Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now

Another week of new all-time highs for the Dow Jones Industrial Average coupled with a good start to earnings season has given optimists little reason to fret. For skeptics like me, that's an opportunity to see whether companies have earned their current valuations.

Keep in mind that some companies�deserve�their current valuations. Life sciences company Life Technologies�jumped to new highs this week following word that Thermo Fisher Scientific�will make a bid for the company, and that other private-equity firms are finalizing their bids.�With Life Technologies having publicly announced a strategic review in January, it seems like a long-awaited buyout could be right around the corner for shareholders.

Still, other companies might deserve a kick in the pants. Here's a look at three companies that could be worth selling.

Leave the wrapper on
The returns on confectioner Tootsie Roll Industries (NYSE: TR  ) have certainly been sweet for investors over the past year. You have to go back to the summer of 2010 to find sugar prices that were as low as they are now,�which has played a good part in helping Tootsie Roll keep that aspect of its costs down. But taking a bigger view of what's going on with Tootsie Roll and comparing that to its current valuation creates a sour taste in my mouth.

Best Up And Coming Companies To Watch For 2015: K&S AG (KPLUY.PK)

K&S AG is a Germany-based holding company which is active in the chemical sector. The Company divides its activities into four main business segments. The Potash and Magnesium Products segment is engaged in the crude potash and magnesium salts extraction and in processing raw materials into products for industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. The Nitrogen Fertilizers business segment distributes fertilizers for almost all agricultural crops, and products for home and garden, plant care and plant protection, specialty fertilizers for public green areas, tree nurseries, horticulture and various special crops are offered. The Salt segment offers food grade salt, industrial salt and salt for chemical use, as well as de-icing salt applied to ensure road safety. The Complementary Business segments include recycling activities and the disposal and reutilization of waste salt mines, granulation of CATASAN, logistics, and trading in different basic chemicals. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Chris Damas]

  Other players, such as K+S (KPLUY.PK), Israel Chemicals and APC, Belaruskali and Soquimich (SQM) maintained their world shares at Uralkali's expense.

Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now: Big Lots Inc (BIG)

Big Lots, Inc., incorporated in May 2001, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, is a North America's closeout retailer. At January 28, 2012, the Company operated a total of 1,533 stores in two countries: the United States and Canada. The Company operates in two segments: U.S. and Canada. The merchandising categories include Consumables, Furniture, Home, Seasonal, Play n' Wear, and Hardlines & Other. The Consumables category includes the food, health and beauty, plastics, paper, chemical, and pet departments. The Furniture category includes the upholstery, mattresses, ready-to-assemble, and case goods departments. The Home category includes the domestics, stationery, and home decorative departments. The Seasonal category includes the lawn and garden, Christmas, summer, and other holiday departments. The Play n' Wear category includes the electronics, toys, jewelry, infant accessories, and apparel departments. The Hardlines & Other category includes the appliances, tools, paint, and home maintenance departments. On July 18, 2011, the Company acquired Liquidation World Inc. During the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 (fiscal 2011), the Company opened 92 stores, acquired 89 stores and closed 46 stores.

All of the Company�� stores are located in North America and has an average store size of approximately 29,900 square feet, of which an average of 21,600 square feet is selling square feet. The 54 owned stores are located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, New Mexico, Ohio and Texas. At January 28, 2012, the Company owned or leased approximately 9.4 million square feet of distribution center and warehouse space. The Company leases and operates two regional distribution centers in Canada located in British Columbia and Ontario. Of its 1,533 stores, 33% operate in four states California, Texas, Ohio, and Florida, and net sales from stores in these states represented 36% of its fiscal 2011 net sales.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Bieglmeier]

  Big Lots, Inc. (NYSE:BIG) will announce its first-quarter, 2014 financial results on Friday, May 30, 2014 prior to the market open. On the same day, executives will discuss the financial results on a conference call at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now: Nabors Industries Ltd (NBI)

