Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now

An array of energy's sub-industries are making a fortune from America's natural gas boom. But perhaps the most unlikely beneficiary of the shale revolution is the coal industry, suggests Peter Krauth in Money Morning.

After all, King Coal has been dethroned in recent years by the swelling supply and bargain prices of clean-burning natural gas. And overall, ever-increasing environmental regulation is discouraging coal-powered electricity.

But the dynamic is suddenly changing. This is a pricing game—a global one. You see, while North Americans currently enjoy natural gas at close to $3.40 per million cubic feet (Mcf), Europeans are paying three times as much, between $10 and $11 per Mcf.

Asians are bearing more than four times the cost, at $15.60 per Mcf. That's why Japan and South Korea are ramping up their LNG imports.

And this massive arbitrage opportunity—low North American prices versus high European and Asian prices—is supporting natural gas here in North America. But it's making cheap coal attractive everywhere.

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: Lender Processing Services Inc (LPS)

Lender Processing Services, Inc. provides integrated technology, data, and services to the mortgage lending industry in the United States. The company operates in two segments, Technology, Data, and Analytics; and Transaction Services. Its Technology, Data, and Analytics segment offers software systems and information solutions that facilitate and automate various business processes across the life cycle of a mortgage. This segment�s primary applications and services include mortgage servicing platform, an application that automates loan servicing, including loan setup and ongoing processing, customer service, accounting and reporting to the secondary mortgage market, and federal regulatory reporting; Desktop, a Web-based workflow information system that can be used for managing and automating various workflow processes; and other software applications and services that automate and facilitate the origination of mortgage loans. It also provides data and analytics services , such as alternative valuation services, and data and information. The company�s Transaction Services segment offers customized outsourced business process and information solutions. Its origination services include settlement and title agency services comprising centralized title agency and closing services; appraisal services; and other origination services, such as federal flood zone certifications and monitoring services. This segment also provides default management services, consisting of foreclosure administrative services, property inspection and preservation; default title and settlement services; and alternative property valuation services. The company serves mortgage originators and servicers, other financial institutions, investors, attorneys, trustees, and real estate professionals. Lender Processing Services, Inc. was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Holly LaFon]

  Despite economic and political turmoil, equity markets performed well across the board in September of 2013 and over the trailing twelve months. The September gains reversed losses in August and also resulted in positive overall quarterly performance with a number of major indexes moving further into record territory. After disturbing the markets in May and June with comments that they may taper Quantitative Easing (QE), the Fed surprised investors with an announcement that it would not reduce its asset purchases in the near-term. The announcement removed fears that a continued rise in interest rates may stall the economic recovery, as seen by the market's negative reaction to the sharp rise in the 10-year Treasury rate in August of 2013. Investors were also comforted by improving fundamentals both domestically and abroad. The Eurozone may finally be emerging from its prolonged recession and a number of economic reports in the U.S. continue to show progress. Specifically, initial unemployment claims dropped to a multiyear low early in September and the housing market continued to improve, as evidenced by prices rising 12.4 percent year-over year, which along with the stock market's strength, has created a positive wealth effect for consumers. In response to this general economic improvement, consumer confidence increased at the end of September, and the index of leading economic indicators ticked up as well, suggesting that, absent the effects of politics, the recovery in the real economy was continuing. Our portfolios that focus on corporate restructuring (Keeley Small Cap Value, Keeley Small-Mid Cap Value, Keeley Mid Cap Value, Keeley All Cap Value, and Keeley Alternative Value) have all experienced a productive investment cycle with respect to their opportunity sets, and many of our holdings have posted impressive results in recent quarters. Although we acknowledge an improving economy has boosted the outlook for our more cyclical holdings, our research has gu

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: Paychex Inc.(PAYX)

