5 Battered Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

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Dividend stocks — particularly telecom companies and utilities — flourished during the past couple of years, thanks to the Fed's low interest rate policies and an economy emerging from the Great Recession. But this quest for safety and high yield had a predictable consequence: Many of these stocks have been extremely overbought.

Worries that the Fed would accelerate its so-called "tapering" sparked a selloff in some of the most reliable dividend-paying stocks. As a result, the valuations of these dull darlings are more attractive these days, presenting a good opportunity for income investors.

For income investors — particularly those nearing retirement — dividend stocks are a valuable part of their portfolios. After all, they boast the double benefit not only of providing reliable payments that can be reinvested, but many top dividend stocks — particularly utilities — are mature and stable, they and offer a hedge of protection in times of volatility.

Some of the best bets now are reliable dividend stocks that have taken some lumps in the market in recent weeks. Here are five battered dividend stocks to buy now:

AT&T (T)

AT&T (T) stock is down 9% since November 4. T stock has a lofty, yet reliable, current dividend yield of 5.6% and is a mainstay on the list of top dividend stocks. In the wake of the stock's recent retreat, T is trading at just 12 times forward earnings.

From a business standpoint, there is a lot to like about AT&T. First, whatever the outcome of the Federal Communications Commission's ongoing "net neutrality" battle, T stock is positioning itself to profit. Last month, the company announced a "sponsored data" plan, whereby businesses can pay for their customers' access of broadband content like mobile video.

Also, T is teaming up with IBM (IBM) on the "Internet of Things" — combining their security, cloud capabilities and analytics platforms to jump-start Smart City initiatives. These new market opportunities have the potential to actually boost the performance of T stock over the next couple of years, too.

Chevron (CVX)

Chevron (CVX) is down 9% since Dec. 27. CVX stock has a current dividend yield of 3.5% and is trading at a fairly cheap 10 times forward earnings. CVX stock has gained ground this week despite an explosion at a fracking well in Pennsylvania on Tuesday — and the questionable PR tactic of offering free pizza to residents living near the site.

Still, fracking provides a significant opportunity for CVX, particularly when artificially low natural gas prices begin to rise. Although Chevron's earnings over the past couple of years have been lackluster, those struggled have been more than priced in and the stock is poised to move. That puts CVX stock on the list of dividend stocks to buy now.

FirstEnergy (FE)

FirstEnergy (FE) is down 16% since Nov. 8. The stock has a current dividend yield of 4.5% and a forward P/E of less than 12, below most other dividend stocks in the utility sector.

On the face of it, FE appears to be a strange choice given the company's decision last month to cut its annual dividend from $2.20 per share to $1.44. However, much of the savings will be used to upgrade transmission infrastructure — particularly in regulated utilities in Ohio.

The company, whose earnings have been blistered by low natural gas prices, has reworked its business model to focus more on boosting profitability in its regulated utility operations. That’s a solid strategy for FE, given the state of the energy market. Also, the bad news has been priced in, providing a potentially attractive entry point for investors.

CVR Energy (CVI)

CVR Energy (CVI) stock is down 9% since Jan. 2. CVI stock has a lofty dividend yield of 8%, and its valuation is attractive now with a puny forward P/E of 9.4. CVI shares soared by more than 3% on Thursday after the company reported fourth-quarter and full-year earnings.

Although CVI's fourth-quarter earnings swung from 46 cents per share in 2012 to a 25-cent-per-share loss in the fourth quarter last year, the results were largely attributable to losses in derivatives because of wider than expected crack spreads. The company did post strong performance in both its refining and fertilizer businesses during the fourth quarter.

CVI is structured into two Managed Limited Partnerships (MLPs): CVR Refining (CVRR) and the nitrogen fertilizer unit CVR Partners (UAN). CVR Energy owns 71% of CVR Refining and 53% of CVR Partners. This is an interesting play in the energy sector, given UAN's lower cost of ammonia and urea ammonium nitrate and CVRR's edge as an MLP refiner.

Consolidated Edison (ED)

Consolidated Edison (ED) is down 3% since Nov. 6 and has a dividend yield of 4.6%.  Although ED's forward P/E of more than 14 seems a little high, it is in line with other utility-sector dividend stocks. On the down side, ConEd is experiencing flat revenue growth in its regulated utility businesses — in large part because regulators have moved to freeze utility rates.

That said, much of the nation has experienced brutal winter weather — and ConEd's metropolitan New York regulated service area has experience more than its fair share, driving up gas and electric consumption. Although the New York Public Service Commission voted on Thursday to freeze ConEd's electric and gas rates for two and three years respectively, the rate freeze affects only delivery charges, not the cost of the commodities.

That means ConEd will still be able to move ahead with $1 billion in infrastructure upgrades over four years. Despite near-term profit pressures, ED is likely to remain one of the best dividend stocks for investors.

