10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014

On Thursday, Union Pacific (NYSE: UNP  ) will release its latest quarterly results. The key to making smart investment decisions on stocks reporting earnings is to anticipate how they'll do before they announce results, leaving you fully prepared to respond quickly to whatever inevitable surprises arise. That way, you'll be less likely to make an uninformed knee-jerk reaction to news that turns out to be exactly the wrong move.

Union Pacific has benefited from the cost advantage that railroads have during periods of high energy prices, but the devastation in the commodities markets recently has had a negative impact on shipping volume. Nevertheless, the railroad giant has managed to turn to alternative revenue sources. Let's take an early look at what's been happening with Union Pacific over the past quarter and what we're likely to see in its quarterly report.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Sagent Pharmaceuticals Inc.(SGNT)

Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company, develops, sources, and markets pharmaceutical products, principally injectable-based generic equivalents to branded products in the United States. It offers a range of products across anti-infective, oncolytic, and critical care indications in various presentations, including single-and multi-dose vials, pre-filled ready-to-use syringes, and premix bags. The company?s anti-infective products include Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibacterial for the treatment of various infections caused by susceptible bacteria in adults of age 18 years or older; and Cefepime, an antibiotic used to treat infections of the urinary tract, and skin and skin structure, as well as moderate to severe pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and as empiric therapy for febrile neutropenic patients. Its oncology products comprise Gemcitabine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor used for the treatment of ovarian, breast, lung, and panc reatic cancers; and Topotecan, a topoisomerase inhibitor for small cell lung cancer sensitive disease. The company also offers critical care products consisting of Adenosine, an antiarrhythmic used for the treatment of cardiac rhythm disturbances; and Heparin, an anticoagulant used to prevent and treat blood clotting during and after surgery and dialysis. As of December 31, 2011, it marketed 33 generic injectable products; and had a new product pipeline that included 36 products represented by 63 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs). The company sells its products to pharmaceutical wholesale companies, which then distribute the products to end-user hospitals, long-term care facilities, alternate care sites, and clinics. The company was formerly known as Sagent Holding Co. and changed its name to Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in April 2011. Sagent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Associated Banc-Corp(ASBC)

Associated Banc-Corp, a bank holding company, offers various banking and financial services to individuals and businesses primarily in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota. Its Banking segment provides loans and deposit products to businesses, governments, and consumers. Its products and services include checking, savings, money market deposit, and IRA accounts, as well as certificates of deposit and safe deposit boxes; and home equity loans and lines of credit, residential mortgage loans and mortgage refinancing, education loans, and personal and installment loans. This segment?s products and services also include business checking accounts, business loans, real estate financing, construction loans, letters of credit, revolving credit arrangements, business credit cards, equipment and machinery leases, night depository, cash management, international banking, check clearing, safekeeping, and other banking-based services. The company?s Wealth Management segment provides va rious fiduciary, investment management, advisory, and corporate agency services for individuals, corporations, small businesses, charitable trusts, endowments, foundations, and institutional investors. This segment also offers life, property, casualty, and credit and mortgage insurance, as well as fixed annuities and employee group benefits consulting and administration services; investment brokerage, variable annuities, and discount and online brokerage services; and trust/asset/investment management, administration of pension, profit-sharing and other employee benefit plans, personal trusts, and estate planning services. The company offers its products through branch facilities, loan production offices, supermarket branches, a customer service call center, an interstate automated teller machine network, and Internet banking services. As of December 31, 2010, its banking subsidiary had 280 offices in approximately 150 communities. The company was founded in 1964 and is base d in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Hot Safest Stocks To Watch Right Now: GlobalSCAPE Inc (GSB)

GlobalSCAPE, Inc., incorporated on April 17, 1996, develops and distributes software and hosted solutions, and provision of associated services. The Company focuses primarily on personal file transfer products, sold over the Internet, to a solution provider to small and medium business (SMB), and enterprise customers worldwide. The Company's solution portfolio facilitates delivery of critical information, such as financial data, medical records, customer files and other similar documents while supporting a range of information protection approaches to meet privacy and other security requirements. The Company's solutions also provide data replication, acceleration of file transfer, sharing/collaboration and continuous data backup and recovery to the Company's customers. On December 2, 2011, it acquired TappIn, Inc.

The Company�� initial product, CuteFTP, a file transfer protocol client program is used mostly by individuals and small businesses. The Company has developed Wide-Area File Services (WAFS), and Continuous Data Protection (CDP) software, which enhances the ability to replicate, share and backup files within a wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN), at WAN and LAN speeds. The Company�� primary industry is known as managed file transfer (MFT).

