In his Ticker Tape Digest, technician Leo Fasciocco looks for "breakout" stocks; his latest feature is HMS Holdings (HMSY), which coordinates benefits for government healthcare programs.

"With annual revenues of $185 million, HMSY helps ensure that healthcare claims are paid correctly and by the responsible party.

"As a result of the company's services, government healthcare programs recover over $1 billion annually and avoid billions of dollars more in erroneous payments.

"The U.S. Energy Department is sponsoring a race to develop an obscure industrial process -- carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) -- and the winners of the race will receive $1.4 billion -- yes, billion, with a B," says Andy Obermueller.

In Government-Driven Investing, he says, "My pick to profit from among the 12 companies selected to compete in this scientific 'Olympiad' is Praxair (NYSE: PX)."

"This industrial-gas company owns hundreds of CCS patents, technology that could turn a coal-fired power plant -- about the dirtiest thing in the world, emissions-wise -- into one of the cleanest.

"Water, one of the most precious of resources, continues to be the most mispriced," says Neil George.

In his Profits Hidden in the News advisory, he explains, "Millions of Americans are drinking dangerous water from the tap." Here, he looks at two ways to profit as this situation gains attention.

"The US Environmental Protection Agency has recently updated its data on US municipal water and, as with previous surveys and reports - the news is not good. In fact, for wide swaths of the US population - including those in the nation's capital - its flat out scary.

In his new advisory service, Sy Harding looks for both long and short opportunities, based on both technical and fundamental factors.

In The Long and Short Advisor, he recently chose Apollo Group (NASDAQ: APOL) -- a leader in providing higher education to working adults -- as a new "long" recommendation.

The advisor explains, "Founded in 1973, Apollo now has more than 420,000 students, with more than 80% working full time. Its subsidiaries include the University of Phoenix, the College of Financial Planning, Insight Schools Inc., Institute for Professional Development, and Western International University.

"A smart grid is one of the holy grails of 'green' technology, enabling utilities to deliver resources when and where they're needed and reduce resources when they're not," says Brendan Coffey.

In The Cabot Green Investor, he explains, "There are larger companies in the smart metering arena, but Echelon (NASDAQ: ELON) has posted some significant wins in the marketplace recently and appears primed to generate more."

"Right now, grids are set up to provide as much power as needed at peak times, all the time. Studies show that when customers are part of a smart grid, and have more information to reduce energy usage, demand is slashed by up to 50%, particularly in areas where rates are discounted depending on the time of day.

"If there was ever a stock we can hold for a few years, natural gas company Chesapeake Energy (NYSE: CHK) is it," says Ian Wyatt. Here's the latest from his Top Stock Insights.

"Chesapeake Energy is the largest independent natural gas company and most active driller of wells in the US. Its operating activities include the onshore exploration and production of natural gas.

"The Obama administration is keen on achieving energy independence for the US. Natural gas is a good option for energy, since it is inexpensive, clean and domestic. I believe the administration will continue to push natural gas as an alternative to oil, and create incentives for the industry.

"Healthcare-related stocks have been trading up and down based on the latest rumor of how the Obama medical plan might be implemented," observes analyst Glenn Rogers.

The contributing editor to Gordon Pape's Internet Wealth Builder asks, "How can we benefit from Obama-Care?" Here, the advisor looks at Walgreen (NYSE: WAG), the largest drugstore chain in the U.S."

"A recent article in Barron's suggested that Walgreens, Caremark CVS, and Target could benefit from whatever new healthcare system emerges from Congress. (Note, Caremark CVS was covered in a previous post today.)

"Regardless of how you analyze the company, CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) stands out," says Chuck Carlson.

In The DRIP Investor, he explains, "Our Quadrix stock-rating system ranks more than 4,000 stocks based on more than 100 different variables. CVS scores better than 90% of the stocks in the Quadrix universe."

"CVS's Sector score -- that is, a score devised by evaluating the metrics that have the most influence over performance in that particular sector -- is also impressive at 95 out of a possible 100.

"I'm adding Itron (NSDQ: ITRI) to my diversified portfolio of stocks in the alternative energy space," says Elliott Gue.

In The Energy Strategist he explains, "The firm will benefit from both the HR 2454 bill (a cap-and-trade system designed to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions) and the stimulus bill which included direct subsidies aimed at promoting efficiency and building a more intelligent electric grid.

"Itron is a leading play on energy efficiency and smart grid technologies, a key, near-term component of cutting carbon emissions.

"Maxwell Technologies (NASDAQ: MXWL) provides R&D services to the U.S. military and other government agencies; it's become the world's leading authority on ultracapacitors," says Timothy Lutts.

In The Cabot Stock of the Month report, he explains, "Ultracapacitors are handy little electronic devices that store and release electric energy more efficiently than batteries; they can be 10 times lighter than batteries and store and distribute energy 10 times more effciently than batteries."

"So what are ultracapacitors good for? Today, Maxwell-the primary American ultracapacitor manufacturer-is focusing its efforts on two fast-growing young industries: wind turbines and hybrid/electric vehicles.

"Like others, I've been trying to figure out how to play President Obama's policy initiatives in healthcare," says Glenn Rogers.

The contributing editor to Internet Wealth Builder adds, "I think the generic drug makers have the best chance of coming out of the upheaval in healthcare smelling like roses." Here, he looks at one favorite: Perrigo (NASDAQ: PRGO).

"I've chosen a lesser-known generic drug maker that I think should reward investors over the next 12 months with a market-beating performance; Perrigo Company is a leading manufacturer of generic over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals.

What about President Obama? Can following his tastes result in shareholder profits?

As Leader of the Free World, President Obama must be careful not to seem too commercial, so it's unlikely that he will overtly endorse any product. And so we have to dig a little deeper and learn from his actions.

In a recent interview, Obama was seen at the burger shop, a favorite on the menu for the president. Will we see him at Red Robin Gourmet Burger (NASDAQ: RRGB)? His mere presence there would be an implied endorsement and could send fans flocking to their own Red Robin Gourmet Burger restaurant.

Michelle Obama has made healthy eating a priority in her role as first lady. Her emphasis on the earth-to-table approach to dining emphasizes local and organic ingredients -- and fits squarely with the mission of Whole Foods Market (NASDAQ: WFMI).

Obama's White House garden is great top-of-mind stuff and demonstrates the value of a healthy lifestyle. It may not be for everyone, but there will be enough followers that will think more and more about going organic.

We saw the first signs of the "Obama effect" with the hype of her inauguration gown. The designer of that stunning dress was Jason Wu.

I can imagine that many women looking to wear a stunning dress to their own special occasion might head to Nordstrom (NYSE: JWN) -- which carries Wu's collection.

In this recession, department stores need all the help they can get, and selling a hot designer is a great leg up on the competition.

Unlike Talbots, Chico's (NYSE: CHS) is already chic. This retail stock doesn't need a boost from Mrs. Obama, but an endorsement wouldn't hurt either.

Its White House/Black Market stores have seen explosive growth over the past decade and seem to have the type of products that would look good in the real White House.

In the immediate aftermath of the credit crisis, shares of CHS collapsed.