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Top 20 advisors: Nick Vardy mulls over Millicom

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Nick Vardy, editor of the Global Stock Investor, chose América Móvil (NYSE: AMX) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 38% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation for AMX and his current opinion on the stock.

For his new favorite idea for the second half of 2007, the advisor looks to Millicom International Cellular (NASDAQ: MICC), which he calls, the "Indiana Jones" of the global cell phone industry. He explains, "Luxembourg-based Millicom is one of a handful of global players that are profiting by expanding in cell phone markets where others fear to tread.

"Its strategy has been unique and daring. While the Vodafones and América Móvils of the world slug it out in big cell phone telecommunications markets such as Brazil and India, Millicom has cobbled together a patchwork empire that consists of 16 countries in Central America, South America, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia.

"In total, Millicom's cellular operations are licensed to serve a combined population of approximately 278 million people -- roughly the population of the United States. Millicom has focused on offering prepaid cell phone services in countries where landlines are inadequate.

"Although most of Millicom's sales growth occurs in traditional Latin American markets, more than half of Millicom's customers are in Africa and Asia. And that's where much of Millicom's future growth lies. Given the relatively low cell penetration rates, Africa is the fastest-growing region of the world for cell phone use.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Nick Vardy mulls over Millicom

Top 20 advisors: Neil Macneale opts for steel and engines

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Neil Macneale, editor of 2 for 1 (a newsletter focused exclusively on stocks that have announced stock splits), chose two stocks in the Top Picks for 2007 report, and both picks qualified him for our Top 20 Advisors. His previous selections were Chaparrel Steel Co. (NASDAQ: CHAP) and Steel Dynamics Inc. (NASDAQ: STLD).

As of June 1, 2007, Steel Dynamics has risen 49%. while Chapparel had scored a gain of 67%. Here is Neil's original recommendation for these issues.

Updating his outlook on these steel stock, he now says, "This rate of return cannot continue forever, but there is every reason to believe these remain good stocks to own.

"Steel should continue to perform, given the strength of the economy, even without a strong housing market. As the housing market improves, steel should get even stronger. In both cases, fundamentals for these companies remain strong and the stocks still sell at a discount to their peers."

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Neil Macneale opts for steel and engines

Top 20 advisors: Ken Kam boosts Elan

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Ken Kam, editor of Marketscope, chose two stocks in the Top Picks for 2007 report and both picks qualified him for our Top 20 Advisors. His selection of Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO) rose 48%. Here is his original recommendation for Valero and his current opinion on the stock.

In addition, Ken also picked Elan Corp. (NYSE: ELN) in our Top Picks 2007 report and its gain of 35% also qualifies among our Top 20 Advisors. Now, he is now re-recommending the shares as his current favorite for the balance of 2007.

The advisor explains, "Elan has been strong on rumors that Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) -- Elan's 50% partner for its multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri -- is interested in acquiring the company. Elan has also show recent strength on news that the company's Alzheimer's drug (AAB-001), which is partnered with Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), is being advanced to Phase 3 trials.

"When a stock makes a big move in a short period, there is a tremendous temptation to sell and 'lock in profits.' However, when the price move is accompanied with good news, the initial bump may be the start of a major move up. If you are too quick on the trigger, you may miss the bigger, longer term.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Ken Kam boosts Elan

Top 20 advisors: Jon Markman sees strength in Hercules

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Jon Markman, editor of Strategic Advantage, chose banking software company FundTech Ltd. (NASDAQ: FNDT), which rose 41% as of June 1, 2007. The advisor has just sold the stock from his model portfolio.

For his new favorite idea for the balance of 2007, the advisor looks to Hercules Offshore Inc. (NASDAQ: HERO). He explains, "Energy companies' shares might seem high to you now, but you ain't seen nothin' yet. When investors collectively decide that the new 'band' for oil prices is $50 to $65 rather than $35 to $50, then virtually all energy stocks are in for a major upward move.

"In this scenario, every subsector of the energy industry will move higher: Oil and gas drillers, services providers, explorers, refiners, pipeline owners, and the major integrators. We are just in the third inning of the game now, and it should continue to surprise people.

"All this is good news for the energy companies, but not such great news for the average consumer. We know how gasoline prices are breaking budgets.

