February Super Bowl Stock Picks for 2009 !

1. ( TTEK ) 2/1 23.23 a share / Target Price 30.00
Tetra Tech, Inc. is a provider of consulting, engineering, program management, construction and technical services focusing on resource management and infrastructure. The Company serves its clients by providing solutions to fundamental needs for water, environmental and alternative energy services. Its solutions span the entire life cycle of the project and include applied science, research and technology, engineering, design, construction management, construction, operations and maintenance, and information technology. During the fiscal year ended September 28, 2008 (fiscal 2008), the Company managed its business in three segments: resource management, infrastructure and communications. On October 1, 2007, the Company acquired the outstanding shares of ARD, Inc. (ARD), which provides applied research, planning, design and implementation services focused on a range of water, energy, environmental and institutional challenges. In January 2009, it acquired Haselwood Enterprises, Inc.Consulting services like Tetra Teck can allow a company to find cost cuttings far in excess of the cost of the service. Since TTEK does very well getting govenment contracts, workflow should be consistant. It's key areas of waste management, energy, construction, infrastructure, etc, all fit in very will with key priorities of the govenrment. While P/E of 21 seems like a premium, TTEK's acquisition of Haselwood Enterprises gives TTECK access to government contracts that should pay a premium. Although I would like to see better margins on a company with this high of a P/E, growth has been very consistant the last two years, and above the S&P even this year. Debt is LESS than 1X of income, cash flow is decent. As water becomes tougher to come by, this is the company to handle those issues. With timely acquisitions and the need for alternative energy looming, this company is positioned to thrive in the long term.Will benefit from wind and water projects. With the new bail out bill coming TTEK wil benifit ! so buy up share now ! Tetra Tech is perfectly positioned to exceed expectations (Like those alliterations) with the coming infrastructure boom and the water supply doom. The next US President will have to decide what amount to spend on crumbling infrastructure over the next few years!



2. ( DIS ) 2/1 20.68 a share / target price 25.00
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries, is a global entertainment company. The business segments of the Company are Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products. The Media Networks segment consists of domestic broadcast television network, television production and distribution operations, domestic television stations, cable networks, domestic broadcast radio networks and stations, and Internet and mobile operations. The Studio Entertainment segment produces and acquires live-action and animated motion pictures, direct-to-video programming, musical recordings and live stage plays. The Consumer Products segment engages with licensees, manufacturers, publishers and retailers globally to design, develop, publish, promote and sell a range of products based on Disney characters.Long term a great stock to have. I would pick it up closer to <20>

McDonald's Delivers Another Year of Strong Results in 2008

McDonald's Delivers Another Year of Strong Results in 2008

McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) today announced strong operating results for the fourth quarter and the year, driven by global comparable sales growth.

"2008 was a strong year for McDonald's," said Chief Executive Officer Jim Skinner. "Through our strategic focus on menu choice, food quality and value, the average number of customers served per day increased to more than 58 million in 2008. Comparable sales and guest counts were positive across all segments for every quarter, and the Company delivered double-digit growth in operating income for the fourth quarter and the year. These accomplishments validate the strength and resilience of McDonald's Plan to Win."

Full year 2008 highlights included:

-- Global comparable sales increase of 6.9%, including U.S. 4.0%, Europe
8.5%, and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 9.0%
-- Growth in McDonald's combined operating margin of 320 basis points to
27.4%, after adjusting for the impact of the 2007 Latin America
transaction
-- Operating income increases in the U.S. 8%, Europe 23% (17% in constant
currencies) and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 33% (28% in
constant currencies)
-- Earnings per share from continuing operations of $3.76, an increase of
16% (14% in constant currencies), after adjusting for the impact of the
2007 Latin America transaction
-- Return of $5.8 billion to shareholders through shares repurchased and
dividends paid, including a 33% increase in the quarterly cash dividend
to $0.50 per share for the fourth quarter - bringing our current annual
dividend rate to $2.00 per share


Fourth quarter highlights included:

-- Global comparable sales increase of 7.2%, fueled by the U.S. 5.0%,
Europe 7.6% and Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa 10.0%
-- Consolidated operating income increase of 11% (20% in constant
currencies)
-- Earnings per share of $0.87 compared with earnings per share of $1.06
in fourth quarter 2007, which included a 2007 net benefit of $0.33 per
share related to certain tax items


McDonald's U.S. delivered very strong results for the quarter and year by seizing opportunities in the key growth areas of chicken, breakfast, beverages and convenience. Throughout 2008, the U.S. built brand loyalty by reinforcing the Company's dedication to value, convenience and menu variety with the addition of the Southern Style Chicken biscuit and sandwich, drive-thru enhancements to improve service and ongoing expansion of McCafe specialty coffees.

In Europe, ongoing efforts to strengthen brand relevance generated impressive fourth quarter and full year results. Full year comparable sales were positive in every European market as more customers enjoyed McDonald's combination of seasonal and premium menu selections, compelling value options and inviting restaurants.

Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa posted robust comparable sales and operating income growth for the quarter and year. Strong results across the segment were driven by operations excellence and a sharp focus on breakfast, convenience and everyday affordability.

Jim Skinner added, "Our disciplined approach to financial management continues to be an important component of McDonald's success. We remain committed to enhancing shareholder value by investing capital prudently, optimizing our restaurant ownership mix and returning cash to shareholders. To date, we have returned $11.5 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases toward our target of $15 billion to $17 billion for 2007 through 2009. For 2009, we plan to invest $2.1 billion of capital to open about 1,000 new McDonald's restaurants and reinvest in our existing locations."

Jim Skinner concluded, "I am pleased with McDonald's 2008 results, which were achieved through the dedication of our Owner/Operators, suppliers and employees who provide an exceptional restaurant experience for our customers each and every day. McDonald's begins 2009 with six years of momentum, a business model that has delivered even in challenging economic conditions and January sales that remain strong. I am confident that our alignment behind the Plan to Win and our focus on what matters most to customers will continue to generate positive results for our System and shareholders."

