What are the best energy investments for long-term investors? To answer this question, I surveyed 20 of the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors to find their current favorite ideas in the energy sector.

Interestingly, the advisors see the best opportunities in areas well beyond traditional oil firms; indeed, no one included in this report chose a major integrated oil company. Rather, the advisors have shown a preference for various oil services sectors, non-oil energy sources, and developing alternative technologies.

Some focus on areas such as deep-sea operations with Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc. (NYSE: DO), Transocean Inc. (NYSE: RIG) and Oceaneering International (NYSE: OII), while others look toward oil shippers such as Nordic American Tanker Shipping (NYSE: NAT) and refiners such as Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO).

Others chose companies that make specific products needed by the oil & gas industries such as NATCO Group Inc. (NYSE: NTG), which makes a wide range of oil & gas processing systems; Dresser-Rand Group Inc. (NYSE: DRC), a maker of control systems; Gardner Denver Inc. (NYSE: GDI), which makes compressor and fluid transfer systems; Tenaris (NYSE: TS), a maker of pipes and tublar products and Schlumberger Ltd. (NYSE: SLB), the largest and most diversified of the oil services companies.

Continue reading Best energy ideas: Favorites from the newsletter advisors

Best energy ideas: Favorites from the newsletter advisors originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Ian Wyatt, editor of The Growth Report, chose LJ International Inc. (NASDAQ: JADE) as his favorite stock for 2007. Its 173% gain as of 6/1/07 has made it the number one performer among all stocks in our Top Picks for 2007 report. Here is Ian's original recommendation for JADE and his current favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Updating his recommendation, the advisor now says, "LJ International continues to capitalize on China's extraordinary growth and accompanying demand for luxury goods -- specifically high-end jewelry -- by expanding its network of ENZO branded jewelry stores.

"Since 2004, when LJI began opening retail jewelry stores in China, it has opened more than 45 stores, established a presence in all of China's major cities, including Hong Kong and Macau, and established itself as China's #1 foreign branded jewelry retailer (Hong Kong and U.S. based), ahead of Tiffany & Co.

"The company has plans to more than double its network to 100 stores by year-end 2007, ahead of the Beijing Olympics. These stores generate robust sales, and, more impressive, nearly half of the existing stores are already profitable. Continued growth of its retail operations will enhance LJI's profitability since ENZO gross margins are twice those of the wholesale business.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Ian Wyatt wins with JADE

Top 20 advisors: Ian Wyatt wins with JADE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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), which rose 45% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation for ACH and his new favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Updating his earlier selection, the advisor asks, "What's the future of a stock that has doubled in the past year, and up over 40% this year? I am tempted to take my profits and go elsewhere.

"But demand for alumina and aluminum remains strong. Aluminum prices have been flat for the year, but have more than doubled in five years. The company, commonly known as Chalco, is the world's number two alumina maker, and it beat forecasts with a 44% rise in second half earnings.

"The giant producer intends to enhance its global competitiveness and focus on expanding capacity and further acquisitions this year, aiding the nation's hunt for raw materials to feed a rapidly growing economy (8-9% GDP annual growth). Chalco is also China's largest aluminum maker.

"It reported a net profit of 5.0 billion yuan (US$645.7 million) for the six months ended December, bringing yearly profit to 11.745 billion yuan last year versus 7.02 billion yuan in 2005. Overall, I think Chalco can increase in price, but just in case we are wrong, let's set a protective stop of $30 a share, and sell if it hits this level on the downside."

Top 20 advisors: Mark Skousen forges ahead with Aluminum Corp. of China originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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 Inc. (NASDAQ: DRYS) as her top pick for 2007. The stock rose 126%, as of June 1, 2007. Here is her original recommendation on DRYS and her new favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Meanwhile, the advisor now says, "DryShips is trading at a P/E of only 15, even now that the stock has gone up 300%. There is a lot of negativity about George Economou, who heads the company and now is the CFO.

"He headed a prior shipping company, which filed for bankruptcy after it could not pay back loans to British banks a decade ago. This was in the DryShips prospectus of course, and was also the subject of a report written by Kate Welling (former Barron's reporter) for a group shorting DRYS, including the Weeden brokerage firm.

