10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now

How come we feel so bad when we've got it so good? Even after a 12% gain in the S&P 500 index this year, uncertainty about the fiscal cliff, increased taxes, and still-high unemployment continue to wear down investors. Year to date, domestic equity funds have seen $110 billion in net outflows.
The new year could bring more of the same if economic uncertainty fails to lift, making the key question for investors not which way the market is headed in 2013, but which stocks are going to go up.
For the third year in a row, Barron's is taking a crack at that question, with our 10 Favorite Stocks for 2013, including blue-chips like Apple (ticker: AAPL), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Royal Dutch Shell (RDSA), and Novartis (NVS), and smaller companies like Barnes & Noble (BKS) and disk-drive maker Western Digital (WDC), which appear sharply undervalued.
Many of this year's picks have been the subject of bullish articles in Barron'sduring the past year. Apple was featured in a recent cover story, while BlackRock(BLK), Barnes & Noble, and Viacom(VIAB) were profiled in recent months.
We're coming off a good year. Our 10 stocks for 2012 outpaced the market by four percentage points, gaining an average of 17% (see accompanying table). The two big winners were disk-drive maker Seagate Technology (STX) and cable operatorComcast (CMCSA), both up more than 60%. The worst performer was
10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now- Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold (FCX), which declined 22%, with nearly all of that drop coming last week amid negative investor reaction to its deal to buy two energy companies for $9 billion.
No matter which way the market goes, well-run companies should be able to deliver higher revenue and profits, even in a tough environment. All of our new favorites could produce 15% to 20% total returns (including dividends) next year. Here's a closer look:
10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now - APPLE is still going strong, even as the company's shares have traded down 23%, to around $540, from a September peak of $705. None of the recent investor concerns -- lower margins, supply constraints, management changes, iPad competition, and the iPhone 5 map fiasco -- are major. It's true that Apple's earnings growth has slowed to a 23% rate from more than 100% a year ago, but that's understandable, given the company's $156 billion in annual sales.
Veteran UBS tech analyst Steve Milunovich recently wrote that it's a "good time" to add to positions in Apple before year end, with the stock trading near its lowest price/earnings ratio in five years after two disappointing quarters. He carries a price target of $780. Apple trades for only 11 times projected profit of $49 a share in its current fiscal year, ending in September 2013. Strip out Apple's huge cash holding of $128 a share, and the effective P/E is just eight.
Even after implementing a dividend -- now providing a 1.9% yield -- and a modest buyback program, Apple should build cash at a rate of $40 billion annually. There's room for a higher dividend and a more aggressive share-repurchase program in 2013. Both could play well with investors.
10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now - BARNES & NOBLE'S bookstore division dominates the field, and the company's Nook e-reader unit is holding its own againstAmazon.com (AMZN) and Apple. These achievements aren't reflected in Barnes & Noble's depressed stock price, which is flat this year at around $14. The stores now control almost two-thirds of the country's retail shelf space for books and are expected to generate more than $300 million of pretax cash flow in the fiscal year ending in April. The stores could be worth the entire current stock price -- Barnes & Noble has an equity value of just $880 million.
The Nook division is losing money, but that reflects a market-share grab, as Barnes & Noble seeks to get its e-readers into the hands of as many consumers as possible and then sell them profitable digital content, including books and magazine subscriptions.Microsoft (MSFT) likes Nook, having invested $300 million this year for a 17.6% stake in the division. That implies that Barnes & Noble's 82.4% of Nook is worth $1.4 billion, or $24 a share. While this calculation likely overstates Nook's value, the division probably is worth a good deal more than its implied price of zero. One fan is media magnate John Malone, whose Liberty Media (LMCA) owns about $200 million of Barnes & Noble convertible preferred stock.
10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now - BLACKROCK received a big vote of confidence this fall when director James Grosfeld purchased nearly 500,000 shares of the investment manager in the open market for $94 million, one of the largest insider purchases in the past decade. Grosfeld, a former CEO of Pulte Homes, wouldn't comment, but he clearly sees value in BlackRock shares, which have lagged behind those of its peers this year.
BlackRock, at $193, is valued at 13 times projected 2013 profit of $15 a share, a slight discount to its rivals; it yields 3.1%. BlackRock is the No. 1 investment manager, overseeing $3.7 trillion in assets. Its iShares is the leading provider of exchange-traded funds, with half of the market.
The three main concerns about BlackRock are that it's too big to grow, that competitive pressure in ETFs from Vanguard will push down fees, and that longtime CEO Larry Fink, viewed as one of his industry's best executives, might leave for the top job at the U.S. Treasury Department. (See Feature "Madame Treasury Secretary?".)
Bulls such as Morgan Stanley analyst Matthew Kelley see double-digit earnings growth next year, driven by iShares. Fink has dismissed talk that he wants to succeed soon-to-retire Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. "I'm not leaving this job," Fink said last week. "I will be at BlackRock as long as my board wants me here."
10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now - GENERAL DYNAMICS is best known as a defense contractor, but unlike its peers, it has a valuable nondefense business that isn't reflected in its share price. Gulfstream, a leading maker of corporate jets, produces almost 30% of General Dynamics' profits, and that percentage should rise in the next few years, with deliveries of Gulfstream's new top-of-the-line plane, the G650, which sells for $60 million and can fly nonstop from New York to Tokyo.
10 Best Stocks to Invest in right now - General Dynamicsat around $67, looks inexpensive, trading under 10 times projected 2013 profits of $7.32 a share. Gulfstream is expected to generate more than $2 a share of that. Put a P/E multiple of 14 on that contribution, and the private-jet business could be worth $30 per General Dynamics share. This suggests that the defense business -- including tanks, other armored vehicles, and nuclear submarines -- is valued at just seven times forward earnings. Defense contractors face tighter Pentagon appropriations, but the industry probably will avoid draconian reductions in spending, assuming Congress and the president reach a budget deal.

Barclays analyst Carter Copeland argues that General Dynamics could be the only major defense contractor to show higher operating profits through 2015. Incoming CEO Phebe Novakovic, who takes the top job on Jan. 1, could be a positive catalyst. What could be in store? A higher dividend, more aggressive share buybacks, or even a Gulfstream spinoff. The company has rejected the spinoff idea, but some investors think Novakovic might reconsider. Copeland's price target: $87.