Jim Cramer Lighting Round Stock Picks

Mad Money Recap

Segment 1: The Obama Accountability Index
Cramer said that things were much better today than they were yesterday with IBM (IBM), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), Abbott Labs (ABT), Forest Labs (FRX), Northern Trust (NTRS), and PNC (PNC) all reporting good earnings today, Wal-Mart (WMT) reporting good numbers, mineral plays announcing that they are cutting back on production, which is good for stocks like Freeport McMoran (FCX), and Apple (AAPL) and Research in Motion (RIMM) reporting good sales as well. Cramer said that the high yielding stocks are back at the lows that they bounced off of in November, and that they will bounce back again.
However, said many of the financials are still weighing us down, like Citigroup (C) and Bank of America (BAC). As long as they don't go under, the stock indexes should be OK.
Cramer thinks Obama needs to save the good banks like J.P. Morgan (JPM) and Wells Fargo (WFC) from the bad ones like C and BAC. He added that the bonds and preferred stock of C and BAC need to be preserved, because if they go down, investors will be even more afraid of the financials. To track Obama's performance, Cramer created an index of 6 Dow stocks, made up of Bank of America (BAC), Citigroup (C), Caterpillar (CAT), General Electric (GE), General Motors (GM), and J.P. Morgan (JPM). It will start at a value of 100 as of the closing price at the end of today, and all the stocks have an equal weight. They were picked because it includes good and bad banks, a test of the infrastructure stimulus, the auto sector, and a large conglomerate that represents a large section of the overall economy.

Segment 2: Dow All Stars Review
In the first week of 2009, Cramer recommended Verizon (VZ), Caterpillar (CAT), Hewlett Packard (HPQ), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Home Depot (HD), and he wanted to review how they did after the big drop in the market recently. His group is down 3%, which isn't great, but is better than the Dow and S&P 500, which are down 8% and 9% respectively. He thinks this is good news because they should go up more than the index when times get better, plus they all have a yield over 3%, except HP. He still likes HP because they have great management, recently made a smart acquisition of EDS, and is beating their printer competition. Cramer is still bullish on Verizon because of its high yield, good CEO, and strong Blackberry Storm and FiOS sales. He also still likes J&J because it is a good defensive play and a strong balance sheet. Cramer is bullish on CAT because of its accidentially high yield and because it is in position to benefit from the U.S. and Chinese infrastructure stimulus plans. He is also still bullish on Home Depot because he thinks housing will bottom in about 5 months, and people will begin making home improvements then.

Segment 3: Interview with Google (GOOG) CEO Eric Schmidt
Cramer talked to Schmidt about his experience on Obama's transition team, and his ideas to reduce unemployment. He didn't make any stock picks in this segment.

Segment 4: Lightning Round!
Zions Bancorp (ZION): Cramer won't recommend any regional bank right now, so he gave it a "Don't buy".
CME Group (CME): Cramer would rather own NYSE Euronext (NYX) because it has a higher yield, or Ameritrade (AMTD) or Charles Schwab (SCHW).
Electronic Arts (ERTS): Cramer is bearish because it is not cheap right now, and the company doesn't have any momentum.
Barclays (BCS): Cramer is bearish because he thinks it is in serious trouble.
Huntsman (HUN): Cramer thinks it is too risky and recommended PPG (PPG) instead.
CBS (CBS): Cramer is bearish because media companies have not been doing well, and the ownership structure of CBS is unusual.

Segment 5: Quiz Cramer
Cramer had a live audience for the show today, and he took general questions but didn't make any stock picks.

Dividend stocks for 2009

Dividend Stocks That Shouldn't Disappoint
By J. BENNETT

Barrons
The companies on our list have a long and steady history of increasing their cash payouts to shareholders.

