5 Best Internet Stocks To Invest In 2014

The Internet of Things will connect things like home appliances to the Internet and, increasing bandwidth needs. Source: Qualcomm.

The Internet of Things will soon connect formerly simple objects to the Internet -- like in-home appliances or even dog collars -- in order to glean information from them, or allow devices to automatically share important information with each other.

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO  ) estimates that there will be nearly 50 billion connected 'things' by 2020, and some have pushed estimates even higher. Even if a fraction of these connected things come online, it's clear there will be substantially more Internet-enabled devices in our near future.

So how does this effect existing wireless bandwidth? For one, it could put a strain on existing cellular networks, which is why Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM  ) is backing a new long-range and low power Wi-Fi standard. Others think a completely new cellular network devoted exclusively to connected things is needed. Or, depending on whom you ask, there's absolutely nothing to worry about at all.

5 Best Shipping Stocks To Invest In 2015: Google Inc.(GOOG)

Google Inc. maintains an index of Web sites and other online content for users, advertisers, and Google network members and other content providers. It offers AdWords, an auction-based advertising program; AdSense program, which enables Web sites that are part of the Google Network to deliver ads from its AdWords advertisers; Google Display, a display advertising network that comprises the videos, text, images, and other interactive ads; DoubleClick Ad Exchange, a real-time auction marketplace for the trading of display ad space; and YouTube that provides video, interactive, and other ad formats for advertisers. The company also provides Google Mobile that optimizes Google?s applications for mobile devices in browser and downloadable form; and enables advertisers to run search ad campaigns on mobile devices, as well as Google Local that provides local information on the Web; and Google Boost for small businesses to participate in the ads auction. In addition, it offers And roid, an open source mobile software platform; Google Chrome OS, an open source operating system; Google Chrome, a Web browser; Google TV, a platform for the consumers to use the television and the Internet on a single screen; and Google Books platform to discover, search, and consume content from printed books online. Further, the company provides Google Apps, a cloud computing suite of message and collaboration tools, which includes Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and Google Sites; Google Search Appliance that offers real-time search of business and intranet applications, and public Web sites; Google Site Search, a custom search engine; Google Commerce Search for online retail enterprises; Google Checkout to make online shopping and payments streamlined and secure; Google Maps Application Programming Interface; and Google Earth Enterprise, a firewall software solution for imagery and data visualization. Google Inc. was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Evan Niu, CFA and Erin Kennedy]

  With several of the biggest players in the tech world putting a lot of focus on their in-car relationships with drivers at the moment, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL  ) has now announced CarPlay, its automobile ecosystem designed to integrate with the vehicle's infotainment center. Apple is pursuing a very different strategy to the one Google (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) will be chasing this year with its Open Automotive Alliance, that will allow Android to power cars directly. Though some consumers may see a downside to Apple's approach of requiring an iPhone to be tethered to the system, Apple has already secured more than 15 automaker partners, compared to the four partners Google currently has in Alliance.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  It's a good time for digital music, and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) is adjusting its Speedo so it can dive right in.

  The Verge's Greg Sandoval is reporting that Google has struck licensing deals with Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, paving the way for the search giant to roll out streaming services through both YouTube and its Android-fueled Google Play marketplace.

• [By Jayson Derrick]

  Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG) recently acquired Nest Lab hit a bump in the road as a feature that enables a user to turn off a device could easily be activated accidentally. An upgrade could take up to three months to fix the error. Shares lost 4.67 percent, closing at $543.14.

• [By Rick Munarriz]

  Let's be frank. The chances of Apple and Yahoo! hooking up are slim. Yahoo! turned down Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT  ) at a much higher price point several years ago, and the stock's been a market darling since Google (NASDAQ: GOOG  ) executive Marissa Mayer took the helm after a long line of unsuccessful CEOs.

5 Best Internet Stocks To Invest In 2014: Amazon.com Inc.(AMZN)

Amazon.com, Inc. operates as an online retailer in North America and internationally. It operates retail Web sites, including amazon.com and amazon.ca. The company serves consumers through its retail Web sites and focuses on selection, price, and convenience. It also offers programs that enable sellers to sell their products on its Web sites, and their own branded Web sites. In addition, the company serves developer customers through Amazon Web Services, which provides access to technology infrastructure that developers can use to enable virtually various type of business. Further, it manufactures and sells the Kindle e-reader. Additionally, the company provides fulfillment; miscellaneous marketing and promotional agreements, such as online advertising; and co-branded credit cards. Amazon.com, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Demitrios Kalogeropoulos]

  Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN  ) recently reported earnings results that were held back by slowing growth in the company's international sales. In the video below, Fool contributor Demitrios Kalogeropoulos discusses how Amazon's weakness overseas was driven by soft sales of digital products and the lack of cloud services revenue. With major rivals boosting their investments in both areas, Demitrios argues that achieving sales growth will only get tougher for Amazon from here.

• [By Douglas A. McIntyre]

  Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) has focused its “free shipping” program on a select group of items rather than on all the inventory it sells:

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  Amazon is one of the largest Internet commerce companies in the world, and it aims to serve the needs of consumers, companies, and entrepreneurs around the globe. Cramer recently ranked Amazon a Buy; he previously ranked this stock a Buy on October 29. The stock has been flying higher in recent years and is now trading near all-time high prices. Over the last four quarters, earnings have been decreasing while revenues have been increasing, which has generally pleased investors in the company. Relative to its peers and sector, Amazon has been an average year-to-date performer. Look for Amazon to OUTPERFORM.