As of this writing, Susan J. Aluise did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.

World Bank: Global economy is picking up

WASHINGTON (AP) — The global economy is slowly picking up steam, led by advanced economies appearing to turn the corner after five years of financial crises and recession and a continued good performance by China, the World Bank said.

However, it said Tuesday that growth prospects remain vulnerable to rising interest rates and potential volatility in capital flows as the U.S. Federal Reserve eases up on the extraordinary stimulus it has been providing to the U.S. economy, the world's largest.

The bank's twice-yearly Global Economics Prospects report says global growth is expected to firm from 2.4% in 2013 to 3.2% this year and 3.4% in 2015.

The report said the momentum that countries such as the United States and Japan are building up should support stronger growth in the developing countries.

Presenting the findings, Kaushik Basu, the bank's chief economist, the outlook for the global economy is uneventful

"It's a strange world we live in that news that an uneventful economy ahead of us is meant to be good news," Basu said at a news conference at the bank's Washington headquarters. He added, "But not surprising" that this is the case after years of economic turmoil.

The report says that although risks to the global economy have subsided, they have not been eliminated and include fiscal uncertainty in the United States, protracted recovery in the euro zone and possible setbacks in China's restructuring policies.

The bank said the Federal Reserve decision to begin trimming its intervention in the market, known as quantitative easing, "is welcome as it reflects increasingly convincing signs that a self-sustaining recovery is under way." It said the most likely scenario is for the tapering off to follow an orderly trajectory and for global interest rates to rise only slowly, reaching 3.6% by mid-2016

In Japan, the report says, large doses of fiscal and monetary stimulus have sparked a strong cyclical upturn but keeping this going will require structural refo! rms.

The bank says in the euro zone, banks have gone a long way to restructuring themselves but that sector remains weak. Details on a fully fledged banking union are still being worked out "and the currency bloc remains susceptible to shock."

The report says that although developing country growth in 2013 was relatively weak, at an estimated 4.8 percent, "it has been firming in recent months, partly reflecting strengthening growth in high-income countries, but also a recovery from earlier weakness in large middle-income countries, such as India and China."

Looking at regional trends, the bank said growth will be flat in East Asia and the Pacific, modest in Latin America and the Caribbean and held back in the Middle East and North Africa due to social and political strife.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014

W&T Offshore� (NYSE: WTI  ) �has increased its�second-quarter dividend�by a penny to $0.09 per share, an increase of 12.5%.

The oil and gas driller has regularly increased its dividend over the years and has also bestowed a series of special dividends on investors. In 2012, it paid two special dividends of $0.32 and $0.55 per share, making 2012's total dividend paid $1.11, or 40% more than it paid in 2011.

Of the latest dividend increase, W&T CEO�Tracy W. Krohn said: "We are pleased to be able to increase our regular quarterly dividend by 12.5% and continue to reward our shareholders for their ongoing support. We began paying a�$0.02�dividend in�January 2005�shortly after going public and have been able to grow that amount over the years. This recent increase reflects our continued confidence in W&T Offshore's ability to continue to generate strong cash flow."

The new payout annualizes to $0.36 per share and yields 2.8% based on the closing price of W&T Offshore's stock on May 7.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Air T Inc.(AIRT)

Air T, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides overnight air cargo, ground equipment sales, and ground support services. Its Overnight Air Cargo segment offers small package overnight airfreight delivery services on a contract basis to the air express delivery services industry. The company?s Ground Equipment Sales segment manufactures, sells, and services aircraft ground support and other specialized equipment products, including aircraft deicers, scissor type lifts, military and civilian decontamination units, glycol recovery vehicles, and other special purpose mobile equipment. This segment offers its products to domestic and international passenger and cargo airlines, ground handling companies, the United States Air Force and Navy, airports, and industrial customers. Its Ground Support Services segment provides ground support equipment maintenance and facilities maintenance services to domestic airlines and aviation service providers. As of March 31, 2010, the company operated 80 cargo aircrafts under dry-lease service contracts in the United States and the Caribbean. Air T, Inc. was founded in 1980 and is based in Maiden, North Carolina.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Stewart Enterprises Inc.(STEI)

Stewart Enterprises, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides funeral and cemetery products and services in the death care industry in the United States and Puerto Rico. The company also offers a range of funeral merchandise and services, as well as cemetery property, cremation, merchandise, and services. Its funeral homes provide various services and products, including the family consultation, removal and preparation of remains, usage of funeral home facilities for visitation, worship and funeral services, transportation services, flowers, and caskets. The company also sells cemetery property and related merchandise, which includes lots, lawn crypts, family and community mausoleums, monuments, markers, and burial vaults; and provides burial site openings and closings and inscriptions. In addition, it maintains cemetery grounds under cemetery perpetual care contracts and local laws. As of January 31, 2011, the company owned and operated 218 funeral homes and 141 cemeterie s. Stewart Enterprises, Inc. was founded in 1910 and is based in Jefferson, Louisiana.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Brian Pacampara]

  What: Shares of funeral-home operator Stewart Enterprises (NASDAQ: STEI  ) soared 34% today, after larger rival Service Corp. International (NYSE: SCI  ) agreed to acquire it in a deal worth about $1.4 billion.