3 Best Bargain Stocks for 2014

With stocks having their best year since the mid-1990s, you might think that there's few stocks left that are truly a bargain.
Valuations trended higher throughout 2013 even as earnings rose. The S&P 500 is trading with a forward P/E of 16 which isn't exactly "cheap."
But even in a hot market, there are always stocks that are left behind. Some are ignored by investors because there is business trouble brewing at that particular company so they stay away. Others are in an out of favor industry or sector.
No matter the reason, a new year is always a good time to poke around in the bargain bin looking for deals. You might have to sort through a bunch of companies that aren't pretty to find the gems, but they are there.
What's a Bargain?
According to Dictonary.com, "bargain" is defined as: "an advantageous purchase, especially one acquired at less than the usual cost."
To be a "stock bargain", I looked for stocks trading with a forward P/E (that's looking at future earnings) under the average of the S&P 500, which would be stocks with P/Es under 16.
If it has a cheap price-to-sales ratio or price-to-book ratio, even better. I consider "cheap" to be a P/S under 1.0 and a P/B under 3.0.
I also only looked at Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks. Because, after all, why not buy companies where earnings estimates are rising into 2014? We want to own companies that are growing their earnings.
The 3 Best Bargains for 2014
1. Packaging Corporation 
2. Tower International 
3. Pacific Drilling
3 Best Bargain Stocks for 2014 1. Packaging Corporation of America (PKG Snapshot Report)
Packaging Corporation makes container board and other packaging products. The container board market hit a rough patch this fall as inventories rose, volumes flattened and prices looked ready to decline in November and December. The fourth quarter of the year is the seasonally slow period but this year was expected to be more difficult than normal.
However, November demand rebounded from October's decline. The container board companies also remained disciplined as inventories fell, a good sign heading into 2014. The analysts now believe that by maintaining production levels , the container board companies are keeping inventories under control. With inventories lean, that means they have pricing power.
After fears gripped the market in the fall that price declines were coming, prices remained flat in November and are expected to remain flat again in December.
Where's the bargain?
Forward P/E = 14.9
Earnings expected to grow 37% in 2014
Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy)
3 Best Bargain Stocks for 2014 2. Tower International, Inc. (TOWR Snapshot Report)
Tower is a Michigan-based auto parts manufacturer. It makes the frames and other chassis structures as well as welded assemblies for small and large cars, crossovers, pickups and SUVs for auto companies around the globe.
The auto sector both in North America and globally, has seen sales move higher the last few years. Analysts expect more of that in 2014. Yet investors haven't shown Tower much love. Shares have been flat since the summer but are dirt cheap.
Where's the bargain?
Forward P/E = 7.7
P/S = 0.2
Earnings expected to grow 24% in 2014
Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy)
 3 Best Bargain Stocks for 2014 3. Pacific Drilling S.A. (PACD Snapshot Report)
Pacific Drilling is a Luxembourg headquartered ultra-deepwater drilling services provider. It operates 8 ultra-deepwater drillships. Analysts consider it to be one of the most technologically advanced of the drillers which is highly prized by the international oil companies.
The analysts expect demand for its rigs to remain strong into the future as the offshore drilling cycle has only recently revved up.
Energy has been ignored by investors. Because of that, some of the best bargains in the stock market are found in that sector.
Where's the bargain?
Forward P/E = 14
P/B = 1.1
Earnings expected to grow 101% in 2014
Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy)
Bargains DO Exist
When the stock market is red hot, don't get discouraged. There are ALWAYS stocks that are on sale. You just have to know where to look to find the bargains.
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Best Stocks To Invest In 2014

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Best muni bond fund bets

Even if the most dire predictions about the current muni bond market come true, and we see $100 billion or more in defaults, that’s still a drop in the a multi-trillion dollar bucket.

True, fiscal coffers are percolating a thin gruel of anemic revenue. Also true, bond insurers that used to provide a safety net for most munis are basically gone thanks to 2008’s maelstrom.
Also true; most muni bonds skew toward the longer-end of the more interest rate sensitive duration spectrum (a function of being tied to long- term infrastructure projects).

But, muni bonds are backed by the ability to raise taxes; no small feature. Much of the risk of owning muni bonds that are weakest is ruled out by investing in muni bond funds where manager track records are strongest.

And, finally, one can address the interest-rate sensitivity issue by investing in a diversified, duration flexible muni bond fund or focusing on shorter duration muni bond funds.

The best way to pursue the upside is through a diversified basket of actively managed munis.

The shorter duration Fidelity Intermediate Muni Bond Fund (FLTMX) is one choice for taxable accounts.

I also like Fidelity Tax-Free Bond (FTABX) paired with a non-muni bond option that offers rubies in the current emerging market rubble, Fidelity New Markets Income (FNMIX).

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Rhodes: Trader calls for correction

Given the market's current overbought condition, traders believe it is wise to raise some cash. We agree. We also sense that there is a change in the air regarding the rise in commodity prices.

We've looked for at least a 20% correction in commodities sometime this year. Certainly “now” seems to be at least an interim top to be sure.

Perhaps the catalyst for this decline stems from Goldman Sachs commodity strategist Jeffrey Curriehas, who has now decided to close his profitable long commodities trade -- long a basket of crude oil, copper, cotton, soybeans and platinum or the “CCCP trade as it has become known.

Also, he is exiting long copper and platinum positions because he believes the risk-reward no longer favors a bullish stance.

However, we’ll go on to note that he believes that on a 12-month horizon – the “CCCP trade” continues to show upside potential; but the near term risk-reward no longer favors being long the trade.

Meanwhile, the S&P has clear resistance at 1340 and the NASDAQ 100 at 2360; if those levels are taken out to the upside, then we’ll assume that another leg higher is underway.

However, recent weakness suggests a correction is underway towards more established support levels at 1250 and 2189.

But let us note right away, that if the NASDAQ 100 does manage to test 2189 – it will have broken key neckline support of a larger bearish “head & shoulders” topping pattern. Thereby targeting 2000-to-2050…which would be a rough - 10% to -15% correction.

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Media buys: CVC & CMCSK

The rough-and-tumble media group gained new investor respect in late 2010 and two of them now offer solid buying opportunities following the market correction.

Cablevision Systems (CVC), the fifth largest U.S. cable TV provider, plans to spin off its Rainbow Media business—possibly unlock- ing added shareholder value.

It is also strong in high-speed data and voice services for small and medium-sized businesses.

With its price softening a bit last week, but with prospects for earnings of $2.50 per share in 2012 and $3-plus in 2013 still intact, our 12-month price target from today’s 34 is around 45.

Top Dog in the media group is Comcast (CMCSK). The company with 40 million video subscribers in 39 states, 17 million Internet subscribers and over 8 million phone subscribers.

In January it took control of NBC Universal (from GE) just as the advertising market began showing renewed strength.

But according to Zacks, the two analysts tracking CMCSK are projecting 17% earnings growth and a 31 price target. Our target for CMCSK from today’s 23-plus is 35. The recently raised dividend provides a 2% yield.

