Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now

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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) ��Shares of Gap Inc. fell in the extended session Thursday after the clothing retailer posted sales figures that fell short of estimates.

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Top Construction Companies To Own In Right Now: Oncothyreon Inc .(ONTY)

Oncothyreon Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer. Its primary product candidate, Stimuvax is in two phase III clinical trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. The company is also developing PX-866, a small molecule that is in phase II trials for various cancer indications. In addition, it engages in the preclinical development of ONT-10, a cancer vaccine; and ONT-701, a pan-inhibitor of the B-cell lymphoma-2 family of anti-apoptotic proteins. The company operates primarily in the United States and Canada. Oncothyreon Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Roberto Pedone]

  One under-$10 biopharmaceutical player that's starting to move within range of triggering a big breakout trade is Oncothyreon (ONTY), which develops and markets synthetic vaccines and small molecules that treat cancer patients. This stock hasn't done much so far in 2013, with shares down modestly by 3.9%.

  If you take a look at the chart for Oncothyreon, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways inside of a consolidation chart pattern for the last month and change, with shares moving between $1.63 on the downside and $1.95 on the upside. Shares of ONTY have been finding some buying interest of late right above its 50-day moving average of $1.73 a share. This stock is now starting to push within range of triggering a big breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent sideways trading chart pattern.

  Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ONTY if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance levels at $1.93 to $1.95 a share and then once it takes out more resistance at $1.98 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 689,364 shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then ONTY will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at its 200-day moving average of $2.12 a share to $2.70 a share.

  Traders can look to buy ONTY off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below its 50-day at $1.73 a share or around more support at $1.63 a share. One can also buy ONTY off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.

• [By EP Vantage]

  Although the subgroup on which this decision is based was large, many will still consider this a risky basis for further study. Some investors thought it was a risk worth taking: shares in Oncothyreon (ONTY), which licensed the drug to Merck and saw its valuation more than halve on news of the Start failure, were trading 22% higher this morning at $2.19; Merck KGaA stock was little changed. But, in the meantime, tecemotide will struggle to shake off the stain of past failure.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Embarr Downs Inc (EMBR)

Embarr Downs, Inc. is a development-stage company. The Company's business is the buying, selling and racing of thoroughbreds that can race in the allowance and stakes levels of thoroughbred racing. The Company intends to acquire 4-6 horses in its claiming division before acquiring horses for its allowance/stakes division. These 4-6 horses will provide the Company with revenue and a foundation to build out a stakes level stable. The Company�� main focus will be acquiring horses that will be capable of racing in stake races throughout the Country. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  Small cap stocks IDGlobal Corp (OTCMKTS: IDGC), Embarr Downs Inc (OTCMKTS: EMBR) and SourcingLink.net, Inc (OTCMKTS: SNET) have been getting some extra attention in various investment newsletters or investor alerts lately as at least two of these stocks have been the subject of paid promotions or other types of investor relations activities. Of course, there is nothing wrong with properly disclosed promotions or investor relations activities. But just how hot are these two small cap stocks? Here is a closer look and a quick reality check:

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Stepan Co (SCL)

Stepan Company, incorporated on February 19, 1959, produces specialty and intermediate chemicals, which are sold to other manufacturers and then made into a variety of end products. The Company serves principal markets, such as manufacturers of cleaning and washing compounds (including detergents, shampoos, fabric softeners, toothpastes and household cleaners), paints, cosmetics, food and beverages, agricultural products, plastics, furniture, automotive equipment, insulation and refrigeration. The Company has three segments: surfactants, polymers and specialty products. The Company operates in the geographical regions of North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. As of December 31, 2012, the Surfactants segment accounted to 72%, Polymers segment accounted to 24% and Specialty segment accounted to 4% of the Company�� revenues. On March 22, 2012, the Company increased its controlling interest in Stepan Philippines Inc from 89% to 100%.

Surfactants

Surfactants are used in a variety of consumer and industrial cleaning compounds as well as in agricultural products, lubricating ingredients, biodiesel and other specialized applications. The Surfactants are principal ingredients in consumer and industrial cleaning products, such as detergents for washing clothes, dishes, carpets, floors and walls, as well as shampoos, body washes, toothpastes and fabric softeners. Surfactants are manufactured at six North American sites (five in the United States and one in Canada), three European sites (United Kingdom, France and Germany), and three Latin American sites (Mexico, Brazil and Colombia), and one Asian site (Philippines and Singapore). The Company also holds a 50% ownership interest in a joint venture, TIORCO, LLC (TIORCO), that markets chemical solutions for increasing the production of crude oil and natural gas from existing fields.

