"International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM) provides a good mix of rising earnings estimates, worldwide exposure and a safe dividend," says analyst Alex Kolb from Zacks Research.

"IBM was incorporated in the State of New York in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Co., changing its name to International Business Machines Corporation in 1924.

"And with the strength of its global on-demand model, IBM is experiencing strong revenue growth in all geographies, with robust growth in emerging markets worldwide.

"Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) is continuing its long record of rewarding shareholders," notes Alex Kolb In Zacks Elite, pointing to its 341st consecutive quarter of dividends since 1924.

"Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company that develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics.

"The company employs more than 68,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

"The company recently released new data, showing that a combination of its new TriLipix triglycerides medicine and a low dose of AstraZeneca's Crestor cholesterol drug are better than the individual pills for treating heart problems.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"EZCORP (NASDAQ: EZPW) -- our top pick for 2009 -- is poised to benefit from an economy that will probably see more tough times before improving," says Alex Kolb.

The editor of Zacks Breakout Letter explains, "The company operates pawnshops that provide the type of lending and credit services many turn to during rough economic conditions."

"EZCORP is expanding through acquisitions. It recently acquired the assets of 11 pawnshops located in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. The opening of more stores in U.S. and Mexico is on the horizon for 2009.

"Furthermore, the company's earnings per share are expected to grow 18% over the next 3 to 5 years, which is also ahead of the industry average.

"The pawnshop play has a solid record of matching or beating analyst estimates. Dating back to 2004, EZPW missed consensus forecasts only 2 times, was in-line with estimates 4 times and was ahead of projections during the other quarters.

By Alex Kolb, Zack's Investment Research

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE: X) has seen 8 out of 10 covering analysts boost full-year earnings estimates since we featured this Growth and Income pick back in mid-July. Forecasts of $20.50 per share are above last month's $16.00. The most accurate projection is more bullish at $21.46 per share.

Robust Growth with Record Numbers

The company recently announced second-quarter results and upped its dividend. Net income of $668 million soared past the previous year's $302 million. During the past 5 consecutive quarters, earnings per share were on average about 9% ahead of analyst expectations, with the most recent results coming in at an impressive 49.5% above expectations.

Commenting on results, U. S. Steel Chairman and CEO John P. Surma said, "We recorded the highest quarterly sales and net income in U. S. Steel's history during the second quarter as all three reportable segments posted record results, reflecting strong operating performance and favorable global pricing dynamics."

Higher Income

U.S. Steel declared a dividend of 30 cents per share, which is an increase of 5 cents per share. The company noted that the dividend is payable September 10, 2008, to stockholders of record at the close of business August 13, 2008. Read our July 17 analysis.