5 Best Diversified Bank Stocks For 2014

On Monday, Herbalife (HLF) announced that it has given Carl Icahn three more board seats.

Carl Icahn is currently the company’s biggest shareholder, and with the addition of three more Icahn representatives on the board, Icahn will control five board seats on a 13-person board. Herbalife stated it will nominate�Hunter C. Gary and Jesse A. Lynn–two employees of Icahn–and James L. Nelson, an independent director of the firm Icahn Enterprises.

The nutrition and weight loss products company has been under scrutiny in recent months, with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission investigating Herbalife’s business practices.

Best Diversified Bank Companies To Invest In Right Now: Fujitsu Ltd (FJTSY)

Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu), incorporated on June 20, 1935, is engaged in providing solutions in the field of information and communication technology. Along with multifaceted services provision, its business consists of the development, manufacture, sales and maintenance of the high-quality products and electronic devices that make these services possible. The Company operates in three segments: technology solutions, ubiquitous products solutions and device solutions. On June 4, 2009, Fujitsu introduced the docomo PRIME series F-09A mobile handset. On July 15, 2009, Fujitsu announces acquisition of shares in information technology (IT) subsidiary of AUTOBACS SEVEN. In October 2010, the Company and Toshiba Corporation announced that they have completed the merger of their mobile phone businesses. Effective August 15, 2013, Intel Corp acquired Fujitsu Semiconductor Wireless Products Inc, from Fujitsu Semiconductor Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Ltd.

Technology solutions

Fujitsu provides solutions/system integration services focused on information system consulting and integration, and infrastructure services centered on outsourcing services (complete information system operation and management). Fujitsu offers system products, such as servers and storage systems, which form the backbone of information systems, along with network products, such as mobile phone base stations, optical transmission systems and other communications infrastructures. Its services include system integration (system construction), consulting, front-end technologies (automated teller machines (ATMs)), outsourcing services (datacenters, IT operation/management, software as a service (SaaS), application operation/management and business process outsourcing), network services (business networks, distribution of Internet/mobile content), system support services (maintenance and surveillance services for information systems and networks) and security solutions (installation of information systems an! d networks).

Ubiquitous products solutions

Fujitsu offers the personal computers (PCs), mobile phones and other products indispensable for realizing the emerging ubiquitous networked society. In PCs, along with more conventional desktop and notebook models, the Company develops netbooks and products with security features, providing a global lineup that allows customers to choose the product for their application. In mobile phones, it provide a variety of products that include high-performance models featuring specs and water resistance, separable mobile phone handset, and products created from collaborations with brands. Its products include PCs, mobile phones and optical transceiver modules.

Device solutions

LSI devices and electronic components comprise Fujitsu�� Device Solutions. Fujitsu Semiconductor, the Fujitsu operating company in semiconductors, provides LSI devices found in products, such as digital home appliances, automobiles, mobile phones and servers. The Company�� subsidiaries Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd. and Fujitsu Component Limited, along with FDK Corporation, provide semiconductor packages and other electronic components, as well as structural components, such as batteries, relays and connectors. Its products include LSI devices, electronic components (semiconductor packages), batteries and structural components (relays and connectors).

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks weakened in early Thursday trading as the yen rose and Wall Street ended mixed, with the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) falling 1.2% to 15,929.74 after a 1.9% advance a day earlier. With the yen (USDJPY) slightly firmer than in the previous session, some investors sold currency-sensitive exporters, with Fanuc Corp. (JP:6954) (FANUF) down 2%, Kyocera Corp. (JP:6971) (KYOCF) off 1.9%, and Fujitsu Ltd. (JP:6702) (FJTSY) losing 2.3%. News that China would lift a ban on some sales of videogame consoles had sent shares of Nintendo Co. (JP:7974) (NTDOF) shooting 11% higher on Wednesday, but apparent profit-taking sent the stock down 4.2% in early Thursday action. Shares of rival Sony Corp. (JP:6758) (SNE) , however, followed with a 4% rise, also possibly buoyed by a Nikkei Asian Review report that it was planning a "smartphone offensive" in the U.S. and China. Canon Inc. (JP:7751) (CAJ) fell 2% on a separate Nikkei report that the company's 2013 operating profit would miss forecasts. Toshiba Corp. (JP:6502) (TOSYY)

