Hot Cheap Companies To Invest In Right Now

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners (NYSE: KMP  ) had a great plan to convert some natural gas pipelines owned by El Paso Pipeline Partners (NYSE: EPB  ) into a crude oil system that would feed California refiners with West Texas crude. It looked like a win-win situation; after all, what refiner wouldn't want to replace expensive foreign imports with the cheap, homegrown stuff?

As it happens, the refiners want domestic crude, but they don't want a 20-year pipeline agreement. In this video, Fool.com contributor Aimee Duffy takes a look at who is passing on Kinder Morgan's crude and why.

It's easy to forget the necessity of midstream operators that seamlessly transport oil and gas throughout the United States. Kinder Morgan is one of these operators, and one that investors should commit to memory due to its sheer size ��it's the third-largest energy company in the U.S. ��not to mention its enormous potential for profits. In The Motley Fool's premium research report on Kinder Morgan, we break down the company's growing opportunity ��as well as the risks to watch out for ��in order to uncover whether it's a buy or a sell. To determine whether this dividend giant is right for your portfolio, simply click here now to claim your copy of this invaluable investor's resource.

Hot Financial Stocks To Invest In Right Now: Ford Motor Credit Company(F)

Ford Motor Company primarily develops, manufactures, distributes, and services vehicles and parts worldwide. It operates in two sectors, Automotive and Financial Services. The Automotive sector offers vehicles primarily under the Ford and Lincoln brand names. This sector markets cars, trucks, and parts through retail dealers in North America, and through distributors and dealers outside of North America. It also sells cars and trucks to dealers for sale to fleet customers, including daily rental car companies, commercial fleet customers, leasing companies, and governments. In addition, this sector provides retail customers with a range of after-sale vehicle services and products in the areas, such as maintenance and light repair, heavy repair, collision repair, vehicle accessories, and extended service contracts under the Ford Service, Lincoln Service, Ford Custom Accessories, Ford Extended Service Plan, and Motorcraft brand names. The Financial Services sector offers vari ous automotive financing products to and through automotive dealers. It offers retail financing, which includes retail installment contracts for new and used vehicles; direct financing leases; wholesale financing products that comprise loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory; loans to dealers to finance working capital, purchase real estate dealership, and/or make improvements to dealership facilities; and other financing products, as well as provides insurance services. Ford Motor Company was founded in 1903 and is based in Dearborn, Michigan.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  This week, I'll turn our attention to the auto sector and point out why it's time to forgive and forget by embracing Ford (NYSE: F  ) as a prime dividend paying company.

• [By John Rosevear]

  It's a milestone we haven't seen in a long time... 20 years, to be exact. For the first time in two decades, General Motors (NYSE: GM  ) , Ford (NYSE: F  ) and Chrysler all gained market share in the U.S. in the first half of 2013.

• [By sandyinvestment]

  Automaker Ford (F) released impressive results for the second quarter of fiscal 2014. The company saw good improvement in revenue and pretax profits were also fantastic. Management is happy with the performance, as it was the 20th consecutive profitable quarter for the company. With outstanding results in North America and the Asia-Pacific region, Ford is looking determined to deliver better results in the future. Let us find out what does Ford have in its strategic game plan for future that will help it gain market share?

• [By John Rosevear]

  Will price cuts be enough to boost sales?
  The Volt is just the latest in a round of electric-car discounts that started when Nissan (NASDAQOTH: NSANY  ) slashed the price of its battery-electric Leaf by 18% at the beginning of the year. Honda (NYSE: HMC  ) and Ford (NYSE: F  ) both followed suit, cutting lease prices on the Fit EV and Focus Electric.

Hot Cheap Companies To Invest In Right Now: AeroVironment Inc.(AVAV)

AeroVironment, Inc. designs, develops, produces, and supports unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and efficient energy systems for various industries and governmental agencies. Its UAS provide intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, including real-time tactical reconnaissance, tracking, combat assessment, and geographic data to the small tactical unit or individual war fighter. The UAS wirelessly transmit critical live video and other information generated by their payload of electro-optical or infrared sensors directly to a hand-held ground control system, enabling the operator to view and capture images during the day or at night on a hand-held ground control unit. AeroVironment also provides spare equipment, alternative payload modules, batteries, chargers, repair services, and customer support for the UAS. In addition, the company produces industrial productivity and clean transportation solutions for commercial and government customers, develops potential clean t ransportation solutions, and performs contract engineering services; offers PosiCharge electric vehicle charging systems for industrial electric material handling fleets, electric vehicle charging systems for passenger and fleet vehicles, and power cycling and test systems for developers and manufacturers of plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as battery packs, electric motors, and fuel cells; and supplies power cycling and test systems to research and development organizations that focus on developing electric propulsion systems, electric generation systems, and electricity storage systems. It supplies its UAS primarily to the organizations within the United States department of defense. AeroVironment, Inc. was incorporated in 1971 and is headquartered in Monrovia, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Travis Hoium]

  It's not easy being a government supplier these days. Small-drone manufacturer AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV  ) is finding that out ��� terrible fiscal fourth quarter has to give investors pause about the company's growth.

