10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014

On this day in economic and business history...

The company popularly known as DuPont (NYSE: DD  ) is a shortened form of "E.I. du Pont de Nemours," itself a shortened version of the name Eluthere Irenee du Pont de Nemours, a Paris-born chemist with particular expertise as a gunpowder manufacturer. It was on July 19, 1802, on the banks of the Brandywine River in Delaware, that du Pont broke ground on the first gunpowder mills that gave rise to the DuPont chemical empire.

The du Pont family had arrived in Delaware at the turn of the 19th century after escaping the worst of the French Revolution. E.I. du Pont's father had been a minor noble and successful politician before the Reign of Terror, and his defense of doomed King Louis XVI from a besieging mob in 1792 nearly cost him his head in the guillotines. The elder du Pont later wound up playing an important role in the Louisiana Purchase by negotiating much of the deal on behalf of President Thomas Jefferson.

Top 10 Communications Equipment Stocks To Own Right Now: Soditech Ingenierie SA (SEC)

Soditech Ingenierie SA is a France-based company that is primarily engaged in electronic and mechanical engineering services in various sectors. The Company�� activity is organized into three sectors: Defense & Research, Space and Energy & Nuclear. It provides specialized services in four fields: aerospace, covering communication satellites, observation satellites and space stations; automotive, providing such services as engine design and plasturgy for equipment manufacturers; aeronautics, offering structural research for aircraft makers, instruments or electro-mechanical systems for assisting pilots and others, and defense, providing engineering of numerous tests and trials systems, with or without implementations, among others. The Company also offers additional services, such as energy forecasting and environmental analysis, environmental management system, and others. In May 2014, it restructured company into three main divisions: Defense & Research, Space and Energy & Nuclear. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By ovenerio]

  Over the past days hedge funds have been filing their form 13-F, which is a quarterly report of equity holdings by filed institutional investment managers with at least $100 million in equity assets under management, as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this article, let麓s concentrate in one particular hedge fund and try to see the principal holdings in its portfolio. I will look into Abner Herrman & Brock LLC, which provides portfolio management for high net worth individuals, endowments, and corporate retirement plans.Recently the fund reported its equity portfolio, as at the end of June. The total value of the portfolio amounted to $331.2 million, up from $311.3 million disclosed at the end of the previous quarter. Consequently, the fund's total return was 6.4% in the last quarter. The filing revealed that at the end of June, the fund added 4 new positions to its equity portfolio, and sold out of 3 other companies. The top ten portfolio holdings as of the end of the quarter represented 30.85%. The largest changes from previous 13-F麓s fillings are in the energy sector (3.5%) followed by the reduction of financials and industrials.In this article, we have selected three companies, in which the fund holds the largest stakes, in terms of market value.The first on the list is Merck & Co. (MRK), in which the fund disclosed a $15.2 million stake with over 263,570 shares. The company is a leading global drugmaker, producing a wide range of prescription drugs in many therapeutic classes in the U.S. and abroad. It has improved earnings per share by 9.6% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. With respect to price performance, this stock has enjoyed a rise of 26.85% which was in line with the performance of the market. It has a proven commitment to returning cash to investors, with a current dividend yield of 3.0% which is considered good to protect investor麓s purchasing power. Other hedge

• [By Victor Selva]

  Over the past days hedge funds have been filing their form 13-F, which is a quarterly report of equity holdings by filed institutional investment managers with at least $100 million in equity assets under management, as required by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In this article, let's concentrate in one particular hedge fund and try to see the principal holdings in its portfolio. I will look into Tudor Investment Corp in which Paul Tudor Jones (Trades, Portfolio) serve as chief investment officer.

• [By Monica Wolfe]

  On Oct. 29, the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a civil complaint against retired hedge-fund investment consultant, Dennis Rosenberg for an alleged insider trading scheme involving Carter��. The complaint states that Rosenberg was able to trade in advance of marketing-moving news based on tips he got from a former executive at the company between 2005 and 2010.

10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014: Bulova Technologies Group Inc (BTGI)

Bulova Technologies Group, Inc. (BLVT), incorporated in 1979, operates as a Government contractor in the United States. BLVT�� operating facilities are located in Mayo, Florida. As of September 30, 2011, the Company is focused on Department of Defense contracting. As of September 30, 2011, BLVT operated corporate and administrative offices in two leased facilities, one in Clearwater, Florida, approximating 2,400 square feet, and the other in Brandon, Florida, approximating 5,000 square feet. The Company�� Government contracting business is located on 261 acres owned by the Company in Mayo, Florida, where it operates a load, assembly, and pack facility specializing in fuzes, safe and arming devices and explosive simulators. There are more than 38 buildings on the property consisting of warehouses, storage, and manufacturing facilities. In March 31, 2011, the Company disposed of its subsidiary BT Manufacturing Company LLC. In October 2012, the Company sold Bulova Technologies Ordnance Systems LLC.

