Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014

Fundamentals have been against the Amazon (AMZN) stock for over a decade. But the stock continues to outperform. 5 years ago it was a 75$ stock. Now it is a 375$ stock. Amazon has been an excellent story for all its investors but what remains to be seen is whether it can continue to be one.

Prime Is Now Dearer

Amazon has recently announced that its Prime Service would now cost $99 instead of $79, a clear $20 increase from the old price. Amazon Prime offers users free shipping, access to Amazon�� video offerings, free Kindle book rentals and a host of other services. The separate Amazon Fresh service that delivers groceries will still cost $299 a year.

While there have been a lot of talks stating that Amazon will lose customers due to this price hike, it is interesting to see that the stock has hardly been impacted after the news was announced. Besides, it should be good news for investors that the company is finally thinking of Profit-Margins and monetizing good products.

Top International Stocks To Own Right Now: Brady Corp (BRC)

Brady Corporation (Brady), incorporated in 1914, is an international manufacturer of identification solutions and specialty materials that identify and protect premises, products and people. Brady provides customers with a range of customized and diverse products for use in various applications. The Company is organized and managed on a geographic basis within three regions: Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia-Pacific, which are the segments. Across these regions, the Company operates three primary business platforms: Identification Solutions (ID Solutions), Direct Marketing and Die-Cut. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company�� revenue included Americas 45%, EMEA 29% and Asia-Pacific 26% respectively. During fiscal 2012, the Company�� ID Solutions generated 56%, Direct Marketing 27% and Die-Cut 17% of revenue. In December 2012, Water Street Healthcare Partners sold Precision Dynamics Corporation (PDC) to the Company.

ID Solutions

Within the ID Solutions platform, Brady�� product categories include workplace safety and compliance, which includes facility identification, labeling systems, spill control, lockout/tagout, and software services; product identification, which includes materials and printing systems for product identification, brand protection labeling, work in process labeling, finished product identification, and bar coding that performs under a range of harsh or demanding conditions; wire identification, which includes handheld printers, wire markers, sleeves and tags, and people identification, which includes self-expiring name tags, badges, lanyards, and access control software and products. Approximately 75% of ID Solutions products are sold under the Brady brand.

Safety and facility identification products are also marketed under the Safety Signs Service brand, with some lockout/tagout products offered under the Scafftag brands. In the United States, identification products for the u! tility industry are marketed under the Electromark brand, and spill-control products are marketed under the Sorbent Products Company brand; security and identification badges and systems are included in the Temtec, B.I.G., Identicard/Identicam, STOPware, J.A.M. Plastics, PromoVision, and Brady People ID brands; wire identification products are marketed under the Modernotecnica brand in Italy and the Carroll brand in Australia; hand-held regulatory documentation systems are available under the Tiscor brand, and custom labels and nameplates are available under the Stickolor brand in Brazil.

The Company�� ID Solutions platform offers products with rapid response and superior service to provide solutions to customers. The business markets and sells products through multiple channels, including distributors, direct sales, mail-order-catalog marketing, and electronic access through e-commerce. The ID Solutions platform serves customers in many markets, which include industrial manufacturing, electronic manufacturing, chemical, oil, gas, food and beverage, aerospace, defense, mass transit, electrical contractors, and telecommunications, among others. The ID Solutions platform provides differentiated, products, many which have been internally developed and manufactured. These internally developed products include materials, printing systems, and software.

Direct Marketing

Within the Direct Marketing business platform, Brady�� product categories include workplace safety and compliance products, which include informational signs, tags, security and traffic related products, first aid supplies, material handling, asset identification, safety and facility identification, and regulatory products. Products within the Direct Marketing platform are sold under a range of brands, including safety and facility identification products offered under the Seton, Emedco, Signals, Safetyshop, Clement and Personnel Concepts brands; spill-control products under the D.A.W.G. brand, and ! first aid! supplies under the Accidental Health and Safety, Trafalgar, and Securimed brands. The Direct Marketing platform markets and sells products through multiple channels, which include catalog, telemarketing and e-commerce. The business serves customers in many markets, which include process industries, manufacturers, government, education, construction, and utilities. The Direct Marketing platform manufactures a range of stock and custom identification products, and also sells a range of related resale products.

