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Sohu.com (SOHU): Online in China
2008-12-15 06:00:00
"Although I am not a big fan of either technology stocks or Chinese stocks, bear markets do create opportunities -- such as Sohu .com (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=sohu). (NASDAQ: SOHU (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=sohu)), says Jack Adamo (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2631).In Jack Adamo's Insiders Plus (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2631), the advisor reviews Sohu.com, the second-largest internet search engine company in China ."In recent quarters, it has made 42% of its revenues from search and display advertising; the rest comes from online gaming and wireless services. Earnings in the September quarter grew by more than fourfold year-over-year."With the Olympics over and the economy slowing to an expected GDP rate of 7%, earnings growth at Sohu is expected to slow as well. The last few quarters bear that out. But even in the slowing environment, earnings were up 14% compared to the June quarter. "Fo...
More About: Online

Aerovironment (AVAV): Remote control
2008-12-15 06:00:00
"Aerovironment (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=avav) (NASDAQ: AVAV (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=avav)) is a play on the war on terror and the development of remote-control military products," says Leo Fasciocco (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2644) in The Ticker Tape Digest (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2644)."Based in Monrovia, Ca., with $200 million a year in revenues, Aerovironment makes small, unmanned, remote-control military aircraft and rapid battery-charging stations."Its small planes are used extensively by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and increasingly by allied military services to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through reliable, real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition."AVAV’s efficient energy systems include PosiCharge fast charge systems for increasing the productivity of industrial electric vehicles, and Architectur...
More About: Remote Control , Control , Remote

Network duo from small cap expert
2008-12-15 06:00:00
In The Oberweis Report (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2642), small cap expert Jim Oberweis, Jr. (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2642) looks to a pair of networkers among his new buys: Cavium Network s (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=cavm) (NASDAQ: CAVM (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=cavm)) and Neutral Tandem (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=tndm) (NASDAQ: TNDM (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=tndm))."Cavium Networks is a provider of highly integrated semiconductor processors that enable intelligent networking, communications and security applications."The company’s products enable intelligent processing because they allow customers to develop networking equipment that is application-aware and content-aware and securely processes voice, video and data traffic at high speeds."In the company’s latest reported third quarter, sales increased approximately 73% to $24.5 million ...
More About: Small , Expert

Intuitive Surgical (ISRG): daVinci paints profit picture
2008-12-12 06:00:00
"Intuitive Surgical (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=isrg) (NASDAQ: ISRG (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=isrg)) manufactures and sells the da Vinci Surgical System, which allows doctors to perform complex surgeries through a small, minimally invasive incision," notes Paul Tracy (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2627). In his Street Authority Market Advisor (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2627), the growth stock expert explains, "The company is a proven grower in a defensive industry group; further, the stock is trading at its lowest valuation since 2001." "Unlike traditional surgery, physicians do not control their instruments directly; instead, the da Vinci system interprets hand movements to control a robotic arm and instruments."The da Vinci system is clinically proven to shorten patients' recovery times and reduce the risk of complications. In addition, da Vinci's three-dimensional display is easier for...
More About: Picture , Profit , Paints , Davinci

America Movil (AMX): 'Dirt cheap'
2008-12-12 06:00:00
"America Movil (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=amx) (NYSE: AMX (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=amx)) is the premier telecom choice in Latin Americao," says Rudy Martin (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2635), editor of the recently launched newsletter, Latin Stock Investing (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2635). The advisor explains, "With the shares down 44% over the last year, the stock is dirt cheap. Buy, buy, buy." Here is his review."Investors have overly discounted this company's franchise, its growth prospects and cash generating ability. Here are three reasons why America Movil is still on my Focus List.1. It's the leading telecommunications operating company in Latin America. Ccontrolled by billionaire Carlos Slim, management streamlined a large bureaucracy and refocused on coming to market with new products quickly.2. Financial strength will be a competitive advantage. Management has made it clea...
More About: Cheap , Dirt

