Hot Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2014

Weatherford International (NYSE: WFT  ) is going through an identity crisis of sorts that I'm surprised hasn't raised some legal red flags or caused more concern on Wall Street. The company maintains its main operational office in Houston, was formerly legally based in Bermuda, moved to Switzerland in 2009, and now seeks the greener pastures of Ireland to operate at lower costs and further attract top talent. What's going on here? Is Weatherford gaming the system, or�is it�possibly hiding something? One thing's for sure, this is perfectly legal but something sure doesn't smell right since tax shelters are increasingly being vilified in political circles here in the�United States. Ireland has also been under pressure to make�its tax structures harder to abuse by multinational corporations.�

The oil services player has been looking to capitalize on the favorable tax structure that�the Swiss have benefited for years and years. With greater international scrutiny of Swiss tax laws as well as top executive and board member pay, Weatherford is now hoping to incorporate in Ireland while maintaining its tax domicile in Switzerland. Keep in mind that�tech companies like Apple, Google, and even Facebook�all take advantage of Ireland's favorable tax rate environment. That doesn't make it right for Weatherford to follow�the same�path.�

Best Gas Stocks To Buy Right Now: Logitech international SA (LOGI)

Logitech International S.A. (Logitech) is a holding company. Logitech develops and markets hardware and software products for digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Logitech operates in two segments: peripherals and video conferencing. The Company�� peripherals segment includes design, manufacturing and marketing of peripherals for personal computers (PCs) and other digital platforms. Its products for the PC include mice, trackballs, keyboards, interactive gaming controllers, multimedia speakers, headsets, webcams, and lapdesks. Logitech�� Internet communications products include webcams, headsets, video communications services, and digital video security systems for a home or small business. Its digital music products include speakers, earphones, and custom in-ear monitors. On July 6, 2010, Logitech acquired all of the assets of Paradial AS. On March 31, 2011, the Company sold its equity interest in certain 3Dconnexion subsidiaries.

3Dconnexion subsidiaries are the providers of the Company�� 3D controllers, and its intellectual property rights related to the manufacture and sale of certain 3Dconnexion products. Paradial AS provides firewall and network address translation (NAT) traversal solutions for video communications. For home entertainment systems, Logitech offers the Harmony line of advanced remote controls, Squeezebox wireless music solutions and, in the United States, a line of Logitech products for the Google TV platform. For gaming consoles, the Company offers a range of gaming controllers and microphones, as well as other accessories. Logitech�� sells its peripheral products to a network of distributors and resellers and to other equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Company�� worldwide retail network includes wholesale distributors, consumer electronics retailers, mass merchandisers, specialty electronics stores, computer and telecomm! unications stores, resellers and online merchants.

The Company�� video conferencing segment includes design, manufacturing and marketing of LifeSize video conferencing products, infrastructure and services for the enterprise, public sector and other business markets. LifeSize products include high-definition (HD) video communication endpoints, HD video conferencing systems with integrated monitors, video bridges and other infrastructure software and hardware to support large scale video deployments, and services to support these products. Logitech sells its LifeSize products and services to distributors, resellers, OEMs and direct enterprise customers. Logitech conducts its business through subsidiaries in the Americas, including North and South America; Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), and Asia Pacific, including, among other countries, China, Taiwan, Japan, India and Australia.

Pointing Devices

Logitech offers a range of computer mice, sold through retail and OEM channels. Its mice products include M215, M310 and M305 wireless mice with advanced 2.4 gigahertz wireless connection and cordless universal serial bus (USB) plug-and-forget nano-receiver; Performance Mouse MX and Anywhere Mouse MX with Logitech Darkfield Laser Tracking; Marathon Mouse 750, and Wireless Trackball M570. Logitech�� mice products also include a line of gaming mice, including the Wireless Gaming Mouse G700, with 13 precisely placed, programmable controls to perform single actions and complex macros, full-speed gaming-grade wireless, and a quick-connect charging cable. In addition, the Company sells both corded and cordless mice designed specifically for OEM customers.

Keyboards and Desktops

Logitech offers a range of corded and cordless keyboards and desktops (keyboard-and-mouse combinations). The Company�� keyboards and desktops include Wireless Solar Keyboard K750; K800 Illuminated Wireless Keyboard; The diNovo Edge keyboard; Wireless Desktop MK320, and G! 19 Keyboa! rd for Gaming.