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Japanese stocks rose in early Monday trading, with weaker-than-expected trade data pushing the yen lower, which in turn helped some export stocks. The Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) added 1% to 14,704.36, with the broader Topix up 0.8%, also enjoying support from gains Friday in the U.S. After data showing exports grew less than analysts had projected, the dollar (USDJPY) moved back above the 98-yen level, sending some exporters climbing, with a 2.2% rise for Fujitsu Ltd. (JP:6702) (FJTSY) , a 1.2% improvement for Alps Electric Co. (JP:6770) , and a 1% bump for Toyota Motor Corp. (JP:7203) (TM) . Shares of Suzuki Motor Corp. (JP:7269) (SZKMF) added 2.9% after a Nikkei report saying the company would record its highest-ever operating profit for the April-September half. Retailers were also a strong spot Monday, with J. Front Retailing Co. (JP:3086) up 2%, online marketplace Rakuten Inc. (JP:4755) (RKUNF) adding 2.4%, and 7-Eleven operator Seven & I Holdings Co. (JP:3382) (SVNDF) ahead by 1.4%.

• [By MARKETWATCH]

  LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- A rising Japanese yen and weak results from Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) overnight sent Tokyo-listed shares lower in early Thursday trade, with the Nikkei Stock Average (JP:NIK) falling 0.4% to 14,363.59, while the Topix also lost 0.4%. With the U.S. dollar remaining below the 98-yen level amid concerns about the health of China's largest banks, some currency-sensitive shares extended their losses after driving the Nikkei Average down 2% in the previous session. Among them, trading house Mitsui & Co. (JP:8031) (MITSY) fell 1.3%, retail major J. Front Retailing Co. (JP:3086) lost 1.2%, auto maker Nissan Motor Co. (JP:7201) (NSANY) retreated 0.6%, and Fujitsu Ltd. (JP:6702) (FJTSY) traded 1% lower. The below-forecast quarterly results and outlook cut from U.S. construction-equipment maker Caterpillar sent its Japanese rivals tumbling, with Komatsu Ltd. (JP:6301) (KMTUF) dropping 3.5% and Hitachi Construction Macheriny Co. (JP:6305) (HTCMF) falling 3.1%. On the upside, Hitachi Ltd. (JP:6501) (HTHIF) soared 5.4% after raising its profit and revenue guidance for the fiscal first hal

5 Best Diversified Bank Stocks For 2014: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (AJG)

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Gallagher), along with its subsidiaries, provides insurance brokerage and third-party claims settlement, and administration services to entities in the United States and abroad. It operates in three segments: brokerage, risk management and corporate. The Brokerage segment primarily consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. The Company�� risk management segment provides contract claim settlement and administration services for enterprises that choose to self-insure some or all of their property/casualty coverages and for insurance companies that choose to outsource some or all of their property/casualty claims departments. Majority of its international brokerage operations are in Australia, Bermuda, Canada and the United Kingdom. Its international risk management operations are principally in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The Company operates in Australia and Canada primarily as a retail commercial property and casualty broker. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the acquisition of Barmore Insurance Agency, Inc. In December 2013, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. acquired McIntyre Risk Management, LLC. In December 2013, the Company acquired Cleaveland Insurance Group and Jenkins and Associates. Effective December 26, 2013, Arthur J Gallagher & Co acquired Rock Island-based Cleaveland Insurance Group. In February 2014, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co acquired Benefit Development Group of Selma, Alabama. In February 2014, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co announced the acquisition of Kent, Kent & Tingle in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Brokerage Segment

The Company�� retail brokerage operations negotiate and place property/casualty, employer-provided health and welfare insurance and retirement solutions principally for middle-market commercial, industrial, public entity, religious and not-for-profit entities. Many of the Company�� retail brokerage customers choose to place their insurance with insurance ! underwriters, while others choose to use alternative vehicles, such as self-insurance pools, risk retention groups or captive insurance companies. Its wholesale brokerage operations assist its brokers and other unaffiliated brokers and agents in the placement of specialized, and hard-to-place insurance programs.

