Top Gas Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now

As every year, the GuruFocus community is invited to nominate the best investor of 2012. The process of nomination consists of two steps. In the first step, we ask our readers to nominate the candidates. Then we will set up a poll for users to vote for the investment Guru of the Year. It is a completely democratic process in which GuruFocus editors do not have control over the outcome.

Last year, Seth Klarman won the title of Guru of the Year with 38.2% of votes cast. Klarman runs the hedge fund Baupost Group, which has about $29.4 billion in assets under management and has produced an average annual return of 20% since his company�� inception.

This is a break down of last year's voting results:

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In the past, GuruFocus users voted Warren Buffett (2005), David Dreman (2006), Ken Heebner (2007), Prem Watsa (2008), Bruce Berkowitz (2009) and David Tepper (2010) to be the Gurus of the Year.

Top 5 Defensive Companies To Buy Right Now: Sedex Mining Corp (SDN)

Sedex Mining Corp. is a resource exploration-stage company. The Company is engaged in the acquisition and exploration of exploration and evaluation assets. The Company�� Elephant Lake property is approximately 100 kilometers south of Timmins Ontario which has produced over 67 million ounces of gold. The Nickel North property lies approximately 22 kilometers northwest of the Kidd Creek Mine. The Kidd Creek Mine has produced over 115,000,000 tons of ore averaging 2.2% copper (Cu), 7.25% zinc (Zn), 0.28% lead (Pb) and 147.43 g/t silver (Ag)). Nordica property lies 55 kilometers southeast of Timmins, a prolific gold producing camp with. The property also lies approximately 24 kilometers southeast of Langmuir Township, a well known nickel belt with four known nickel deposits and GCR's recent W4 nickel discovery. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Vinay Singh]

  The old guard is struggling to revive growth in its age-old performing segments that include switching and routing equipment. While CEO John Chambers has shown excessive optimism in the new "Internet of Everything" concept, investors are still in confusion over the actual potential of the business idea and the way that Cisco is going to leverage this opportunity. Besides the mentioned skepticism, analysts and investors are cognizant of the threat posed by Software Defined Networking (SDN).

• [By Muhammad Bazil]

  The major change coming involves a shift from hardware laden data networking to software-defined networking (SDN). The SDN is a remarkable set of complex processes about how data gets routed across networks. Instead of stringing together several hundreds of servers and applications that makes data centres of this hi-tech age work efficiently, the SDN works by separating the control plane from the data plane so that control is centralized and moves out of the router. What that means is that the era of IP networking where Cisco is king currently will soon give way to the SDN technology. The SDN technology is basically software driven. It is capable of managing and moving data efficiently. So, the question is, does this imply that tough times await Cisco and other major network equipment producers? How much concern should investors show to this looming monumental change?

• [By Eshna Basu]

  Juniper is increasingly becoming active in the "software defined networking" (SDN) field to make its presence felt in the booming data center space, where it is still a small player.

Top Gas Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now: Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (EFR)

Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (the Fund) is a closed-end management investment company. The Fund�� investment objective is to provide a high level of current income and preservation of capital by investing primarily in senior, secured floating rate loans (Senior Loans). Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust invests in various industries, including healthcare, publishing, cable and satellite television, chemicals and plastics, and business equipment and services.

The Fund invests at least 80% of its total assets in Senior Loans. The Fund may also invest in second lien loans and high yield bonds. Eaton Vance Management serves as the investment advisor of the Fund.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Dowdee]

  The following 10 funds satisfied all of these conditions:

