The vast majority of MLPs operate midstream oil and gas businesses. Midstream refers to the segment of the oil and gas industry that moves produced oil and gas (which is “upstream”) to processing facilities (downstream). Midstream business lines function largely as logistics companies that charge fees to move oil and gas along their distribution routes, most commonly via pipeline. These businesses tend to be stable and fairly insulated from commodity risk. As such, they have attracted a large following among conservative investors looking for stable income.
There are MLPs that operate outside the midstream oil and gas business. In fact, some, like StoneMor Partners (NYSE: STON) — an owner/operator of cemeteries, and Cedar Fair (NYSE: FUN) — an amusement-resort operator, are far removed from the oil and gas industry. But the overwhelming majority of MLP offerings continue to be in oil and gas.
Cott Corporation (Cott), incorporated on December 31, 2006, is a producers of beverages on behalf of retailers, brand owners and distributors. The Company�� product lines include carbonated soft drinks (CSDs), 100% shelf stable juice and juice-based products, clear, still and sparkling flavored waters, energy products, sports products, new age beverages, and ready-to-drink teas, as well as alcoholic beverages for brand owners. The Company operates in five segments: North America (which includes the United States operating segment and Canada operating segment), the United Kingdom (which includes its United Kingdom reporting unit and its Continental European reporting unit), Mexico, Royal Crown International (RCI) and All Other. The Company markets or supplies over 500 retailer, licensed and Company-owned brands in its four core geographic segments. In March of 2012, its U.K. reporting segment acquired a beverage and wholesale business based in Scotland.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Nicole Seghetti]
Private-label pressures
Regardless, private labels are becoming a bigger problem for companies such as Kraft and, to a lesser extent, Mondelez. According to an industry profile compiled by First Research, these brands typically cost 20% to 40% less than name-brand products. Couple that with the fact that more consumers are ditching big brands, and we can easily see why ConAgra (NYSE: CAG ) , Cott (NYSE: COT ) , and others are continually strengthening their private-label positions.
- [By Lee Jackson]
Cott Corp. (NYSE: COT) stock has pulled back some 30% from its 52-week high of $11.25 after second-quarter market conditions were presented as “challenging.” However, the dividend was reinstated after a ten-year hiatus, and the company bought back $6 million worth of shares in the second quarter. The company mainly does business in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Mexico, but it also sells beverage concentrate to 50 other countries. Deutsche Bank rates Cott as a stock to buy and has an $11 price target. The consensus is posted at $10. Investors are paid a decent 2.9% dividend. The Friday close for Cott was $7.87.
- [By Dan Caplinger]
But SodaStream is continuing to pull out all stops in order to improve its results. SodaStream's recent partnership with Samsung to incorporate carbonation technology into high-end refrigerators could help drive growth for consumers who don't want to deal with a separate appliance in their kitchens. Moreover, SodaStream's deal in March with bottler Cott (NYSE: COT ) to produce soda syrup within the U.S. should help it boost its efficiency in getting flavors to domestic customers.
- [By Dan Moskowitz]
Cott (NYSE: COT ) produces and sells over 200 different types of beverages in over 50 countries, and it implements a highly effective strategy. Cott is what is known as a Fast Follower, which makes it unique to other beverage companies.�
Top 10 Logistics Companies To Invest In 2014: ProShares Short FTSE Xinhua China 25 (YXI)
ProShares Short FTSE China 25 (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks daily investment results that correspond to the inverse (opposite) of the daily performance of the FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index (the Index). The Index consists of 25 of the largest and most liquid Chinese stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This free float adjusted Index caps the weight of any of constituent stock at 10% to ensure broad representation of the Chinese economy. The Fund seeks investment results for a single day only, not for longer periods. The Index is compiled and calculated by FTSE International Limited (FTSE) on behalf of FTSE/Xinhua Index Limited (FXI). The Fund will typically concentrate its investments in issuers of one or more particular industries to the same extent that its underlying Index is so concentrated. The Fund�� investment advisor is ProShare Advisors LLC.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By pamatlarge]
Three short ETFs are designed to profit from China�� economic downward slide. The ProShares Short FTSE China 25 (YXI), an unleveraged ETF, holds shares in iShares FTSE China Large-Cap (FXI) swaps. Investors looking to magnify their returns can choose from two leveraged short ETFs: ProShares Ultra Short FTSE China 25 (FXP) and Direxion Daily China Bear 3x Shares (YANG). Both ProShares Ultra Short and Direxion Daily hold shares that increase in value three times faster than an unleveraged ETF. The downside is that the per share price of these leveraged ETFs also drops three times faster.