Nabors Industries Ltd. (Nabors), incorporated on December 11, 2001, is the land drilling contractor and land well-servicing and workover contractors in the United States and Canada. The Company markets approximately 474 land drilling rigs for oils and gas land drilling operations in the United States Lower 48 states, Alaska, Canada and over 20 other countries globally. The Company actively markets approximately 442 rigs for land well-servicing and workover work in the United States and approximately 106 rigs for land well-servicing and workover work in Canada. In 2012, the Company sold its remaining wholly-owned oil and gas business in Colombia and sold additional wholly owned assets in the United States. In April 2012, TransForce Inc. acquired through its subsidiary, I.E. Miller Services, Inc, certain assets of Peak USA Energy Services, Ltd., subsidiary of Nabors Industries Ltd. In December 2012, the Company sold its 49.7% ownership interest in NFR Energy LLC (NFR Energy).

The Company is a provider of offshore platform workover and drilling rigs, and actively markets 36 platform, 12 jackup and four barge rigs in the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico, and multiple international markets.The Company provides completion and production services, including hydraulic fracturing, cementing, nitrogen and acid pressures pumping services with over 805,000 hydraulic horsepower in United States and Canada. The Company offers a range of ancillary well-site services, including engineering, transportation and disposal, construction, maintenance, well logging, directional drilling, rigs instrumentation, data collection and other support services in select United States and international markets. The Company manufactures and lease or sell drives for a ranges of drilling applications, directional drilling systems, rig instrumentation and data collection equipment, pipeline handling equipment and rig reporting software. The Company has a 51% ownership interest in a joint venture in Saudi Arabia, w! hich owns and actively markets nine rigs in addition to the rigs the Company leases to the joint venture.

A land-based drilling rig generally consists of engines, a drawworks, a mast (or derrick), pumps to circulate drilling fluid under various pressures, blowout preventers, drill string and related equipment. Special-purpose drilling rigs used to perform workover services consist of a mobile carrier, which includes an engine, drawworks and a mast, together with other standard drilling accessories and specialized equipment for servicing wells. These rigs are specially designed for repairs and modifications of oil and gas wells, including standard drilling functions. Land-based drilling rigs are moved between well sites and among geographic areas using the Company's fleet of cranes, loaders and transport vehicles or those of third-party service providers.

Platform rigs provide offshore workover, drilling and re-entry services. The Company's platform rigs have drilling and/or well-servicing or workover equipment and machinery arranged in modular packages that are transported to, and assembled and installed on, fixed offshore platforms owned by the customer. Jackup rigs are mobile, self-elevating drilling and workover platforms equipped with legs that can be lowered to the ocean floor until a foundation is established to support the hull, which contains the drilling and/or workover equipment, jacking system, crew quarters, loading and unloading facilities, storage areas for bulk and liquid materials, helicopter landing deck and other related equipment. The Company also own two workover inland barge rigs. These barges are designed to perform plugging and abandonment, well-service or workover services in shallow inland, coastal or offshore waters.

The Company provides a range of wellsite solutions to oil and natural gases companies, consisting primarily of technical pumping services, including hydraulic fracturing, a process sometimes used in the completion of oil and g! as wells ! whereby water, sand and chemicals are injected under pressure into subsurface formations to stimulate gas and oil production, and down-hole surveying services. Other technical services include completion, production and rental tool services. In addition, the Company provides fluid logistics services, including those related to the transportation, storage and disposal of fluids that is used in the drilling, development and production of hydrocarbons.

The Company provides maintenance services on the mechanical apparatus used to pump or lift oils from producing wells. These services include, among other activities, repairing and replacing pumps, sucker rods and tubing. They also occasionally include drilling services. The Company provides the rigs, equipment and crews for these tasks, which are performed on both oil and natural gas wells, but which are more commonly required on oil wells. Producing oil and natural gas wells occasionally require repairs or modifications, called workovers. The Company can also provide other specialized services, including onsite temporary fluid storage; the supply, removal and disposal of specialized fluids used during certain completion and workover operations, and the removal and disposal of salt water that often accompanies the production of oil and natural gas.

