Hilary Kramer's Daily Picks & Pans

Hilary is no longer actively posting picks; but you will find other bloggers' picks here occasionally, and you will find many stock ideas every day at http://www.bloggingstocks.com

RSS FEED IDEMS: Hilary Kramer's Daily Picks & Pans

  • Monsanto Co.: Tinkering with the seeds of growth
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    When you are a big producer of crop seeds, manufacturing herbicides does not seem to be the most sympathetic business diversification. Still, there is an outfit in St. Louis that makes it work. It simply alters its seeds genetically, so they tolerate its herbicides.

    Monsanto Company (NYSE:MON) provides agricultural products to farmers worldwide. The company produces seeds and develops biotechnology traits that assist farmers in controlling insects and weeds. Products include canola, corn, soybean, fruit, cotton, sunflower and sorghum seed. Monsanto also manufactures the world's leading herbicide, Roundup. Further, it provides products that focus on improving dairy cow productivity and it sells genetics lines for improving the productivity and meat quality of swine.

    The company pleased investors last week, when it reported fiscal Q1 EPS of 46 cents and revenues of $2.1 billion. Analysts had been expecting 35 cents and $1.87 billion. Robust Latin American demand for Roundup and seed trait products was cited as a big factor in the successful quarter. Management also guided FY08 EPS to $2.50-2.60 ($2.59 consensus) and boosted its FY08 free cash flow estimate from $800-900 million to $0.9-1.0 billion.

    The stock popped on the news and has since been consolidating the gain in a bullish "flag" pattern. Equities frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the shares with four "strong buys," four "buys" and five "holds." Analysts see a 31% average annual growth rate through the next five years. The MON Sales Growth rate (36.39%), EPS Growth rate (187.50%) and Operating Margin (18.00%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutions hold about 85% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 12 months, it has traded between $49.10 and $124.35. A stop-loss of $105.75 looks good here.


    Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:33:51 GMT

  • eDiets.com: Online assistance for finding that slimmer you
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    Feeling a little heavy after the holidays? Wondering where to find help honoring that New Year's resolution to lose some weight, without attending "public" sessions? Go online, of course! There is an Web outfit in Fort Lauderdale that is helping nearly 120,000 dieters already.

    eDiets.com (NASDAQ:DIET) develops and markets Internet-based diet and fitness programs in North America and Europe. It offers subscribers diet plans according to the individual's weight goals and includes related shopping lists and recipes. It also provides meal delivery service, corporate wellness programs and telephone/online support. The company has partnerships with Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Time Warner's (NYSE:TWX) AOL.

    DIET shares are up 40% over the past 10 weeks, sparked by such issues as upside FY08 revenue guidance, favorable analyst remarks, a new CEO and an improved technology platform. The news has the stock cycling through a positive trading channel. The price is currently near the base of that channel, where oversold Momentum and MACD technical parameters suggest the potential for a rise back toward the top. Correspondence of the issue's 30-day moving average to the base of the channel backs the rebound notion.

    Brokers recommend the shares with one "strong buy" and one "sell." Analysts expect a 26% growth rate through the next year. The DIET Revenue per Employee ($300k) compares favorably with the industry average. Institutional investors hold about 55% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, DIET has traded between $2.67 and $6.10. A stop-loss of $4.80 looks good here. Note that the firm is expected to report Q4 results in mid-March.


    Mon, 07 Jan 2008 20:53:30 GMT

  • ICON plc: Outsourcing for Big Pharma and Biotech
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    Successful drug development consultants are those with the operational flexibility to provide services on a stand-alone basis, or as part of an integrated solution. Global experience helps, too. There is an outfit in Dublin, Ireland that touches all the bases. It employees 5,600 and operates from 67 locations in 35 countries.

    ICON plc (NASDAQ:ICLR) is a global provider of outsourced development services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. The company specializes in the strategic development, management and analysis of programs that support clinical development -- from compound selection to Phase I-IV clinical studies. ICON teams have conducted more than 1,900 development projects and over 2,300 consultancy engagements across all major therapeutic areas.