Top 10 Logistics Companies To Invest In 2014: Pall Corporation(PLL)
Pall Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets filtration, purification, and separation products and integrated systems solutions worldwide. The company?s Life Sciences segment provides technologies that facilitate the process of drug discovery, development, regulatory validation, and production used in the research laboratories, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, food and beverage industry, blood centers, and hospitals at the point of patient care. It also offers medical products that enhance the safety of the use of blood products in patient care and help control the spread of infections in hospitals; and cell therapy products that enable technologies for the regenerative medicine market. In addition, this segment sells various filtration and purification technologies, appurtenant hardware, and engineered systems for the development and commercialization of chemically synthesized and biologically derived drugs, plasma, and vaccines, as well as offers filtration solutions; validation services to drug manufacturers; and laboratory products for use in drug research and discovery, quality control testing, and environmental monitoring applications. Further, it serves the filtration needs of the food and beverage market. The company?s Industrial segment provides enabling and process enhancing technologies for the industrial market. It offers filtration and fluid monitoring equipment to the aerospace industry; filtration and purification technologies for the semiconductor, data storage, fiber optic, advanced display, and materials markets; and a suite of contamination control solutions for chemical, gas, water, chemical mechanical polishing, and photolithography processes. This segment also provides various technologies to producers of energy, oil, gas, renewable and alternative fuels, electricity, chemicals, and municipal water. The company was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Port Washington, New Yo rk.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Marc Bastow]
Liquid filtration, separation and purification systems provider Pall (PLL) increased its quarterly dividend 10% to 27.5 cents per share, payable on Nov. 8 to shareholders of record as of Oct.18.
PLL Dividend Yield: 1.42%
- [By John Divine]
Filtration systems producer Pall (NYSE: PLL ) leads off today's list, having slumped 5.1%. The company reported quarterly results after the markets closed yesterday, and investors were underwhelmed. Sales didn't live up to expectations, although earnings actually beat estimates. The company's outlook really stung shares: Pall said that European expansion was going well, while operations in China were sluggish. Apart from that being the inverse version of what Wall Street wanted to hear, the company also lowered guidance for the fiscal year.
Top 10 Logistics Companies To Invest In 2014: LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc (RIT)
LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc. (the Fund) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund�� primary investment objective is to provide high current income. Its secondary investment objective is capital appreciation. Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC (LMPFA) is the Fund�� investment manager and AEW Management and Advisors, L.P. (AEW) is the Fund�� subadviser. LMPFA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc.
The Fund invests in securities related to the real estate industry. Its portfolio includes common stocks, preferred stocks and short-term investments. The Fund invests in sectors, such as office, healthcare, diversified, apartments, industrial, shopping centers, home financing, lodging/resorts, regional malls and specialty.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By GURUFOCUS]
Special Purpose Funds- Eaton Vance Tax-Adv. Global Dividend Oppor. Fund (ETO) | Yield: 7.3%
- The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (GLU) | Yield: 6.2%
- Pimco Global Stocksplus Income Fund (PGP) | Yield: 9.5%
- LMP Real Estate Income Fund Inc. (RIT) | Yield: 7.0%
- [By Joe Eqcome]
Actionable Items:
Highest Positive Spread: Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund (JLS)Focus Stock: LMP Real Estate Income Fund (RIT)Last Week's Focus Stock: ASA Gold and Precious Metals (ASA)ECB cuts its rates: The European Central Bank (ECB) will cut its benchmark rate a quarter-of-a-point to 0.5%.
Top 10 Logistics Companies To Invest In 2014: American Electric Power Company Inc (AEP)
American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP), incorporated on December 20, 1906, is a utility holding company that owns, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding common stock of its public utility subsidiaries and varying percentages of other subsidiaries. The service areas of AEP�� public utility subsidiaries cover portions of the states of Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The generating and transmission facilities of AEP�� public utility subsidiaries are interconnected and their operations are coordinated. Transmission networks are interconnected with distribution facilities in the territories served. The public utility subsidiaries of AEP have provided electric service, consisting of generation, transmission and distribution, on an integrated basis to their retail customers. On December 31, 2011, Columbus Southern Power Company (CSPCo) merged with and into Ohio Power Company (OPCo) with OPCo being the surviving entity. In March 2012, the Company�� subsidiary, AEP Retail Energy acquired BlueStar Energy Holdings Inc. and its independent retail electric supplier BlueStar Energy Solutions.
Appalachian Power Company (APCo) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 960,000 retail customers in the southwestern portion of Virginia and southern West Virginia, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by APCo are paper, rubber, coal mining, textile mill products and stone, clay and glass products. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, APCo is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Carolina Power & Light Company, Duke Carolina and Virginia Electric and Power Company. APCo has several points of interconnection with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and has entered into agreements with TVA under whic! h APCo and TVA interchange and transfer electric power over portions of their respective systems. APCo is a member of Pennsylvania - New Jersey - Maryland regional transmission organization (PJM).
Indiana Michigan Power Company (I&M) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 582,000 retail customers in northern and eastern Indiana and southwestern Michigan, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, rural electric cooperatives, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served are primary metals, transportation equipment, electrical and electronic machinery, fabricated metal products, rubber and chemicals and allied products, rubber products and transportation equipment. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, I&M is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Central Illinois Public Service Company, Duke Ohio, Commonwealth Edison Company, Consumers Energy Company, Illinois Power Company, Indianapolis Power & Light Company, Louisville Gas and Electric Company, Northern Indiana Public Service Company, Duke Indiana and Richmond Power & Light Company. I&M is a member of PJM.
Kentucky Power Company (KPCo) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 173,000 retail customers in an area in eastern Kentucky, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served are petroleum refining, coal mining and chemical production. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, KPCo is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Kentucky Utilities Company and East Kentucky Power Cooperative Inc. KPCo is also interconnected with TVA. KPCo is a member of PJM. Kingsport Power Company (KGPCo) provides electric service to approximately 47,000 retail customers in K! ingsport ! and eight neighboring communities in northeastern Tennessee. KGPCo does not own any generating facilities and is a member of PJM. It purchases electric power from APCo for distribution to its customers.
OPCo is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 1,460,000 retail customers in Ohio, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by OPCo are primary metals, chemicals and allied products, health services, electronic machinery, petroleum refining, and rubber and plastic products. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, OPCo is interconnected with nonaffiliated utility companies: Duke Ohio, The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company, Dayton Power and Light Company, Duquesne Light Company, Kentucky Utilities Company, Monongahela Power Company, Ohio Edison Company, The Toledo Edison Company and West Penn Power Company. OPCo is a member of PJM.
Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) is engaged in the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 532,000 retail customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma, and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities, rural electric cooperatives and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by PSO are paper manufacturing and timber products, natural gas and oil extraction, transportation, non-metallic mineral production, oil refining and steel processing. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, PSO is interconnected with Empire District Electric Company, Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company, Southwestern Public Service Company and Westar Energy, Inc. PSO is a member of Southwest Power Pool regional transmission organization (SPP).
Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCo) is engaged in the generation, transmission an! d distrib! ution of electric power to approximately 521,000 retail customers in northeastern and panhandle of Texas, northwestern Louisiana and western Arkansas and in supplying and marketing electric power at wholesale to other electric utility companies, municipalities, rural electric cooperatives and other market participants. Among the principal industries served by SWEPCo are natural gas and oil production, petroleum refining, manufacturing of pulp and paper, chemicals, food processing, and metal refining. The territory served by SWEPCo also includes several military installations, colleges and universities. SWEPCo also owns and operates a lignite coal mining operation. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, SWEPCo is interconnected with Central Louisiana Electric Company (CLECO), Empire District Electric Company, Entergy Corp. and Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company. SWEPCo is a member of SPP.