Die-Cut

Within the Die-Cut business platform, the Company's products include customized precision die-cut products used to seal, dissipate heat, insulate, protect, shield, or provide other mechanical performance properties. Products within the Die-Cut platform are sold primarily under the Brady brand, with some European business marketed as Balkhausen products. The business sells through a technical direct sales force, and is supported by global strategic account management. The Die-Cut platform serves customers in many markets, which include mobile handset, hard disk drive, consumer electronics, other computing devices, as well as products for the automotive and medical equipment markets. The Die-Cut platform consists of engineered customized products, manufactured to specific customer requirements.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Mike Deane]

  For the 28th year in a row, Brady Corp (BRC) has increased its dividend payout to investors.

  The Milwaukee, WI-based company increased its quarterly dividend to 19.5 cents from 19 cents, an increase of 2.6%. The annual dividend now stands at 78 cents. The quarterly dividend will be paid on October 31st, 2013 to all shareholders of record on October 10, 2013.

  BRC shares were down 40 cents, or �1.23%, by market close on Wednesday. YTD, the company’s stock is down over 4%.

• [By Michael Flannelly]

  Before the opening bell on Thursday, identification solutions provider Brady Corp (BRC) posted a loss in the fourth quarter, despite a rise in revenues, as it was negatively impacted by a number of charges. However, excluding these charges, the company was able to top Wall Street analysts’ earnings and sales estimates. Nonetheless, BRC shares are plummeting in Thursday’s trading.

  The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company posted a loss from continuing operations of $176.2 million, or $3.41 per share, in the fourth quarter, versus last year’s fourth quarter earnings from continuing operations of $20.9 million, or 40 cents per share. Furthermore, Brady posted a net loss of $177.2 million, or $3.43 per share, compared to net earnings of $11.6 million, or 22 cents per share, in the same period a year ago.

  The fourth quarter loss includes non-cash impairment charges of $204.4 million, $15.6 million in restructuring charges, and $4 million in acquisition-related charges. Excluding these charges, Brady Corp said earnings would have been 53 cents per share in the quarter. According to analysts polled by Thomson Reuters, the company was expected to earn an adjusted 51 cents per share in the fourth quarter.

  The company’s fourth quarter sales came in at $309.1 million, up 15% from $269.1 million in sales posted last year. On average, analysts were expecting the company to see $307.13 million in revenues for the quarter.

  Looking ahead, Brady Corp. sees fiscal 2014 earnings coming in between $1.80 and $2.00 per share, below the analysts’ view of $2.30 per share.

  Brady Corp shares were down $1.71, or 5.25%, during early morning trading on Thursday. The stock is up 7.93% year-to-date.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Brady (BRC) has gained 1.7% to $28.38 after it was upgraded to Buy from Underperform at Merill Lynch.

  Aeropostale (ARO) has gained 6.3% to $3.55 for no apparent reason, at least one I haven’t been able to find yet.

Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014: BankFinancial Corporation(BFIN)

BankFinancial Corporation operates as the holding company for BankFinancial, F.S.B., which provides commercial, family, and personal banking services in Illinois. It accepts deposit accounts, such as savings accounts, NOW accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit, and IRAs and other qualified plan accounts. The company?s loan portfolio consists of investment and business loans, including multi-family, nonresidential real estate, commercial, construction and land loans, and commercial leases, as well as one-to-four family residential mortgage loans comprising home equity loans, lines of credit, and other second mortgage loans. It also provides financial products and services consisting of cash management, funds transfers, bill payment and other online banking transactions, automated teller machines, safe deposit boxes, wealth management, and general insurance agency services. In addition, the company offers investment, financial planning, and other wealth management services; and sells life insurance, fixed annuities, property and casualty insurance, and other insurance products on an agency basis. It provides its products and services through banking offices and an Internet Branch. As of December 31, 2009, it operated 18 full-service banking offices and 3 express branch facilities in Cook, DuPage, Lake, and Will Counties, Illinois. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Burr Ridge, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Melvin]

  Thompson says the firm likes Bank Financial (BFIN) right now. The bank is in the lucrative Chicago market that has seen a lot of consolidation in the past year. The bank has 20 branches in fairly desirable locations and must be on the target list of anyone looking to expand into Chicago.

Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014: Forward Industries Inc.(FORD)

Forward Industries, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, markets, and distributes carry and protective solutions. The company offers soft-sided carrying cases, bags, clips, hand straps, protective plates, and skins, as well as other accessories for hand held electronic devices, including medical monitoring and diagnostic kits, bar code scanners, GPS and location devices, and cellular telephones. It also designs, markets, and distributes carry and protective solutions for other consumer products, such as laptop computers, MP3 players, firearms, sporting, recreational, and aeronautical products. The company provides its products for used by consumers in protecting, and carrying or transporting portable electronic and other products. Forward Industries, Inc. sells its products to original equipment manufacturers and contract manufacturers in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe. Forward Industries was founded in 1954 and is based in Santa Monica, California. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chris Woodyard]

  For the moment, Cotter says Ford isn't releasing any other pricing information on the next Mustang ��just the base price. To sell off current stocks of Mustang and make way for the new one, he says there are incentives of about $1,000 on the sporty car.

  The redesigned 2015 Ford Mustang is to hit dealerships this fall, a few months after the pony car's 50th birthday.  (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen Ford decided on evolutionary styling on the 2015 Mustang to retain loyalists, hoping the look also is adventuresome enough to draw new buyers.  (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen Dramatic suspension and chassis changes required a wider back end on the 2015 Mustang. Rear wheels are nearly 3 inches further apart and rear fenders are about 1.5 in. wider than on current car.  (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen The 2015 Ford Mustang's headlights are more powerful and the fog lights are relocated.   (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen The design of the 2015 Ford Mustang was done at the huge Mustang studio in Dearborn, Mich., near the automaker's headquarters. That's counter to the trend of designing in California or overseas.  (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen The middle roof pillar -- called the B pillar -- is hidden behind the door glass for a smoother silhouette. The B pillar normally is exposed and sits between the front and rear window glass.   (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen Roof line of the 2015 Mustang is 1.5 in. lower than on its predecessor, to help the car slip through the air easier.  (Photo: Ford) Fullscreen Engineers gave all versions of the 2015 Mustang an independent rear suspension. That's a first, intended to improve ride, handling and steering. It's costlier than the solid rear axle the car has used since l

Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014: Quanta Resources Inc (QR)

Quanta Resources Inc. (Quanta), formerly T S Telecom Ltd., is a Canada-based mineral exploration company. The Company focuses on acquiring, exploring and developing of mineral properties. The Company has been seeking and reviewing exploration opportunities in Canada and other parts of the world. The Company's property included White Pelican Property. The White Pelican Property lies in the Cariboo Mining Division and consists of 13 mining claims totaling approximately 5,994 hectares. As of March 31, 2012, the Company had no revenues. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chuck Carnevale]

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Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014: Sandstorm Gold Ltd (SAND)

Sandstorm Gold Ltd. (Sandstorm Gold), formerly Sandstorm Resources Ltd., is a gold streaming company. The Company provides financing to gold mining companies that are looking for capital and in return, receives a gold streaming agreement. It is a non-operating gold mining company with seven gold streams in the portfolio, five of which are producing gold. The Company�� projects include the Aurizona Gold project, the Santa Elena project, the Summit Mine project, the Ming Mine project, the Black Fox Mine project, Bracemac-McLeod project and the Bachelor Lake Mine. It holds 17% interest in the mine gold production from Aurizona. Santa Elena Project, in which the Company holds 20% interest. It holds 12% interest in the mine gold production from Black fox mine project. The Summit Mine project, in which it has 50% interest, 25% interest in Ming mine project and 17.5% interest in Bracemac-McLeod project. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tony Daltorio]

  The chief executive officers (CEOs) of both Silver Wheaton (NYSE: SLW) and Sandstorm Gold (NYSE MKT: SAND) told the Forum now was a great time to bolster their gold streams at a nice discount in price.

• [By The Investment Doctor]

  Another, less likely possibility to raise equity is through selling a part of the precious metals in a streaming deal. I can imagine Sandstorm Gold (SAND) and Silver Wheaton (SLW) would be very interested in a substantial precious metals streaming agreement. At the current gold and silver prices NGEX wouldn't even have to sell its entire precious metals production under a streaming arrangement.

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Still a glittering opportunity?
  While virtually every name in the precious metal fell yesterday in line with gold's percentage drop, or worse, gold streamer Sandstorm Gold (NYSEMKT: SAND  ) really took it on the chin, falling more than 8% despite reporting a few days earlier a sharp jump in proven and probable reserves at its Aurizona Gold Mine in Brazil. It represents one of the streamer's best opportunities for the future, as it has the opportunity to buy 17% of the gold produced for the life of mine at $400 an ounce on an inflation-adjusted basis.

Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014: Diana Shipping inc. (DSX)

Diana Shipping Inc. provides shipping transportation services. It transports dry bulk cargoes that include commodities, such as iron ore, coal, grain, and other materials along worldwide shipping routes. As of December 31, 2010, the company?s fleet consisted of 23 dry bulk carriers, including 14 Panamax, 1 Post-Panamax, and 8 Capesize dry bulk carriers with a combined carrying capacity of approximately 2.5 million deadweight tonnage. Its customers include national, regional, and international companies. The company was formerly known as Diana Shipping Investments Corp. and changed its name to Diana Shipping Inc. in February 2005. Diana Shipping Inc. was founded in 1999 and is based in Athens, Greece.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Bieglmeier]

  Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX) announced that its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2013 are scheduled to be released before the opening of the U.S. financial markets on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. The Company's management will conduct a conference call and simultaneous Internet webcast to review these results at 9:00 A.M. (Eastern Time).

Best Shipping Stocks To Own For 2014: Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc.(JOSB)

Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. engages in designing, manufacturing, retailing, and direct marketing men?s tailored and casual clothing and accessories in the United States. The company?s product offerings include tuxedos, suits, shirts, vests, ties, sport coats, pants, sportswear, overcoats, sweaters, belts and braces, socks, and underwear. It sells its products primarily under the Jos. A. Bank label through its own and franchised stores, and catalogs, as well as the Internet at josbank.com. The company also sells branded shoes from various vendors. As of April 30, 2011, it operated 515 retail stores, which consists of 489 company-owned full-line stores, 12 company-owned outlet and factory stores, and 14 stores owned and operated by franchisees in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The company was founded in 1905 and is based in Hampstead, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matt Thalman]

  And finally, the fight over who has a better suit heated up today, as Men's Wearhouse (NYSE: MW  ) made a bid to buy out competitor for Jos. A. Bank (NASDAQ: JOSB  ) for $55 per share. This offer comes just weeks after Jos. A. Bank offered to buy Men's Wearhouse -- a bid that was quickly turned down. It's clear that the two sides want to make a deal, but it's not so clear how much the acquisition will cost. Shares of Jos. A. Bank rose 11.25% today and closed at $56.29, $1.29 above the offer price, while investors bid Men's Wearhouse shares up 7.5% to $50.60 per share. A united company would probably be more efficient and command higher margins, but if the purchase price is too high, it doesn't make sense for either side to purse a takeover. Current investors should sit back and be happy with any price they get, but it's probably not worth the risk to throw new money at either company right now.

• [By Rick Aristotle Munarriz]

  Craig Warga/Bloomberg via Getty Images You can never know in advance all the news that will move the market in a given week, but some things you can see coming. From earnings reports to a new "Hobbit" film, let's take a look at the business news that will break in the week ahead. Monday -- Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow: Ski resorts are open for the season, and we'll get a great early read on how the business is holding up when Vail Resorts (MTN) reports fresh financials after Monday's market close. True to its name, Vail Resorts operates a ski property in Vail as well as nearby slopes in Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado. It also owns resorts in six different snowy states. Don't expect a quarterly profit out of Vail Resorts. The months of August, September, and October are naturally forgettable for ski resorts. Vail expects to generate four times as much revenue during the next three months as it did during the period that ended in October. However, Vail Resorts should be able to offer a glimpse about how the new ski season is starting to shape up. It has enough advance booking information to know what folks are willing to pay this year for a trek out to the slopes. Tuesday -- For Whom the Bell Tolls: It's once again great time to be a real estate developer. Home prices are moving higher, and those increases are moving at a headier clip than the costs to build new digs. We'll get a good snapshot of the housing industry when Toll Brothers (TOL) reports on Tuesday. The builder of upscale properties is typically blunt about its assessment, and naturally the news has been good in recent quarters as home buyers aren't walking away from their contracts, and asking prices keep inching up. Hovnanian (HOV) -- another developer that offers more accessibly priced properties -- reports two days later. Analysts see revenue surging 56 percent at Toll and 19 percent at Hovnanian. It's good to be a builder right now, but that won't remain that way i