Bulova Technologies Ordnance Systems LLC is a load, assembly, and pack facility specializing in fuzes, safe and arming devices and explosive simulators. Bulova Technologies Ordnance Systems LLC produces a range of pyrotechnic devices, ammunition and other energetic materials for the United States Government and other allied Governments worldwide. Bulova Technologies (Europe) LLC is developing a mortar exchange program to facilitate the needs of NATO member countries.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Peter Graham]

  A quick look at Hybrid Coating Technologies��financials reveals revenues of $48k (most recent reported quarter), $5k, $3k and $53k for the past four reported quarters along with net losses of $821k (most recent reported quarter), $1,571k, $774k and $510. At the end of September, Hybrid Coating Technologies had no cash to cover $4,037k in current liabilities and $1,279k in long term debt. So while the global industrial and specialty coatings market might be worth $35 billion, Hybrid Coating Technologies has yet to grab enough of it.

  Bulova Technologies Group, Inc (OTCMKTS: BTGI) Recently Did a Reverse Split

  Small cap Bulova Technologies Group has an extensive history of large scale Defense Contracts for munitions, weapons systems and combat systems. On Friday, Bulova Technologies Group fell 13.04% to $0.0300 for a market cap of $663,789 plus BTGI is up 29,900% over the past year and down 66.7% over the past five years according to Google Finance.

10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014: Air Industries Group Inc (AIRI)

Air Industries Group, Inc. (AIRI), incorporated on January 13, 2006, is an aerospace and defense company. The Company designs and manufactures structural parts and assemblies that focus on flight safety, including landing gear, arresting gear, engine mounts, flight controls, throttle quadrants and other components. It also provides sheet metal fabrication of aerostructures, tube bending and welding services. AIRI�� products are deployed on a range of military and commercial aircraft, including Sikorsky's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Northrop Grumman's E2D Hawkeye, Boeing's 777, Airbus' 380 commercial airliners, and the US Navy F-18 and USAF F-16 fighter aircraft. On July 1, 2013, Air Industries Group Inc announced that it has acquired certain assets and the business of Decimal Industries (Decimal) of Copiague, Long Island, New York. On June 20, 2012, the Company, through a newly created subsidiary, Nassau Tool Works, Inc. (NTW), acquired from an unrelated company formerly known as Nassau Tool Works, Inc. (Old Nassau Tool) and its shareholders (the NTW Sellers) all of the assets of Old Nassau Tool. In November 2013, the Company announced that it has acquired Miller Stuart Inc of Hauppauge, Long Island, New York.

Air Industries Machining Corp.

AIM manufactures aircraft structural parts and assemblies principally for prime defense contractors in the defense/aerospace industry, including, Boeing, Goodrich Landing Gear, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. During the year ended December 31, 2012, approximately 90% of AIM's revenues were derived from sales of parts and assemblies for military applications. AIM's parts are installed onboard Sikorsky's U/MH - 60M/S Helicopters, known as The BlackHawk, Lockheed�� F35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), Northrop Grumman�� E2-C/D Hawkeye, the Airbus A-380 Super Jumbo airliner, and the C-17 Globemaster.

AIM is also a manufacturer of mechanical and electro-mechanical suba! ssemblies and an engineering integrator. As of December 31, 2012, AIM produced over 2,400 individual products (SKU's) that are assembled into electromechanical devices, mixer (primary flight control) assemblies, rotor-hub components for Blackhawk helicopters, arresting gear for the E2C/D Hawkeye, C2A Greyhound and United States Navy Fighters, vibration absorbing assemblies for Sikorsky helicopters, landing gear components for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and many other subassembly packages.

Welding Metallurgy, Inc.

Welding Metallurgy, Inc. (WMI) provides specialty welding services and metal fabrications to the defense and commercial aerospace industry. Its customers include GKN Corporation, Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. WMI�� product and service offerings include tube bending and metal fabrications of aircraft structures. WMI�� services and products are principally provided to prime contractors, aerospace engine manufacturers and to other subcontractors to aerospace manufacturers throughout the United States. Welding Metallurgy is a primary supplier on the Northrop Grumman E-2 C/D Hawkeye Program producing approximately 300 different parts annually. During 2012, nearly 100% of WMI�� revenues were derived from sales of parts and assemblies for military applications. WMI produces the inlet housing and the auxiliary long and short beams for the Sikorsky BlackHawk helicopter and various welded door and panel assemblies for the Boeing CH-47 Chinook Helicopter. WMI also provides environmental tubing to Lockheed for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Nassau Tool Works, Inc.

