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.

America Movil (NYSE: AMX) is the top conservative idea for 2007 from Nick Vardy, editor of The Global Bull Market Alert. He notes, "Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim vies with India's Lakshi Mittal as the world's third-wealthiest man, just behind Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

"Slim made his fortune through his Latin American telecommunications empire that includes American Movil. Spun out from Telefonos de Mexico five years ago, America Movil is Latin America's cell phone goliath with close to 110 million subscribers.

"Holding a 70% share of the Mexican market, its wireless network reaches about two-thirds of Latin America's population, and the firm continues to grow its already expansive footprint.

"Squeezed out of Venezuela by Hugo Chavez's anti-American campaign, U.S. operator Verizon is not only exiting that market, but also selling its assets in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. But Verizon's loss is America Movil's gain.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Bet along with billionaire on American Movil

Top Picks 2007: Bet along with billionaire on American Movil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Jan 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 Stocks Report.

Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is the top conservative pick for 2007 from Roger Conrad. The editor of The Utility Forecaster says, "The company continues to excel in all areas, except the stock market. Verizon Wireless remains the best network in cellular, and continues to prove it every quarter with rising margins, higher sales, and very low customer cancellation rates.

"Now the company is reporting expectation-beating progress with its construction of the nation's best wireline network, which will run fiber optic cable to more than 20 million homes and businesses within the next five years. The price tag is not inconsequential at $18 billion. But the company has been able to finance it with cash flow, even while reducing debt.

"Critics continue to focus on the loss of local copper phone connections at the company to wireless and cable television rivals. That's like faulting a Super Bowl champion because its punter doesn't see enough action. Buy VZ, which yields a little less than 5%, up to 38."

To see Roger's favorite speculative idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Roger Conrad calls up Verizon originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.