Cute FTP Client Programs

CuteFTP is a client-side program, meaning that it permits a user to request a file from or send a file to a file transfer protocol (FTP) server or host computer. The user base for this program ranges from corporate information technology (IT) professionals who use it to transfer data between locations via the Internet, to individual Website operators who use it to upload their Web pages to their Web hosting provider. CuteFTP simplifies use of file transfer protocol by hiding the technical processes behind a user-friendly, graphical user interface, which allows users to drag �� drop files between computers. The Company offers CuteFTP in German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Tr! aditional and Simplified Chinese, Russian, Portuguese and Turkish.

CuteFTP Pro is a secure FTP client program designed for advanced users and information technology professionals. CuteFTP Pro incorporates standards for encrypting data during transport and at rest, accelerating transfer of large files, and automating common file transfer tasks. It includes various features attractive to advanced users such as multi-part and concurrent file transfers to maximize transfer speed, additional secure protocols, scheduled file transfers, automated site backups and scripting ability for automating FTP tasks.

Server-Based Managed File Transfer Software Solutions

The Company�� server software programs are designed to provide businesses with increased security, automation, and performance when compared to traditional FTP and e-mail delivery systems. The Company�� server solutions also offer substantial ease-of-use advantages compared to competitive products.

Enhanced File Transfer Server (EFT) Server complements CuteFTP Pro and other third party FTP clients by enabling encrypted transfers using SSL, SSH2 and advanced S/KEY password encryption. When used with CuteFTP Pro, EFT Server offers a complete digital certificate management system, giving system administrators the ability to manage digital certificates, as well as initiate back-end processes with other customer systems. The latter functionality can be used as a partial or total replacement for more complex enterprise-level electronic data interchange systems (EDI). Additional features include remote management capability, the ability to operate multiple FTP sites with directory structures from a single server, and the ability to manage user accounts with advanced settings for maximum security and control. Enhanced File Transfer Server supports add-on modules and software, such as the Auditing and Reporting module, High-Security Payment Card Industry module, OpenPGP module, Web Transfer Client, Secure Ad! hoc Tran! sfer module, DMZ gateway, and FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic libraries.

Wide-Area File Services and Continuous Data Protection Solutions

The Company's Wide Area File System (WAFS) product delivers a file access system, instant file-sharing and server-to-server mirroring across any distance, with full coherency and at LAN access speeds. WAFS delivers wide area file solution for collaboration. Continuous, real-time multi-directional acceleration and mirroring technology ensures that data exists in multiple places simultaneously and in complete synchronization, no matter where a change in any file is made. The data is mirrored between servers on the LAN, virtual private network, or across firewalls in real time, with support for file locking ensuring coherency. The off-line mode ensures continued data access in the event of WAN or server outage.

The Company's continuous backup software delivers real-time continuous data protection. Its software-only solution supports the ability to backup any number of branch servers or remote laptops to one or more centrally located systems. CDP transparently and continuously captures data from local and remote servers, eliminating the backup window and restoring data rapidly. Bandwidth requirements are minimal since only file differences are transferred to the backup system.

Managed E-mail Attachment Solution

The Company�� managed e-mail attachment solution, Mail Express, is designed to facilitate delivery of such attachments, particularly in situations where the legacy e-mail infrastructure and associated administration rules do not allow delivery or receipt of such files, due to their size. Mail Express is a software add-in (also sometimes referred to as a plug-in). The add-in transparently redirects e-mail attachments for delivery in accordance with administrator-defined policies. Attachments specified in the policy (for example, by type or size) are replaced in the e-mail message with a hyperlink! , and the! files are transferred securely to the Mail Express server. The e-mail recipient clicks the hyperlink and is able to download the files from the Mail Express server using standard Web-based download procedures with all communications using hyper text transfer protocol (HTTPS).

Software-as-a-Service Solution

A Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), solution delivers a software application over the Internet, or across other networks, to users on an on-demand basis. The SaaS delivery model allows central administration and maintenance of the application with user access provided through a hosted Website. CuteSendIt is a SaaS managed file transfer solution. CuteSendIt allows scalable, value-based licensing of MFT capability. The solution scales from single-user to multi-user licensing with varying file transfer capabilities based, for example, on a maximum number of files, the aggregate data volume for files transferred each month, and the amount of long-term online storage required for the files. Depending on the necessary level of service, CuteSendIt is available in various plans.