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: MIND C.T.I. Ltd. (MNDO)

Israel stands above all other nations when it comes to the high-tech industry, and one of my favorite emerging stocks in this sector is  MIND C.T.I. Ltd. (MNDO); this is a microcap Israeli tech stock with a high-yield dividend over 9 percent.

With over ten years in the technology sector, MIND has quickly evolved into a leading global provider of real-time, product-based mediation, billing and customer care solutions for voice, data, video and content services.

With a market cap of $61.8 million, little MNDO doesn’t show up on many traders’ radar screens - especially because it’s thinly traded, averaging just over 136,700 shares traded daily.

That makes it exactly the type of small cap stock that we should keep an eye on and think about buying when the opportunity arises. We want to get into these types of companies before they receive significant analyst coverage.

In MNDO’s case, there are other strengths besides just a lack of coverage. The company’s income statement looks particularly strong. Total revenues for 2010 were close to $20 million, an increase of 14 percent year over year.

Growth in revenues helped to increase operating income from $2.2 million in 2009 to $4.8 million, or 25 percent of revenues, in 2010. Net income was $44.9 million or $0.26 per share.

The balance sheet also looks strong with a total cash position of $20.5 million at the end of 2010. The company boasts profit margins of 24.4 percent and return on equity of 20.8 percent. Moreover, MNDO continues to grow its customer base at a rapid pace.

The company recently took a major step towards catching institutional attention with the announcement that they have joined forces with Israel’s first mobile operator, Pelephone communication. Pelephone has over 2.8 million subscribers.

For the investor who wants the potential for outsized capital gains in small cap stocks that pay big dividends, MNDO is worth further research.

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Stillwater Mining (SWC)

Stillwater Mining (SWC) is the largest producer of platinum group metals (PGMs) in North America and the only significant producer in the US.

In 2010, the company produced a total of 485,000 ounces of PGMs including 374,000 ounces of palladium and 111,000 ounces of platinum from its Stillwater and East Boulder mines in southern Montana.

Palladium prices were at depressed levels for much of the period between 2002 and 2008, and Stillwater wasn’t in a position to expand operations or make money.

But with palladium prices now well over USD700 per ounce, the miner is once again solidly profitable.

Stillwater’s expansion projects are slated to push the company’s total output up by 40 percent over the next 4 years to roughly 700,000 ounces of PGMs per year.

And roughly three-quarters of that output will be palladium, the PGM with the strongest near-term growth prospects and tightest supply-demand conditions.

Stillwater trades at just 13 times projected 2011 earnings and should be able to grow profits by 20 to 30 percent over the next few years as it brings new production on-stream to take advantage of rising palladium prices.

Stillwater Mining, a new addition to the Metals and Mining Portfolio, rates a buy under 24.50.

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Global X FTSE Norway 30 (NORW)

If you are looking for an investment safe haven, Norway shuld be high on your list; while much of Europe is mired in fiscal turmoil, Norway -- which is not a memeber of the EU -- seems to have matters well in hand.

It is the world's seventh largest oil exporter and, unlike most countries in the world, actually carries a budget surplus that is estimated to be about 10% of GDP this year.
The common approach to national budgeting in much of the world seems to be spending money as long as it can be borrowed.

But Norway's budget conservatism and half-trillion dollar wealth fund means it has an extremely low default risk. In real market-cost terms, the cost of insuring against Norwegian default is the lowest in the world.

Also in Norway's favor is that its inflation and unemployment are low and its currency, the krone, is strong.

The Global X FTSE Norway ETF (NORW) is realtively new, having been trading since September 2010. The fund attempts to emulate the FTSE Norway index, a market capitalization-weighted index designed to reflect board-boased equity performance of the country.

The top three sector weightings are energy (40.5%), financial services (22%) and basic materials (10%). The annual expense ratio is 0.50%.

Best Stocks To Invest In 2014: Best Stocks To Invest In 2012: T. Price U.S. Large-Cap Core (TRULX)

T. Price U.S. Large-Cap Core (TRULX) has been managed since its inception in mid-2009 by Jeff Rottinghaus; the fund currently has less than $30 million in assets.

Rottinghaus seeks to fill the portfolio with 50 to 55 large-cap stocks rated highest by Price’s extensive cadre of equity analysts, who tend to be divided by sector and industry.

The criteria to favor one stock over another differ among various sectors: in technology, Rottinghaus says, the firm’s analysts tend to prefer companies going through very favorable cycles for new products and services. In the consumer staples area, on the other hand, valuation plays a greater role.

In general, however, the analysts favor modestly priced, high-quality companies that are gaining market share in growing industries.

For cyclical stocks, they look for companies beaten down due to a cyclical trough but likely to benefit mightily once the cycle turns, thanks to limited competition, engendered by high barriers to entry by competitors.

For all their picks, they spend a lot of time attempting to ascertain management quality.

In general, Rottinghaus favors GARP companies (growth at a reasonable price) while also devoting some of the fund’s assets to more highly valued companies thought to have excellent prospects.

Like most other equity funds at Price, U.S. Large Cap Core has a bias toward quality as indicated by low debt, high barriers to entry and strong return on capital. Rottinghaus hopes this would cushion the fund in a bear market.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks to buy 2014

