This post is part of a special report, A Dozen Ways to Play an Obama Building Boom.

"URS Corp. (NYSE: URS) provides engineering, construction, and technical services to a wide range of markets," says quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian.

In The Forbes Growth Investor, he adds, "There is increased speculation that the federal government will enact a stimulus package containing substantial spending on infrastructure; as a leader in federally-funded projects, URS could benefit significantly."

"The U.S. was responsible for 91% of first half 2008 revenues with the remainder derived from various global markets. URS operates three divisions. The Washington division was responsible for 41.2% of first half sales.

"Acquired last November, its primary markets are energy and power. The URS division,which generated 35.4% of first half sales, serves the commercial, industrial, environmental, facilities, homeland security, transportation, water/waste water, and specialty markets.

"Customers include federal, state and local governments, and private enterprises, such as nuclear energy and mining companies, chemical and drug makers, and oil and gas firms.

Continue reading URS Corp. (URS): Forbes quant eyes infrastructure stimulus

URS Corp. (URS): Forbes quant eyes infrastructure stimulus originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Leading quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian looks to American Oriental Bioengineering (NYSE: AOB), a maker of Chinese traditional medicines, among his latest featured stocks.

In his The Forbes Growth Investor, the advisor explains, "This market has enjoyed significant growth over the past several years due to several favorable trends." Here's his review.

"American Oriental Bioengineering is a pharmaceutical company that specializes in manufacturing and marketing plant-based traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in China.

"Plant-based pharmaceuticals (PBP),which generated 82% of Q1 sales, are medicinal compounds derived from the leaves and roots of plants. These products, which are approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA), are used to treat various illnesses.

"The Chinese pharmaceutical market has enjoyed significant growth over the past several years due to several favorable trends.

Continue reading American Oriental (AOB): Forbes quant eyes Chinese medicine

American Oriental (AOB): Forbes quant eyes Chinese medicine originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Glass is also more eco-friendly than other materials, benefiting Owens-Illinois (NYSE: OI), the world's largest supplier of glass containers," says quantitiative analyst Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor.

"The company's bottles are used for beer, wine, liquor, tea, juice, food, and pharmaceuticals. Major customers include Anheuser-Busch, SAB Miller, Molson Coors, Diageo, PepsiCo, H.J. Heinz, and Heineken.

"Glass containers offer several advantages over alternatives such as aluminum and plastic. They preserve purity and flavor, they are infinitely recyclable, and there is no shortage of raw materials.

"Glass is also cost-efficient for the customer, which is particularly important in developing countries where containers are often reused and refilled 30-50 times before being recycled.

Continue reading Owens-Illinois (OI): Eco-friendly gains in glass

Owens-Illinois (OI): Eco-friendly gains in glass originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 May 2008 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"On the strength of two key acquisitions, Brightpoint (NASDAQ: CELL) has become the largest global distributor of wireless devices," says quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian of Forbes Growth Investor.

"The acquisitons helped boost the number of wireless products handled in 2007 by 55% to 83 million. The company is also the leading provider of customized logistics services to the wireless industry.

"CELL purchases cell phones, batteries, chargers, and memory cards, and then sells them to a global network of 25,000 customers.

"The objective is to acquire distribution rights to products offering the greatest potential for growth. It sells brands made by LG Electronics, Nokia, Kyocera, Motorola, Samsung, Sony, Siemens, and Ericsson. This category produced 92% of total 2007 revenues, but it had a gross profit margin of just 4.24%.

Continue reading Brightpoint (CELL) shines for Forbes quant

Brightpoint (CELL) shines for Forbes quant originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 06 May 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sohu.com (NASDAQ: SOHU), an Internet media provider in China, is a recent featured addition to the aggressive growth portfolio of Vahan Janjigian.

The leading quantitative analyst and editor of The Forbes Growth Report explains, "Long-term growth is also promising as Internet usage expands in China." Here is the advisor's review.

