"What's safe and cheap in today's market? Food stocks top our buy list this month," suggests leading value advisor Richard Band.

The editor of Profitable Investing explains, "Here are two of my favorite buys, each with the potential to rack up a total return (price gain plus dividends) of at least 15% in the coming year: Nestle (NSRGY) and PepsiCo (PEP).

Continue reading Nestle and PepsiCo: 'Cheap and Safe'

Nestle and PepsiCo: 'Cheap and Safe' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Philip Morris International (PM), a holding on our Recommended Buy List, has caught fire with investors this summer, recently hitting a 52-week high," says Geoffrey Seiler.

The editor of BullMarket.com explains, "The company's CFO, Hermann Waldemer, was recently at an investor conference in New York, and below, we review his presentation and comments for this update on how the cigarette business has been doing outside of the U.S.

Continue reading Philip Morris International (PM): 'Solid Choice' for Income

Philip Morris International (PM): 'Solid Choice' for Income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Agribusiness Favorites: Monsanto (MON) & Bunge (BG)

Agribusiness Favorites: Monsanto (MON) & Bunge (BG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Given the stock market setback, the time to buy has come. So what is a global investor to do now? Where in the world do we go?" asks Vivian Lewis.

The editor of Global Investing reviews five global investment ideas: Mexico's Cemex (CX), Canada's Cameco (CCJ), Greece's Coca Cola Hellenic (CCH), Israel's Teva Pharmaceutcial (TEVA), and India's ICICI Bank (IBN).

"I think this May correction has been the result of insane blind total panic in the wake of the still unexplained flash crash. Logically nothing explains the sell-off -- nada, nichevo, nichts, rien. To imagine that Greece is going to pull down Britain, Germany and France is simply ridiculous.

Continue reading Five Global Favorites: 'Time to Buy'

Five Global Favorites: 'Time to Buy' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 May 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Rio Tinto (RTP): 'Set to Play Catch-Up'

Rio Tinto (RTP): 'Set to Play Catch-Up' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 May 2010 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Five Stocks That Prove the China Boom Isn't Over

Five Stocks That Prove the China Boom Isn't Over originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Industrials stocks focus on the manufacturing, transport and construction of physical goods and heavy infrastructure," says Elliott Gue.

The contributing editor to Personal Finance explains, "The best in the sector share one key trait: powerful leverage to a global economic recovery led by growth in the emerging markets and renewed spending on basic infrastructure across the developed world. The S&P 500 Industrials has outperformed the broader market by 20% during the past year."

Continue reading ABB (ABB) and Shaw (SHAW): Industrial Gains

ABB (ABB) and Shaw (SHAW): Industrial Gains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"I expect Vimpel-Communications (VIP) -- Russia's major mobile phone operator -- to perform strongly over the next couple of months," says international expert Nicholas Vardy.

In his Global Bull Market Alert, the advisor explains, "VimpelCom's fundamentals are strong and improving." Here's his bullish outlook on the shares.

"The company increased its mobile subscribers by 1.7 million between the second and third quarters, bringing its total number of subscribers to 65.4 million. That's 13% more than last year.

Continue reading Ring up Russia with Vimpel-Com (VIP)

Ring up Russia with Vimpel-Com (VIP) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The 'offshoring' of IT development, customer service and back office operations has always been controversial in the U.S. (because of the jobs lost)," observes Paul Goodwin.

In The Cabot China & Emerging Markets Report, he explains, "However, these outsourcing services have also been cost-effective. And outsourcing pioneer Wipro (NYSE: WIT) is very good at it.

"Wipro, the Indian megacap company, has been holding earnings steady as a rock despite the global recession that has ripped the heart out of so many companies.

Continue reading Wipro (WIT) and offshoring: Controvery and opportunity

Wipro (WIT) and offshoring: Controvery and opportunity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Gafisa S.A. (NYSE: GFA) is a bet on Brazil; the company is the country's second-largest homebuilder," says international investing expert Nicholas Vardy.

In his The Global Bull Market Alert, he adds, "Brazilian homebuilders are a red-hot sector in a red-hot market. Brazil is one of the strongest-performing global markets this year, and one that you should definitely have exposure to in the final quarter of 2009.