Polymers

Polymers generate its revenues primarily from the sale of polyols and phthalic anhydride used in plastics, buildi! ng materials and refrigeration systems. It includes two primary product lines: polyols and phthalic anhydride. Polyols are used in the manufacture of rigid laminate insulation board for thermal insulation in the construction industry. Polyols are also a base raw material for flexible foams, coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers.

Phthalic anhydride is used in unsaturated polyester resins, alkyd resins and plasticizers for applications in construction materials and components of automotive, boating and other consumer products. In addition, phthalic anhydride is used internally in the production of polyols. In the United States, polymer product lines are manufactured at the Company�� Millsdale, Illinois, site. In Europe, polyols are manufactured at the Company�� subsidiaries in Germany and Poland. In Asia, polyols are produced at the Company�� 80% owned joint venture in Nanjing, China.

Specialty Products

Specialty products are used in food, flavoring and pharmaceutical applications. It includes flavors, emulsifiers and solubilizers used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Specialty products are primarily manufactured at the Company�� Maywood, New Jersey, site.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Calling all cash flows
  When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on Stepan (NYSE: SCL  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Stepan Company (NYSE: SCL) is expected to report its Q3 earnings at $0.93 per share on revenue of $467.40 million.

  Lennox International (NYSE: LII) is projected to report its Q3 earnings at $1.28 per share on revenue of $877.87 million.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Basic guidelines
  In this series, I examine inventory using a simple rule of thumb: Inventory increases ought to roughly parallel revenue increases. If inventory bloats more quickly than sales grow, this might be a sign that expected sales haven't materialized. Is the current inventory situation at Stepan (NYSE: SCL  ) out of line? To figure that out, start by comparing the company's inventory growth to sales growth. How is Stepan doing by this quick checkup? At first glance, not so great. Trailing-12-month revenue decreased 4.8%, and inventory increased 30.6%. Comparing the latest quarter to the prior-year quarter, the story looks potentially problematic. Revenue dropped 1.9%, and inventory grew 30.6%. Over the sequential quarterly period, the trend looks OK but not great. Revenue grew 6.9%, and inventory grew 9.5%.

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Specialty chemical maker Stepan (SCL) raised its quarterly dividend 6% to 17 cents per share, payable on Dec. 13 to shareholders of record as of Nov. 29. This marks the 46th consecutive annual dividend increase.
  SCL Dividend Yield: 1.13%

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Volkswagen AG (VLKAY)

Volkswagen AG is a Germany-based automobile manufacturer. The Company develops vehicles and components, and also produces and sells vehicles, in particular Volkswagen brand passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The Company consists of two divisions: Automotive and Financial Services division. The Automotive division is responsible for the development of vehicles and engines, the production and sale of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, trucks and buses, and the genuine parts business. The Financial services division's portfolio of services includes dealer and customer services in the field of financing, leasing, directbank, insurance and fleet business. The Company's brands include Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, Skoda, Scania and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and each brand offers a product range from low-consumption small cars to luxury class vehicles, as well as pick ups, busses and heavy trucks in the commercial vehicle sector.

During 2009, the Company introduced two additions to the Audi5 model series: Audi A5 Cabriolet and the Audi A5 Sportback. In addition, Audi A4 allroad Quattro, Audi TT RS, Audi RS Spyder and the Audi 8 were introduced. During 2009, Audi brand delivered 950 thousand vehicles to customers worldwide. The SEAT launched the Exeo in the B segment. This sporty midsized saloon marks the arrival of the Spanish brands. Bentley introduced the Bentley Mulsanne. This saloon includes proportioned interiors. It also introduced GTC Speed and the Bentley Continental Supersports.

The Company has various delivery centers, including Western Europe, China, Brazil, United States and Mexico. During 2009, deliveries of vehicles were 6336222 worldwide.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jim Woods]

  Interestingly, Rolls-Royce�� main competitor in the luxury brand arena, Bentley, a division of Volkswagen AG (VLKAY), does have plans to build an SUV. The four-wheel-drive EXP 9 F is in the concept stage right now, and according to the company, it won�� be out until the 2016 model year. Volkswagen also has plans for a Lamborghini sport-utility vehicle, called the Urus SUV, although there isn�� a production date yet.

• [By Live Investor]

  The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers passed a warning that if foreign automakers are given the liberty to operate in the mainland, the day might come very soon when the local players would almost get wiped out. Market share of local automakers tumbled 4.9 percentage points to 38.4% in January over last year. Local brands combined sales fell 5.1% during the month as they are unable to compete with the like of foreign carmakers including Ford, GM, and Volkswagen (VLKAY).

