Readers of this space know that the investment bias is toward large-cap companies with demonstrated business models and who have a competitive advantage in established markets, preferably with a favorable global trend as a support. And with the above in mind, Chicago Bridge & Iron is worth an evaluation.

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. (NYSE: CBI) is a global, engineering, procurement, and construction company specializing in turnkey projects for customers that produce, process, store, and distribute the world's natural resources.

Analysts see strong 30-35% revenue growth in 2008 after a similar performance in 2007. Demand for crude oil terminal storage and process-related work in the U.S. should remain strong, including elevated water tanks and steel plate structures.

Labor costs are reasonable, with good overall cost containment. Margins are expected to increase in 2008. In general, analysts view CBI as well-positioned to take advantage of favorable market trends. The Reuters FY 2008/FY 2009 EPS consensus estimates for CBI are $1.76/$2.38.

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Bear Stearns (BSC), Citigroup (C), Lehman (LEH), Chicago Bridge & Iron (CBI) and Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY) were today's noteworthy downgrades:

• Merrill downgraded Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC), Citigroup (NYSE: C) and Lehman Brothers (NYSE: LEH) to Neutral from Buy to reflect greater earnings risk stemming from the slowdown in securitization and mortgage. Merrill also finds it "inevitable" that revenue from underwriting and advising on takeovers will slow.

• Stanford downgraded shares of Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) to Sell from Hold as they believe the premium valuation is unjustified given the Lummus acquisition.

• Merrill Lynch cut Bed Bath & Beyond (NASDAQ: BBBY) to Sell from Neutral based on slowing secular growth...

OTHER DOWNGRADES:

• Goldman downgraded Zale (NYSE: ZLC) to Sell from Neutral.

• PrivateBancorp (NASDAQ: PVTB) was cut from JP Morgan's Focus List.

• Banc of America downgraded Maxim Integrated (NASDAQ: MXIM) to Neutral from Buy.

• Stanford cut Oceaneering Int'l (NYSE: OII) to Hold from Buy.

Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).

The stock market has stabilized somewhat in recent days, but I still have a very pessimistic outlook for stocks, as I explain in this video. I think stocks could fall another 25%.

I am deeply worried about the financials, like mortgage company Countrywide Financial Corporation (NYSE: CFC) and high-end consumer stocks like Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN).

Nonetheless, I think there are opportunities in some niche plays. I advise investors with cash to put in the market to take a look at electric utility Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (NYSE: PNW), ballbearing company Kaydon Corporation (NYSE: KDN), and bridge builder Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V (NYSE: CBI).

Internationally, I suggest looking to China plays like Aluminum Corp. of China Limited (ADR) (NYSE: ACH) and global environmental plays like Veolia Environment (ADR) (NYSE: VE). Finally, I offer a stock tip: Darling International Inc. (ASE: DAR) is a little-known environmental company which gets paid to collect waste like animal by-products and cooking grease and turns it into biodeisel which it then sells. Enjoy the video!