Not all companies in these love-struck industries are good buys. Here are 10 stocks to break up with this Valentine's Day.

• 1-800-Flowers (FLWS): A good gift, but a poorly run company that has posted a loss for three of the past four quarters.
• Hershey (HSY): Missing out on the Cadbury merger was not so sweet for Hershey.
• Cardiac Sciences (CSCX): It's hard to have a heart for a company that fails seven out of my eight fundamental screens.

Continue reading Ten Valentine's Day Stocks to Hate

Ten Valentine's Day Stocks to Hate originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For the big spenders out there who are planning on a dramatic gift this Valentine's Day, a car is a popular choice. And among automakers right now, Ford (F) stands alone.

General Motors is struggling to emerge from bankruptcy, and Chrysler is in even worse shape. Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles and is suffering from bad press.

Continue reading Valentine's Day Stock #10: Ford (F)

Valentine's Day Stock #10: Ford (F) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

It's hard to have a personal touch via e-mail, but if ever there was a day when you should try it, it's Valentine's Day. That makes IncrediMail (MAIL) a great pick.

IncrediMail develops software that lets users customize e-mail using animation, 3D effects, handwritten signatures and sound effects. This makes digital messages much warmer and more personal and can help long-distance sweethearts say "I love you."

Continue reading Valentine's Day Stock #9: IncrediMail (MAIL)

Valentine's Day Stock #9: IncrediMail (MAIL) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Not everyone can afford a fancy restaurant this Valentine's Day, so casual dining outfits are sure to see the lion's share of the profits. Near the front of this group is Steak 'n Shake (SNS).

With more than 400 locations in the U.S., this comfort food company provides great American fare at great prices.

Continue reading Valentine's Day Stock #8: Steak 'n Shake (SNS)

Valentine's Day Stock #8: Steak 'n Shake (SNS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

How about a nice romantic comedy on Valentine's Day? Carmike Cinemas (CKEC) and operates a total of about 250 movie houses in the U.S. and is a frontrunner to capitalize on the movie spending that is sure to be strong on Sunday.

The company saw a nice boost after the recent blockbuster Avatar hit the silver screen and should keep that momentum going through the coming months.

Next: Steak 'n Shake (SNS)

At the time of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own shares of CKEC in personal or client portfolios.

Valentine's Day Stock #7: Carmike Cinemas (CKEC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Speaking as a guy who normally eats out or watches my wife do all the cooking, I can say that nothing is more appreciated by hardworking wives and mothers than a great meal they didn't have to prepare.

That's where Whole Foods (WFMI) comes in with gourmet meats and cheeses that make simple recipes delicious -- even for inexperienced chefs.

Continue reading Valentine's Day Stock #6: Whole Foods (WFMI)

Valentine's Day Stock #6: Whole Foods (WFMI) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

A simple card can say so much, and that makes American Greetings (AM) a great choice for investors this Valentine's Day. But don't think this card is a seasonal wonder.

American Greetings has posted dramatic earnings performances lately, including earnings surprises of more than 550% and 245% in the past three quarters. This stock is a great investment for February and beyond.

Next: Whole Foods (WFMI)

At the time of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own shares of AM in personal or client portfolios.

Valentine's Day Stock #5: American Greetings (AM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

How about a romantic weekend getaway? Priceline.com (PCLN), one of my Top Stocks for February, has got lovebirds covered whether they're flying south for a warm vacation or just finding a first-class hotel with a spa for some time alone. Priceline.com allows buyers to name their own price for everything from airline tickets to rental cars to cruises.

You may not think that travel spending is very high right now, but the bottom line is that value-conscious consumers really love Priceline's ability to "haggle" on prices. This has allowed the website to become an oasis for cash-strapped consumers and generate huge numbers even during the recession.

Next: American Greetings (AM)

At the time of this writing, Louis Navellier owned shares of PCLN in personal or client portfolios.

Valentine's Day Stock #4: Priceline.com (PCLN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Lingerie is another popular V-Day gift, and Limited Brands (LTD) has the inside track on these sales with its Victoria's Secret stores.

Limited's same-store sales were up 6% in January, thanks to a 17% increase at Victoria's Secret outlets. That's a trend you can take to the bank in February and beyond.

Next: Priceline.com (PCLN)

At the time of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own shares of LTD in personal or client portfolios.

Valentine's Day Stock #3: Limited Brands (LTD) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Diamonds are always popular around Valentine's Day, but lingering unemployment problems and consumer confidence woes have hit most jewelry stores hard. But not Blue Nile (NILE).

This online retailer of fine custom-made rings, earrings and necklaces allows consumers to browse a huge array of diamonds without paying a middle man. This allows for some great deals, making NILE your best bet to cash in on jewelry sales this Valentine's Day.

Next: Limited Brands (LTD)

At the time of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own shares of NILE in personal or client portfolios.

Valentine's Day Stock #2: Blue Nile (NILE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Sure, flowers and chocolates are common gifts. But in this digital age there are tons of gifts with a high-tech edge, like digital photo frames with multiple pictures of your sweetheart in rotation or romance novels for eReaders.

This makes online retailer Amazon.com (AMZN) a sure thing for the Valentine's Day shopping surge.

Continue reading Valentine's Day Stock #1: Amazon.com (AMZN)

Valentine's Day Stock #1: Amazon.com (AMZN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Valentine's Day may be a commercialized holiday to some, but there's no denying that its big business. And this coming Valentine's Day may be extra sweet since it falls on a Sunday, making it a great excuse for a romantic night out. In fact, total Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $17.6 billion this year, up 3.3% over 2009, according to consumer spending researchers at IBISWorld.

