Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014

The price of gasoline in the U.S. is on the rise again.

Futures prices for RBOB ("Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenate Blending"), the NYMEX futures contract for gasoline, are up over 11% for the year, and a full 6.6% of that increase has come in the past month.

In fact, gas is up 2.4% over the past week alone. Today, the average retail price is 4 cents higher per gallon than a year ago.

And you can bet that as we move into the "official" start of the summer driving season, the worst is yet to come. Prices will be headed even higher.

So with all the hoopla surrounding our newfound oil wealth and our legitimate move to become energy self-sufficient in as little as a decade, why are gas prices still climbing?

Let me explain...

More Oil Doesn't Necessarily Mean Lower Prices

But first I need to clear the record about what this new largess in unconventional oil actually means. Then I'll identify the two primary causes of higher gas prices, along with a third catalyst that is waiting in the wings.

Top 5 Food Stocks For 2015: Shire PLC (SHPG)

Shire plc (Shire), incorporated on January 28, 2008, is a specialty biopharmaceutical company that focuses on meeting the needs of the specialist physician. Shire focuses its business on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, human genetic therapies (HGT) and regenerative medicine (RM), as well as opportunities in other therapeutic areas. As of December 31, 2012, the Company�� products included VYVANSE/VENVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), ADDERALL XR (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine), INTUNIV (extended release guanfacine), EQUASYM (methylphenidate hydrochloride) modified release (XL), LIALDA (mesalamine)/ MEZAVANT(mesalazine), PENTASA (mesalamine), RESOLOR (prucalopride), FOSRENOL (lanthanum carbonate), XAGRID (anagrelide hydrochloride), REPLAGAL (agalsidase alfa), ELAPRASE (idursulfase), VPRIV (velaglucerase alfa), FIRAZYR (icatibant) and DERMAGRAFT(Human Fibroblast-Derived Dermal Substitute). As of December 31, 2012, the Company�� products under development included INTUNIV (extended release guanfacine), VYVANSE/VENVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), INTUNIV, Guanfacine Carrier Wave, LIALDA (mesalamine)/MEZAVANT (mesalazine), RESOLOR (prucalopride), RESOLOR (prucalopride), SPD 557(M0003), XAGRID, VYVANSE (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), REPLAGAL (agalsidase alfa), HGT-4510, HGT-2310, HGT-1410, HGT-1110, HGT-3010, and DERMAGRAFT. On January 31, 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration approved VYVANSE for the maintenance treatment of ADHD in adults. In March 2013, it announced the acquisition Of Premacure AB. In January 2014, Shire Plc sold its DERMAGRAFT assets to Organogenesis Inc. In January 2014, Shire Plc acquired 79.5% interest in ViroPharma Inc.

VANSE/ VENVANSE

VYVANSE is a New Chemical Entity (NCE) and is the pro-drug stimulant for the treatment of ADHD, where the amino acid l-lysine is linked to d-amphetamine. VYVANSE is therapeutically inactive until metabolized in the body. The United Stat! es Food and Drug Administration approved VYVANSE as a once-daily treatment for children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD in February 2007, for adults in April 2008 and for adolescents aged 13 to 17 in November 2010. VYVANSE is available in the United States in six dosage strengths: 20 milligram, 30 milligram, 40 milligram, 50 milligram, 60 milligram and 70 milligram. Health Canada approved VYVANSE for the treatment of ADHD in pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 in February 2009, and for adolescents and adults in November 2010. In April 2012, ANVISA, the Brazilian health authority, granted marketing authorization approval for lisdexamfetamine dimesylate for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6-12.

ADDERALL XR

ADDERALL XR is an extended release treatment for ADHD, which uses MICROTROL drug delivery technology and is designed to provide once-daily dosing. It is available in 5 milligram, 10 milligram, 15 milligram, 20 milligram, 25 milligram and 30 milligram capsules and can be administered either as a capsule or sprinkled on soft food. The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved ADDERALL XR as a once-daily treatment for children aged 6 to 12 with ADHD, for adults in and for adolescents aged 13 to 17. Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd. (Teva) and Impax Laboratories, Inc. (Impax) commenced commercial shipment of their authorized generic versions of ADDERALL XR in April and October 2009, respectively. Shire receives royalties from Impax�� sales of authorized generic ADDERALL XR.