Wake up to Green Mountain (GMCR)
2008-12-12 06:00:00
"Coffee is a recession-proof necessity, and judging by performance of Green Mountain Coffee (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=gmcr) (NASDAQ: GMCR (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=gmcr)), other investors agree," says Elizabeth Harrow (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2640) in Schaeffer's Research (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2640)."Vermont-based Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (NASDAQ: GMCR), my latest 'undiscovered gem,' engages in roasting, packaging, and distributing roasted coffee, primarily in the northeastern United States."In addition to its eponymous brand of beans, the company has Newman's Own Organics under its corporate umbrella."With a market cap of $750 million, GMCR is definitely a small-cap stock. GMCR has steadily gained on the S&P 500 Index on a relative-strength basis. This outperformance has persisted, even throughout the recent broad-market turmoil."Despite the security's soli...
More About: Wake , Wake up

New Oriental (EDU): 'Gaokoa' gains
2008-12-12 06:00:00
"It is no surprise to me that New Oriental Education (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=edu) NYSE: EDU (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=edu)) delivered another great quarter," states China stock expert, Tony Sagami (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2641). Here's the latest from the Asia Stock Alert (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2641)."Even the Beijing Olympics or the aftershocks from the Sichuan earthquake couldn’t slow it down."The number of students taking classes grew to 545,000, a 24% surge from the same period a year ago. Higher enrollment and higher tuition fees increased revenues by 47%, to $118.3 million."Profits rose to $1.17 per share, 34% more than last year. Deferred revenue — fees paid by students who haven’t taken classes yet — grew to $42.6 million, a 60% jump from last year. The company added 15 new schools and learning centers in the last quarter."In particular, the Gaoko...

Natus Medical : A bet on BABY
2008-12-11 06:00:00
"I just love to find a monopoly that provides real value in an important and growing area," says the Dave Dyer (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2636 ), referring to Natus Medical (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=baby) (NASDAQ: BABY (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=baby)).In his Dave Dyer's Newsletter (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2636 ), he explains, "Natus is, a maker of equipment used to test the hearing of newborn infants; its equipment tested 90% to 95% of the 4.3 million babies born in America last year.""Natus' equipment is sold to hospitals and clinics, and BABY also gets $9 in revenue for consumables from each test. This is an important test for infants to have. Hearing impairment is the most common treatable impairment in newborns, affecting 5 in every 1,000 babies."Prior to BABY’s testing, it would turn up much later when the child was having learning problems, so this test is really valu...
More About: Baby

McMillan's best bets
2008-12-11 06:00:00
"We are inclined to maintain a near-term bullish view with the S&P 500 above 870," says options expert Larry McMillan (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2638 ) in his Daily Strategist (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2638 ). Here's his outlook and some new trading ideas."The trend towards 'normalization' in the asset allocation process; and a less volatile market environment by extension has continued. Safe assets -- such as Treasury Bonds and the Japanese Yen -- have pulled back, while 'risky' assets such as commodities, and equities have all rallied."This indicates that risk aversion is starting to decrease: though we would not go so far as to assert that an appetite for risky assets has returned."Market breadth, which was already on a buy, moved to overbought status for the first time since mid-August, and it's really been since May that they were this overbought."In the early stages of an upside breakout, it's ...
More About: Bets

Commodity ETF: "Contrarian dream'
2008-12-11 06:00:00
"It’s been very difficult to remain patient in commodities; but we will see a major bounce and if you’re not positioned now, you’ll miss it," says Eric Roseman (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2637 ) in Commodity Trend Alert (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2637 )."I think most commodities will begin to bounce off these current lows. It’s also fair to assume that any sizable rally for commodities will be tied to gains in stocks."Both asset classes are tied to the growth cycle; any hint that economic growth might not be as dire as projected in 2009 will propel both stocks and commodities higher."The heavily energy-weighted S&P Goldman Sachs Commodity Index (GSCI) has crashed since July when oil hit an all-time high of $147 a barrel. Energy futures are currently 67% of the GSCI – more than any other diversified commodities benchmark."The iShares S&P/GSCI Index Fund (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=gsg)...
More About: Dream