• [By Anna Prior]

  AeroVironment Inc.(AVAV) swung to a fourth-quarter profit as the drone maker reported a surge in sales and raised its outlook for the year. Shares rose 4.3% to $32.29 premarket.

• [By Chris Hill]

  In this installment of Investor Beat, Andy and Jason explain why they're keeping a close eye on shares of AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV  ) and Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS  ) .

• [By Abigail W., Adams]

  General Atomics' Predators and Reapers, however, are losing their status. DOD contracts for MQ-9 Reaper procurement fell from $979 million in 2013 to $411 million for 2015. Predator procurement was reduced from $28 million in 2013 to $5 million for 2015. AeroVironment's (NASDAQ: AVAV  ) RQ-11 Raven, a portable UAV capable of reconnaissance, surveillance, and target identification, were also a favorite for combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Raven, however, took an enormous hit in 2015. Procurement contracts for the compact drone dropped from $30 million in 2013 to $13 million for 2015.

Hot Cheap Companies To Invest In Right Now: USG Corporation(USG)

USG Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and distribution of building materials worldwide. The company offers gypsum and related products, including gypsum wallboard, joint compounds used for finishing wallboard joints, cement boards, glass mat sheathing, gypsum fiber panels, poured gypsum underlayments, ultra light panels, and various construction plaster products. Its gypsum products are used in various building applications to finish the interior walls, ceilings, and floors in residential, commercial, and institutional constructions, and repair and remodel constructions. The company also produces gypsum-based products for agricultural and industrial customers to use in various applications, including soil conditioning, road repair, fireproofing, and ceramics. In addition, it manufactures ceiling grid and acoustical ceiling tile for electrical and mechanical systems, and air distribution and maintenance applications. USG Corporation distribut es its gypsum products through specialty wallboard distributors, building materials dealers, home improvement centers and other retailers, contractors, and a network of distributors. Further, it distributes other manufacturers? gypsum wallboard, joint compound and other gypsum products, as well as drywall metal, insulation, and roofing products and accessories. The company sells its products under SHEETROCK, DUROCK, FIBEROCK, SECUROCK, LEVELROCK, RED TOP, IMPERIAL, DIAMOND, SUPREMO, AURATONE, ACOUSTONE, DONN, DX, FINELINE, CENTRICITEE, CURVATURA, and COMPASSO brands. The company was founded in 1901 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  She also serves as chairman of the United States Steel and Carnegie Pension Fund, and on that organization's investment committee. Outside of U.S. Steel, she sits on the board of directors of USG (NYSE: USG  ) and the Pennsylvania Business Council, among other entities.

• [By Matt Jarzemsky]

  While economists attributed some of the downtick to cold and snowy weather, some are wondering if the Federal Reserve�� plan to dial back its stimulus program this year could lead to a rise in interest rates, putting the brakes on the housing recovery. The SPDR S&P Homebuilders exchange-traded fund��hich tracks a broad basket of housing-related stocks from builders to Sheetrock maker USG Corp.(USG)��s down about 3.6% year-to-date.

Hot Cheap Companies To Invest In Right Now: Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc.(WEN)

The Wendy's Company operates as a quick-service hamburger company in the United States. The company, through its subsidiary, Wendy's International, Inc., operates as a franchisor of the Wendy's restaurant system. As of December 26, 2011, the Wendy's system comprised approximately 6,500 franchise and company restaurants in the United States and the United States territories, as well as in 26 other countries worldwide. The company was formerly known as Wendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. and changed its name to The Wendy's Company in July 2011. The Wendy's Company was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ohio.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Mike Deane]

  Before the opening bell on Monday, fast food chain Wendy’s (WEN) released its preliminary Q4 earnings. The company also announced that its board has approved a $275 million stock repurchase. The company is releasing its official results on February 27.

  WEN Preliminary Unaudited Earnings

  In North America, Wendy’s saw a 3.1% increase in same restaurant sales, which is up from a 0.2 percent decrease in last year’s Q4. Consolidated quarterly earnings fell despite the company’s improving restaurant sales, due to Wendy’s having less company operated restaurants. The earnings came in at $592.2 million, down from $629.9 million in last year’s same quarter. The company’s operating profit was also down, coming in at $24.1 million compared to $32.3 million in last year’s Q4. WEN adjusted earnings per share were between 10 cents and 11 cents (the company does not have a hard number due to the company not completed its tax closing procedures). For the full year, Wendy’s revenues came in at $2.487 billion, down from $2.505 billion last year. Operating profit for the full year was up to $130.3 million from $122.7 million last year.

