5 Best Safest Stocks To Own Right Now

Wells Fargo & Co. (NYSE: WFC)�may be Warren Buffett’s favorite bank hands down and it may be the safest of the money center and banking giants now. It turns out that if you work for that bank in the mortgage services unit, it might not be the safest bank when it comes to job security. Reports hit late in the day on Wednesday from Bloomberg, CNBC, and other media outlets�that Wells Fargo was laying off some 2,300 mortgage related jobs. It turns out that the refinancing boom has been crushed by a 100 to 125 basis point rise in mortgages.

The home-lending unit is based in Des Moines, Iowa and the cuts are being spread out around the nation. Frankly, this is not that surprising when you consider what has happened with interest rates. In fact, refinancings were peaking even before mortgage rates hit a low because those who could refinance had already done so.

It turns out that this will make the total layoffs since July come to roughly 3,000. Wells Fargo is the king of mortgage banking, which means it also has the most to lose in opportunity costs. The bank’s total headcount of almost 275,000 workers implies that just over 1% will have been let go. Whether or not more jobs will be terminated if rates keep rising and/or if housing slows is up to you to decide.

5 Best Construction Stocks To Watch Right Now: Procera Networks Inc (PKT)

Procera Networks, Inc. (Procera), incorporated in 2002, is a provider of intelligent policy enforcement (IPE) solutions that enables mobile and broadband network operators and entities managing private networks, including higher education institutions, businesses and government entities to gain control of their networks. The Company's products are marketed under the PacketLogic brand name. The Company sells its products through its direct sales force, resellers, distributors and systems integrators in the Americas, Asia Pacific and Europe. The Company�� three product lines include PacketLogic Subscriber Manager (PSM), PacketLogic Intelligence Center (PIC) and PacketLogic Real-Time Enforcement Platform (PRE). As of December 31, 2011, the Company had over 600 customers throughout North America, Europe and Asia. The Company's customers are mobile and broadband network operators. Broadband network operators include cable multiple system operators (MSOs), telecommunications companies, Internet service providers (ISPs) and private network operators.

The Company's IPE solution�� foundational element is its datastream recognition definition language (DRDL), DPI technology. DRDL facilitates a range of criteria to properly identify the application of each individual datastream. As of December 31, 2011, the DRDL database consisted of over 2,000 signatures. DRDL interconnects control and data sessions of protocols like file transfer protocol (FTP).The standard-syntax language of DRDL enables development of new signatures.

The Company delivers IPE solutions for networks operators, leveraging its DRDL DPI technology. The Company's IPE solutions support deep levels of awareness and a broad universe of applications, enabling richer services to be offered to consumers. The Company's analytics provide relevant business intelligence reports that enable broadband and mobile operators to understand consumer trends and respond to the dynamic application landscape.

The PSM integra! tes PacketLogic with network management and operation systems, including AAA, OSS, BSS, provisioning and policy managers. This integration enables policy enforcement, per-user tracking, also known as user awareness, as well as knowledge of where in the network the user connects (location awareness). It can also control roaming costs through automatic policy enforcement.

The PIC, with PacketLogic Report Studio provides the visualization of the application and subscriber intelligence gathered by deployed PacketLogic systems. Leveraging the subscriber and location awareness provided by the PSM and the application intelligence provided by the PRE, the PIC is able to present information to the network operator based on the behavior of their network. The intelligence can be presented in a multi-dimensional format, with per user, application, location, and device views available for business intelligence and planning. The PIC gives network managers access to relevant network traffic intelligence that enables network optimization, creation of appealing services and protection against malicious behavior.

The PRE utilize multiple hardware platforms that run the same operating software. It offers platforms through the different PacketLogic software modules: LiveView, Filtering, Traffic Shaping, and Statistics. The PacketLogic hardware platforms offer a range of configurations from the entry-level four mega bytes per second (Mbps) PL5600 through two giga bytes per second (Gbps) PL7720. The mid-range PL8720 is a 2RU unit with up to 10 Gbps throughput.

