Vahan Janjigian, a quantitative analyst, sees value in Office Depot (NYSE: ODP), which he feels will benefit from growing acceptance of Microsoft's Vista operating system. Here's his latest from The Forbes Growth Investor.

Office Depot, he notes, operates 1,174 stores in the U.S. and Canada, including 16 new stores that opened during the quarter. Operations, he says, have improved ever since new management took over in 2005.

The pro forma operating profit margin expanded to 5.5% in 2006 from 4.6% in 2005 and 4.3% in 2004, he points out, and a remodeling initiative is boosting sales and profits by providing a better shopping experience and lower operating expenses.

Janjigian also notes that the company has expanded its line of private-label goods, which offer better value to customers yet carry higher margins. He estimates that private label sales now generate about one-fourth of net revenues.

However, the analyst points out, North American sales have been depressed as customers put off computer purchases while waiting for the Vista operating system from Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) and he now expects sales to rise as Vista gains acceptance.

He suggests, "Sales should rise from Vista and any remaining weakness in comparable store sales should be offset by margin expansion."

He also notes that all older format stores should be remodeled within the next few years and about 350 new stores should be opened by 2008. He says, "The combination of top-line growth and expanding margins should help earnings grow at mid-teen rates. As such, we rate the stock a buy."

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The 2005 IPO of Crocs, Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) was the "most successful ever in the footwear industry in terms of raising money," notes quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian.

Indeed, says the editor of The Forbes Growth Investor, "The company has turned 'ugly' into a favorable feature that along with their reputation for comfort have helped boost sales by 236% in the latest quarter."

He notes that the company's tremendous success is due to the popularity of its clog-like sandals with their distinctive air holes and toe-box ventilation system. He explains, "Made from Croslite, a proprietary closed-cell resin that molds to the contours of the feet, these shoes offer an exceptionally comfortable fit."

Croslite, he points out, is lightweight, waterproof, and slip and odor resistant. The shoes became a hit with beachgoers and boaters despite their unusual look, he notes. Further, he adds, "Sales growth exploded as they gained popularity with the fashion conscious and then the mass market."

Janjigian notes, "Their unique appearance, which some call ugly, made them easily identifiable and probably added to their appeal." The shoes, he notes are now available at more than 10,000 locations in the U.S. and can be purchased in more than 8,000 locations in 80 other countries.

I've just returned from the World Money Show, where some 10,000+ investors gathered to learn about global investing. I had a chance to meet with many of the advisors who were featured at the show, and I am highlighting some of their favorite investment ideas. To view all of the stocks featured in this special global report, click here.

Although based in Maryland, McCormick and Co. (NYSE:MKC) is indeed a global play. Vahan Janjigian says, "McCormick is the largest global supplier of spices, herbs, and seasonings. Its products are sold in nearly 100 countries."

Individual brands, he notes, include McCormick and Zatarain's in the U.S. and Mexico, Schwartz in the U.K., Ducros in France, Club House in Canada, and Silvo in the Netherlands.

The quantitative analyst and editor of The Forbes Growth Investor explains, "The consumer segment, which generated 55% of first nine months sales, makes, markets, and distributes to grocers, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, drug stores, and other retail outlets.

"The industrial segment supplies the food service industry and food manufacturers with compound flavors. Customers include almost all major American service restaurants and food companies.

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.

Church & Dwight Co. (NYSE: CHD) is the favorite conservative pick from quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian, editor of The Forbes Growth Investor. He explains, "Church & Dwight makes household products with brand names such as Arm & Hammer, Arrid, Nair, Trojan, and Brillo.

"It is also the largest U.S. producer of sodium bicarbonate. In addition it sells other specialty inorganic chemicals used in industrial, medical, food, and agricultural applications, and it makes animal nutrition products.

"Last July, CHD acquired Orange Glo International, maker of OxiClean, a pre-wash additive. It also produces bathroom cleaner Kaboom and Orange Glo, an all-purpose cleaner. With annual sales of roughly $200 million, this purchase strengthens CHD's household products business. It should also lead to cost savings once fully integrated.

"Rising commodity costs negatively impacted gross profit margins in 2005. CHD responded by implementing initiatives such as price increases of 4 to 10% on about a third of its U.S. consumer products, the elimination of unprofitable trade promotions, and supply chain improvements.

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.

Sirenza Microdevices (NASDAQ: SMDI) is the top speculative play for 2007 from quantitative analyst Vahan Janjigian. The editor of The Forbes Growth Investor says, "Sirenza designs and supplies radio frequency (RF) components for equipment used in the defense, aerospace, and homeland security markets. It also does business in the commercial communications and consumer markets.

"Broomfield, Colorado-based Sirenza was off to the races in 2006, gaining 193% from the first of the year until July 3. The drop that was to come, however, was swift and ugly, finally culminating four months later after the stock lost more than 48% of its value.

"The shares began to rally after the October 31 acquisition of Micro Linear Corp., a semiconductor company specializing in wireless integrated circuit (IC) solutions used in a variety of wireless applications. Five weeks after its November 2 bottom, the stock had rallied 30%, and I believe there's more to come on the upside.

"SMDI sports a lean PEG ratio of 0.75 and 14.8 times expected 2006 full year earnings of $0.61 per share. For the September quarter, revenue was up 130% over the same quarter in 2005, while earnings per share shot up 189%."

To see Vahan's favorite conservative stock for 2007, click here.