"As the old saying goes, banks are happy to make loans to anyone who can prove they don't need them," observes Alexander Green.

The editor of The Oxford Club explains, "But what do you do if you're a blue-collar worker with a checkered credit history, an uncertain unemployment picture and no high-quality collateral? These folks are turning to pawnbrokers such as EZCorp (EZPW).

"Based in Austin, EZCorp operates more than 1,000 pawnshops and payday loan storefronts in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It also has equity stakes in pawnshops in Britain and Australia.

Continue reading EZCorp (EZPW): Profits in Pawnshops

EZCorp (EZPW): Profits in Pawnshops originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Edwards Lifesciences: A Heart-Felt Buy

Edwards Lifesciences: A Heart-Felt Buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Xinhau China 25 (FXI): Investing in China's Blue Chips

Xinhau China 25 (FXI): Investing in China's Blue Chips originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Quality is a big reason why Panera Bread (PNRA) has not only survived but prospered during this economic slowdown," says Alexander Green.

The editor of The Oxford Club explains, "I prefer to buy from -- and invest in -- companies that compete primarily on the basis of quality.

"Why? Because quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. In short, Panera is a case study in how to attract customers -- and shareholders -- the right way. Customers tend to patronize those firms with a reputation for meeting or exceeding expectations. Plus, satisfied customers are an excellent source of referrals.

Continue reading Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality'

Panera Bread (PNRA): A 'Case Study in Quality' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 31 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"It's not secret that small caps perform best coming out of recessions; further, if we want to ride the small-cap rally for maximum gains, we should similarly rotate into small-cap value stocks," says Louis Basense.

The contributing editor to The Oxford Club explains, "Thankfully, it's an easy transition to make. I say that because the most attractive small-cap value investment is sitting right under our noses. No one on Earth is better at discovering small-cap value investments than David Dreman.

Continue reading Rotate into Value with Dreman Contrarian (DRSVX)

Rotate into Value with Dreman Contrarian (DRSVX) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two growth stock specialists have turned bullish on the prospects for medical equipment maker Varian Medical Systems (VAR), despite uncertainty surrounding health care legislation.

Here's a look at the company from Louis Basenese, senior analyst with The Oxford Club, along with commentary from Mark Skousen, from his specialty service, The Turnaround Alert.

Mark Skousen suggests, "One stock that should benefit from 'ObamaCare' is Varian Medical Systems, the world's leader in radiation technology and X-ray imaging.

Continue reading X-ray gains: Experts eye Varian Medical (VAR)

X-ray gains: Experts eye Varian Medical (VAR) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two of the newsletter industry's leading growth stock advisors remain bullish on the prospects of online retailer Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN), based on growth in not only online retailing but new market areas ranging from the Kindle e-reader to cloud computing.

Mike Cintolo, editor of The Cabot Top Ten Report, explains, "Amazon.com recently blew away earnings expectations." Meanwhile, Alexander Green, investment director at The Oxford Club, says, "In our view, the best lies ahead for the company." Here are their reviews.

Mike Cintolo continues, "Amazon announced that its Kindle e-book reader is now its most popular selling item, both in units and in dollars. That led to a big acceleration in revenue growth (28%, the fastest in five quarters), while earnings leaped 67%.

Continue reading Amazon (AMZN): 'The best is still ahead'

Amazon (AMZN): 'The best is still ahead' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD), one of the world's largest biotechs, is a stock for all seasons," say growth expert Alexander Green.

The investment director for The Oxford Club explains, "It's a fine company with a solid balance sheet, a recession-proof business and excellent growth prospects."

"Gilead focuses on three main areas, including cardiovascular conditions and respiratory diseases. (Many may have taken its anti-influenza drug Tamiflu, Letairis to treat hypertension, or Macugen to treat macular degeneration.)

Continue reading Gilead (GILD): 'A stock for all seasons'

Gilead (GILD): 'A stock for all seasons' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Vice stocks have consistently outperformed most other market sectors, especially during recessionary times," says Alexander Green, whose 'Seven Deadly Sins Portfolio' is up 59% in six months.

One strong performer in that portfolio is Smith & Wesson Holding (NASDAQ: SWHC). Here, the investment director of The Oxford Club explains why investors should load up on the gun maker.