Through various subsidiaries, the Company manufactures top drives and catwalks, which is installed on both onshore and offshore drilling rigs. The Company provides heavy equipment to move drilling rigs, water, other fluids and construction materials as well as the means to moves such equipment. The Company offers specialized drilling technologies, including patented steering systems and rigs instrumentation software systems, including ROCKITTM directional drilling system, which is used to provide data collection services to oil and gas exploration and service companies, and RIGWATCHTM software, which is computerized software and equipment that monitors a rig's real-time performance and da! ily repor! ting for drilling operations, making this data available through the Internet.

The Company competes with Helmerich and Payne, Inc., Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc., Basic Energy Services, Inc., Key Energy Services, Inc., Superior Energy Services, Inc., Forbes Energy Services Ltd., Halliburton, Baker Hughes, Weatherford International Ltd., Schlumberger Limited, FTS International Services LLC, C&J Energy Services, Inc. and RPC, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Anora Mahmudova]

  The Nasdaq Composite (COMP) �shed 16.18 points, or 0.4%, to 4,051.50, losing 2.1% over the past three sessions. Biotech stocks sold off, with the Nasdaq Biotechnology index (NBI) �down 1.9%.

• [By Anora Mahmudova]

  The Nasdaq Composite (COMP) �dropped 129.79 points, or 3.1%, its worst one-day percentage decline since November 2011. The Nasdaq Biotech index (NBI) � as well as iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) � dropped 5.6%.

Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now: adidas AG (ADDYY)

adidas AG designs, develops, produces, and markets through its own retail activities a range of athletic and sports lifestyle products. The Company operates in six segments: Wholesale, Retail, TaylorMade-adidas Golf, Rockport, Reebok-CCM Hockey and Other Centrally Managed Brands. adidas AG is the ultimate parent if the adidas Group. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had 169 subsidiaries worldwide. In June 2012, the Company announced that its TaylorMade-adidas Golf business segment completed the acquisition of Adams Golf, Inc.

The Wholesale segment consists of all business activities relating to the distribution of adidas and Reebok products to retail customers. The Retail segment consists of all business activities relating to the sales of adidas and Reebok products directly to consumers through own retail and own e-commerce platforms. adidas and Reebok branded products include footwear, apparel and hardware, such as bags and balls. TaylorMade-adidas Golf includes the three brands: TaylorMade, adidas Golf and Ashworth. TaylorMade designs, develops and assembles golf clubs, balls and accessories. adidas Golf branded products include footwear, apparel, and accessories. Ashworth designs and distributes men�� and women�� lifestyle sportswear. Rockport designs and markets leather footwear for men and women. Reebok-CCM Hockey designs, produces and markets hockey equipment, such as sticks and skates, as well as apparel mainly under the brand names, Reebok Hockey and CCM. The Other Centrally Managed Brands segment primarily includes the business activities of the Y-3 label, under which premium footwear and apparel are designed and distributed.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Jeff Reeves]

  Then there are funds with an even bigger weighting in Europe, like the Vanguard International Growth Fund (VWIGX). About 55% of this fund is invested in European stocks, such as French cosmetics leader L'Oreal (LRLCF) and German athletic brand Adidas (ADDYY).

Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now: Magna International Inc (MGA)