• [By Chris Katje]

  Service Corporation (SCI), the largest funeral home operator in the United States, made news last week with its large acquisition of Stewart Enterprises (STEI). The acquisition was well received by investors, as shares rose 8% on the day of the announcement. Together, the two companies will see huge cost savings advantages and a backlog that is currently undervalued.

Top 10 Gold Stocks To Buy For 2015: Summit State Bank(SSBI)

Summit State Bank operates as a community bank in Sonoma, Napa, San Francisco, and Marin Counties in California. It offers deposit accounts, such as transaction accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, time deposit accounts, business checking accounts, time certificates of deposit, sweep accounts, and specialized deposit accounts, including professional, small business packaged, and tiered accounts for larger deposits, and Keogh and IRA accounts. The company also provides commercial and industrial lines of credit and term loans, credit lines to individuals, equipment loans, real estate and construction loans, small business loans, and business lines of credit; consumer loans, including auto loans, mortgage loans, home improvement loans, and home equity lines of credit; and loans for accounts receivable and inventory financing, loans to agriculture-related businesses, and equipment and expansion financing programs. In addition, it offers banking by appointment, on line and telephone banking services, direct payroll and social security deposits, letters of credit, access to national automated teller machine networks, courier services, safe deposit boxes, night depository facilities, notary services, travelers? checks, lockbox, and banking by mail. Further, the company, through its subsidiary, Alto Service Corporation, provides deed of trust services. It serves small-to medium-sized businesses, professionals and professional associations, entrepreneurs, high net worth families, foundations, estates, and individual consumers. The company operated five offices in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, and Healdsburg. Summit State Bank was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Santa Rosa, California.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Advanced Cell Technology, Inc.(ACTC)

Advanced Cell Technology, Inc., a biotechnology company, focuses on the development and commercialization of human embryonic and adult stem cell technology in the field of regenerative medicine. Its embryonic stem cell research programs include cellular reprogramming, reduced complexity program, and stem cell differentiation research programs. The company?s cellular reprogramming involves in the development of therapies based on the use of genetically identical pluripotent stem cells generated by its cellular reprogramming technologies. Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. also generates stable cell lines with particular focus on blood lineage and vascular epithelial cell lines from hemangioblast cells. In addition, it is developing an autologous myoblast transplantation therapy to restore cardiac function in patients with advanced heart disease. The company?s stem cell-based therapy would provide treatment for a range of acute and chronic degenerative diseases. Further, it deve lops adult stem cell-based products that are specifically targeted at therapies for heart and other cardiovascular diseases. The company is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Udovich]

  Summer and the slow news for the market that usually comes with it�is over with and both stem cell researchers or small� cap stem cell stocks like Advanced Cell Technology, Inc (OTCBB: ACTC), Neuralstem, Inc (NYSEMKT: CUR), NeoStem Inc (NASDAQ: NBS), International Stem Cell Corp (OTCMKTS: ISCO)�and BioRestorative Therapies (OTCBB: BRTX) having news for investors and traders alike. Consider the following:

• [By CRWE]

  Today, ACTC surged (+1.96%) up +0.0014 at $.0730 with 1,679,139 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 12:31PM EDT July 26, 2013).

  Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. previously reported the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), an independent group of medical experts closely monitoring the company�� three ongoing clinical trials, has authorized the company to move forward with enrollment and treatment of remaining two patients in the third cohort of each of the three clinical trials. The decision follows an interim review by the DSMB six weeks after the first patient was treated in the third cohort of each trial. ACT will proceed with screening and enrollment for the patients who, in keeping with trial protocol, will be injected with 150,000 retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

• [By CRWE]

  Today, ACTC has shed (-1.05%) down -0.0008 at $.0751 with 2,338,132 shares in play thus far (ref. google finance Delayed: 11:55AM EDT July 22, 2013), but don�� let this get you down.

  Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. previously reported the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB), an independent group of medical experts closely monitoring the company�� three ongoing clinical trials, has authorized the company to move forward with enrollment and treatment of remaining two patients in the third cohort of each of the three clinical trials. The decision follows an interim review by the DSMB six weeks after the first patient was treated in the third cohort of each trial. ACT will proceed with screening and enrollment for the patients who, in keeping with trial protocol, will be injected with 150,000 retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

• [By John Udovich]

  As the the year comes to end, there is still a steady flow of interesting news coming from small cap biotech stocks like Organovo Holdings Inc (NYSEMKT: ONVO), Advanced Cell Technology, Inc (OTCMKTS: ACTC) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB)�plus still largely private biotech companies like Genocea Biosciences (NASDAQ: GNCA), Retrophin (OTCMKTS: RTRX), Auspex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ASPX) and GlycoMimetics (NASDAQ: GLYC) who have filed to become the next potentially hot biotech IPOs���presumably some time early�next year. Just consider the following biotech news:

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: National Technical Systems Inc.(NTSC)

National Technical Systems, Inc., a diversified technical services company, provides engineering and compliance testing services to the defense, aerospace, telecommunications, automotive, energy, consumer products, and industrial products markets worldwide. The company offers product life-cycle product integrity support services, including design engineering, compliance, testing, certification, quality registration, and program management. It provides conformity assessment and management system registration services, as well as technology services for product certification, product safety testing, and product evaluation. The company also offers management registration and certification services. The company was founded in 1961 and is based in Calabasas, California.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: (FXPT)

Fox Petroleum Inc., a development stage company, engages in the identification, exploration, acquisition, and development of prospective oil and gas properties. It holds oil and gas interests in a United Kingdom onshore license; and joint venture interests in Texas. The company was formerly known as Nova Resources Inc. and changed its name to Fox Petroleum Inc. in February 2007 to reflect the new direction of its business of oil and gas exploration and development activities. Fox Petroleum Inc. was founded in 2004 and is based in New York, New York.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Resource Capital Corp.(RSO)

Resource Capital Corp. operates as a specialty finance company that focuses primarily on commercial real estate and commercial finance in the United States. The company?s commercial real estate-related investments include first mortgage loans, first priority interests in first mortgage real estate loans, subordinate interests in first mortgage real estate loans, mezzanine loans, and commercial mortgage-backed securities. It also invests in commercial finance assets, including senior secured corporate loans, other asset-backed securities, equipment leases and notes, trust preferred securities, and debt tranches of collateralized debt and loan obligations. The company qualifies as a real estate investment trust (REIT) for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, it is not subject to federal corporate income tax to the extent that it distributes 90% of its REIT taxable income. The company was founded in 2005 and is based in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Resource Capital (NYSE: RSO  ) is dipping into its coffers for another shareholder payout. The company has declared a dividend for its current quarter of $0.20 per share, which is to be paid on July 26 to shareholders of record as of June 28. That amount matches each of the company's previous five distributions, the most recent of which was paid in late April. Before that, Resource Capital was more generous, dispensing $0.25 per share.

• [By Wallace Witkowski]

  Shares of Resource Capital Corp. (RSO) �declined 3.8% to $5.82 in moderate volume after the real-estate investment trust said it would launch a $100 million offering in notes due 2018.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: ZST Digital Networks Inc.(ZSTN)

ZST Digital Networks, Inc. engages in supplying digital and optical network equipment and providing installation services to cable system operators in China, as well as in providing GPS location and tracking services to local logistics and transportation companies in China. It offers a line of IPTV devices that are used to provide bundled cable television, Internet, and telephone services to residential and commercial customers. The company has assisted in the installation and construction of approximately 400 local cable networks in approximately 90 municipal districts, counties, townships, and enterprises. ZST Digital Networks has also launched a commercial line of vehicle tracking devices utilizing its GPS tracking technologies and support services for transport-related enterprises to track, monitor, and optimize their businesses. The company was founded in 1996 and is based in Zhengzhou City, the People?s Republic of China.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Torch Energy Royalty Trust(TRU)

Torch Energy Royalty Trust, a grantor trust, holds net profits interests, to receive payments from the working interest owners. Its working interest owners include Torch Royalty Company, Torch E&P Company, Samson Lone Star Limited Partnership, and Constellation Energy Partners LLC. The trust is entitled to receive 95% of the net proceeds attributable to oil and natural gas produced and sold from wells on the underlying properties, including Chalkley Field in Louisiana; the Robinson?s Bend Field in the Black Warrior Basin in Alabama; Cotton Valley Fields in Texas; and Austin Chalk Fields in central Texas. Torch Energy Royalty Trust was founded in 1993 and is based in Wilmington, Delaware.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Tenet Healthcare Corporation(THC)