Audio

Logitech designs and manufactures a range of multimedia speakers, including Wireless Speaker Z515, The Laptop Z305 speaker, and The S-series line of portable iPod/MP3 docks, including the Rechargeable Speaker S715i and the Portable Speaker S135i. It also designs and manufactures The Z-623 2.1 THX certified speakers, the Z-506 5.1 Speakers, and the Z-906 5.1 Surround Sound speakers. Logitech offers a portfolio of network music systems. The Squeezebox Touch, with its 4.3-inch color touch screen, connects to existing stereo system and speakers and supports sampling rates of up to 24 bits at 96 kilohertz. The Squeezebox Radio is a compact network music player and alarm that allows to connect to home network, and access Internet radio, personal music collection or subscription services.

The Ultimate Ears product line offers a range of in-ear consumer or fit earphones for portable music enthusiasts, as well as custom stage earphones for musicians and sound engineers. Its line of earphones include Ultimate Ears 100 and 200 value-priced earphones, with silicone ear cushions in a durable sweat-resistant design; Ultimate Ears TripleFi 10 with triple armature speakers, and The Ultimate Ears 600 featuring single armature speakers, the Ultimate Ears 600vi, and the Ultimate Ears 700 featuring dual armature speakers. Its line of Ultimate Ears Custom Stage Earphones include Ultimate Ears In-Ear Reference Monitors co-designed with Capitol Studios for professional studio engineers and producers for use during recording, mixing and mastering original music content, the UE-18 Pro featuring a six-speaker design, the UE-7 Pro for live performance and stage use, and the UE-4 Pro featuring a dual speaker design for artists and audiophiles.

Logitech offers headsets and microphones designed for applications, such as PC voice communications, voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) applications and online gaming. Its products in this category include the ClearCha! t PC Wire! less headset, the Wireless Headset H760, the USB Headset H530, the G35 Surround Sound Headset for gaming, the Wireless Gaming Headset G930, the USB Desktop Microphone, and the OCS certified Logitech B-530 USB Headset.

Video

Logitech�� webcam offerings include Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910, Logitech Webcam Pro 9000, Logitech HD Webcam C510 and Logitech TV Cam for use with Logitech Revue. Logitech�� webcams works with video messaging applications, and provides up to HD 720p video calling in Skype, Windows Live Messenger and Logitech Vid HD. The Logitech Alert digital video security system is a complete home or small business video security system, with software that provides motion alerts and a live view from an Internet-connected computer, smartphone, tablet or Google TV system, including Logitech Revue.

Gaming

Logitech offers a range of game controllers for PC gamers, including joysticks, steering wheels, gamepads, mice and keyboards, and headsets, as well as gaming products for console platforms, such as PlayStation2, PlayStation3, PSP (PlayStation Portable), Xbox, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. The Company�� gaming products include Logitech G700 Wireless Gaming Mouse; Logitech G13 advanced gameboard with a built-in LCD screen, 25 programmable keys and onboard memory; Logitech G27 Racing Wheel and Logitech G35 Surround Sound Headset.

Digital Home

The Company�� line of remotes includes Harmony One remote, Harmony 900 remote and Harmony 650. In October 2010, Logitech introduced its line of products for Google TV in the United States, including Logitech Revue and the Logitech Keyboard Controller; Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD service, and Logitech Mini Controller.

LifeSize Video Conferencing

LifeSize division offers HD video communication solutions, including HD video conferencing products, audio conference telephones, hardware infrastructure solutions, video management software, and services to support ! video and! audio communications and help users connect to any network securely and with ease. The LifeSize product line includes Passport, LifeSize Video Center, Express Series, Team Series, Room Series and LifeSize Bridge.

The Company competes with Microsoft Corporation, Plantronics, Inc., Altec Lansing LLC, Creative Labs, Inc., Bose Corporation, Sony Corporation, Royal Philips Electronics NV, Hewlett-Packard, Intec, Razer USA Ltd., Performance Designed Products, LLC (Pelican Accessories), Mad Catz Interactive, Inc., Universal Remote Control, Inc., Universal Electronics Inc., RCA, Apple Inc., Roku, Inc., Cisco, Radvision Ltd., Vidyo, Inc. and Polycom.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian O'Connell and Brian O'Connell]

  You can�� be a video gamer, a PC user, or even a home entertainment watcher without using one of Logitech�� (NASDAQ: LOGI) products.
  
  The company develops and markets hardware and software products that enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, and audio and video communication over the Internet.
  
  The company�� stock has risen by 16 percent so far this year. In January, Logitech announced ��etter than expected��sales of $628 million for the third quarter, up 2 percent on a year-over-year basis. Cash flow was way up, and earnings per share of $0.30 was up compared to a loss one year earlier.
  