LAST YEAR, MANY LARGE U.S. companies had to cut or eliminate their dividends. And in 2009, the dividend news is likely to grow worse.
But income-hungry investors who prize dividend payments can still generate reliable returns from the elite among the Standard & Poor's 500 index's dividend-paying stocks.
To come up with a handful of dividend-paying stocks that we think won't let investors down, Barron's Online started with Standard & Poor's S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats.
The 52 companies on the latest list, which came out in December, have all boosted their dividend payouts to investors for at least 25 consecutive years regardless of market conditions.
The next step was winnowing down the number of stock candidates. First we eliminated companies that aren't expected to generate profit growth in 2009. We also nixed companies with debt-to-capital ratios above 50% as well as companies that were paying out more than half of their annual earnings in dividends.
(A company with too high a dividend-payout ratio has less of an ability to protect its dividend in the event of an earnings downturn.)
We then looked for stocks with growing dividends, and yields above the 1.6% paid by 10-year inflation-protected Treasuries.
Among the stocks left standing were McDonald's (ticker: MCD), Procter & Gamble (PG), Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), Becton Dickinson (BDX) and Aflac (AFL).
These companies have some of the fastest-growing profits and dividends among large-cap stocks.
"In this environment, anyone raising their dividend stands out," says Richard Helm, a manager of the Cohen & Steers Dividend Value Fund. "What better way to show confidence in your business."
Confidence, however, has been waning, and for good reasons.
In 2008, dividend payments by companies in the S&P 500 rose by a mere 2.4%, the worse performance since 2001, when the dividends payout fell 3.3%.
And in 2009, dividends could fall even more than that as the economic recession deepens.
Investment pros suggest avoiding some classic high-yield stocks (see Weekday Trader, "In Dividends We Trust," Sept. 16, 2008).
Falling stock prices will create handsome yields that offer little comfort if the stock price keeps falling or if financial problems force the company to cut its dividend.
Last year, 48 members of the S&P 500 -- including American International Group (AIG), Whole Foods Market (WFMI), Citigroup (C) and the now bankrupt Lehman Bros. -- cut or suspended their dividends, sucking $40.6 billion from investors' pockets, according to Howard Silverblatt, senior index analyst with S&P.
Most of those announcements came from financial firms.
But the pain is spreading beyond financial firms.
To avoid getting blindsided, investors have to "check under the hood," says Judith Saryan, a portfolio manager with Eaton Vance Managed Investments.
Focus on companies with rising profits and enough free cash flow to fund the dividend payment.
Among our recommended five companies, the biggest one was Wal-Mart. While it has a modest yield of 1.8%, it has raised its dividend an average of 18% annually over the last five years.
In a down year for stocks, Wal-Mart shares gained almost 18% in 2008 as Americans flocked to discount stores. Meanwhile, fewer new-store openings and capital-spending cuts have strengthened free cash flow.
The dividend could climb 8% during the next fiscal year, which begins on Feb. 2.
Other company picks are increasing their dividends even faster.
With a yield of 3.4%, fast-food giant McDonald's could increase its payout to investors by almost 27% in 2009 to $2.12 a share.
Six years into a rebound spawned by new foods and less aggressive expansion, the company's popular "Dollar Menu" has lured cash-strapped diners.
Meanwhile, the timing of their last quarterly dividend hike -- a 33% increase on Sept. 25 -- denotes considerable confidence, says Chris Hagedorn, a portfolio manager with the Fifth Third Dividend Growth Fund.
The same can be said for medical-supply company Becton Dickinson, and life insurer Aflac. Both companies raised dividends last quarter.
"If raising the dividend is normally a strong sign of management's faith in the future, then in this environment it's even more so," Hagedorn adds.
Becton's profits are expected to climb an average of 12% annually over the next five years (see Weekday Trader, "Becton Dickinson Is a Safe Bet," July 18, 2008). And during the fiscal year scheduled to end on Sept. 30, 2009, the annual payout could climb 14% to $1.31 a share.
Aflac, meanwhile, has raised its dividend an average of 27% annually over the last five years (see Barron's, "Ducky Doings at Aflac," Feb. 4, 2008).
With a yield of 2.8%, the company's payout still consumes only one-quarter of profits, which are expected to climb 15% annually over the next five years, according to Thomson Reuters.
Other names, however, have had a harder time, recently.
At consumer-products titan Procter & Gamble, earnings estimates have come into doubt. Last month, the company -- which has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years (see Barron's, "Procter & Gamble Pampers Investors," April 14, 2008) -- warned that organic sales growth fell short during the quarter that ended on Dec. 31.
P&G still expects to earn between $4.28 a share and $4.38 a share during the fiscal year scheduled to end on June 30, a 17.6% to 20% gain.
Wall Street expects the dividend to climb 12%.
Of course, just because a company has a long history of increasing dividends does not mean that payments will keep rising, or survive.
If the recession deepens, then all bets may be off. For now, corporate boards may delay dividend hikes until they have a clearer picture of policies coming out of Washington.
Yet after 25 years or more, old habits die hard.
So investors should still be able to bank on dividends from the few companies that haven't let us down a year into a recession.

Invest like SpongBob ?

Investing in Tech, the SpongeBob Way
By E. SAVITZ
Barrons
INVESTORS EXHAUSTED BY THE RELENTLESSLY BAD NEWS in the technology sector seem to be trying a new tack: If the news is miserable, simply ignore it. Why let pesky facts get in the way of a good stock idea?
Consider the market's initial reaction to the first major tech-earnings report of the new season: Q4 results from Intel (ticker: INTC). The chip giant's earnings, while well-telegraphed ahead of time, were basically terrible. As CEO Paul Otellini noted in a conference call Thursday, this was just the second time in 20 years that Intel's Q4 revenue was below Q3's. The first time, in 2000, it fell by less than 1%. This time, it plunged 19%.
As for the Q1 outlook, Intel did something odd: It declared that, owing to uncertainty about the economy and customer demand, it wouldn't give revenue guidance. Then, in the very next sentence of its press release, Intel said that for internal purposes, it is assuming revenue will be about $7 billion. (When is revenue guidance not actually revenue guidance? And, by the way, what is the sound of one hand clapping?)
Revenue at the $7 billion level would be a little worse than the consensus view, down 15% from the $8.2 billion reported in Q4, and 27.6% below a year ago. Intel also said its gross margin for the quarter would fall from 53% to the low 40s, due to lower capacity utilization and other factors.
Not much to cheer about. But the stock inched higher Friday anyway. Some investors apparently are working on the theory that the guidance-that-is-not-guidance might be as bad as things are going to get-and that Intel will be a survivor. My reaction, to quote that great philosopher SpongeBob SquarePants: "Well, good luck with that." Sure, Intel will survive, but sticking a stake in the ground and hoping for the best isn't investing; it's gambling. A turnaround in PC demand? It is coming someday, but I see no evidence of it in the numbers Intel reported.
THE SAME PHENOMENON IS EVIDENT at Motorola (MOT). The crumbling of its once-mighty handset business seems to be accelerating. Late Wednesday, the company pre-announced miserable Q4 results. It sold 19 million handsets in the period, compared with 25.4 million in Q3, and 28 million in Q2. At that rate, it soon will have a quarterly handset run-rate of, well, zero. Motorola also said it would lay off 4,000 people -- 3,000 in the handset business. But it cheerfully added that it is developing new smartphones, and that it has been getting a good reception from carriers.
Okay, very nice. Motorola sure needs new smartphones (which are expected to be based on Google's spiffy Android operating system). Unfortunately, while Motorola has been frittering away huge gobs of market share, the smartphone market has been invaded by impressive competitors, like the Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Bold and Palm Pre. Nonetheless, investors, cheered by the, uh, happy news about all those layoffs, bid the stock up nearly 8% Thursday. Paging SpongeBob.
Change Happens: Apple's CEO took a medical leave, while Yahoo!'s new boss arrived. Intel's profit slid 90%. The Nasdaq Composite fell 2.7%, to 1529.
FINALLY, CONSIDER YAHOO! It has a new CEO. After a two-month search, the troubled Internet company replaced founder Jerry Yang with former Autodesk chief Carol Bartz. The Street's initial reaction was to shout "Yahoo!" -- which is exactly what Bartz did at the start of her conference call.
The theory is that with a new CEO, the company will sell its search engine to Microsoft . Bartz, however, told employees she isn't inclined to sell the search business. Bulls are betting Bartz will wheel and deal Yahoo! out of its funk. But if there is no Microsoft deal, she may have to manage her way out. And that could take longer than holders -- whose stock has slid below 12 from about 30 early in 2008 -- want to believe.
Bartz certainly has incentive to drive up Yahoo! 's stock (YHOO). According to an SEC filing, she will get a base salary of $1 million, and a performance bonus of as much as $4 million, plus an annual equity grant -- $8 million for 2009 -- and another $10 million (75% in restricted stock, the rest in cash) in compensation for forfeiting Autodesk options. And she gets five million seven-year options, which vest over time based on Yahoo's shares reaching certain levels. The first third vests when the stock hits 150% of the yet to-be-determined strike price, for instance. Maxed out, her first-year compensation could top $40 million. No wonder she shouted Yahoo!.