Tenet Healthcare Corporation, an investor-owned health care services company, operates acute care hospitals and related health care facilities. The company?s general hospitals offer acute care services, operating and recovery rooms, radiology services, respiratory therapy services, clinical laboratories, and pharmacies. It also provides intensive care, critical care and/or coronary care units, physical therapy; and orthopedic, oncology, and outpatient services; tertiary care services, such as open-heart surgery, neonatal intensive care, and neuroscience; quaternary care in areas, including heart, liver, kidney, and bone marrow transplants for children; gamma-knife brain surgery; and cyberknife surgery for tumors and lesions in the brain, lung, neck, and spine. As of June 30, 2011, it operated 49 acute care hospitals, and a critical access hospital with a combined total of 13,420 licensed beds primarily serving urban and suburban communities in 11 states of the United State s. The company also owns an interest in a health maintenance organization and operate various related health care facilities, including a long-term acute care hospital and various medical office buildings; revenue cycle management and patient communications services businesses; physician practices; captive insurance companies; and other ancillary health care businesses, such as including ambulatory surgery centers, diagnostic imaging centers, and occupational and rural health care clinics. In addition, Tenet Healthcare Corporation owns an interest in a management services subsidiary that provides network development, utilization management, claims processing, and contract negotiation services to physician organizations and hospitals that assume managed care risk. Tenet Healthcare Corporation was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Keith Speights]

  Medicare beneficiaries
  Some investors benefited greatly from the proposed Medicare reimbursement increase. Shares of Tenet Healthcare (NYSE: THC  ) surged nearly 7%. Tenet's market cap, in turn, rose around $290 million.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: NRG Energy Inc.(NRG)

NRG Energy, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a wholesale power generation company. The company engages in the ownership, development, construction, and operation of power generation facilities. It also involves in the transacting in and trading of fuel and transportation services; the trading of energy, capacity, and related products in the United States and internationally; and the supply of electricity, energy services, and cleaner energy and carbon offset products to retail electricity customers in deregulated markets. The company operates natural gas- fired, coal- fired, oil-fired, nuclear, solar, and wind power plants. As of December 31, 2010, it had power generation portfolio of 193 operating fossil fuel and nuclear generation units with an aggregate generation capacity of approximately 24,570 megawatt (MW), as well as ownership interests in renewable facilities with an aggregate generation capacity of 470 MW. The company portfolio also includes appr oximately 24,035 MW generation capacity in the United States, and 1,005 MW generation capacity in Australia and Germany. In addition, it has a district energy business with steam and chilled water capacity of approximately 1,140 megawatts thermal equivalent. NRG Energy, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Joshua Bondy]

  The Ivanpah project
  Recently the Ivanpah 392 megawatt (MW) CSP plant was competed in the Californian desert.�NRG Yield (NYSE: NYLD  ) and its parent company�NRG Energy (NYSE: NRG  ) �worked to bring the plant to fruition. The facility will help California reach its goal of 33% renewable energy production by 2020. Southern California Edison and Pacific Gas & Electric have already signed long-term agreements to buy power from the facility.�

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Trailer Bridge Inc.(TRBR)

Trailer Bridge, Inc., an integrated trucking and marine freight carrier, provides freight transportation services between the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It provides services through southbound containers and trailers, as well as through marine vessels that are configured to carry 48 inch and 53 inch long, and 102 inch wide high-cube equipment. The company also involves in moving new and used automobiles, non-containerized or freight not in trailers, and freight moving in shipper owned or leased equipment. It offers highway transportation services in the continental United States; and marine transportation services between Jacksonville, Florida, San Juan, Puerto Rico and Puerto Plata, and the Dominican Republic. The company also provides rail transportation services. In addition, it engages in chartering its vessels that are not in liner service to third party operators. The company ships furniture, consumer goods, raw materials for manufacturing, electronics, new and used automobiles, and apparel to Puerto Rico; healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, electronics, shoes and recyclables from Puerto Rico; raw materials for manufacturing to the Dominican Republic; and apparel, raw materials for manufacturing, and recyclables from the Dominican Republic. As of December 31, 2010, it operated a fleet of 141 tractors comprising of 79 company owned units and 62 leased and owner operator units; 2 736' triple-deck ro/ro ocean-going barges and 5 triplestack box carriers; and 3,957 high cube containers, 3,157 chassis, 164 high-cube trailers, and 299 vehicle transport modules, as well as leased 435 chassis and 531 high-cube containers. Trailer Bridge, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: Pizza Inn Inc.(PZZI)

Pizza Inn, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates and franchises pizza buffet, delivery/carry-out, and express restaurants in the United States and internationally. Its buffet restaurants offer dine-in, carryout, and catering services, as well as delivery services. The company?s delivery/carryout restaurants provide delivery and carryout services and are located in shopping centers or other in-line retail developments. Its express restaurants serve its customers through various non-traditional points of sale and are located in convenience stores, food courts, college campuses, airport terminals, athletic facilities, or other commercial facilities. The company operates restaurants under Pizza Inn trademark. As of July 1, 2011, it owned and operated 5 restaurants; and franchised approximately 300 restaurants. Pizza Inn, Inc. was founded in 1958 and is based in The Colony, Texas.