NTW�� principal business is the fabrication and assembly of landing gear components and complete landing gear for fighter aircraft for the United States and foreign governments. NTW also performs sub-contract machining for other aerospace manufacturers, including Air Industries. NTW is a manufacturer of complete landing gear and landing gear components! for the ! F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-18 Hornet aircraft of the United States Air Force and Navy. In addition NTW specializes in deep hole gun-drilling and trepanning and performs sub-contract machining services for prime contractors in the defense and aerospace industries.

The Company competes with Sterling Machine, Stellex Aerospace, Triumph Aerospace Group, Heroux Aerospace and Magellan Corporation.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Louis Navellier]

  Air Industries (AIRI) is an example of a company with great fundamentals that also pays a solid dividend right now. Air Industries makes flight-critical products including flight safety parts, landing gear and components, arresting gear, flight controls, sheet metal fabrications and ground support equipment. At the current price AIRI stock is yielding 6.32% after Air Industries raised the dividend back in March.

• [By Dividends4Life]

  Air Industries Group Inc. (AIRI), an aerospace and defense company, designs and manufactures structural parts and assemblies that focus on flight safety. Sept. 17, the company increased its quarterly dividend 100% to $0.125 per share. The dividend is is payable Oct. 15, 2013 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on Sept. 30, 2013. The yield based on the new payout is 6.9%.

• [By Diane Alter]

  Dividend Stocks That Increased Payout in September

  Accenture plc (NYSE: ACN) announced a 14.8%, or $0.12 per share, increase to its semiannual dividend. The management consulting firm will now pay a semiannual dividend of $0.93. Shares yield 2.53%. Agruim Inc. (NYSE: AGU) boosted its dividend by $1.00 per share to a total dividend of $3.00 on an annualized basis. Shares of the global retailer of agricultural products now sprout a 3.54% yield. Air Industries Group Inc. (NYSE: AIRI) doubled its dividend to $0.125 per share. The maker of airplane and helicopter parts now floats a lofty yield of 6.6%. Alexandria Real Estate Equities Inc. (NYSE: ARE) upped its dividend 4.6% to $0.68 per quarter for a yield of 4.21%. Banner Corp. (Nasdaq: BANR) boosted its quarterly dividend 25% to $0.15 per share. The parent company of Banner and Islander Bank serves the Pacific Northwest region. Brady Corp. (NYSE: BRC) lifted its quarterly dividend 2.6% to $0.78 per share. It was the 28th straight dividend increase from the identification solutions company. Shares yield 2.57%. Campbell Soup Co. (NSE: CPB) raised its quarterly dividend to $0.31 per share, up from $0.29. The company last raised its dividend in November 2010. Shares yield a hearty 3.06%. CLARCOR Inc. (NYSE: CLC) raised its quarterly dividend 26% to $0.17 per share. It's the largest percentage increase from the Tennessee-based diversified marketer of mobile filtration and packaging products in the last 20 years, and it continues the company's consecutive streak of increasing dividends for the last 30 years. Franklin Resources Inc. (NYSE: BEN) boosted its quarterly dividend 2.6% to $0.10 per share. Frisch's Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: FRS) increased its quarterly dividend 12.5% to $0.18. Shares yield 3.10% The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT), in a move that suggests good times are ahead, reinstated its dividend at $0.05 per share. Good

10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014: Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (Northrop Grumman), incorporated on January 16, 2001, provides products, services, and integrated solutions in aerospace, electronics, information and services to its global customers. As of December 31, 2011, the Company operated in four segments: Aerospace Systems, Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Technical Services. The Company conducts most of its business with the United States Government, principally the Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community. It also conducts business with local, state, and foreign Governments and domestic and international commercial customers. Effective as of March 31, 2011, the company completed the spin-off of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII). HII operates the Company�� former shipbuilding business. In September 2012, it acquired M5 Network Security Pty Ltd.

Aerospace Systems

Aerospace Systems is engaged in the design, development, integration and production of manned and unmanned aircraft, spacecraft, high-energy laser systems, microelectronics and other systems and subsystems. Aerospace Systems��customers, primarily domestic government agencies, use these systems in a number of different mission areas, including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; communications; battle management; strike operations; electronic warfare; missile defense; earth observation; space science; and space exploration. The segment consists of four business areas: Strike & Surveillance Systems; Space Systems; Battle Management & Engagement Systems; and Advanced Programs & Technology. Strike & Surveillance Systems designs, develops, manufactures and integrates tactical and long-range strike aircraft systems, unmanned systems, and missile systems. Key programs include the RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance system, B-2 stealth bomber, F-35 Lightning II (F-35), F/A-18 Super Hornet strike fighter, Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft syste! m, and Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP).

