include money-market, multi-manager, exchange-traded funds, and property funds for on-shore and off-shore markets. Additionally, the company provides administrative and middle-office services consisting of trade processing, valuation, real-time reporting, accounting, collateral management, and investor servicing. Northern Trust Corporation was founded in 1889 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  In the fourth quarter, Yacktman�� biggest additions to his holdings were Research In Motion (RIMM) and Avon Products (AVP). He also surprised followers by venturing into financials, with new positions in Goldman Sachs (GS), Bank of America (BAC), State Street Corp. (STT) and Northern Trust Corp. (NTRS).

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: EverBank Financial Corp (EVER)

EverBank Financial Corp, incorporated in 2004, is an unitary savings and loan holding company. The Company provides a range of financial products and services directly to customers through multiple business channels. Its operating subsidiary is EverBank. As of December 31, 2011, EverBank had $ 10.3 billion deposits. EverBank offers a range of banking, lending and investing products to consumers and businesses. EverBank provides services to customers through Websites, over the phone, through the mail and at 14 Florida-based Financial Centers. The Company operates in two operating business segments: Banking and Wealth Management, and Mortgage Banking. Its Banking and Wealth Management segment includes earnings generated by and activities related to deposit and investment products and services and portfolio lending and leasing activities. Its Mortgage Banking segment consists of activities related to the origination and servicing of residential mortgage loans. In April 2012, the Company acquired MetLife Bank�� warehouse finance business. In October 2012, it acquired Business Property Lending, Inc.

Asset Origination and Fee Income Businesses

The Company has a range of asset origination and fee income businesses. The Company generates generate fee income from its mortgage banking activities, which consist of originating and servicing one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. It originates prime residential mortgage loans using a centrally controlled underwriting, processing and fulfillment infrastructure through financial intermediaries (including community banks, credit unions, mortgage bankers and brokers), consumer direct channels and financial centers. Its mortgage origination activities include originating, underwriting, closing, warehousing and selling to investors prime conforming and jumbo residential mortgage loans. From its mortgage origination activities, it earns fee-based income on fees charged to borrowers and other noninterest income from gains on sales from ! mortgage loans and servicing rights. During the year ended December 31, 2011, it originated six billion dollars of residential loans. It generates mortgage servicing business through the retention of servicing from its origination activities, acquisition of bulk mortgage servicing rights (MSR) and related servicing activities.

The Company�� mortgage servicing business includes collecting loan payments, remitting principal and interest payments to investors, managing escrow funds for the payment of mortgage-related expenses, such as taxes and insurance, responding to customer inquiries, counseling delinquent mortgagors, supervising foreclosures and liquidations of foreclosure properties and otherwise administering its mortgage loan servicing portfolio. It earns mortgage servicing fees and other ancillary fee-based income in connection with these activities. It services a portfolio by both product and investor, including agency and private pools of mortgages secured by properties throughout the United States. As of December 31, 2011, its mortgage servicing business, which services mortgage loans for itself and others, managed loan servicing administrative functions for loans with unpaid principal balance (UPB) of $54.8 billion.

The Company originates originate equipment leases nationwide through relationships with approximately 280 equipment vendors with networks of creditworthy borrowers and provide asset-backed loan facilities to other leasing companies. Its equipment leases and loans finance essential-use health care, office product, technology and other equipment. Its commercial financings range from approximately $25,000 to $1.0 million per transaction, with typical lease terms ranging from 36 to 60 months. Its commercial finance activities provide it with access to approximately 25,000 small business customers nationwide, which creates opportunities to cross-sell its deposit, lending and wealth management products. It focuses to offer warehouse loans, which are short-ter! m revolvi! ng facilities, primarily securitized by agency and government collateral. It provides financial advisory, planning, brokerage, trust and other wealth management services to its mass-affluent and high-net-worth customers through its registered broker dealer and recently-formed registered investment advisor subsidiaries.

Interest-Earning Asset Portfolio

As of December 31, 2011, the Company�� interest-earning assets were $11.7 billion. As of December 31, 2011, its loan and lease held for investment portfolio was $6.5 billion. As of December 31, 2011, the carrying values of its interest-earning assets are: residential, government-insured (residential), securities, commercial and commercial real estate, Bank of Florida (covered), lease financing receivables, and other.

Residential includes primarily prime loans originated and retained from its mortgage banking activities, acquired from third parties or held for sale to other investors. government-insured (residential) includes Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) pool buyouts with government insurance, sourced from its mortgage banking segment and third-party sources. Securities include non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and collateralized mortgage obligation (CMO) purchased at significant discounts. This portfolio includes protection against credit losses from purchase discounts, subordination in the securities structures and borrower equity. Commercial and commercial real estate includes a range of commercial loans, including owner-occupied commercial real estate, commercial investment property and small business commercial loans. As of December 31, 2011, Bank of Florida (Covered) includes commercial, multi-family and commercial real estate loans with $71.3 million of purchase discounts. Lease financing receivables include covered lease financing receivables. As of December 31, 2011, the lease portfolio had $64.7 million of total discounts. Other includes home equity loans and lines ! of credit! , consumer and credit card loans and other investments.

