Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO  ) and PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP  ) �need no introduction. Both companies have been around since the late 1800's and have been rewarding their shareholders with dividends and buybacks. But which company offers the safest rewards or the biggest dividend increases to shareholders?

Coke currently has a market capitalization and dividend yield of $185 billion and 2.9%, respectively. Pepsi's market capitalization and dividend yield are $135 billion and 2.9%, respectively. These yields appear quite attractive given the current low yields on US treasury securities. Over the six-year period from 2007-2013, Coke and Pepsi have grown their dividends by compound annual growth rates of 8.67% and 8.07%, respectively. This period encompasses the lead-up to the financial crisis and the most current year-end. Both companies have shown that they can weather the storm of economic uncertainty and still increase their dividends. In fact Coke has increased its dividend for 50 years straight, while Pepsi has done so for 42 years.�

Best Long Term Companies To Buy For 2015: National Fuel Gas Company(NFG)

National Fuel Gas Company, through its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified energy company primarily in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Utility, Pipeline and Storage, Exploration and Production, and Energy Marketing. The Utility segment sells natural gas or provides natural gas transportation services to approximately 727,000 customers in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Jamestown, New York; and Erie and Sharon, Pennsylvania. The Pipeline and Storage segment provides interstate natural gas transportation and storage services for affiliated and nonaffiliated companies through an integrated gas pipeline system; and 27 underground natural gas storage fields, as well as 4 other underground natural gas storage fields owned and operated jointly with other interstate gas pipeline companies. This segment also transports natural gas for industrial customers and power producers in New York State. It owns the Empire Pipeline, a 157-mile pipeline; and the Empire Connector, which is a 76-mile pipeline extension. The Exploration and Production segment engages in the exploration for, and the development and purchase of natural gas and oil reserves in California, in the Appalachian region of the United States, and in the Gulf Coast region of Texas and Louisiana. As of September 30, 2009, this segment had proved developed and undeveloped reserves of 46,587 thousand barrels of oil and 248,954 million cubic feet equivalent of natural gas. The Energy Marketing segment markets natural gas to industrial, wholesale, commercial, public authority, and residential customers primarily in western and central New York and northwestern Pennsylvania. The company also develops and operates mid-range independent power production and landfill gas electric generation facilities. National Fuel Gas Company was founded in 1902 and is based in Williamsville, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Utilities sector was the leading decliner in the US market today. Among the sector stocks, Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo (NYSE: SBS) was down more than 3.5 percent, while National Fuel Gas Company (NYSE: NFG) tumbled around 2.6 percent.

• [By Canadian Value]

  - National Fuel Gas (NFG) for its great land position in the Marcellus shale play. He expects NFG to spin out its utility division and maybe do a joint venture on its big land position.

Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now: AMC Networks Inc (AMCX)

AMC Networks Inc. (AMC Networks), incorporated on March 9, 2011, is a holding company and conducts substantially all of its operations through its subsidiaries. AMC Networks owns and operates several of cable television's brands delivering content to audiences. AMC Networks operates in two segments: National Networks, which includes AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel, and International and Other, which includes AMC/Sundance Channel Global, its international programming business; IFC Films, its independent film distribution business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, its network technical services business. The Company's National Networks are distributed throughout the United States through cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite (DBS) and platforms operated by telecommunications providers. In addition to the Company's the United States distribution, AMC, IFC and Sundance Channel are available in Canada and Sundance Channel and WE tv are available in other countries throughout Europe and Asia.

National Networks

AMC Networks owns four nationally distributed entertainment programming networks: AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel, which are available to its distributors in high-definition (HD) and/or standard-definition formats. The Company's programming networks principally generate their revenues from the distribution of programming and the sale of advertising. Affiliation fees paid by multichannel video programming distributors represent the largest component of distribution revenue, which also includes the licensing of original programming for digital, foreign and home video distribution. As of December 31, 2012, AMC, WE tv and IFC had 98.9 million, 81.5 million and 69.6 million Nielsen subscribers, respectively, and Sundance Channel had 50.2 million viewing subscribers.

