Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for the 30-year loan increased to 4.33% from 4.28% last week. The average for the 15-year mortgage edged up to 3.35% from 3.33%.
Mortgage rates have risen about a full percentage point since hitting record lows roughly a year ago. The increase was driven by speculation that the Federal Reserve would reduce its $85 billion-a-month bond purchases. Deeming the economy to be gaining strength, the Fed proceeded last month with planned reductions of its bond purchases, which have helped keep long-term interest rates low.
STOCKS THURSDAY: How markets are doing
The housing market is expected to deliver another year of solid gains, helped by an improving economy. Most economists expect home sales and prices to keep rising this year, but at a slower pace. They forecast that both will likely rise by about 5%, down from double-digit gains in 2013.
Top 5 Gas Utility Stocks To Own For 2015: Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc.(RSTI)
Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, development, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing of laser-based products worldwide. The company offers laser macro products to machine tool and automotive markets for cutting and welding of metals. It also provides laser marking products to semiconductor and electronics markets for the marking of integrated circuits, wafers, solar cells, electronic components, and smart cards, as well as to automotive markets for the marking of labels and car components. In addition, the company offers laser micro products for fine welding, fine cutting, micro structuring, and drilling applications in medical devices, semiconductor and electronics, photovoltaic, dental, and jewelry markets; and for perforating and scribing of paper and foils in packaging and paper industries. Further, it provides components to laser industry. The company sells its products in approximately 65 countries to original e quipment manufacturers, systems integrators, and industrial end-users. Rofin-Sinar Technologies Inc. was founded in 1975 and is based in Plymouth, Michigan.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Brian Stoffel]
Rofin-Sinar (NASDAQ: RSTI ) , Coherent (NASDAQ: COHR ) , Newport (NASDAQ: NEWP ) , and JDS Uniphase (NASDAQ: JDSU ) all offer fiber-optic lasers as well.
10 Best Rising Stocks To Own For 2014: Kroton Educacional SA (KROT3)
Kroton Educacional SA (Kroton), formerly Opportunity Officepar Participacoes SA, is a Brazil-based company active in the private education sector. The Company and its subsidiaries are engaged in the management of preschool, elementary, secondary and college preparatory schools, as well as higher, professional and post-graduation education, courses and other related educational activities. In addition, it is involved in the wholesale, retail, distribution, import and export of textbooks, course books, magazines and other publications related to preschool, elementary, secondary and adult education, as well as higher, professional and post-graduation education. Kroton operates in both the On-Campus and Distance Learning business, primarily through its 53 Postsecondary units and 447 active Undergraduate Distance Learning centers, as well as cooperates with approximately 800 Associated Schools in basic education. Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ney Hayashi]
Anhanguera Educacional Participacoes SA (AEDU3) tumbled after Brazil�� antitrust regulator signaled it may limit the education company�� merger with competitor Kroton Educacional SA. (KROT3) Lojas Renner SA (LREN3) led retailers higher after a report showed Brazil�� industrial production expanded faster than expected in October, easing concern that growth is faltering.
10 Best Rising Stocks To Own For 2014: National Health Investors Inc. (NHI)
National Health Investors, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT), invests in health care properties, primarily in the long-term care industry in the United States. As of December 31, 2008, it had investments in real estate assets and mortgage notes receivable investments in 123 health care facilities consisting of 83 long-term care facilities, 1 acute care hospital, 4 medical office buildings, 14 assisted living facilities, 4 retirement centers, and 17 residential projects for the developmentally disabled in 17 states. The company has elected to be treated as a REIT for federal income tax purposes and would not be subject to federal income tax, if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its shareholders. National Health Investors, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Marc Bastow]
Long-term care and senior housing real estate investment trust National Health Investors (NHI) raised its quarterly dividend 6.2% to 77 cents per share, payable on May 9 to shareholders of record as of Mar. 31. NHI stock has the second-highest yield on this week’s list of dividend stocks increasing payouts.
