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.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) is the top conservative investment for 2007 from Kelley Wright. The editor of Investment Quality Trends notes, "I know this company has been public relations-challenged, but let's consider the fundamentals.

"First, it's not only undervalued, it's trading almost 71% below its historic undervalued dividend yield of 2.20%. In dollar terms, the stock can appreciate $37 to $89 and still represent excellent historic value!

"Second, the stock has earned an A+ ranking by S&P for earnings and dividend quality; S&P doesn't hand out an A+ easily. The stock has also earned our 'G' designation, which denotes a remarkable 10% annual dividend growth over the past 12 years. And, the stock has a P/E of 11 and is trading right at 2 times book value; numbers Benjamin Graham would like.

"CEO Charles Prince is feeling the heat on unlocking shareholder value. Based on recent management restructuring, it appears they will attempt to boost earnings by cutting costs and trying to squeeze value from every corner of this far-flung enterprise. At the end of the day though, I think Prince will have to do more and the Street will reward those efforts."

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

Top Picks 2007: Kelley Wright banks on Citi for safety 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.

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.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is the top conservative investment for 2007 from value investor Nathan Slaughter, editor of Half-Priced Stocks. He notes, "The company has been remarkably consistent, posting double-digit earnings growth every year for the past two decades and increasing revenues for more than 70 consecutive years.

"Obviously, that span covers some difficult economic environments, and JNJ has proven that it can keep moving forward even under challenging operating conditions. The company has been a cash-generating machine, churning out more than $10 billion in free cash flow over the past year.

"Management returns much of that wealth to shareholders every year. The company announced a $5 billion share repurchase program, and dividends have been hiked at an impressive 15% annual clip over the last five years. In fact, regardless of the health of the economy, the company has had the financial strength to lift its annual payouts for the past 43 consecutive years.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Slaughter Picks JNJ for "Rain or Shine"

Top Picks 2007: Slaughter Picks JNJ for "Rain or Shine" 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 Stocks Report.

The top conservative pick for 2007 from income specialist Carla Pasternak is The Zweig Total Return Fund (NYSE: ZTR). The editor of High Yield Investing says, "ZTR is a diversified closed-end fund that seeks a high total return (dividends, interest, and capital gains) by investing in both stocks and bonds

"Over half of ZTR's portfolio is in risk-free U.S. Treasuries. The balance is mostly in blue-chip dividend-payers. The Treasury bonds carry the highest credit rating possible with virtually no risk of default. They have an average duration of about six years, making the fund well positioned for a stable interest rate environment.

"The fund has paid dividends every month for the past two decades. Its latest monthly payment of $0.043 a share equates to $0.52 annually, providing a 9% yield at current share prices. A 1.02% management fee brings the effective yield to 8%.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Carla Pasternak zeros in on Zweig

Top Picks 2007: Carla Pasternak zeros in on Zweig 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.

Amkor Technology (NASDAQ: AMKR), a semiconductor packaging and test services firm, is the top speculative idea for 2007 from Todd Salamone. The editor of Equity WealthBuilder notes, "Amkor shares have been on a tear, more than doubling as of mid-December.

"The rally began when Amkor restated its 2005 and first-quarter 2006 earnings reports with the SEC, which resolved a potential conflict with bondholders. A second bullish catalyst was record third-quarter sales and a third-quarter profit -- after reporting a loss in the third quarter the prior year.

"On the technical front, the stock had consolidated since July 2004 at its lowest levels this decade. Now, a combination of positive earnings surprises and strong technical momentum in the shares could attract momentum players, while its P/E of 10 may attract valuation players.

"With positive catalysts in place, strong price action during recent weeks, and the potential for valuation players to take notice, there is a very good possibility that the unwinding of negative sentiment surrounding these shares could drive a sustained trend higher.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Todd Salamone chips in with Amkor

Top Picks 2007: Todd Salamone chips in with Amkor originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 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 Picks Report.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the world's largest military weapons manufacturer, is the favorite conservative stock of Rich Moroney, editor of Dow Theory Forecasts. The advisor notes,"Lockheed generates about 80% of sales to the U.S. government. Lockheed is the prime contractor for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a large and well-funded defense program -- and one of the company's most significant development projects.

"Lockheed has been working to diversify its defense and intelligence work, as well as non-defense government work. Its information-systems and technology-services businesses have been growing nicely, as the government is increasingly outsourcing.

"In August, Lockheed was chosen as the prime contractor for NASA's successor to the space shuttle -- an award with an initial contract value of $4.2 billion.

"At 16 times estimated year-ahead earnings of $5.55 per share, the stock trades at a discount to its five-year average forward P/E of 17 and its peer-group average of 21. Lockheed is a Focus List Buy and a Long-Term Buy."