Top 5 Penny Stocks To Watch For 2014: New York Mortgage Trust Inc.(NYMT)

New York Mortgage Trust, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. The company engages in acquiring, investing, financing, and managing mortgage-related assets. It primarily invests in agency residential adjustable-rate, hybrid adjustable-rate, and fixed-rate mortgage-backed securities (RMBS); non-Agency RMBS; prime adjustable-rate residential mortgage loans held in securitization trusts; commercial mortgage-backed securities; commercial mortgage loans; and other commercial real estate-related debt investments. The company has elected to be taxed as a REIT and will not be subject to federal income tax if it distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders. New York Mortgage Trust, Inc. was founded in 1989 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Eric Volkman]

  Investors are being rewarded for putting their trust in New York Mortgage Trust (NASDAQ: NYMT  ) . The REIT has declared a common stock dividend for its current quarter of $0.27 per share, to be paid on July 25 to shareholders of record as of June 28. That amount matches each of the company's preceding four distributions, the most recent of which was doled out at the end of April. Before that, it paid $0.25 per share.

• [By Amanda Alix]

  More mREITs stay the course, but two trim payouts
  Despite suffering many tumbles and bruises, several mREITs have announced that their dividends will be unchanged from the previous quarter. Several did so last week, and yesterday saw Hatteras Financial (NYSE: HTS  ) , an agency-only trust, keeping its own $0.70 per share�payout the same. Hybrid New York Mortgage Trust (NASDAQ: NYMT  ) also kept its dividend stable, at $0.27 per share, in line with its four most recent distributions.

Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs

Novavax (NASDAQ: NVAX) shares surged 9.85% to touch a new 52-week high of $5.69 after the company announced the continuation of RSV Vaccine Partnership with Path.

XOMA (NASDAQ: XOMA) shares reached a new 52-week high of $8.61. XOMA shares have jumped 196.09% over the past 52 weeks, while the S&P 500 index has gained 25.27% in the same period.

Red Hat (NYSE: RHT) shares touched a new 52-week high of $59.28 after Morgan Stanley upgraded the stock from Equal-weight to Overweight.

Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) shares jumped 7.98% to reach a new 52-week high of $25.41 following Elliott headlines.

Posted-In: 52-Week HighsNews Intraday Update Markets Movers

(c) 2014 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Top 5 Recreation Companies To Watch In Right Now

The MLK Day shortened trading week saw a reduced number of insiders buys as measured by the number of companies with purchases. We identified just 50. Ah, but we have something to write about, like always.

Marijuana stocks have been in focus sine Colorado and Washington State legalized the drug for recreational use. At the moment, 20 states plus the District of Columbia made medical marijuana legal.

Now, iStock monitors insider buying activity on a regular basis. We don't recall seeing pot stocks finding their way onto our lists. That changed this week with Growlife Inc (OTCBB:PHOT). Director, Alan R. Hammer purchased 225,000 shares of the weed associated stock at $0.19 for a total investment of $42,746.60.

[Related -Medical Marijuana Inc (OTCMKTS:MJNA): A Look At Pot Stocks Offering Quick Bucks]

Top 5 Recreation Companies To Watch In Right Now: Accell Group NV (ACCEL)

Accell Group NV is a Netherlands-based holding company. The Company and its subsidiaries divides its business into two segments: Bicycle & Bicycle Parts, active in the design, development, production, marketing and sales of bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories; and Fitness, providing fitness equipment. It sells bicycles under the Batavus, Bremshey, Ghost, Haibike, Hercules, Koga, Lapierre, Loekie, Redline, Sparta, Staiger, Tunturi, Winora, XLC and Raleigh brands via specialist bicycle retailers as well as bicycle parts under the Juncker Bike Parts and Wiener Bike Parts brands and fitness equipment under the Bremshey Sport brand. The Company�� main markets are the Netherlands, Germany, France, and European countries. The Company has production facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary and Belgium. As of December 31, 2011, it operated through 21 wholly owned subsidiaries. On May 22, 2012, the Company acquired Raleigh Cycle Limited.

Top 5 Recreation Companies To Watch In Right Now: Accell Group NV (ACCG.AS)

Accell Group NV is a Netherlands-based holding company. The Company and its subsidiaries divides its business into two segments: Bicycle & Bicycle Parts, active in the design, development, production, marketing and sales of bicycles, bicycle parts and accessories; and Fitness, providing fitness equipment. It sells bicycles under the Batavus, Bremshey, Ghost, Haibike, Hercules, Koga, Lapierre, Loekie, Redline, Sparta, Staiger, Tunturi, Winora, XLC and Raleigh brands via specialist bicycle retailers as well as bicycle parts under the Juncker Bike Parts and Wiener Bike Parts brands and fitness equipment under the Bremshey Sport brand. The Company�� main markets are the Netherlands, Germany, France, and European countries. The Company has production facilities in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Hungary and Belgium. As of December 31, 2011, it operated through 21 wholly owned subsidiaries. On May 22, 2012, the Company acquired Raleigh Cycle Limited.