Space Systems designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates spacecraft systems, subsystems and electronic and communications payloads. Its main programs include the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) payload and many restricted programs. The Battle Management & Engagement Systems designs, develops, manufactures, and integrates airborne early warning, surveillance, battlefield management, and electronic warfare systems. Key programs include the E-2 Hawkeye, Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (Joint STARS), Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) unmanned aircraft system, EA-6B Prowler and its next generation platform, the EA-18G Growler, and Long Endurance Multi Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV). Advanced Programs & Technology creates advanced technologies and concepts. Its programs include the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System (N-UCAS), and other directed energy and advanced concepts programs.

Electronic Systems

Electronic Systems is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, and support of solutions for sensing, understanding, anticipating, and controlling the environment for its global military, civil, and commercial customers and their operations. Electronic Systems provides a variety of defense electronics and systems, airborne fire control radars, situational awareness systems, early warning systems, airspace management systems, navigation systems, communications systems, marine systems, space systems, and logistics services. The segment consists of five business areas: Intelligence, Surveillance, & Reconnaissance Systems; Land & Self Protection Systems; Naval & Marine Systems; Navigation Systems; and Targeting Systems. Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems delivers products and services for space satellite applications, airborne and ground-based surveillance, multi-sensor processing, analysis, and dissemination for com! bat units! and national agencies both domestically and internationally, providing battlespace awareness, missile defense, and command and control. Key products include the Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), Defense Support Program (DSP), ground processing, exploitation and dissemination systems, the TPS-78/703 family of ground based surveillance radars, and the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar.

Land & Self Protection Systems delivers products, systems, and services that support ground-based, helicopter and fixed wing platforms (manned and unmanned) with sensor and protection systems. These systems perform threat detection and countermeasures that defeat infrared and radio frequency (RF) guided missile and tracking systems. The division also provides integrated electronic warfare capability, communications, and intelligence systems; unattended ground sensors; automatic test equipment; and advanced threat simulators. Key programs include the U.S. Marine Corps Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) multi-mission radar; the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and strategic international and NATO allies; the AN/ALQ-131(V) electronic countermeasures pod; the LR-100 high-performance radar warning receiver (RWR)/electronic support measures (ESM)/electronic intelligence (ELINT) receiver system; the U.S. Army�� STARLite Synthetic Aperture Radar for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs); the U.S. Army Vehicle Intercom Systems (VIC-3 and VIC-5); the U.S. Army Next Generation Automated Test System (NGATS); the U.S. Air Force Joint Threat Emitter (JTE) training range system; and the Vehicle and Dismount Exploitation Radar (VADER) system that enable airborne platforms to track individual persons or vehicles.

Naval & Marine Systems delivers products and services to defense, civil, and commercial customers supporting smart navigation, shipboard radar surveillance, ship control, mac! hinery co! ntrol, integrated combat management systems for naval surface ships, high-resolution undersea sensors (for mine hunting, situational awareness, and other applications), unmanned marine vehicles, shipboard missile and encapsulated payload launch systems, propulsion and power generation systems, and nuclear reactor instrumentation and control. Key products include Integrated Bridge and Navigation Systems, Voyage Management System, Integrated Platform Management Systems, Integrated Combat Management System, AN/WSN-7 Inertial Navigator, anti-ship missile defense and surveillance radars (Cobra Judy, AN/SPQ-9B, AN/SPS-74), propulsion equipment, missile launch, and sonar systems for the Virginia-class submarine, and launch system support for the Ohio-class submarine.

Navigation Systems delivers products and services to defense, civil, and commercial customers supporting situational awareness, inertial navigation in all domains (air, land, sea, and space), embedded Global Positioning Systems, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, acoustic sensors, cockpit video monitors, mission computing, and integrated avionics and electronics systems. Key products include the Integrated Avionics System, the AN/TYQ-23 Aircraft Command and Control System, Fiber Optic Acoustic Sensors, and a robust portfolio of inertial sensors and navigation systems. Targeting Systems delivers products and services supporting airborne combat avionics (fire control radars, multi-function apertures and pods), airborne electro-optical/infrared targeting systems, and laser/electro-optical systems including hand-held, tripod-mounted, and ground or air vehicle mounted systems. Key products include fire control radars for the B-1B, F-16 (worldwide), F-22 U.S. Air Force, and F-35; AN/APN-241 navigation/weather radar; the AN/AAQ-28(V) LITENING family of targeting pods; Distributed Aperture EO/IR systems; and the Lightweight Laser Designator Rangefinder (LLDR). In addition, the Electronic Systems segment also includes the Advanced Co! ncepts & ! Technologies Division (AC&TD), which develops next-generation systems and architectures.