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

Top Picks 2007: Dow Theory plays defense with Lockheed originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 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 Picks Report.

The BASF Group (NYSE: BF) is the top conservative idea for 2007 from Gregg Early, editor of The Real Nanotech Investor: A Small World of Big Profits. He notes, "BASF is one of the premier chemicals companies in the world and it's well positioned to be the most dominant and influential chemical company of the 21st century.

"Nanotech is to this century what chemistry was to the 20th century -- one of the most pervasive advancements in every aspect of our lives.

"Like penicillin or the transistor, it will take society decades to fully realize the implications. BASF is already well on its way to applying the lessons it has long been learning on this front.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: BASF has an "Early" lead in nanotech

Top Picks 2007: BASF has an "Early" lead in nanotech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 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 Picks Report.

The iShares Dow Jones Select Dividend Index (NYSE: DVY), an exchange-traded fund, is the top conservative idea for 2007 from Leonard Goodall, editor of No-Load Portfolios. He explains, "I like this ETF for two reasons.

"The first reason is that the fund, as the name implies, guarantees a cash flow to investors. The fund's strategy is to buy companies that pay a larger-than-average dividend and that have a record of consistently raising their dividend. The provision of current income is often a high priority goal for conservative investors.

"The second reason is that the fund provides a good probability of achieving capital gains for the long-term investor. There is abundant evidence that dividend-paying stocks outperform other stocks over time. A major reason for this is that dividends provide a cushion against price declines during bear markets.

"ETFs have given the individual investor the ability to target specific needs in a portfolio. This fund was the first of the dividend-oriented ETFs. There are a number of new ones entering the market; this one, however, is established and its annual expense ratio of just .40 is still the lowest available. It has a one-year annual return of 17.1% and a three-year average annualized return of 13.9%."

To see Leonard's favorite speculative ETF for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Goodall's ETF pick gets Dow dividends originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 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 Picks Report.

First Trust Nasdaq Technology (NASDAQ: QTEC) is the top speculative idea for 2007 from Daniel Frishberg, BizRadio host and editor of TheMoneyMan.com.

He explains, "If all you had done over the past fifty years was buy stocks on the midterm election and sell on the presidential election, you'd be worth twice what you are now! Now we all get another chance.

"Seven years ago, stock prices were just about where they are now, but many companies were half the size and making half the money they make today. Seven years ago, stocks were expensive, and bonds were cheap. Today the tables have turned and we're set to profit.

"Some commentators are suggesting that the Wall Street phenomenon known as 'window dressing' may be a factor in this latest stock price surge. However, we think the rally is too broad to be just 'window dressing.' It is better to look at the rush of foreign money due to the falling dollar, the improving economy, and the end of interest rate hikes.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Daniel Frishberg trusts in First Trust Tech

Top Picks 2007: Daniel Frishberg trusts in First Trust Tech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

LJ International, Inc. (NASDAQ: JADE) is the favorite speculative play from Ian Wyatt, editor of Rising Star Stocks. The small cap advisor explains, "JADE is a fast growing, vertically integrated jewelry company that employs a 'mine to market' business strategy.

"LJ International is a pure play in the superlative growth of China's domestic jewelry sector estimated at over $20 billion and growing at 18% to 20% per year. Its has also established a presence as a growing wholesaler in the massive $45 billion U.S. jewelry market.

"Equally exciting has been the company's successful venture into the retail jewelry business vis-à-vis its ENZO retail chain in China, which currently comprises 35 stores and is expected to grow to 100 stores just in time for the start of the Beijing Olympics in June of 2008.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Ian Wyatt thinks JADE is a jewel

Top Picks 2007: Ian Wyatt thinks JADE is a jewel originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

China Life Insurance Co. (NYSE: LFC) is the favorite conservative stock for 2007 from Jim Trippon, editor of The China Stock Digest. The advisor, who maintains permanent offices in China, says, "Although the stock has performed strongly in 2006, we still see strong gains ahead.

"China Life is China's largest insurance company; it has written more than 48 million individual and group policies and has a huge sales force of 640,000 agents who operate in 9,300 field offices throughout the world's most populous country.

"China Life first caught our attention as a potentially huge growth engine in December 2005 with its announcement that it had been given the go-ahead by the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC) to set up a pension business as it moves to expand into the fast-growing corporate annuities sector.

"This is a major breakthrough in a nation of 1.3 billion prospects who can no longer rely on the government for their pensions. CIRC expects the country's corporate annuity net premiums to grow by 100 billion Yuan, or US$124 million, annually for the next several years. We expect China Life's historical statistics to move up rapidly as its large sales force is tasked to move aggressively into pension funding."