"As a result, all this maybe makes DRYS cheaper than in would be otherwise. When I recommended DRYS in Global Investing in December 2005, I wanted it for its yield of 7.8%. That went up to 8.4% a year ago when the shorts were out in force, and the stock fell from $12.75 (our buy level) to $9.50.

"So the recovery is nice, but there is still an 'odor' around, which is why the resignation of the second CFO in a year causes some upset. I'm not giving up on this stock and indeed, perhaps would want to buy on weakness -- although as a holder, I am not sure I want to see weakness."

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

Top 20 advisors: Vivian Lewis sails on with DryShips originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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 Valero Energy Corp. (NYSE: VLO) as his top pick for the year; it rose 48%, as of June 1, 2007. Here is his original recommendation for VLO as well as his new favorite stock idea for 2007.

Updating his outlook on Valero, Ken explains, "Refineries were once regarded by Wall Street as nothing more than future hazardous waste sites. For much of the last 30 years, it made sense to keep money-losing refineries operating in order to avoid the cleanup costs of shutting one down.

"Things have changed a lot in the past five years. Today, there is no excess refining capacity and profit margins have soared. The demand for refined products continues to grow along with the economy, but there are virtually no prospects for any new refineries being brought online anytime soon.

"The refineries that were once disregarded are now literally worth more than gold mines. Yet refining companies still trade at single-digit P/E ratios. Valero trades at a P/E less than 7. The S&P 500 by comparison has a P/E of about 16.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Ken Kam sees refined gains in Valero

Top 20 advisors: Ken Kam sees refined gains in Valero originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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 38% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation for Nokia and his new favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Updating his outlook on Nokia, the advisor says, "I've been arguing for some time that investors have not been giving the company enough credit for its leading position in the global mobile phone market. Fortunately that mind-set appears to be changing, in part because of a strong Q1 earnings report.

"Although Nokia's net income for the quarter fell 7% due to some one-time charges, margins showed solid improvement across the board. At the same time, Nokia is gaining market share in key segments such as emerging markets (low-end) and in multimedia phones (high-end).

"The improvements in profitability suggest that Nokia is not pulling this off simply by selling dirt cheap phones. Instead, it looks more like the result of savvy cost control and continued innovation.

"Separately, Nokia and Siemens said that they plan to cut about 9,000 jobs in their telecom equipment joint venture. The reductions -- which were expected -- should help drive savings of $2 billion a year by 2010. The stock remains a buy in our global portfolio."

Top 20 advisors: John Christy stays bullish on Nokia originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Chris Mayer, editor of Capital & Crisis, chose Rosetta Resources Inc. (NASDAQ: ROSE) as his top pick for 2007. The stock rose 32%, as of June 1, 2007. Here is Chris's original recommendation for Rosetta and his new favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Updating Rosetta, the advisor now says, "I continue to like ROSE, which should increase production greatly this year. The company is in good financial shape. It still has a relatively low-risk portfolio of drilling projects.

"I also feel good about the future of natural gas prices. In a world where we're draining the conventional natural gas wells at a fast rate, large fields of relatively untapped gas potential in the lower 48 are going to be worth a lot. Rosetta has that in its Rio Vista interests.

The company also keeps blowing away estimates. In the March quarter, earnings came in 33% better than analysts expected. In December, they beat the consensus by 24%. All of this and it still trades for a reasonable multiple -- only 14 times next year's (too low) estimate."

Top 20 advisors: Chris Mayer sees low risk with ROSE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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 Internet Wealth Builder, chose Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM) as his top pick for 2007. The stock rose 31%, as of June 1, 2007. Here is Gordon's original recommendation on BAM and his current favorite stock for the rest of 2007.

Updating the stock, Pape now says, "Brookfield is the oldest recommendation still on our active list -- we've been recommending it since 1997 -- and it continues to churn out handsome gains for members. Maybe the company will stumble some day, but I wouldn't bet on it.

"The company holds $50 billion in assets and invests in the property, power, and infrastructure sectors. Its strong stock performance is the result of a combination of continued profit growth and a corporate commitment to enhance shareholder valuation in every possible way.

"For example, the company recently announced that it is spinning off its timber assets and much of its electrical generating business into an infrastructure partnership -- Brookfield Infrastructure Partnership LP -- which will be listed on the NYSE under the symbol BIP.

