Top Shipping Companies To Watch For 2014

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of shipping company Navios Maritime (NYSE: NM  ) jumped as much as 14% today after the company released earnings.

So what: Revenue fell 12% from a year ago to $133.8 million, but it easily topped the $97.1 million estimate. The company lost $0.10 per share, but that was well ahead of the expected $0.22 loss, and that got investors excited today. �

Now what: The dry-bulk segment was hit hardest over the past year, and rates fell 45% to $11,820 per day. There's a long history of challenges in this segment, and it doesn't appear to be getting any better, with oversupply in the industry. Today's results may have beaten expectations, but I'm not a buyer, because the company's still seeing deteriorating results.

Interested in more info on Navios Maritime? Add it to your watchlist by clicking here.

Top Shipping Companies To Watch For 2014: Gilead Sciences Inc.(GILD)

Gilead Sciences, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutics for the treatment of life threatening diseases worldwide. Its products include Atripla, Truvada, Viread, Emtriva for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus infection in adults; Hepsera, an oral formulation for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B; AmBisome, a amphotericin B liposome injection to treat invasive fungal infections; Letairis, an endothelin receptor antagonist for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension; Ranexa for the treatment of chronic angina; Vistide, an antiviral medication for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS; and Cayston, an inhaled antibiotic used as a treatment to enhance respiratory systems. The company?s products also comprise Tamiflu, an oral antiviral for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and B; Macugen, an intravitreal injection for the treatment of neovascular a ge-related macular degeneration; and Lexiscan/Rapiscan, an injection used as a pharmacologic stress agent in radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging. Its products under the Phase III clinical trials consist of Cobicistat, a pharmacoenhancer that is under evaluation as a boosting agent for HIV medicines; Elvitegravir, an oral integrase inhibitor being evaluated as part of combination therapy for HIV; Integrase Single-Tablet, a ?Quad? regimen of elvitegravir, cobicistat, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and emtricitabine for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in treatment-naive patients; and Aztreonam for inhalation solution for the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The company?s Phase II clinical trials products comprise Cicletanine, Ranolazine, and Aztreonam, as well as GS 9190, GS 9256, and GS 9451. Its Phase I clinical trial products include GS 7340, GS 5885, GS 6620, GS 9620, and GS 6624. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Fost er City, California.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Hilary Kramer]

  Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) recently transformed itself by acquiring Pharmasset (NASDAQ:VRUS), which has developed a promising treatment for Hepatitis C called PSI-7977 and has scored a perfect cure rate in clinical testing. Hepatitis C is largely an untreated disease, and the market potential is huge. The acquisition will dilute Gilead’s earnings through 2014, but GILD will remain solidly profitably through its strong roster of drugs that treat HIV.

Top Shipping Companies To Watch For 2014: Ferrellgas Partners L.P. (FGP)

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. engages in the distribution and sale of propane, and related equipment and supplies primarily in the United States. It transports propane to propane distribution locations, tanks on customers� premises, or to portable propane tanks delivered to retailers. The company conducts its portable tank exchange operations under the Blue Rhino brand name through a network of independent and partnership-owned distribution outlets. The company�s propane is primarily used for space heating, water heating, cooking, outdoor cooking using gas grills, crop drying, irrigation, weed control, and other propane fueled appliances; as an engine fuel for power vehicles and forklifts; and as a heating or energy source in manufacturing and drying processes. It serves approximately 1 million residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale, and other customers in 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. As of July 31, 2012, it had 924 propane distribution locations. The company also engages in the wholesale marketing of propane appliances; sale of refined fuels; and provision of common carrier services. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. was founded in 1939 and is headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas.

Best Biotech Stocks To Watch For 2014: Summit Financial Group Inc.(SMMF)

Summit Financial Group, Inc. operates as a financial holding company for Summit Community Bank that provides commercial and retail banking services primarily in the eastern Panhandle and south central regions of West Virginia, and the northern region of Virginia. It offers a range of community banking services, including demand, savings, and time deposits; commercial, commercial real estate, construction and development, residential real estate, and consumer loans; letters of credit; and cash management services. The company also operates Summit Insurance Services, LLC, an insurance agency, which offers commercial and personal lines of insurance, including group health, life, and disability benefit plans. As of December 31, 2010, it operated 15 banking offices in West Virginia and Virginia, as well as an insurance agency. The company was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Moorefield, West Virginia.