Top 10 Financial Stocks To Own For 2015: Smith & Wesson Holding Corp (SWHC)

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Smith & Wesson), incorporated on June 17, 1991, is a manufacturer of firearms. The Company manufactures a range of handguns, modern sporting rifles, hunting rifles, black powder firearms, handcuffs, and firearm-related products and accessories for sale to a range of customers, including gun enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and globally. It sell its products under the Smith & Wesson brand, the M&P brand, the Thompson/Center brand, and the Walther brand. The Company manufactures its firearm products at its facilities in Springfield, Massachusetts and Houlton, Maine. On July 26, 2012, it sold all of the assets of Smith & Wesson Security Solutions, Inc.

Firearms

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company introduced multiple new handgun and modern sporting rifle models, and one new bolt action rifle platform. The Company's rifle introductions included the addition of the M&P15 300 Whisper to the Company's line of modern sporting rifles. As of April 30, 2012, the Company participated in three categories of the long-gun market and both core categories of the handgun market.

Handguns

The Company manufactures an variety of handgun models that include revolvers and pistols. A revolver is a handgun with a cylinder that holds the ammunition in a series of rotating chambers that are successively aligned with the barrel of the firearm during each firing cycle. There are two general types of revolvers: single-action and double-action. The Company's small-frame revolvers have been carried by law enforcement personnel and personal defense-minded citizens. The Company's revolvers are available in a variety of models and calibers, with applications in virtually all professional and personal markets.

The Company�� M! &P15 Series of modern sporting rifles are designed to satisfy the functionality and reliability needs of global military, law enforcement, and security personnel. These rifles are also popular as sporting target rifles and are sold to consumers through the Company's sporting good distributors, retailers, and dealers. The Company has a range of product portfolio of modern sporting rifles, which includes a lower price-point, sport model, a .22 caliber model, and a fully automatic model designed for the exclusive use of military and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Hunting Firearms

The Company manufactures three lines of bolt-action rifles under its Thompson/Center brand consisting of several models in each line. The Company's hunting rifles are offered in 16 different calibers. Bolt-action rifles operate by the cycling of a bolt handle that allows for both the loading and unloading of rounds through a magazine fed system.

During fiscal 2012, the Company introduced the Dimension bolt action rifle platform. Under the Company's Thompson/Center brand, the Company also offers seven models of American-made single shot black powder, or muzzle loader, firearms. The Company offers eight models of interchangeable, single shot firearm systems that deliver numerous gun, barrel, caliber configurations, and finishes. These systems can be configured as a center-fire rifle, rim-fire rifle, shotgun, black powder firearm, or single-shot handgun for use across the entire range of big- and small-game hunting.

Handcuffs

The Company manufactures handcuffs and restraints in the United States. The Company fabricates these products from the carbon or stainless steel.

Smith & Wesson Academy

Through the Smith & Wesson Academy, the Company offers instruction designed to meet the training needs of law enforcement and security customers worldwide. Classes are conducted at the Company's facility in Springfield, Massachusetts or o! n locatio! n around the world.

Specialty Services

The Company's services include forging, heat treating, finishing, and plating. It provides services to third-party customers.

The Company competes with Ruger,Taurus, Beretta, Glock, Heckler & Koch, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory, Bushmaster, Rock River, Stag Arms, DPMS, Browning, Marlin, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Weatherby, CVA, Traditions, and Winchester.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Aaron Smith]

  Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (SWHC) dropped 8%, even though the company reported on Thursday that its latest quarterly sales jumped 25% to $171 million. The Springfield, Mass., gunmaker also reported that earnings for the quarter surged to 41 cents per share, compared to 27 cents a year earlier.

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Taser has gained 1.8% to $14.91 at 9:35. Sturm, Ruger & Co. (RGR) has risen 1.5% to $65.87, while Smith & Wesson (SWHC) is up 0.9% at $10.59.

• [By Steve Symington and Alison Southwick]

  As a result, companies including Smith & Wesson (NASDAQ: SWHC  ) and Sturm, Ruger (NYSE: RGR  ) have taken different approaches to building out their manufacturing capabilities.

Top 5 Recreation Companies To Watch In Right Now: Smith & Wesson Holding Corp (SWHC.O)

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Smith & Wesson), incorporated on June 17, 1991, is a manufacturer of firearms. The Company manufactures a range of handguns, modern sporting rifles, hunting rifles, black powder firearms, handcuffs, and firearm-related products and accessories for sale to a range of customers, including gun enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and globally. It sell its products under the Smith & Wesson brand, the M&P brand, the Thompson/Center brand, and the Walther brand. The Company manufactures its firearm products at its facilities in Springfield, Massachusetts and Houlton, Maine. On July 26, 2012, it sold all of the assets of Smith & Wesson Security Solutions, Inc.