"So in order to put some of the cash you're shelling out at the pump each week back into your pockets, I've been suggesting a couple of other energy companies that are set to profit from higher oil and natural gas prices as well as drilling rates.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Jon Markman sees strength in Hercules

Top 20 advisors: Gordon Pape picks Precision

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Gordon Pape, editor of The Internet Wealth Builder, chose Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 31% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation and his current opinion on Brookfield.

For his new favorite, the advisor looks to Precision Drilling (NYSE: PDS). He explains, "If you like to buy good companies at beaten-down prices, take a good look at this income trust.

"Precision Drilling, which provides services to the Canadian oil patch, has been battered and bruised by a decline in oil exploration activity, distribution cuts, and, of course, the proposed new tax on income trusts which is now working its way through the Parliament of Canada.

"Investors were hit with a second distribution cut in six months when the trust announced on May 18 that it is chopping another 32% off its monthly payment, slicing it to 13 cents. That reduces the annual payment to $1.56 a share, less than half last year's level of $3.24.

"There's no doubt this oilfields service provider is going through a tough period and management hasn't tried to sugar-coat the situation. Despite the gloomy outlook, RBC Capital Markets said in a research report that the firm's dividend cut probably represents the last one for the year.

"The trust's payout ratio should now be marginally below that of other oil service providers and it is generally expected that drilling activity will pick up later this year.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Gordon Pape picks Precision

Top 20 advisors: Vahan Janjigian dials up AT&T

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor, chose Sirenza Microdevices (NASDAQ: SMDI) as his top pick. Although the stock rose 35% as of June 1, 2007, the issue no longer meets the requirements of his quantitative model and has thus been dropped from his coverage.

His new top stock pick for the rest of 2007 is AT&T (NYSE: T). The advisor explains, "As measured by revenue, AT&T is the world's largest telecommunications company. It provides both wireline and wireless phone and data communications services.

"The company realized cost savings of $300 million in Q1 from the BellSouth acquisition. The November 2005 acquisition of SBC Communications yielded an additional $600 million in savings in Q1.

"Better-than-expected synergies have led management to increase the 2007 operating profit margin target to 23-24%. The Wireless segment added 1.2 million net new subscribers in Q1, bringing the total to 62.2 million. Average monthly revenue per user increased 1.4% year-over- year to $49.21 per month.

"Total churn improved to 1.7%, down from 1.9% in the prior year period and 1.8% in Q4. Churn for postpaid customers hit a record low of 1.3%. These improvements helped the Wireless segment expand its operating profit margin to 38.9%.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Vahan Janjigian dials up AT&T

Top 20 advisors: Yola Edwards thinks Coke is it

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Yola Edwards, editor of The Income Investor, chose Canadian grocer Sobey's as her top pick for 2007. The stock rose 42% due to a just completed going-private transaction at $58 a share.

The Coca-Cola Co. (NYSE: KO) is her new top pick; she says, "'Coke is it,' or so the company's jingle suggested -- but the share price of Coca-Cola has been in a major downtrend since July 1998. However there are technical signs that indicate the downtrend has ended and an upside breakout is just ahead.

"Investors usually turn to a defensive stock like Coca-Cola in a slowing economic environment, and with first-quarter U.S GDP growth of 0.6%, now might be the time to try some Coke.

"With nearly 400 brands in over 200 countries, Coca-Cola is the world's largest beverage company, but Coke has apparently recognized that it hasn't been 'it' for awhile and has taken steps to join the new generation by spending $4.1 billion to acquire Energy Brands Inc., known as Glaceau, a maker of vitamin-enhanced water.

"Analysts' reactions to the purchase are mixed, calling it overpriced, while others think it's a smart strategic move despite the stiff price tag. With the transaction closing in the summer, it is expected to be accretive to the company's bottom line in 2008.

"In April, Coca-Cola reported first quarter net income of $1.26 billion, or 54 cents per share, up from $1.11 billion or 47cents per share in the prior year. Technical analysis suggests that although a pullback to the 10-month moving average at $49 would offer support and an opportunity, the stock is poised to rally to about $69 over the next year."

See all 20 stocks the advisors picked for the second half of 2007.

Top 20 advisors: Bernie Schaeffer tunes in to RadioShack

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Bernie Schaeffer, editor of Schaeffers Investment Research, chose International Securities Exchange (NYSE: ISE) as his top pick for 2007. The stock has risen 40% on news that Deutsche Boerse AG plans to acquire the firm. For those who own the stock, Schaeffer recommends selling.