On a turnaround Qwest (Q) to profits
2008-12-11 06:00:00
"Investors have been focusing on the shortcomings at Qwest Communications International (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=q) (NYSE: Q (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=q)), and to be sure, it has plenty," observes turnaround specialist George Putnam (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2633).In his The Turnaround Letter (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2633), he adds, "But the company also has very valuable assets and strong cash flow. In addition, we believe the stock would command a good premium in a takeover." Here's his bullish review."Following its IPO in 1995, Qwest expanded via acquisitions and partnerships, and participated in the telecom bubble of the late 1990’s."Unlike many of the other high-flying telecoms of that era, however, Qwest realized that in addition to a story you needed customers. In 2000, it went out and acquired US West, which gave Qwest the revenue base to survive the bursting of the te...
More About: Profits

Notice to advisors: Top Picks for 2009
2008-12-11 06:00:00
As a reminder to all advisors, our 26th annual Top Stock Picks report -- in which we ask the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors to provide their single favorite stock for the coming year -- will be due by the end of next week. To submit your Top Pick or for any questions, please contact steven@thestockadvisors.com.
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Value shopping: Jos. A Bank (JOSB)
2008-12-10 06:00:00
"Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, Inc. (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=josb) (NASDAQ: JOSB (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=josb)) matches the value criteria used by our Benjamin Graham stock screening model by 100%," suggests John Reese (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2624).In his always-intiruging newsletter, Validea (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2624), he assesses stocks based on the strategies of numerous "legendary" stock market investors. Here's his review of the apparel retailing chain."Jos. A. Bank is a designer, retailer and direct marketer of men's tailored and casual clothing and accessories through stores, catalog and Internet."The company sells substantially all of its products exclusively under the Jos. A. Bank label through its 422 retail stores, as well as through the company's nationwide catalog and Internet operations."Our Ben Graham stock selection model requires that the current ratio mus...
More About: Shopping

Towerstream (TWER): Cash bargain?
2008-12-10 06:00:00
For those comfortable speculating on a stock below $1, Asif Suria (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2630) looks at Towerstream (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=twer) (NASDAQ: TWER (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=twer)). In SINLetter (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2630), he says, "The stock is trades below the cash on its balance sheet.""Towerstream, with a market cap of $23.5 million, not only sells for below book value of $35 million, but is selling at a discount to the $25.4 million in cash it holds on its balance sheet after removing $2.6 million in debt."Towerstream reported third quarter results in November and almost every single metric improved year-over-year with the exception of average revenue per user for new customers. Gross margins increased from 63% to 64%."Towerstream has consistently maintained low churn rates and from what I have heard, customers who have initially purchased an internet line from ...
More About: Bargain , Cash

Professional Timing targets gold & silver
2008-12-10 06:00:00
"Gold holds great promise, regardless of whether we see inflation or deflation in the future," says resource expert Curtis Hesler (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2634 ).In his industry-leading The Professional Tming Service (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2634 ) he suggests, "If you do not own gold, there has not been a better time in years to be a buyer." Here, he looks at Central Fund of Canada (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=cef) (NYSE: CEF (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=cef)) and Silver Wheaton (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=slw) (NYSE: SLW (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=slw))."Gold looks like the least risky place to be invested considering the growing crisis of confidence surrounding global financial markets and panic selling waves. Traditionally, gold has done very well during deflationary times."However, deflation is a low probability outcome as the powers that be address...
More About: Timing

