"Virgin Mobile USA (NYSE: VM) is one of the strongest issues this year among the low-priced stocks; it has climbed from 76 cents to nearly $5," says technical expert Leo Fasciocco.

Fasciocco is a technician and editor of Ticker Tape Digest, an advisory service that focuses on finding stocks that are breaking out from technical basing patterns.

He suggests, "Based in New Jersey, Virgin Mobile offers wireless subscribers a choice in wireless service and innovative products without annual contracts; annual revenues are $1.3 billion.

"The stock's long-term chart shows VM trading as high as 15. It was dragged lower during the bear market. However, the stock has made the turn and is now in an up trend supported by good earnings prospects.

Continue reading Virgin Mobile USA (VM): A wireless breakout?

Virgin Mobile USA (VM): A wireless breakout? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Global advisors look to China.

Two leading advisors -- both with a noted focus on technical analysis -- look to Shanghai-based Shanda Interactive (NASDAQ: SNDA).

In his Ticker Tape Digest advisory service, Leo Fasciocco focuses on stocks breaking out of basing patterns and cconsiders Shanda a breakout buy.

Continue reading Shanda Interactive (SNDA) entertains China

Shanda Interactive (SNDA) entertains China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 29 Mar 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With its own economic stimulus program in place, a relatively stable banking system, and a stock market that has been resilient in recent months, numerous leading global investment advisors are looking bullishly towards China.

From technology to power, and from individual stocks to ETFs, and from Hong Kong to Taiwan to mainland China, we turn to seven leading advisors for their favorite ways for US investors to take a stake in Asia.

Continue reading Global advisors look to China: 10 picks from seven pros

Global advisors look to China: 10 picks from seven pros originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Leo Fasciocco is a technician focused on "breakout" stocks; in his Ticker Tape Digest, two recent such breakout ideas were both from the out-of-favor auto parts sector: O'Reilly Automotive (NASDAQ: ORLY) and Autozone (NYSE: AZO).

Noting the recent strength in these auto parts stocks -- both have recently rose to new 52-week highs despite the market's sharp declines -- the advisor explains, "Auto parts stocks may see strong product demand as more people keep their car and not buy a new one."

"O'Reilly Automotive is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories in the U.S, with annual revenues of $3.1 billion.

Continue reading Auto parts buck downtrend: Autozone (AZO) & O'Reilly (ORLY)

Auto parts buck downtrend: Autozone (AZO) & O'Reilly (ORLY) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Few stocks are poised to benefit from economic woes and rising unemployment. One group, however, that appears to be an exception is for-profit adult education stocks.

These companies, which operate school campuses and online education programs, are viewed by some as beneficiaries of a growing need for worker retraining and the rising demand for education by those changing careers or re-entering the work force as adults.

Leo Fasciocco is a technical expert, specializing in finding stocks that are "breaking out" -- those moving above previous technical resistance levels or poised to do so.

His two of the latest breakout stocks featured in his The Ticker Tape Digest are both in the for-profit education field: Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) and Devry Inc. (NYSE: DV). Here's his assessment.

"Apollo, based in Phoenix, is the largest for-profit education company, with more than 300,000 students. APOL focuses on working adults and operates 259 campuses and learning centers in 40 states, as well as various international locations.

"Programs range from associate to doctorate degrees in areas such as business, education, health care, technology. The company said it is showing solid enrollment growth. Annual revenues are $3 billion.

"The company recently reported that net for the fiscal fourth quarter excluding special items increased 20% to 75 cents a share from 62 cents a year ago. Revenues for the quarter rose 17%. Analysts had expected net of just 64 cents a share. So, results were a positive surprise.

"For fiscal 2009 ending August 31, analysts predict a 17% increase in net to $3.31 a share from $2.84 a year ago. The stock sells with a price-earnings ratio of 20, which is reasonable.

"Institutional sponsorship is very good. Five-star rated Janus Mid Cap Value Fund was a recent buyer of 550,000 shares. Also, 4-star rated GMO US Quality Equity III Fund recently picked up 779,000 shares.

"Devry, based in Oakbrook Terrace, Il., is one of the largest for-profit education companies, with annual revenues of $1.1 billion. DeVry University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business and technology fields. They account for 77% of revenue.

"Under its health-care segment, Ross University offers medical and veterinarian programs, and Chamberlain College offers nursing degrees.

"Recently acquired schools add allied health programs. Its professional segment offers review courses through its Becker CPA review and Stalla CFA review programs.

"DV's technicals set up surprisingly well. The momentum indicator is strongly bullish. Recent price action shows good institutional buying interest. However, investors should be patient with this stock; we are looking for a key breakout over 58.50 before entering.

"The company tends to show consistently good earnings growth. This fiscal year ending June 30, analysts predict a 22% increase in net to $2.18 a share from $1.78 a year ago.

"The stock sells with a price-earnings ratio of 23, which is reasonable given the earnings growth rate. Looking out to fiscal 2010, the Street projects a 24% gain in net to $2.69 a share.