If you’re looking for a stock that could double over the next 12 months, your best bet is biotechnology. Using the Google (GOOG) screener, I found that 51 stocks with a market capitalization greater than $50 million had returned one-year gains of at least 100%. But what’s even more interesting is that biotechnology stocks account for 18 or 35% of the 51 stocks trading with at least a 100% gain over the last year. The top 5 gainers in the market, over the last year, are biotech stocks, and 9 of the top 20 were biotech. Therefore, it’s safe to say that if you’re looking for a stock with quick upside potential, biotechnology should be the first place you look. However, it can be difficult to identify the stocks that have this level of upside potential, which is what this article will attempt to identify.
This article is actually a two part series that will look at 10 stocks in the biotechnology industry that present the most upside potential from its current position. The stocks on this list are numbered from 10-1, with #1 having the most potential based on a number of possible factors, which include: clinical trials, low valuations, and even the likelihood for being acquired. The goal is to find the absolute most undervalued biotech stocks in the market that could very well return gains of more than 100% over the next 52 weeks.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, a global biopharmaceutical company, discovers, develops, and delivers innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. The company focuses on areas of serious unmet medical needs, such as cardiovascular disease, mental illness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B and C, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, solid organ transplantation, and Alzheimer’s disease. Its principal products include PLAVIX for protection against fatal or non-fatal heart attack or stroke; AVAPRO/AVALIDE for the treatment of hypertension and diabetic nephropathy; ABILIFY, an agent for adult patients with schizophrenia, bipolar mania disorder, and depressive disorder; and REYATAZ for the treatment of HIV. The company?s principal products also comprise SUSTIVA for the treatment of HIV; BARACLUDE, an inhibitor of hepatitis B virus; ERBITUX to target and block the epidermal growth factor receptor; SPRYCEL for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in adults; IXEMPRA to treat breast cancer; ORENCIA to severe rheumatoid arthritis in adults; and ONGLYZA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Its products under Phase III clinical trials include ELIQUIS to prevent and treat venous thromboembolic disorders and stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation; NULOJIX to prevent solid organ transplant rejection; Brivanib to block the VEGF and the FGF receptors; Dapagliflozin to treat diabetes; YERVOY to treat metastatic melanoma; and Necitumumab for anticancer treatment. The company sells its products to wholesalers, distributors, retailers, hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and pharmacies. It has strategic alliances with sanofi-aventis; Pfizer, Inc.; AstraZeneca PLC; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.; Eli Lilly and Company; and Gilead Sciences, Inc. The company was formerly known as Bristol-Myers Company and changed its name to Bristol-Myers Squibb Company in 1989. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors’ Opinion:
  • By Tom Hutchinson At 2014-9-20Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) markets drugs worldwide and is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. The company sells at a higher price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio (14) than most Big Pharma companies (the industry average is 13), but still lower than the overall market (15.4). Bristol also pays a solid 5.2% dividend yield, compared with 2.1% for the overall market and 4.5% for the pharmaceutical industry.
    Like most major drug companies, Bristol faces costly patent expirations.  Blockbuster drugs Plavix (cholesterol) and Abilify (anti psychotic drug), which account for nearly half of net sales, will lose patents in 2011 and 2012. Also, most of Bristol’s sales are generated in the United States, meaning the company will be negatively affected by the new health-care reform bill, which requires discounts on drugs for patients using Medicaid. However, these problems are already reflected in the stock price and the company has solid prospects going forward.
    Bristol Meyers has sold off most of its noncore businesses and is focusing exclusively on drugs. The company has cut $2.5 billion in operation expenses in the past few years as well, and has more than $5 billion in cash that it can use for acquisitions. It also has a robust pipeline of cancer drugs with a strong track record of FDA approval. The stock has an excellent chance to impress going forward, and the dividend is well supported with a 61% payout ratio.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Merck & Company Inc. (MRK)

Merck & Co., Inc. provides various health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. The company?s Pharmaceutical segment provides human health pharmaceutical products, such as therapeutic and preventive agents for the treatment of human disorders in the areas of bone, respiratory, immunology, dermatology, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity, infectious diseases, neurosciences and ophthalmology, oncology, vaccines, and women’s health and endocrine. This segment also offers human health vaccines, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets animal health products. This segment offers antibiotics, anti-inflammatory products, vaccines, products for the treatment of fertility disorders, and parasiticides for cattle, swine, horses, poultry, dogs, cats, salmons, and fish. The Consumer Care segment develops, manufactures, and markets over-the-counter, foot care, and sun care products. Its over-the-counter product line includes non-drowsy antihistamines; treatment for occasional constipation; decongestant-free cold/flu medicine for people with high blood pressure; nasal decongestant spray; and treatment for frequent heartburn. This segment?s foot care products comprise topical antifungal, and foot and sneaker odor/wetness products; and sun care products include sun care lotions, sprays and dry oils; and sunburn relief products. The company serves drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, physicians, physician distributors, veterinarians, animal producers, and managed health care providers, as well as food chain and mass merchandiser outlets in the United States and Canada. Merck & Co., Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.
Advisors’ Opinion:
  • By Chuck At 2014-12-5MRK has been surprisingly volatile in 2011 as many investors question the leadership of new CEO Kenneth Frazier.Additionally, Merck has a number of patents set to expire soon.Regardless, with a yield of 5.1%, dividend investors will want to snap this stock up. Merck also boasts stronger quarterly revenue growth than competitors like Bayer (BAYRY.PK), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Pfizer (PFE). While price to earnings ratio (33.77) and price/earnings to growth ratio (1.84) are somewhat high, the best companies simply trade at a premium. Note that this was also the case with Intel above. In fact, like Intel, Merck has also had all of the past 4 quarters’ net cash inflows. As far as general pharmaceutical news goes, the industry may have taken a blow due to the recent striking down of Obama’s universal healthcare plan. Regardless, the fate of that law will probably be decided in the Supreme Court, so the fight is not over yet. Look for news regarding the constitutionality of mandated healthcare to definitely affect MRK stock but perhaps not as much as future company-specific events. Speaking of company-specific events, the lawsuit against Merck surrounding its Vioxx drug and possible fraud of investors continues to rage on.
  • By Smart Money At 2013-9-15Forward P/E: 7.8.