NHI Dividend Yield: 4.88% - [By Lauren Pollock]
National Health Investors Inc.(NHI) signed an agreement to acquire 25 independent-living facilities from Holiday Retirement Corp. affiliates for $491 million. The health-care focused real-estate investment trust also unveiled plans to offer 4.5 million shares of its stock to help fund the pending deal.
10 Best Rising Stocks To Own For 2014: Thales SA (HO)
Thales SA is a France-based provider of integrated solutions and equipment of security systems primarily to the aerospace and defense markets. The Company operates in numerous countries through its divisions, including Aerospace, specialized in onboard equipment, electronics and systems for the civil and military markets; Space, offering solutions combining space and terrestrial technologies; Defence, which designs and delivers systems for all four environments: air, land, sea and space; Security, which offer the emergence of new types of threats from terrorism and organized crime to drug trafficking, mass immigration and cyber attacks; and Transportation, which offers a range of railways signaling solutions and integrated transportation systems, to ensure safe and secure transportation of operators, freight and passengers. In November 2013, it acquired XPI Simulation Ltd. In February 2014, it created a new business line called Critical Information Systems and Cybersecurity. Advisors' Opinion:- [By USATODAY 8 a.m. EST February 15]
Alex Pettyfer about to take the wheel of the Maserati Gran Turismo for a joyride with co-star Dayo Okeniyi.(Photo: HO)
Pettyfer and Okeniyi's character end up joyriding in the car along with Gabriella Wilde, who plays the rich girl falling in love with Pettyfer.
10 Best Rising Stocks To Own For 2014: Pinecrest Energy Inc (PNCGF.PK)
Pinecrest Energy Inc. (Pinecrest), formerly Antler Creek Energy Corp., is a Canada-based junior oil and gas exploration company. Pinecrest is engaged in the acquisition, exploitation and development of petroleum and natural gas-related assets primarily in Western Sedimentary Basin. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010 (fiscal 2010), Pinecrest was engaged in two (0.4 net) wells that were drilled in the southeast Saskatchewan Bakken. On July 14, 2010, the Company acquired the Loon Properties. On July 14, 2010, Pinecrest acquired the Red Earth #1 Properties. On July 15, 2010, the Company acquired the Red Earth #2 Properties. Advisors' Opinion:- [By MLP Trader]
Here are the current top five companies in the list:
CompanySymbolEV/BOEPD/NetbackPrice/NAVEV/DACFPinecrest(PNCGF.PK)53564%4.0XLightstream(LSTMF.PK)131753%4.5XNovus(NOVUF.PK)133290%4.1XZargon(ZARFF.PK)138664%5.6XTwin Butte(TBTEF.PK)155885%5.5XOf the larger companies, one that remains obstinately near the top of the list is Lightstream . Lightstream trades at 40% of its book value and a whopping 13.4% yield.
10 Best Rising Stocks To Own For 2014: Allison Transmission Holdings Inc (ALSN)
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (Allison), incorporated on June 22, 2007, designs and manufactures commercial and military fully-automatic transmissions. The Company is a manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, medium- and heavy-tactical the United States military vehicles and hybrid-propulsion systems for transit buses. Allison transmissions are used in a range of applications, including on-highway trucks (distribution, refuse, construction, fire and emergency), buses (primarily school and transit), motorhomes, off-highway vehicles and equipment (energy and mining) and military vehicles (wheeled and tracked). In January 2014, the Company opened a facility in the Netherlands to serve customers across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Allison transmissions are sold under the Allison Transmission brand name and remanufactured transmissions are sold under the ReTran brand name. The Company has 12 transmission product lines with over 100 different product models. Allison transmissions are included in more than 2,500 vehicle configurations, which are compatible with more than 500 combinations of engine brands, models and ratings globally. In addition to the Company's product offerings, the Company has products under development, including the TC10, a Class 8 metro truck fully-automatic transmission, and the H 3000 and the H 4000 hybrid-propulsion systems designed for use in medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks and buses.
