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.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), the world's largest military weapons manufacturer, is the favorite conservative stock of Rich Moroney, editor of Dow Theory Forecasts. The advisor notes,"Lockheed generates about 80% of sales to the U.S. government. Lockheed is the prime contractor for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, a large and well-funded defense program -- and one of the company's most significant development projects.

"Lockheed has been working to diversify its defense and intelligence work, as well as non-defense government work. Its information-systems and technology-services businesses have been growing nicely, as the government is increasingly outsourcing.

"In August, Lockheed was chosen as the prime contractor for NASA's successor to the space shuttle -- an award with an initial contract value of $4.2 billion.

"At 16 times estimated year-ahead earnings of $5.55 per share, the stock trades at a discount to its five-year average forward P/E of 17 and its peer-group average of 21. Lockheed is a Focus List Buy and a Long-Term Buy."

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

Top Picks 2007: Dow Theory plays defense with Lockheed originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 08:30:00 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.

Philadelphia Consolidated Hldg (NASDAQ: PHLY) is the top speculative idea from Rich Moroney, editor of the small-cap oriented service, Upside.

The advisor says, "PHLY markets and underwrites property-and-casualty insurance, focusing on underserved markets. Product launches and service enhancements should help sustain premium growth and decent pricing.

"The company boasts a long history of selective and highly disciplined underwriting. The company consistently has one of the lowest loss ratios in the industry -- along with exceptionally high renewal rates. At 26%, the company's return on equity is well above the 15% of the average property and casualty insurer.

"September-quarter earnings per share surged 172% to $1.28, exceeding the consensus estimate by $0.55. Sales increased 19%. Total net earned premiums climbed 21%. Results benefited from the release of reserves due to favorable prior years' claims experience.

Continue reading Top Picks 2007: Rich Moroney gets insured in Philly

Top Picks 2007: Rich Moroney gets insured in Philly originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.