    Five-year average forward P/E: 13.7.
    Discount to five-year average: 46%.
    The market’s shift away from defensive stocks in sectors like pharmaceuticals and the Obama administration’s proposed health care reforms are just a couple of issues weighing on Merck (MRK, news, msgs). Shares in the Whitehouse Station, N.J., company are also being hobbled by company-specific problems, such as disappointing sales of asthma treatment Singulair, its best-selling drug, as well as increased competition, patent expirations and a pipeline of drugs with poor prospects for Food and Drug Administration approval.
    Fortunately for Merck investors, the company’s pending acquisition of Schering-Plough (SGP, news, msgs) should go a long way toward easing many of these problems, especially Merck’s poor drug pipeline and its ability to remain competitive, says Morningstar analyst Damien Conover. “Merck greatly improved its long-term outlook by agreeing to acquire Schering-Plough,” the analyst says.
  • By McWillams At 2011-8-28Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK : 31.91, 0.05) reported net income of $2.02 billion, or 65 cents per share in its fiscal 2011 second quarter, compared to net income of $752 million or 24 cents a year ago. Analysts had estimated earnings of 95 cents per share for the firm. The company’s revenue rose 7 percent to $12.15 billion, better than analysts’ forecast of $11.82 billion. Shares closed Thursday’s trading at $34.93.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. The Consumer segment provides products used in baby care, skin care, oral care, wound care, and women?s health care fields, as well as nutritional, over-the-counter pharmaceutical products, and wellness and prevention platforms under the brands of JOHNSON?S, AVEENO, CLEAN & CLEAR, JOHNSON?S Adult, NEUTROGENA, RoC, LUBRIDERM, DABAO, LISTERINE, REACH, BAND-AID, CAREFREE, STAYFREE, SPLENDA, TYLENOL, SUDAFED, ZYRTEC, MOTRIN IB, and PEPCID AC. The Pharmaceutical segment offers products in various therapeutic areas, such as anti-infective, antipsychotic, contraceptive, dermatology, gastrointestinal, hematology, immunology, neurology, oncology, pain management, and virology. Its principal products include REMICADE for the treatment of immune mediated inflammatory diseases; STELARA for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis; SIMPONI, a treatment for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis; VELCADE for the treatment of multiple myeloma; PREZISTA and INTELENCE for treating HIV/AIDS patients; NUCYNTA for moderate to severe acute pain; INVEGA SUSTENNAtm for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults; RISPERDAL CONSTA for the management of bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia; and PROCRIT to stimulate red blood cell production. The Medical Devices and Diagnostics segment primarily offers circulatory disease management products; orthopaedic joint reconstruction, spinal care, and sports medicine products; surgical care, aesthetics, and women?s health products; blood glucose monitoring and insulin delivery products; professional diagnostic products; and disposable contact lenses. The company was founded in 1886 and is based in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Advisors’ Opinion:
  • By Glenn At 2012-1-11Johnson &Johnson (JNJ, $64). Health care giant has “geographic and product diversity” and is positioned to profit via consumer, pharmaceutical and medical device businesses.
  • By Michael At 2012-1-11I really like JNJ.  They are the largest health care company in the world, in an industry that is ever growing.  They have extremely strong brands for consumer products all around the world.  They also have a strong business on the medical technology end as well.  As the world grays with increasing numbers of the elderly, a massive and emerging middle class in the emerging markets and just the nature of the health care industry in general, I think JNJ is very well positioned to take advantage of significant growth over the next decade.  They are also lending money to European banks.  That means they have a lot of cash.
  • By ETF Authority At 2011-11-21I have viewed Johnson & Johnson as the perfect dividend stock ever since I started investing in dividend stocks. As such, I have an above-average position in it. The recent product recalls and the lack of immediate action on behalf of executives are a potential issue for the company, although I doubt it will lead to JNJ’s demise. The company should be able to turn around, and those that entered at current levels likely will generate strong returns in the future.
  • By Smith At 2011-10-28Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) engages in the research and development, manufacture, and sale of various products in the health care field worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. The company has consistently raised distributions for 48 years in a row and yields 3.50%. The company is attractively valued at the moment at 12.80 times earnings.
  • By James K. Glassman At 2011-10-21The Motley Fool Web site recently warned against buying several stocks owned by Warren Buffett, legendary chairman of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A). Among those that the Fool panned were Coca-Cola (KO) and the Washington Post (WPO). I’m actually a fan of both, but an even better choice among Buffett’s holdings is Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), which the Fool admitted was a “great opportunity.” After J&J was hammered in 2010, mainly because of production problems, Buffett raised his position by nearly three-fourths. J&J is a sound company with a terrific brand in sectors (drugs and consumer products) that are steady in hard times, and its stock yields 3.3%.
  • By Jim Cramer At 2011-9-7Unless William Weldon steps down as chief executive officer after his multiple mistakes at the helm of this once great company, we are going to see a high $50s stock at best, with a yield of 4% that will not be attractive. I am convinced that the FDA will come down hard on the company because of its multiple recalls and 2011 will be the year that the tarnished brand will start tarnishing earnings. I am going to say $58 for a target, although Weldon’s exit could take the stock to $66. I bet they don’t do the right thing, though. They haven’t yet. Why would we expect anything different. A down stock for an up year.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: ARIAD Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA)

ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer. The company?s lead cancer product, ridaforolimus is being studied in multiple clinical trials in patients with various types of cancers, including metastatic sarcomas, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. Its product pipeline also includes ponatinib, a pan BCR-ABL inhibitor in phase 2 clinical trial for applications in various hematological cancers and solid tumors; and AP26113, an anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitor in preclinical studies for the treatment of various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. In addition, the company focuses on a drug discovery program centered on small-molecule therapies that are molecularly targeted to cell-signaling pathways implicated in cancer. Further, it licenses its ARGENT cell-signaling regulation technologies to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to develop and commercialize therapeutic products, and to conduct drug discovery research. The company has collaboration and license agreements with Merck & Co., Inc. for the development, manufacture, and commercialization of ridaforolimus; and license agreements with Medinol Ltd. and ICON Medical Corp. to develop and commercialize stents and other medical devices to deliver ridaforolimus to prevent restenosis of injured vessels. ARIAD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: ArQule Inc. (ARQL)

ArQule, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, engages in the research and development of cancer therapeutics directed toward molecular targets and biological processes. Its lead product ARQ 197 is non-adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, which is being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination therapy in a Phase II clinical development program that includes trials in non-small cell lung cancer, c-Met-associated soft tissue sarcomas, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, and colorectal cancer. The company is also developing ARQ 621, a Phase I program focused on inhibition of the Eg5 kinesin spindle protein. Its clinical stage products include ARQ 501, ARQ 761, and ARQ 171, which are designed to kill cancer cells selectively while sparing normal cells through the direct activation of DNA damage response/checkpoint pathways. In addition, the company involves in pre-clinical development of B-RAF and AKIP Kinase inhibitors. The company has collaborations with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. and Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. ArQule, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Cell Therapeutics Inc. (CTIC)

Cell Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development, acquisition, and commercialization of drugs for the treatment of cancer. The company is developing Pixuvri, a novel anthracycline derivative for the treatment of non-Hodgkin?s lymphoma, as well as for various other hematologic malignancies and solid tumors; OPAXIO, a Phase III clinical trial product for the treatment of ovarian, brain, esophageal, and non-small cell lung cancer; and Brostallicin, a phase II trial for the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. It is also developing Bisplatinates, a platinum-based chemotherapy drug to treat various kinds of cancers. The company has collaboration and licensing agreements with PG-TXL Company, L.P.; Gynecologic Oncology Group; Nerviano Medical Sciences; Cephalon; and Novartis. Cell Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 1991 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Exelixis Inc. (EXEL)