5 Best Internet Stocks To Invest In 2014: Yahoo! Inc.(YHOO)

Yahoo! Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a digital media company that delivers personalized digital content and experiences through various devices worldwide. It offers online properties and services to users; and a range of marketing services to businesses. The company?s communications and communities offerings include Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! Messenger, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, Flickr, and Connected TV, which provide a range of communication and social services to users and small businesses enabling users to organize into groups and share knowledge, common interests, and photos. Its search products comprise Yahoo! Search and Yahoo! Local, available free to users to navigate the Internet and discover content. The company?s marketplaces offerings and services include Yahoo! Shopping, Yahoo! Travel, Yahoo! Real Estate, Yahoo! Autos, and Yahoo! Small Business, which allow users to research specific topics, products, services, or areas of interest by review ing and exchanging information, obtaining contact details, or considering offers from providers of goods, services, or parties with similar interests. Its media offerings comprise Yahoo! Homepage, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Finance, My Yahoo!, Yahoo! Toolbar, Yahoo! Entertainment & Lifestyles, Yahoo! Contributor Network, and Yahoo! Pulse, which are designed to engage users with online content and services on the Web. The company also offers marketing services, such as display and search advertising, listing-based services, and commerce-based transactions to advertisers. In addition, it provides software and platform offerings for third-party developers, advertisers, and publishers, such as Yahoo! Developer Network, Yahoo! Open Strategy, Yahoo! Application Platform, Yahoo! Updates, Yahoo! Query Language, and Yahoo! Search BOSS. The company has strategic alliances with Nokia and ABC News, Inc. Yahoo! Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Californi a.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By WALLSTCHEATSHEET]

  Yahoo is an Internet bellwether that provides a multitude of services to consumers and companies worldwide. There’s no doubt that Marissa Mayer, the new CEO, has improved the image of the company through a new corporate culture and recent investments. The stock has been on a powerful surge towards higher prices, and is now trading at levels not seen since the mid-2000s. Over the last four quarters, investors have had mixed feelings about the company, as earnings have improved while revenue has remained mixed. Relative to its peers and sector, Yahoo has been a year-to-date performance leader. Look for Yahoo to OUTPERFORM.

• [By Steve Heller]

  Now that Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO  ) has acquired Tumblr, Facebook (NASDAQ: FB  ) investors may have something else to worry about. Given Yahoo!'s massive scale, the company has the potential to turn Tumblr into a force to be reckoned with. However, this may not be the primary reasoning behind why Yahoo! purchased Tumblr in the first place. In this video, Fool contributor Steve Heller examines Yahoo!'s recent acquisition and what it could mean for Facebook's future.

• [By Jon Friedman]

  Since Marissa Mayer became the chief executive officer of�Yahoo!� (NASDAQ: YHOO  ) a year ago, the company has gone on a much-publicized buying binge. The nagging question is whether the splashy headlines have done more to boost Mayer's image as a go-getter than Yahoo's growth prospects.

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Shares of Yahoo! (NASDAQ: YHOO) got a boost, shooting up 6.17 percent to $36.32 after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results. Yahoo reported its adjusted earnings of $0.38 per share on revenue of $1.09 billion. However, analysts were estimating a profit of $0.37 per share on revenue of $1.08 billion. Wells Fargo upgraded Yahoo! from Market Perform to Outperform.

5 Best Internet Stocks To Invest In 2014: IAC/InterActiveCorp (IACI)

IAC/InterActiveCorp engages in the Internet business in the United States and internationally. The company�s Search segment develops, markets, and distributes various downloadable toolbars; provides search, reference, and content services through its destination search and other Websites, including Ask.com and Dictionary.com; and aggregates and integrates local advertising and content for distribution to publishers on Web and mobile platforms, as well as markets and distributes mobile applications through which it provides search and additional services. Its Match segment offers subscription-based and advertiser-supported online personals services through its Websites comprising Match.com, Chemistry.com, OurTime.com, BlackPeopleMeet.com, and OkCupid.com, as well as through mobile applications and Meetic-branded Websites. The company�s ServiceMagic segment offers Market Match service that matches consumers with service professionals; Exact Match service, which enables con sumers to review service professional profiles and select the service professional that meets their specific needs; and 1800Contractor.com, an online directory of service professionals. This segment also offers Website design and hosting services. Its Media and Other segment operates CollegeHumor.com, an online entertainment Website that targets young males; Vimeo, a Website on which users can upload, share, and view video; and Pronto.com, a comparison search engine. This segment also engages in the creation of video content for various distribution platforms; and operates as an Internet retailer of footwear and related apparel and accessories, as well as focuses on multimedia business. The company was formerly known as InterActiveCorp and changed its name to IAC/InterActiveCorp in July 2004. IAC/InterActiveCorp was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jake L'Ecuyer]

  Equities Trading UP
  IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI) shot up 15.54 percent to $69.43 after the company reported that that it is reorganizing and that Greg Blatt, its CEO, will become the Chairman of the newly created Match Group.

• [By Chris Isidore]

  Newsweek, the news magazine whose print version was abandoned late last year, was sold in August by IAC (IACI) to another all-digital news company, IBT Media.

• [By Mani]

  IAC InterActive Corp. (NASDAQ:IACI) should see improved margins and revenue from its Match business as subscriber growth could be boosted by favorable secular trends and new monetizing opportunities.

• [By Brian Stelter]

  I hesitated, but she insisted that I come to the headquarters of Barry Diller's IAC (IACI) for an in-person demonstration of the product, which she called an "online TV platform." Once I was there, I understood. "Surprisingly high-quality signal," I scribbled in my notebook. "Place- and time-shifting!"