Information Systems

Information Systems is a provider of advanced solutions for the DoD, national intelligence, federal civilian, state and local agencies, and commercial and international customers. Products and services focus on the fields of command, control, communications, computers (C4) and intelligence; airborne reconnaissance; intelligence processing; air and missile defense; decision support systems; cybersecurity; information technology; and systems engineering and integration. The segment consists of three business areas: Defense Systems; Intelligence Systems, and Civil Systems. Defense Systems is a provider of net-enabled Battle Management, C4 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems, decision superiority, and mission-enabling solutions and services in support of the national defense and security of our nation and its allies. Defense Systems is a developer and integrator of many of the DoD�� programs-of-record, particularly for command and control (C2) and communications for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and Joint Forces. Major products and services include C4ISR Integration, Mission Systems Integration, Military Communications and Networks, Battle Management C2 and Decision Support Systems, Tactical and Operational C2, Ground and Maritime Combat Systems, Air and Missile Defense, Combat Support Solutions and Services, Enterprise Infrastructure and Applications, Defense Logistics Systems, Identity Management and Biometric Solutions, Cloud Computing, Maritime Mission Systems and Force and Critical Infrastructure Protection. Systems are installed in operational and command centers worldwide and across all DoD services and joint commands.

Intelligence Systems is focused on the delivery of intelligence-related systems and services to the United States Government and the international security community. Intelligence Systems focuses ! on missio! n areas, including Airborne Intelligence, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Systems, Cybersecurity, Geospatial Intelligence, Pervasive Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Ground Systems, Multi-Source Intelligence Data Fusion, and Dynamic Cyber Defense. Its offerings include intelligence sensing, processing, exploitation and dissemination systems, extremely Large-Scale Data Information Management, Intelligence and Prime Systems Integration, Knowledge Discovery Processes, ISR/Communications Quick Reaction Capability Solutions, Sensor Systems, Support to Special Operations, Cyber-SIGINT Mission Management/Multi-Intelligence, Language Services/Intelligence Analysis, Cyber Exploitation, Satellite Ground Stations, Weather Services, Geospatial Systems, Product Generation and Dissemination, Counter Narco-Terrorism, Drug Enforcement Operations, Geo-Intelligence Tradecraft Training, Enterprise Information Technology, Ground-Based Sensing, Studies and Analysis, Sustainment, Operations and Maintenance. Civil Systems provides specialized information systems and services in support of critical civilian government missions, such as homeland security, health, cybersecurity, civil financial, law enforcement and public safety. Primary customers are federal civilian agencies with some state and local and international customers. Civil Systems develops and implements solutions that combine a deep understanding of civil government domains with core expertise in prime systems integration, enterprise applications development, and high value information technology service, including cybersecurity, advanced networking and cloud computing.

Technical Services

Technical Services is a provider of logistics, infrastructure, and sustainment support, while also providing an array of modernization, high technology, and training and simulation services. The segment consists of three business areas: Defense and Government Services; Training Solutions; and Integrated Logistics and Modernization. De! fense and! Government Services provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of combat vehicles, engineering and high technology services for nuclear security and space missions, civil engineering work, military range work, launch services, and range-sensor-instrumentation operations. The division�� customer base includes the United States Army, Department of Energy, the DoD, NASA, and the intelligence community. Training Solutions provides training to senior military leaders, international and peacekeeping forces. The division designs and develops future conflict training scenarios, and provides warfighters and allies with live, virtual, and constructive training programs. The division offers training applications ranging from battle command to professional military education. Primary customers include the DoD, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security. Integrated Logistics and Modernization provides life cycle product and weapon system sustainment and modernization. The division is focused on providing direct support to warfighters and delivering aircraft MRO; subsystem MRO and modernization; supply chain management services, warehousing and inventory transportation, field services and mobilization, sustaining engineering, maintenance, repair and overhaul supplies, and on-going weapons maintenance and technical assistance. The division specializes in quick reaction capability and deployed operations in support of customers. Primary customers include the DoD, as well as international military and commercial customers.

The Company competes with Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Raytheon Company, General Dynamics Corporation, L-3 Communications Corporation, SAIC, BAE Systems Inc., EADS and Finmeccanica SpA.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  The U.S. Department of Defense announced a half dozen new contracts benefiting the U.S. Navy Wednesday. Of these, five went to publicly traded companies, namely:

• [By CNNMoney Staff]

  The plane was designed and built by Mojave-based Scaled Composites, a subsidiary of defense contractor Northrop Grumman (NOC).

  The project operates under the wing of The Spaceship Company, a venture that's jointly owned by Branson and Abu Dhabi's Aabar Investments PJS.

• [By Katie Spence]

  A reputation for failure, but still limping along
  Historically, Lockheed's F-35 program has faced setbacks, groundings, massive cost overruns, and not a whole lot of good news. This is likely disconcerting for F-35 subcontractors Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC  ) and United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) , which through their Pratt & Whitney subsidiary builds the engine for the F-35.�

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Boeing has risen 4.2% to $127.65 today, while jet maker Embraer (ERJ) has advanced 2.4% to $33.77 and BAE System (BAESY) has dropped 0.4%. Lockheed Martin (LMT) has ticked up 0.5% to $130.67 and Northrop Grumman (NOC) has jumped 3.7% to $105.25.