I will Be Attending ( The State Of Cramerica ) On Wednesday !!

BooYaaaaHHHHHH !!!!!!!!!

My Best Stock Picks For 2009

1. Lowe's Companies ( LOW ) 21.52 a share 1/1/2009 Target price 35.00 a share.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. is a home improvement retailer, with specific emphasis on retail do-it-yourself (DIY) customers, do-it-for-me (DIFM) customers, who utilize its installation services, and commercial business customers. The Company offers a line of products and services for home decorating, maintenance, repair, remodeling and property maintenance. As of February 1, 2008, it operated 1,534 stores in 50 states and Canada, with 174 million square feet of retail selling space. Lowe’s Companies, Inc. serves homeowners, renters and commercial business customers. Homeowners and renters primarily consist of do-it-yourselves, and others buying for personal and family use. Commercial business customers include repair and remodeling contractors, electricians, landscapers, painters, plumbers, and commercial and residential property maintenance professionals, among others . The latest existing home sales report from the National Association of Realtors showed an increase of 3.1% over the previous month with sales rising to about 5 million units a year annualized. When the last twelve months of data is plotted, there’s a clear bottoming pattern being formed. The report also shows home prices continuing to fall and the inventory of unsold homes increasing. That’s bad news for sellers but good news for buyers since the increasing inventory should continue to put pressure on prices. The AP release listed on MSNBC.com includes this additional information, “Between 33 and 40 percent of sales activity is coming from foreclosures or other distressed properties, estimated Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the Realtors group.” If existing home sales have bottomed, it should be good news for home improvement retailers Home Depot (HD) and Lowes (LOW). The high percentage of sales coming from foreclosures should also be a positive for their business. I haven’t found any data to back this up, but it’s logical that on average a foreclosed home will need more repairs than an owner-to-owner purchase. Granted, logic doesn’t necessarily apply to the stock market.Both companies are profitable even in the current soft housing market. Valuations are similar with both companies trading at about 15.5 times the next 12 months earnings. Cramer did a head-to-head between HD and LOW on Wednesday’s Mad Money and concluded LOW was the better bargain primarily because of better growth prospects. One key difference between the companies is the dividend. HD yields about 3.3% vs about 1.4% for LOW. Obviously, Lowe’s has a much lower payout ratio so more of its earnings are available to invest in expansion. If home sales have bottomed, LOW and HD sales traffic should start increasing, particularly with a high percentage of sales and housing inventory coming from foreclosures. Both companies should benefit from easy same-store-sales comparisons going forward. Analysts’ earnings estimates for both companies have been lowered over the past 90 days. I think that’s a mistake. Cramer based his opinion of the two stocks partly on his prediction that new home sales will start improving late next year. I suspect many analysts are also considering new home sales for their models. They may be overlooking stabilizing and improving existing home sales volume (not necessarily prices) providing a lift to home improvement centers. I believe LOW is a slightly better buy than HD based on better growth prospects and a lower debt ratio. The higher dividend makes HD attractive to income investors and should provide more support to the share price if the thesis is wrong; the dividend is comfortably covered so there isn’t much chance of a cut. If stabilizing home sales drive an increase in traffic, both companies should benefit.Two words CUSTOMER SERVICE! Although HD is geographically closer to my home, I prefer Lowes. The product mix and prices are similar but, Lowes has people that can answer questions and assist the customer, and they even have humans at the cash registers.Cash on hand and cash flow can handle required debt payments. People will continue to maintain and improve their homes as they spend less on other non-essentials .

2. The Kroger Co. ( KR ) 26.25 a share 1/1/2009 , Target price 39.00.
The Kroger Co. is a retailer in the United States. The Company also manufactures and processes some of the food for sale in its supermarkets. As of February 2, 2008, the Company operated, either directly or through its subsidiaries, 2,486 supermarkets and multi-department stores, 696 of which had fuel centers. Approximately 43% of these supermarkets were operated in Company-owned facilities, including some Company-owned buildings on leased land. It operates retail food and drug stores, multi-department stores, jewelry stores, and convenience stores throughout the United States. The Company operated 42 manufacturing plants, primarily bakeries and dairies, which supply approximately 43% of the corporate brand units sold in the retail outlets. Ultra-solid grocer with a strong private brand and good real estate management.
Safe harbor.If you paid attention when you were shopping you've noticed the sharp jump in grocery prices that coincided with the rise in fuel prices. Now that fuel prices have fallen, it is equally as noticeable that the price of groceries and consumer goods hasn't. This means higher profits for Grocery stores in the near term. With an uncertain economy and high gas prices, consumers are pinching pennies wherever they can, and that includes doing things like buying Kroger brand soup or Kroger brand milk instead of Campbell's Soup or Trauth milk. This penny pinching will continue into the foreseeable future because shoppers aren't going to pay higher prices when they can get the same thing for less. This is a definite buy for 2009 .

