Hot Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2014

A number of sources, from Fitch Ratings to UBS,�have decided that it's time for investors to get out of department stores. The argument is that customers are trending more toward specialty retailers, and that the benefit well for department store stocks is all but dried up. Other observers aren't sold on the idea, though, and the National Retail Federation ranks among the skeptics. Daniel Butler, a VP of retail operations with the Federation, said that department stores are actually outperforming the retail sector overall.

For investors, it may simply be a matter of being more selective. The range of department stores and performances is broad, so here are three of the bigger players, and how they stack up against one another.

J.C. Penney
At the bottom of the pile is J.C. Penney (NYSE: JCP  ) . I vacillate between thinking that J.C. Penney is about to go out of business and take everyone down with it and thinking that it's about to go out of business but liquidate its real estate to generate some value for investors. Either way, things at the retailer are not working out. Last quarter, both net sales and comparable sales were down more than 16%. The company's loss per share doubled from the quarter last year.

Hot Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2014: Quantum Energy Ltd (QTM.AX)

Quantum Energy Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and distribution of energy saving hot water, heating, and cooling systems for residential and commercial markets in Australia and internationally. It provides solar power systems, hot water heaters, and pool heaters, as well as commercial and industrial building heaters. The company is also involved in the distribution of medical products primarily in the field of nuclear medicine. Quantum Energy Limited is based in Alexandria, Australia.

Hot Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2014: China Minzhong Food Corp Ltd (K2N.SI)

China Minzhong Food Corporation Limited, an investment holding company, operates as an integrated vegetable processing company. It cultivates, produces, and sells processed and fresh vegetables. The company�s processed vegetables include air-dried, freeze-dried, fresh-packed, and brined products, as well as fruit and vegetable juices, vermicelli, water-boiled vegetables, and other products. It also offers fresh vegetable products and mushroom spores. The company sells its products in 26 countries and regions, including the Americas, Asia, and Europe. China Minzhong Food Corporation Limited was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Putian, the People's Republic of China.

Top 5 Life Sciences Stocks To Watch For 2014: United Stationers Inc.(USTR)

United Stationers Inc., through its subsidiary, United Stationers Supply Co., engages in the wholesale distribution of business products in North America. The company distributes technology products, which include computer supply and peripheral products, including imaging supplies, data storage, digital cameras, computer accessories, and computer hardware items. It also offers traditional office products consisting of brand-name and private label office supply products, such as filing and record storage products, business machines, presentation products, writing instruments, paper products, shipping and mailing supplies, calendars, and general office accessories; and office furniture products comprising desks, filing and storage solutions, and seating and systems furniture. In addition, the company distributes janitorial and breakroom supply items, including cleaners and cleaning accessories; foodservice consumables, such as disposable cups, plates, and utensils; safety an d security items; and paper and packaging supplies. Further, it provides industrial supply items, such as hand and power tools; safety and security supplies; janitorial equipment and supplies; industrial maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) items; and oil field and welding supplies. Additionally, the company offers freight, advertising, and software services, as well as sells software products. It serves independent office products dealers; contract stationers; office products superstores; computer products resellers; office furniture dealers; mass merchandisers; mail order companies; sanitary supply, paper, and foodservice distributors; drug and grocery store chains; healthcare distributors; e-commerce merchants; oil field, welding supply, and industrial/MRO distributors; and other independent distributors through its network of 65 distribution centers and 37 re-distribution points. United Stationers Inc. was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois.

Hot Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2014: Lara Exploration Ltd. (LRA.V)

Lara Exploration Ltd., an exploration stage company, engages in the identification, acquisition, and exploration of precious and base metal deposits primarily in South America. The company primarily explores for potash, phosphates, nickel, gold, tin, copper, iron, manganese, graphite, lead, and zinc. It holds interests in various mineral properties located in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru, as well as in China. The company was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Hot Specialty Retail Companies To Own For 2014: Mines Mgt Inc Com Usd0.01 (MGT.TO)

Mines Management, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties, primarily silver, and associated base and precious metals. It principally owns the Montanore property comprising 355 acres and a 5-acre patented mill site consisting of 2 patented mining claims and approximately 825 unpatented mining claims located in Sanders and Lincoln counties in northwestern Montana, the United States. The company also holds working interest royalty in various oil producing wells situated in Kansas. Mines Management, Inc. was founded in 1947 and is based in Spokane, Washington.