10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014: United Technologies Corporation(UTX)

United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. The company?s Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways, as well as provides maintenance and repair services. Its Carrier segment offers heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, controls, services, and energy-efficient products for residential, commercial, industrial, and transportation applications. The company?s UTC Fire and Security segment provides electronic security products comprising intruder alarms, and access control and video surveillance systems; fire safety products, such as specialty hazard detection and fixed suppression products, fire extinguishers, fire detection and life safety systems, and other firefighting equipment; systems integration, video surveillance, installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and mon itoring, response, and security personnel services. Its Pratt and Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for the commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; industrial gas turbines; geo thermal power systems; and space propulsion systems, as well as provides fleet management, maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. The company?s Hamilton Sundstrand segment supplies aerospace products, such as power generation, management and distribution, flight control, engine control, environmental control, auxiliary power units, and propeller systems; and industrial products, including air compressors, metering pumps, and fluid handling equipment under the Sullair, Sundyne, and Milton Roy names. Its Sikorsky segment manufactures military and commercial helicopters, as well as offers aftermarket helicopter and aircraft parts and services. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Smith]

  As a result, it seems United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) is the bigger opportunity here. DSCA is seeking permission from Congress to sell Greece $250 million worth of engine spare parts for its F-16 fleet. The parts will be used to maintain the UTC-built F100-PW-229 engines that power the fleet.

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  In the growth & income model portfolio, Argus is recommending a new purchase of Mattel Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) at $42.80 for a 4.6% of the portfolio. It has also recommended selling its entire stake of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) at $106.45. Since inclusion in May 2012 into this portfolio, United Tech shares have appreciated more than 35% while providing an annual yield of at least 2.0%. Mattel’s strength is based upon American Girl and Monster High dolls.

• [By Dan Caplinger]

  The Dow Jones Industrials (DJINDICES: ^DJI  ) finished Thursday with their second-straight day of sizable losses, falling nearly 110 points. Most market commentators focused on fighting in Iraq as the primary mover of the Dow and the broader stock market, with fears of rising oil prices and other economic disruptions potentially bringing the five-year-old bull market to an end. But on a day in which military matters dominated the headlines, it's surprising to see that neither Boeing (NYSE: BA  ) nor United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) was able to post gains, and more broadly, defense stocks fell more dramatically than the market in most cases.

• [By Rich Smith]

  DoD issued a grand total of three -- yes, three -- contracts Friday, and one of those went to privately held TRI-COR Industries. As for the two contracts going to publicly traded companies, those were for:

  $134 million: A cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract�awarded to United Technologies (NYSE: UTX  ) to support Low Rate Initial Production Lot VI of the Joint Strike Fighter F135 Propulsion System -- that's the Pratt & Whitney engine that power's Lockheed's F-35 fighter jet.�Engines included in this production "lot" are destined for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as for the militaries of Italy, the U.K., Turkey, Australia, the Netherlands, Canada, Norway, and Denmark. UTC is expected to complete work on this contract by December 2015. $10.8 million: Going to BAE Systems (NASDAQOTH: BAESY  ) under a 56-calendar day, firm-fixed-price contract to perform dry dock work on the Military Sealift Command's dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7).�Optional work under this contract, if exercised by the Navy, could increase the value of this contract to as much as $12.3 million, and extend it past its expected Sept. 25, 2013 completion dat

10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014: Moog Inc (MOGA)

Moog Inc. (Moog), incorporated on August 1, 1951, is a designer, manufacturer and integrator of precision motion and fluid controls and systems for a range of applications in aerospace and defense and industrial markets. The Company operates in five segments: Aircraft Controls, Space and Defense Controls, Industrial Systems, Components and Medical Devices. Within the aerospace and defense market, its products and systems include military and commercial aircraft flight controls, thrust vector controls for space launch vehicles, controls for gun aiming, stabilization and automatic ammunition loading for armored combat vehicles, satellite positioning controls and controls for steering tactical and strategic missiles. In July 2012, it acquired American Pacific Corporation's In-Space Propulsion business. In August 2012, the Company acquired Tritech International Limited. In January 2013, the Company acquired Broad Reach Engineering Company. Effective March 21, 2013, the Company acquired Aspen Motion Technologies Inc. In July 2013, Moog Inc completed the sale of its Buffalo, New York operations of Ethox Medical to Dempsey Ventures.