To see Jim's favorite speculation for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Trippon sees "pension profits" at China Life originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ: DRYS) is the top speculative idea for 2007 from Vivian Lewis, editor of Global Investing. She notes, "The company is an operator of a drybulk cargo fleet, and produced no more negative surprises with its unaudited financial and operating results for the third quarter.

"True, there was a net loss of $9.4 million (a loss of 28 cents per share) from Forward Freight Agreement losses previously announced. They were made by the now-fired CFO early in 2006. He disastrously misjudged the drybulk charter rates trend.

"His replacement, Gregory Zikos, a lawyer, MBA, and investment banker, has just been named CFO and to the DRYS board. Meanwhile, Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated a 'buy' on DRYS, forecasting 2006 earnings at $2.24 and 2007 at $2.15, below earlier estimates but with more confidence. Cantor's target is $16.

"Apart from these losses, the rest of the quarter was within the norms of highly leveraged Greek shipping companies, and net income in the quarter would have been 50 cents per share.

"Meanwhile, Dryships' major shareholders (led by George Economou) reinvested the 20 cent per share dividend payment they were scheduled to receive in October, in the amount of about $3.1 million, in DryShips shares. For speculative investors, we consider the stock a strong buy."

To see Vivian's favorite conservative global idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Vivian Lewis travels on DryShips originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

ishares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 (NYSE: FXI ), an exchange-traded fund, is the top speculative pick for 2007 from ETF expert Carl Delfeld, editor of the Chartwell ETF Advisor.

"The FTSE/Xinhua China 25 index was launched in October 2004 and has risen 55.7% year to date. The biggest sector weightings are financial services 35%, telecom 22%, energy 20%, and industrial materials 12%. China Mobile is the biggest holding at around 11% of assets; PetroChina and China Life Insurance are other strong contributors.

"While no fan of state-owned companies, I do see the argument that the Chinese government is likely to protect its 'crown jewels' and that, with the 2008 Olympics approaching, attention on China will increase commensurately. My advice for speculative investors is to buy this exchange-traded fund and maintain a 10% trailing stop loss."

To see Carl's favorite conservative idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Chartwell charts ETF path to China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

Canada-based Virginia Mines Inc. (TSX: VGQ) is the favorite speculative play for 2007 from resource expert Adrian Day. The editor of The Global Analyst, he says, "Gold and other precious metals have resumed their bull market. The best returns often come from junior companies, particularly companies that make a discovery. But in exploration, the odds are heavily against you. We have found a company, however, that combines the potential of the typical exploration company without the usual risk.

"Virginia Mines, the largest landowner in the Canadian province of Quebec, typically stakes prospective ground and undertakes initial exploration before bringing in partners, who typically spend all of the exploration dollars in return for a stake in any discovery.

"Though Virginia reduces its share of any one success, it increases greatly its odds of being successful. It is like have parts of multiple, non-expiring lottery tickets instead of simply one ticket in one drawing. Virginia has about a dozen active projects, including drill programs on at least four different properties over the next few months. It has top-quality management and a super strong balance sheet of C$45 million.

"Virginia may or may not succeed this coming year, but in the worst-case scenario, with no new success, the company will still be around, in a strong position, to fight another day. That's why Virginia is our favorite exploration company, and one we are comfortable owning for the long term."

To see Adrian's favorite conservative investment idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Day prospects for gold with Virginia originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

Park National Corp. (ASE: PRK) is the favorite conservative investment for 2007 from small bank stock specialist Doug Hughes.

The editor of Banknewsletter.com notes, "Park National is a bank holding company, engaged in the commercial banking and trust business in Ohio with over 1,800 employees and 133 offices. Total assets over $5.4 billion, loans over $3.2 billion, and deposits over $3.7 billon as of 3/31/06.

"The stock has been selling off and is currently at the low for the year, something we like, no news, just a big sell off in the shares, while they may have been over-valued at $140, at $93 it is a buy. Book value is almost $40 a share and with net interest margins at 4.37% and a return on average assets at 1.78%, very strong, they are simply worth three times book+ in a deal.

"Insiders own a ton, they will earn $7 in 2007, so a P/E of 13 is very fair for the quality of the franchise. The bank has been around for 100 years, their asset quality is among the best ,and reserves at over 2.10% very strong. The big cash dividend is also nice.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Doug Hughes banks on Park National

Top Picks 2007: Doug Hughes banks on Park National originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 31 Dec 2006 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.

XM Satellite Radio (NASDAQ: XMSR) is a favorite speculative idea from technician Jack Rothstein, editor of Wealthcast. He explains, "We had viewed a move above $15.50 on a closing basis as a buy signal for XMSR and a necessary technical step to keep the current move into a new advance alive.