  CEO Commentary

  Wendy’s president and CEO, Emil Brolick, had the following comments about the company’s earnings release:�”Wendy’s庐 made tremendous strategic and financial progress in 2013. We gained significant traction with consumers through ‘A Cut Above’ brand positioning, accelerated Wendy’s brand transformation with Image Activation and refined our Company-operated restaurant portfolio through System Optimization. These efforts contributed to improving metrics and solid financial performance, highlighted by 2013 North America Company-operated same-restaurant sales growth of 1.9 percent, record average annual sales of $1.51 million at North America Company-operated restaurants, and overall Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings P

• [By WWW.DAILYFINANCE.COM]

  Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images It's apparently never too early to have a hamburger. While most chains wait until 10 or 11 a.m. to begin offering their signature burgers, early risers will be able to skip straight to lunch at thousands of participating Burger King (BKW) locations. The fast food giant's betting that some morning commuters want more than just a breakfast burrito or a ham and egg sandwich for breakfast. Later this month Burger King is rolling out a "burgers for breakfast" campaign across 5,000 of its restaurants, offering its signature Whopper as well as a few other burgers and chicken sandwiches in the morning. Assuming that you don't want hash browns on the side, fries will also be made available. So will apple pie. Whopper, BK King and Original Fried Chicken sandwiches will be part of the chain's breakfast offerings. Will it confuse diners? Will the move complicate matters for employees manning the prep tables and fryers? Will the great variety stall patrons as they ponder the menu when it's time to order, creating longer wait times for food? The questions won't be answered right away, but Burger King doesn't have much of a choice. Breakfast is big business, and chains have to stand out one way or another. Another Shot in the Battle for Breakfast It isn't easy to make a difference in the morning. Just ask Wendy's (WEN), which has already retreated twice from the national breakfast market over the past decade. The first time it thought that it could set itself apart by offering sausage gravy-soaked biscuits and breakfast versions of its then-popular Frescata sandwiches. More recently it tried to stick closer to the McDonald's (MCD) playbook with oatmeal, breakfast burritos and biscuit sandwiches. That didn't pan out either, and last year it discontinued breakfast at all but less than 10 percent of its restaurants. It's not just the burger flippers hoping to woo diners with caffeinated mornings. Subway -- the world's largest restaur

• [By Emily Jane Fox]

  In the past year, millennials turned up the heat against low wages at Victoria's Secret, Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500), McDonald's (MCD, Fortune 500), Wendy's (WEN), KFC (YUM, Fortune 500) and others like Kaplan (GHC), which runs tutoring centers.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Yesterday, McDonald’s dropped 0.3% after reporting same-store sales–and Barron’s panned the stock. Today, however, McDonald’s shares have gained 3.5% to $98.56, leaving Burger King (BKW), which has ticked up 0.3% to $27.63, and Wendy’s (WEN), which has dropped 1.1% to $9.30, in their dust.

Hot Cheap Companies To Invest In Right Now: Whole Foods Market Inc.(WFM)

Whole Foods Market, Inc. engages in the ownership and operation of natural and organic food supermarkets. The company offers produce, seafood, grocery, meat and poultry, bakery, prepared foods and catering, coffee and tea, nutritional supplements, and vitamins. It also provides specialty products, such as beer, wine, and cheese; body care and educational products, such as books; and floral, pet, and household products. As of February 9, 2011, the company operated 302 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Whole Foods Market, Inc. was founded in 1978 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Stoffel]

  In the depths of the Great Recession, many people thought Whole Foods (NASDAQ: WFM  ) was done for. I didn't agree with those folks, and I backed that assertion up two years ago -- when I pledged �to buy $4,000 worth of Whole Foods stock for my retirement portfolio.

• [By Sean Williams]

  An organic panic
  Given how organic and natural food producer Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFM  ) has traded since last October, you'd think the business model blew up. Shares have dropped by nearly 40% as a mixture of increasing competition and higher food costs have weighed on the usually sure-footed investment.

• [By Alyce Lomax]

  Google / YouTube When one thinks of environmentally forward-thinking businesses, some companies spring immediately to mind: Whole Foods Market (WFM), Annie's (BNNY), Patagonia, Seventh Generation, and Method, for example, are all known for their commitment to being green. However, there are other firms putting a lot of resources into planet-helping initiatives -- companies whose green tactics are far less recognized, and may even come as a surprise to you. Let's take a look at a few. Huge companies making huge strides

Hot Cheap Companies To Invest In Right Now: Alliance Holdings GP L.P.(AHGP)

Alliance Holdings GP, L.P., through its subsidiaries, produces and markets coal primarily to utilities and industrial users in the United States. It produces a range of steam coal with varying sulfur and heat contents. The company operates nine underground mining complexes in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, and West Virginia. As of December 31, 2010, it had approximately 697.4 million tons of proven and probable coal reserves in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In addition, the company leases land; and operates a coal loading terminal, with a capacity of 8.0 million tons with ground storage of approximately 60,000 to 70,000 tons, on the Ohio River at Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Further, it engages in purchasing and selling coal; and providing services, including ash and scrubber sludge removal, coal yard maintenance, and arranging alternate transportation services. Alliance GP, LLC, serves as the general partner of the company. Allian ce Holdings GP, L.P. is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

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

• [By Robert Rapier]

  The National Association of Publicly Traded Partnerships (NAPTP) lists five MLPs in the category ��atural Resources – Coal,��although two of the five are Alliance Holdings (NYSE: AHGP) and its operating affiliate, Alliance Resource Partners (NYSE: ARLP). The other three are Natural Resource Partners (NYSE: NRP), Rhino Resource Partners (NYSE: RNO), and Oxford Resource Partners (NYSE: OXF).