Latest Top Picks

Stock Opinions by Matt Barasch

TRADE
Nortel AS
With the improvements that had taken place, there will have been a $5/6 stock-price taken out of the equation. Risk level has dropped even though the price is up.
Telecommunications
DON'T BUY
Raytheon
Has substantially lagged other defense stocks. An interesting turnaround story but short-term, doesn't expect great things. Nice dividend yield.
Defense
WAIT
First Data Corp
One of the few tech stocks that continues to trade at a reasonable multiple. They are in the process of acquiring Concorde EFS and will have to divest some operations sold in the near term, there will be some hiccups.
computer software / processing
HOLD
Valuation is getting a little high. Their pipeline is still a "show me" story.
biotechnology / pharmaceutical
WEAK BUY
Has been a lot of questions regarding the earnings quality. OK for a long-term value play. Would prefer others.
agriculture
HOLD
Hershey Foods Corp
A quality company, but expensive. Pays a reasonable dividend. As safe investment.
food processing
BUY ON WEAKNESS
Walmart Inc
Getting a little expensive. Would prefer to buy under $50.
department stores
DON'T BUY
EMC Corp
Not cheap. Would like to see something fundamentally before getting interested at these levels.
computer software / processing
DON'T BUY
Ford Motor
Not a fan of North American auto manufacturers. A lot of pension concerns.
Automotive
DON'T BUY
Trades at a very low multiple because of problems over the last few years. Volatile.
Healthcare
PAST TOP PICK
Wells Fargo
(A top pick Aug 22/03. Up 16%.) Sold their holdings, but still on their radar screen. If you own, hold.
banks
PAST TOP PICK
General Electric
(A top pick Aug 22/03. Up 9.5%.) Still likes at this price. Investors will start looking at this in the last half of 2004 because the company will start reaping the benefits in 2005. Good dividend.
electrical / electronic
PAST TOP PICK
Wendy's Company
(A top pick Aug 22/03. Up 22.5%.) Still likes. Have some good, new products. Would consider again at $35.
food services
DON'T BUY
Delta Air Lines Inc
Generally are cautious on airlines. They have a tremendous amount of debt and very little equity value.
Transportation
DON'T BUY
Fannie Mae
Prefers Freddie Mac as their accounting issues are behind him. Doesn't know what is in store for Fannie Mae.
Financial Services
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