3. AeroVironment 36.80 a share 1/1/2009 , Target price 49.00.
AeroVironment, Inc. (AeroVironment) designs, develops, produces and supports a portfolio of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that it supplies primarily to organizations within the United States Department of Defense (DoD), and fast charge systems for electric industrial vehicle batteries that it supplies to commercial customers. AeroVironment derives the majority of its revenue from these two business areas. The Company's core technological capabilities include lightweight aerostructures and electric propulsion systems, electric energy systems and storage, high-density energy packaging, miniaturization, controls integration and systems engineering optimization. The Company is organized into two segments: UAS and Efficient Energy Systems, which focuses primarily on the development of electric energy technologies for internal and external customers, and also develops, produces and supports a line of electronic test equipment used for research and development activities.With cuts in defense spending likely, drones offer a cheaper alternative to full sized aircraft.I've been watching this stock go up since its IPO opening , and there is a little downturn now. With their drone business, Aerovironment is a good candidate for a buyout by the big boys. Drones are not going away -- the local air national guard changed to drones, and the Air Force secretary was fired for his slow adoption of the technology.

4. PowerShares Water Resources (ETF) ( PHO ) 14.39 a share 1/1/2009 target price 19.75
PowerShares Water Resources Portfolio (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of the equity index, the Palisades Water Index (the Index). The Index seeks to identify a group of companies that focus on the provision of potable water, the treatment of water, and the technology and services that are directly related to water consumption. The Index includes United States exchange traded companies drawn from water sectors, such as water utilities, treatment, analytical, infrastructure, water resource management and multi business.water - can't replace it can't get enough of it, enough said .world is going to get hungry due to a larger stomach and of course we will need water to wash it all down not to mention grow everything we eat in the first place. 1% of the worlds water is drinkable and our demand for that water double every 6-8yrs.With Obama's new public works stimulus should include some spending towards the aging water infrastructure, and this sector would definitely benefit from that !

5. Amazon.com ( AMZN ) 51.13 a share , target price 76.00
Amazon.com, Inc. (Amazon.com) operates retail Websites, which enables its consumer customers to find and discover anything they might want to buy online. The Company’s retail Websites include www.amazon.de, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.co.uk and the Joyo Amazon Websites at www.joyo.cn and www.amazon.cn. Amazon.com has organized its operations into two principal segments: North America and International. The North America segment includes Websites, such as www.amazon.com, www.amazon.ca, www.shopbop.com and www.endless.com. The International segment includes www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp and www.amazon.fr. In June 2008, the Company announced the acquisition of Fabric.com, an online fabric store that offers custom measured and cut fabrics, as well as patterns, sewing tools and accessories.Good earnings growth. I have made several purchases from their site, and they have one of the most user-friendly and convenient marketplaces on the web. I get what I want on time and at competitive prices. They seem well positioned to profit from Internet shopping. This isn't a massive growth stock.Upside is that it is growing right through the recession. Nevertheless, this has to be a long-range investment. I plan to add to my investment in modest increments over a substantial period of time.

6. Molson Coors Brewing Company ( TAP ) 48.92 a share, target price 71.00
Molson Coors Brewing Company (MCBC) is a global brewer of beers. The Company’s subsidiaries include Molson Canada (Molson), Coors Brewing Company (CBC), Coors Brewers Limited (CBL), and other corporate entities. The segments of the Company include Canada, the United States and Europe. The brands sold in Canada include Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Molson Dry, Molson Export, Creemore Springs, Rickard's Red Ale, Carling and Pilsner. The brands sold in the United States include Coors Light, Coors, Coors Non-Alcoholic, Blue Moon Belgian White Ale and Blue Moon brands, George Killian's Irish Red? Lager, Keystone, Keystone Light, Keystone Ice and Zima.I'm not a drinker, but in times like these I'll make an exception. a case of 24 for $15 exception.Solid financials. Cash on hand. Great products. Cheap stock price.With recession on the horizon, this is a great hedge against it. With the overall market going down, TAP may go down too, but not nearly as much. Therefore, it will outperform. TAP pays a .20 Dividend.

7. Verizon Communications ( VZ ) 33.90 a share 1/1/2009 , target price 49.00.
Verizon Communications Inc. (Verizon) is engaged in providing communication services. The two segments of the Company are Wireline and Domestic Wireless. Wireline communications services include voice, Internet access, broadband video and data, next generation Internet protocol (IP) network services, network access, long distance and other services. The Company provides these services to consumers, carriers, businesses and government customers both domestically and internationally in 150 countries. Domestic Wireless’s products and services include wireless voice, data products and other services, and equipment sales across the United States. In March 2008, Verizon announced the completion of the spin-off of Northern New England Spinco Inc. In July 2008, MTN Group Limited acquired 100% of Verizon South Africa Ltd. In August 2008, Verizon announced that Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of the Company and Vodafone Group Plc, had completed its purchase of Rural Cellular Corporation.I just switched to FIOS so now VZ do all my telecom ( winches, ISP, TV) and it rocks! l don't see the cable co's keeping customers from switching .I like both T and VZ for their dividend; but I like VZ more for it's dividend. For now in tough times Utilities are king, VZ is set to continue giving steady returns.They pay a reasonable dividend and are a cash vacuum !