"The largest fund holder is 5-star rated Baron Growth Fund with a big 5.2% stake. It has held its position steady. A recent large buyer was 5-star rated Hartford Midcap Fund, which purchased 385,000 shares.

"Over the past 2 years shows, DV's stock has appreciated 120%. That easily outperformed the S&P 500 index which declined 25% over the same time. Recent price action shows good institutional buying interest.

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Apollo (APOL) and Devry (DV): Top of the class in adult education originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Leo Fasciocco, who specializes in stocks that have shown technical "breakouts," turns to Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT) as the latest featured stock in his top notch Ticker Tape Digest.

"Abbott has been acting strong depite market weakness, indicating that money moving into ABT, perhaps as a defensive play.

"ABT has a low beta of 0.14 versus the S&P 500's 1.00. That would indicate that ABT is a low risk play. In any case, the stock is set up nicely for a breakout from an eight-week flat base. With good earnings coming this year, we suggest accumulation of the shares.

"Abbott's products include prescription drugs, coronary and carotid stents, and nutritional liquids for infants and adults.

"The stock's long-term chart shows ABT 'knocking on the door' of a new high. It just needs to get over 61.09. If it can do that it could well draw in more buying.

"ABT is acting strong and is a good spot for institutional money to move into in a difficult market. We suggest accumulation of a partial stake in ABT with further buying to be done on a move over 60.

"Overall, we see ABT as a conservative play with low downside risk. We are targeting the stock for a move to 70 within the next few months."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Abbott Labs (ABT): A technical breakout? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 17 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Coal miner Peabody Energy Corp. (NYSE: BTU) looks hot," says Leo Fasciocco, who focuses on stocks that have broken out from technical basing patterns.

In his The Ticker Tape Digest, he explains, "The stock rose above its break points of $81.20, hitting a new high." He adds, "With net set to surge 70% this year, we see an upside target of $105 per share."

"Peabody, based in St. Louis, is a major producer of coal with annual revenues of $4.7 billion. BTU's coal fuels more than 10% of U.S. electricity generation and 2% worldwide.

"The company has mining operations in Appalachia, the Powder River Basin, and the U.S. Southwest and Midwest, as well as Australia and Venezuela. It also markets, brokers, and trades coal, and develops electricity-generation projects.

"Technically, BTU has broken out from a six-week flat base today with expanding volume. It is part of the strong coal group, which has been one of the strongest acting sectors of the market.

Continue reading Breakout for BTU: Technician buys Peabody Energy

Breakout for BTU: Technician buys Peabody Energy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Potash (NYSE: POT) scored a technical breakout by rising above $210," says technical expert Leo Fasciocco. In his Ticker Tape Digest, he says, "With earnings set to soar the stock now targets a move to $265."

"Postash, based in Canada, produces fertilizer. It produces phosphate and nitrogen from 12 facilities in the United States and South America. Fertilizer stocks have been strong due to rising profits reflecting strong demand for their products and rising prices.

"A long term chart shows an extraordinary bull market advance with the rising 170% the past 12 months versus an 8% decline in the S&P 500 index. Now, the stock has broken out from a seven-week flat base. The move carries POT to a new high on expanding volume.

Continue reading Potash (POT): Fertilzer 'breakout'

Potash (POT): Fertilzer 'breakout' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Flir Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) provides thermal-imaging and infrared camera equipment for military, law enforcement, and commercial applications," notes Leo Fasciocco.

In his Ticker Tape Digest, which focuses on stocks showing technical breakouts, he explains, "FLIR has convincingly broken out from a five-week base; the move was boosted by the win of a $359 million contract from the Army."

"FLIR, with annual revenues of $855 million, has been a sensational winner since 2001. It is a beneficiary of the war on terror and the need for equipment to combat it via military and security needs.

"Short-term, the daily chart shows the stock crossing its resistance line at 35.54. The move sends the stock over not only near-term resistance but also over the peak made back in early November. The action indicated very astute institutional buying.

Continue reading Flir Systems (FLIR): Technician zooms in on thermal imaging

Flir Systems (FLIR): Technician zooms in on thermal imaging originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Technical expert Leo Fasciocco seeks stocks that have broken out from technical basing patterns or those he feels are poised to make such a breakout, such as Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD), which has a "breakout level at $50."

The editor of Ticker Tape Digest explains, "Gilead Sciences, with annual revenues of $4.2 billion, makes therapies to treat life-threatening infectious diseases. It focuses on pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases.

"The company has four products -- Viread, Emtriva, combination pill Truvada, and triple combination Atripla -- in its HIV franchise, as well as Hepsera for hepatitis B. GILD recently received approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension drug Letairis, acquired from Myogen.

"The stock has climbed from $10 to $47 the past five years. It is one of the few stocks now that is knocking on the door of making a new high. With earnings growth to be solid this year and next, we see GILD in a good spot to be accumulated in anticipation of a breakout.

Continue reading Gilead (GILD): Bet on biotech breakout

Gilead (GILD): Bet on biotech breakout originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.