Israel Chemical (ISCHF): Dead Sea potash
2008-12-10 06:00:00
"The numbers coming out of Israel Chemical s (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=ischf) (Other OTC: ISCHF (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=ischf)) make an incredibly strong case for the stock," says international investing expert Vivian Lewis (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2632 ) in Global Investing (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2632 ).."According to an analyst report from Citi, the stock's p/e ratio is 2.4. The yield is 17.5%. ISCHF's profits are the highest of any Israeli company. Its Q3 net income at $846 million is up 122% year over year. That is 122%."The debt (net of cash and liquid assets) is 11.8% of equity. Its free float is only 38% of outstanding shares as 52% are owned by Israel Corp. (the Ofer family) and another 10% by Potash Corp. "The current price drop, of course, has a reason. There are intimations that sales of fertilizers will drop sharply in the current quarter. "They always do, since ...
More About: Dead , Dead Sea

Tesoro (TSO): Refinery turnaround?
2008-12-09 06:00:00
"Tesoro Corporation (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=tso) (NYSE: TSO (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=tso)), one of the largest oil refiners in the world, has suffered a brutal beating, falling from $60 per share earlier this year to below $8 recently," points out special situations specialist Karim Rahemtulla (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2623).In his Xcelerated Profits Report (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2623), he explains, "Currently sporting a share price that is fully half the company’s book value, TSO also has earnings power back on its side and is trading at six times this year’s earnings." Here's his bullish long-term outlook."You can blame the combination of a crisis-hit market and record oil prices in July for the decline in Tesoro. You see, while OPEC might have made a killing, oil refineries couldn’t keep up with the rising cost of making the gasoline, versus the price consu...

New Ireland (IRL): Luck of the Irish
2008-12-09 06:00:00
Fund specialist Richard Lehmann (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2628 ) selects an Ireland -focused position -- IRL (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=irl)) -- for his recent global spotlight. Here's the latest from The ETF Investor (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2628 )."The decline in stock markets is truly global and correlates with a global economic slowdown. "While China predicts its growth will slow to near 8%, it is a big drop from the 12% annual rate. Markets may be over reacting to the perceived slowdown, but there is no doubt economies will do less well than anticipated last year."Part of the market decline is the de-leveraging of many large funds that have to sell to repay short-term borrowing. Our investment stance at this point is to avoid loss rather than to seek gains."The best international candidate is the New Ireland Fund. The Irish economy has experienced a miracle in growth over the last few years engendered...
More About: Luck

Veolia (NYSE: VE): 'Global juggernaut' in water sector
2008-12-09 06:00:00
"Water is a natural resource that every one of the world's seven billion people needs every single day to survive," notes value investor Nathan Slaughter (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2625).In his top-notch Half -Priced Stocks (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2625), he says, "Stock in this sector could soon flood their shareholders with a deluge of profits." His top play? Veolia Environnement (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=ve) (NYSE: VE (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=ve)) -- a "global juggernaut with $45 billion in annual revenues, operating on every continent.""Even in the 21st century, UNICEF reports that a staggering 1.1 billion in emerging markets still lack access to safe drinking water."And here in the U.S., the EPA has said we need to spend $275 billion to replace aging facilities -- including 800,000 miles of leaky, corroded pipeline that haven't been upgraded since the 1800's in some plac...
More About: Global

Yingli Green (YGE): 'One-two punch'
2008-12-09 06:00:00
"Yingli Green Energy Holdings (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=yge) (NYSE: YGE (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=yge)) is recovering from a one-two punch from plunging oil prices and a massive short attack," says Jim Trippon (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2626) in The China Stock Digest (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2626)."The stock was driven down from a 52-week high above $40 to below $3. Such low valuations are not rational for an industry leader."As a vertically integrated company, Yingli is unique. The company turns raw polysilicon into ingots, slices the ingots into cells and then builds the modules that most of us in the West refer to as solar panels."Yingli takes its vertical integration one step further by assembling groups of panels into complex systems able to link into the electricity grid or into corporate electric power systems."This kind of integration has a distinct advantage in many ways. It giv...
More About: Punch