INTUNIV

INTUNIV is a selective alpha-2A receptor agonist indicated for the treatment of ADHD. Alpha-2A-adrenoceptors strengthen working memory networks by inhibiting cAMP-HCN channel signalling in the prefrontal cortex (Cell. 2007; 129:397-410). INTUNIV is non-scheduled and has no known potential for abuse or dependence. The United States Food and Drug Administration approved INTUNIV in September 2009, as a once-daily monotherapy treatment of ADHD in children and adolesce! nts aged ! 6 to 17. It is available in 1 milligram, 2 milligram, 3 milligram and 4 milligram tablets.

EQUASYM

Shire has acquired from UCB the worldwide rights (excluding the United States, Canada and Barbados) to EQUASYM (methylphenidate hydrochloride) IR and XL for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18. At December 31, 2012,EQUASYM XL was commercially available in 10 countries in 10mg, 20mg and 30mg strengths. EQUASYM XL is marketed in Mexico and South Korea under the trade name METADATE CD.

LIALDA/MEZAVANT

LIALDA is indicated for the induction ofmild to moderately active UC and for the maintenance of remission of UC. The addition of the indication for maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis was approved by Health Canada in February 2011, and by the United States Food and Drug Administration in July 2011. LIALDA is once-daily oral formulation of mesalamine indicated for the induction and maintenance of remission. As of December 31, 2012, LIALDA/MEZAVANT (this product is marketed outside the United States as MEZAVANT) was commercially available in 19 countries either directly or through distributor arrangements.

PENTASA

PENTASA controlled release capsules are approved in the United States (marketed by Shire in the United States and by Ferring outside of the United States) and indicated for the induction of remission and for the treatment of patients with mild to moderately active ulcerative colitis. PENTASA is an ethylcellulose-coated, controlled release capsule formulation designed to release therapeutic quantities of mesalamine throughout the gastrointestinal tract. PENTASA is available in the United States in 250 milligram and 500 milligram capsules.

RESOLOR

RESOLOR (prucalopride), a 5-HT4 receptor agonists that stimulates gastrointestinal motility and acts primarily on different parts of the lower gastrointestinal tract (enterokinetic). In October 2009, RESOLOR was appr! oved by t! he EMA throughout the European Union as a once daily oral treatment for symptomatic treatment of chronic constipation in women in whom laxatives fail to provide adequate relief. In July 2010, Swissmedic granted RESOLOR marketing authorization in Switzerland for the treatment of idiopathic chronic constipation in adults. RESOLOR is available in milligram and 2 milligram dose strengths, both for once-daily dosing. At December 31, 2012, RESOLOR was available in six European Union countries. Formulated as a chewable tablet, FOSRENOL is available in 500 milligram, 750 milligram and 1,000 milligram dosage strengths.

XAGRID

XAGRID (anagrelide hydrochloride) is marketed in Europe for the reduction of elevated platelet counts in at-risk ET patients. XAGRID has been granted orphan drug status in the European Union. In the United States, anagrelide hydrochloride is sold by the Company under the name AGRYLIN for the treatment of thrombocythemia secondary to a MPD.

REPLAGAL

REPLAGAL is for the treatment of Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a genetic disorder resulting from a deficiency in the activity of the lysosomal enzyme alpha-galactosidase A, which is involved in the breakdown of fats. REPLAGAL is a human alpha-galactosidase A protein made in human cells that replaces the deficient alpha-galactosidase A with an active enzyme to ameliorate certain clinical manifestations of Fabry disease. At December 31, 2012, REPLAGAL was approved in 46 countries.

ELAPRASE

ELAPRASE is a treatment for Hunter syndrome (also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II or MPS II). Hunter syndrome is a genetic disorder mainly affecting males that interferes with the body's ability to break down and recycle waste substances called mucopolysaccharides, also known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). ELAPRASE was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and granted marketing authorization by the EMA for the long term treatment of patients with Hunter ! syndrome.! ELAPRASE has been granted orphan drug by both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the EMA. ELAPRASE received approval from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan. At December 31, 2012, ELAPRASE was approved in 51 countries.

VPRIV

VPRIV is a treatment for Type 1 Gaucher disease. Gaucher disease is an inherited genetic disorder, which results in a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase. VPRIV was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration in February 2010, for the long-term treatment of patients with Type 1 Gaucher disease. The EMA approved the marketing authorization for the use of VPRIV in August 2010. VPRIV was authorized as an orphan medicine through the Centralised Procedure in Europe. At December 31, 2012, VPRIV was approved in 38 countries.