Paychex Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides payroll, human resource, and benefits outsourcing solutions for small-to medium-sized businesses in the United States and Germany. It offers payroll processing services, including calculation, preparation, and delivery of employee payroll checks; production of internal accounting records and management reports; preparation of federal, state, and local payroll tax returns; and collection and remittance of clients? payroll obligations. The company also provides payroll tax administration services; employee payment services; and regulatory compliance services, such as new-hire reporting and garnishment processing. Its human resource outsourcing services include payroll, employer compliance, human resource and employee benefits administration, risk management outsourcing, and the on-site availability of a professionally trained human resource representative, as well as provides employee handbooks, management manuals, and r equired regulatory forms. In addition, the company offers retirement services administration; workers? compensation; business-owner policies; commercial auto; and health and benefits coverage, including health, dental, vision, and life. Further, it provides online human resource administration software products for employee benefits management and administration, and time and attendance solutions. As of May 31, 2010, the company served approximately 536,000 clients in the United States; and 1,700 clients in Germany. Paychex, Inc. was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Rochester, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Bieglmeier]

  Paychex, Inc. (NASDAQ:PAYX) will release financial results for the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter and full year ended May 31, 2014 via Business Wire after the financial markets close on Tuesday, July 1, 2014.

5 Best Net Payout Yield Stocks To Buy For 2015: ING Groep NV (INGA)

ING Groep N.V. (ING) is a global financial institution offering banking, investments, life insurance and retirement services to meet the needs of the customers. The Company�� segments include banking and insurance. Banking segment includes retail Netherlands, retail Belgium, ING direct, retail central Europe (CE), retail Asia, commercial banking (excluding real estate), ING real estate and corporate line banking. Insurance segment includes insurance Benelux, insurance central and rest of Europe (CRE), insurance United States (US), Insurance US closed block VA, insurance Asia/Pacific, ING investment management (IM) and corporate line insurance. In November 2013, the Company completed the sale of ING Hipotecaria to Banco Santander (Mexico), S.A. In December 2013, the Company completed the sale of its 33.3% interest in China Merchants Fund to its joint venture partners China Merchants Bank Co Ltd and China Merchants Securities Co Ltd, and divested ING Life Korea to MBK Partners. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

  ING (INGA), which received a 10 billion-euro government bailout in 2008, gained 5.1 percent to 8.26 euros. Underlying pretax profit for the banking unit rose 14 percent to 1.15 billion euros in the second quarter as the interest margin improved and cost cuts paid off, the biggest Dutch financial-services company said.

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: UPM-Kymmene Corporation (UPM1V)

UPM-Kymmene Corporation is a Finland-based paper and forest products company. The Company operates, along with its subsidiaries, in three segments: the Energy and Pulp segment is divided into three units: Energy, which includes the Company�� hydropower plant and shares in energy companies; Pulp, which includes the Company�� pulp mills, and Foster and Timber, which includes forests, wood procurement, sawmills and further processing; the Paper segment includes the Company�� paper mills, producing magazine paper, newsprint, fine papers, and specialty papers, and the Engineered materials segment is structured into two units: Label, which includes label-stock factories and slitting, and distribution terminals, and Plywood, which includes plywood mills. The Company�� other operations include the wood plastic composite unit, development units and logistic services. On October 2, 2013, it completed the sale of the wood processing mill in Aigrefeuille d'Aunis, to Groupe FP Bois. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tom Stoukas]

  UPM-Kymmene (UPM1V), a rival maker of paper, dropped 1.9 percent to 10.23 euros.

  Aryzta surged 4 percent to 60.45 Swiss francs, the biggest gain since March 28. The owner of bakery brands including Delice de France and Otis Spunkmeyer posted full-year revenue of 4.5 billion euros ($6.1 billion), beating analysts��estimates of 4.43 billion euros. The company also forecast a double-digit percentage gain in 2014 earnings.

• [By Corinne Gretler]

  UPM-Kymmene Oyj (UPM1V) fell 3.9 percent to 12.18 euros. UBS AG lowered Europe�� second-largest papermaker to sell from neutral. The brokerage said that demand for the company�� product will not recover in Europe and that the industry will probably reduce its capacity next year.

