Top 5 Tech Companies To Buy For 2014

Anytime a megablockbuster nears the end of its IP-protected life, plenty of companies will emerge to get a piece of the pie. In this case,�Roche� (NASDAQOTH: RHHBY  ) has two megablockbusters with a combined $13.5 billion in 2012 sales coming off patent in the next several years. That is bad news for the innovator, but opens a big opportunity for the various companies targeting biosimilars. In fact, a total of 19 trials are under way to develop generic versions of Rituxan and Herceptin. In the following video, Fool contributor Maxx Chatsko tells investors which companies to keep an eye on in the race to unseat Roche.

While you can certainly make huge gains in biotech and pharmaceuticals, the best investing approach is to choose great companies and stick with them for the long term. The Motley Fool's free report "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich" names stocks that could help you build long-term wealth and retire well, along with some winning wealth-building strategies that every investor should be aware of.�Click here now�to keep reading.

Top 5 Tech Companies To Buy For 2014: ARM Holdings PLC (ARMH.O)

ARM Holdings plc (ARM), incorporated on October 16, 1990, designs microprocessors, physical intellectual property (IP) and related technology and software, and sells development tools. As of December 31, 2012, the Company operated in three business segments: the Processor Division (PD), the Physical IP Division (PIPD) and the System Design Division (SDD). ARM licenses and sells its technology and products to international electronics companies, which in turn manufacture, markets and sells microprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and application-specific standard processors (ASSPs) based on ARM�� technology to systems companies for incorporation into a range of end products. It also licenses and sells development tools directly to systems companies and provides support services to its licensees, systems companies and other systems designers.

ARM processor architecture and physical IP is used in embedded microprocessor applications , including cellular phones, digital televisions, mobile computers and personal computer peripherals, smart cards and microcontrollers. ARM�� principal geographic markets are Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific. ARM�� product offering includes microprocessor Cores: RISC microprocessor cores, including specific functions, such as video and graphics IP and on-chip fabric IP; embedded software; physical IP; development tools, and support and maintenance services.

Processor Division

The PD encompasses those resources that are centered on microprocessor cores, including specific functions, such as graphics IP, fabric IP, embedded software IP and configurable digital signal processing (DSP) IP. Service revenues consist of design consulting services and revenues from support, maintenance and training.

Physical IP Division

The PIPD is focused on building blocks for translation of a circuit design into actual silicon. Du ring the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company�� tot! al! average PIPD headcount was 557. ARM is a provider of physical IP components for the design and manufacture of integrated circuits, including systems-on-chip (SoCs). ARM Artisan physical IP products include embedded memory, standard cell and input/output components. Artisan physical IP also includes a limited portfolio of analog and mixed-signal products. ARM�� physical IP components are developed for a range of process geometries ranging from 20 nanometer - 250 nanometer. ARM licenses its products to customers for the design and manufacture of integrated circuits used in complex, high-volume applications, such as portable computing devices, communication systems, cellular phones, microcontrollers, consumer multimedia products, automotive electronics, personal computers and workstations and many others.

ARM�� embedded memory components include random access memories, read only memories and register files. These memories are provided in the form of a configur able memory compiler, which allows the customer to generate the appropriate configuration for the given application. ARM�� memory components include many configurable features, such as power-down modes, low-voltage data retention and fully static operation, as well as different transistor options to trade off performance and power. In addition, ARM�� memory components include built-in test interfaces that support the industry test methodologies and tools. ARM memory components also offer redundant storage elements.

ARM�� memory components are designed to enable the chip designer maximum flexibility to achieve the optimum power, performance, and density trade-off. ARM offers standard cell components that are optimized for high performance, high density or ultra high density. ARM logic products deliver optimal performance, power and area when building ARM Processors, Graphics, Video and Fabric IP along with general SoC subsystem implementation. ARM delivers physical interface for a range of DDR SDRAM (double-data! rat! e s! ynchro! nous dynamic random-access memory) applications ranging from mission critical applications to low-power memory sub-systems. Silicon on Insulator (SOI) products is an alternative methodology to traditional semiconductor fabrication techniques.

System Design Division

The SDD is focused on the tools and models used to create and debug software and system-on-chip (SoC) designs. ARM�� software development tools help a software design engineer deliver products right the first time. Engineers use these tools in the design and deployment of code, from applications running on open operating systems right through to low-level firmware. The ARM Development Studio is a hardware components that allow the software designer to connect to a real target system and control the system for the purposes of finding errors in the software. The ARM DSTREAM unit allows the software developer to control the software running on the prototype product and examine the internal state of the prototype product. ARM Development Boards are ideal systems for prototyping ARM-based products. The ARM Microcontroller Development Kit supports ARM-based microcontrollers and 8051-based microcontrollers from companies, such as Analog Devices, Atmel, Freescale, Fujitsu, NXP, Samsung, Sharp, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments and Toshiba. The ARM Microcontroller Development Kit is used by developers who are building products and writing software using standard off-the-shelf microcontrollers.

