Wal-Mart earns spot on 'Timely Ten' list of top stock newsletter

With the top risk-adjusted performance rating among all newsletters for the past 15 years, Investment Quality Trends uses a proprietary dividend-based strategy to isolate value among conservative, blue chip stocks. As part of its service, editor Kelley Wright maintains a "Timely Ten" portfolio, representing his current favorite blue chips.

Just added to "Timely Ten" is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT). Says IQ Trends, "The company has been everyone's favorite target for scorn. But having divested its European properties and focusing on gaining their banking charter, WMT is positioning itself to make some hay."

"Not unnoticed by us," he continues, "is that the Holidays are quickly approaching and Wal-Mart will definitely pull in their share of revenues. When they get the Feds to grant them their banking charter this company will create incredible earnings."

More background on the Timely Ten: Says Kelley, "Whether you are looking to build a portfolio from scratch, are partially invested and looking to add new positions, or fully invested and in need of some affirmation and hand holding, The Timely Ten presents our top ten recommendations.

To earn its place on the Timely Ten list a stock must meet strict criteria including an unvalued ranking, an S&P dividend & earnings quality rating of A- or better, a P/E ratio of 15 or less, a payout ratio of 50% or less and debt of 50% or less.

Also, to be included, notes Kelley, the stock must have "an exemplary long-term dividend growth record, and technical characteristics on the daily and weekly charts that suggests the potential for imminent capital appreciation."

Steven Halpern is editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, a guide to financial newsletters.