• [By Gaurav Basu]

  Volkswagen Group (NASDAQOTH: VLKAY  ) , parent of the iconic brands Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Porsche, is a tough nut to crack. Unfazed by the prolonged recession in Europe, the company is eyeing the position of "world's largest auto seller" by 2018. It intends to beat Toyota (NYSE: TM  ) and General Motors (NYSE: GM  ) to establish its supremacy. Despite the challenges in its core European market, the company's first-half performance and solid July numbers testifies to its underlying strength.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Cerus Corporation(CERS)

Cerus Corporation, a biomedical products company, engages in the development and commercialization of the INTERCEPT Blood System. The company?s INTERCEPT system is designed to inactivate blood-borne pathogens in donated blood components intended for transfusion. It markets the INTERCEPT system for platelets and plasma primarily in Europe, the Russian Federation, and the Middle East. The company is also developing INTERCEPT Blood System for red blood cells or red blood cell system, which is designed to inactivate blood-borne pathogens in donated red blood cells for transfusion. Cerus Corporation has collaboration agreements with Baxter International, Inc.; and BioOne Corporation, as well as the United States Armed Forces. The company was founded in 1991 and is based in Concord, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Cerus (Nasdaq: CERS  ) is expected to report Q1 earnings on April 30. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

  The 10-second takeaway
  Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Cerus's revenues will expand 15.0% and EPS will remain in the red.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: East Africa Resources Ltd (EAF)

East Africa Resources Limited (EAF) is engaged in exploration of uranium projects in Tanzania. The Company has five projects in Tanzania, which include Eastern Rift, Madaba, Hemedi, Mkuju and the Mkuju South Joint Venture (JV). Mkuju South JV covers the Mkuju South project which comprises two tenements in the southern part of the Mkuju Uranium Project. The Eastern Rift Project surrounds Lake Manyara in the north of Tanzania and is targeted at U-in-calcrete mineralization. The Madaba Project consists of 23 tenements covering 4,760 kilometers square in the south-east of Tanzania. The Company�� subsidiaries include Tanganyika Uranium Corp, TZU Resources Pty Ltd, Frontier Resources Ltd and Sterling Resources Ltd. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Damian Illia]

  Here�� where I see that Nucor hold its competitive advantage: electric arc furnaces (EAF). These furnaces, in spite of being more electricity intensive, require a much lower per-unit investment and are significantly more efficient in terms of labor. Adding to this, the fact the Nucor has shifted its raw material usage from pig iron to direct-reduced iron (DRI) by building a new production capacity that utilizes cheap natural gas is also a way in which management is attaining a low-cost strategy to outperform its competitors. Moreover, Nucor�� acquisition of ferrous scrap metal broker David J. Joseph Company allows it to avoid price volatility.

Top 10 Electric Utility Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Portugal Telecom SGPS S.A .(PT)

Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides telecommunications services in Portugal, Brazil, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia. It offers fixed line telephone, Internet protocol television, and direct-to-home satellite pay-TV services; and mobile telecommunications services, such as voice, data, and Internet-related multi-media services primarily for mobile phones, smart phones, tablets, and laptops. The company also provides enterprise services, including data and business solutions, as well as information technology/information system and business process outsourcing services. In addition, it provides engineering solutions and training services in telecommunications; postal network services; consultant negotiation services; public telecommunication services and telebroadcasting services; call center services; mobile cellular services; and development and consultancy services in the areas of electronic commerce, contents, telecommunications, and info rmation technology. Further, it engages in the purchase, management, administration, sale, and investment consultancy of real estate properties; business advisory board service installment, consultation, administration, and business management; and pension fund management,. Additionally, the company provides wholesale services comprising leased lines, interconnection, unbundled access to its local loops, broadband asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), wholesale line rental, access to ducts, transmission of television and radio signals, and international carrier services. The company also publishes directories; provides portal services; and sells telecommunications equipment. As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately 4.9 million telephone and ADSL access lines in service. The company was formerly known as Portugal Telecom, SA and changed its name to Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. in December 2000. Portugal Telecom, SGPS, S.A. was founded in 1994 and is based in Lisbon, Portugal.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Buckingham]

  We have been positive on Portugal Telecom (PT) and its domestic turnaround, as well as its 25% ownership stake in Brazilian telecom provider Grupo Oi, for some time.

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, telecommunications company Portugal Telecom (NYSE: PT  ) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

• [By Anna Prior]

  American depositary shares of Portugal Telecom (PT) SGPS SA tumble premarket amid criticism from Brazil’s state development bank BNDES relating to an investment by the telecommunications group in debt issued by Espirito Santo International. Shares fell 6.1% to $2.79 premarket.