The ARM Microprocessor Families

ARM architecture processors offers a range of performance options in the ARM7 family, ARM9 family, ARM11 family, ARM Cortex family and ARM SecurCore family. The ARM architecture gives systems designers a choice of processor cores at different performance/price points. The ARM7 offers 32-bit architecture capable of operating from 8/16-bit memory on an 8/16-bit bus through the implementation of the Thumb instruction set. The ARM9 family consists of a range of micropro! cessors !! in the 15! 0-250MHz range. Each processor has been designed for a specific application or function, such as an application processor for a feature phone or running a wireless fidelity (WiFi) protocol stack. The ARM9 family consists of a range of microprocessors in the 150-250 megahertz range. The ARM11 family consists of a range of microprocessors in the 300-600 megahertz range. ARM Cortex family is ARM�� family of processor cores based on version 7 of the ARM Architecture. The family is split into three series: A Series, A Series and M Series.

Top 5 Tech Companies To Buy For 2014: Acme Packet Inc.(APKT)

Acme Packet, Inc. provides session delivery network solutions that enable the delivery of voice, video, data, and unified communications services and applications across Internet protocol (IP) networks. Its Net-Net product family consists of session border controllers that control session delivery across defined border points; session managers, which manage user access and interface application servers; multiservice security gateways for securing session delivery of data and voice services over untrusted Internet and wireless fidelity access networks; and diameter signaling controllers. The company?s Net-Net products also comprise session-aware load balancers that scales border control for SBC, MSG, and DSC deployments; session routing proxies that route sessions to/from access and interconnect borders; application session controllers for enabling server applications to initiate and control sessions; and session recorders, a complete software-based IP session recording so lution, which performs session recording for the session delivery network. In addition, it offers purpose-built hardware platforms, including Net-Net 3820, 4500, 9200, and 14000; and Net-Net Central, a management platform that delivers configuration and fault, and performance and security management for its session delivery networks. Further, the company offers products that provide core session delivery network functions inside data centers as software products; and pre-installation and post-installation, and training services. Acme Packet, Inc. markets and sells its products and support services through distribution partners and sales force. It serves local exchange and long distance providers, international service providers, cable operators, Internet telephony service providers, voice application service providers, wireless service providers, enterprises, contact centers, universities, and government agencies worldwide. Acme Packet, Inc. is headquartered in Bedford, Mass achusetts.

Hot Insurance Stocks To Invest In 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 TheStreet Staff]

   Gilead Sciences (GILD) hits a snag that delays the filing, approval or launch of its all-oral Hepatitis C drug regimen. Investors also wake up to the realization that the commercial market for Hep C drugs is far smaller than expected. Gilead shares close in the red for the year. This is my Black Swan prediction for 2013.

Top 5 Tech Companies To Buy For 2014: The Ultimate Software Group Inc.(ULTI)

The Ultimate Software Group, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, and markets unified human capital management software-as-a-service solutions to businesses in the United States and Canada. Its UltiPro software solution offers businesses with cloud-based functionality to manage the employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement. The UltiPro solution includes feature sets for talent acquisition and onboarding, human resource management and compliance, benefits management and online enrollment, payroll, performance management, salary planning and budgeting for compensation management, succession management, reporting and analytical decision-making tools, and time and attendance, as well as role-based access for executives, managers, administrators, and employees. The company offers its products and services for various industries, including manufacturing, food services, sports, technology, finance, insurance, retail, real estate, transportation, com munications, healthcare, and other services. It also provides implementation, training, maintenance, and technical support services. The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. markets its products under the UltiPro Enterprise and UltiPro Workplace brand names through its direct sales teams. The company was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Weston, Florida.

Top 5 Tech Companies To Buy For 2014: Identive Group Inc.(INVE)

Identive Group, Inc. provides secure identification (ID) solutions that combine the convenience of radio frequency identification (RFID) with the security of smart card technology to enable people to interact with and manage digital devices, systems, and data. The company operates in two segments, Identity Management Solutions and Services, and Identification Products and Components. The Identity Management Solutions and Services segment designs, supplies, and manages solutions, systems, and services that enable the secure management of credentials. It provides integrated physical and logical access systems, integrated ID solutions, cashless payment solutions, and cloud-based credential management systems, designed to enable organizations provide convenience and speed for users while supporting security and compliance to regulatory requirements. This segment sells its solutions under the Hirsch Identive, idOnDemand, and Multicard brands to end customers that operate in the government, education, enterprise, and commercial markets; and in multiple vertical market segments, such as healthcare, banking, industrial, retail, and critical infrastructure. The Identification Products and Components segment designs and manufactures RFID and smart card technology-based products and components, including NFC products and components, that are used in the government, enterprise, and consumer markets for various identity-based and related applications, such as logical access, physical access, eHealth, eGovernment, citizen ID, mobile payments, loyalty schemes, and transportation and event ticketing primarily under the Identive brand. The company markets its products through OEMs, distributors, dealers, system integrators, value-added resellers, resellers, and Internet. The company was formerly known as SCM Microsystems, Inc. and changed its name to Identive Group, Inc. in June 2010. Identive Group, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.