The Company competes with Ipswitch, Inc., Rhino Software, Inc., Fetch Softworks, Nolobe, Panic Inc., Van Dyke, Inc., Ipswitch, Inc., WS_FTP Server, Serv-U, JSCAPE, Axway, IBM-Sterling Commerce, Proginet-Tibco, SSH's Tectia, Riverbed, Blue Coat, Cisco, CA XOsoft, Doubletake, Symantec/Veritas, Accellion, Proginet-Tibco, Leapfile, Biscom, Blue Ridge Networks, YouSendIt, LeapFILE, Dilbert Files, DropSend, SendThisFile, Box.net, Pando, Thru, Inc., PogoPlug and FileTek.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Tate & Lyle(TATE.L)

Tate & Lyle PLC provides ingredients and solutions to the food, beverage, and other industries worldwide. It operates through two units, Speciality Food Ingredients and Bulk Ingredients. The Speciality Food Ingredients unit offers starch-based speciality ingredients, including corn-based speciality starches, sweeteners, and fibres; no calorie sweeteners, including SPLENDA Sucralose; and Food Systems, which provides blended ingredient solutions. The Bulk Ingredients unit provides corn-based bulk sweeteners, industrial starches, and fermentation products primarily acidulants. The company offers its products primarily in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and the Americas. Tate & Lyle PLC is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Oriental Financial Group Inc.(OFG)

Oriental Financial Group Inc., a financial holding company, provides various banking and financial services to mid and high net worth individuals, and families, including professionals and owners of small and mid-sized businesses primarily in Puerto Rico. It operates in three segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and Treasury. The Banking segment offers commercial and consumer lending, saving and time deposit products, financial planning, and corporate and individual trust services. It also provides mortgage lending products that include the origination and purchase of residential mortgage loans. As of October 25, 2011, this segment operated 30 branches in Puerto Rico. The Wealth Management segment offers securities brokerage, trust services, retirement planning, insurance, pension administration, and other wealth management services. Its securities brokerage services include various investment alternatives, such as tax-advantaged fixed income securities, mutual funds, sto cks, and bonds to retail and institutional clients. This segment also provides public offerings and private placements of debt and equity securities, underwriting, and merger and acquisition and financial restructuring advisory services. In addition, it engages in insurance agency services and administration of retirement plans in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. The Treasury segment is involved in various treasury related functions with an investment portfolio consisting of mortgage-backed securities, obligations of U.S. government sponsored agencies, Puerto Rico government and agency obligations, structured credit investments, and money market instruments. The company was founded in 1964 and is based in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Aberdeen International Inc (AAB.TO)

Aberdeen International Inc. operates as an investment and merchant banking company focusing on small capitalization companies in the resource sector. It intends to acquire equity participation in pre-IPO and early stage public resource companies with undeveloped or undervalued resources. The company also offers various merchant banking services, including short-term investments, bridge financing, and advisory works, as well as listing vehicles, such as shell companies. In addition, it invests in mineral properties, primarily gold. The company was formerly known as International Catalyst Ventures Inc. and changed its name to Aberdeen International Inc. in November 2001. Aberdeen International Inc. was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Chicopee Bancorp Inc.(CBNK)

Chicopee Bancorp, Inc. operates as the holding company for Chicopee Savings Bank that provides various financial products and services to individuals and businesses in western Massachusetts. The company?s deposit products include non-interest-bearing demand accounts, such as checking accounts; interest-bearing accounts, which include NOW and money market deposit accounts; regular savings accounts, such as passbook accounts; and certificates of deposit. Its loan portfolio comprises residential real estate loans secured by one-to-four family residences, commercial real estate loans, residential and commercial construction loans, and commercial and industrial loans, as well as consumer loans, including home equity lines of credit, fixed rate home equity loans, and automobile loans. In addition, it offers non-deposit investment products, including mutual funds, debt, equity and government securities, retirement accounts, insurance products, and fixed and variable annuities. A s of December 31, 2010, the company operated main office; lending and operations center; and eight branch offices located in Chicopee, Ludlow, South Hadley, Ware, and West Springfield. Chicopee Bancorp, Inc. was founded in 1845 and is headquartered in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.(ALXN)