Deposit Generation

As of December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately $10.3 billion in deposits. Its market-based deposit products, consisting of its WorldCurrency, MarketSafe and EverBank Metals Select products, provide investment capabilities for customers seeking portfolio diversification with respect to foreign currencies, commodities and other indices. Its financial portal includes online bill-pay, account aggregation, direct deposit, single sign-on for all customer accounts and other features. Its Website and mobile device applications provide information on its product offerings, financial tools and calculators, newsletters, financial reporting services and other applications for customers to interact with it and manages all of their EverBank accounts on a single integrated platform. Its new mobile applications allow customers using iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry devices to view account balances, conduct real time balance transfers between EverBank accounts, administer billpay, review account activity detail and remotely deposit checks.

The Company generates deposit customer relationships through its consumer direct, financial center and financial intermediary distribution channels. Its consumer direct channel includes Internet, e-mail, telephone and mobile device access to product and customer support offerings. Its direct distribution with a network of 14 financial centers in Florida metropolitan areas, include Jacksonville, Naples, Ft. Myers, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa Bay and Clearwater. As of December 31, 2011, its financial centers had average deposits of $130.5 million, which is approximately double the industry average. In addition, it generates noninterest-bearing escrow deposits from its mortgage servicing business.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS)

The Bank of Nova Scotia (the Bank) is a diversified financial institution. As of October 31, 2011, the Bank offered a range of products and services, including retail, commercial, corporate and investment banking to more than 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. The Bank has four business lines: Canadian Banking, International Banking, Scotia Capital and Global Wealth Management. In January 2012, the Company closed its acquisition of 51% of Banco Colpatria. In April 2012, the Company through Scotia Capital Inc. acquired Howard Weil Incorporated. In April 2013, Bank of Nova Scotia acquired a 50% interest in Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Horizonte SA. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Gallagher]

  Mosaic (MOS), Agrium (AGU), Intrepid Potash (IPI) and CF Industries (CF) have been moving and trading hand-in-hand, with AGU, BHP and Rentech Nitrogen Partners LP (RNF) trading the best, losing the least and rebounding the most since July 30th. IPI has sold off a lot more in the post-news period, as would be expected from a smaller, less established company with mine projects still in development. BHP Billiton Ltd. (BHP) announced plans to proceed with its Jansen Mine Project in Saskatchewan, Canada, potentially tapping the largest and longest-lasting supply in the world known at this time. Scotiabank (BNS) recently commented on Jansen, stating that the added supply "could add the equivalent of 18%-20% of the potash market over recent years." Nearly all of the companies mentioned have had a pretty predictable mix of upgrades and downgrades. That's what makes a market.

• [By Infinity Group]

  Scotia iTrade (BNS) is one of the largest brokers in Canada. Last week I had a conversation with a Trading Manager and was told "there are no shares currently to be lent out." This changes on a daily basis, but has been the norm for the past month.

• [By Dividend]

  The Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) has a market capitalization of $76.51 billion. The company employs 83,894 people, generates revenue of $16.284 billion and has a net income of $6.138 billion. The Bank of Nova Scotia�� earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounts to $9.082 billion. The EBITDA margin is 55.78 percent (the operating margin is 40.84 percent and the net profit margin 32.82 percent).

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  On Tuesday, Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE: BNS  ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions on stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever inevitable surprises arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed, kneejerk reaction to news that turns out to be exactly the wrong move.

Top 10 Bank Companies To Watch For 2014: Goldman Sachs Group Inc.(The)

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides investment banking, securities, and investment management services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. Its Investment Banking segment offers financial advisory, including advisory assignments with respect to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense, risk management, restructurings, and spin-offs; and underwriting securities, loans and other financial instruments, and derivative transactions. The company?s Institutional Client Services segment provides client execution activities, such as fixed income, currency, and commodities client execution related to making markets in interest rate products, credit products, mortgages, currencies, and commodities; and equities related to making markets in equity products, as well as commissions and fees from executing and clearing institutional client transactions on stock, options, and fu tures exchanges. This segment also engages in the securities services business providing financing, securities lending, and other prime brokerage services to institutional clients, including hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds, and foundations. Its Investing and Lending segment invests in debt securities, loans, public and private equity securities, real estate, consolidated investment entities, and power generation facilities. This segment also involves in the origination of loans to provide financing to clients. The company?s Investment Management segment provides investment management services and investment products to institutional and individual clients. This segment also offers wealth advisory services, including portfolio management and financial counseling, and brokerage and other transaction services to high-net-worth individuals and families. In addition, it provides global investment research services. The company was founded in 1869 and is headquartered in New York, New York.