Aircraft Controls

The Company designs, manufactures and integrates primary and secondary flight controls for military and commercial aircraft and provide aftermarket support. The Company systems are used in commercial transports, supersonic fighters, multi-role military aircraft, business jets and rotorcraft. The Company also supply ground-based navigation aids. During the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012 (fiscal 2012). The Company is working on several development programs, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, COMAC C919, Airbus A350XWB, several business jet programs and a new military air refueling tanker KC-46. The F-35 flight test phase has expanded covering three variants and initial production is increasing with aircraft being delivered to international partners. The Company�� military production programs include th! e F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor, the Black Hawk/Seahawk helicopter and the F-35. The Company�� commercial production programs include the full line of Boeing 7-series aircraft, Airbus A330 and a range of business jets.

The Company competes with Parker Hannifin, UTC (Goodrich, Hamilton Sundstrand), Liebherr, Nabtesco, Woodward Governor and Curtiss-Wright.

Space and Defense Controls

Space and Defense Controls provides controls for satellites and space vehicles, launch vehicles, armored combat vehicles, tactical and strategic missiles, security and surveillance and other defense applications. For commercial and military satellites, The Company design, manufacture and integrate propulsion systems and components (attitude control and orbit insertion) and actuation systems and components for deploying solar panels and antennae pointing. The Atlas, Delta and Ariane launch vehicle programs use its steering and propulsion controls. The Company is also developing products for NASA�� new Space Launch System.

The Company designs and builds steering and propulsion controls for tactical and strategic missile programs, including Hellfire, TOW and Trident. The Company supply valves and steering controls on the U.S. National Missile Defense Agency's Ballistic Missile Defense initiative. The Company designs and manufactures systems for gun aiming, stabilization, turrets, automatic ammunition loading and driver vision enhancement on armored combat vehicles for a range of international and United States customers. The Company designs, builds and integrate stores management systems for light attack aerial reconnaissance platforms. The Company also designs and builds high power, quiet controls for naval surface ship and submarine applications.

The Company competes with Honeywell, Parker Hannifin, Vacco, Valvetech, Marotta, SABCA, ESW, Aerojet, Snecma, Valcor, Aeroflex, UTC (Hamilton Sundstrand), Limitorque, Sargeant Industries, RVision! , Directe! d Perception, ATA Engineering, CDA InterCorp, RUAG, Rockwell Collins, Woodward Governor, Sierra-Nevada, Vicon, Videotec and Lord Corp.

Industrial Systems

Industrial Systems serves a global customer base across a range of markets. For wind energy, Industrial Systems serves a global customer base across a variety of markets. For wind energy, The Company designs and manufactures electric pitch controls and blade monitoring systems for wind turbines. The Company supply electromechanical motion simulation bases for the flight simulation and training markets. For the plastics making machinery market, the Company designs, manufactures and integrates systems for all axes of injection and blow molding machines. For the test markets, the Company supply controls for automotive, structural and fatigue testing.

The Company supply electromechanical motion simulation bases for the flight simulation and training markets. In the power generation market, the Company designs, manufactures and integrates complete control assemblies for fuel, steam and variable geometry control applications. For the test markets, the Company supply controls for automotive, structural and fatigue testing. Metal forming markets use its systems to provide precise control of position, velocity, force, pressure, acceleration and other critical parameters. Heavy industry uses its high precision electrical and hydraulic servovalves for steel and aluminum mill equipment. Other markets include oil exploration, material handling, auto racing, carpet tufting, paper and lumber mills.

The Company competes with Bosch Rexroth, Danaher, Baumueller, Siemens, SSB, Parker Hannifin, Suzhou ReEnergy, MTS Systems Corp., Exlar and Hydraudyne.

Components

The Components segment�� product categories are slip rings, fiber optic rotary joints and motors. Slip rings and fiber optic rotary joints use sliding contacts and optical technology to allow unimpeded rotation while delivering power ! and data ! through a rotating interface. They come in a range of sizes that allow them to be used in many applications, including diagnostic imaging computed tomography (CT) scan medical equipment featuring high-speed data communications, de-icing and data transfer for rotorcraft, forward-looking infrared camera installations, radar pedestals, satellites, missiles, wind turbines, surveillance cameras and remotely operated vehicles and floating platforms for offshore oil exploration.

The Company�� motors are used in an equally range of markets, many of which are the same as for slip rings. Components designs and manufactures a series of fractional horsepower brushless motors that provide extremely low acoustic noise and reliable long life operation, with the market being sleep apnea equipment. Industrial markets use its motors for material handling and electric pumps. Military applications use its motors for gimbals, missiles and radar pedestals. Components��other product lines include electromechanical actuators for military, aerospace and commercial applications, fiber optic modems that provide electrical-to-optical conversion of communication and data signals, avionic instrumentation, optical switches and resolvers.

The Company competes with Danaher, Allied Motion, Ametek, Woodward MPC, Axsys, Schleifring, Airflyte, Smiths, Kearfott and Stemmann.