    ICON pleased investors last month, when it reaffirmed its profit outlook for 2007 and set forth its 2008 financial targets. Management guided FY07 EPS to $1.82-$1.85 ($1.85 consensus), FY07 revenues to $615-$625 million ($619M consensus), FY08 EPS to $2.27-$2.36 ($2.31 consensus) and FY08 revenues to $750-$770 million ($765M consensus).

    The stock popped on the news and has since been consolidating the gain in a bullish "flag" pattern. Equities frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the shares with five "strong buys," six "buys" and two "holds." Analysts expect a 27% growth rate through the nextyear. The ICLR Price to Sales ratio (3.08), Price to Book ratio (4.95), Sales Growth rate (38.27%), EPS Growth rate (40%), Return on Assets (9.72%) and Return on Investment (15.78%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutional investors hold about 78% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, ICLR has traded between $36.68 and $64.79. A stop-loss of $53.95 looks good here. Note that the firm is expected to report Q4 results in mid-February.


    Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:17:21 GMT

  • Joy Global: Mining for Profits
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    The world's growing energy and infrastructure needs are focusing attention on our ability to effectively mine coal, minerals and ores. A leading maker of the equipment used to efficiently coax such materials from the ground is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

    Joy Global (NASDAQ:JOYG) manufactures heavy equipment for the mining industry. Its Joy Mining Machinery segment makes underground equipment for the extraction of coal and other bedded minerals. Products include continuous miners, longwall shearers, powered roof supports, armored face conveyors and shuttle cars. The P&H Mining Equipment unit produces electric mining shovels, rotary blasthole drills and walking draglines for the open-pit mining of coal, ores and precious metals. The company operates facilities and equipment service centers in over twenty countries worldwide. Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) is a major competitor.

    The firm had good news for investors last month, when it reported Q4 EPS of 80 cents and revenues of $736 billion. Analysts had been expecting 75 cents and $717.2 million. The company set a new quarterly order record, which was said to reflect the initial stage of recovery of the U.S. underground coal market. Management also offered in-line guidance for FY08 results. UBS and Stifel Nicolaus subsequently reiterated "buy" ratings on the issue.

    The stock popped on the news and has since been consolidating the gain in a bullish "flag" pattern. Equities frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Altogether, brokers recommend the shares with three "strong buys," three "buys" and five "holds." Recent price targets fall in the $68 to $100 range. Analysts expect a 33% average annual growth rate through the next five years. The JOYG Operating Margin (18.61%), Return on Assets (13.69%), Return on Investment (20.46%) and Return on Equity (34.04%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 400 MidCap Index. Institutional investors hold about 91% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, JOYG has traded between $40.36 and $67.61. A stop-loss of $55.90 looks good here.


    Thu, 03 Jan 2008 22:22:38 GMT

  • Heico Corp.: The Right Stuff to Fly High
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    Given the tight times at the airlines, being an outfit that can provide regulator-approved aircraft replacement parts puts a firm in a favorable position. One of the biggest independent companies in the group is headquartered in Hollywood, Florida.

    Heico Corporation (NYSE:HEI) is engaged in the design, manufacture and sale of aerospace and defense products and services. The firm specializes in producing FAA-approved aircraft components, such as combustion chambers and gas-flow transition ducts. It also provides jet engine overhaul and repair services. In addition, the company makes such electronic equipment as power modules and cooling systems. Customers include AMR Corporation (NYSE:AMR), Boeing (NYSE:BA) and UAL Corporation (NASDAQ:UAUA). United Technologies (NYSE: UTX) is a major competitor.

    The firm pleased investors two weeks ago, when it reported Q4 EPS of 40 cents and revenues of $139.9 million. Analysts had been looking for 39 cents and $126.8 million. Management also guided FY08 EPS to $1.73-$1.76 ($1.74 consensus) and FY08 revenues to $575-$580 million ($561.15M consensus). HEI shares popped into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern on the news. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the issue with two "strong buys," one "buy" and three "holds." Analysts expect a 19% average annual growth rate through the next five years. The HEI Price to Book ratio (3.91), Sales Growth rate (27.41%), Return on Assets (9.48%) and Return on Investment (12.61%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutional investors hold about 33% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $33.76 and $56.92. A stop-loss of $47.35 looks good here.


    Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:07:39 GMT

  • Accenture: The Brains Behind the Business
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    The identification of new business trends and the subsequent implementation of strategies based on those trends is vital to corporate growth. When firms need help along those lines, they often turn to a Hamilton, Bermuda consultant that currently works with two-thirds of the Fortune Global 500.

    Accenture (NYSE:ACN) is the world's largest management and technology consulting firm. It offers clients enterprise integration, human resources, strategic planning and supply chain management services, across 18 industry groups. The company operates from more than 100 offices in 49countries. It has established business alliances with a variety of sector leaders, including Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ), Oracle (NASDAQ:ORCL) and Reuters Group (NASDAQ:RTRSY).

    Last week, the firm reported fiscal Q1 EPS of 60 cents and revenues of $5.67 billion. The Street had been expecting 56 cents and $5.46 billion. Management also guided Q2 revenues to $5.50-$5.70 billion ($5.31B consensus) and FY08 EPS to $2.36-2.41 ($2.26 consensus).

    ACN shares popped into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern on the news. Stocks frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling when they entered them. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the issue with six "strong buys," nine "buys" and five "holds." Analysts see a 14% average annual growth rate through the next five years. The ACN P/E ratio (17.97), PEG ratio (1.31), Price to Sales ratio (1.28), Price to Cash Flow ratio (12.74), Price to Free Cash Flow ratio (16.71), Sales Growth rate (19.27%), EPS Growth rate (30.43%), Return on Assets (18.26%), Return on Investment (55.13%) and Return on Equity (72.69%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutions hold about 59% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $33.03 and $44.03. A stop-loss of $32 looks good here.


    Fri, 28 Dec 2007 19:52:35 GMT

  • Oracle Corp.: Still seeing the future clearly
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ:ORCL) is the world's largest enterprise software company, providing database, infrastructure, and computer application software for managing business data and supporting business operations. Essentially, the programs facilitate functions in data storage/access, analytics, customer relationship management, supply chain management and software development. The firm provides a wide variety of consulting, training and license updating services. Products are sold through internet service providers, network integrators, resellers and independent software vendors.

    Oracle pleased investors last week, when it reported Q2 EPS of 31 cents and revenues of $5.36 billion. Analysts had been expecting 27 cents and $5.04 billion. Database and middleware new license revenues were up 28% and applications new license revenues grew 63%. Management also guided Q3 EPS to 29-30 cents (29 cents consensus) and Q3 revenues to about $5.338 billion ($5.19B consensus). ORCL shares popped on the news and then moved into a bullish "pennant" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit pennants moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the shares with eight "strong buys," 18 "buys" and seven "holds." Analysts see a 15% average annual growth rate through the next five years. The ORCL Price to Free Cash Flow ratio (17.93), Sales Growth rate (27.23%), EPS Growth rate (55.00%), Operating Margin (33.23%), Net Profit Margin (23.80%) and Return on Assets (14.80%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutions own about 56% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 100 Index, the S&P 500 Index and the Nasdaq 100 Index. Over the past 12 months, it has traded between $15.97 and $23. A stop-loss of $20 looks good here.


    Thu, 27 Dec 2007 21:32:46 GMT

  • Research in Motion: Answering the upside call
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    Research In Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM) is a leading provider of wireless communications hardware, software and services. Company devices allow access to email, telephone, messaging, internet and intranet-based applications. RIM products include the BlackBerry wireless platform and the RIM Wireless Handheld product line. The firm also provides software development tools and makes radio-based modems that other manufacturers incorporate into their portable devices. Competitors include Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Motorola (NYSE:MOT) and Nokia (NYSE:NOK).