For his new favorite idea, the advisor turns to electronics retailer RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH). He explains, "The stock has been flying high in 2007, doubling in value in less than six months and moving to a two-year high. Throughout this impressive rally, the stock has enjoyed the reliable support of its 10-day and 20-day moving averages.

"RSH shares have also benefited from their 10-week moving average, which neatly guided the equity higher following a late-April pullback in the shares.

"This performance has clearly dwarfed the accomplishments of the broader retail sector. RadioShack's weekly relative-strength measure, as compared to the AMEX Retail HOLDRs Trust, has been on the rise since January and is now at a 26-month high.

"The company has been impressive in the earnings confessional as well. RadioShack's first-quarter earnings, reported in late April, hit 31 cents per share, well above year-ago results of 6 cents per share and easily better than analysts' consensus view of 14 cents per share.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Bernie Schaeffer tunes in to RadioShack

Top 20 advisors: David Fried flies with SkyWest

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

David Fried, editor of the Buyback Letter, chose Big Lots Inc. (NYSE: BIG) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 39% as of 6/1/07. Please see his original recommendation and his current opinion on Big Lots.

Fried's new pick is SkyWest, Inc. (NASDAQ: SKYW). He explains, "SkyWest, the nation's largest independently owned regional airline, is a contract carrier for United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and, most recently, Midwest Airlines.

"Nimbler than the big legacy carriers and not burdened by their bloated labor costs, SkyWest has a steady earnings stream, good cash flow, and an attractive P/E of 11. Its reputation as an efficient, low-cost operator and as the best-managed regional airline in the business was enhanced with the 2005 acquisition of Atlantic Southeast Airlines, which made SkyWest a player on the national stage.

"Since the mid-1970s, SkyWest has grown from a company with annual revenue of under $1 million to a publicly held company with annual revenues of more than $1 billion and almost 15,000 employees. SkyWest is set for continued long-term growth.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: David Fried flies with SkyWest

Top 20 advisors: Adrian Day views Vista Gold

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Adrian Day, editor of the Global Analyst, chose Virginia Mines Inc. (TSE: VGQ) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 31% as of 6/1/07. Here's Adrian's original recommendation on Virginia Mines and his current opinion on the stock.

His new favorite for the rest of 2007 is -- like Virginia -- a "gold company with a difference." His new pick is Vista Gold Corp. (ASE: VGZ). He explains, "During the early 2000s, when the price of gold was weak, Vista acquired known gold resources, but ones that were uneconomic at the time.

"This enabled it to build reserves inexpensively, and rather than mining them when the price was low, it held on to the gold in the ground, building value as the price of bullion appreciated.

"Now Vista has 12 properties around the world in various stages of development, some economic at today's higher price. Together, it has over 13 million ounces of resource (proven, probable, and indicated), valued at just over $20 per ounce in the ground -- very cheap.

"In addition to the considerable exploration potential at many of its properties, it also has $20 million in cash. With strong leverage to rising gold prices, we would buy Vista as an option on gold, but one without an expiration date."

See all 20 stocks the advisors picked for the second half of 2007.

Top 20 advisors: Mark Skousen sees Volcano erupting

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Mark Skousen, editor of Forecasts & Strategies and host of the July 4th investor think tank FreedomFest, chose Aluminum Corp. of China (NYSE: ACH) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 45% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation on ACH and his current opinion on the stock.

For his new top pick, the advisor recommends Volcano Corp. (NASDAQ: VOLC). The advisor explains, "This is a medical technology company that is currently experiencing blockbuster revenue growth.

"Volcano provides a unique service in the burgeoning health care industry: an intravascular ultrasound and functional measurement product that visualizes the heart, brain, arteries, and other parts of the body to diagnose and treat heart disease, strokes, and other ailments.

"According to scientists and technicians worldwide, Volcano has the far superior technology than other competitors. I suspect that means a takeover in the future. Sales, which have raced past $100 million over the last twelve months, are growing at 48% per quarter. Earnings, too, have blown past analysts' estimates.

"I think this trend will continue for this stock. It could even become a buyout candidate. The stock has already started to move up. I recommend you buy Volcano now, before it erupts."

See all 20 stocks the advisors picked for the second half of 2007.

Top 20 advisors: Tom Bishop bets on NutraCea

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Thomas Bishop, editor of BI Research, chose Taseko Mining Ltd. (ASE: TGB) as his favorite for 2007, which rose 44% as of 6/1/07. Please see his original recommendation and his current opinion on the stock.