8. Johnson & Johnson ( JNJ ) 59.70 a share , target price 69.50
Johnson & Johnson is engaged in the research and development, manufacture and sale of a range of products in the healthcare field. Johnson & Johnson has more than 250 operating companies. The Company operates in three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical, and Medical Devices and Diagnostics. Sales of the Company's two largest products.Long term, solid company. A vast stable of staples, products that consumers will want and need to buy regardless of the recession/depression. It's hard to imagine any company as being recession-proof, but I think Johnson & Johnson comes very close to that wishful ideal. During the recession of 1992-1993, it lost about 20% of its value, but other companies lost much more. During the gloomy times of mid-2001 through 2003, it traded sideways while most other large-cap companies lost money. It currently has nice profit a 6.4 quarterly revenue growth with a 29.9% quarterly earnings growth. Very nice. Hopefully, that will continue. For a large cap, it also seems to have its debt load under control, something that will separate the strong from the weak in the coming months. To wit, JNJ's Debt/Equity ratio is 32%, and has a book value of $16.45/share, which is twice better than my internal yardstick of 1/7th that of its price (currently $58.70). While we wait for the stock to appreciate, the dividend yield will help us out a bit at its current 5-year average of 2.1% (hey, it's not great, but it's there!). Finally, very few people are going against this stock, as the short interest is extremely low at only 0.80% of the float (yep, less than 1% -- nice & stable). This would be a good place to park your money for the next 1-3 years.

9. Pfizer Inc ( PFE ) 17.71 a share 1/1/2009 , target price 24.00
Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer) is a research-based, global pharmaceutical company. The Company discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription medicines for humans and animals. It operates in two business segments: Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Company also operates several other businesses, including the manufacture of gelatin capsules, contract manufacturing and bulk pharmaceutical chemicals.PFE is a cash cow, easily a $25 stock and with a rally in the market, PFE is set to go higher.PFE will likely outperform the S&P 500 for the near future simply because the recession hurts others more than it hurts this company. Also the incoming Obama administration favors health care reform, which although could dampen some healthcare sector stocks, will not likely have much direct effect on R&D or capsule manufacturing. Although the cost of medicine is high in some cases, it is tiny when compared to all other medical costs as a whole. High medicine costs are usually pass-on costs but, Obama will likely encourage more R&D, and the government will favor this sector in subsidies. Baby boomers keep on retiring in ever growing numbers and they need medications… there is an ever growing demand for the products of the company over the long term, recession or not .

10. Google ( GOOG ) 307.00 A share 1/1/2009 , Target price 355.00
Google Inc. maintains an index of Websites and other online content, and makes this information freely available to anyone with an Internet connection. The Company’s automated search technology helps people obtain nearly instant access to relevant information from its online index. Google generates revenue primarily by delivering online advertising. Businesses use its AdWords program to promote their products and services with targeted advertising. In addition, the thousands of third-party Websites that comprise the Google Network use its AdSense program to deliver relevant ads that generate revenue and enhance the user experience.Long term play, good value, buying at a discount. Will rebound powerfully when the global economy improves in the coming years.Google is becoming the Top search and work engine in the world including in Peru South America. Besides the ever growing Pay Per Click business model, Google will eventually open up a Pay per call model (google both these items to learn about them). Pay Per Call is still a very lucrative industry and is expected to grow incredibly over the next five to ten years (google search will lead you to this information as well, as would yahoo or microsoft or whatever search you use, but i'm making a pseudo-subliminal point by saying 'google it'.)Beyond advertising, Google's dark horse will be cloud computing in my opinion. It will save companies thousands upon thousands of dollars in that they wont have to purchase on site storage of information, it is stored elsewhere. Computer security can also be cut back. Network administration can also be cut back. All this money that will be saved can now be thrown at various other optimizations (or just added to a bottom line). Cloud computing is Google's oft misunderstood, nary a mentioned monster. Its most recent deal with IBM will show this as a rapidly growing income stream. With Cloud computing, the bearish sentiment on the possible failures of online advertising will quickly have to brainstorm new critiques of what will become a vast lucrative market. What about Google's Android? It seems a fight may be brewing with Verizon and the FCC over definition of terms, but if the OS is as easy to ingest as google's website itself, I can only see upward motion in its future.

11. Altria ( MO ) 15.05 a share 1/1/2009 , target price 24.50
Altria Group, Inc. (ALG) is the holding company of Philip Morris USA Inc. (PM USA) and John Middleton, Inc., which are engaged in the manufacture and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products. Philip Morris Capital Corporation (PMCC), another wholly owned subsidiary, maintains a portfolio of leveraged and direct finance leases. In addition, at December 31, 2007, ALG held a 28.6% economic and voting interest in SABMiller plc (SABMiller), which is engaged in the manufacture and sale of various beer products. The Company’s segments are U.S. tobacco; European Union; Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa; Asia; Latin America, and Financial Services. In March 2008, the Company completed the spin-off of Philip Morris International Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary. On December 11, 2007, ALG acquired 100% of John Middleton, Inc., a manufacturer of machine-made large cigar .Incredible dividend, controls majority of tobacco products in America, also has a stake in SABMiller. The only reason I don't have real money invested in this one is because the gov. is clamping down on smokers and will become even more strict in the future. With the way things are going, smoking could become illegal within 20 years. This is why I think PM is a better growth play because it focuses on countries whose govs don't mind if their citizens smoke themselves to death (i.e. China, South Korea, Japan, Russia, etc). In the near term the stock will outperform the market, but in the long term its performance will depend on how healthy or unhealthy Americans choose to live and gov regulations. I forecast a diminishing number of Americans choosing to pick up this bad habit in the long term .Great company, great management, great lawyers, great dividend. Only problem is they sell a product people have a strong opinion on. Will be a strong performer for years to come .. Many people will miss this one just because it is a sin stock. However, when times get hard to is a proven fact that PEOPLE smoke consume more alcohol, Even people that have stopped for long periods start back to smoking. It is one of those things that take your mind off of the here and now for 6 minutes. After the 9-11 devastation, their sales went up.