FIRAZYR

FIRAZYR is a peptide-based therapeutic developed for the symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of HAE. In July 2008 the EMA granted marketing authorization throughout the European Union for the use of FIRAZYR for the symptomatic treatment of acute attacks of HAE, and in May 2011 approved FIRAZYR for self-administration after training in subcutaneous injection technique by a healthcare professional. In August 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted marketing approval for FIRAZYR in the United States for treatment of acute attacks of HAE in adults aged 18 and older. After injection training, patients may self-administer FIRAZYR. FIRAZYR has been granted orphan drug by both the United States Food and Drug Administration and the EMA. At December 31, 2012, FIRAZYR was approved in 38 countries globally.

DERMAGRAFT

DERMAGRAFT is a bio-engineered skin substitute that assists in restoring damaged tissue. DERMAGRAFT is indicated for use in the treatment of full-thickness Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) greater than six weeks in duration, which extend through the dermis, but without tendon, muscle, joint capsu! le, or bo! ne exposure. DERMAGRAFT is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration as a Class III medical device for the treatment of DFUs. DERMAGRAFT is also approved for the treatment of DFUs in South Africa, Israel and Singapore.

The Company competes with Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Janssen-Cilag, Novartis, Medice, Eli Lilly, Warner Chilcott, Synergy Pharmaceuticals, Inc., ARYx Therapeutics, Theravance, Inc., Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Albireo, Actelion Ltd., Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc, Genzyme, CSL Behring, Pharming Group N.V., ViroPharma, Dyax Corporation, Organogenesis, Healthpoint, Soluble System, KCI, Smith & Nephew, Aurobindo and Apotex.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Matt Egan]

  These transactions occur when a U.S. corporation moves its legal headquarters overseas after buying a foreign company that is based in a low-tax country. Medtronic's (MDT) takeover of Ireland's Covidien (COV) and drug maker AbbVie's (ABBV) plan to move to the U.K. by buying Shire (SHPG) are examples.

• [By Anna Prior]

  U.S. drug giant Abbvie is close to clinching a deal to buy Dublin-based Shire (SHPG) PLC for more than $53 billion, in what would be one of the largest so-called inversion deals through which U.S. companies are seeking a lower corporate tax burden. Shire American depositary shares rose 1.7% to $253.17, while Abbvie shares slipped 2.7% to $53.50 premarket.

Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014: Suntech Power Holdings Co. LTD.(STP)

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd., a solar energy company, engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of photovoltaic (PV) products. The company also provides engineering, procurement, and construction services to building solar power systems for certain related party and third party customers. Its products include monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon PV cells; PV modules; and building-integrated photovoltaics products. In addition, the company provides PV system integration services, including designing, installing, and testing PV systems used in lighting for outdoor urban public facilities, as well as in farms, villages, and commercial buildings; and project development services. Its products are used to provide electric power for residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility applications. The company sells its products through value-added resellers, such as distributors and system integrators; and to end users, such as project develo pers primarily in Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Benelux, Greece, the United States, Canada, China, the Middle East, Australia, and Japan. Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Wuxi, the People?s Republic of China.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Wall Street Sector Selector]

  Previous to last week's solar flare, the sector has suffered through some awful growing pains. The financial crisis resulted in reduced subsidies for development in the rapidly-advancing photovoltaic power industry. Meanwhile, China increased government financing of its solar industry, having already established a strong presence in the sector with such companies as Suntech Power (STP) and LDK Solar (LDK).

• [By Travis Hoium]

  What: After a two-day run-up in solar stocks, the party ended quickly, and every stock in the industry is dropping like a rock. Suntech Power (NYSE: STP  ) led the declines by falling 23%, and LDK Solar (NYSE: LDK  ) , Yingli Green Energy (NYSE: YGE  ) , and JA Solar (NASDAQ: JASO  ) all dropped at least 15%.

Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.(HOT)

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. operates as a hotel and leisure company worldwide. The company operates luxury and upscale full service hotels, select-service hotels, extended stay hotels, resorts, retreats, and residences under St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le M�idien, Sheraton, Four Points, Aloft, and Element brand names. It also engages in the development and operation of vacation ownership resorts; marketing and selling vacation ownership interests in the resorts; and provision of financing to customers who purchase such interests. In addition, the company develops, markets, and sells residential units at mixed use hotel projects. As of December 31, 2011, its hotel portfolio included 1,076 owned, managed, or franchised hotels with approximately 315,300 rooms; and 13 stand-alone vacation ownership resorts and residential properties. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwid e Inc. operates independently of ITT Corporation as of December 19, 1995.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: HOT  ) : up 150%
  Unlike most companies, Starwood makes dividend payments only once a year, but its end-of-2012 payout of $1.25 per share was far above the $0.50 it paid in 2011. Even with its international exposure leaving it facing headwinds in troubled areas such as Europe, recovering prospects in its key U.S. market and expansion into growth markets around the world have led to strong performance for Starwood, and sharing the wealth with shareholders shows that Starwood expects the good times to continue.

• [By Sarah Jones]

  Hochtief AG (HOT) advanced 5.9 percent to 56.51 euros. Germany�� largest construction company agreed to sell its airports division to Public Sector Pension Investment Board of Canada for about 1.5 billion euros as it streamlines its business to focus on more profitable units.

• [By Matt Thalman]

  In the following video, Fool contributor Matt Thalman discusses a few metrics and areas investors should focus their attention on when looking at Starwood's (NYSE: HOT  ) upcoming earnings report.

Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014: Granite Construction Inc (GVA)

Granite Construction Incorporated (Granite), incorporated on January 24, 1990, is a diversified heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers in the United States. The Company operates in four segments: Construction, Large Project Construction, Construction Materials and Real Estate. The Company operates nationwide, serving both public and private sector clients. Within the public sector, it primarily concentrates on heavy-civil infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, highways, mass transit facilities, airport infrastructure, bridges, dams and other infrastructure related projects. Within the private sector, it performs site preparation and infrastructure services for residential development, commercial and industrial buildings, and other facilities. The Company owns and leases substantial aggregate reserves and own a number of construction materials processing plants. It also has contractor-owned heavy construction equipment fleets in the United States. In December 2012, it purchased 100% interest of Kenny Construction Company (Kenny).

Construction

Revenue from its Construction segment was approximately 47% of its total revenue during the year ended December 31, 2012. Revenue from its Construction segment is derived from both public and private sector clients. The Construction segment performs various heavy civil construction projects with a large portion of the work focused on new construction and improvement of streets, roads, highways, bridges, site work and other infrastructure projects. These are typically bid-build projects completed within two years.

Large Project Construction

Revenue from its Large Project Construction segment was 41.4% of its total revenue in 2012. The Large Project Construction segment focuses on large, complex infrastructure projects, which typically have a longer duration than its Construction segment work. These projects include major highways, mass transit facilities, bridges, tunn! els, waterway locks and dams, pipelines, canals and airport infrastructure. This segment primarily includes bid-build, design-build and construction management/general contractor contracts. It participates in joint ventures with other construction companies mainly on projects in its Large Project Construction segment. Joint ventures are typically used for large, technically complex projects, including design/build projects, where it is desirable to share risk and resources. Joint venture partners typically provide independently prepared estimates, shared financing and equipment and often bring local knowledge and expertise.

The Company also utilizes the design/build and construction management/general contract methods of project delivery. Under the construction management/general contract method of delivery, it contracts with owners to manage the design phase of the contract with the understanding that it will negotiate a contract on the construction phase when the design nears completion. Revenue from design/build and construction management/general contract projects represented 74.5% of Large Project Construction revenue in 2012.

Construction Materials

Revenue from its Construction Materials segment was 11.1% of its total revenue in 2012. The Construction Materials segment mines and processes aggregates and operates plants that produce construction materials for internal use and for sale to third parties. It has aggregate reserves that it has acquired by ownership in fee or through long-term leases. Aggregate products used in its construction projects represented approximately 42.7% of its tons sold during 2012.