North America
The Company is a manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for the on-highway medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle markets in North America. The Company's core North American on-highway market includes Class 4-5, Class 6-7 and Class 8 straight trucks, conventional transit, shuttle and coach buses, school buses and motorhomes. Class 8 trucks are subdivided into two markets: straight and tractor. The Company sells its transmissions in the North American on-highway mar! ket to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Blue Bird, Daimler, Hino, Navistar, PACCAR, Spartan Motors and Volvo. These OEMs, in turn, install the Company's transmissions in vehicles in which its transmission is either the exclusive transmission available or is specifically requested by end users who are choosing between a manual transmission, an AMT or a fully-automatic transmission. The Company's vehicle class in North America include Class 4-5 Trucks, Class 6-7 Trucks, Class 8 Straight Trucks, Buses and
Motorhomes
Class 4-5 trucks are used in urban applications, including distribution, commercial lease and rental, as well as ambulance. The Company is the transmission supplier to the Navistar Class 4-5 TerraStar truck. Class 6-7 trucks are used in urban applications, including larger distribution, commercial lease and rental, ambulance, rescue and fire trucks. The Company's transmissions are used in Class 6-7 buses. The Company supplies its transmissions for all of the school buses produced in North America. The bus market also encompasses non-hybrid transit and conventional coach and shuttle buses. The Company sells its transmissions for use in larger motorhomes ( types A). The Company typically sells to the chassis manufacturers, such as Navistar and Daimler, that supply body manufacturers, such as Thor Industries, Winnebago Industries and Fleetwood RV. As of December 31, 2012, the Company has delivered over 5,000 H 40/50 EP hybrid-propulsion transit bus systems globally to 246 cities in 14 countries. The Company's customers in this North American end market are typically city, state and federal governmental entities. The Company has provided products used in vehicles and equipment, which serve energy, mining and construction applications. Its customers include Halliburton Company, Baker Hughes, Weatherford International, National Oilwell Varco, and Key Energy Services. The Company also provides heavy-duty transmissions used in mining trucks, specialty and co! nstructio! n vehicles. Mining applications include trucks used to haul various commodities and other products, including rigid dump trucks, underground trucks and long-haul tractor trailer trucks with load capacities between 40 to 110 tons. Specialty vehicles using the Company's heavy-duty transmissions include airport rescue and firefighting vehicles and heavy-equipment transporters.
Outside North America
The Company is a manufacturer of fully-automatic transmissions for the commercial vehicle markets outside of North America. Within Europe, the Company serves Western European developed markets, as well as Russian and Eastern European emerging markets. The Company's on-highway customers in these markets are Daimler, Iveco, Scania, and Volvo. Fully-automatic transmission technology has approximately a 6% market share in European truck applications. The Company supplies transmissions to European OEMs. The Company is the exclusive transmission in refuse chassis with Daimler, Dennis Eagle and Renault SA. The Company also supply mining OEMs, such as Atlas Copco UK, Perlini Equipment, Sandvik AB and Terex. As of December 31, 2012, in China, the Company is the provider of fully-automatic commercial vehicle transmissions with a substantial installed base of over 45,000 Allison transmissions, including 30,000 units in transit buses, operated by 90 different bus fleets in 55 cities. The Company's off-highway transmissions are also used in China for energy, mining and construction, by OEM customers including 4th Petroleum and Yantai Jereh Oilfield Services Group Co. in energy applications and Qinhuangdao Tolian Speciality Transporter Co., Sany Group Co. and North Hauler in mining and construction applications. Australia and South Korea have OEMs with domestic production capabilities for which the Company is a supplier, including Iveco, Hyundai Motor Company and Daewoo International Corporation.
Military
The Company sells all of the transmissions for medium- and heavy-tac! tical whe! eled vehicle platforms, including the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, Armored Security Vehicles, Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks, Heavy Equipment Transporters, Palletized Loading Systems, M915 Series Trucks, Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements and the Logistic Vehicle System Replacement. In addition, the Company supplied transmissions for Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles and the MRAP All Terrain Vehicle and for all three potential manufacturers of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. Transmissions for the Company's wheeled vehicle platforms are sold to OEMs, including BAE, Daimler, General Dynamics Land Systems, Oshkosh, Navistar and Textron Marine & Land Systems.