  The retail numbers tell the real story, with the company�� combined retail growth categories up 62 percent, year-over-year. Tablet peripheral salaries were up 95 percent; audio wearables and wireless sales were up 79 percent; and video gaming sales rose by 25 percent in the same time period.
  
  Those are numbers that are manna from heaven for a company that really needed them, after a 30-month period of mediocre performance from 2010-to-mid-2013 that saw LOGU�� share price fall stagnate in the $8-$10-per-share range.
  
  ��e��e pleased by our solid Q3 performance, with both sales and profit growth,��notes Bracken P. Darrell, Logitech�� chief executive officer. ��e��e encouraged by the robust sales in our growth categories, as well as the success of our ongoing initiatives to improve profitability.”
  
  ��e still have more work ahead, but our turnaround is on track as we continue to build a faster and more profitable Logitech,��he adds.
  
  Going forward, Logitech has upped its yearly outlook, calling for sales of $2.1 billion, up from $2 billion in its last outlook. Non-GAAP operating income should rise to $125 million, up from $100 million previously.
  
  Why the continued optimism over Logitech, after two-and-half years of tepid performance?
  
  Fir

• [By Tim Beyers]

  Is there any good news left for PC makers? New data supplied to TechCrunch from ad platform Karbon says iPad video traffic is up 150% over the past six months. Researchers NPD and IDC both peg tablets as outselling laptops no later than next year. And now, as if to prepare for the shift, longtime PC peripherals maker�Logitech (NASDAQ: LOGI  ) has introduced a wired iPad keyboard.

Hot Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2014: Forestar Group Inc (FOR)

Forestar Group Inc. (Forestar) is a real estate and natural resources company. The Company owns directly or through ventures almost 147,000 acres of real estate located in nine states and 12 markets and about 595,000 net acres of mineral interests. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had approximately 131,000 acres of timber on its 147,000 real estate acres and about 17,000 acres of timber under lease. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company generated revenues of $136 million. It operates in three segments: Real estate, Mineral resources and Fiber resources. Its real estate segment generated 78% of its 2011 consolidated revenues. The Company sells wood fiber from portions of its land, primarily in Georgia, and lease land for recreational uses. It leases its mineral interests to third parties for the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, principally in Texas and Louisiana. On January 20, 2012, it sold its 25% interest in Palisades West LLC to Dimensional Fund Advisors L.P. In September 2012, the Company acquired CREDO Petroleum Corp.

Real estate

In the Company�� real estate segment, it conducts an array of project planning and management activities related to the acquisition, entitlement, development and sale of real estate, primarily residential and mixed-use communities. It owns and manages its projects either directly or through ventures. Its development projects are principally located in the markets of Texas. The Company has over 16,000 acres entitled, developed and under development, consisted of land planned for over 27,000 residential lots and about 2,500 commercial acres. In 2011, it sold over 17,000 acres of undeveloped land through its retail land sales program. In addition, it sold 112 entitled acres from two residential projects. The majority of its projects are single-family residential and mixed-use communities. During 2011, the Company acquired 180 substantially completed residential lots in Houston, Texas; three multifamily develo! pment sites located in Austin, Denver, and Dallas.

The Company develops lots for single-family homes and develops multifamily properties on its commercial tracts or other developed sites it may purchase. In addition, the Company sells commercial tracts that are ready for construction of buildings for retail, office, industrial or other commercial uses. It sells residential lots primarily to national and regional homebuilders and, to a lesser extent, local homebuilders. The Company has 75 entitled, developed or under development projects in seven states and 11 markets, principally in the markets of Texas, encompassing over 16,000 remaining acres, consisted of land planned for over 27,000 residential lots and about 2,500 commercial acres. It also markets and sells undeveloped land through its retail sales program.

Commercial tracts are developed internally or sold to or ventured with commercial developers that specialize in the construction and operation of income producing properties, such as apartments, retail centers, or office buildings. The Company also sells land designated for commercial use to regional and local commercial developers. It has about 2,500 acres of entitled land designated for commercial use. Cibolo Canyons is a mixed-use project in the San Antonio market area.

Mineral Resources

The Company owns mineral interests beneath approximately 595,000 net acres located in the United States, principally in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and Alabama. It is engaged in leasing certain portions of these mineral interests to third parties for the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Of the Company�� 595,000 net acres of mineral interests, about 515,000 net acres are available for lease. It has about 80,000 net acres leased for oil and natural gas exploration activities, of which about 32,000 net acres are held by production from over 530 oil and natural gas wells that are operated by others. During 2011, the Company acquired unproved le! asehold p! roperties associated with 13,000 net mineral acres in Alabama and Georgia.