"Sohu offers media content from more than 1,600 partners through 35 interest-specific channels, which cover news, business, sports, and entertainment. The website also offers tools such as free email accounts, web logs (blogs), message boards, and picture galleries.

"SOHU also runs Sogou.com, a proprietary Internet search engine; Chinaren.com, the largest online youth community in China boasting more than 80 million users; 17173.com, which provides information about online video games and has alliances with thousands of Internet cafes; and Focus.cn, a real estate website.

Continue reading Sohu.com (SOHU): Forbes expert sees online gains in China

Sohu.com (SOHU): Forbes expert sees online gains in China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Although I remain bearish on the economy for the time being, I am turning more bullish on stocks," says Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor.

He adds, "I believe stocks have fallen enough to be attractive to all investors except those with very short horizons. And my recommendation for Citigroup (NYSE: C) conveys my conviction that some of the best opportunities for long-term gains will come from the oversold financial sector."

"There is much debate about whether or not a recession is coming. In my view, it has already arrived. But whether or not it's an 'official' recession is largely irrelevant. The Federal Reserve is obviously so alarmed it has slashed interest rates at a record-breaking pace

"With more than 300,000 employees serving 200 million accounts in over 100 countries, Citigroup is a financial
services supermarket. But the collapse of the subprime mortgage market erased about $125 billion from the
company's market capitalization.

"Many financial institutions got burned by the subprime mortgage meltdown. Banks holding mortgage backed
securities (MBS) and collateralized debt obligations (CDO) were particularly hard hit. Citigroup suffered massive writedowns.

Continue reading Forbes quant banks on Citigroup (C)

Forbes quant banks on Citigroup (C) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

"My top conservative idea for 2008 is A. Schulman (NASDAQ: SHLM), which makes high-performance plastic resins and compounds that are used by customers to produce everything from pens to artificial turf," says quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor.

"Almost three-fourths of fiscal 2007 sales (ended August 31) were generated from outside of North America. The firm makes resins that give plastics a specific color or physical property, such as conductivity.

"Its polyolefins units makes products such as interior trims for automobiles, toys, and office supplies and its engineered compounds division helps products maintain specific characteristics such as heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and high strength-to-weight ratios.

"SHLM is recovering from a difficult fiscal year. Management started several strategic initiatives to put profitability back on track. Most of these efforts focused on improving profitability in North America. Business units were reorganized with the aim of cutting costs.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Forbes quant picks A. Schulman (SHLM)

Best Stocks for 2008: Forbes quant picks A. Schulman (SHLM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

"My top speculative idea for 2008 is Kinetic Concepts (NYSE: KCI), which makes products for advanced wound care and other therapeutic applications," says quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor.

"KCI's therapeutic categories include advanced products for wound care and tissue repair, which accounted for 79% of first half 2007 revenues.

"The company's proprietary Vacuum Assisted Closure (VAC) technology uses negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to treat and promote healing in acute and chronic wounds caused by severe trauma, failed surgical closures, amputations, and serious pressure ulcers.

"VAC systems consist of a pump that provides a controlled level of negative pressure to the wound, foam dressings, occlusive drapes and specialized canisters that collect body fluids, filter odors, and facilitate the safe disposal of medical waste.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Kinetic Concepts (KCI) advances wound care

Best Stocks for 2008: Kinetic Concepts (KCI) advances wound care originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With Boeing Co. (NYSE: BA) having now showcased its new 787 Dreamliner, investors might wonder if it is too late to invest. According to three newsletter advisors, there are still upside opportunities. One looks at Boeing itself, one spots value in an aircraft seat and interior designer, and one looks at an aircraft leasing play.

Boeing is a buy for longer-term investors from Bernie Schaeffer, who recommends the shares in his Power Stocks advisory.

Technically, the advisor notes that Boeing recently broke out after a lengthy sideways consolidation. From mid-November 2006 to the middle of last month, he points out that the stock traded in a narrow range between $85 and $92. He explains, "Such long periods of sideways movement can be followed by extended trends."