Exelixis, Inc., a biotechnology company, develops small molecule therapies for the treatment of cancer. It focuses on developing Cabozantinib, an inhibitor of tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis that target MET, VEGFR2, and RET, which are key kinases involved in the development and progression of various cancers. The cabozantinib is in Phase III clinical trial for the treatment for medullary thyroid cancer. The company also engages in various clinical programs for cabozantinib focused on the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular cancer, and melanoma. In addition, Exelixis, Inc. involves in developing a portfolio of other novel compounds to address serious unmet medical needs through collaborations with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, sanofi-aventis, Genentech, Inc., Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, and GlaxoSmithKline and Daiichi Sankyo Company Limited. Its products under development through collaborations include XL475, XL281, XL139, and XL413 inhibitors; ROR antagonists; therapies targeted against LXR, a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders; XL147, XL765, and isoform-selective PI3K inhibitors; XL518, a small-molecule inhibitor of MEK; sphingosine-1-phosphate type 1 receptor; XL880 inhibitor; and therapies targeted against the mineralocorticoid receptor, a nuclear hormone receptor implicated in various cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. The company was formerly known as Exelixis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and changed its name to Exelixis, Inc. in February 2000. Exelixis, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
Advisors’ Opinion:
  • By Stephen At 2011-8-29This drug-development company will go before the FDA later this year and throughout 2012 and 2013 with a series of new drug applications. Exelixis’ drug cabozantinib, code-named XL1-84, has shown a great deal of promise with a range of metastasizing tumors. The drug is being tested in the treatment of several types of cancers, hence the multiple filings with the federal regulator.
    But a much closer catalyst exists: at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, to be held in early June, Elexilis will present data from the phase II trial of cabozantinib. If history is any guide, then the interim testing results will be well-received by shareholders.
    During the second half of 2011, the drug will go deeper into the clinical testing trials. Each time that happens, the company will provide effectiveness data on the performance of the prior round of testing. Results from a phase III study of metastasized thyroid cancers are expected to be concluded in a few months, while phase III studies for the treatment of prostate cancer are expected to begin later this year. Every one of these instances could be a catalyst to take shares higher.
    As a final catalyst, Exelixis has allegedly been having discussions with potential buyers, according to Bloomberg, though waiting on such a transaction before making a move also represents risk. Investors bid up shares of Savient Pharma (Nasdaq: SVNT) after the company put itself up for sale. Hopes for a quick profit were dashed when the company couldn’t find any suitors and shares lost almost half of their value in just one day.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Incyte Corporation (INCY)

Incyte Corporation focuses on the discovery and development of proprietary small molecule drugs for hematologic and oncology indications, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Its product pipe line includes INCB18424, which is in Phase III clinical trial for myelofibrosis; Phase III trial for polycythemia vera; Phase III trial for essential thrombocythemia; Phase I/II trial to treat solid tumors/other hematologic malignancies; and Phase IIb trail for the treatment of psoriasis. The company?s portfolio also includes INCB28050, a Phase IIb clinical trial product for rheumatoid arthritis; INCB28060, a Phase I/II product for solid tumors; INCB7839, a Phase II product for breast cancer; and INCB24360, a Phase I/II product for solid tumors. It has a collaborative research and license agreements with Novartis International Pharmaceutical Ltd.; Eli Lilly and Company; and Pfizer Inc. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Medivation Inc. (MDVN)

Medivation, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of small molecule drugs for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer, Alzheimer?s disease, and Huntington disease. The company?s product candidates under clinical development include MDV3100, which is in Phase 3 development for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer; and dimebon, which is in Phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of Alzheimer?s disease and Huntington disease. It has collaboration agreements with Pfizer Inc. to develop and commercialize dimebon; and Astellas Pharma Inc. to develop and commercialize MDV3100. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR)

Nektar Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, engages in developing a pipeline of drug candidates that utilize its PEGylation and polymer conjugate technology platforms. The company?s product pipeline consists of drug candidates across various therapeutic areas, including oncology, pain, anti-infectives, anti-viral, and immunology. Its research and development activities involve small molecule drugs, peptides, and other potential biologic drug candidates. The company?s proprietary drug candidates in clinical development comprise NKTR-118, a peripheral opioid antagonist, which has completed Phase II clinical trail for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation; BAY41-6551 that has completed Phase II clinical trail to treat gram-negative pneumonias; NKTR-102, a topoisomerase I inhibitor-polymer conjugate, which is in Phase II clinical trail for multiple cancer indications, including breast, ovarian, and colorectal; and NKTR-105 that is in Phase I clinical trail to treat solid tumors. Its preclinical products consists of NKTR-119 (Opioid/NKTR-118 combinations) for the treatment of pain; NKTR-181 (abuse deterrent, tamper-resistant opioid) to treat pain; NKTR-194 (non-scheduled opioid) for the treatment of mild to moderate pain; NKTR-171 (tricyclic antidepressant) to treat neuropathic pain; and NKTR-140 (protease inhibitor candidate) to treat HIV. The company has collaboration with Bayer Healthcare LLC to develop BAY41-6551 (NKTR-061, Amikacin Inhale), which is an inhaled solution of amikacin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic; and a license agreement with AstraZeneca AB for the development and commercialization of Oral NKTR-118 and NKTR-119. In addition, Nektar Therapeutics has various license, manufacturing, and supply agreements for its technology with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, such as Affymax, Amgen, Baxter, Roche, Merck, Pfizer, and UCB Pharma. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.

Top 10 Biotech Stocks 2014: Neoprobe Corporation (NEOP)

Neoprobe Corporation, a biomedical company, engages in the development and commercialization of precision diagnostics that enhance patient care and improve patient benefit. The company is developing and commercializing targeted agents aimed at the identification of occult (undetected) disease. Neoprobe?s two lead radiopharmaceutical agent plaatforms, Lymphoseek and RIGScan are intended to help surgeons better identify and treat certain types of cancer. Lymphoseek is a diagnostic imaging agent intended for radiolabeling and administration in radiodetection and visualization of the lymphatic system draining the region of injection for delineation of the lymphatic tissue; and RIGScan is an intraoperative biologic targeting agent consisting of a radiolabeled murine monoclonal antibody. The company has a biopharmaceutical development and supply agreement with Laureate Biopharmaceutical Services, Inc. to support the initial evaluation of the viability of the CC49 master working cell bank, as well as the initial steps in re-validating the commercial production process for the biologic agent used in RIGScan CR. The company was founded in 1983 and is based in Dublin, Ohio.
Advisors’ Opinion:
  • By Putnam At 2011-10-20Neoprobe Corporation Common St (AMEX:NEOP): This equity had 12,374,458 shares sold short as of Aug 31st, as compared to 11,847,479 on Aug 15th, which represents a change of 526,979 shares, or 4.4%. Days to cover for this company is 17 and average daily trading volume is 745,501.

8 Tech Penny Stocks to invest in 2014

what to invest in 2012, now we will show you as follow:

8 Tech Penny Stocks to Buy Now

Technology stocks have been on a tear lately, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq outperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average 17% to 13% across the last six months. But it’s worth noting that many small-cap tech stocks have done much better than that, while blue chips like Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) have all underperformed.

You can see the power of the tech sector best in small, agile penny stocks that are surging recently. I of course don’t mean penny stock in a literal sense – as a rule, any micro-cap pink sheet or OTC investment that goes for only a few cents a share is a massive gamble. By “penny stock” I mean ultra low-priced companies, but ones that are larger than $100 million in market capitalization.

To help you share in the tech penny stock surge, consider these 8 investments and their recent gains:



Sirius XM Radio Inc: Year-to-date, stock of Sirius XM Radio Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRI) is up +13%. Sirius offers satellite radio content on music, sports and news in the United States for a subscription fee. In the last 12 months, SIRI has gained an impressive +112%, compared to much smaller gains by the broader markets.

