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.