The Company�� primary sources of compensation for its retail brokerage services are commissions paid by insurance carriers. It operates its brokerage operations through a network of more than 300 sales and service offices located throughout the United States and in 16 other countries. In addition, the Company offers client-service capabilities in more than 110 countries worldwide through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants. The Company�� retail brokerage operations place all lines of commercial property/casualty and health and welfare insurance coverage. Its retail brokerage operations are organized in more than 190 geographical centers located in the United States, Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom and operate within certain key niche/practice groups, which account for approximately 67% of its retail brokerage revenues.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company�� wholesale insurance brokerage operations accounted for 22% of its brokerage segment revenues. Its wholesale brokers assist its retail brokers and other non-affiliated brokers in the placement of specialized and hard-to-place insurance. These brokers operate through over 65 geographical centers located across the United States, Bermuda and through its approved Lloyd�� of London brokerage operation. In certain cases, it acts as a brokerage wholesaler, and in other cases, it acts as a managing general agent or managing general underwriter distributing specialized insurance coverages for insurance carriers. Over 75% of the Company�� wholesale brokerage revenues come from non-affiliated brokerage customers.

Risk Management Segment

The Company�� ! risk mana! gement segment provides contract claim settlement and administration services for enterprises that choose to self-insure some or all of their property/casualty coverages and for insurance companies that choose to outsource some or all of their property/casualty claims departments. During 2011, approximately 67% of its risk management segment�� revenues were from workers compensation related claims, 26% were from general and commercial auto liability related claims and 7% were from property related claims. In addition, it generate revenues from integrated disability management (employee absence management) programs, information services, risk control consulting (loss control) services and appraisal services, either individually or in combination with arising claims. The Company manages its third-party claims adjusting operations through a network of approximately 110 offices located throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

The Company competes with Aon Corporation, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Willis Group Holdings, Ltd., Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Inc., Brown & Brown Inc., Hub International Ltd., Lockton Companies, Inc., USI Holdings Corporation, Aon Hewitt, Towers Watson & Co., Crump Group, Inc., CRC Insurance Services, Inc., RT Specialty, AmWINS Group, Inc., Swett & Crawford Group, Inc., Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc., Crawford & Company, ACE Limited, AIG Insurance and Zurich Insurance.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Abbvie (ABBV)
  Ameren Corp. (AEE)
  Arthur J. Gallagher (AJG)
  E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co. (DD)
  ENSCO (ESV)
  Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD)
  General Mills (GIS)
  H&R Block (HRB)
  Hancock Holding (HBHC)
  Kraft Foods Group (KRFT)
  Lorillard (LO)
  Magellan Midstream Partners LP (MMP)
  MarkWest Energy Partners L P (MWE)
  McDonald’s (MCD)
  Microchip Technology (MCHP)
  NextEra Energy (NEE)
  Regency Centers (REG)
  TELUS Corp. (TU)
  West Corp. (WSTC)
  Williams Companies (WMB)

5 Best Diversified Bank Stocks For 2014: Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp (VAC)

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, incorporated on June 21, 2011, is a developer, marketer, seller and manager of vacations ownership and related products under the Marriott Vacation Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands. The Company is also the global developer, marketer and seller of vacations ownership and related products under the Ritz-Carlton Destination Club brand, and the Company has the non-exclusive right to develop, market and sell whole ownership residential products under the Ritz-Carlton Residences brands. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. (Ritz-Carlton), a subsidiary of Marriott International, generally provides on-site management for Ritz-Carlton branded properties.

As of December 28, 2012, the Company had 64 vacation ownership resorts in the United States and nine other countries and territories and approximately 421,000 owners of its vacation ownership and residential products. The Company offers the majority of its products through two points-based ownership programs: Marriott Vacation Club Destinations(MVCD) and Marriott Vacation Club, Asia Pacific.