Business development companies: Risk and reward
2008-12-08 06:00:00
"The reality for Business Development Companies (BDC) -- firms that specialize in mezzanine financing for smaller companies -- has changed, with a higher risk for even the best of them," cautions Adrian Day (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2621 ).However, the editor of The Global Analyst (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2621 ). adds, "If you have capital and a long-term view, there are some outstanding buys now in this sector, which has been deciminated over dividend concerns." Here, he reviews a pair of speculative, high yielding ideas."Under the traditional BDC model, companies paid out as dividends all Net Operating Income (including net gains from sales)."Because they paid out all income and because leverage is limited to one-to-one, thus limiting the ability to raise funds via debt, then in order to grow, companies must issue new equity."This is part of the model and for decades, companies have successfully raised equity in order to fund ...
More About: Risk , Reward

URS Corp.; (URS): Quant eyes infrastructure stimulus
2008-12-08 06:00:00
"URS Corp. (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=urs) (NYSE: URS (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=urs)) provides engineering, construction, and technical services to a wide range of markets," says quantiative analyst Vahan Janjigian (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2619).In The Forbes Growth Investor (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2619), he adds, "There is increased speculation that the federal government will enact a stimulus package containing substantial spending on infrastructure; as a leader in federally-funded projects,URS could benefit significantly.""The U.S. was responsible for 91% of first half 2008 revenues with the remainder derived from various global markets. URS operates three divisions. The Washington division was responsible for 41.2% of first half sales."Acquired last November, its primary markets are energy and power. The URS division,which generated 35.4% of first half sales, serves the commercial, ...
More About: Eyes , Infrastructure

Potash (POT): Playing the ag theme
2008-12-08 06:00:00
"Potash Corp. (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=pot) (NYSE: POT (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=pot)), operating in the fastest-growing segment in the fertilizer business, is a good holding on the agricultural theme," says Yiannis Mostrous (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2622 ) in Vital Resource Investor (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2622 )."Potash Corp. is the world’s largest and lowest-cost publicly traded potash producer, controlling about 70% of the world’s excess capacity. It is also the world’s third-largest phosphate producer and fourth-largest nitrogen producer."Potash Corp. has historically been a strong cash flow-generating company that used its cash to consolidate its position through outright acquisitions and by taking substantial stakes in other companies around the world. "Canpotex, the world’s largest exporter of potash -- owned by Potash Corp., Agrium Inc. and The Mosaic C...
More About: Theme

Colgate (CL): An 'elite' selection
2008-12-08 06:00:00
"Co (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=)lg (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=)ate-Palmolive (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=) (NYSE: CL (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=cl)), the global consumer products firm with a network reaching over 200 countries, is a 'Focus List Stalwart'," says Alex Kolb (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2620) in Zacks Elite Stock of the Day (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2620)."The company is the world leader in oral care products and a major supplier of personal care products. Colgate operates in two business segments, the oral, personal, household surface, and fabric care segment as well as the pet nutrition segment."It has one of the strongest track records in the household products sector for posting consistent revenue and earnings growth. Colgate, the company's core brand in the toothpaste andtoothbrush categories, holds 16.2% and 27.6% market sha...
More About: Selection

Steris (STE): 'Germ-free' growth potential
2008-12-05 06:00:00
"Steris Corp. (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=ste) (NYSE: STE (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=ste)), the world’s leading maker of sterilization and decontamination equipment, is a fast-growing company in a recession-proof industry," notes growth stock expert Alexander Green (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2614).The contributing editor to industry-leading The Oxford Club (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2614) explains, "Every year, 6.5 billion medical devices are sterilized in Steris equipment. Even gun-shy investors can afford to step up and buy a few shares of this one." "Researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical, medical device manufacturing and health care industries count on Steris to keep their environments germ-free. "In North America, Steris leads in products like lights, booms and tables. It also offers consumable products, such as hand sanitizers, washing lotions and skincare products."Th...
More About: Free , Growth , Germ