The Company is the supplier on two of the three key tracked vehicle platforms, the Abrams tank and the M113 family of vehicles, which are sold directly to the United States military. Additionally, the Company sells parts kits to licensees for the production of transmissions for tracked vehicles manufactured outside North America. The Company has been selected as the transmission supplier for the prime contractors bidding for the United States Army ground combat vehicle.
Service Parts, Support, Equipment and Other (Aftermarket)
Aftermarket provides the Company with a source of revenues as the installed base of vehicles and equipment utilizing the Company's transmissions. The Company has assembled a global network of approximately 1,400 distributor and dealer locations to sells, service and support its transmissions. As part of the Company's brand strategy, its independent distributors and dealers are required to sell genuine Allison-branded parts. The Company offers remanufactured transmissions under its ReTran brand. The Company also provides support equipment to its OEMs to assist in installing new Allison transmissions into vehicles.
The Company competes with Ford Motor Company, Eaton Corp., Voith GmbH, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, BAE, Caterpillar Inc., Twin Disc, Inco! rporated,! Komatsu, Ltd., Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd., JATCO Ltd, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, Hino, Isuzu and Nissan Diesel, Danyang Winstar Auto Parts Co., Ltd., Tata, Ashok Leyland, JCBL Ltd., Asia Motor Works Limited, BEML, Renk AG and L-3 Communications Corporation.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Levisohn]
2Q14 Machinery results are likely to reflect what we view as a still mixed but improving macroeconomic environment that we think could support pockets of strength in Machinery end markets. In particular, we think both North American truck and North American energy markets continue to improve while global construction markets look supportive of continued solid/better-than-expected results (mostly from improved margin) in Caterpillar’s Construction segment. Solid truck, energy and construction markets seem supportive of earnings for Caterpillar as well as truck suppliers Cummins (CMI) and Allison Transmission Holdings (ALSN)…
- [By Rich Duprey]
Approving an increase in the quarterly cash dividend paid to shareholders, transmission manufacturer Allison Transmissions (NYSE: ALSN ) �announced today that its board of directors doubled the payout from�$0.06�per share to�$0.12�per share while also providing preliminary estimates for its first quarter, which ended March 31.
10 Best Rising Stocks To Own For 2014: Inergy L.P. (NRGY)
Inergy, L.P. engages in the storage and transportation of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) in the United States and Canada. The company is also involved in the fractionation and distribution of NGL; and processing of natural gas and distribution of propane, marketing, and price risk management services to users, retailers, and resellers. In addition, it engages in the production and sale of salt products. The company owns and operates four natural gas storage facilities that include Stagecoach, Thomas Corners, Steuben, and Seneca Lake; natural gas transportation assets in New York and Pennsylvania; NGL storage facility in New York; and solution-mining and salt production company in New York. Its customers primarily include natural gas local distribution companies, electric generation companies, natural gas producers, other natural gas pipelines, and natural gas marketing companies. Inergy, L.P. founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Matt DiLallo]
Inergy (NYSE: NRGY )
With operations that include a natural gas storage business as well as natural gas liquids assets, Inergy is another MLP to consider if you are on the lookout for a dividend-paying stock. There are a lot of moving parts with this company, which makes it an interesting stock to watch. The company, along with its affiliate Inergy Midstream (NYSE: NRGM ) , is in the process of merging with Crestwood Midstream Partners (NYSE: CMLP ) to create a company boasting increased size, scale, and diversity, as you can see below. Once the transformational transaction is complete, the company can pursue its opportunity-rich organic growth projects which should drive both returns and income growth for investors. - [By Dan Caplinger]
Consolidation has been the name of the game for growth in the propane industry lately, with some deals having made big changes to the industry over the past year. Last spring, Inergy (NYSE: NRGY ) decided to sell off its retail propane business to Suburban Propane (NYSE: SPH ) , vastly increasing Suburban's size while giving Inergy a big stake in its former rival. Meanwhile, Ferrellgas has continued its string of more modest acquisitions, with the company's buyout of privately held Western Petroleum marking the fifth purchase Ferrellgas has made since last August.
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