Real Estate

Granite Land Company (GLC) is an investor in a diversified portfolio of land assets and provides real estate services for other Granite operations. GLC�� investment portfolio consists of residential, as well as retail and office site development projects for sale to home and commercial property developers. The range! of its i! nvolvement in an individual project may vary from passive investment to management of land use rights, development, construction, leasing and eventual sale of the project. Generally, GLC has teamed with partners who have local knowledge and expertise in the development of each property. GLC�� investments are located in Washington, California and Texas. Revenue from GLC was 0.2% of its total revenue in 2012.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Louis Navellier]

  If we look at the sector using Portfolio Grader, we see that many of the big names in the group like Flour (FLR), Granite Construction (GVA) and KBR incorporated (KBR) are rated ��ell.��The anticipated spending for both government and private industry simply hasn�� materialized, and the companies are not seeing revenue or profit growth.

Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014: Otter Tail Corporation(OTTR)

Otter Tail Corporation engages in electric and nonelectric operations in the United States and internationally. It operates in six segments: Electric, Plastics, Manufacturing, Health Services, Food Ingredient Processing, and Other Business Operations. The Electric segment includes the production, transmission, distribution, and sale of electric energy through coal, wind, hydro, natural gas, and oil in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. As of December 31, 2009, it provided electricity to approximately 130,900 customers, including residential, industrial, commercial, and other customers. This segment also operates as a wholesale participant in the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator markets. The Plastics segment involves in producing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. The Manufacturing segment engages in the production of wind towers; contract machining; metal parts stamping and fabrication; production of waterfront equipment; and material and handling tray s, and horticultural containers. The Health Services segment sells diagnostic medical equipment, patient monitoring equipment, and related supplies and accessories. This segment also provides equipment maintenance service and diagnostic imaging services; and involves in the rental of diagnostic medical imaging equipment to various medical institutions. The Food Ingredient Processing segment produces dehydrated potato products. The Other Business Operations segment engages in residential, commercial, and industrial electric contracting; fiber optic and electric distribution systems; water, wastewater, and HVAC systems construction; and transportation and energy services businesses. The company was formerly known as Otter Tail Holding Company and changed its name to Otter Tail Corporation in 2001. Otter Tail Corporation was founded in 1907 and is based in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dividend]

  Otter Tail (OTTR) has a market capitalization of $1.13 billion. The company employs 2,286 people, generates revenue of $859.24 million and has a net income of $38.97 million. Otter Tail�� earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) amounts to $142.22 million. The EBITDA margin is 16.55 percent (the operating margin is 8.02 percent and the net profit margin 4.54 percent).

• [By Richard Stavros]

  In examining the top two stock sellers and top two stock buyers listed above, we illustrate how these companies are managing their efforts to return cash to shareholders (See Chart C). The chart clearly shows that those firms that were making stock buybacks had better shareholder yields than those that were making stock issuances, namely Otter Tail Corp (NYSE: OTTR) and The AES Corp (NYSE: AES).

• [By Marc Bastow]

  Electric utility holding company Otter Tail (OTTR) raised its quarterly dividend 1.6% to 30.25 cents per share, payable on Mar. 10 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 14.
  OTTR Dividend Yield: 4.47%

Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014: WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Fund (EES)

WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Index (the Index). The Index is a fundamentally weighted index that measures the performance of earnings-generating companies within the small-capitalization segment of the United States stock market. The Index consists of the companies in the bottom 25% of the market capitalization of the WisdomTree Earnings Index after the 500 largest companies have been removed. Companies must be incorporated and listed in the United States, and must have generated positive cumulative earnings over their most recent four fiscal quarters prior to the Index measurement date. The Index is earnings-weighted in December to reflect the proportionate share of the aggregate earnings each component company has generated. Companies with greater earnings generally have larger weights in the Index. Its investment advisor is WisdomTree Asset Management, Inc. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Philip Springer]

  WisdomTree SmallCap Earnings Fund (EES) follows earnings generated by companies in the small-cap universe of the US stock market.

  Furthermore, the fund looks to weight by earnings, giving bigger weights to firms that earn more, irrespective of market capitalization.

Hot Managed Healthcare Companies To Own For 2014: Flowserve Corp (FLS)

Flowserve Corporation, incorporated on May 1, 1912, is a manufacturer and aftermarket service provider of flow control systems. The Company develops and manufacture precision-engineered flows control equipment integral to the movement, control and protection of the flow of materials in its customers' critical processes. The Company operates in three segments: Engineered Product Division (EPD), which includes long leads time, custom and other engineered pumps and pump systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems and replacement parts and related services, Industrial Product Division (IPD), which includes pre-configured engineered pumps and pump systems and related products and services, and Flow Control Division (FCD), which includes engineered and industrial valves, control valves, actuators and controls and related services. Effective December 10, 2013, Flowserve Corp acquired Innovative Mag-Drive LLC.