Magna International Inc. (Magna), incorporated on November 16, 1961, is a diversified global automotive supplier. The Company designs, develops and manufactures automotive systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineers and assembles complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers of cars and light trucks. Its capabilities include interior systems, exterior systems, seating systems, powertrain systems, closure systems, roof systems, body and chassis systems, vehicle engineering and contract assembly, vision systems, hybrid and electric vehicles/systems, electronic systems, and through its Magna E-Car Systems partnership (E-Car Systems). Magna operates in three geographic reporting segments: North America, Europe and Rest of World. In January 2011, the Company acquired Automobiltechnik Durbheim, a manufacturer of tapping plates, which assist in the fastening of bolts. The acquired business is located in Germany and has sales to various automobile manufacturers. In May 2011, it acquired a 51% interest in Wuhu Youth Tongyang Auto Plastic Parts Co., Ltd., a supplier of exterior products, mainly front and rear bumpers. In June 2011, it acquired Continental Plastics Co., a supplier of interior products, mainly door panel and seat back assemblies. In August 2011, it acquired Grenville Castings Ltd. In November 2011, Magna acquired ThyssenKrupp Automotive Systems Industrial do Brasil Ltda. In November 2012, the Company's Magna Powertrain operating unit had completed the transaction to acquire ixetic Verwaltungs GmbH (ixetic).

The Company�� North American production sales accounted for approximately 49% of its consolidated sales during the year ended December 31, 2011. Its primary customers in North America in 2011, included BMW, Daimler, Fiat/Chrysler Group, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai-Kia Group, Mazda, Renault-Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen Group. Its European production and vehicle assembly sales accounted for approximately 39% of its consolidated ! sales during 2011. Magna�� primary customers in Europe in 2011, included Aston Martin, BMW, Daimler, Fiat/Chrysler Group, Ford, Geely Group, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai-Kia Group, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault-Nissan, Tata Motors, Toyota, and Volkswagen Group. The Company�� Rest of World production sales accounted for approximately 5% of the Company�� consolidated sales in 2011, respectively. Its primary customers in Rest of World in 2011, included Brilliance Auto, BMW, Chery Automobile, Daimler, Fiat/Chrysler Group, First Automobile Works, Ford, Geely Group, General Motors, Great Wall Motor Company, Guangzhou Automobile, Honda, Hyundai-Kia Group, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault-Nissan, Shanghai Automotive, Suzuki, Tata Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen Group and Yulon Motors.

Interior Systems

The Company designs, engineers and manufactures interior components and systems for the global automotive industry. The primary technologies and processes involved in the manufacturing of interior components and systems include low pressure and injection molding, compression molding, vacuum forming, slush molding, spray urethane and manual and automated assembly and sequencing. Its capabilities include sidewall and trim systems, overhead systems, cargo management systems and cockpit systems.

Seating Systems

It develops and manufactures seating solutions and seat hardware systems for the global automotive industry. Its capabilities range from market and consumer research, full concept development, design and engineering, testing and validation to manufacturing. Its capabilities include complete seating systems, seat structures and mechanisms and foam and trim products. The technologies and processes used in the manufacture of seating and seat hardware systems include traditional cut and sew technology; manual and automated assembly, as well as its Multi-Material Mold-In-Place technology.

Closure Systems

Magna engineers and manufactures cl! osure sys! tems and modules for the global automotive industry. Its capabilities include door modules, window systems, power closure systems, latching systems, driver controls, electronic features and handle assemblies. The primary processes involved in the manufacture of closure systems and modules include light stamping; injection molding, as well as manual and automated assembly.

Body and Chassis Systems

The Company provides metal body systems, components, assemblies and modules, including complete vehicle frames, chassis systems and body-in-white systems, as well as related engineering services, for the global automotive industry. Magna employs a number of different forming technologies, such as hydroforming; stamping; hot stamping; roll forming; aluminum casting; draw bending; advanced welding technologies; as well as finishing technologies such as: e-coating; heat treating, and high temperature wax coating.

Vision Systems

The Company designs, engineers and manufactures vision systems for the global automotive industry. Its vision systems capabilities include interior mirrors, exterior mirrors, electronic vision systems and actuators. The primary processes involved in the manufacture of its vision products include electronics integration; injection molding; painting, as well as manual and automated assembly.

Electronic Systems

The Company designs, engineers and manufactures electronic components and sub-systems for the global automotive industry. Its capabilities include driver assistance and safety systems, engine electronics and sensors, body systems and human-machine interfaces (HMI), intelligent power systems and industrial products. The primary processes involved in the manufacture of electronics products include surface mount placements of electronic components on printed circuit boards, as well as manual and automated assembly of electronic modules.