NutraCea (OTC: NTRZ) is his new stock pick. The advisor explains, "Rice is the most consumed grain on the planet and is a primary food source for 70% of the world's population. However, 65% of its nutritional value is in the bran covering that is routinely stripped off. NutraCea offers a patent technology that preserves these nutrients.

"NutraCea had developed a technology that stabilizes rice bran into an FDA-certified edible product, leaving the nutritional value of the bran intact with a shelf life of one to three years. There is tremendous interest in this highly nutritional product, especially from humanitarian relief organizations, the nutraceutical industry, and both human and animal food companies.

"NutraCea's client roster has 187 customers, including the likes of General Mills, Pepperidge Farms, Con Agra, Archer Daniels Midland, and Purina. In addition, some 500 companies have signed nondisclosure agreements with NutraCea to test using its product in their products.To cut to the chase, NutraCea is facing demand that is expected to exceed its ability to supply it for years to come.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Tom Bishop bets on NutraCea

Top 20 advisors: John Christy rings up América Móvil

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

John Christy, editor of the Forbes International Investment Report, chose Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 39% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation for Nokia and his current opinion on the stock.

For his new favorite stock, the advisor looks south of the border, recommending América Móvil (NYSE: AMX). He explains, "Latin America has been one of the hottest regions for global investors in 2007. As of May 25, the Morgan Stanley Capital International Latin America index is up over 17% in U.S. dollar terms.

"But there's still plenty of money to be made south of the border. AMX is the dominant mobile phone service provider in Mexico. The company's reach extends beyond its home market to more than 125 million subscribers throughout Latin America, with operations in more than a dozen countries.

"Revenue topped $21 billion last year, about half of which came from outside Mexico. The company is controlled by Carlos Slim Helú, who overtook Warren Buffett earlier this year as the world's second-richest man.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: John Christy rings up América Móvil

Top 20 advisors: Dylan Jovine sees healthy gains for United Healthcare

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Dylan Jovine, editor of The Tycoon Report, chose RadioShack Corp. (NYSE: RSH) as his top pick. The stock had risen 100% as of June 1, 2007. The advisor recommends selling the shares.

His new recommendation for the second half of 2007 is United Healthcare Group (NYSE: UNH). The advisor asks, "How can you tell the difference between a buying opportunity and a 'value trap'? One way to do so is to separate the behavior of the stock price from the strength of the underlying business.

"For example, if a company has a strong underlying business that continues to grow (even as its stock price shrinks under the light of scandal), the inverse action of the stock going down while the business 'goes up' tends to lead to a buying opportunity.

"One great example of this is United Healthcare Group. Under the taint of the options back-dating scandal, last year Wall Street punished the stock by sending its shares down by nearly 30%, shaving off close to $20 billion in stock market value for a scandal that is expected to cost the company roughly $1.5 billion in restatements.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Dylan Jovine sees healthy gains for United Healthcare

Top 20 advisors: Vivian Lewis bets on Baja

Last December, over 100 stocks were featured in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Now, at mid-year, we turn to the 20 advisors whose picks showed the strongest gains to get an update on their previous picks, as well as a new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Vivian Lewis, editor of Global Investing, chose DryShips (NASDAQ: DRYS) as her favorite stock for 2007, which rose 126% as of 6/1/07. Here is her original recommendation on DRYS and her current opinion on the stock.

Now, she explains, "For a new pick for the second half of 2007, how about a copper company from Canada reviving an old mine in Baja California, Mexico?" Baja Mining (TSE: BAJ) is her current strong favorite.

"Baja Mining got a definitive feasibility study of its Boleo Project in Mexico, and it is lovely. Based on a presumed copper price of US$1.50/(metric) tonne, and cobalt at $15/pound and zinc sulphate at $1,200/tonne, the average cost of produced copper, net of byproducts, would be minus 7 cents/lb.

"Proven and probable reserves are sufficient for a 25-year mine life, with 275 million tonnes of measured and indicated resources grading 1.77% copper equivalent, and a further 250 million of inferred resourced grading 1.29% copper equivalent.

"These huge reserves mean that the project will have an after-tax indicated rate of return of 24.7%, or 46% at current market prices for the metals. The net project value at an 8% discount rate is $700 million, or $2.3 billion at current market prices.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Vivian Lewis bets on Baja

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