Burlington Northern (BNI): On the right track
2008-12-05 06:00:00
"It's hard to find any good news these days but I was pleasantly surprised with the third-quarter railway results, as almost all of the 'class 1 carriers' reported better than expected earnings," notes Tom Slee (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2615).The contributing editor to Gordon Pape's Internet Wealth Builder (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2615) explains, "Several rail stocks are starting to look attractive at these depressed levels and Burlington Northern (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=bni) (NYSE: BNI (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=bni)) remains my preferred choice in the group." Here's his outlook."Even with the economic downturn starting to bite, reduced fuel costs and increased freight rates offset lower volumes. Equally important, the companies remain cautiously optimistic despite the miserable outlook."They are confident that further freight rate price increases in the 4% to 5% r...
More About: Track

Short squeeze for Santander (STD)?
2008-12-05 06:00:00
"Spain's Banco Santander (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=std) (NYSE: STD (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=std)) is healthier than 90% of the world’s major banks," suggests Mark Skousen (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2608). in his specialty advisory service, High Income Alert (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2608)."While U.S. banks are promising shareholders that they will return to traditional banking, Banco Santander never left. More than 80% of its profit comes from retail banking."Rather than diversifying outside its expertise, Santander has been growing internationally. Last year, for example, it bought Banco Real in Brazil. As a result, Santander is now Brazil’s No. 3 bank in terms of branches and is No. 2 by deposits."Santander also owns Abbey, a U.K. bank purchased four years ago, and Sovereign, a key U.S. bank. In addition, Santander has major holdings in Chile, Mexico, and Portugal. Santa...
More About: Short , Squeeze

Matthews (MATW): A 'somber' value
2008-12-05 06:00:00
Casket and memorial products maker Matthews International (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=matw) (NASDAQ: MATW (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=matw)) is the latest featured stock from value investor Charles Mizrahi (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2616). Here's the latest from his Hidden Values Alert (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2616)."The company's Bronze segment is a leading manufacturer of cast bronze memorials and other memorialization products, cast and etched architectural products, and is a leading builder of mausoleums in the United States."The Casket segment is a leading casket manufacturer in North America and produces a wide variety of wood and metal caskets. The Cremation segment is a leading designer and manufacturer of cremation equipment and cremation caskets primarily in North America."In fiscal year 2007, approximately 75% of the company’s sales were made from the United States, a...

Time for Treasuries?
2008-12-04 06:00:00
"We are still undergoing a tumultuous time in the markets," notes Ron Rowland (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2613), adding, "It's time for Treasuries ." In Invest With an Edge (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2613), he considers a Treasury bond ETF."Each time the market attempts to rally, fear takes over and the rally fails. Since last October, I counted nine such attempts in the S&P 500."Every effort to rally ultimately did not deliver sustained momentum. Prices fell further and then tried to regroup. However, just because each rally has failed, it doesn’t mean prices will collapse even more."True, we may have found a lower trading range in the last few weeks, but who’s to say this won’t be the consolidation we’ve been looking for. It’s still hard to tell. That’s why I go back to the market adage: 'If you don’t know what to do, don’t do anything.'"Before the big crash in late Septem...
More About: Time

Southern Copper (PCU): Mining for value and yield
2008-12-04 06:00:00
"Weakness in commodities suggests a screaming sign of an overreaction; it's time to take another look at a high-quality, high-yielding commodity stocks such as Southern Copper (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=) (NYSE: PCU (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/quote.ht m?sym=pcu))," says global investing expert Nick Lanyi (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2617).In his High Yield International (http://www.thestockadvisors.com/ccount/c lick.php?id=2617), he says, "With mines in Mexico and Peru, Southern Copper ranks #1 in total copper reserves of any publicly traded company, making it almost a pure play on a rebound in the metal's price." Here's his contrarian outlook. "Southern Copper has enough reserves to continue its current rate of production for the next 80 years without a single expansion or acquisition."With copper prices falling, the firm's earnings are taking a hit -- and the dividend has recently been cut. Now that this cut has alrea...
More About: Mining