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.

"China Sky One Medical (NASDAQ: CSKI) -- which manufactures pharmaceutical, medicinal and diagnostic products -- is our top pick for 2009," says Benson George in The Growth Report.

"China Sky One has delivered solid results -- for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, revenues increased to $65.9 million, up 80% from $36.6 million in the year-ago period.

"Net income over this period was $21.9 million or $1.39 per diluted share, up from $11.2 million, or $0.90 per diluted share in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

"Despite the economic downturn, China Sky continues to see strong demand and growth both organically and by way of acquisition.

"On Nov. 9, the company increased its 2008 revenue guidance by almost 10% to the $88 to $90 million range, representing more than an 80% increase from 2007.

"The company is highly profitable, and cash flow from operations added almost $27 million to its coffers for the first nine months of 2008.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My favorite more conservative idea for 2008 is Cynosure (NASDAQ: CYNO)," says Ian Wyatt, editor of The Growth Report. "The firm's non-invasive systems are used worldwide by physicians and other practitioners for applications that include the treating of pigmented lesions, acne, wrinkles and the removal of unwanted hair.

"Currently, it has over 15 product lines catering to a market that is evolving from 60,000 dermatologists and plastic surgeons to over 800,000 physicians worldwide.

"A distinguishing characteristic of Cynosure in this dynamic and competitive market is that the firm offers multi-wavelength laser systems that can be used for multiple applications versus single applications associated with single-wavelength systems.

"Demand for non-invasive aesthetic treatment procedures can be seen quite clearly in the impressive financial results. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, Cynosure reported revenues of $87.7 million, a 63% increase over the same period of 2006. Net income was $9.2 million versus a year-earlier loss of $2.2 million.

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 Growth Report, chose LJ International (NASDAQ: JADE) as his favorite for 2007, which rose an exceptional 173% and put Wyatt in the top spot among all advisors in the annual report. Here is his original recommendation and his current opinion on the stock.

For his favorite for the balance of 2007, he continues to look toward China, with his selection of Harbin Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: HRBN). The advisor explains, "Harbin is a growing manufacturer of linear motors in China. Revenues are currently derived in China, but the company has its sights on international markets.

"Strong demand for industrial applications in China will drive the market for linear motors, including factory automation, airport applications, packaging and the oil service industries. Low-cost manufacturing facilities in a modern, 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, coupled with cheaper labor costs in China, give Harbin an added competitive advantage.

"A linear motor is an electric motor that produces linear force, in contrast to the rotary torque produced by conventional motors. More important, linear technology is clean, efficient, and generates high speeds. Other advantages include quietness, lower long-term maintenance costs, small size, easy control and installation, and the ability to be used in adverse conditions.