The Company has about 251,000 net mineral acres in East Texas and about 144,000 net mineral acres in Louisiana located within the East Texas and Gulf Coast Basins. It has mineral interests in and around production trends in the Wilcox, Frio, Cockfield, James Lime, Pettet, Travis Peak, Cotton Valley, Austin Chalk, Haynesville Shale and Bossier formations. The Company has about 1,000 net mineral acres in the Fort Worth Basin. It also has mineral interests in and around the Barnett Shale. The Company has about 40,000 net mineral acres in Alabama and about 157,000 net mineral acres in Georgia. The Company did not drill any wells in 2011.

Fiber Resources

The Company has about 131,000 acres of timber it owns directly or through ventures and about 17,000 acres of timber under lease. In 2011, it sold to Temple-Inland, over 323,000 tons of timber from its lands. During 2011, about 131,000 acres of its land, primarily in Georgia, were leased for recreational purposes. During 2011, the Company sold 57,000 acres of timberland in Georgia, Alabama, and Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Andy Batts]

  The shares of Forestar Group (FOR) are trading at ~30% discount to the company's NAV. The company operates in three business segments: real estate, oil and gas, and other natural resources. Forestar has a rich portfolio of assets and businesses, including 133,000 acres of real estate; 752,000 acres of oil and gas properties; 1.5 million acres of water rights; and 275,000 acres of timberland.

• [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 Forestar Group (NYSE: FOR  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Hot Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2014: Pioneer Energy Services Corp (PES)

Pioneer Energy Services Corp., formerly Pioneer Drilling Company, incorporated in 1979, provides drilling and production services to independent oil and gas exploration and production companies throughout much of the onshore oil and gas producing regions of the United States and internationally in Colombia. The Company operates in two segments: Drilling Services Division and Production Services Division. The Company�� Drilling Services Division provides contract land drilling services. The Company�� Production Services Division provides a range of services to oil and gas exploration and production companies. On December 31, 2011, the Company acquired Go-Coil, LLC.

Drilling Services Division

The Company�� Drilling Services Division provides contract land drilling services with its fleet of 64 drilling rigs in South Texas, East Texas, West Texas, North Dakota, North Texas, Utah, Appalachia and Colombia. As of February 10, 2012, 55 drilling rigs are operating under drilling contracts, 44 of which are under term contracts. In 2011, the Company established its West Texas drilling division location location where it has 18 drilling rigs operating. In addition to its drilling rigs, the Company provides the drilling crews and the ancillary equipment needed to operate its drilling rigs. Its drilling contracts provide for compensation on either a daywork, turnkey or footage basis.

As of February 10, 2012, the Company owned a fleet of 54 trucks and related transportation equipment that it uses to transport its drilling rigs to and from drilling sites. Under daywork drilling contracts, it provides a drilling rig and required personnel to its customer who supervises the drilling of the well. Under a turnkey contract, the Company agrees to drill a well for its customer. It provides technical and engineering services, as well as the equipment and drilling supplies required to drill the well. The Company often subcontracts for related services, such as the provision of cas! ing crews, cementing and well logging. Under footage contracts, it is paid a fixed amount for each foot drilled.

The Company competes with Helmerich & Payne, Inc., Precision Drilling Trust, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. and Nabors Industries, Ltd.

Production Services Division

The Company�� Production Services Division provides a range of services to oil and gas exploration and production companies, including well services, wireline, coiled tubing and fishing and rental services. Its production services operations are managed through locations concentrated in the United States onshore oil and gas producing regions in the Gulf Coast, Mid-Continent, Rocky Mountain and Appalachian states. The Company provides its services to a diverse group of oil and gas exploration and production companies. Under well services, it provides rig-based well services, including maintenance of existing wells, workover of existing wells, completion of newly-drilled wells, and plugging and abandonment of wells at the end of their useful lives.

The Company provides wireline services in Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Montana, North Dakota, Louisiana, West Virginia, Wyoming and Mississippi. The Company�� Coiled tubing is used for a number of horizontal well applications such as milling temporary plugs between frac stages. Its coiled tubing business consists of ten coiled tubing units which are deployed in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania. The Company�� rental and fishing tool business provides a range of specialized services and equipment that are utilized on a non-routine basis for both drilling and well servicing operations. It provides rental services out of four locations in Texas and Oklahoma. As of February 10, 2012, the Company had a total of 91 well service rigs. Its well service rig fleet consists of eighty-one 550 horsepower rigs, nine 600 horsepower rigs, and one 400 horsepower rig. As of February 10, 2012, the Company had 109 wireline units in 24 locations.

