Top Companies To Watch For 2014

The bull market has continued roaring ahead in 2013, and many of the companies that appeared to be in the direst of straits coming out of 2012 have been among the best-performing stocks so far this year. But just because these stocks appear to be back from the dead doesn't mean that they're necessarily smart bets for new money now.

In the following video, Fool contributor Dan Caplinger looks at five stocks that have been among the top performers so far in 2013. He notes that despite their big runs, they've still left long-term investors with substantial losses, and it's far from clear whether all of them will survive. Dan concludes with his own ideas about which of these five stocks has the best prospects going forward and which appear riskier than they're worth.

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Top Companies To Watch For 2014: Rocklands Richfield PCI Ltd(RCI.AX)

Rocklands Richfield Limited engages in the exploration and development of coalfields in Australia. It primarily explores for coking coal in the Bowen Basin region of Queensland. The company holds a 100% interest in the Hillalong mineral development license comprising approximately 3,189 hectares located in the northeastern section of the Bowen Basin; a 60% interest in the Rocklands project comprising 150 square kilometer exploration permit located in the central part of the Bowen Basin; and a 60% interest in the Richfield coal projects located in the Bowen Basin region. Rocklands Richfield Limited is based in South Perth, Australia.

Top Companies To Watch For 2014: Communication Design Intl Ltd(5HT.SI)

Communication Design International Limited operates as an outsourced marketing and communications company primarily in Singapore. It provides creative conceptualization, project implementation, roll-out, and maintenance services. The company involves in the provision of project management services, including interior fit-out and roll out for retail stores, museums, and corporate offices; design, production, installation, and dismantle of display stands, temporary booths, or kiosks for participants of exhibitions, trade shows, and road shows; and construction of mock-ups, supervising of rehearsals, and on-site/in-booth technical support, as well as auxiliary services, such as shipping, warehousing, and logistics. It also offers event management services, which comprise strategic events planning, conceptualization, production, and logistics management services for conferences, seminars, product launches, award ceremonies, and other corporate events. In addition, the company engages in the provision of interior design services, including design support, graphic production, and financial management, as well as branding, design consultancy, and filming services; and design and construction of interior furnishings. Communication Design International Limited was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Singapore with additional offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, the People?s Republic of China, and the United Arab Emirates.

Hot Electric Utility Companies To Buy For 2014: Taylor Wimpey(TW.L)

Taylor Wimpey plc operates as a homebuilding company primarily in the United Kingdom and Spain. Its product range includes high-rise condominiums, single family homes, townhomes, full service country club communities, apartments, and five bedroom houses. The company offers its products under Taylor Wimpey, George Wimpey, and Bryant Homes brands in the United Kingdom and Spain. Taylor Wimpey plc manages a portfolio of approximately 170,000 land plots across the United Kingdom and Spain. The company was founded in 1880 and is headquartered in High Wycombe, the United Kingdom.

Top Companies To Watch For 2014: Town Sports International Holdings Inc.(CLUB)

Town Sports International Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates fitness clubs in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. Its facilities include cardiovascular equipment; free weight and strength equipment; group exercise and cycling studios; the entertainment system network; locker rooms, including shower facilities and towel services; and other amenities, such as saunas, babysitting, and a pro-shop. The company also provides swimming pools, and racquet and basketball courts; and programs, which include small group training, children?s programs, and other programs targeting adult members. As of December 31, 2011, it operated 160 fitness clubs comprising 108 New York Sports Clubs, 25 Boston Sports Clubs, 18 Washington Sports Clubs, and 6 Philadelphia Sports Clubs, as well as 3 clubs located in Switzerland. The company is based in New York, New York.