"CenterPlate (NYSE: CVP) keeps it profitable by keeping it simple," says Neil George. "And how much simpler can wer get than a hot dog vendor?"

The senior editor of Personal Finance explains, "When it comes down to making ongoing judgments based on knowing as much as we can about particular industries, markets and businesses. And that level of our understanding gets significantly better when the business is basic."

For example, he notes, when we examine a defense avionics company or a bioengineering operation, we're going to have to stretch a bit. But, he suggests, when we get to look at a company selling hot dogs, it doesn't take a collection of engineering degrees to get a good handle on what's what and why we should buy or sell.

And, says George, hot dogs, soda and beer is where Centerplate lives. The company owns and runs the concession stands in 130 major sports parks and entertainment and convention centers from coast to coast.

The advisor explains, "Although some warn that people will stop going out if the economy heads south, the fact is the really golden years for entertainment come during economic tough times. They may not go on big vacations or splurge on big-ticket items, but a day at a park or a night at a concert is always welcome."

"The company doesn't rely on home runs," says the advisor. Instead, he contends, it hits singles and doubles year-in and year-out, with revenues consistently gaining by more than 5%.

Says George, "This may sound anemic compared to some whizbang tech companies, but it's fine by us. We'll take it and the 10% dividend, giving us an average annual return for the past several years of more than 12%. Buy Centerplate under 20."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Batter up: Centerplate earns high yields from hot dogs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hexcel Corp. (NYSE: HXL), he notes, is the largest producer of woven carbon-fiber sheets, which are extremely important for both Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner, as well as for the new Airbus A380. He rates thes tock a buy up to 25.

Aircastle (NYSE: AYR) and Genesis Lease (NYSE: GLS) are both aircraft leasing companies and publicly traded partnerships, and both are holdings in the Personal Finance model portfolio. He notes, "As airlines continue their recovery and passenger volume rises, older planes must be replaced and new planes added to the fleets."

Both partnerships, he notes, are based in Ireland and lease to both passenger airlines and cargo companies around the world. He says, ""Aircastle and Genesis are excellent bets on the continued growth of air travel and pay dividends of around 6% and 8%, respectively."

Continue reading Seven ways to play the airline sector

Seven ways to play the airline sector originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Warren Buffett's recently announced investments in railroads have caused many to consider this sector. But with stock prices for rail operators up sharply since the news, investors might want to consider another track to invest in the sector.

Indeed, one advisor who was already riding the rail sector is Elliott Gue, contributing editor to Personal Finance newsletter, who recommends a trio of companies that make and lease railcars.

First up is American Railcar Industries (NSDQ: ARII). Gue notes that deliveries of is railcars soared 32% in the final quarter of 2006, primarily by sales of ethanol tankers.

He adds, "In addition to ethanol demand, there's a strong replacement cycle underway in the tanker car business. Specifically, new government safety requirements are forcing shippers to upgrade and replace their older carriers with safer models."

Continue reading A different track to invest in rails

A different track to invest in rails originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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.

International Coal Group, Inc. (NYSE: ICO) is the top speculation for 2007 from Ivan Martchev, editor of Vital Resources and contributing editor for Personal Finance.

He explains, "The company came to market through an initial public offering at $11 and shortly thereafter had a high-profile accident at one of its mines that was probably the result of a lightning strike causing a methane explosion. Some bad operational news further pressured the stock, which reached $4 in the fall.

"As a result, International Coal is a lot cheaper based on book value and price-to-sales measures compared to major coal stocks. My interest here stems from the fact that Wilbur Ross -- a man with a proven record -- has a lot of money at stake in the company.

"If Ross can put together a bunch of bankrupt steel producers like Bethlehem Steel and make a go of them - and ultimately sell them very profitably- he'll try to make a go of International Coal. This is a suggestion only for the patient; it may take a couple of years for International Coal to dig out of its current hole (no pun intended). Buy under $6.50."

To see Ivan's top conservative investment for 2007, click here.

Top Picks 2007: Ivan Martchev fires up the Coal Group originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.