AEP Texas Central Company (TCC) is engaged in the transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 787,000 retail customers through REPs in southern Texas. TCC has sold all of its generation assets. Among the principal industries served by TCC are chemical and petroleum refining, chemicals and allied products, oil and gas extraction, food processing, metal refining, plastics and machinery equipment. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, TCC is a member of Electric Reliability Council of Texas regional transmission organization (ERCOT). AEP Texas North Company (TNC) is engaged in the transmission and distribution of electric power to approximately 186,000 retail customers through REPs in west and central Texas. TNC�� generating capacity has been transferred to an affiliate at TNC�� cost pursuant to an agreement effective through 2027. Among the principal industries served by TNC are petroleum refining, agriculture and the manufacturing or processing of cotton seed products, oil products, precision and consumer metal products, meat products and gypsum products. The territor! y served ! by TNC also includes several military installations and correctional facilities. In addition to its AEP System interconnections, TNC is a member of ERCOT.
Wheeling Power Company (WPCo) provides electric service to approximately 41,000 retail customers in northern West Virginia. WPCo does not own any generating facilities. WPCo is a member of PJM. It purchases electric power from OPCo for distribution to its customers. AEP Generating Company (AEGCo) is an electric generating company. AEGCo sells power at wholesale to OPCo, I&M and KPCo. AEP also owns a service company subsidiary, American Electric Power Service Corporation (AEPSC).
Utility Operations
Utility operations constitute most of AEP�� business operations. Utility operations include the generation, transmission and distribution of electric power to retail customers and the supplying and marketing of electric power at wholesale (through the electric generation function) to other electric utility companies, municipalities and other market participants. AEPSC, as agent for AEP�� public utility subsidiaries, performs marketing, generation dispatch, fuel procurement and power-related risk management and trading activities.
Electric Generation
As of December 31, 2011, AEP�� public utility subsidiaries owned or leased approximately 37,000 MW of domestic generation. AEP�� public utility subsidiaries procure coal and lignite under a combination of purchasing arrangements including long-term contracts, affiliate operations and spot agreements with various producers and coal trading firms. Through its public utility subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2011, AEP owned, leased or controlled more than 7,600 railcars, 634 barges, 16 towboats and a coal handling terminal with 18 million tons of annual capacity to move and store coal for use in its generating facilities. Through its public utility subsidiaries, AEP consumed nearly 167 billion cubic feet of natural gas, during the year ended Dec! ember 31,! 2011, for generating power. The Unit Power Agreement between AEGCo and I&M provides for the sale by AEGCo to I&M of all the capacity (and the energy associated therewith) available to AEGCo at the Rockport Plant. The Unit Power Agreement between AEGCo and OPCo provides for the sale by AEGCo to OPCo of all the capacity and associated unit contingent energy and ancillary services available to OPCo from the Lawrenceburg Plant.
Electric Transmission and Distribution
AEP�� public utility subsidiaries (other than AEGCo) own and operate transmission and distribution lines and other facilities to deliver electric power. Most of the transmission and distribution services are sold, in combination with electric power, to retail customers of AEP�� public utility subsidiaries in their service territories. AEP�� public utility subsidiaries (other than AEGCo) hold franchises or other rights to provide electric service in various municipalities and regions in their service areas. In some cases, these franchises provide the utility with the right to provide electric service. In addition to providing transmission services in connection with their own power sales, AEP�� public utility subsidiaries through RTOs also provide transmission services for non-affiliated companies. AEP�� System Transmission Integration Agreement provides for the integration and coordination of the planning, operation and maintenance of the transmission facilities of AEP East and AEP West companies.
Transmission Operations
AEP Transmission Company, LLC (AEP Transco), a subsidiary of AEP, has seven wholly-owned transmission companies, geographically aligned with its existing operating companies. These transmission companies will develop and own new transmission assets that are physically connected to AEP�� system. The transmission companies have been approved in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Oklahoma. AEPSC and other AEP subsidiaries provide services to the transmission companies throug! h service! agreements. The Company has established joint ventures with other incumbent electric utility companies for the purpose of developing, building and owning Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission lines in North America. Its joint venture, Electric Transmission Texas, LLC (ETT), was established to construct, fund, own and operate electric transmission assets within ERCOT, including transmission projects in the Competitive Renewable Energy Zone (CREZ). Business services for the joint ventures are provided by AEPSC and the joint venture partner entity.