"Brazilian homebuilders are a red-hot sector in a red-hot market. Stocks in this sector have already doubled their share prices this year as policy makers cut interest rates to a record low and the government unveiled a 34 billion real ($18.8 billion) housing stimulus plan.

Continue reading Homebuilding in Brazil: 'Hot sector in hot market'

Homebuilding in Brazil: 'Hot sector in hot market' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Investing in the fertilizer business may not sound sexy, but the dynamics and fundamentals of the food business will turn it into one of the most profitable sectors you could find.," explains global expert Tony Sagami.

In his The Asia Stock Alert he suggests, "Every farmer needs to use fertilizer -- and the most used and most important fertilizer is potash. And Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (NYSE: POT) is set to make a bundle supplying potash to the world."

"There are approximately 6.6 billion people on our planet today, but that number is expected to grow to 8.2 billion by 2030. That's a lot of mouths to feed. Plus, the amount of food each mouth is eating is also increasing.

Continue reading Potash (POT): Long-term growth in fertilizers

Potash (POT): Long-term growth in fertilizers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"With over 950 completed projects successfully completed, Gafisa SA (NYSE: GFA) is the most successful real estate builder and developer in Brazil," says Paul Goodwin.

In The Cabot China & Emerging Markets Report, he explains, "So what is it about a Brazilian homebuilder that interests us so much? It's a combination of 'story, numbers and the chart." Here's the advisor's review.

"Brazil, one of the largest economies in the world, is still in the process of emerging from an economic crisis that began in the late 90s and bottomed out in 2002.

Continue reading Gafisa SA (GFA): Brazilian building bet

Gafisa SA (GFA): Brazilian building bet originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Income investors have to be very careful when searching for yield; many high-yielding stocks have turned in disastrous performances over the last year," cautions Chuck Carlson.

In his The DRIP Investor he adds, "That's what makes Philip Morris International (NYSE: PM) so attractive. The issues stands as as one in which investors can be confident of a steady dividend stream."

"The stock's current yield of 5% is especially attractive in this environment. And the dividend is taxed at the current preferential tax rate of just 15%, giving it an extra appeal relative to yields on fixed-income investments. Furthermore, the dividend is safe.

Continue reading Steady income from Philip Morris Int'l (PM)

Steady income from Philip Morris Int'l (PM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) continues to just hum along as a cash flow and profit machine," says trading and investing expert Bill Martin.

In his industry-leading BullMarket.com, he explains, "The king of the quick service restaurant sector once again booked a quarter's worth of same-store sales increases as it benefited from consumers 'trading down' from more expensive dining options."

"Though the headline fourth quarter numbers show a year-over-year drop in profit, McDonald's nonetheless delivered another strong quarter to wrap up 2008 and said sales were continuing to grow on a same-store basis so far in 2009.

Continue reading McDonald's (MCD): Cash flow machine

McDonald's (MCD): Cash flow machine originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Investing in food is a simple story: expanding supply and demand fueled by rising global urbanization," says Yiannis Mostrous. In Personal Finance newsletter the global advisor looks at Monsanto (NYSE: MON).

"The global population is expected to surpass 9 billion by 2050. Wages are rising in emerging economies--led by India and China--and more people are moving into cities where the consistent and better paying jobs are.

"That means greater demand for protein-rich foods, especially meat and dairy consumption. The consumption of both has a strong correlation to urbanization. The result will be a permanent increase in demand for crop grains for feeding.

Continue reading Monsanto (MON): Planting the seeds of growth

Monsanto (MON): Planting the seeds of growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"As we head into 2009's turbulent waters, it will take two oars to keep a straight course; as such, for my top pick for 2009, I am selecting a pair of ETFs," notes fund expert Jim Lowell.

In his Marketwatch ETF Trader, the advisor explains, "iShares Dow Jones U.S. Total Market (NYSE: IYY) covers the market broadly, while WisdomTree International Small Cap Dividend Fund (NYSE: DLS) has a more focused manner."

"Buying the broader market in 2008 was a sucker's bet; make that a sucker punch. But in 2009, it's neither an act of courage nor a fool's errand to 'buy the market.'