    RIM surprised the Street last week, when it reported Q3 EPS of 65 cents and revenues of $1.67 billion. Analysts had been looking for 62 cents and $1.65 billion. Management also guided Q4 EPS to 66-70 cents (65 cent consensus) and Q4 revenues to $1.80-$1.87 billion ($1.75B consensus). In discussing the solid numbers, the firm noted strong adoption in Europe and improving performance in several emerging markets. Bear Stearns subsequently upgraded RIMM shares to "outperform." JMP Securities and UBS reiterated calls at the same level. RIMM shares popped on the news and then moved into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the issue with seven "strong buys," 16 "buys," 11 "holds" and two "sells." Analysts see a 52% growth rate through the next year. The RIMM Sales Growth rate (21.88%), EPS Growth rate (103.23%), Operating Margin (27.83%), Net Profit Margin (21.13%), Return on Assets (28.58%), Return on Investment (36.21%), Return on Equity (36.95%) and Net Income per Employee ($170.89k) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutions hold about 71% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the Nasdaq 100 Index and the AMEX Internet Index. Over the past 52 weeks, it has traded between $39.92 and $137.01. A stop-loss of $99.50 looks good here.


    Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:57:52 GMT

  • Nordstrom Inc: Still in Fashion
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE:JWN) is a leading U.S. fashion retailer, with outlets in 28 states. The firm operates 101 full-line stores, 51 Nordstrom Racks, two Jeffrey boutiques, one free-standing shoe store and two clearance facilities. It also serves customers through catalogs and a web site.

    The stock has been a steady gainer recently, rising on such developments as better than expected Q3 earnings/revenues, upside guidance for Q4/FY08 EPS, favorable analyst remarks, much better than expected November same-store sales, and word of insider buying. The news has kept JWN shares cycling through a positive six-week trading channel. The price is currently consolidating at the base of that channel, where oversold MACD and Stochastic technical parameters suggest the potential for a rise back toward the top. The correspondence of the stock's 30-day moving average to the base of the channel backs the rebound notion.

    Brokers recommend the issue with three "strong buys," three "buys," thirteen "holds" and one "sell." Analysts expect a 13% growth rate, through the next year. The JWN P/E ratio (12.30), PEG ratio (1.06), Price to Sales ratio (0.91), Price to Cash Flow ratio (8.05), EPS Growth rate (13.46%), Return on Assets (14.42%), Return on Investment (21.42%) and Return on Equity (44.98%) compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutions hold about 74% of the outstanding shares. The stock is one of those used to calculate the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 52 weeks, it has traded between $30.46 and $59.70. A stop-loss of $30.70 looks good here. Note that Nordstrom is expected to report Q4 results in late February.


    Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:52:05 GMT

  • Greif Inc.: Packing up the profits
    Guest blogger: Larry Schutts, vice president of Stockwinners.com and a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com. Larry looks for stocks with technical and fundamental characteristics indicating gains in the next 30 days. However, price movements may be volatile. He includes a stop-loss price in each post. Consider selling a position should the stop-loss be violated. Look for more of Larry's stock picks in the days and weeks to come.

    In conveying goods from producer to consumer, protection of the product is always a primary concern. A leading manufacturer of containers used on the bulk shipping side of the equation is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

    Greif Inc. (NYSE:GEF) produces containers and containerboard, mainly for bulk shippers in the chemical, food, petroleum, mineral, machinery and pharmaceutical industries. Products include drums, water bottles, pallets, corrugated containers and multiwall packaging. The firm also manages some 300,000 acres of North American timberland. The company maintains over 160 operating locations, in nearly fifty countries.

    Greif pleased investors earlier in the month, when it reported Q4 EPS of $1.05. That was eight cents above the average Street estimate. Revenues rose 19.9% (y/y) to $882.3 million. Management also guided FY08 EPS to $3.80-4.00, versus consensus of $3.83. Deutsche Securities subsequently reiterated its "buy" rating on the shares and boosted its price target to $85.

    The stock popped through moving average resistance on the news and then passed into a bullish "flag" consolidation pattern. Prices frequently exit flags moving in the same direction they were traveling on entry. In this case, that would be to the upside.

    Brokers recommend the issue with two "strong buys," three "buys" and one "hold." Analysts see a 20% growth rate through the next year. The GEF P/E ratio (19.01), PEG ratio (1.27), Price to Sales ratio (0.88), Price to Book ratio (2.94) and Sales Growth rate (19.94%), compare favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutional investors hold about 48% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $47.81 and $68.30. A stop-loss of $56.25 looks good here.


    Wed, 19 Dec 2007 20:46:14 GMT

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