Medical Devices

Medical Devices segment operates within four medical devices market areas: infusion therapy, enteral clinical nutrition, sensors and surgical hand pieces. For infusion therapy, its primary products are electronic ambulatory infusion pumps along with the associated administration sets. Applications of these products include hydration, nutrition, patient-controlled analgesia, local anesthesia, chemotherapy and antibiotics. The Company manufactures and distributes a complete line of portable pumps, stationary pumps and disposable sets that are used in the delivery of enteral nutrition for patients in ! their own! homes, hospitals and long-term care facilities. The Company manufactures and distributes ultrasonic and optical sensors used to detect air bubbles in infusion pump lines and ensure accurate fluid delivery. The Company�� surgical hand pieces are used to safely fragment and aspirate tissue in common medical procedures such as cataract removal.

The Company competes with B. Braun, CareFusion, Smiths Medical, Hospira, Alcon, Baxter International, CME, I-Flow, Covidien, Etalon, Introtek and Ross (Abbott).

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Moog (NYSE: MOGA  ) reported earnings on April 26. Here are the numbers you need to know.

  The 10-second takeaway
  For the quarter ended March 30 (Q2), Moog met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

10 Best Defense Stocks To Watch For 2014: VelaTel Global Communications Inc (VELA.PK)

VelaTel Global Communications Inc, formerly China Tel Group, Inc. (ChinaTel), incorporated on September 19, 2005, is engaged in the business, which combines its engineering and deployment, its equity funding relationships, its vendor partnership, radio frequency spectrum, fiber optic cable and concession rights assets acquired through a subsidiary or a joint venture relationship to create and operate wireless broadband access (WBA) networks worldwide. It offers Internet access, voice, video, and data services to the subscribers of various WBA networks it operate. The Company�� secondary business is to distribute products and services used in connection with WBA networks, specifically hydrogen fuel cells used as a back-up power source for certain transmission equipment, and devices and services. As of December 31, 2011, it holds investments or contracts in ten projects: the VelaTel Peru Network; the GBNC Network; the VN Tech Fuel Cell Business; the Exclusive Services Agreement with NGSN; the Exclusive Services Agreement with Aerostrong; the Sino Crossings Fiber Joint Venture; Zapna; the Novi-Net Network; the Montenegro Connect Network and the VeratNet Network. In April 2012, it acquired Herlong Investments Limited and its operating subsidiaries, Novi-Net and Montenegro Connect. In April 2012, it signed and closed a stock purchase agreement to acquire a 75% equity interest in Zapna, ApS. In November 2012, the Company acquired 100% of interest in China Motion Telecom (HK) Limited.

The Company sells prepaid and postpaid plans, and branded consumer devices using VelaTel Peru�� brand name GO MOVIL. Chinacomm holds licenses and permits from China to build and operate a 3.5-gigahertz wireless broadband telecommunications network (Chinacomm Network) in 29 cities in China. These licenses run through February 2013. Phase 1 of the Chinacomm Network consisted of the deployment of the Chinacomm Network in the 12 cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Qindao, Nanjing, Chongqing, Harbin, X! ian, Xiamen, Wuhan and Kunming.. Portions of the Chinacomm Network are operational in Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Perusat provides local and international long-distance telephone services, including fixed line and voice over Internet protocol (IP) services, to approximately 6,500 customers in nine cities in Peru (Lima, Arequipa, Chiclayo, Trujillo, Piura, Santa, Cusco, Ica and Huanuco). Based on its status as a licensed telephone operator, Perusat has been granted a license in the 2.5-gigahertz spectrum covering these cities, other than Lima and its surrounding metropolitan area.

The Company contracted with Chinacomm to acquire a 49% equity interest in ChinaComm Limited (Chinacomm Cayman). Trussnet Capital Partners (HK), Ltd. (TCP) acquired a 49% interest in Chinacomm Cayman. Trussnet Dalian leased Yunji equipment required in the deployment of the Chinacomm Network and provide technical and management services to Yunji for the procurement, installation and optimization of the equipment.

The Compets with GBNC, VN Tech, NGSN, Aerostrong, Sino Crossings, Novi-Net, Montenegro Connect and VeratNet.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Alan Brochstein]

  Matula, who is currently a SVP for LiveDeal (LIVE), has a history of association with penny stock failures. An interesting angle is his tie to a lawyer in Las Vegas, Michael Balabon, who purports to have two separate practices, including a bankruptcy/divorce practice and an employment law practice who has acted as Registered Agent for many of these companies. I was unable to reach anyone at either office on several occasions. In any event, Balabon is the registered agent for PLPL. Coincidentally, he served in that role for NVLX as well as well as all of the former subsidiaries and partners the firm used (the new Medical Marijuana Sciences subsidiary too). Recall that the predecessor to PLPL was Diamond Ranch, and Balabon was the RA there as well. Matula has served in I.R. roles for perpetual failures like VelaTel Global (VELA.PK).