"It's expected the partnership will be very attractive to investors, and Brookfield could have chosen to bring it out through an IPO. Instead, a majority interest will be distributed to Brookfield shareholders in the form of a dividend and the parent company will retain a 40% interest.

"In addition, the board of directors has approved another share split, the fourth since I recommended the stock. This will be a three for two split, paid as a dividend, which will be effective on June 1 for shareholders of record as of May 24. We continue to rate BAM a buy."

Top 20 advisors: Gordon Pape likes Brookfield's 'assets' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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. It rose 39% as of 6/1/07. Here is David's original recommendation for Big Lots and his new favorite stock for the second half of the year.

Updating the stock, the advisor now says, "Big Lots remains a buy in our stock pickers portfolio. On May 10, the company said its comparable-store sales for Q1 increased 4.9%. The company said Q1 retail sales increased 3.5% to $1.12 billion.

"At the end of May, the company reported that its quarterly profit more than doubled. Big Lots, which has closed stores and revamped its merchandise to improve business, said earnings rose to $28.8 million, or $0.26 a share, from $13.7 million, or $0.12 a share in the year ago period.

"The company said comparable-store sales increased 4.9% for the quarter. Net sales rose 3.4% to $1.13 billion from Q1 of last year. Big Lots also hiked its 2007 earnings outlook to $1.25 to $1.30 a share from continuing operations. It also expects Q2 earnings from continuing operations of $0.07 to $0.10 a share."

Top 20 advisors: David Fried bets on Big Lots for buybacks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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. It rose 31% as of 6/1/07. Here is Adrian's original recommendation for Virginia Mines and his current favorite stock for the second half of the year.

He now says, "Virginia Mines, is a Canadian resource exploration company, but one with a difference. Although small (with a market cap of less than $150 million), it has about 14 active projects with four current drill programs underway, a lot for a junior company.

"It does this by bringing in partners of its Quebec exploration projects, partners who spend the money. Virginia gives up some upside on any particular project in return for spreading its risk and having a piece of multiple projects. This strategy enables the company to maintain a strong balance sheet, currently about C$45 million.

"The company's active projects include an exploration program adjacent to its recent gold discovery at Eleonore, a property sold last year to Goldcorp. There are early signs that Virginia could find more deposits on this ground. Other prospective projects include a zinc discovery, joint ventured with Breakwater.

"The stock has moved this year from C$4 to the current C$5.70, but it remains inexpensive. The business model is very low risk, while any exploration success will see the stock price higher."

Top 20 advisors: Adrian Day sees golden gains in Virginia originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Last December, Thomas Bishop, editor of BI Research, chose Taseko Mining Ltd. (ASE: TGB) as his favorite stock for 2007. It rose 44% as of 6/1/07. Please see Tom's original recommendation for Taseko and his current favorite stock for the second half of the year.

On TGB, he now says, "Strong prices for copper continue to help Taseko Mining. I should also note that molybdenum is now over $33 a pound. This is about as high as it has been in recent years.

"This 'small' byproduct of the Gibraltar mine, at this rate, could kick in $30 million of gravy. Once Taseko upgrades and expands its mill, considerable additional profitability should be unleashed, which we expect in 2008.

"I still like this little company a lot, particularly now that the stock has digested its earlier run. This consolidation was in part followed a less robust than expected first quarter, which I think only creates a buying opportunity because the growth story remains intact -- if not more so. I continue to rate the stock a 'strong buy' "

Top 20 advisors: Tom Bishop mines for value in Taseko originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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. It rose 39% as of 6/1/07. Here is Nick's original recommendation for AMX and his new favorite stock for the second half of 2007.

Updating his outlook on AMX, the advisor says, "Mexico-based América Móvil has been my #1 blue chip play on the global cell phone megatrend. The Latin American markets have been the strongest performing region globally. But even in that context, América Móvil has been a strong relative performer, handily outperforming the broader Mexican market, itself up 18%.

"And América Móvil has done more than make money for investors. It's also propelled controlling shareholder Carlos Slim ahead of Warren Buffett as the #2 wealthiest man in the world. If América Móvil's stock price continues its torrid pace, Slim will dethrone Bill Gates as the world's #1 by the end of the year.