AMC is a television network dedicated to the storytelling, whether commemorating favorite films or creating origi! nal programming. In addition to presenting feature films from its movie library, AMC features original programming that includes dramatic series, such as Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Killing, Hell on Wheels and The Walking Dead. In addition, the network has introduced unscripted programming, including Talking Dead, Comic Book Men, The Pitch and Small Town Security. AMC's film library consists of films that are licensed from studios, such as Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros., Sony, MGM, NBC Universal, Paramount and Buena Vista under long-term contracts. AMC generally structures its contracts for the cable television rights to air the films during identified window periods. As of December 31, 2012, AMC had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video programming distributors and reached approximately 99 million Nielsen subscribers.

WE tv is a women's network that features original stories for and about modern women who are taking charge of their life, their family and their household. WE tv's original series include Braxton Family Values, Tamar & Vince, Mary, Joan and Melissa: Joan Knows Best? and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, among others. In addition, WE tv's programming includes series, such as Charmed, Ghost Whisperer and Roseanne, as well as feature films, with license rights to certain films from studios, such as Paramount, Sony and Warner Bros. As of December 31, 2012, WE tv had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video distributors and reached approximately 82 million Nielsen subscribers. IFC creates original comedies that are in keeping with the network's Always On. Slightly Off brand and which air alongside a collection of films and comedic cult television shows.

The network's original content includes the comedy series Portlandia, created by and starring Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, and executive produced by Saturday Night Live's Lorne Michaels. Other IFC originals include Comedy Bang! Bang!, R. Kelly's Trapped in ! the Close! t and Out There, an animated series created by the long time animation director of South Park. IFC's programming also includes series, such as Arrested Development, Freaks and Geeks and Malcolm in the Middle, along with films from independent film distributors including Fox, Miramax, Sony, IFC Films, Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount and Warner Bros. As of December 31, 2012, IFC had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video distributors and reached approximately 70 million Nielsen subscribers.

Sundance Channel also has a slate of original unscripted series. Sundance Channel original unscripted programming includes the docu -series Push Girls, and celebrity vehicles The Mortified Sessions and Iconoclasts. In addition, the network benefits from its relationship with Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, where each year the network gives festival attendees and viewers access to the festival on-site and through dedicated programming on-air and online. As of December 31, 2012, Sundance Channel had affiliation agreements with the United States multichannel video programming distributors and reached approximately 50 million viewing subscribers. As of December 31, 2012, Sundance Channel generated advertising revenue from sponsorship arrangements and promotional breaks, rather than traditional advertising spots.

International and Other

In addition to the Company's National Networks, AMC Networks also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, which is its international programming business; IFC Films, its independent film distribution business; and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, its network technical services business. The Company's International and Other segment also includes VOOM HD Holdings LLC (VOOM HD). AMC/Sundance Channel Global's business principally consists of seven channels in 13 languages spread across 24 countries, focusing primarily on AMC in Canada and globally on versions of the Sundance Channel and WE tv brands. Princ! ipally ge! nerating revenues from affiliation fees, AMC/Sundance Channel Global reached approximately 15.9 million viewing subscribers in Canada, Europe and Asia as of December 31, 2012.

Sundance Channel provides independent film and also features certain content from AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel and IFC Films, as well as serves as a pipeline of international content, in an effort to provide distinctive programming to an upscale audience. AMC Networks provides programming to the Canadian market through its AMC and Sundance Channel brands. Providing programming in the Korean and Mandarin languages, WE tv Asia provides a selection of the domestic programming from the WE tv the United States network with programs like Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, and some of the programming from networks in the United States, such as Tabatha's Salon Takeover and Tori & Dean. With the same broad satellite footprint as Sundance Channel-International, WE tv Asia is available in South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and Hong Kong. IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business, makes independent films available to a worldwide audience. IFC Films operates three distribution labels: Sundance Selects, IFC Films and IFC Midnight. IFC Films has a film library consists of more than 500 titles.

IFC Films also operates IFC Center, DOC NYC and SundanceNow. IFC Center is a independent movie theater located in the heart of New York City's Greenwich Village. DOC NYC is an annual festival also located in New York City celebrating documentary storytelling in film, photography, prose and other media. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is a full-service network programming feed origination and distribution company, which primarily services the programming networks of AMC Networks. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology's operations are located in Bethpage, New York, where AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology consolidates origination and satellite communications functions in a 60,00! 0 square-! foot facility designed to keep AMC Networks at the forefront of network origination and distribution technology.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Beyers]

  Meanwhile, over at Hall H, the teeming masses willing to pay to wait hours for just a chance to see The Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, among other panels, suggest that enthusiasm is still building for both shows. Can you imagine? AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX  ) and The Walking Dead already beat all comers as the fall's top-rated scripted show. These are the same viewers who no doubt spent hours in makeup to attend Comic-Con as zombies.