AEP River Operations
The Company�� AEP River Operations Segment transports coal and dry bulk commodities primarily on the Ohio, Illinois and lower Mississippi rivers. Almost all of its customers are nonaffiliated third parties who obtain the transport of coal and dry bulk commodities for various uses. AEP�� affiliated utility customers procure the transport of coal for use as fuel in their respective generating plants. AEP River Operations includes approximately 2,600 barges, 45 towboats and 25 harbor boats that it owns or leases.
Generation and Marketing
The Company�� Generation and Marketing Segment consists of non-utility generating assets and a power supply and energy trading and marketing business. It enters into short and long-term transactions to buy or sell capacity, energy and ancillary services primarily in the ERCOT market, and to a lesser extent Ohio in PJM and MISO. As of December 31, 2011, the assets utilized in this segment included approximately 310 megawatt of Company-owned domestic wind power facilities, 177 megawatt of domestic wind power from long-term purchase power agreements and 377 megawatt of coal-fired capacity which was obtained through an agreement effective through 2027 that transfers TNC�� interest in the Oklaunion power station to AEP Energy Partners, Inc. The power obtained from the Oklaunion power station is marketed and sold in ERCOT.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Richard Stavros]
But some executives have been skeptical of these deals because they believe they can erode the benefits achieved by economies of scale or integration. Back in 2007, when your correspondent was executive editor of Public Utilities Fortnightly, the utilities industry’s journal of record, he spoke about this topic with Michael Morris, former CEO and presently non-executive chairman of American Electric Power Co Inc (NYSE: AEP).
Top 10 Logistics Companies To Invest In 2014: Invesco Plc(IVZ)
Invesco Ltd. is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to individuals, typically high net worth individuals. It also manages accounts for institutions. The firm manages separate client focused equity, fixed income, balanced portfolios. It also launches equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds for its clients. The firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It invests in core, growth, and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies. The firm employs a fundamental and quantitative analysis with a bottom-up stock picking approach to make its investments. It conducts in-house research to make its investments. Invesco Ltd. was founded in December 1935 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Zacks]
Currently, shares of T. Rowe Price carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Among other investment managers, Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ) is scheduled to report December quarter end results on Jan 30, Legg Mason Inc. (NYSE: LM) on Jan 31 and Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP) on Feb 4.
- [By Sally Jones]
This month, Invesco Ltd. (IVZ) reported that foreign exchange increased its assets under management by $1.1 billion. Invesco�� preliminary average total AUM for the quarter (through November 30) was reported at $757.2 billion. The preliminary month-end AUM of $767.3 billion, reflected an increase of 0.4%, month-over-month, according to the company website.
Top 10 Logistics Companies To Invest In 2014: Microvision Inc.(MVIS)
MicroVision, Inc. engages in the development of miniature laser display and imaging engines based upon its proprietary PicoP display engine technology. Its technology uses two dimensional micro-electrical mechanical systems, lasers, optics, and electronics to create a video or still image from a small form factor device. The company offers Pico projector displays intended to be used for users of mobile consumer devices, such as smartphones, media players, tablet PCs, and other consumer electronics products. Its products also comprise automotive head-up displays that project high-resolution images onto the windshield of an automobile providing the driver with information consisting of GPS mapping images, audio controls, and other automobile instrumentation information related to the car's operation. In addition, the company offers near-eye wearable display platform to provide personal viewing of information from a mobile device through a wired or wireless connection. Furthe r, it offers ROV hand held bar code scanners, and bar code scanner enabled enterprise solutions through distributors and original equipment manufacturers, as well as directly to end users through its online store. The company serves customers operating in the consumer, defense, industrial, and medical markets. MicroVision, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Redmond, Washington.
Advisors' Opinion: - [By Charley Blaine]
Shares of MicroVision Inc. (NASDAQ: MVIS) were jumping for a second day in a row Friday on the heels of Sony Inc.’s (NYSE: SNE) introduction of a new handheld projector that uses Microvision’s technology.
- [By Bryan Murphy]
If the cash you have available is money you absolutely need to invest safely and wisely because you need it (and its appreciation) to love on in retirement, then let me stop you right now - the rest of what you're about to read probably isn't for you. On the other hand, if you and your qualified financial adviser agree you've got some money you can gamble with [i.e. if you lose it all, it won't matter], then may I direct your attention to Microvision, Inc. (NASDAQ:MVIS)? Long story made short, MVIS has dropped hints of a brewing rebound.
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