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: Interpublic Group of Companies Inc (IPG)

The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (Interpublic), incorporated in September 1930, is a global advertising and marketing services companies. Interpublic�� companies specialize in consumer advertising, digital marketing, communications planning and media buying, public relations and specialized communications disciplines. The Company has two segments: Integrated Agency Networks (IAN) and Constituency Management Group (CMG). IAN is comprised of McCann, Draftfcb, Lowe, Mediabrands and its domestic integrated agencies. CMG is comprised of a number of its specialist marketing services offerings. During the year ended December, 31, 2011, it completed 22 acquisitions, which included purchases of controlling interests in previously unconsolidated subsidiaries. Of these acquisitions, 18 are included in IAN operating segment and four are included in CMG operating segment. All acquired agencies have been integrated into one of its global networks or existing agencies. The acquisitions included service creative agencies in Australia, a public relations firm in Brazil, digital and direct marketing agencies in the United Kingdom, a healthcare communications firm in Germany and a social media agency in the United States. In November 2013, Interpublic Group of Companies Inc's MRM, a global digital and direct agency within McCann Worldgroup, a unit of the Interpublic Group of Companies, acquired the Brazilian agency E/OU. In January 2014, Interpublic Group of Companies Inc announced that its division Lowe and Partners, announced the acquisition of the global digital network Profero.

The Company�� agencies create customized marketing programs for companies. The Company has three global networks: McCann Worldgroup (McCann); Draftfcb and Lowe & Partners (Lowe), that provide integrated, advertising and marketing solutions for clients, and two global media services companies, UM and Initiative, operating under the Mediabrands umbrella. It premier also has domestic integrated and interactive agencies. ! Its solutions vary from project-based activity involving one agency to long-term, integrated campaigns created by multiple IPG agencies working together.

McCann offers a range of communications tools and resources to companies and brands. McCann Erickson Advertising has operations in over 100 countries. MRM Worldwide is its global digital and customer relationship management (CRM) network. Momentum Worldwide is engaged in experiential marketing and promotions, as is McCann Healthcare Worldwide in healthcare communications. Draftfcb is an agency model for clients seeking creative and accountable marketing programs delivered in a media-neutral manner under a unified, integrated business.

Lowe is a creative agency. Lowe is developing ideas that connect with culture. Mediabrands delivers on the scale and breadth of its media capabilities. UM and Initiative seek to deliver business results by advising clients on how to navigate an increasingly complex and digital marketing landscape. Specialist brands within Mediabrands focus on areas, such as the targeting and aggregation of audiences in the digital space, hyper-local marketing, media barter and a range of other capabilities.

The Company�� domestic integrated independent agencies include agency brands, including Campbell-Ewald, Hill Holliday, The Martin Agency and Mullen. The marketing programs created by the group incorporate all media channels, CRM, public relations and other marketing activities and have helped build some of the brands in the United States, across all sectors and industries. It has marketing specialists across a range of disciplines. These include Jack Morton (experiential marketing), Octagon (sports marketing), public relations agencies, such as Weber Shandwick and GolinHarris, FutureBrand (corporate branding), and its digital specialist agencies, led by R/GA and HUGE. Its healthcare communications specialists reside within its three global brands: McCann, Draftfcb and Lowe.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lee Jackson]

  The Interpublic Group of Companies Inc. (NYSE: IPG) is an interesting name to attend. Formerly known as monster advertising agency McCann-Erickson, it is an integral cog in the entertainment and media machine. The consensus price target is $17.20. Investors receive a 1.7% dividend.

• [By Wallace Witkowski]

  ��onsumer discretionary earnings will be an interesting bellwether on what�� been driving growth,��McMillan said. Companies specific to the consumer discretionary sector reporting in the coming week include Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (CMG) , Mattel Inc. (MAT) , Interpublic Group of Cos. (IPG) �and Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC) .

• [By Rich Smith]

  After bulling through March with strong spending despite the sequester, Pentagon contract awards fell off a cliff in early April. And what little money there was to spread around was often showered upon�non-traditional�recipients such as Madison Avenue advertising firm�Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG  ) .

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: IsoRay Inc (ISR)

IsoRay, Inc. (IsoRay), incorporated on June 15, 2004, develops, manufactures and sells isotope-based medical products and devices for the treatment of cancer and other malignant diseases. IsoRay International LLC (International) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. IsoRay obtained clearance from the Food and Drug Association (FDA) for treatment for all solid tumor applications using Cesium-131. Such applications include prostate cancer; ocular melanoma; head, neck and lung tumors; breast cancer; liver cancer; brain cancer; colorectal cancer; gynecological cancer; esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The seed may be used in surface, interstitial and intracavity applications for tumors with known radio sensitivity. The Company has an existing distribution agreement with UralDial LLC (UralDial) that allows UralDial to distribute Proxcelan Cs-131 brachytherapy seeds in Russia. The Company, through UralDial, has regulatory approval to sell Cs-131 seeds in Russia.