Through the Company's manufacturing platform and global network of Quick Response Centers (QRCs), the Company offers an array of aftermarket equipment services, such as installation, advanced diagnostics, repair and retrofitting. The Company's product portfolio of pumps, valves, seals, automation and aftermarket services supports global infrastructure industries, including oil and gas, chemical, power generation and water management, as well as certain general industrial markets where the Company's products and services add value. The Company sells its products and services to more than 10,000 companies, including some of the engineering, procurement and construction firms (EPC), original equipment manufacturers, distributors and end users.

Engineered Product Division

The Company designs, manufactures, distributes and services engineered pumps and pumps systems, mechanical seals, auxiliary systems, replacement parts and related equipment. The business primarily consists of long lead time, engineered, configured products, which require extensive test requirements a! nd project management skills. EPD products and services are primarily used by companies that operate in the oil and gas, power generation, chemical, water management and general industries. The Company markets its pump and mechanical seals products through its global sales force and its regional QRCs and service and repair centers or through independent distributors and sales representatives. A portion of the Company's mechanical seal products are sold directly to original equipment manufacturers for incorporation into rotating equipment requiring mechanical seals. The Company's pump products are manufactured in a range of metal alloys and with a variety of configurations to meet the critical operating demands of the Company's customers.

The Company also manufactures a gas-lubricated mechanical seal that is used in high-speed compressors for gases pipelines and in the oil and gas production and process markets. The Company's products are manufactured at 29 plants worldwide, nine of which are located in Europe, 11 in North America, four in Asia Pacific and five in Latin America. The Company also conducts business through strategic foreign joint ventures. The Company has six unconsolidated joint ventures that are located in China, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates, where a portion of its products are manufactured, assembled or serviced in these territories. The Company manufactures more than 40 different active types of pumps and approximately 185 different models of mechanical seals and sealing systems.

The Company's EPD products include between bearings pumps, which include single case- axially split, single case- radially split, double case; overhung pumps, which includes api process; positive displacement pumps, which includes multiphase, reciprocating and screw; mechanical seals and seal support systems, which includes gas barrier seals and dry-running seals, and specialty products, which includes nuclear pumps, nuclear seals, cryogenic p! umps, cry! ogenic liquid expander, hydraulic decoking systems, and API slurry pumps. The Company�� EPD Brand Names include BW Seals, Byron Jackson, Calder Energy Recovery Devices, Cameron, Durametallic, Five Star Seal, Jeumont-Schneider, and Interseal. EPD Services includes provision of engineered aftermarket services through its global network of 128 QRCs, some of which are co-located in manufacturing facilities, in 41 countries. Its EPD service personnel provide a comprehensive set of equipment services for flow management control systems, including installation, commissioning, repair, advanced diagnostics, re-rate and retrofit programs, machining and comprehensive asset management solutions. The Company provides asset management services and condition monitoring for rotating equipment through special contracts with many of its customers that reduce maintenance costs.

Industrial Product Division

The Company designs , manufactures, distributes and services pre-configured engineered pumps and pumps systems, including submersible motors, for industrial markets. IPD's standardized, general purpose pump products are primarily utilized by the oil and gas, chemical, water management, power generation and general industries. The Company's products are manufactured in 12 manufacturing facilities, three of which are located in the United States and six in Europe. IPD operates 20 QRCs worldwide, including 11 sites in Europe, three in the United States , five in Asia Pacific and one in Latin America. The Company manufactures approximately 40 different active types of pumps available in a wide range of metal alloys and non-metallics with a variety of configurations. The products includes Overhung, which includes Chemical Process ANSI and ISO, Industrial Process , and Slurry and Solids Handling ; Specialty Products, which includes Molten Salt VTP Pump, Submersible Pump, Thruster, Geothermal Deepwell, and Barge Pump; Between Bearings, which includes Single Case- Axially Split and Single Case- Radia! lly Split! ; Vertical, which includes Wet Pit, Deep Well Submersible Motor, Slurry and Solids Handling, and Sump; Positive Displacement, which includes Gear. The Company�� brands include Aldrich, Durco, IDP, Pacific, Pleuger, Scienco, Sier Bath, Western Land Roller, TKL, Worthington, and Worthington-Simpson. The Company markets its pump products through its worldwide sales force and its regional service and repair centers or through independent distributors and sales representatives. The Company provide an array of aftermarket services including product installation and commissioning services, spare parts, repairs, re-rate and upgrade solutions, advanced diagnostics and maintenance solutions through its global network of QRCs.

