"Beauty is as beauty does, the saying goes, and Avon Products Inc. (NYSE: AVP) has delivered a beautiful earnings report," says Jack Adamo in his industry-leading Insiders Plus. Here's his latest.

"Despite a 14% increase in advertising (or perhaps, because of it) the company delivered EPS up 26%. In North America, the only underperforming region, revenues continued their slow downward slide. But active representatives increased for the first time in ages, which may brighten the future on the company's home turf.

"International sales continued to soar. Latin America was 19% higher in local currencies, and 32% higher after translation into the American Peso, also known as the U.S. Dollar. In Central & Eastern Europe, first-quarter revenue rose 17% (6% in local currency). Revenue in China grew 29% (19% local). Only Japan dragged things down a bit with its 2% gain.

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.

"A top speculative idea for 2008 is Calgary-based Penn West Energy Trust (NYSE: PWE)," says Jack Adamo, editor of Insiders Plus. "We would consider this stock a 'smart money' buy.

"Commodities guru Jim Rogers said four years ago that energy prices would go a lot higher and stay there longer than anyone supposed. We believed him, and loaded up on energy, with spectacular results. We're up 45% this year alone.

"The thesis still stands. Within five years Mexico, our second largest oil supplier, will be a net importer of oil. Prices will remain high.

"Penn West Energy Trust is out of favor because Canadian tax laws change in 2009, and it faces corporate taxes. But with the units currently yielding 15%, even a few quarters of lower payouts in a recession, and a 30% tax bite in 2009, the units will still yield near 10%.

"With its long-lived reserves, the company has good growth prospects to boot. Great for current income or long-term total return. Buy up to $33.50."

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.

"Want to take advantage of the subprime debacle, but you're too frightened or don't know how?" asks Jack Adamo in his Insiders Plus. "The ultimate insider, Warren Buffett, does.

"Every time the market has a sector meltdown, the Wizard of Omaha swoops down like a hawk and picks off great bargains. He made tons of money for Berkshire Hathaway B (NYSE: BRK.b) investors after the tech crash by buying 'junk bonds' of strong telecom companies he knew would survive -- and tech isn't even an area Buffett knows well.

"Financial stocks are his sweet spot. He'll snatch up great bargains in distressed securities in the next few quarters.

"Then, in 2008 or 2009, the company will deliver fabulous earnings, and the stock price will shoot up again. Buy Berkshire-Hathaway Class-B, preferably on pullbacks below $4,200. Don't let the price scare you. The shares are cheap on a P/E or price/earnings-to-growth basis. I consider the stock a top conservative buy for 2008."

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.

Lloyds TSB Group PLC (NYSE: LYG) is a favorite conservative stock idea for 2007 from Jack Adamo, editor of Insiders Plus.

"While it is not the Lloyd's of London of specialty insurance fame," points out Adamo, "this London-based financial services powerhouse has roots dating back to 1765, and operates in three segments: U.K. retail banking; insurance and investments; and wholesale and international banking. It also provides brokerage, asset management, and pension services.

"It's not exactly exciting, but I think it will noticeably outpace the market in 2007. What it has going for it is financial clout, with a $60 billion market capitalization and a current dividend yield of 5.7%. Growth in earnings is expected to come in around 12.5% from 2006 to 2007.

"Lloyds currently trades for 11.25 times expected 2007 EPS of $3.86 per share. I look for total return to come in at around 18% in 2007. Lloyds' high yield provides cover in a down market, and may add extra price appreciation as investors go for yield in a falling market. That could push total return to the 25% range.

"Another significant factor in its favor to consider is the likely appreciation of the British pound sterling against the U.S. dollar, which will provide a boost to returns for U.S. investors."