That's a big payday, and one that investors should be paying attention to.

Continue reading Ten Valentine's Day Stocks to Love (and 10 to Hate)

Ten Valentine's Day Stocks to Love (and 10 to Hate) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

What single company is most represented by the sheer number of its products in your home right now?

I bet that company is Proctor & Gamble (NYSE: PG).

Beauty products, household care products, health care products, pet products, toothpaste, toilet paper, batteries, laundry detergent -- even the diapers on Junior's behind are likely to be made by Procter & Gamble.

Like the value of the other stocks in this love list, Procter & Gamble shares have been hit by the wider sell-off.

Corporate earnings are likely to be hurt by the economic slowdown, but companies with diverse revenue streams such as Procter & Gamble will be best able to come out of the current recession with the least amount of collateral damage.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #10 Procter & Gamble (PG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

In this tough economic environment, why not choose a company with as many solid revenue-generating divisions as possible?

And when it comes to having many sources of revenue, you can find no better example than 3M (NYSE: MMM).

The diversified giant has its hands in so many market segments that the company is somewhat difficult to classify.

Industrial and retail products such as tape are its bread and butter, but it also makes products like filtration systems; products used in the manufacture, repair and maintenance of automobiles, boats and aircraft; medical and surgical supplies; optical film and lens solutions for electronic displays; office supply products; construction and home improvement products; home care devices ;and even personal protection products.

It's hard to live life without using a 3M product, and it's this kind of product ubiquity that makes 3M the kind of stock that always attracts investment capital.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #9 3M (MMM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Consumer health care companies are traditionally great recession plays, because no matter what happens in the economy, people still need their medicine.

For more than 100 years, Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has supplied the world with what it needs to ameliorate its ailments.

In addition to marquee consumer brands such as Band-Aid and Tylenol, Johnson & Johnson provides the world with a myriad of prescription drugs, medical devices and medical treatments that keep us all healthy.

The healing power -- and the earnings power -- of Johnson & Johnson's products has contributed to the well-being of both consumers and investors for a very long time.

And while shareholders may justifiably feel ill about the stock over the last several months, the company's long-term growth prospects will likely serve as a veritable love potion for investors in the years to come.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #8 Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Shares of Big Blue sung the blues in 2008, but that's no reason to feel sad about the company's future prospects.

The IT giant is still the premier global technology services firm, and that's not likely to change just because the world's economy is in a funk. Having weathered numerous economic downturns during its nearly 100-year history (including the Depression years), there is no reason to suspect that IBM (NYSE: IBM) won't be able to weather the current economic storm.

The computing landscape is always changing, and companies that adapt to that change are going to be the ones that survive.

A big part of successful adaptation is having the capital and the resources at hand to make the necessary adjustments, and no company has proven more adept at adaptation than IBM.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #7 IBM (IBM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The semiconductor giant continues making better, faster and stronger microchips that power the world's personal computers. But it's not just PCs that Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) chips power.

The company's microprocessors also can be found in enterprise computer servers, industrial equipment, point-of-sale systems, automotive information/entertainment systems, medical equipment -- the list goes on and on.

As the biggest chipmaker on Silicon Valley's block, Intel isn't going anywhere.

The company spends millions in R&D each year to insure that it is the one that creates the next-generation microchip must haves, and just announced plans to invest $7 billion in three of its U.S. plants.

Sure, Intel shares were caught up in the sell-off of 2008, but when the tide turns any smart investor will want to seriously consider booting up Intel.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #6 Intel (INTC) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The best example of an iconic American industrial giant is General Electric (NYSE: GE). The company has so many diverse revenue sources that it's hard to know where to begin.

Capital, energy infrastructure, technology infrastructure and entertainment are all part of the GE family.

During the past year or so, the company's capital division has fallen on hard times. But we think that when the pain subsides in the financial sector, GE's money side will likely regain its health.

On the energy infrastructure side, we know that the Obama plan to put billions of dollars into a new, 21st-century "smart" electric power grid will likely include the biggest and best companies in this sector.

GE is unquestionably one of the biggest and best in this field, and their expertise in building out our energy generation system will be a big part of what gets America back on the road toward a brighter future.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #5 General Electric (GE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The world has a big thirst for many things, but perhaps its greatest thirst is for petroleum products.

Crude oil, gasoline, natural gas and various other petroleum-based items are still the figurative and literal grease that makes the world's engine run smoothly. Without the mechanism for getting gasoline into the world's tanks, the entire globe would come to a screeching halt.

Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) is the biggest and best company created for the specific goal of supplying the world with the petroleum-based lather it needs to make the system run.

Sure, the price of crude oil is well off its all-time highs, as is the price of gasoline and other related items. But no matter what the price of crude is, and no matter how much slowing occurs in global economic activity, the world will still need to purchase oil -- and that means the world will need Exxon Mobil.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #4 Exxon Mobil (XOM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

There's nothing as refreshing as a Coke on a hot summer day.

Many Americans share this tasty thought, and while we still love to drink our cola, the recent downtrend in the equity markets has caused Coca-Cola's (NYSE: KO) share price to fizzle.

To be certain, Coca-Cola's stock hasn't been hit as bad as some of the other stocks on this list, but the shares have been beaten up.

One of the factors that may cause investors to fall back in love with Coca-Cola is its international presence.

Sure, the global economy faltered in 2008, but the demographics in countries such as China, India and the emerging nations provide Coca-Cola with a huge and fertile territory where it can continue to grow its high-margin international business.

Take a look at all ten stocks to fall in love with again.

Jim Woods is a Senior Editor for OptionsZone.com.

Ten stocks to fall in love with again: #3 Coca-Cola (KO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.