Exterior Systems

Magna designs, engineers and ma! nufacture! s various exterior components and systems for the global automotive and commercial truck product markets. Its capabilities include front and rear fascia systems, class a composite panels, structural components, sealing systems, modular systems, under hood and underbody components, exterior trim, engineered glass and sheet molding compound material. It utilizes a number of different technologies and processes in connection with these products, including molding technologies, such as injection molding, structural reaction injection, reaction injection, compression and thermoset molding; metal forming processes, such as metal stamping, roll forming, tube forming and stretch bending; extrusion processes, such as co-extrusion, thermoset and thermoplastic extrusion; and finishing processes, including painting, hardcoating, chrome plating, vacuum metallization and anodizing, and manual and automated assembly and sequencing.

Powertrain Systems

Magna designs, engineers and manufactures powertrain systems and components for the global automotive industry. Its capabilities are driveline systems, fluid pressure systems, metal-forming solutions and engineering services and system integration. It employs a variety of different manufacturing capabilities and processing technologies in its powertrain operations, including metal die-forming; flow-forming; stamping and spinning; synchronous roll-forming; die-spline rolling; precision-heavy stamping; fineblanking; aluminum die casting and precision machining; magnesium machining; plastic injection molding and plastic welding; soft and hard processing of gear wheels and shafts; rotary swaging; hardening; laser welding; manual and automated assembly, and end-of-line testing.

The Company y conducts some of its powertrain operations through joint ventures, including a non-controlling, 76.7% equity partnership interest in the Litens Automotive Partnership, which is a supplier of drive subsystems and components. Product offerings include! accessor! y drive systems and products, including auto tensioners and idlers, overrunning alternator decoupler assemblies, Torqfiltr crankshaft vibration control technology, isolating crank pulley assemblies and clutched waterpump pulleys and assemblies; timing drive systems and products, including tensioners (both for belt and chain) and idlers, SmartSprocket tuned sprockets and clutched waterpump pulleys and assemblies, and other specialty products, including vehicle start/stop subsystems. Litens has manufacturing operations in North America (Canada), Europe (Germany) and Rest of World (China, Brazil and India).

Roof Systems

The Company designs, engineers and manufactures vehicle roof systems for the global automotive industry. Its capabilities are retractable hard tops, soft tops and sliding folding and modular roofs.

Vehicle Engineering and Contract Assembly

Magna provides components, systems and vehicle engineering and contract vehicle assembly services for the automotive industry. It is also the brand-independent assembler of complete vehicles and an engineering and manufacturing partner in the field of fuel systems. Its capabilities include engineering services, contract manufacturing and fuel systems. Processes employed in its vehicle engineering and contract assembly operations include manual and automated welding; bonding and riveting; manual and automated painting/coating (dipped and sprayed) and sealing, as well as manual and automated assembly.

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles/Systems

Magna develops, manufactures and integrates hybrid and electric products and vehicle systems through E-Car Systems. Its capabilities under the Hybrid and Electric Vehicles/Systems include components, batteries and vehicle systems. Processes employed in its hybrid and electric vehicles/systems operations include manual and automated assembly; surface mount assembly; wave soldering and point-to-point solder assembly; automated servo changeover for! surface ! mount technology conveyance; stator winding, wire lead fusing, end turn blocking and lacing; rotor core assembly, magnetization and balancing; laser and ultrasonic welding, and dynamometer testing.

Tooling, Engineering and Other

Magna designs, engineers and manufactures tooling for our own use, as well as for sale to its customers. Additionally, the Company provides engineering support services, independent of particular production programs on which it may have production sales.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Rich Duprey]

  At some point, there comes a time to pursue interests beyond your job. For Herbert Demel, chief strategy officer at auto parts supplier Magna International (NYSE: MGA  ) , who turns 60 this year,�that time is now.