"Should you still buy América Móvil? Absolutely! The stock remains a favorite of some of the world's top hedge funds. With Latin American cell phone penetration rates still hovering around 40%, América Móvil still only has one way to go -- and that's up.

"The stock is still a very good value based on a PEG ( price earnings to growth) of .58. Thanks to América Móvil's fast growth, this number has barely budged since I first recommended the stock in December."

Top 20 advisors: Nick Vardy calls on América Móvil originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Chris Mayer, editor of Capital & Crisis, chose Rosetta Resources (NASDAQ: ROSE) as his favorite stock for 2007, which rose 32% as of 6/1/07. Here is his original recommendation for Rosetta and his current opinion on the stock.

For his new top pick, National Fuel Gas Co. (NYSE: NFG), he says, "I love companies with 'hidden assets,' things that have been lying around gathering dust but suddenly turn into something very valuable. It's like finding an old Mickey Mantle baseball card in Dad's attic.

"One stock that is a hidden asset in the Appalachians is National Fuel Gas. Like an old baseball card, it's been around a long time. NFG incorporated in 1902, though its predecessor companies are much older. It is an integrated gas utility. This means it is involved in every aspect of natural gas, from the bottom of the well to the burner tip.

"NFG has its own exploration and development company, with oil and gas reserves across many states (45% of production is oil). It has a regulated utility serving 727,000 customers in New York and Pennsylvania.

"It owns nearly 3,000 miles of pipeline, along with 32 storage fields. NFG also owns over 100,000 acres of black cherry hardwood in Pennsylvania. Finally, NFG has a small energy broker business with some 25,000 customers.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Chris Mayer fills up with National Fuel

Top 20 advisors: Chris Mayer fills up with National Fuel originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

Todd Salamone, editor with Schaeffer's Investment Research, chose Amkor Technology (NASDAQ: AMKR) as his top pick for 2007. Despite rising 55% as of June 1, 2007, he continues to recommend this stock as his ongoing favorite for the second half of the year.

The advisor explains, "Since the start of the year, the shares of Amkor have put in a stellar performance. The equity has enjoyed a monster uptrend since the start of year, pushing it up to levels not seen since April 2004. The stock has succeeded in bouncing off support at its ascending 10-week moving average and has since continued its rally along this trendline.

"During this time frame, the stock has tacked on more than 50%. Despite their gains, the shares could still be attractive to valuation players. The stock's price-to-earnings ratio comes in at 16, which is still well below the industry average of 30.

"Aiding the security's ascent has been a strong fundamental backdrop. On February 7, the company reported earnings of 30 cents per share, crushing its year-ago profit of 24 cents per share and the consensus analyst estimate of 23 cents per share, according to Reuters.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Todd Salamone sticks with Amkor

Top 20 advisors: Todd Salamone sticks with Amkor originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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 Mowrey, editor of the Prudent Speculator TechValue Report, chose Cogent Inc. (NASDAQ: COGT), which rose 41% as of June 1, 2007. Although he maintains a $24 price target for those who own the stock, he no longer is recommending purchase.

For his new top idea, Mark looks at United Online Inc. (NASDAQ: UNTD). The advisor explains, "For as many reasons to be wary of the company, we find more to like about this net-centric company.

"Founded as Juno Online Services in May 1995, and formed via the merger of that company with fellow dial-up Internet services provider NetZero in June 2001, United Online is one of a select few surviving early Net access players.

"As UNTD milks the dial-up business for cash flow, management hopes to transition as many of those paying customers as they can to a new broadband offering. Still, revenue from the communications segment is declining at a rapid clip, falling 13 percent in 2006 to $375.9 million.

"So what is there to like about a company with declining revenue in its core business, the only savior for which is entry into an even more competitive space? The general answer is the provision of services folks utilize once they're already on the Net.

Continue reading Top 20 advisors: Mark Mowrey goes 'net-centric' for UNTD

Top 20 advisors: Mark Mowrey goes 'net-centric' for UNTD originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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: Nick Vardy mulls over Millicom originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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: Neil Macneale opts for steel and engines originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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: Ken Kam boosts Elan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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: Jon Markman sees strength in Hercules originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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: Gordon Pape picks Precision originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.