• [By Tim Beyers]

  Why should this matter to you as an investor? Because passion can be a powerful profit driver. Look at AMC Networks (NASDAQ: AMCX  ) . Thanks to The Walking Dead, which debuted on the network in October 2010, revenue growth accelerated from 10.1% in 2011 to 13.9% last year, according to data supplied by S&P Capital IQ.

• [By Sam Mattera]

  The same is largely true for AMC's (NASDAQ: AMCX  ) Breaking Bad. The first episode of the second half of the fifth season brought in twice as many viewers as any episode prior to that, and in general, Breaking Bad has steadily expanded its base of viewers over time. But Breaking Bad's creator, Vince Gilligan, remarked that the show might've been cancelled in its second or third season.

• [By Anders Bylund]

  Add in the award-winning success of AMC Networks' (NASDAQ: AMCX  ) The Walking Dead cable TV show, and you have a full-blown cultural trend on your hands. It's been around for at least four years and is still producing bigger and bigger winners. That's a good sign for its lasting power.

Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now: GNC Acquisition Holdings Inc. (GNC)

GNC Holdings, Inc. operates as a specialty retailer of health and wellness products. It operates through three segments: Retail, Franchise, and Manufacturing/Wholesale. The company�s products include vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplement products, as well as sports nutrition products, diet products, and other wellness products. It also manufactures its branded products for various third parties. The company sells its products under GNC proprietary brands, including Mega Men, Ultra Mega, Total Lean, Pro Performance, and Pro Performance AMP, as well as under third-party brands. As of March 31, 2013, it had approximately 8,200 locations, including 6,200 retail locations in the United States; and franchise operations in 55 countries. The company sells its products through company-owned domestic retail stores, domestic and international franchise activities, third-party contract manufacturing, e-commerce, and corporate partnerships. It also offers its products at GNC.com, LuckyVitamin.com, and drugstore.com. GNC Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1935 and is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  Fundamentally, the company is in the middle of an industry that's gaining in importance, as people pay more attention to the obesity epidemic. Weight-specialists Weight Watchers�and NutriSystem�come at the industry from a slightly different angle, with more specialization on weight specifically, without the diverse personal-care and other products that Herbalife offers, and they've faced some challenges in producing growth. GNC Holdings (NYSE: GNC  ) , which is arguably a more direct competitor that resembles Herbalife more closely, reported earnings earlier today that rose by 18% from the previous year, sending its stock up nearly 11% in today's trading.

Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now: EXFO Inc (EXFO)

EXFO Inc. provides next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. It offers field-test platforms, including FTB-1 platform, a single-slot modular platform to fiber-optic, copper, Ethernet, fiber-to-the-home, and multiservice testing applications; FTB-200 compact platform, which include singlemode and multimode optical time-domain reflectometers, automated optical loss test sets, SONET/SDH analyzers up to 10 Gbit/s, and gigabit Ethernet and 10 gigabit Ethernet testers; and FTB-500 platform for datacom testing, OTDR analysis, optical loss, and Ethernet testing. The company also provides wireless test equipment comprising 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE protocol analyzers that allow engineers to troubleshoot networks in order to find the source of errors and fix them. In addition, it offers wireline/wireless service assurance systems, including Brix System that delivers end-to-end quality of service and experience visibility, as well as real-time Internet protocol service monitoring and verification for next-generation networks. Further, EXFO Inc. provides IQS-600 platform to run various 100 optical test modules using a single controller unit; high-performance test modules; PSO-200 optical modulation analyzer; protocol analyzers for use in protocol analysis to verify correct network behavior; network simulators for regression and load testing applications; and mobile communications intelligence tools for police, armed forces, and other governmental organizations to fight organized crime and terrorists. The company sells its products through its direct sales force, sales representatives, and distributors. EXFO Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Quebec, Canada.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  EXFO (NASDAQ: EXFO) is expected to post its Q4 earnings at $0.05 per share on revenue of $60.94 million.

  Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) is estimated to post its Q3 earnings at $0.93 per share on revenue of $3.53 billion.

Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Vivendi SA (VIVHY.PK)

Vivendi SA (Vivendi), incorporated on December 18, 1987, is a communications and entertainment company. As of December 31, 2009, the Company had six business segments: Activision Blizzard, Universal Music Group, SFR, Maroc Telecom Group, GVT (Holding) S.A. (GVT) and Canal+ Group. Activision Blizzard develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software, online or on other media (such as console and personal computer (PC)). Universal Music Group is engaged in the sale of recorded music (physical and digital media), exploitation of music publishing rights, as well as artist services and merchandising. SFR is engaged in the phone services (mobile, broadband Internet and fixed) in France. Maroc Telecom Group is a telecommunication operator (mobile, fixed and Internet) in Africa, principally in Morocco, as well as in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Gabon and Mali. GVT is a Brazilian fixed and broadband operator. Canal+ Group is engaged in publishing and distribution of pay-television mainly in France, in both analog and digital (terrestrially, via satellite or ADSL), as well as film production in Europe. In July 2013, Vivendi SA and Universal Music Group announced the completion of the sale of Parlophone Label Group to Warner Music Group Corp.

On November 13, 2009, Vivendi acquired an aggregate of 29.9% of GVT�� outstanding voting shares from Swarth Investments LLC, Swarth Investments Holdings LLC and Global Village Telecom (Holland) BV. In addition, Vivendi acquired from third parties an additional 8% interest in GVT's outstanding shares. On December 28, 2009, Canal+ Group, Vivendi�� subsidiary, acquired TF1�� 9.9% interest in the capital of Canal+ France. On July 31, 2009, Maroc Telecom acquired 51% controlling interest in Sotelma. On August 27, 2009, CID, a company 40% owned by SFR and 60% by other financial investors, acquired the 62% interest in 5 sur 5.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Mike Arnold]

  I normally don't look at charts much, but comparing Orange to its competitors in the French telecommunications market is quite fascinating. As one can see, incumbents Bouygues (BOUYF.PK) and Vivendi (VIVHY.PK) (owner of SFR) saw similar price declines. The market, on the other hand, rapidly bid up the price of new entrant Iliad SA (ILIAF.PK), as a result of forecasts for Iliad to capture significant mobile market share (which it did, around 10%). The wide divergence in price relative to changes in underlying value favor going long the incumbents, including Orange. Because this time it's different.

• [By Eric Rodawig]

  Activision Blizzard (ATVI) is the world's largest and most successful video game developer, and is majority owned (61%) by French telecom and media conglomerate Vivendi (VIVHY.PK). Vivendi has been undergoing a massive strategic review with the intent to reduce debt and unlock the value of its assets that has fueled speculation surrounding ATVI. In conjunction with this, ATVI CFO Dennis Durkin announced on the 4Q12 earnings call

Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Carrefour SA (CRERF)

Carrefour SA is a France-based company that is primarily engaged in retail distribution sector. The Company operates a network of hypermarkets, supermarkets, hard discount stores, convenience stores and cash-and-carry outlets and offers e-commerce services. The Company's hypermarkets named Carrefour offer a range of food and non-food products. Carrefour SA�� hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores are operating under the Carrefour city, Carrefour contact, Carrefour express, 8aHuit, Shopi, Marche Plus, Proxi banners and cash & carry stores are operating under the Promocash banner, which primarily offer food, clothing and household goods, among others. The Company operates in mainland France and French overseas territories, as well as in Europe, Asia, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East through a network of consolidated and franchised stores, and stores that Carrefour SA runs with partner companies. In January 2014, it acquired 129 convenience stores. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sophia Yan]

  Carrefour (CRERF) has also shuttered many stores, and is reported to be exploring a sale of its China and Taiwan businesses.

  Hypermarkets -- big box stores that combine supermarkets and department stores -- first opened up in China's largest cities over a decade ago. And it's no wonder companies such as Wal-Mart have been keen to get a slice of the market.