"Smith & Wesson has been a partner in law enforcement since the 1800s, developing crime-fighting tools that set the standard for the field.

Continue reading Load up with Smith & Wesson (SWHC)

Load up with Smith & Wesson (SWHC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Diageo (NYSE: DEO), the world's largest spirits maker, offers solid and safe dividend, as well as the potential for strong capital appreciation," says Louis Basenese.

The senior analyst for the prestigious The Oxford Club suggests, "Moreover, investors can also prepare for a US dollar decline by buying these shares." Here's his bullish outlook.

"Headquartered in London, roughly 70% of the company's sales come from outside the United States. So any dollar dip will increase the value of our ADRs.

"Moreover, management concedes that positive currency tailwinds in the other countries where Diageo sells spirits will help the company easily grow earnings by double digits this year.

Continue reading Diageo: Toast to growth & income

Diageo: Toast to growth & income originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Playboy Enterprises (NYSE: PLA) is a speculative stock, with plenty of potential but also downside risk," suggests Alex Green. In The Oxford Club, he looks at the firm's turnaround potential.

"Yes, Playboy's publishing empire is a big money loser. But it still has one of the most recognized brands in the world. The rabbit head logo generates more than $1 billion in licensing fees annually.

"When you consider that Playboy Enterprises has a market capitalization of a little over $100 million, you begin to see how undervalued this stock is.

Continue reading Playboy (PLA): Speculative bet on the bunny

Playboy (PLA): Speculative bet on the bunny originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Over the past year, ITC Holdings (NYSE: ITC) has been focused on identifying ways to integrate wind and other renewable resources into the power grid," notes growth stock expert Alexander Green.

In The Oxford Club Communique, he explains, "This young company -- that despite being in the midst of the biggest economic slowdown in more than 70 years -- is taking in more than $600 million in annual revenue, enjoying 46% operating margins and experiencing 72% quarterly profit growth.

Continue reading ITC Holdings (ITC): Alex Green rides the 'Green Express'

ITC Holdings (ITC): Alex Green rides the 'Green Express' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In a difficult economic environment, it is often wise for investors to consider stocks in more defensive and relatively recession-resistant sectors. And one such area is food and beverage stocks.

As the long-standing market maxim goes, consumers can pull back on spending for vacations, remodeling, and new cars, but they still need to eat and drink.

In that light, I turned to nine leading newsletter advisors who serve up their current favorite ideas in the food and beverage sector:

Continue reading Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage

Food for thought: Best buys in food & beverage originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a seven article report -- Food for thought: Best bets in food & beverage stocks..

"If you're buying stocks to meet long-term investment goals, now is an excellent time to do some bargain hunting," says Alexander Green. In The Oxford Communique he looks to Diageo (NYSE: DEO).

"One good place to start is with Diageo. We like the outlook for company, which is the world's largest spirit maker. In good times or bad, people drink. According to some studies, even more during the bad times.

"With eight of the top 20 brands, and unparalleled marketing and distribution operations, Diageo is the best way to tap into the globe's steady demand for high-quality spirits.

Continue reading Diageo (DEO): In good spirits

Diageo (DEO): In good spirits originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Two leading growth stock expert, Brandon Clay, editor of Invest with an Edge, and Alexander Green, editor of The Oxford Club, turn to automated blood testing equipment maker Immucor (NASDAQ: BLUD) as a recession-resistant buy.

Clay suggest, "A good bet is to go with the strongest stock in that particular sector at the time of your pickThat way, the company you select at least has the momentum of the sector backing it. Typically the medical industry performs better than the overall market in a downturn. This recession has been no different.

"As we dug deeper into health care, one company surfaced that was worth our attention. Immucor is a blood testing equipment manufacturer specializing in pre-transfusion diagnostics.

"Established in 1982, they brought their first patent to market four years later. Since then they've become a leader in blood diagnostics and blood bank technology.

Continue reading Immucor (BLUD): Two experts bank on blood bank buy

Immucor (BLUD): Two experts bank on blood bank buy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Clean Harbors (NYSE: CLH), the nation's largest hazardous waste firm, represents a great way to add some recession-resistance to your portfolio," says growth stock expert David Fessler.

