Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.
Osaka, Japan-based Chris Loew -- who covers Japanese stocks for Global Investing -- picks both his speculative and conservative favorites for 2007 from the same consumer trend. He explains, "In the apparel sector, fur is huge this year. The must-have item in Japan this winter is a down coat with real raccoon or tanuki (raccoon-dog, fox family) fur trim on the hood (priced about $250).
"Sanei International Co., Ltd. (JP:3605) (Other OTC SNEIF) -- my conservative pick for 2007 -- owns a multitude of apparel brands, mainly for women, and operates 1,088 stores and is well positioned to profit from this frenzy.
"The stock is reasonably priced at a P/E around 15 to17, barely reflecting improved consumer demand this year. In '07, the real-fur trend and looser consumer spending should give Sanei shareholders a warm feeling.
"Though Osaka-based department store operator Daimaru Inc. (JP:8234) (Other OTC: DMRUF) carries a heavy debt load, as is true of many Japanese companies, it has reformed management to cut costs and the company is quickly remodeling stores to attract and keep customers. The stock is my top speculation for 2007.
"In the last fiscal year, Daimaru's consolidated net sales were up just 1.5%, but thanks to reduced expenses, operating profit, ordinary profit, and net income rose by 17.4%, 18.8%, and 10.5% respectively. In 2007, I expect a rising tide to lift all department stores, and this one seems particularly buoyant as -- in contrast to some others -- it already turns a profit."
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-28-2006 @ 10:34AM
Patrick Kelley said...
Events such as shooting and Golfing will be coming this spring , many women are entering this sport . Really shooting had been lagging , But now its going to pickup . Women are shooting better every year Trap skeet Sporting Clays . Enjoy the shooting Sports
12-28-2006 @ 10:39AM
Patrick Kelley said...
Guns and Golfing manufacturing companies should enjoy growth this season .
12-28-2006 @ 11:32AM
Raccoon Dog said...
I wonder how many people buying the raccoon dog fur coats know how they are produced?
You can watch investigative footage of severe mistreatment in China of raccoon dogs at:
http://furfree.hsus.org