IsoRay markets the Proxcelan Cesium-131 brachytherapy seed for the treatment of prostate cancer; lung cancer; ocular melanoma; head and neck cancers; colorectal cancer, brain cancer; and gynecological cancer. The Company focuses to market Cesium-131 for the treatment of other malignant disease, such as breast cancer, in the near future through the use of existing technologies that have received FDA-clearance. Cesium-131 is a radioactive isotope that can be produced by the neutron bombardment of Barium-130 (Ba-130). When placed into a nuclear reactor and exposed to a flux of neutrons, Ba-130 becomes Ba-131, the radioactive material that is the parent isotope of Cesium-131. The radioactive isotope Cesium-131 is normally produced by placing a quantity of stable non-radioactive barium (ideally barium enriched in isotope Ba-130) into the neutron flux of a nuclear reactor. The irradiation process converts a small fraction of this material into a radioactive form of barium (Ba-131). The Ba-131 decays by electron capture to the ! radioactive isotope of interest (Cesium-131).

As of June 30, 2011, IsoRay had agreements with several independent radiopharmacies to assay, preload, and sterilize loose seeds. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011, the Company loaded approximately 90% of Mick cartridges in the Company's own facility, which accounted for approximately 61% of seeds sold. Approximately 33% of seeds sold are strand configurations, including strands preloaded in needles and the remaining 6% of seeds are sold as loose seeds.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Vanina Egea]

  Strengthening portfolio and business stability is to be reinforced by the introduction of new products. Last December, Textron announced the successful first flight of the Scorpion Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)/Strike aircraft. ��he Scorpion compares very favorably to more costly aircraft currently used for low-threat missions,��pilot Dan Hinson said. The new product is expected to accommodate the budget constraints and shifting mission requirements of the US Department of Defense. The same department has granted the firm an additional contract worth $22.5 million to "deprocess" Mobile Strike Force vehicles and train the Afghan Army.

• [By James E. Brumley]

  Ugh. It's fun to be right about a stock, but it's exhausting to be too right, too fast. Case in Point? IsoRay, Inc. (NYSE: ISR). Yours truly posted some bullish comments on ISR just a couple of days ago, explaining how that day's move above a key ceiling meant a new bull trend was underway, and more gains from that price would be far easier to muster. Well, good news for those who heeded the advice - IsoRay shares are up 44% today.

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: PetSmart Inc(PETM)

PetSmart, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer of products, services, and solutions for pets in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada. The company offers consumables, such as pet food, treats, and litter; and hardgoods, which include pet supplies and other goods comprising collars, leashes, health care supplies, grooming and beauty aids, toys, apparel, and pet beds and carriers, as well as aquariums and habitats, accessories, d�or, and filters for fish, birds, reptiles, and small pets. It also provides fresh-water fish, small birds, reptiles, and small pets; and pet services, such as grooming, including precision cuts, baths, nail trimming and grinding, and teeth brushing, as well as training, boarding, and day camp services. In addition, the company operates PetsHotels that offer boarding for dogs and cats; provides personalized pet care, an on-call veterinarian, temperature controlled rooms and suites, daily specialty treats and p lay time, and day camp services for dogs; and operates veterinary hospitals, which offer services comprising routine examinations and vaccinations, dental care, a pharmacy, and surgical procedures. As of January 29, 2012, it operated 1,232 retail stores; 192 PetsHotels; 791 veterinary hospitals under the trade name of Banfield, The Pet Hospital; and 8 hospitals operated through other third parties in Canada. The company also offers its products through an e-commerce and community site, PetSmart.com. PetSmart, Inc. was founded in 1986 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Lauren Pollock]

  Pet-products retailer PetSmart Inc.(PETM) boosted its quarterly dividend by 18% while announcing a plan to repurchase $535 million in shares.

  RDA Microelectronics Inc.(RDA) has received a takeover proposal from Shanghai Pudong Science & Technology Investment Co. valuing the Chinese semiconductor company at $745 million. PDSTI, a state-owned investment company, offered to buy RDA for $15.50 an American depositary share, a 12% premium to RDA’s closing price Thursday. RDA shares were halted premarket ahead of the news.