That level, he now says, should hold as support and should serve as a "foundation for higher prices." Further, he adds, the stock's rise above $100 is "psychologically significant" and should offer additional support for the stock.

The contrarian advisor notes, "Even with the strong fundamental and technical backdrop, Wall Street remains fairly pessimistic. According to Zacks, nine of the 18 analysts rate the stock a 'hold' or worse and three of those have a 'strong sell' rating on it. Any upgrades or upward price target revisions from this skeptical crowd could boost the stock."

Meanwhile, he maintains a target price for the stock is $127 a share. In addition to investing in Boeing itself, there are two ancillary companies that couldl benefit from the success of the Dreamliner.

Continue reading Three bets on the 787 Dreamliner

Three bets on the 787 Dreamliner originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

I've just returned from the World Money Show, where some 10,000+ investors gathered to learn about global investing. I had a chance to meet with many of the advisors who were featured at the show, and I am highlighting some of their favorite investment ideas. To view all of the stocks featured in this special global report, click here.

Although based in Maryland, McCormick and Co. (NYSE:MKC) is indeed a global play. Vahan Janjigian says, "McCormick is the largest global supplier of spices, herbs, and seasonings. Its products are sold in nearly 100 countries."

Individual brands, he notes, include McCormick and Zatarain's in the U.S. and Mexico, Schwartz in the U.K., Ducros in France, Club House in Canada, and Silvo in the Netherlands.

The quantitative analyst and editor of The Forbes Growth Investor explains, "The consumer segment, which generated 55% of first nine months sales, makes, markets, and distributes to grocers, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drug stores, and other retail outlets.

"The industrial segment supplies the food service industry and food manufacturers with compound flavors. Customers include almost all major American service restaurants and food companies.

Continue reading Global gains: International spice

Global gains: International spice originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Feb 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Church & Dwight Co. (NYSE: CHD) is the favorite conservative pick from quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor. He explains, "Church & Dwight makes household products with brand names such as Arm & Hammer, Arrid, Nair, Trojan, and Brillo.

"It is also the largest U.S. producer of sodium bicarbonate. In addition it sells other specialty inorganic chemicals used in industrial, medical, food, and agricultural applications, and it makes animal nutrition products.

"Last July, CHD acquired Orange Glo International, maker of OxiClean, a pre-wash additive. It also produces bathroom cleaner Kaboom and Orange Glo, an all-purpose cleaner. With annual sales of roughly $200 million, this purchase strengthens CHD's household products business. It should also lead to cost savings once fully integrated.

"Rising commodity costs negatively impacted gross profit margins in 2005. CHD responded by implementing initiatives such as price increases of 4 to 10% on about a third of its U.S. consumer products, the elimination of unprofitable trade promotions, and supply chain improvements.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Forbes Quant shops for Church & Dwight

Top Picks 2007: Forbes Quant shops for Church & Dwight originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Sirenza Microdevices (NASDAQ: SMDI) is the top speculative play for 2007 from quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian. The editor of The Forbes Growth Investor says, "Sirenza designs and supplies radio frequency (RF) components for equipment used in the defense, aerospace, and homeland security markets. It also does business in the commercial communications and consumer markets.

"Broomfield, Colorado-based Sirenza was off to the races in 2006, gaining 193% from the first of the year until July 3. The drop that was to come, however, was swift and ugly, finally culminating four months later after the stock lost more than 48% of its value.

"The shares began to rally after the October 31 acquisition of Micro Linear Corp., a semiconductor company specializing in wireless integrated circuit (IC) solutions used in a variety of wireless applications. Five weeks after its November 2 bottom, the stock had rallied 30%, and I believe there's more to come on the upside.

"SMDI sports a lean PEG ratio of 0.75 and 14.8 times expected 2006 full year earnings of $0.61 per share. For the September quarter, revenue was up 130% over the same quarter in 2005, while earnings per share shot up 189%."

To see Vahan's favorite conservative stock for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Janjigian tunes into Sirenza's frequency originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.