Best Stocks for 2008: Asian stock expert opts for Alibaba.com

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My top speculative idea for 2008 is Alibaba.com (HK: 1688), which trades on the Hong Kong exchange," says Yiannis Mostrous, editor of The Silk Road Investor. "Alibaba.com was one of the biggest IPOs of the year and although the initial excitement has subsided, the longer-term story remains intact.

"Alibaba's business is simple. Companies can post products for sale or purchase from Alibaba's web site for free. It charges suppliers from China and Hong Kong an annual fee of as much as US$8,027 to become premium members. A similar service is offered to suppliers from other regions for an annual fee of US$589.

"Alibaba.com is the flagship company of the Alibaba Group that includes Taobao, which operates an online shopping marketplace for consumers in China; Alipay, China's leading online payment service; Yahoo! China and Alisoft, an internet-based business management software company targeting small and medium enterprises in China.

"According to the latest statistics, China was home to 162 million internet users at the end of June, second only to the US. The country is expected to surpass the US as the world's largest web market by users next year.

"Given the company's high valuations, viewing it as a speculative play should be the right approach for now. But don't underestimate its potential if the markets and the economy remain reasonable strong entering 2008. Buy Alibaba up to HK$50."