While media pundits and politicians debate the pros and cons of immigration, one thing is clear -- the number of immigrants both in the U.S. and worldwide is growing rapidly. And, according to Nathan Slaughter, these workers are using money transfers to send funds back to their home countries.

In his Half-Priced Stocks newsletter, the advisor turns to Western Union (NYSE: WU) as a beneficiary of this trend. He considers the company a "venerable blue chip" that is significantly undervalued.

Slaughter notes, "With more than 300,000 agent locations worldwide, Western Union is clearly the dominant player in the money-transfer industry -- it boasts a network three times as large as its closest rival."

Meanwhile, Slaughter points out that the firm recently announced that it had joined with financial services firm Checksmart to offer its services in 263 locations. This new partnership, he points out, follows a flurry of recent deals that have seen Western Union pick up more than 1,400 locations in Mexico, Italy, and Spain.

Continue reading Western Union: Immigration boosts money transfers

Western Union: Immigration boosts money transfers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In his Half-Priced Stocks newsletter, he explains, "Aluminum Corp. of China, known as Chalco, is China's leading aluminum producer and the world's second largest supplier of alumina -- a key raw ingredient used to manufacture aluminum.

As a rule, he points out, he is reluctant to buy in "frenzied sectors or regions where speculation is still rampant." And indeed, he says, Chalco is "square in the middle" of both. He notes, "Not only is the firm based in China, but it is also heavily tied to volatile commodities prices."

Despite these reasons for caution, he remains bullish on the stock, explaining, "Even after this rally, though, the shares are still trading below where they were last March -- and at a reasonable 18% discount to our $33 fair value estimate."

Meanwhile, despite the run-up in aluminum prices over the past few years, he believes the long-term story remains compelling. The world's population, he observes, is rising every day, global trade is expanding, and the rapid industrialization of fast-growing nations like India and China is fueling heavy demand.

Meanwhile, he adds, the company maintains a monopolistic 90% share of the alumina market in China, where consumption is expected to continue racing ahead at a +12% clip over the few years.

He cautions that ACH is a volatile stock that is best suited for risk-tolerant investors. However, the advisor concludes, "All things considered -- including a hefty 4.6% dividend yield -- we think the risks are outweighed by the potential rewards."

For more stock picks from the leading financial newsletter advisors, visit Steven Halpern's free daily website, TheStockAdvisors.com.

Chalco: A China play on aluminum originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.