The Company competes with Allot Communications Ltd., Arbor Networks, Blue Coat Systems, Cisco Systems, Inc., Cloudshield Technologies, Sandvine Corporation, Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Juniper Networks, Brocade Communications Systems, Huawei Technologies Company and Nokia Siemens.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Monica Gerson]

  Breaking news

  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (NYSE: HOT) reported a gain in its third-quarter core earnings and lifted its full-year earnings forecast. To read the full news, click here. Procera Networks (NASDAQ: PKT) and Skyfire, a fully-owned subsidiary of Opera Software, today announced a joint solution and partnership to tackle the rapid growth of video traffic on global mobile networks, based on an open, scalable ICAP architecture. To read the full news, click here. R. R. Donnelley & Sons Company (NASDAQ: RRD) and Consolidated Graphics (NYSE: CGX) jointly announced today that they have signed a definitive agreement by which RR Donnelley will acquire Consolidated Graphics, a provider of digital and commercial printing, fulfillment services, print management and proprietary Internet-based technology solutions. To read the full news, click here. Dunkin' Brands Group (NASDAQ: DNKN) reported a 36% rise in its third-quarter income. To read the full news, click here.

  Posted-In: Jobless Claims JP Morgan US Stock FuturesNews Eurozone Futures Global Pre-Market Outlook Markets

5 Best Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Britton & Koontz Capital Corporation(BKBK)

Britton & Koontz Capital Corporation operates as the holding company for Britton & Koontz Bank, National Association that provides commercial and consumer banking services in Adams and Warren Counties, Mississippi, and East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, as well as in the adjoining counties and parishes in Mississippi and Louisiana. The company offers various deposit products, including personal and commercial checking accounts, money market deposit accounts, savings accounts, non-interest bearing deposits, negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, and certificates of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; real estate construction, residential, and other loans; installment loans; consumer loans; and overdrafts. In addition, the company provides automated clearinghouse services; safe deposit box facilities; brokerage services; automated teller machines; cash management services, including remote deposit, money transfer, direct de posit payroll, and sweep accounts; VISA credit cards; and letters of credit. As of May 17, 2011, it operated three full service offices in Natchez, two in Vicksburg, Mississippi; three in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and a loan production office in Central, Louisiana. The company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Natchez, Mississippi.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Melvin]

  HBCP recently announced a deal to buy Britton & Koontz Capital Corporation (BKBK) in a deal that will add eight branches and more than $300 million of assets to the bank. It also gains access to the Mississippi marketplace and increases Home Bancorp’s deposit base in Baton Rouge.

5 Best Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A)

Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), incorporated on February 5, 2002, is an independent oil and gas company. The Company owns, directly or indirectly, investments in the numerous companies constituting Shell. Shell is engaged worldwide in the principal aspects of the oil and gas industry and also has interests in chemicals and other energy-related businesses. The Company operates in three segments: Upstream, Downstream and Corporate. Upstream combines the operating segments Upstream International and Upstream Americas, which are engaged in searching for and recovering crude oil and natural gas; the liquefaction and transportation of gas; the extraction of bitumen from oil sands that is converted into synthetic crude oil, and wind energy. Downstream is engaged in manufacturing; distribution and marketing activities for oil products and chemicals, in alternative energy (excluding wind), and carbon dioxide (CO2) management. Corporate represents the key support functions, comprising holdings and treasury, headquarters, central functions and Shell�� self-insurance activities. In October 2011, the Company bought a marine terminal on Canada's Pacific Coast as a possible site for a liquefied natural gas export terminal. In January 2012, the Company's 50% owned, Australia Arrow Energy Holdings Pty Ltd acquired all of the shares in Bow Energy Ltd. In January 2014, Royal Dutch Shell plc completed the acquisition of Repsol S.A.'s liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio outside North America.

Upstream International manages the Upstream businesses outside the Americas. It searches for and recovers crude oil and natural gas, liquefies and transports gas, and operates the upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver oil and gas to market. Upstream International also manages Shell�� entire liquefied petroleum gas (LNG) business, gas to liquids (GTL) and the wind business in Europe. Its activities are organized primarily within geographical units, although there are some activities that are mana! ged across the businesses or provided through support units.

