This post is part of a special annual report -- Top Stock Picks '09 -- in which TheStockAdvisors.com asked 75 leading newsletter advisors to select their favorite investment for the new year.
Michael Vodicka, editor of Zacks Momentum Trader, looks to a "steady player" as his top stock pick for the coming year -- McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD).
Meanwhile, Ann Northrop, CFA and senior equity analyst with Zacks adds, "My top speculative stock is Burger King (NYSE: BKC) which is proficiently managing a turnaround."
Regarding McDonald's, Vodicka explains, "Earnings estimates for the S&P 500 are all over the map going into the New Year, with a $40 spread between high and low figures.
"Most analysts are projecting much of the same market volatility that wreaked havoc in 2008. Steady players need apply; enter McDonald's Corporation. A number of factors should continue to work in the company's favor as 2009 unfolds.
"McDonald's recent success has been driven by a combination of both domestic and international sales growth, with international results outpacing the company's solid domestic results.
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