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.

Western Union (NYSE: WU) is the top conservative pick for 2007 from Cory Janssen. In the Investopedia Advisor, he explains, "Spun off from First Data Corp. in October, Western Union is an outstanding company to own as a long-term holding.

"Its powerful brand recognition gives it a critical advantage in an industry where customer trust is of such high importance. As well, the company's enviable distribution network leaves it very well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing growth in international money transfers.

"The business does face some short-term risks. Recent political debate surrounding U.S. immigration policy has prompted a decline in the frequency of money transfers from the U.S. to Mexico, and this has weighed on the company's recent quarterly numbers. We feel that this is a temporary blip.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Janssen likes Western Union's wide moat

Top Picks 2007: Janssen likes Western Union's wide moat originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.