By focusing on stocks that are buying back their own shares, David Fried has developed a model portfolio that has gained 184% since inception in August 2000, versus a loss of 1.2% in the S&P 500 over the same time period.

In his The Buyback Letter, he looks at two of his newest holdings, both of which are American icons - Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) and Mattel (NYSE: MAT).

In addition to having one of the most recognizable brand names in the world, he notes Harley-Davidson's less-recognized but equally strong asset is its Harley Owners Group -- or H.O.G. - with over 1 million members around the globe. Further, he notes, even those who can't or don't ride Harley's still own the accessories, collectibles and sport the Harley brand clothing.

Fried explains, "With two decades of uninterrupted growth, year 2006 looked breezy. Revenue for the full year was $5.80 billion, an 8.6% increase. Net income for the year was $1.04 billion, an 8.7% increase. During the most recent 10-year period, compound annual growth rates for revenue and earnings have been better than 14% and 24%, respectively."

Even more important that its increasing sales, Fried notes that the company continues to return value to its shareholders, pointing to a 22.5% increase in dividends and the repurchase of 19.3 million shares last year. In fact, he notes, the company has reduced its amount of outstanding shares buy 5.6% over the past 12 months.

With growth forecasted in the range of 11%-17% a year through 2009, Fried says, "To us, Harley-Davidson looks like it still has room to run."

Also new to Fried's buy list is another "American icon" -- Mattel, the largest toymaker in the world. The advisor notes, "At 50 years old, Barbie has had her ups and downs (haven't we all!), but she is still going strong as the most popular fashion doll ever introduced."

Indeed, he points out, Barbie sales were up 43% in 2006, spurred by new products such as a new electronic version that can dance as well as a new Barbie head with hair that can be styled. Fried jests, "Barbie survived her very public breakup with Ken a few years ago...there is no doubt she will bounce back as she reinvents herself."

Meanwhile, the advisor points out that Mattel is about more than Barbie, pointing to such best-selling brands as TMX Elmo, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and the Fisher-Price lines.

In addition, he notes, this past summer Mattel began selling 'Cars' branded toys, based on characters from the popular animated Disney film. The third quarter also was the third consecutive quarter that domestic Barbie sales rose.

Finally, he is attracted to the stock by the fact that the company has has reduced its shares outstanding by 5.5% in the last 12 months.

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a free daily overview of the latest stock picks from the nation's leading financial newsletters.

American Icons: Harley and Mattel originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Get your motors running! On Tuesday, August 15, Harley Davidson (HDI) will change its ticker symbol to "HOG." HOG is the acronym for the Harley Owners Group, but this was adopted long after the term was a nickname for the bikes world wide. No doubt the change in ticker symbol will serve as a form of brand extension, which Harley excels at better than most.

I can think of many companies like Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Starbucks, Disney, FedEx, Porsche, McDonald's, Yahoo, eBay, Google, J&J, GE, and on and on that have strong brands that have been extended to every kind of merchandise and promotion imaginable. However, very few end up tattooed on someone's body. J&J, don't think so. Yahoo not yet. Google, maybe it's coming. For Harley Davidson it is common. The only thing I can think of that comes close is Snoopy and Micky Mouse, but they may be fading and HDI, I mean HOG, is still growing and strengthening its brand like few others. Could they be influenced by GOOG's symbol, whose brand is growing by leaps and bounds -- that might be a stretch.

So this week when the HOG's invade the market they will be riding high, and that includes their stock price, which is approaching an all-time high. Even more incredible, the company's fundamentals are looking good and do not appear to be topping out!

Continue reading Harley Davidson - HDI will be HOG - and living high!

Harley Davidson - HDI will be HOG - and living high! originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Aug 2006 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.