  BlackRock Float Rate Strategies (FRA). This CEF sells at a discount of 3%, which is low compared to an average premium of 2% over the past year. The distribution has been managed at 6.1% and a small amount (less than 10%) has been return of capital (ROC). However, this has not negatively affected net asset value (NAV) so has not been destructive. The fund holds 447 securities, with 90% in floating rate loans. FRA utilizes 27% leverage and has an expense ratio of 1.7%, including interest payments. Eaton Vance Floating Rate (EFR). This CEF sells at a 1% premium, which is low compared to an average premium of 5% over the past year. The distribution is 6.2%, none of which was ROC. The fund holds 800 securities, with 90% in floating rate loans. About 85% of the securities are from U.S. companies. EFR utilizes 35% leverage and has an expense ratio of 1.8% including interest payments. ING Prime Rate Trust (PPR). This CEF sells for a premium of 2%, which is below the average premium of 5%. It has a distribution of 6.8%, none of which was ROC. The fund has 350 holdings, virtually all in senior loans and from US companies. PPR utilizes 29% leverage and has a high expense ratio of 2.1%, including interest payments. Invesco VK Dynamic Credit Opportunities (VTA). This CEF sells for a discount of 5%, which is below the average discount of 1%. It has a distribution of 7.1%, none of which was ROC. The fund has 495 holdings, with 76% in floating rate loans. About 25% of the loans are from non-US companies. VTA utilizes a relatively low 20% leverage but still has a high expense ratio of 2.1%, including interest payments. Invesco VK Senior Income (VVR). This CEF sells for a discount of 1%, which is below the average premium of 3%. It has a distribution of 7.1%, none of which was ROC. The fund has over 500 holdings, with 89% in floating rate loans. Almost all (95%) securities are from US companies. VVR ut

Top Gas Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now: Target Corporation(TGT)

Target Corporation operates general merchandise stores in the United States. The company offers household essentials, including pharmacy, beauty, personal care, baby care, cleaning, and paper products; hardlines comprising music, movies, books, computer software, sporting goods, and toys, as well as electronics that comprise video game hardware and software; apparel and accessories consisting of apparel for women, men, boys, girls, toddlers, infants, and newborns; and intimate apparel, jewelry, accessories, and shoes. It also provides food and pet supplies, including dry grocery, dairy, frozen food, beverages, candy, snacks, deli, bakery, meat, produce, and pet supplies; and home furnishings and d�or, such as furniture, lighting, kitchenware, small appliances, home d�or, bed and bath, home improvement, and automotive products, as well as seasonal merchandise, which include patio furniture and holiday d�or. The company sells its merchandise products under private-labe l and exclusive licensed brands. In addition, it provides in-store amenities. As of January 28, 2012, Target Corporation operated 1,763 stores in 49 states and the District of Columbia under Target and SuperTarget names. Further, it offers general merchandise through its Website, Target.com. The company distributes its merchandise through a network of distribution centers, as well as third parties and direct shipping from vendors. Additionally, it offers credit to guests through its branded proprietary credit cards, the Target Visa Credit Card and the Target Credit Card, as well as through its branded proprietary Target Debit Card. Target Corporation was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Patrick Morris]

  With the Target (NYSE: TGT  ) debit card issues still fresh in the memories of millions of Americans, it's no wonder individuals who have the necessary skills to prevent problems like that in the future will be in high demand. Although the total job growth is expected to be less, adding around 27,000 jobs, the reality remains that these jobs will still be needed across all industries.�

• [By Sara Ashley O'Brien]

  Security breeches at companies like eBay (EBAY, Tech30) and Target (TGT) have made companies more willing to try new products from new firms, especially since it's difficult for cyberdefense powerhouses like Cisco (CSCO, Tech30) and Symantec (SYMC, Tech30) to innovate, according to Aaref Hilaly, partner at Sequoia Capital. From developing comprehensive cloud security to "botwalls," startups are hoping to fill the gap.