The contributing editor to The Oxford Club adds, "This stock is also a way to get paid from cleaning up our nation's biggest environmental messes in the process." Here's the advisor's review.

"Clean Harbors is a one-stop clean-up shop for waste. We're talking hazardous waste, toxic chemicals, radioactive materials and biologic or infectious waste.

"With a superior portfolio of over 100 waste management facilities, Clean Harbors is North America's largest vertically integrated environmental services and hazardous waste-treatment company.

Continue reading Clean Harbors (CLH): Cleaning up in hazardous waste

Clean Harbors (CLH): Cleaning up in hazardous waste originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The company has been around for more than 120 years. It currently operates in more than 130 countries, selling hundreds of products, including Ultane (an inhaled anesthetic), the anti-infective Biaxin XL, and TriCor and Niaspan to manage cholesterol.

"However, Abbott's biggest growth driver is Humira, a blockbuster drug that targets autoimmune disorders. The drug has received FDA approval to treat a number of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and Crohn's disease.

Continue reading Abbott (ABT): Contrarian sees healthy gains

Abbott (ABT): Contrarian sees healthy gains originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Steris Corp. (NYSE: STE), the world's leading maker of sterilization and decontamination equipment, is a fast-growing company in a recession-proof industry," notes growth stock expert Alexander Green.

The contributing editor to industry-leading The Oxford Club explains, "Every year, 6.5 billion medical devices are sterilized in Steris equipment. Even gun-shy investors can afford to step up and buy a few shares of this one."

"Researchers and professionals in the pharmaceutical, medical device manufacturing and health care industries count on Steris to keep their environments germ-free.

"In North America, Steris leads in products like lights, booms and tables. It also offers consumable products, such as hand sanitizers, washing lotions and skincare products.

"This company has a long history, datingo its beginnings as The American Sterilizer Company in 1894. It was already a world leader in sterilization products in the 19th century. Today, the company employs more than 5,300 people in more than 60 countries. Sales hit $1.32 billion over the past 12 months.

"And under the leadership of new CEO Walt Rosebrough, Steris is re-energizing its sales, marketing and R&D. It's also cutting costs to enhance efficiencies and improve profits.

Continue reading Steris (STE): 'Recession-proof' play on keeping clean

Steris (STE): 'Recession-proof' play on keeping clean originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As my high school football coach always quipped, 'Offense may win fans, but defense wins games,'" says leading growth stock expert Louis Basenese.

Here, the Oxford Club associate investment director takes a look at his three favorite defense stocks, noting, "When it comes to investing in the current environment, I'm convinced that you can't go wrong with this trio of companies."

"In my view, this sector willl never fall out of favor. The recent development with Russia serves to underscore another point I've been making for years. We always have to be prepared.

"Or, put another way, there will never be a good time for defense cuts, lest we want to leave our country vulnerable.Add it all up, and we can expect defense companies to enjoy steady demand. Even in the face of a recession.

"As the CEO of Rockwell notes, there has been absolutely no fallout in the defense industry as a result of the worldwide credit meltdown or other economic woes. So here's a quick run-down on the three defense companies we prefer for investors.

Continue reading Defensive trio: Lockheed, Raytheon and L-3

Defensive trio: Lockheed, Raytheon and L-3 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Warren Buffett's holding company, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B), has been the single greatest investment of our lifetimes," says Alexander Green, noting, "His compounded annual gain from 1966 to 2007 was 21.1% vs. 10.3% or the S&P 500."

In the Oxford Insight, the investment director explains, "It is now time to buy the 'ultimate no-brainer'." Here's his assessment.

"Despite this strong long-term performance, Buffett experienced a rare earnings letdown during the second quarter of this year.

"Although revenue increased 10% to $29.3 billion, insurance related write-downs hurt the company's bottom line. Still, the shortfall was far from cataclysmic. For the quarter, earnings fell 7.6% to $2.88 billion.

"Despite the shortfall, the company still maintains a top-notch credit rating and has over $28 billion in cash, a war chest for the world's greatest investor. How has Buffett been so successful? He takes a disciplined value approach to investing. And he sticks with it.

Continue reading Oxford Club bet on Buffett: A 'no-brainer'

Oxford Club bet on Buffett: A 'no-brainer' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.