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of biologic therapeutic products for treating patients with severe and life-threatening disease states in the United States, Europe, Latin America, Japan, and the Asia Pacific. It focuses on developing products for the treatment of diseases in the areas of hematology, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, and cancer. The company develops and commercializes Soliris (eculizumab), a therapeutic product for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a blood disorder. It also conducts various Phase II clinical trail programs on Soliris for its usage for the treatment of cold agglutinin disease; atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome; presensitized renal transplant; kidney transplant for catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome; ABO incompatible renal transplant; dense deposit disease; myasthenia gravis; neuromyelitis optica; and dry a ge-related macular degeneration. In addition, the company conducts Phase IV clinical trails on Soliris for its usage for the treatment of PNH registry; and Phase I clinical trails on Samalizumab for the treatment of oncology diseases, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma. Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. serves specialty distributors and specialty pharmacies, which supply physician office clinics, hospital outpatient clinics, infusion clinics, or home health care providers; government agencies; and hospitals, hospital buying groups, pharmacies, other healthcare providers, and distributors. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Cheshire, Connecticut.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Grand Canyon Education Inc.(LOPE)

Grand Canyon Education, Inc. provides postsecondary education services in the United States and Canada. It focuses on offering graduate and undergraduate degree programs in education, healthcare, business, and liberal arts disciplines. The company provides its courses through traditional ground campus in Phoenix, Arizona; online; and onsite at the facilities of employers. As of December 31, 2011, it had 43,917 students enrolled in its courses. The company was formerly known as Significant Education, Inc and changed its name to Grand Canyon Education, Inc. in May 2008. Grand Canyon Education, Inc. was founded in 1949 and is based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By John Reese]

  Grand CanyonEducation (LOPE, $14.50). For-profit online educator with Arizona campus and strong management is gaining students and credibi lity.

10 Best Railroad Stocks For 2014: Comstock Mining Inc (LODE)

Comstock Mining Inc. (Comstock), incorporated on October 19, 1999, is a gold and silver mining company with contiguous property in the Comstock and Silver City mining districts (collectively, the Comstock District). The Company owns or controls approximately 6,315 acres in the Comstock District comprising 1,455 acres of patented mining claims and surface parcels, and 4,860 acres of unpatented claims. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had drilled 646 reverse circulation (RC) and core holes, representing over 242,000 feet of drill data in the Lucerne Resource Area. As of December 31, 2011, the Company also had 432 RC and core holes from the Lucerne Resource Area. Its Lucerne Resource Area is located in Storey County, Nevada, approximately three miles south of Virginia City, Nevada. The Dayton Resource Area its commercial mining activities, is located in Lyon County Nevada, approximately six miles south of Virginia City. The Company operates in two segments: mining and hospitality.

The Company's mining segment consists of exploration and developmental drilling, mine planning, permitting, mineral claims, plus all other activities and expenditures associated with bringing the mine into production. Its hospitality segment consists of hotel rooms, cottages, restaurant, bar and other services provided by Gold Hill Hotel Inc. The Company�� property rights to the mineral estate of the Comstock Mine Project consist of five mineral leases, one joint venture (providing exclusive rights to exploration, development, mining and production), fee ownership of real property and mining claims. This project has 92 patented and 325 unpatented mineral lode claims, as well as 25 unpatented placer claims. The Comstock Mine Project holdings consist of approximately 6,315 acres of active mining claims and surface parcels (private lands) in the Comstock District. The acreage is consisted of 1,455 acres of patented mining claims and surface parcels and 4,860 acres of unpatented mining claims. The Company also o! wns a heap leach processing facility. It owns and operates the Gold Hill Hotel, three related cottages. The Hotel is located in Gold Hill, Nevada between Virginia City and the Comstock mine project.

The Company focuses on the Lucerne Resource Area (including the East-side target within this Area), the Dayton Resource Area and the Spring Valley exploration target. The Lucerne Resource Area includes the Billie the Kid, Hartford and Lucerne mining claims, and extends northeasterly to the area of the Woodville bonanza, and north to the Justice and Keystone mines, plus the extension of these areas down-dip to the east. The Lucerne Resource Area is approximately 5,000 feet long, with an average width of 600 feet, representing less than 3% of the land holdings controlled by the Company. The Dayton Resource Area lies southwest of Silver City, from the Dayton, Kossuth and Alhambra claims, including the old Dayton mine workings, south to where the Kossuth claim crosses State Route 341. The Spring Valley exploration target lies at the southern end of the Comstock District. The area includes the Kossuth claim south of State Route 341, the Dondero property, the New Daney lode mining claims, and the Company�� placer mining claims in Spring Valley and Gold Canyon. The Northern Extension, Northern Targets and Occidental Areas represent exploration target areas, which contain mining operations, including the Overman, Con Imperial, Caledonia, and Yellow Jacket mines.