• [By Seth Jayson]

  Magna International (NYSE: MGA  ) is expected to report Q1 earnings on May 10. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

  The 10-second takeaway
  Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Magna International's revenues will grow 6.2% and EPS will wane -0.7%.

Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now: Boulder Brands Inc (BDBD)

Boulder Brands, Inc., incorporated on May 31, 2005, is a supplier of gluten-free and health and wellness products in the United States and Canada. The Company distributes its products in all retail channels, including natural, grocery, club and mass merchandise. The Company also has a presence in the foodservice and industrial channels. The Company�� product portfolio consists of spreads, milk and other grocery products marketed under the Smart Balance, Earth Balance and Bestlife brands, and gluten-free products sold under the Udi's, Glutino and Gluten-Free Pantry brands. The Company operates in two segments: Smart Balance and Natural. The Smart Balance segment consists of its branded products in spreads, butter, grocery and milk. The Natural segment consists of its Earth Balance, Glutino and Udi's branded products. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has acquired 100% interests of Phil's Fresh Foods, LLC, owner of EVOL Foods (EVOL).

Smart Balance Products

The Smart Balance line of products is available in a range of categories, formats and sizes in the supermarket, mass merchandise and convenience store channels of distribution. Some of the Company�� buttery spreads are also available in bulk and individual serving formats for use in the industrial and foodservice channels. The Company�� Smart Balance buttery spreads are made from a patented blend of natural oils to help balance fats in the consumer's diet and to help improve the good-to-bad cholesterol ratio when used as part of the Smart Balance Food Plan. Smart Balance Spreadable Butters, available in original, light and extra virgin olive oil varieties, are a blend of creamery fresh butter and canola oil that contain less saturated fat than butter, as well as functional ingredients like EPA/DHA Omega-3 and plant sterols.

The Company offers a range of enhanced milk products, with different varieties containing EPA/DHA Omega-3s, plant sterols, and added levels of calcium and protein. The Comp! any use low and fat-free milks enhanced with non-fat milk solids to give the taste and texture of whole or reduced fat milk. The Company�� milk varieties include fat-free milk, 1% lowfat milk and lactose-free milk and are available in markets across the United States. The Company�� peanut butter products contain ALA Omega-3 from flax oil. The Company�� cooking oil and cooking sprays are designed for use in cooking, baking and salads to aid in avoiding trans fat and hydrogenated oils. The Company also markets a Smart Balance Buttery Burst Spray. The spray has zero calories, zero carbs and zero fats per serving and can be used as a pan spray or as a topping.

The Company�� Smart Balance Light Mayonnaise Dressing has half the fat of regular mayonnaise, is non-hydrogenated, contains zero grams of trans fat and contains natural plant sterols and ALA Omega-3. The Company created the Smart Balance Food Plan, incorporating many of its Smart Balance products, in order to help consumers achieve a healthy balance of natural fats in their daily diet. The plan includes menus, as well as numerous recipes.

Natural

The Earth Balance line of products offers a range of buttery spreads, sticks, soymilks, nut butters and vegan mayo dressings formulated for consumers interested in natural, plant based and organic products. Glutino offers a range of shelf stable and frozen gluten-free products, including snack foods, frozen baked goods, frozen entrees and baking mixes, throughout the United States and Canada. Glutino also offers a range of fresh breads under the Genius brand name. Based in Denver, Colorado, Udi's markets gluten-free products under the Udi's Gluten Free Foods brand in the retail market. The Company owns and operates a health and wellness, subscripton-based Website at www.thebestlife.com, which is based on the philosophies of Bob Greene.

The Company competes with Unilever, ConAgra Foods, Dean Foods, Land O' Lakes, Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Food for L! ife, Van'! s, Nature's Path, Mary's Gone Crackers, Enjoy Life, Pamela's Gluten Free, Rudi's Gluten-Free, French Meadow Bakery, Schar, Kinnikinnick, Amy's Gluten Free, Snyder's, Blue Diamond Gluten-Free, Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free and Food Should Taste Good.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By David Sterman]

  Although shares of Boulder Brands (Nasdaq: BDBD) are up more than 60% since then, Home Loan Servicing (Nasdaq: HLSS) has merely treaded water while Swift Energy has continued its downward ascent.

• [By Selena Maranjian]

  Boulder Brands (NASDAQ: BDBD  ) gained 38%, and though you may think you don't know the company, it used to be Smart Balance until recently, and sports healthy-leaning brands, such as Smart Balance, Udi's, Glutino, Earth Balance, and Best Life. (The company is based�in New Jersey, not Colorado, too.) Boulder recently bought 80% of GlucoBrands, owner of Level Life Foods, which specializes in blood-sugar-managing products such as bars and shakes. Boulder Brands is free-cash-flow positive�and enjoying double-digit�revenue growth.

• [By Pendulum]

  Gluten-free products are the growth engine for Boulder Brands (BDBD). Certain consumers require gluten-free products for medical reasons, but Boulder Brands believes that the potential for gluten-free products is much wider. Bulls argue that the benefits of gluten-free foods extend to the broader population and consumers will gravitate toward gluten-free over time. Bears argue that only a small segment of the population really requires gluten-free food and the much hyped gluten-free diet (for the broader population) is a fad. In the near term, the company has the potential to benefit from new gluten-free labeling as well as broader distribution and an expanded product offering. With the company trading at a high valuation, after a nice rally, is the optimism about gluten-free already priced-in or is there more upside?

• [By John Udovich]

  However and not helping the stock around that time was a very�lengthy article by the�Prescience Point Research Group on Seeking Alpha entitled: Fleetmatics Group PLC: Accounting Shenanigans Are Inflating Its Financials, While Insiders Sell Aggressively. Investors and shorts alike can read the article and make their own judgment, but some of the commenters have pointed out that similar attack articles from Prescience Point Research Group on stocks like the Active Network Inc (NYSE: ACTV) and Boulder Brands Inc (NASDAQ: BDBD) have backfired on the shorts. With that said, the article does highlight some of the risks investors face with the stock.

Top Life Sciences Companies To Watch In Right Now: Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd (NAK)

Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (Northern Dynasty) is engaged in the exploration of mineral properties. The Company holds 650 square miles of mineral claims in southwest Alaska, United States. As of December 31, 2011, the Company owned 50% interest in the Pebble Limited Partnership (the Pebble Partnership). The Pebble Partnership owns the Pebble Copper-Gold-Molybdenum Project (the Pebble Project). Its principal mineral property interest is located in Alaska, United States. The Pebble property (Pebble) is located in southwest Alaska, 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the villages of Iliamna and Newhalen, and approximately 200 miles (320 kilometers) southwest of the city of Anchorage. The Company�� wholly owned subsidiaries include 3537137 Canada Inc., Northern Dynasty Partnership and U5 Resources Inc. In December 2013, the Company announced that it has completed the re-acquired 100% ownership and control of the Pebble Partnership. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Kramer-Miller]

  This article is about Northern Dynasty Minerals (NAK). Northern Dynasty Minerals has a market capitalization of $190 million. It is a 50% owner of the Pebble Mine in Alaska.

• [By Paul Ausick]

  Stocks on the move: Boise Inc. (NYSE: BZ) is up 26% at $12.55 following the company�� acquisition by Packaging Corporation of America Inc. (NYSE: PKG) for $12.55 a share ($1.28 billion). Omeros Corp. (NASDAQ: OMER) is up 68.2% at $8.56 following an analyst upgrade. Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. (NYSEArca: NAK) is down 33.3% at $1.48 following an announcement from Anglo American plc that it was withdrawing from a massive copper mining project in Alaska.

• [By Rich Duprey]

  Canadian mineral exploration and development company Northern Dynasty Minerals (NYSEMKT: NAK  ) has approved an $80 million budget for 2013 to advance its Pebble project in Alaska.