ICO Global Communications: Mobile satellite service operator ICO Global Communications (NASDAQ: ICOG) has posted an impressive stock gain of +132% in the last 12 months. More recently, this penny stock is up +44% in the last 30 days alone. If bought at the right time, ICOG can be great for your portfolio, as it jumped +40% in one day in March. ICO Global is an example of how explosive tech penny stocks can be.

* Related Article: 10 Best Stocks for 2014

8×8 Inc: Known for its telecommunication services, 8×8 Inc. (NASDAQ: EGHT) has gained +19% year-to-date. Looking in the longer term, EGHT is up +86% in the last year. This quarter, analysts are predicting EGHT will posted EPS of four cents, up from two cents last year. But percentage-wise, that’s a 50% increase! This shows how just a small jump in earnings can really mean big things for a penny stock in the tech sector.

EMCORE Corp: Offering a wide range of semiconductor products, EMCORE Corp. (NASDAQ: EMKR) has experience a jump in stock price of +119% since the beginning of 2011. This stock has also jumped +73% since the beginning of February, and posted a quarterly revenue growth of +23% in its last income statement. This penny stock has a 52-week range of 71 cents to $3.25 – but just touched its high a month ago before the March contraction. There’s no reason EMKR stock can’t get back to those levels very soon.

* Related Articles: Dividend Stocks to Buy

Dot Hill Systems Corp: Provider of storage systems and enterprise server software, Dot Hill Systems Corp. (NASDAQ: HILL) is another penny stock worth keeping an eye on. Year-to-date, this tech stock has gained +70%, compared to a gain of just +7% for the Dow Jones. In the last 12 months, this stock has soared +101% as well.

Identive Group Inc: Focusing on identification-based technologies, Identive Group Inc. (NASDAQ: INVE) has watched its stock gain +7% year-to-date and +47% in the last 12 months. Shareholders of INVE can also point to the company’s quarterly revenue growth, which was reported as +111%, in its last income statement.

RAE Systems Inc: Known for providing wireless sensor networks that enable its customers worldwide to identify safety and security threats in real-time, RAE Systems Inc. (AMEX: RAE) has the potential to grow your portfolio in a hurry. Over the last year, this penny stock is up +115%. In September, RAE stock jumped +42% in just three days, showing the penny stock’s short term potential. Buy this penny stock as it trades just below its 52-week high of $1.88.

Mad Catz Interactive Inc: Known for its video game accessories, Mad Catz Interactive Inc. (AMEX: MCZ) has been the highest performing stock on this list. In the last year, MCZ is up an incredible +381%. The success has continued as of late, as this penny stock has gained +115%, year-to-date. A quarterly revenue growth of +91% and a quarterly earnings growth of +73%, only add to this stock’s impressive resume.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014

As a new year approaches, we decided to ask some of our top analysts for their favorite stock idea for 2014. Here are nine companies that look compelling right now.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014:  It's hard to find a positive word about IBM (NYSE: IBM) nowadays. Year-over-year revenues have shrunk for six consecutive quarters, it's losing valuable government "cloud" contracts to upstarts like Amazon Web Services, and it seems a lock to win the raspberry for "worst-performing Dow stock of the year award" for 2013.

And yet, the valuation has been punished severely for these sins and arguably more. IBM is still on track to generate in the neighborhood of $16 billion or $17 billion in free cash flow in 2013. That cash will be deployed into its ever-growing dividend (raised 19% annually over the past decade), and into its aggressive share repurchase plan that has reduced share count by 37% over that same decade. And the company still carries the tacit imprimatur of Warren Buffett, who has branded IBM as one of Berkshire Hathaway's "Big Four" investments.

Something of a contrarian "Dog of the Dow" pick, IBM currently sells for barely 10 times next year's expected earnings, well below the multiple on the average stock in the S&P 500. I expect this year's loser to be next year's winner as the company's cash deployment ratchets up the share price. A multiple expansion to, say, 12 times earnings would be gravy -- holiday gravy, if you will.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: With the calendar turning to 2014, one stock worth considering is e-commerce giant eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY  ) . I've never been one to watch the market movements and attempt to make judgments on a company from those. But the reality is that eBay has been essentially flat over the last year, while the NASDAQ is up almost 40%, and I think that is largely unjustified.

eBay has continued to deliver strong results, and the most recent quarter was no exception. Through the first nine months of the year, its operating income had risen 16.5% relative to the first nine months of last year. Not to mention its payments business (PayPal) continues to watch its revenues grow by more than 18% year over year, and eBay's total quarterly revenue growth has consistently stood at 14%.

So the company is continuing to deliver impressive growth and results, but its price doesn't reflect that. Consider that its trailing price to earnings ratio currently stands at 25.5, which is almost identical to Costco and below the 29 held by Google. I understand that's not exactly a fair comparison, but eBay seemingly still has quite a potential growth runway ahead of it.

The last thing I will note is that many people think eBay is simply a place where people bid on products, but excluding autos, 75% of its transactions were made at a fixed price. Amazon is the clear leader in the rapidly expanding e-commerce space, but eBay has a commanding position in the No. 2 spot.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: The Fed might slowly be taking away the punch bowl, but that shouldn't taper the prospect that 2014 will be the year that the housing market finally hits its stride. In fact, The Fed's tapering move just might be what jump-starts the still sluggish housing market. That's why I think homebuilders should do well in 2014, with PulteGroup (NYSE: PHM  ) being the stock I'd buy for 2014 and beyond.

The housing market is currently pretty low on inventory, which is one reason home prices have trended higher. That trend will only continue as we see the end to historically low mortgage rates. Buyers need to move fast in order to lock in these low rates.

Where PulteGroup fits into the equation is that its multi-brand strategy has it well-positioned to really deliver as housing recovers. For example, its Centex brand focuses on first-time buyers. These buyers have been cautious to get into the market, but seeing an end to historically low mortgage rates will likely convince many that the time to buy is in 2014. At the same time rising home prices nationwide are freeing up many current homeowners to sell in order to move up into a nicer home. The Pulte Home brand caters to move-up buyers, while the Del Webb brand focuses on those in the active adult marketplace that are now in a better position to retire and enjoy life.

Bottom line, PulteGroup's multi-brand strategy, when combined with its renewed focus on creating shareholder value, has it well-positioned to deliver exceptional returns in 2014.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: If there's one stock I'd consider buying for 2014, that stock would be Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI  ) . As the largest natural gas transporter and storage operator in North America, Kinder Morgan is well-positioned to profit from increasing demand for natural gas. Between coal power plant shutdowns, an aging fleet of nuclear power plants, and the inherent inefficiency and unreliability of many renewable energy sources, natural gas is the most logical candidate for new power generators.