"After all, the likelihood of the markets selling into oblivion has arguably been priced into current levels, making the total market a deeply discounted stream worth stepping into in 2009.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: DJ Total Market (IYY) and Int'l Small Cap Dividend (DLS)

Top Stock Picks '09: DJ Total Market (IYY) and Int'l Small Cap Dividend (DLS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"Trading near its all-time high, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) -- my top idea for 2009 -- is a true relative-strength leader," says Ryan Detrick.

The technical analyst with Schaeffer's Investment Research, explains, "With the shares near their all-time high, MCD is a true relative-strength leader. Technically, the stock continues to find support from its rising 20-month moving average, as this trendline has provided support since mid-2003.

"McDonalds is the world's largest fast-food chain, with more than 31,000 restaurants worldwide. Given the record job losses and deteriorating worldwide economy, MCD should continue to do well as consumers will downgrade to more affordable dining options.

"Or as CEO Jim Skinner put it, 'McDonald's seems well positioned for recession. In bad times, people think twice about where to spend money when going out for food.'

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: McDonald's (MCD)

Top Stock Picks '09: McDonald's (MCD) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.

"My pick for the best potential gainer for 2009 is Seaspan Corporation (NYSE: SSW), a company that leases container ships to international shipping companies," says Jack Adamo.

In his Insiders Plus newsletter, he offers an in-depth analysis of what he consider the perceived risks and the real risks that have "pummeled" the stock. The advisor explains, "The stock has been pummeled for five reasons, only one of which is valid:

• The whole market is down.
• The Baltic Dry Shipping Index dropped to its lowest level in years.
• Analysts fear shipping companies may default on their leases in a weak economy.
• Analysts are afraid ship lessors will have their ships repossessed by lenders on the basis of falling market values of their ships. Some debt covenants permit that.
• The company has reported horrible earnings the last two quarters.

"Five pretty scare reasons. Why would I consider such a stock? Here's why:

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Seaspan (SSW)

Top Stock Picks '09: Seaspan (SSW) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Philip Morris International (NYSE: PMI) remains a buy, despite these difficult markets," says Tom Slee in Gordon Pape's Internet Wealth Builder. Here he reviews the global tobacco firm.

"Spun off from the Altria Group earlier this year, Philip Morris International is off to a flying start.

"The company posted strong second-quarter earnings. After a special charge for its Rothmans acquisition, earnings came in at 81 cents a share, up from 69 cents a share the year before.

"The company had been reporting as a clearly defined division of Altria so it's possible to make comparisons and plot progress.

"Gross revenues rose 17.6% to $15.6 billion with double-digit growth in all business segments, helped to some extent by currency benefits. Sales were particularly strong in Egypt, Russia, and Argentina.

"At the same time, the company is engaged in an extensive cost reduction program. It's a positive picture and PM rewarded investors with a 17% dividend increase from $1.84 to $2.16 a year.

"This is what I had been hoping for. Management is willing to share the wealth with investors and this could become one of the few defensive income stocks with growth potential, as long as you don't mind investing in a cigarette manufacturer.

Continue reading Smokin' gains at Philip Morris Int'l (PM)

Smokin' gains at Philip Morris Int'l (PM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Writing from Japan, while speaking at an economic conference, Mark Skousen looks to opportunities in Japan's stock market for his latest buy.

In his top notch trading service, The Hedge Fund Trader Alert, he says, "Surveying the landscape in Japan, two things are perfectly clear: the market and the currency here are both extremely cheap."

"The Nikkei 225 reached 40,000 back in 1989. Today, almost 20 years later, it is around 12,600 -- more than two-thirds lower.

"The yen also is cheap, due in part to ultra-low interest rates. Many international investors are playing a dangerous game, borrowing money in yen at low rates and lending it out in other currencies at higher rates in order to earn 'the spread.'

"This works fine until the yen begins to surge. Then there will be massive buying of the Japanese currency, as traders rush to cover their bets. That day is not here yet. But when it arrives, we may see one of the most dramatic currency surges ever witnessed in modern financial markets.

"A jump in the yen, however, would not be good for Japan's largest companies. Most of them -- such as Toyota, Honda, Sony, Canon and Mitsubishi -- are major exporters.

Continue reading Mark Skousen seeks "Wisdom" from Japan

Mark Skousen seeks "Wisdom" from Japan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.