What are your thoughts on the 2009 top stock picks ??

9 ( Nine ) For 09 , Risky Stock Picks ( 2009 )

1. Midas ( MDS ) 10.49 a share As of 1/1/2009
Midas, Inc. is a provider of automotive repair and maintenance services with over 2,550 shops globally. Midas retail shops, which are operated by the Company, its franchisees and licensees, offer an array of automotive repair and maintenance services. As of December 29, 2007, there were 1,711 North American Midas shops located in all 50 United States and nine Canadian provinces. Midas operates in a single business segment with retail, supply chain and real estate operations in support of automotive service shops. Retail operations consist of franchised and Company-operated shops in North America and licensed shops in 15 other countries. Supply chain activities include providing value-added merchandising services to franchisees, in which the Company establishes relationships with vendors who distribute products and equipment directly to Midas shops. Real estate activities include the development, ownership and leasing of Midas shops in North America. With nobody buying new cars people need to repair there older cars & in the USA we will find ways on paying to repair our cars ! Midas is a reliable company w/ low dept , this could be a winner for 2009 ! target price 20.00 a share.

2. Clean Energy Fuels ( CLNE ) 6.01 a share as of 1/1/2009
Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Clean Energy) is a provider of natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada. The Company offers a solution to enable customers to run their fleets on natural gas. It designs, builds, finances and operates fueling stations, and supplies customers with compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The Company also helps them acquire and finance natural gas vehicles, and obtain local, state and federal clean air rebates and incentives. The Company serves fleet vehicle operators in a variety of markets, including public transit, refuse hauling, airports, taxis, seaports, and regional trucking. It generates revenues primarily by selling CNG and LNG, and to an extent by building, operating and maintaining CNG and LNG fueling stations.CLNE is the largest supplier of CNG for automotive fuel in the U.S.. When the price of gasoline doubles again next year, CLNE will be poised to pick up the renewed interest in alternative fuels. Recently, it has been awarded several government contracts to keep it healthy until consumer interest picks up again.Largest supplier of natural gas stations. As the country shifts to natural gas for its autos(and it will) this company will be in the forefront to set up service stations across the country. T.Boone Pickens a large stockholder. Target price 21.00 a share .

3. Citigroup ( C ) 6.71 A Share As Of 1/1/2009
Citigroup Inc. (Citigroup) is a diversified global financial services holding company whose businesses provide a range of financial services to consumer and corporate customers. Citigroup is a bank holding company. As of March 31, 2008, Citigroup was organized into four major segments: Consumer Banking, Global Cards, Institutional Clients Group and Global Wealth Management. In March 2008, Citigroup reorganized its consumer group into two global businesses: Consumer Banking and Global Cards. In May 2008, the Company has reorganized its equity and debt business in Japan. Nikko Citigroup Ltd, the Company’s Japan investment banking unit, merged its equity and debt underwriting teams into one.CIti is one of those "can't fail" companies. When financials get their act together Citi should be a better than average performer.While it has written down nearly 30 Billion in assets, these assets are not worthless. Additionally, these write-downs are non-cash balance sheet charges, not cash outflows. The recapitalization due to the non-cash losses is a tiny fraction of the overall write downs. Citi is, was, and will be one of the largest players in international finance and banking. Once the fair value of these assets is determined, and the financial markets stabilize, I believe Citi will return to EPS in the $3.40 to $4.10 range. Remember, the $1.05 dollar first-quarter loss included a whopping 12 Billion in write-downs. Without those items, that Citi made $1.24/share. My point is, the core-business of Citi makes sense. These banks are not going anywhere. They made some mistakes, and lost some money, but no one can convince me that Citigroup is worth less than it was in 1998. Eventually the market will figure that out. If you pass on CIti at these prices, you are missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to buy a great company at a great price. This stock will greatly outperform the market over the next 3-5 years. Target price 9.75 a share.

4. United States Oil Fund ETF ( USO )32.85 A share as of 1/1/2009
United States Oil Fund, LP (USOF) is a commodity pool that issues limited partnership interests or units that may be purchased and sold on the American Stock Exchange (the AMEX). The Company invests in futures contracts for light, sweet crude oil and other types of crude oil, heating oil, gasoline, natural gas and other petroleum-based fuels that are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), International Currency Exchange (ICE) Futures or other United States and foreign exchanges (collectively, Oil Futures Contracts). It holds interests in other oil-related investments such as cash-settled options on Oil Futures Contracts, forward oil contracts, and oil-based over-the-counter transactions.Oil is waaaay down, but only due to overall weakness in the markets. It will come back in a big way, and now is the time to get in to anything that is even remotely related to the oil markets.
This is just a reality. The thought that oil will forever fall is just not sound thinking. As conditions improve and people hoard the oil, prices will rise and this ETF will again ride higher. It will not be until the late summer or fall of 2009 but it will occur. The same way we are amazed at the massive oil price drop we will all sit around and discuss how that one _____ (hurricane, war, terrorist act) tripled oil in a months time. The wonderful part of old age is you slowly realize the waves that pound the beach are rather predictable. Anyway I have bought oil and plan to continue. Target price 70.75 a share.

5. Baidu.com, Inc. ( BIDU ) 129.90 a share as of 1/1/2009
Baidu.com, Inc. (Bidu) is a Chinese-language Internet search provider. The Company conducts its operations principally through Baidu Online Network Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. (Baidu Online), its wholly owned subsidiary in Beijing, the People’s Republic of China. In addition, it conducts part of its operations through Baidu Netcom Science Technology Co., Ltd. (Baidu Netcom), which holds the licenses and approvals necessary to operate Baidu’s Websites and provide online advertising services.Google US market share 60%
Baidu China market share 60%
US Population 300M
Chinese Population 1B+
Google market value 150B
Baidu Market value 10B
Chinese version of Google. Huge under-tapped market. Strong ownership interest. Recommended by Fools. Internet is here to stay and just getting started in China.Target price 225.00 a share.

