Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Ian Wyatt, editor of The Growth Report, chose LJ International Inc. (NASDAQ: JADE) as his favorite stock for 2007. Its 173% gain as of 6/1/07 has made it the number one performer among all stocks in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Here is Ian's original recommendation for JADE and his current favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Updating his recommendation, the advisor now says, "LJ International continues to capitalize on China's extraordinary growth and accompanying demand for luxury goods -- specifically high-end jewelry -- by expanding its network of ENZO branded jewelry stores.

"Since 2004, when LJI began opening retail jewelry stores in China, it has opened more than 45 stores, established a presence in all of China's major cities, including Hong Kong and Macau, and established itself as China's #1 foreign branded jewelry retailer (Hong Kong and U.S. based), ahead of Tiffany & Co.

"The company has plans to more than double its network to 100 stores by year-end 2007, ahead of the Beijing Olympics. These stores generate robust sales, and, more impressive, nearly half of the existing stores are already profitable. Continued growth of its retail operations will enhance LJI's profitability since ENZO gross margins are twice those of the wholesale business.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Ian Wyatt wins with JADE

Top 20 advisors: Ian Wyatt wins with JADE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Neil Macneale, editor of 2 for 1 (a newsletter focused exclusively on stocks that have announced stock splits), chose two stocks in the Top Picks for 2007 report, and both picks qualified him for our Top 20 Advisors. His previous selections were Chaparrel Steel Co. (NASDAQ: CHAP) and Steel Dynamics Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD).

As of June 1, 2007, Steel Dynamics has risen 49%. while Chapparel had scored a gain of 67%. Here is Neil's original recommendation for these issues.

Updating his outlook on these steel stock, he now says, "This rate of return cannot continue forever, but there is every reason to believe these remain good stocks to own.

"Steel should continue to perform, given the strength of the economy, even without a strong housing market. As the housing market improves, steel should get even stronger. In both cases, fundamentals for these companies remain strong and the stocks still sell at a discount to their peers."

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Neil Macneale opts for steel and engines

Top 20 advisors: Neil Macneale opts for steel and engines originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Ken Kam, editor of Marketscope, chose two stocks in the Top Picks for 2007 report and both picks qualified him for our Top 20 Advisors. His selection of Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO) rose 48%. Here is his original recommendation for Valero and his current opinion on the stock.

In addition, Ken also picked Elan Corp. (NYSE: ELN) in our Top Picks 2007 report and its gain of 35% also qualifies among our Top 20 Advisors. Now, he is now re-recommending the shares as his current favorite for the balance of 2007.

The advisor explains, "Elan has been strong on rumors that Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) -- Elan's 50% partner for its multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri -- is interested in acquiring the company. Elan has also show recent strength on news that the company's Alzheimer's drug (AAB-001), which is partnered with Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), is being advanced to Phase 3 trials.

"When a stock makes a big move in a short period, there is a tremendous temptation to sell and 'lock in profits.' However, when the price move is accompanied with good news, the initial bump may be the start of a major move up. If you are too quick on the trigger, you may miss the bigger, longer term.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Ken Kam boosts Elan

Top 20 advisors: Ken Kam boosts Elan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.