In addition to the electric generating capabilities, natural gas is generally the cheapest and most common means to heat homes. It's also gaining significant traction as a transportation fuel, especially among fuel-hungry trucks. Regardless of how and where it's used, natural gas needs to get from the shale fields and other sources to where it's needed, when it's needed. That's where Kinder Morgan shines.

The business case is clear, and the investment case is strong enough that I own shares of Kinder Morgan in the real-money Inflation-Protected Income Growth portfolio. Take a business model at the center of the energy economy, and add a reasonable valuation, a covered and growing dividend, and a balance sheet without too much leverage, and the result is a company whose stock is worth buying for 2014.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: Liberty Global (NASDAQ: LBTYA  ) is the largest cable company in Europe. It is heavily laden with debt, generates GAAP losses, pays no dividend, and is exposed to Europe's economic woes. For those reasons, you might not be interested at first glance. But, if you dig a bit deeper, the company actually looks very attractive. It's got great leadership following a proven strategy, and it's adding new subscribers and revenue per subscriber.

John Malone, the famous "cable cowboy," is Liberty Global's chairman, and the company is following the same playbook that Malone used to build Tele-Communications into the largest cable provider in the United States, before it was sold to AT&T in 1999. Liberty Global is using cheap debt to acquire smaller cable systems. While it doesn't generate GAAP earnings, the company does generate healthy amounts of free cash flow -- over $3 billion in the past year. Malone is using that cash to upgrade its cable system and aggressively repurchase Liberty Global shares, both of which should generate long-term value for shareholders. Using this same basic strategy, Malone generated more than 30% compound annual returns for Tele-Communications shareholders.

And, despite the economic gloominess in Europe, Liberty Global's business is doing well. Liberty Global is on pace to add 1 million new subscribers this year. Its current customers are buying more services -- 40% of subscribers now pay for a "triple-play" package, up from 30% a year ago. This has driven a 29% increase in revenue per customer.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: Despite nearly doubling the gains of the S&P 500 this year, there are several upcoming catalysts for Momenta Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MNTA  ) that could lead to even bigger gains for investors in 2014. The company's competitive advantage rests in its ability to analyze, characterize, and design complex molecules -- which speeds development time and reduces costs. The MIT rollout proved its novel approach to drug development in 2010 with the approval of its first product, a generic version of Enoxaparin Sodium Injection, which pushed operating margins to 63% on revenue of $283 million in 2011! Unfortunately, competing generics have since eroded the edge for the company's only product.

Momenta will swing back into profits next year if it can market its second product, a generic version of Teva's Copaxone. Investors were originally waiting for the last Copaxone patent to expire in September 2015, but a summer decision by the Court of Appeals may have expedited the Food and Drug Administration's review date to May 2014. While Teva intends to go to the Supreme Court with an appeal and Momenta isn't the only company with a generic drug ready, simply becoming profitable or even breakeven would smooth out the ride on the road to disruption for investors. I think it's likely generic versions will get the green light next year, which makes Momenta -- with $250 million in cash and an impressive and relatively undervalued pipeline -- a long-term buy-and-hold company at today's prices.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: My one stock for 2014 is Universal Display (NASDAQ: OLED  ) . The company makes organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), used to light the displays of consumer electronic devices. Much of the company's history has been devoted to R&D, providing the behind-the-scenes technology for Samsung's Galaxy smartphones in exchange for semi-annual royalty payments.

But UDC is finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Commercial material sales have begun to meaningfully contribute to the top line – increasing 176% year-over-year and 11% sequentially during the 3rd quarter. The company reported a solid profit, even without the royalty (which gets paid in 2Q and 4Q). Universal Display is breaking into the market in multiple ways – partnering with the lighting division of Philips, providing materials for a new Samsung OLED television, and is even rumored to be in an upcoming "iWatch" from Apple! OLED is definitely one to keep an eye on in 2014.

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: I'm offering up the latest addition to the real-money portfolio I manage for The Motley Fool, Lindsay (NYSE: LNN  ) . It sells mechanized irrigation systems to farmers. You've probably seen these while driving through or past croplands -- big, wheeled piping systems spraying water onto crops.

Irrigating this way is more efficient than gravity irrigation (flowing water across fields), resulting in higher crop yields while using less water (1/3 – 1/2 less). Over the past decade, mechanized irrigation in the U.S. has grown from 35% to 46% penetration, while gravity irrigation has fallen from 50% to 39%.

The opportunity comes from continued penetration gains domestically and international growth. Worldwide, 90% of cropland under irrigation uses gravity irrigation. Thanks to a growing population, farmers will need to produce more food; and thanks to limited water supplies, they'll need to do it while using less water. Replacing gravity irrigation with mechanized irrigation is a big step in that direction.

In addition, Lindsay is developing and selling "smart" systems that use feedback from sensors to distribute irrigation to where it's needed. This makes irrigation even more efficient.

An investment in Lindsay plays into three big, global trends: the two mentioned above (growing population and limited water) and more droughts. With four severe droughts in the last eight years here in the U.S., farmers "don't want Mother Nature to control our destiny anymore."

9 Top Stocks to Buy in 2014: 2013 proved a record year for Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA  ) , with the stock soaring more than 300% year-to-date. However, 2014 holds even more promise for the electric-car maker. Tesla continues to see strong demand for its Model S cars and is ramping up production to meet that demand. In fact, Tesla CEO Elon Musk says the company is on track to hit an annualized rate of deliveries that exceeds 40,000 cars per year by late 2014. Global demand for Tesla's cars is also accelerating at a rapid clip.

While European sales are already strong, Tesla is just getting started in China and other parts of Asia. The EV maker began taking Model S reservations in China last quarter, and plans to begin deliveries there during the first quarter of 2014. As the world's largest market by sales of premium sedans, China is an exciting piece of the puzzle for Tesla going forward.

Another important catalyst for Tesla is the ongoing expansion of its supercharger network. There are now 34 supercharger stations in the United States, and six so far in Europe. Tesla is now on track to have stations covering 80% of the U.S. population and parts of Canada as soon as next year. Moreover, Tesla plans to cover 100% of the population of Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, and Luxembourg with superchargers by the end of 2014. This is a significant part of the company's value proposition and it should help drive Model S sales in the year ahead. With these catalysts and more on the horizon, Tesla is a stock I want to own in 2014 and many years to follow.

Of the 165 stocks in the Supernova universe, Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner is on a mission to find just ONE: Between now and Jan. 30, 2014, you're invited to "hit the road" with the Supernova team to find the ONE STOCK most deserving of a large, real-money investment to kick off 2014!