• [By Sue Chang and Saumya Vaishampayan]

  PetSmart Inc. (PETM) shares dropped 8%. The company on Wednesday reported first-quarter sales of $1.73 billion, which fell short of estimates. PetSmart also said it expects fiscal 2014 same-store sales to be ��elatively flat,��net sales growth in the low single digits, and per-share earnings of between $4.29 and $4.39. ��e did not achieve our sales goals, which were impacted by a challenging and volatile consumer environment and a competitive market,��said David Lenhardt, PetSmart�� chief executive.

• [By Sean Williams]

  We only need to look so far as PetSmart (NASDAQ: PETM  ) to see how transformative this change has been. PetSmart, which offers an array of retail pet products in its stores, as well as grooming and veterinary services, has delivered 126% revenue growth since 2003 -- consistently growing its top line every year, even when the economy hit a major roadblock in 2009.�

• [By Jeff Reeves]

  Expect further pain for shareholders and right-sizing for this brick-and-mortar office supply store.

  PetSmart (PETM)

  Returns since 1/1/14: -24%
  Returns since 1/1/11: +38%
  Revenue Growth Last Year: 2% ($6.8 billion in FY13 to $6.9 billion for FY14)

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: Powershares S & P Small Cap Energy Portfolio (PSCE)

PowerShares S&P SmallCap Energy Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of an index called the S&P SmallCap 600 Capped Energy Index (the Underlying Index). The Underlying Index consists of common stocks of the United States energy companies that are principally engaged in the business of producing, distributing or servicing energy-related products, including oil and gas exploration and production, refining, oil services, pipeline, and solar, wind and other non-oil-based energy. The Underlying Index is compiled, maintained and calculated by Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC (Standard & Poor's). The Fund will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in common stocks of small-capitalization energy companies. The Fund will normally invest at least 90% of its total assets in common stocks that comprise the Underlying Index. The Fund�� investment adviser is Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Yesterday, small cap oil and gas stock Penn Virginia Corporation (NYSE: PVA) surged 14.84% after reporting earnings and was also rising close to 6% in�pre-market trading���meaning it might be worth taking a closer look at the small cap along with the performance of ETF peers IQ Global Oil Small Cap ETF (NYSEARCA: IOIL) and PowerShares S&P SmallCap Energy Portfolio (NASDAQ: PSCE). After all, a look at the longer term chart of Penn Virginia Corporation does not reveal a pretty picture for investors over the long haul.

Best Electric Utility Companies To Watch In Right Now: WhiteWave Foods Co (WWAV)

WWF Operating Company, incorporated on March 14, 1988, is a consumer packaged food and beverage company. The Company manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and dairy products throughout North America and Europe. The Company operates in two segments: North America and Europe. The North America segment offers products in the plant-based foods and beverages, coffee creamers and beverages, and dairy product categories throughout North America. Europe segment offers plant-based food and beverage products throughout Europe. The Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dean Foods Company (Dean Foods).

The Company�� brands distributed in North America include Silk plant-based foods and beverages, International Delight and LAND O LAKES coffee creamers and beverages, and Horizon Organic dairy products, while its European brands of plant-based foods and beverages include Alpro and Provamel. The Company sell its products to a variety of customers, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, and convenience stores, as well as various away-from-home channels, including restaurants and foodservice outlets, across North America and Europe. The Company sells its products in North America and Europe primarily through its direct sales force and independent brokers. The Company utilizes five manufacturing plants, two distribution centers, and three co-packers across the United States. Additionally, it has four plants across Europe in the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, each supported by an integrated supply chain.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By FinanceGuru]

  In response to this shift in consumer preferences, Dean Foods (DF) was quick to spin off its fast-growing WhiteWave division, which makes Horizon Organic Milk and Silk soy products, into WhiteWave Foods (WWAV). WhiteWave Foods competes with the likes of Hain Celestial (HAIN) and Blue Diamond Growers in the plant-based beverages market, but is it a good buy?

• [By Rich Duprey]

  So this isn't a case like that of�WhiteWave Foods (NYSE: WWAV  ) , which tried to snooker consumers by calling the sugar in its milk the creatively contrived name "evaporated cane juice." Rather, this is a company saying sugar's sugar and telling consumers how much the drink contains -- as the FDA requires it to do -- but it is still facing financial loss regardless.