6. Toll Brothers ( TOL ) 21.43 a share as of 1/1/2009
Toll Brothers, Inc. is engaged in designing, building, marketing and arranging finance for single-family detached and attached homes in luxury residential communities. The Company is also involved, directly and through joint ventures, in projects where it is building, or converting existing rental apartment buildings into high-, mid- and low-rise luxury homes. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 (fiscal 2007), the Company delivered 7,023 homes from 385 communities. In fiscal 2007, the Company has introduced 70 new single-family detached models, 28 new single-family attached models and 32 new condominium units. The four segments operated by the Company includes the North, the Mid-Atlantic, the South and the West.
With the Fed throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the housing problem they will create and artificial bottom in housing prices. Once all the buyers that have been waiting for a bottom will have already missed the bottom and have to pay 1% to 3% more than they originally wanted. And one more thing beware of the crowded short. Also Jim Cramer thinks housing should bottom by mid year in 2009 . How can you not love such a honest CEO as Toll Brothers. I love how candid and open this man is to the little investors. Crammer has interviewed this "gentleman" and I love his straight shooting and talking style. I belive that Toll Brothers is a great place to park your money for some substantial time , long term play !target price 35.00 a share.

7. Suburban Propane Partners ( SPH ) 35.45 a share as of 1/1/2009
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. is a marketer and distributor of an array of products, which meet the energy needs of its customers. The Company specializes in the distribution of propane, fuel oil and refined fuels, as well as the marketing of natural gas and electricity in deregulated markets. The Company conducts its business through Suburban Propane, L.P., which operates its propane business, and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. The Company’s general partner, and the general partner of Suburban Propane, L.P., is Suburban Energy Services Group LLC. The Company manages and evaluates its operations in six segments, four of which are reportable segments: propane, fuel oil and refined fuels, natural gas and electricity and Services. Jim Cramer states ,Brrrr! Many of us are enduring some downright frigid temperatures lately. So while you're sitting at home, staying out of the snow and wind, I'm sure the one question on your mind is, 'How can I make money off this arctic-like weather?' Cramer, as always, is here to help you with that dilemma. And his answer is one that many of you faithful viewers have been on to for a while: Suburban Propane Partners [SPH 35.45 1.05 (+3.05%) ]. After so many of you talked this one up, Cramer did his homework. And the result? He's feeling the warmth too.
Suburban is an energy outfit that delivers propane and other fuels to over a million customers.Another reason propane is doing so well now is its wide profit margin. The wholesale price of heating oil is down 43% but the propane companies haven't passed those savings to their customers -- the retail price is down only 33%. I know, I know... the consumer part of you is outraged, as you think about your winter heating bill. But the investor side of you -- well that side should be pretty happy with that nice, fat profit margin. And don't forget we're only at the end of December, with at least two more months of Old Man Winter ahead. That puts Suburban in a good spot for now.

Finally, look at Suburban's dividends, "the main reason to own this stock." Its expected 2009 payout is $3.34 per share -- the aforementioned 10.7% yield. The company has had 10 consecutive increases in quarterly dividend payouts. With over $4M in cash flow expected next year, it will cover that payout handily. Its balance sheet looks great too: $4 per share and a $175M credit facility. All of that means that even in a worst-case scenario with its business falling apart, "it has the balance sheet to keep supporting it."
Cramer's Bottom Line: "You asked, I answered -- Suburban Propane Partners, with that 10.7% yield, is a buy, buy, buy!" Target price 55.00 a share.

8. Genentech ( DNA ) 82.91 a share as of 1/1/2009
Genentech, Inc. (Genentech) is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes pharmaceutical products to treat patients with unmet medical needs. It commercializes multiple biotechnology products and also receives royalties from companies that are licensed to market products based on the Company’s technology. Genentech commercializes various products in the United States, including Avastin, Rituxan, Herceptin, Lucentis, Xolair, Tarceva, Nutropin, Activase, TNKase, Cathflo Activase, Pulmozyme and Raptiva.11B in cash and accumulating. Flat for several years waiting for earnings to catch up to valuation. Great depth in mgmt, research. Best in class products.Safe harbor and a risky stock that can make u mad money. target price 100.00 a share.

9. DENTSPLY International ( XRAY ) 28.24 a share as of 1/1/2009
DENTSPLY International Inc. (DENTSPLY) is a designer, developer, manufacturer and marketer of a range of products for the dental market. The Company’s principal dental product categories are dental consumables, dental laboratory products and dental specialty products. Sales of DENTSPLY’s dental products accounted for approximately 97% of its net sales, excluding precious metal content, during the year ended December 31, 2007. The remaining 3% of consolidated sales are related to materials sold to the investment casting industry and various medical products. As of December 31, 2007, the Company conducted its business through four operating segments, all of which were primarily engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of dental products in three principal categories: dental consumables, dental laboratory products and dental specialty products. DENTSPLY conducts its business in over 120 foreign countries, principally through its foreign subsidiaries.
Dentsply earnings can grow 10 % in 2009 . also they have $ 240 million in cash .There's a whole swath of boomers that are going to be needing dental work soon.It helps to have worked as a dental assistant. Dentsply products include xray holders that are easy on the mouth, protective aprons that are more comfortable, a new night guard that can be created in the office rather than cast and sent to a lab, dental tools that help sense hidden caries (cavities) in back molars, and even a toothpast that will help with tooth sensitivity. Most of these are the same kind of everyday, constant use dental products that will be constantly re-ordered by every dentist. The company is a good one with good reputation. This should be a Procter and Gamble of the dental community.Looks like a good company. I'm trying to get a few medical/pharmaceutical companies in antipication of the Obama election. Target price 48.00 a share .

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I hope u all like my top 9 for 09 , risky stock picks ! What are your thoughts ??