In recent posts, I have reviewed the newsletter advisors' Top Picks from 2007, first highlighting stocks that were in the healthcare, tech, and telecom sectors and then highlighting favorites in the out-of-favor metals and energy areas.

To conclude this review, I'm turning now to the most popular sector in this year's annual Top Picks report -- financial stocks. Of particular note this year is the type of financial stocks that rose to the top of the advisors' buy lists.

In past years, it was routine to see brokerage firms and large cap consumer banks among the Top Picks. This year, only one such company was chosen; Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) was selected as the favorite stock of both Mark Skousen and Kelley Wright.

Outside of Citi, the advisory community looked to an area that has rarely been cited in previous Top Picks reports --specialty finance companies. For example, Gordon Pape selected Brookfield Asset Management, which provides financing to real estate ventures.

Neil George chose a pair of companies spun off from Australia's Macquarie Bank. Both the Macquarie Infrastructure Trust (NYSE:MIC) and the Macquarie Infrastructure Group (OTC:MCORF) provide financing to global road, bridge, and airport development projects.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) is the top conservative investment for 2007 from Kelley Wright. The editor of Investment Quality Trends notes, "I know this company has been public relations-challenged, but let's consider the fundamentals.

"First, it's not only undervalued, it's trading almost 71% below its historic undervalued dividend yield of 2.20%. In dollar terms, the stock can appreciate $37 to $89 and still represent excellent historic value!

"Second, the stock has earned an A+ ranking by S&P for earnings and dividend quality; S&P doesn't hand out an A+ easily. The stock has also earned our 'G' designation, which denotes a remarkable 10% annual dividend growth over the past 12 years. And, the stock has a P/E of 11 and is trading right at 2 times book value; numbers Benjamin Graham would like.

"CEO Charles Prince is feeling the heat on unlocking shareholder value. Based on recent management restructuring, it appears they will attempt to boost earnings by cutting costs and trying to squeeze value from every corner of this far-flung enterprise. At the end of the day though, I think Prince will have to do more and the Street will reward those efforts."

To see Kelley's favorite speculative idea for 2007, click here.

Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.

Popular, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPOP) is the top speculative play for 2007 from Kelley Wright. The editor of Investment Quality Trends notes, "We aren't big risk takers. That being said, Popular is an interesting undervalued idea.

"First the numbers: an A+ S&P Earnings and Dividend Quality Ranking; our designation for spectacular annual dividend growth of at least 10% for the last 12 years; a P/E of 12; and the stock is trading at less than 2 times book. The stock's historically undervalued yield is 3.10%. Based on the current dividend of $0.64, that equates to a price of $21, and the stock is trading around $17.50.

"The customer base for Popular is the fastest growing demographic in North America: Hispanics. Popular has found a way to market and deliver banking and other financial products to this group, which has traditionally not trusted financial institutions because of their negative experiences with banks in their country of origin.

"We believe this will not go unnoticed by larger, more established banks in the B of A genre. Even without a buyout by another institution, the stock just needs to climb back to its undervalued area to return approximately 18% before the dividend. While 2006 was a disappointing year for BPOP shareholders, we believe 2007 should be a turnaround year and shareholder patience will be rewarded."

To see Kelly's favorite conservative investment for 2007, click here.

Despite the market's sharp downturn, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE: HD) continues to garner buy ratings from the financial newsletter community. Following my recent post – Home Depot: Bad News Bottom? – the stock is now the latest featured recommendation from Kelley Wright, editor of Investment Quality Trends.

Kelley, whose strategy is based on assessing a stock's value relative to its historic dividend yield – is very optimistic over Home Depot's recent dividend boost. The company announced a 50% increase in their annual dividend from $.60 to $.90 per share, putting the new dividend yield at around 2.40%. Says Kelley, "This is significantly above HD's historic Undervalued yield of 1.0%, and highlights the firm's spectacular dividend growth."

The advisor admits that the yield may appear "paltry" versus other higher-yielding stocks, but he reminds investors to consider the "magic that takes place with a consistently rising dividend trend."

For example, he first added the stock to the IQ Trends portfolio in 2003, at a time when its dividend provided a yield of just 0.8%. Since then, the dividend has risen over 300%.

When combined with the 6% per year annual price appreciation, he notes, his holding in the stock has "delivered an excellent compounded return that has far exceeded the level of inflation."

For those seeking long term growth of capital and income, Kelley concludes, "Home Depot offer excellent current value and upside potential. The stock fits the profile of a bedrock position that every enlightened investor should have in their portfolio."

With the top risk-adjusted performance rating among all newsletters for the past 15 years, Investment Quality Trends uses a proprietary dividend-based strategy to isolate value among conservative, blue chip stocks. As part of its service, editor Kelley Wright maintains a "Timely Ten" portfolio, representing his current favorite blue chips.

Just added to "Timely Ten" is Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT). Says IQ Trends, "The company has been everyone's favorite target for scorn. But having divested its European properties and focusing on gaining their banking charter, WMT is positioning itself to make some hay."

"Not unnoticed by us," he continues, "is that the Holidays are quickly approaching and Wal-Mart will definitely pull in their share of revenues. When they get the Feds to grant them their banking charter this company will create incredible earnings."

More background on the Timely Ten: Says Kelley, "Whether you are looking to build a portfolio from scratch, are partially invested and looking to add new positions, or fully invested and in need of some affirmation and hand holding, The Timely Ten presents our top ten recommendations.

To earn its place on the Timely Ten list a stock must meet strict criteria including an unvalued ranking, an S&P dividend & earnings quality rating of A- or better, a P/E ratio of 15 or less, a payout ratio of 50% or less and debt of 50% or less.

Also, to be included, notes Kelley, the stock must have "an exemplary long-term dividend growth record, and technical characteristics on the daily and weekly charts that suggests the potential for imminent capital appreciation."

Steven Halpern is editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, a guide to financial newsletters.