The Company competes with Key Energy Services, Basic Energy Services, Nabors Industries, Superior Energy Services, Inc,

CC Forbes, Schlumberger Ltd., Halliburton Company, Weatherford International, Baker Hughes, Superior Energy Services, Basic Energy Services, and Key Energy Services, Quail Tools and Knight Oil Tools.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chuck Carnevale]

  However, from 2002 to current time we see a conflicting relationship between interest rates and stock prices. In this case, as interest rates continued to decline, stock valuations (PEs) followed suit and declined as well. In theory, this should not happen. Because with interest rates so low, as a practical matter bonds become less competitive to stocks, but even worse, today bonds don�� even offer any real return. This is especially true when you compare blue-chip dividend yields available from stalwarts such as PepsiCo (PEP), Proctor & Gamble (PG), and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), etc., to interest rates. For the first time since I can remember, these companies are offering higher dividend yields than not only the 10-year Treasury but the 30-year as well.

• [By Chuck Carnevale]

  Therefore, risk and earnings growth rates will represent counteracting forces affecting starting or current valuation (PEs). This partially explains why a 3% grower (less risky to achieve) might command the same current valuation PE of, for example, an 11% or 12% grower (riskier and harder to achieve). But this is a critical point; the faster grower will generate a higher future return than the slower grower, ceteris paribas.

• [By Lisa Levin]

  Pioneer Energy Services (NYSE: PES) shares touched a new 52-week high of $11.58. Pioneer Energy shares have jumped 40.39% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 21.92% in the same period.

• [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 Pioneer Energy Services (NYSE: PES  ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below.

Hot Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2014: Compania de Transporte de Energia Electrica en Alta Tension Transener Sa (TRAN)

Compania de Transporte de Energia Electrica en Alta Tension Transener SA (Transener) is an Argentina-based company primarily engaged in the provision and distribution of high-voltage electric power, through its own transmission network of approximately 8,800 kilometers of transmission lines. The Company also offers such professional services as lines and substations maintenance, lines and substations operation, supervision and inspection of transmission works, as well as engineering and consulting services, among others. As of December 31, 2012, the Company had majority owned subsidaries Empresa de Transporte de Energia Electrica por Distribucion Troncal de la Provincia de Buenos Aires SA (Transba SA) and Transener Internacional Ltda. In addition, Compania Inversora en Transmision Electrica Citelec SA was its majority shareholder. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Nikolaj Gammeltoft]

  U.S. stocks climbed, extending the longest winning streak for the Standard & Poor�� 500 Index (TRAN) since July, as data showed China�� economy is improving amid signs of easing tensions over Syria.

Hot Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2014: African Barrick Gold PLC (ABGLF)

African Barrick Gold plc (ABG) is a United Kingdom-based company. The Company is a gold producer in Tanzania. Its operations include exploration and development to mine construction and operation. ABG has resources of approximately 32 million ounces of gold. The Company has three producing mines, all located in northwest Tanzania: Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi and North Mara, and several exploration projects at various stages of development in Tanzania and Kenya. Bulyanhulu is an underground gold mine. Buzwagi is an open pit gold mine. North Mara is an open pit gold mine consisting of three open pit deposits. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Over the last several months, ABX has been divesting non-core assets. Starting in mid-2013, the company sold its non-core energy assets. Since then, focus has been on selling Australian gold assets. As we have stated previously, we believe the company will continue to sell noncore assets, focusing primarily on its interests in North America. Barrick had been previously seeking a suitor for its 74% interest in African Barrick (ABGLF); to date, the company remains unsuccessful in disposition of the ABG interest. In addition, we would not be averse to seeing Barrick sell off some or all of its copper assets, if they can get the right price.

Hot Oil Service Companies To Watch For 2014: PACCAR Inc.(PCAR)

PACCAR Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and distributes light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks and related aftermarket parts worldwide. The company offers its trucks for use in the over-the-road and off-highway hauling of freight, petroleum, wood products, construction, and other materials to independent dealers under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF nameplates. It also provides finance and leasing products and services, such as inventory financing for independent dealers; and retail loan and lease financing for new and used trucks, as well as other transportation equipment; and full service leasing under the PacLease trade name. In addition, it manufactures and sells industrial winches under the Braden, Carco, and Gearmatic nameplates. PACCAR Inc was founded in 1905 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MONEYMORNING.COM]

  Here, we're talking about companies like coffee giant Starbucks Corp. (Nasdaq: SBUX), mutual fund player T. Rowe Price Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TROW), and Peterbilt truck maker PACCAR Inc. (Nasdaq: PCAR).