As investors get set for the beginning of 2014 here are four companies using technologies to get their businesses zooming.
NewSat (ASX: NWT) has finished the construction of its Jabiru-2 satellite and is now preparing for its launch in 2014. With a 15 year in-orbit mission life and an increasing percentage of the satellite's capacity contracted for, the company and its asset will be literally zooming into space in the New Year.
Vmoto (ASX: VMT) is a Perth-based company with a wholly-owned factory in China for the manufacture of electric and petrol powered scooters. Vmoto is hoping its electric scooter will be popular with the Chinese consumer, leading to its customers zooming around on a Vmoto scooter.
Quickstep (ASX: QHL) has developed a novel approach for the manufacture of composite components which allows for the quick production of specialty parts. Quickstep has been contracted to manufacture parts for the F-35 Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter program, which is the single largest military program in history. The jet fighter will be able to reach supersonic speed and with more contract wins by Quickstep hopefully shareholders will see their company speeding ahead as well.
Austal (ASX: ASB) is engaged in the design and manufacture of vessels for both military and civilian purposes. Austal's flagship products include the Littoral Combat Ship and the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) for the United States Navy. With operational testing of JHSV 1 successfully completed in October, Austal could be in for a 'high-speed' New Year.
Foolish takeaway
Companies undergoing step changes in their business for reasons such as new product launches or the opening up of new markets can see their revenues and earnings move up a gear. Investors who position their portfolios accurately to benefit from these types of boosts to earnings are well placed to get their portfolios zooming higher in 2014.