Flow Control Division

The Company�� FCD designs, manufactures, distributes and services a portfolio of industrial valve and automation solutions, including isolation and control valves, actuation, controls and related equipment. In addition, FCD offers energy management products, such as steam traps, boiler controls and condensate and energy recovery systems. FCD products are used to control, direct and manage the flow of liquids and gases and are an integral part of any flow control system. The Company's valve products are often customized and engineered to perform specific functions within each customer's unique flow control environment. The Company's flow control products are primarily used by companies operating in the chemical (including pharmaceutical), power generation (nuclear, fossil and renewable), oil and gas, water management and general industries (including aerospace, pulp and paper and mining). FCD has 58 sites worldwide, including 25 principal manufacturing facilities ( five of which are located in the United States and 13 of which are located in Europe) and 33 QRCs, including three consolidated joint ventures. A small portion of the Company's valves are also produced through an unconsolidated joint venture in India.

The Company's pr! oducts ar! e used in a variety of applications, from general service to the severe and demanding services, including those involving high levels of corrosion, extreme temperatures and/or pressures, zero fugitive emissions and emergency shutdown. The Company's smart valve and diagnostic technologies integrate sensors, microprocessor controls and software into high performance integrated control valves, digital positioners and switchboxes for automated on/off valve assemblies and electric actuators. These technologies permit real-time system analysis, system warnings and remote indication of asset health. These technologies have been developed in response to the growing demand for reduced maintenance, improved process control efficiency and digital communications at the plant level. The Company's valve automation products encompass a range of pneumatic, electric, hydraulic and stored energy actuation designs to take advantage of whatever power source the customer has available.

The Company�� products includes valve automation systems, control valves, ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, check valves, lined plug valves, lubricated plug valves, diagnostic software, digital positioners, pneumatic positioners, intelligent positioners, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, diaphragm actuators, direct gas and gas-over-oil actuators. steam traps, boiler controls, digital communications, and valve and automation repair services. The Company�� brands include Accord, Anchor/Darling, Argus, Atomac, Durco, Edward, Flowserve, Gestra, Kammer, Limitorque, McCANNA/MARPAC, NAF, NAVAL, Noble Alloy, Norbro, Nordstrom, PMV, Serck Audco, Schmidt Armaturen, Valbart, Valtek, Vogt, and Worcester Controls. The Company provides equipment maintenance services for flow control systems, including advanced diagnostics, repair, installation, commissioning, retrofit programs and field machining capabilities.

The Company competes with Sulzer Pumps, Ebara Corp., SPX Corp., Eagle Burgmann, A. W. Chesterton Co. an! d AES Cor! p, John Crane Inc., and Weir Group Plc, ITT Industries, KSB Inc., Sulzer Pumps, Pentair Ltd., Cameron International Corp., Emerson Electric Co., General Electric Co. and Crane Co.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Charles Carlson]

  If you are new to DRIP investing, treat yourself to a few DRIPs this holiday season. Trust me��t'll change your life.

  American Water Works (AWK)��ielding 2.7% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Cincinnati Financial (CINF)��ielding 3.2% with a DRIP minimum of $25
  
  CVS Caremark (CVS)��ielding 1.4% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Dominion Resources (D)��ielding 3.4% with a DRIP minimum of $40
  
  Domino's Pizza (DPZ)��ielding 1.2% with a DRIP minimum of $65
  
  Eaton (ETN)��ielding 2.3% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Flowserve (FLS)��ielding 0.8% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Kellogg (K)��ielding 3.0% with a DRIP minimum of $50
  
  New Jersey Resources (NJR)��ielding 3.7% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Quest Diagnostics (DGX)��ielding 2.0% with a DRIP minimum of $100
  
  Tim Hortons (THI)��ielding 1.7% with a DRIP minimum of $25
  
  

  Subscribe to Dow Theory Forecasts here��/p>