"The stock traded above that point right and is bullish on all cylinders, having busted through its declining 200-day moving average at 15.09. Technically, the stock is now free to move to 20 and challenge that level.

"When it happens is merely a guess. It will happen now that it broke through necessary points of resistance. It ought to be bought from current levels down to support at 15.25. If you believe in it, then you will give it room all the way down to 13.49 to stop the loss in case it fails.

"However, that doesn't appear to be in the cards right now. The stock appears to be firing on all cylinders and has blasted through to begin a new advance after building a decent base over the past 5 months after bottoming out.

"The bottom came in July after a brutal decline took it from a peak of 40.89, exactly two years ago, to fall to 9.63. It's in a new advance and ought to be held long. Overall, XMSR is my number one choice for 2007."

To see Jack's favorite conservative idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Technician tunes in XM Satellite originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 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.

Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (NYSE: BAM) is the favorite conservative stock from Gordon Pape, editor of Internet Wealth Builder. He explains, "Brookfield is an international conglomerate with interests in real estate, power generation, and infrastructure.

"Although its headquarters are in Toronto, its major holdings are in the U.S. and include such blue-ribbon office properties as the World Financial Center in New York and the Bank of America Plaza in Los Angeles. All told, the office portfolio holds 65 premier properties in North America and Europe. The company also owns some $1 billion in residential assets.

"On the power generation side, Brookfield has 137 hydro-electric stations in North America and Brazil with almost 3,700 megawatts of installed capacity. The company is also involved in the development of several wind power projects in Canada.

"I first recommended Brookfield's predecessor company, Brascan, back in 1997, and since the share price has increased more than five times. That's a great history, but there is much more to come from this well-managed company. Currently the stock pays a quarterly dividend of $0.16 a share. Buy this one for income and long-term growth."

To see Gordon's top speculative idea for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Pape picks Brookfield Asset for growth & income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 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.

streetTRACKS Gold Trust (NYSE: GLD) is the top pick for conservative investors for 2007 from technician Mark Leibovit. The editor of VRTrader explains, "streetTracks Gold Trust is an investment trust whose shares strive to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the trust's expenses.

"The trust holds gold and is expected to issue baskets in exchange for deposits of gold, and to distribute gold in connection with redemptions of baskets. The gold held by the trust will only be sold on an as-needed basis to pay trust expenses, in the event the trust terminates and liquidates its assets, or as otherwise required by law or regulation.

"The streetTracks Gold Trust is not managed like an active investment vehicle, and it's not registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Our upside target for gold is unlimited, but let's call it $850 and then $1,000 over the next two years -- which translates in to GLD trading first at $85 and then the $100 level."

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

Top Picks 2007: Leibovit tracks streetTRACKS Gold originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 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.

Prudent Global Income Fund (PSAFX) is the favorite conservative idea for 2007 from Martin Weiss. The editor of Safe Money Report explains, "The dollar started falling sharply late last year, stabilized a bit this past summer, and is now getting shredded again.

"The main reasons are that we are running gigantic trade deficits month after month after month, and that we owe more to foreign creditors than at any time in history. In addition, our economy is sliding -- while others around the globe are powering ahead.

"This is a big deal in the currency world. International portfolio managers are constantly shifting funds to economies with stronger growth and higher interest rates. If U.S. rates come down a bit -- or even remains flat -- while rates overseas climb, these investors could pull out of the dollar in droves.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Weiss offers "Prudent" play on global income

Top Picks 2007: Weiss offers "Prudent" play on global income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 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.

AT&T, Inc. (NYSE: T) is the favorite conservative investment for 2007 from technical analyst Richard Sparks. The editor of Trend Maximizer observes, "The matronly telecom icon that was broken apart in 1984 -- and then merged with SBC Communications -- is making noise once again.

"AT&T has agreed to acquire southern Baby Bell BellSouth Corp. (NYSE: BLS) in a deal valued at $67 billion. The new T now boasts more than 49 million access lines in service. Cingular Wireless, the company's wireless joint venture with BLS, is the leading U.S. wireless carrier with more than 54 million subscribers in the fold.

"The firm reported better-than-expected third-quarter earnings of 63 cents per share on October 23. These results beat the consensus analyst estimate by five cents. Revenue rose 13.5% on a year-over-year basis to $21.36 billion, versus a consensus estimate of $21.33 billion. This news was met by at least one brokerage firm making positive comments and raising its price target for the stock.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Trend Maximizer dials up Ma Bell

Top Picks 2007: Trend Maximizer dials up Ma Bell originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 30 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.