Top Gas Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now: Morgan Stanley(MS)

Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals worldwide. It operates in three segments: Institutional Securities, Global Wealth Management Group, and Asset Management. The Institutional Securities segment offers financial advisory services on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, corporate restructurings, recapitalizations, spin-offs, exchange offers, and leveraged buyouts and takeover defenses, as well as shareholder relations, capital raising, corporate lending, and investments. This segment also engages in sales, trading, financing, and market-making activities, including equity trading, commodities, and interest rates, credit, and currencies, as well as financing services, such as prime brokerage, consolidated clearance, settlement, custody, financing, and portfolio reporting services. The Global Wealth Management Group segment provide s brokerage and investment advisory services covering various investment alternatives comprising equities, options, futures, foreign currencies, precious metals, fixed income securities, mutual funds, structured products, alternative investments, unit investment trusts, managed futures, separately managed accounts, and mutual fund asset allocation programs; education savings programs, financial and wealth planning services, and annuity and insurance products; credit and other lending products; cash management services; retirement services; and trust and fiduciary services. The Asset Management segment offers products and services in equity, fixed income, and alternative investments, such as hedge funds, fund of funds, real estate, private equity, and infrastructure to institutional and retail clients through proprietary and third party distribution channels. This segment also involves in investment and merchant banking activities. The company was founded in 1935 and is headq uartered in New York.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Stocks dipped today after St. Louis Fed president James Bullard said that the first rate hike could come as early as the first quarter of 2015. Bank like Morgan Stanley (MS), Goldman Sachs (GS), JPMorgan Chase (JPM) and Citigroup (C) fell.

Top Gas Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now: Sensio Technologies Inc (PSN)

SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO) develops and markets stereoscopic technologies for the electronic consumer, digital broadcasting and digital cinema markets. The Company focuses on three dimensional (3D) video, develops and markets stereoscopic (3D) digital compression, decompression, and display-formatting technologies. Its solutions include content creators, games developers, broadcasters, specialty channels and digital cinemas. Its flagship technology, SENSIO 3D, allows distribution of 3D content through conventional two dimensional (2D) broadcast networks (cable, satellite, Internet Protocol) and playback on any 3D display device, as well as home theatre and digital cinema projectors. The Company operates in North America, Europe, Middle East and Oceania. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

  Countrywide Plc dropped 4.9 percent as Alchemy Partners LLP sold a 5.9 percent stake in the real estate broker. A gauge of London-listed mining stocks fell 1.7 percent, paring its best quarter since 2010. Persimmon Plc (PSN) led housebuilders lower after the U.K. government said it will carry out annual checks on its home-buying-assistance program amid criticism it may lead to excessive real estate prices.

• [By Inyoung Hwang]

  Bovis Homes Group Plc (BVS) climbed 4 percent to 790 pence. Liberum Capital Ltd. raised its rating on the housebuilder to buy from hold. Persimmon Plc (PSN), the U.K.�� largest residential property developer, gained 2.5 percent to 1,255 pence.

Top Gas Utility Companies To Invest In Right Now: Barry Callebaut AG (BARN)

Barry Callebaut AG is a Switzerland-based producer of cocoa, chocolate and confectionery products. The Company�� manufacturing process involves all stages of the cocoa and chocolate value chain from the sourcing of raw materials to the delivery of the finished products. The Company operates three geographical segments, including Europe, Americas and Asia-Pacific, as well as its business segment Global Sourcing & Cocoa. The Global Sourcing & Cocoa business segment is responsible for the procurement of ingredients for chocolate production, including mainly cocoa, as well as sugar, dairy and nuts as common ingredients, as well as the Company's cocoa processing business. The Company serves the food industry, from industrial food manufacturers to professional or artisanal users of chocolate. The Company operates more than 50 chocolate and cocoa factories, and is present in over 30 countries. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Sofia Horta e Costa]

  Elan Corp. jumped 8.4 percent in Dublin after authorizing the process of its sale. Hochtief AG gained the most in four months after the German builder said it will buy as much as 260 million euros ($346 million) of its own shares. Michelin & Cie, Europe�� largest tiremaker, added 4.7 percent after data on its website showed tire demand surged in Brazil last month. Barry Callebaut AG (BARN) lost 3.4 percent after the maker of bulk chocolate sold about $302 million of new shares.