Hot Safest Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Universal Health Realty Income Trust (UHT)

Universal Health Realty Income Trust (Trust) is a real estate investment trust (REIT). It invests in health care and human service related facilities, including acute care hospitals, behavioral healthcare facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, sub-acute facilities, surgery centers, childcare centers and medical office buildings (MOBs). As of February 29, 2012, it had 54 real estate investments or commitments located in 15 states in the United States consisting of seven hospital facilities, including three acute care, one behavioral healthcare, one rehabilitation and two sub-acute; 43 MOBs, and four preschool and childcare centers. In February, 2012, Canyon Healthcare Properties, in which it owned a 95% non-controlling ownership interest, completed the divestiture of the Canyon Springs Medical Plaza. In January, 2012, it purchased the PeaceHealth Medical Clinic, a single-tenant medical office building consisting of approximately 99,000 rentable square feet, located in Bellingham, Washington. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company acquired Lake Pointe Medical Arts Building, Forney Medical Plaza, Tuscan Professional Building and Emory at Dunwoody Building, and minority ownership interests held by third-party members in 11 limited liability companies (LLCs). On November 30, 2011 and December 16, 2011, eight LLCs in which it owned various non-controlling, ownership interests, completed the divestitures of medical office buildings and related real property.

As of February 29, 2012, the Company had investments in 54 facilities, located in 15 states and consisting of Southwest Healthcare System, Inland Valley Campus, McAllen Medical Center, Wellington Regional Medical Center, The Bridgeway, Kindred Hospital Chicago Central, Kindred Hospital Corpus Christi, HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital, Family Doctor�� Medical Office Bldg., Kelsey-Seybold Clinic at Kings Crossing, Professional Bldgs. at Kings Crossing Building A and Building B, Chesterbrook Academy, Southern Cresce! nt Center I, Desert Valley Medical Center, Desert Springs Medical Plaza, and Santa Fe Professional Plaza. As of December 31, 2011, included in its portfolio are seven hospital facilities. During 2011, the leases with respect to these hospital facilities consisted approximately 65% of its revenue. As of December 31, 2011, these leases have fixed terms with an average of 4.4 years remaining and include renewal options ranging from one to five, five-year terms. During 2011, revenues generated from the leases on the Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) hospital facilities accounted for approximately 55% of its total revenue. During 2011, it had a total of 41 new or renewed leases related to the medical office buildings.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Fredrik Arnold]

  Ten Champion dogs that promised the biggest dividend yields into July included firms representing five of nine market sectors. The top stocks were three of five from the financial sector: Universal Health Realty Trust (UHT); Mercury General Corp. (MCY); Old Republic Int'l (ORI). The other two financial firms, HCP Inc., and United Bankshares Inc. (UBSI), placed sixth and eighth.

• [By Holly LaFon]

  At this point I would like to circle back to a subject we are perhaps most often asked about, and that is why do we continue to hold such a concentrated position (nearly 32%) in our three largest holdings? First of all, it is important to note that over the past two year s we have actually reduced our holdings in all three stocks. Fortunately for our shareholders long - term price appreciation, particularly in Universal Health Services, Inc. and Precision Castparts Corp., has been exceptionally strong (in the case of Universal Health Services, Inc., which was purchased in 1999 and 2000 at an average cost per share of $9.41 and ha d increased to a price per share of $81.26 at the end of 2013, and Precision Castparts Corp. which was bought in 2000 at a n average cost per share of $9.82 and ha d increased to a price per share of $26 9. 3 0 at the end of 2013). In our view these two companies remain in the " sweet spot " of two compelling long - term investment opportunities. In the case of Universal Health Services, Inc., the company i s likely to be one of the prime beneficiaries of expanding health care insurance coverage dictated by the Affordable Care Act * ** ( " Obama - care " ). Unique to Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHT) is its position in mental health services which account s for three - q uarters of its earnings before deductions for interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization . Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP) is a prime component supplier to the commercial aircraft manufacturers. Indicative of the attractiveness of this business was The Boeing Company ' s recent announcement that its year - end backlog was 5,080 planes compared to the 648 jets delivered in 2013. By the same token, Airbus ' (a subsidiary of Airbus Group NV) backlog at the end of November was 5,400 versus the 562 planes del ivered in the first eleven months of the year.

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE: UHT  ) is building on the foundation of its shareholder payouts with a modest increase. The company has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.625 per share, to be paid on June 28 to shareholders of record as of June 17. That amount is half a penny higher than the company's previous two disbursements of $0.62 apiece, the most recent of which was handed out in late March.

• [By Dividends4Life]

  Linked here is a detailed quantitative analysis of Universal HealthRealty Income Trust (UHT). Below are some highlights from the above linked analysis: