"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.

"It is estimated that countries around the world are set to spend between $25 and $30 trillion of fresh infrastructure investment over the next two decades," says Keith Fitz-Gerald.

In his The Money Map Report, he explains, "As the de facto global leader providing all things related to power and automation technology, ABB Ltd. (ABB) is poised to potentially ride a 20-year wave of extraordinary profits."

Continue reading ABB (ABB): Decades of Growth for Infrastructure Leader

ABB (ABB): Decades of Growth for Infrastructure Leader originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

Jinpan International Limited (JST), a manufacturer of transformers, is the top pick for 2010 from Tracey Ryniec.

The value stock strategist for Zacks.com explains, "The company is positioned to benefit from the trillions of dollars of government stimulus around the world, as much of it is going into infrastructure.

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: Jinpan International (JST)

Top Picks for 2010: Jinpan International (JST) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"I'm excited about Quanta Services (PWR), a contracting company that specializes in building utility transmission and distribution infrastructure," says Ian Wyatt.

In his Top Stock Insights, he explains, "The current focus in the U.S. of projects that improve energy conservation, utilize renewable resources, and improve air quality make Quanta an excellent long-term growth opportunity.

"Its customers are in the electric power, gas, telecommunications, and cable television industries. These are stimulus spending customers; i.e., big government organizations and utilities companies.

Continue reading Quanta Services (PWR): Infrastructure power play

Quanta Services (PWR): Infrastructure power play originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"A smart grid makes use of coded signals that travel along power lines, much like DSL broadband messages move through the phone telephone," explains growth stock expert Jim Powell.

In Global Changes & Opportunities Report, he looks at two favorite plays on the development of a smart grid: Esco Technologies (NYSE: ESE) and Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR).

"In a smart grid, the signals allow electric meters to report power consumption automatically to suppliers. At the same time, signals can be sent to customer's appliances such as freezers and refrigerators to prevent them from cycling on and off at the same time.

Continue reading Power plays: Investing in a smart grid

Power plays: Investing in a smart grid originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's a market than remains the province of those who make astute calculations and who can tolerate moderate risk (or high risk). This market has demonstrated that it can certainly frustrate -- and humble -- institutional investor and individual investor alike.

Moreover, perhaps the most memorable dimension to the bear market that began in October 2007 will be its ability to take down the stocks of healthy companies with demonstrated business models.

Chicago Bridge & Iron (NYSE: CBI) is one such business model. A global, engineering, procurement and construction company that specializes in turnkey projects for customers that produce, process, store and distribute the world's natural resources, the market hammered CBI as it became clear that emerging markets, a key CBI customer, had entered a recession. The First Call F2009/F2010 EPS estimates for CBI are $1.64 / $1.42.

Continue reading Chicago Bridge & Iron: A get-ahead-of-the-pack play

Chicago Bridge & Iron: A get-ahead-of-the-pack play originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway revealed a new position in Nalco Holding (NYSE: NLC); it's my favorite pure play on water filtration," says Chris Mayer in Daily Wealth.

"With a $1.6 billion market cap, Nalco is a small-cap stock, but it's actually one of the world's largest water-treatment companies. Customers use Nalco's products and services to prevent corrosion, contamination, and the buildup of harmful deposits.

"Buffett picked up 8.7 million shares. That makes Berkshire the second-largest shareholder in the company, with a little more than 6% of the shares.It's easy to see what Buffett likes.

Continue reading Naclo (NLC): Buffett's bet on water

Naclo (NLC): Buffett's bet on water originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In his Validea newsletter, John Reese selects stocks using the investment strategies of the market's leading gurus, such as Benjamin Graham, John Neff, Warren Buffett, David Dreman, and Peter Lynch.

The advisor, and author of the just-published The Guru Investor, recently ran a screen based on the investment strategy of Kenneth Fisher to find his latest buy recommendation -- Kennametal (NYSE: KMT).

Reese explains, "For decades, the price-to-earnings ratio has been the most widely used valuation measure for stock investors, and a key tool in the arsenals of many of the gurus I follow. ut in 1984, Kenneth Fisher sent a shockwave through the P/E-conscious investment world.

Continue reading Kennametal (KMT): A 'Kenneth Fisher' guru play

Kennametal (KMT): A 'Kenneth Fisher' guru play originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"American Superconductor (NASDAQ: AMSC) should benefit from an update of the nation's power grid," says Jim Powell.

Here, the editor of Global Changes & Opportunities Report reviews this leading manufacturer of more efficient high temperature superconductor-based wires and cables.

"I've been writing about infrastructure stocks ever since it became apparent that big federal spending programs were on the way. I believe American Superconductor will perform very well. In fact, its price has already started to rise.

"American Superconductor is not yet profitable. However, the company is well past the development stage. AMSC makes high temperature superconductor (HTS) wires and cables that carry as much as 150 times the current as conventional products of the same weight and diameter.

Continue reading Power grid play: American Superconductor (AMSC)

Power grid play: American Superconductor (AMSC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The industrial equipment giant's brand is synonymous with big, bad earthmoving construction machinery. In fact, it's doubtful that any major construction project performed in America since the Great Depression hasn't been performed without the help of a "Cat."

Given the Obama administration's focus on shovel-ready infrastructure construction jobs as the answer to what's ailing our economy, it stands to reason that Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) equipment will once again be called upon to help rebuild and remodel America's crumbling roads, tunnels and bridges.

Think about this, every time you hear the words "shovel-ready jobs," you should think about the makers of the actual shovels. And there is no denying that Caterpillar makes the biggest and best shovels on the planet.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #2 Caterpillar (CAT) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"For those in search of a pure play in the water infrastructure sector, my favorite bet is Insituform (NSDQ: INSU)," says Roger Conrad in his newly-launched advisory service, The New World.

Conrad explains, "Its most innovative product is its fast-growing 'trenchless' repair service to aging and cracked pipes." Here's his review.

"Rather than dig up and replace actual pipes, the process involves injecting a compound into the pipe itself which acts to seal any breaches. The result is a lower cost and far less intrusive repair.

"Insituform has languished in recent years, as overly aggressive expansion by prior management ran up against a brick wall of stagnant to falling system investment by municipalities.

Continue reading Insituform (INSU): Investing in sewer & pipe repair

Insituform (INSU): Investing in sewer & pipe repair originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The Obama administration is poised to spend a lot of money on infrastructure; one important sector is the the nation's electric power grid and the communications system," notes growth stock advisor Dave Dyer.

In his Dave Dayer's Newsletter, he explains, "Some products will win big, others will get nothing, but one company will get more business regardless of which products win: Quanta Services (NYSE: PWR), the leading electrical contractor in the country.

"Quanta's service business stands ready to expand with the infrastructure buildout no matter which products are selected.

"They do design, installation, maintenance, and repair on just about any type of network infrastructure (electric power, telecom, broadband cable, and gas pipelines.) Their moat against competitors is size. They are the largest in their field and that is in no danger of changing.

Continue reading Power play: Rebuilding the electric power grid

Power play: Rebuilding the electric power grid originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:40:00 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.

"Granite Construction (NYSE: GVA) is a play on President-elect Barack Obama's plans to plow vast amounts of money into infrastructure," notes contrarian Todd Salomone.

In Schaeffer's Investment Research, the analyst explains, "Granite Construction -- my top pick for 2009 -- provides civil construction services, including projects designed to improve streets, roads, highways and bridges."

"Investing in infrastructure is one of Obama's solutions to address a deteriorating economy. There is $64 billion in 'ready-to-go' projects, of which GVA should be a beneficiary.

"The shares Granite Construction have performed admirably in 2008 amid an extremely weak broad market. For example, through mid-December, GVA shares were up 24% as the broader S&P 500 Index was down 38%.

"In November 2008, the equity climbed above the 40 area, which has capped the shares' rally attempts during the previous 12 months. For chart watchers, a concern would be the 48 area, which would mark a 50% retracement of the August 2007 high and the October 2008 low. Such retracement areas can sometimes act as technical resistance for a stock.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Granite Construction (GVA)

Top Stock Picks '09: Granite Construction (GVA) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:00 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.

"Graham (AMEX: GHM), our top pick for 2009, is perfectly positioned to provide high tech equipment to the coming green tech revolution," says technology specialist Tom Vass in Wall Street Window.

"Graham is a global designer and manufacturer of custom-engineered ejectors, liquid ring pump packages, condensers, and heat exchangers.

"Its equipment is for applications in the petrochemical, oil refinery and electric power generation industries, including cogeneration and geothermal plants.

"Their products are the essential building blocks to the production of every other form of 'green' energy. International sales accounted for 37% and 33% of total sales for the second quarters of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008, respectively.

"Our patented technology stock selection method tracks what technology companies are doing with their free cash flow. Total cash flow from operating activities for GHM increased to $19,702,000 in 2008 compared to a year end of $5,193,000 for 2007.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Graham (GHM)

Top Stock Picks '09: Graham (GHM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 09 Jan 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 the government and corporations look to get more environmentally sound, they'll be turning to Tetra Tech (NASDAQ: TTEK), an environmental consulting company," suggests 'green technology' specialist Brendan Coffey.

The editor of The Cabot Green Investor explains, "Tetra Tech is the expert people turn to the figure out the nitty gritty of getting eco-projects done." Here's his review of the stock, which he selects as his favorite investment idea for the coming year.

"President-elect Obama looking to resuscitate the economy, wants to do two things at once: immediate stimulate job growth with an aid package of perhaps $700 billion while laying the groundwork for the country's long-term economy health.

"He's identified the core of that dual strategy as going green -- to wean us off oil, counteract the eventual dire effects of global warming and make the country the technological leader in alternative energy, creating five million or more jobs in the process.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Tetra Tech (TTEK)

Top Stock Picks '09: Tetra Tech (TTEK) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Jan 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.

"Infrastructure is a clear priority for President-elect Obama," says Bill Wilton, editor of Zacks Growth Trader looks to construction management firm, URS Corp. (NYSE URS) as his top idea for 2009.

"Typically, as we get down to the last page on the calendar, most market participants have a concrete opinion on what the next 12 months will bring.

"This year we have the benefit of the soon-to-be president of the United States telling us what to plan for, given his stated plans to focus on the nation's infrastructure.

"URS Corp provides a wide range of construction management and technical services for several industries that should benefit from the Obama's plan.

"The particularly relevant sectors include transportation, general building, and utilities. The company services government entities as well as private and institutional clients.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: URS Corp. (URS)

Top Stock Picks '09: URS Corp. (URS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:30:00 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.

"Like the U.S., Canada is looking to big infrastructure plans," says Roger Conrad. In The Canadian Edge, he looks to Bird Construction Income Fund (OTC: BIRDF) as his top pick for 2009.

The Canadian income stock specialist explains, "The U.S. isn't the only country about to pour billions into infrastructure; Canada is also making a big move. And Bird Construction will be a prime beneficiary of this infrastructure spending.

"Bird has been a dominant player in building design and construction services for more than 85 years. Today, the company literally has its hands in every province, supporting projects for everything from oil sands mining to school construction.

"Third quarter 2008 revenue surged 31.5%, pushing nine-month growth to 48.3% as earnings per share more than doubled from 2007 levels.

"Meanwhile, order backlog -- the best predictor of future growth -- rose to better than $1.2 billion (Canadian), up from $821 million a year ago and $969 million at the beginning of 2008.

Continue reading Top Stock Picks '09: Bird Construction Income (BIRDF)

Top Stock Picks '09: Bird Construction Income (BIRDF) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, A Dozen Ways to Play an Obama Building Boom.

Two advisors that specializes in income investing -- Mark Skousen and Nick Lanyi -- both turn to high-yielder, Southern Peru Copper (NYSE: PCU) as a contrarian play on building and infrastructure growth ahead.

Skousen, in his High Income Alert, he says, "Make no mistake, this is a contrarian play. But if you believe in buying straw hats in winter, PCU is an exceptional value at these levels."

"More than 2.9 billion pounds of copper are used in construction every year, primarily in plumbing and wiring, while electronic products use more than 1.9 billion pounds a year.

"Transportation equipment -- including cars, trains, planes and submarines -- uses more than 1 billion pounds a year.

"The manufacture of industrial equipment requires another 1 billion pounds annually. And consumer and general products, from cookware to church bells to pennies, require another 800 million pounds.

"Southern Peru operates the world's largest copper mine high in the Andes mountains, producing more than 800 million pounds of copper a year.

"Of course, the commodity bull market that was running at a full gallop in the first half of this year has stopped dead in its tracks. Copper prices are no exception. When building and manufacturing slow, so does the demand for the red metal.

Continue reading Southern Peru (PCU): Two income experts build gains in copper

Southern Peru (PCU): Two income experts build gains in copper originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Project management firm Hill International (NYSE: HIL) is one of the best ways to profit from the public works projects planned in government stimulus packages," says Dave Dyer.

In his The Dave Dyer Newsletter, he explains, "HIL is a consulting company that provides expertise in the project management area. Their business is a people business, not a business that requires them to invest in a lot of heavy construction equipment.

"I think this gives them three advantages: first, they do not have the long marketing cycle that can last for years on a large project, second, they have greater flexibility to expand or contract as business opportunities change, and third, their fee-based revenue structure is less risky than other compensation models used in the construction industry.

"HIL has two divisions. Its original business, founded in 1976, was a construction litigation support company that supplied expert witnesses and other expertise to construction companies involved in contract disputes.

"They saw early in their history that they could also provide value as a dispute preventer rather than just an after the fact resolver, so they started a project management division.

Continue reading Hill Internationall (HIL): Project management profits

Hill Internationall (HIL): Project management profits originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 21 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, A Dozen Ways to Play an Obama Building Boom.

"I think we have bottomed in some sectors, including commodities and materials," explains Glenn Rogers. In Internet Wealth Builder, he explains, "President-elect Obama has said he will pour hundreds of billions into projects.

"The Chinese and the Europeans have also committed to huge amounts to infrastructure spending." Here, he looks at one play on this trend -- Cemex (NYSE: CX).

"If you want to venture back into the stock market at this point and you're a long-term investor, my advice is to buy high-quality names with low P/E ratios, no debt coming due next year, and the sustainable ability to pay a dividend.

"Late last month, this Mexican cement giant traded as low as $4.01. Then President-elect Obama announced his plan to spend billions on infrastructure projects and guess what happened?

"The share price shot up on the expectation that infrastructure spending will translate into a growing demand for cement.

"Cemex shares traded as high as $11.35 before pulling back to close the week at $8.16. That's still more than double the November low but this is a stock that was trading at over $30 last June so it still looks like good value at this level.

Continue reading Cemex (CMX): 'Solid' play on infrastructure

Cemex (CMX): 'Solid' play on infrastructure originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.