Upstream Americas manages the Upstream businesses in North and South America. It searches for and recovers crude oil and natural gas, transports gas and operates the upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver oil and gas to market. Upstream Americas also extracts bitumen from oil sands that is converted into synthetic crude oil. Additionally, it manages the United States-based wind business. It comprises operations organized into business-wide managed activities and supporting activities.

Downstream manages Shell�� manufacturing, distribution and marketing activities for oil products and chemicals. These activities are organized into globally managed classes of business, although some are managed regionally or provided through support units. Manufacturing and supply includes refining, supply and shipping of crude oil. Marketing sells a range of products including fuels, lubricants, bitumen and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for home, transport and industrial use. Chemicals produces and markets petrochemicals for industrial customers, including the raw materials for plastics, coatings and detergents. Downstream also trades Shell�� flow of hydrocarbons and other energy-related products, supplies the Downstream businesses, markets gas and power and provides shipping services. Downstream additionally oversees Shell�� interests in alternative energy (including biofuels, and excluding wind) and CO2 management.

Projects and Technology manages the delivery of Shell�� major projects and drives the research and innovation to create technology solutions. It provides technical services and technology capability covering both Upstream and Downstream activities. It is also responsible for providing functional leadership across Shell in the areas of health, safety and environment, and contracting and procurement.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Stephan Dube]

  Peace River's most notable producers:

  PennWest Exploration (PWE), see article here.Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A), see article here.Baytex (BTE), see article here.Strata Oil and Gas (SOIGF.PK), see article here.Petrobank Energy & Resources (PBEGF.PK), see article here.

  Cold Lake's most notable producers:

• [By GuruFocus]

  Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) Reached the 52-Week Low of $64.92

  The prices of Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDS.A) shares have declined to close to the 52-week low of $64.92, which is 15.3% off the 52-week high of $73.96. Royal Dutch Shell PLC is owned by 20 Gurus we are tracking. Among them, nine have added to their positions during the past quarter. Six reduced their positions.

• [By Aaron Levitt]

  In response to the terrible year, many of Europe�� biggest energy firms have undergone a huge asset selling binge. Both ENI and Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) have begun selling everything but the kitchen sink as well as cutting capital expenditure on new projects. Shell — which had been the capex king�–�has reduced its planned spending by nearly 20% this year, while E has plans to reduce its spending over the next four years by 5%.

5 Best Safest Stocks To Own Right Now: Chesapeake Energy Corporation(CHK)

Chesapeake Energy Corporation engages in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of natural gas and oil properties in the United States. It also provides marketing and other midstream services. The company?s properties are located in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. As of December 31, 2010, it had interests in approximately 45,800 gross productive wells. The company?s proved reserves include 17.096 trillion cubic feet of natural gas equivalent. Chesapeake Energy Corporation was founded in 1989 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sean Williams]

  On the other hand, Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK  ) got itself in a lot of trouble when natural gas prices sank to a decade-low last year. Chesapeake leveraged itself to the hilt by purchasing natural-gas-heavy assets last decade but was forced to reduce its output when nat-gas prices hit their lows. Chesapeake would have actually run into a capital expenditure shortfall in 2013 if it didn't sell off some of its assets to boost its available cash.

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE: CHK)�is up 1.3% at $25.58 in a 52-week range of $16.23 to $25.64.

  EOG Resources Inc. (NYSE: EOG)�is up 1.8% at $154.49 in a 52-week range of $105.45 to $161.47.

• [By Arjun Sreekumar]

  Now, Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK  ) is one company using the technique in popular oil plays, such as Texas' Eagle Ford, where it has been met with considerable success. In the first quarter, the company reported a staggering 225% year-over-year increase in daily net Eagle Ford production, which came in at 75,000 barrels of oil equivalent. Some companies are even finding innovative new ways to power their fracking operations.

• [By Matt DiLallo]

  Because of the lackluster returns so far, major oil and gas producers like Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK  ) and Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN  ) have announced plans to reduce operations in the play. Devon, which is completely exiting the play, really had a rough year, as most of the wells it drilled were not economical. One of the issues is the oil accumulations located in the shale were in areas that lacked the pressure necessary to force the oil out of the shale. Chesapeake, on the other hand, is selling what is no longer core acreage in order to shore up its balance sheet.