Firearms

During the fiscal year ended April 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), the Company intr oduced multiple new handgun and modern sporting rifle models, and one new bolt action rifle platform. The Company's rifle introductions included the addition of the M&P15 300 Whisper to the Company's line of modern sporting rifles. As of April 30, 2012, the Company participated in three categories of the long-gun market and both core categories of the handgun market.

Handguns

The Company manufactures an variety of handgun models that include revolvers and pistols. A revolver is a handgun with a cylinder that holds the ammunition in a series of rotating chambers that are successively aligned with the barrel of the firearm during each firing cycle. There are two general types of revolvers: single-action and double-action. The Company's small-frame revolvers have been carried by law enforcement personnel and personal defense-minded citizens. The Company's revolvers are available in a variety of models and calibers, with applications in virtually all pr ofessional and personal markets.

The Company� �! s M&P15 Series of modern sporting rifles are designed to satisfy the functionality and reliability needs of global military, law enforcement, and security personnel. These rifles are also popular as sporting target rifles and are sold to consumers through the Company's sporting good distributors, retailers, and dealers. The Company has a range of product portfolio of modern sporting rifles, which includes a lower price-point, sport model, a .22 caliber model, and a fully automatic model designed for the exclusive use of military and law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

Hunting Firearms

The Company manufactures three lines of bolt-action rifles under its Thompson/Center brand consisting of several models in each line. The Company's hunting rifles are offered in 16 different calibers. Bolt-action rifles operate by the cycling of a bolt handle that allows for both the loading and unloading of rounds through a magazine fed system.

< p>During fiscal 2012, the Company introduced the Dimension bolt action rifle platform. Under the Company's Thompson/Center brand, the Company also offers seven models of American-made single shot black powder, or muzzle loader, firearms. The Company offers eight models of interchangeable, single shot firearm systems that deliver numerous gun, barrel, caliber configurations, and finishes. These systems can be configured as a center-fire rifle, rim-fire rifle, shotgun, black powder firearm, or single-shot handgun for use across the entire range of big- and small-game hunting.

Handcuffs

The Company manufactures handcuffs and restraints in the United States. The Company fabricates these products from the carbon or stainless steel.

Smith & Wesson Academy

Through the Smith & Wesson Academy, the Company offers instruction designed to meet the training needs of law enforcement and security customers worldwide. Classes are conduct ed at the Company's facility in Springfield, Massachus! etts o! r! on loca! tion around the world.

Specialty Services

The Company's services include forging, heat treating, finishing, and plating. It provides services to third-party customers.

The Company competes with Ruger,Taurus, Beretta, Glock, Heckler & Koch, Sig Sauer, Springfield Armory, Bushmaster, Rock River, Stag Arms, DPMS, Browning, Marlin, Remington, Ruger, Savage, Weatherby, CVA, Traditions, and Winchester.

Top 5 Recreation Companies To Watch In Right Now: In Ovations Holdings Inc (INOH)

In Ovations Holdings Inc, formerly Marine Exploration, Inc., incorporated on June 27, 1996, is engaged in marine treasure hunting expeditions. Its operations are limited to providing funding to, and making approved capital expenditures for its joint venture partner, Hispaniola Ventures, LLC (Hispaniola). Hispaniola is engaged in the actual search for, diving to, and recovery of, the cargo and artifacts. In May 2012, the Company acquired Atmospheric Water Solutions, Inc. (AWS). The acquisition includes water making technology, inventory, and a distribution center. In January 2014, the Company announced the incorporation of of its Energy Services Company (ESCO), Electro Verde, Inc.

The Company is focused on the recovery of two vessels, named as Operation Mystery Galleon and Operation Abrojos which includes, without limitation, an operation to the Serranilla and Bajo Nuevo Banks in the Caribbean Sea. It is undergoing preliminary operations off the coast of the Dominican Republic. On December 11, 2008, Marine Exploration Inc's 128 ft operations vessel, the M/V Hispaniola, was launched for its primary missions, Operation Mystery Galleon and Operation Abrojos.

The Company competes with Odyssey Marine Exploration, Subsea Resources Ltd., Sovereign Exploration Associates International Inc. and Admiralty Holding Company.

Apple Inc. Cuts iPhone Price in China (AAPL)

In advance of Apple Inc.’s (AAPL) launch of the iPhone 5c and 5s in China, the technology giant has cut the price of the phones for the Chinese market.

Apple’s China website has prices listed at 4,938 yuan for the iPhone 5s and 4,138 yuan for the 5c, marking a 350 yuan price cut from both prices. In Hong Kong, Apple has cut the prices by HK$390 to HK$5,198 for the 5s and HK$4,298 for the the 5c.

Apple’s iPhones are expected to launch in China on January 17. Apple and China Mobile made a deal last month for the Chinese phone company to start carrying Apple’s phones.

Apple shares were up $2.98, or 0.56%, in pre-market trading. The company is just 6.71% off its 52-week high.