The Company designs , build, manage and maintains its properties at upscale and luxury levels in accordance with the Marriott and Ritz-Carlton brand standards that the Company must comply with under the License Agreements. The Company offers its products under four brands: Marriott Vacation Club, Grand Residences, Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Ritz-Carlton Residences.

The Marriott Vacation Club brand is the Company's signature offering in the upscale tier of the vacation ownership industry. Marriott Vacation Club resorts typically combine many of the comforts of home, such as spacious accommodations with one, two and three bedroom options, living and dining areas, in-unit kitchens and laundry facilities, with resort amenities such as feature swimming pools, restaurants and bars, convenience stores, fitness facilities and spas, as well as sports and recreation facilities appro! priate for each resort's location.

Grand Residences by Marriott is an upscale tier vacation ownership and whole ownership residence brand. The accommodations for this brand are similar to those the Company offers under the Marriott Vacation Club brand. The time period for each Grand Residences by Marriott vacation ownership interest ranges between three and thirteen weeks. The Company also offers whole ownership residential products under this brand.

The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club is a luxury tier vacation ownership brand. The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club provides luxurious vacation experiences commensurate with the legacy of the Ritz-Carlton brand. Ritz-Carlton Destination Club resorts typically feature two, three and four bedroom units that generally include marble foyers, walk-in closets and custom kitchen cabinetry, and luxury resort amenities, such as feature pools and access to full service restaurants and bars. The on-site services, which usually include daily maid service, valet, in-residence dining, and access to fitness facilities as well as spa and sports facilities as appropriate for each destination, are delivered by Ritz-Carlton.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is a luxury tier whole ownership residence brand. The Ritz-Carlton Residences include whole ownership luxury residential condominiums and home sites for luxury home construction co-located with Ritz-Carlton Destination Club resorts. Owners can typically purchase condominiums that vary in size from one-bedroom apartments to spacious penthouses. Ritz-Carlton Residences owners can avail themselves of the services and facilities that are associated with the co-located Ritz-Carlton Destination Club resort on an a la carte basis. On-site services are delivered by Ritz-Carlton.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Michael Lewis]

  It may be surprising�to�hear that hospitality and tourism are the fastest-growing industries in the world. One of the biggest names in the industry, unsurprisingly, is Marriott, which represents a variety of names in hotels, motels, and resorts around the world. As a spin-off from Marriott In late 2011,�Marriott Vacations Worldwide (NYSE: VAC  ) �is a business that specializes in vacation ownership, otherwise known as timeshares. While thoughts of the quintessential timeshare salesman may bring a sting to your gut, this business offers investors bright prospects on the back of a booming industry. Here's what you need to know about Marriott Vacations.

5 Best Diversified Bank Stocks For 2014: OBA Financial Services Inc.(OBAF)

OBA Financial Services, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for OBA Bank that provides financial services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. The company offers various deposit accounts, including statement savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, commercial and regular checking accounts, and individual retirement accounts. Its loan portfolio comprises one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, commercial real estate loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, commercial business loans, construction loans, and consumer loans. The company provides its services through a main office and four full-service branches located in Montgomery County and Howard County, Maryland; and Washington, D.C. OBA Financial Services, Inc. was founded in 1861 and is headquartered in Germantown, Maryland.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Tim Melvin]

  NWBI stock trades at 1.12 times book value and serves a very attractive market. It would be a great acquisition for a bank looking to expand into the region, which includes part of the Marcellus Shale fields. Investors get paid to wait for good things to happen, as the dividend yield is currently 3.65%.

  OmniAmerican Bancorp�(OBAF)

  It is very surprising to me that OmniAmerican Bancorp�(OBAF) hasn’t yet been bought out by another bank in the red-hot Texas banking market. The bank has 15 branches located in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex region and total assets of about$385 million of assets. It has held onto its capital, and the equity-to-asset ratio is more than 16. Non-performing assets are just 0.18% of total assets, so this is another financially solid bank.

• [By Tim Melvin]

  Mr. Seidman also announced an increased stake in OBA Financial (OBAF) in Germantown, Md. He now owns a little over 8% of the six-branch bank and has publicly called for the sale OBAF. He was pretty blunt about his assessment of the bank in a letter to the board, which read: