Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012

Although we are in a long-term secular bull market, it is approaching important resistance at the March highs. This level also coincides with a significant resistance zone that eventually resulted in the market highs in 2007.
Stocks have advanced for several weeks, and the S&P 500 has gained almost 12% this year. Most of the big-name stocks have reported Q1 earnings, and 65% of the S&P 500 stocks have exceeded earnings estimates — a creditable but not spectacular performance in that many of the earnings estimates had been lowered.
The euro-contagion mess is still with us, along with concerns over China’s economic outlook. But these concerns are of a short to intermediate time frame. Thus, good quality stocks should be bought on pullbacks, and stocks that have just begun what appear to be major moves should be bought in stages starting now.
Here are your top stocks to buy for May:

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012 #1 – AT&T (T)

AT&T (NYSE:T), one of the most recognized brand names in the world, is expected to see gains in consumer wireless and broadband services. Its strong balance sheet, long-term customer relationships, and expanding profit margins should result in an increase in the stock’s P/E multiple, along with an increase in earnings. Analysts estimate that AT&T will earn $2.41 in 2012. The stock has a dividend yield of over 5%.
Technically the stock reversed from its 50-day moving average early in April, flashed a buy signal from our internal Collins-Bollinger Reversal (CBR) indicator, and then broke through a quadruple-top at $32. The target for AT&T is $38.

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012  #2 –EssexProperty Trust (ESS)

Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS) is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that owns and operates multi-family properties in California and the Pacific Northwest. Forecasts are for an average occupancy level of 96% in 2012, and rents this year are expected to rise by 6%. This REIT is a proven performer in redeveloping older properties, which supply a predictable stream of income.
ESS has a dividend yield of almost 3% and is expected to raise its dividend by 3%-5% this year.
Technically the breakout at $148 is very significant in that it breaks from a resistance line that extends back to February 2007. The target for ESS is $175.

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012 #3 – Kohl’s Corp. (KSS)

Kohl’s Corp. (NYSE:KSS) owns a chain of family-operated department stores that also provide online shopping. And it owns the Rock & Republic brand, which offers apparel and accessories.
The company’s earnings have steadily grown over the past five years. Earnings predictions are $4.30 in 2012 versus $3.65 in 2011, and $4.85 in 2013. Kohl’s has a dividend yield of 2.5%.
In addition to the long-term goals for the stock, it also appears to be a candidate for a quick trade — note the strong buy from the stochastic. The trading target is $56 and the longer-term target is $68.

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012 #4 – Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD)

Pioneer Natural Resources (NYSE:PXD) is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company with operations mostly in the United States and South Africa. However, the South African holdings are expected to be sold this year.
Earnings for the company are on a tear due to its unique position in thePermianBasinand its focus on oil production and cost cutting. S&P says that a higher liquid mix could boost earnings to $6.15 in 2012 and $8.85 in 2013, up from $3.95 in 2011.
The breakout from the triangle late in 2011 was a long-term bullish signal, but the follow-through after holding at its bullish support line is more significant. By breaking over $115, the target of $150 appears attainable within six months. Buy PDX now.

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012 #5 – PulteGroup (PHM)

PulteGroup (NYSE:PHM) is a U.S. homebuilder with a financial services division that consists principally of mortgage banking and title operations. It appears that first-time buyers are becoming more active, and U.S. households are increasing at a greater rate than homebuilding, so we may have seen a bottom in the building industry.
Pulte is cash rich, with over $1.1 billion in cash that can be used to build or acquire communities. The company has increased its earnings (though still at a loss) for the past four years and is likely to turn profitable this year.
Technically a golden cross followed by a break through the long-term resistance line at $8 are powerful signals. And the April 27 break to $10 on twice the normal volume is a signal that PHM has the potential to run to the high teens.

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for May in 2012 #6 – Velti (VELT)

Velti (NASDAQ:VELT) is a leading global provider of mobile marketing and advertising that enables companies to implement campaigns by communicating through their mobile devices. Recent acquisitions and the creation of the Open Device Identification Number (ODIN) Working Group have brought Velti to the forefront of mobile advertising.
The company’s Q4 2011 earnings were 59 cents, which beat analysts’ estimates of 48cents. Analysts expect 73 cents in FY 2012.
The stock broke from a consolidation rectangle in January and established a trendline with support on its 50-day moving average. A golden cross was flashed in April, as well as a buy from the stochastic. The trading target for VELT is $18.

5 Best Emerging Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now

I’m very excited about the five stocks at the top of my Emerging Growth Buy List this month — these are some of the most powerful small-cap companies on Wall Street right now, and they are experiencing tremendous growth. In the past month alone, these five stocks jumped an average of nearly 11%, while the major indices posted a 2% gain.
Let’s take a look at my Top 5 Emerging Growth Stocks for April:

5 Best Emerging Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now #1 Monster Beverage Corporation

Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ:MNST) is a play on the energy drink market; it is responsible for Monster, the second most popular energy drink in the nation. The company’s monster grip on the youth market makes it a fantastic takeover candidate by a larger beverage maker. Back in January, 100-year-old Hansen Natural Corp. revamped its brand by adopting the Monster Beverage name and ticker symbol. And, it looks like the company’s new look has piqued investor interest — the stock has gained 30% since then. Monster’s next earnings announcement is tentatively scheduled for early May, and it is already shaping up to have a strong showing.
Right now, analysts forecast 25% sales growth and 26.7% earnings growth — compared with the 20% earnings growth forecast for the rest of the Soft Drinks industry. Analysts have also been steadily increasing their earnings estimates, to the tune of 12% in the past two months. Typically, such aggressive earnings revisions precede future earnings surprises. This stock has been appreciating in a smooth, steady manner so I recommend that you add shares.

• Also from Louis Navellier: 6 Small Cap Stocks to Sell Now

5 Best Emerging Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now #2 Susser Holdings Corporation

Susser Holdings Corporation (NASDAQ:SUSS) is a great stock to hold if you want to profit from summer road trips. This company operates a system of 540 Stripes convenience stores and also supplies motor fuels to 560 dealers across the country. So, U.S. travelers are Sussers’ bread and butter. Higher diesel and gasoline prices continue to help to boost the company’s overall sales growth, so the summer months should be very good to this company. This company also has a history of blowout earnings surprises, trouncing estimates by 100%, 135%, 86% and 61% in the past four quarters.
And the way things are shaping up, Susser’s’ next earnings announcement (due in late May) should be equally stunning. Currently analysts are looking for 16% sales growth and 100% earnings growth — that’s compared with the 18.4% forecast for the rest of the Grocery Stores industry. And, in the past two months, analysts have upwardly revised their estimates by 200%. There is still plenty of time until Susser’s earnings announcement, so now is a great time to plan ahead and pick up shares.

5 Best Emerging Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now #3

Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:QCOR) has been a Top 5 veteran for some time now. It specializes in prescription drugs for central nervous system disorders, and its primary product, H.P. Acthar Gel, is used to treat multiple sclerosis. Lately, I have been getting questions on why I’ve kept Questcor on the Top 5 despite the fact that it has been sitting still recently. Well, one thing that you should know about Questcor is that it is what I like to call a “bunny” stock. This means it tends to “sit” during the quiet times and then suddenly “hop” on good earnings news. So, just because a stock has been sitting for a little while doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have explosive profit potential. In the case of Questcor, this company is headed towards a stunning earnings announcement, so I fully expect it to hop when it announces earnings in late May.
Currently, analysts expect the drugmaker to grow sales by 136.4% and earnings by 155%, while the rest of the biotechnology industry is headed towards just 16.9% earnings growth. This company has a strong history of earnings surprises — in the past four quarters it has trumped expectations by 17.6%, 15%, 42% and 11.9% respectively. Finally, in the past two months, analysts have upwardly revised their estimates by 21%, so it looks like the company will post another double-digit surprise this quarter. With this in mind, I recommend that you purchase shares of this stock.

5 Best Emerging Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now #4

Plains All America Pipeline L.P.

Plains All America Pipeline L.P. (NYSE:PAA) is involved with the transportation and storage of crude oil, so it has been profiting from the latest boom in gasoline prices. Better yet, this company has been aggressively expanding its footprint through five strategic acquisitions totaling $2.3 billion dollars. Notably, the company is acquiring British Petroleum’s (BP) Canadian natural gas liquid business for $1.67 billion; this deal is expected to close by the end of the second quarter. To fund this acquisition, Plains recently completed a five million-share secondary offering at $80.03 per share in early March. Now, secondary offerings tend to depress stock share prices, but this presents the perfect opportunity to get in at a good level with this stock.

5 Best Emerging Growth Stocks to Buy Right Now #5

Tessco Technologies Inc.

TESSCO Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:TESS), provides a broad range of products that support mobility and data wireless systems to organizational clients in the U.S. And TESSCO’s business is booming. At the end of March, management announced that the company has been awarded a five-year contract by Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA). WSCA is a state purchasing cooperative association, and it needs TESSCO to provide mobile device accessories to state agencies nationwide. TESSCO will accomplish this through its extensive network with the best manufacturers in the industry. At this time, every state in the union, including their agencies and employees, is eligible to participate. No financial details have been released yet, but this will undoubtedly boost TESSCO’s top line.
Looking ahead, analysts forecast 40.6% sales growth and 95.2% earnings growth for this quarter. TESS remains a strong buy.

2012 5 Top Global Stocks to Buy Right Now

Global Growth means just that: looking around the world for great companies with growth and solid earnings, improving business models, and the opportunities to profit from all of those factors.
Here are 5 solid global stock plays we recommend right now for your portfolio:

2012 5 Top Global Stocks to Buy Right Now (1) Taro Pharmaceutical:

Israel’s Taro Pharmaceutical Industries (NYSE:TARO) pulled back slightly for its first week on the Global Growth Buy List, and this is an exceptional buying opportunity for the stock if you haven’t already entered into a position. Taro Pharmaceutical focuses on topical skincare prescription products—like creams, ointments and gels—and was just recently listed on the New York Stock Exchange from the Pink Sheets, and as a result should be appearing on more and more analysts’ radars in the coming weeks and months.

2012 5 Top Global Stocks to Buy Right Now (2) Altisource Portfolio:

Luxembourg’s Altisource Portfolio Solutions  (NASDAQ:ASPS) consolidated a bit this week, dropping to No. 2 on our Global Growth Buy List. This company is a strong way to profit from the foreclosure mess that continues to derail major U.S. banks.

2012 5 Top Global Stocks to Buy Right Now (3) Telecom of New Zealand:

Telecom Corporation of New Zealand (NYSE:NZT) will join forces with Paymark Ltd., which processes three-quarters of New Zealand’s electronic card payments, as well as several other telecom companies, in order to create a service that will allow customers to make secure payments, collect loyalty points and use public transport with their mobile phones as a “virtual wallet.”

2012 5 Top Global Stocks to Buy Right Now (4) Elan Corporation:

Ireland’s Elan (NYSE:ELN) hasn’t had much news in recent weeks, but the stock continues to be a strong performer on the excitement that its drugs will soon have broader worldwide distribution, including its multiple sclerosis (MS) therapy Tysabri. Elan’s pipeline of potential future releases includes drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

2012 5 Top Global Stocks to Buy Right Now (5) Top Image Systems:

Israel’s Top Image Systems (NASDAQ:TISA) has been a solid performer, and I continue to see additional upside ahead due to its robust revenue growth and notable return on equity.

Top 6 Stocks to Buy for April in 2012

Stocks  in 2012 have been rising since the bottom made in October 2011, and this year the Dow has gained 8.14%, the S&P 500 is up 12%, the Nasdaq is up 18.67%, and the Russell 2000 has gained just under 5%. In a market where second-half gains in earnings are in question and volume and breadth suggest that a consolidation is due, where can you find reasonably valued stocks?
Stocks in the building sector, especially apartment construction, should grow, and health care companies should benefit with or without “Obama Care.” And, despite the current administration’s resistance to fossil-fuel programs, the assumption is that the Keystone XL pipeline will eventually be built.
The bull market is still in its infancy, and the public has mostly been absent, put off by a “wall of worry” that appears to be growing, and that is a positive for stocks. Plus, the Fed will continue to pump money into the market.
This month’s stock picks are generally focused on stocks that will benefit from the economic engines that drive the market.
Here are your top stocks to buy for April:

Top Stock to Buy in 2012 #1 – AvalonBay Communities (AVB)

Real estate investment trust (REIT) AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB) specializes in upscale apartment communities. An improving U.S. economy with high apartment occupancy levels should result in higher rental rates for AVB, and new development activities will be an important driver of earnings in 2012. Funds from operations (FFO) per share in 2012 is forecast at $5.30, up from $4.57 in 2011. AVB has a dividend yield of 2.83%, and it is expected to increase.
On March 30, the stock broke from a multiple top with a trading objective of $150. But longer-term investors should consider AVB as a cornerstone REIT with an objective of $175.

Top Stock to Buy in 2012 #2 – DENTSPLY International (XRAY)

DENTSPLY International (NASDAQ:XRAY), the world’s largest dental products maker, should benefit from demographic trends and a rising demand for dental services in underdeveloped nations. S&P forecasts earnings of $2.30 in 2012 and $2.60 in 2013.
The stock executed a golden cross early in February, and is very close to breaking out from a complex of tops at around $40. If successful, XRAY could run to $48. Buy now with a stop-loss at $37.50.

Top Stock to Buy in 2012 #3 – Ford Motor Co. (F)

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE:F), the second largest producer of cars and trucks in the United States, also has automobile financing and insurance operations. Analysts expect Ford to increase revenues this year chiefly from operations in the United States, China, and most European countries.
After some weakness in the first half of the year, improved profits are expected in the second half of 2012, and 2013 revenues are expected to rise 9.7%. Earnings this year should fall to $1.46, but rise to $1.71 in 2013. The first-half decline should already be factored into the price of the stock. And these estimates may be very conservative in that the average life of cars “on the street” is currently over 10 years. Increased consumer appreciation of Ford’s product quality and confidence in its management should also raise demand for the stock.
Technically Ford broke its bear market resistance line in January, jumping from $10 in December to $13 in late January. It has been consolidating since then between $12 and $13, but just flashed a buy signal from its stochastic. A break from $13 should result in a quick run to $14 to $15. Longer-term investors should benefit from much higher prices and an increase in its dividend yield, now at 1.62%.

Top Stock to Buy in 2012#4 – Southwest Airlines (LUV)

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) is our “bottom fisher’s choice” for this month. The stock fell from over $14 in October 2010 to almost $7 in October 2011. But a turnaround appears to be occurring with the acquisition of AirTran, which resulted in an immediate 20% growth.
Earnings are estimated at 70 cents in 2012 versus 43 cents in 2011. The airline is known for the high quality of its management and enjoys an excellent reputation among customers.
Although technically still in a bear market, LUV has a solid base at $8 and recently flashed a buy signal from the stochastic and our internal indicator, the Collins-Bollinger Reversal (CBR). The trading target for LUV is $9 to $9.50, but long-term investors have an opportunity to buy this stock for a possible double or more.

Top Stock to Buy in 2012 #5 – TransCanada Corporation (TRP)

TransCanada Corporation (NYSE:TRP) is an energy infrastructure company that focuses mainly on natural gas and oil pipelines. It is the primary developer and manager of the Keystone pipeline system, and it is the company that manages non-regulated facilities in Alberta, Canada.
In January, the U.S. State Department rejected TRP’s application to build Keystone XL, an extension that would carry heavy crude from the Alberta oil sands and Bakken Shale to Gulf of Mexico refiners. Earnings for 2012 and 2013 are expected to be $2.35 and $2.70, respectively, but could be higher if the overall Keystone XL project is approved. President Obama has already approved the southern half of the line from Cushing, Okla., to the Gulf, saving months of delays. If the entire line were to be approved, the company’s earnings would improve significantly.
Technically the stock is in a bull channel with prices hugging the 50-day moving average. TRP’s overall price objective is $50-plus, depending on the political swings in the fall. Buy under $42.

Top Stock to Buy in 2012#6 – United Health Group (UNH)

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH), a diversified health and well-being company, provides health care programs, retirement plans, has a life sciences group, and provides health plans to physicians, clinical services, etc.
Credit Suisse analysts say, “We continue to view United as the best-positioned large-cap managed care plan for where we see the best growth prospects… especially in the shift to Bundled Payments under Medicare.”
They look for earnings of $4.85 this year compared to $4.73 in 2011, and an increase to $5.60 in 2013. UNH has a dividend yield of 1.17%.
Technically the stock consolidated in a broad nine-month cup, then broke from that cup in February at $54. From mid-February until recently, it consolidated between $54 and $55. Last week, it broke from $56 to $58.10. The trading target for UNH is $65. Longer term, Credit Suisse is predicting an annual target of $72.

Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012

Mar 22, 2012, 6:30 am EDT   |   By Louis Navellier, Editor, Blue Chip Growth

In the wake of recent Federal Reserve stress tests, some banks are looking better than others. While there are indeed some systemic risks to the financial sector, there are also opportunities for the very best players.
I watch more than 5,000 publicly traded companies with my Portfolio Grader tool, ranking companies by a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. And this week, I’ve identified nine financial stocks to buy.
Each one of these stocks gets an “A” or “B” according to my research, meaning it is a “strong buy” or “buy.” Here they are:
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) is an independent investment management firm. In the last year, BLK stock is up 10%. BlackRock stock gets a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months. For more information, view my complete analysis of BLK stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (NYSE:MTU) is a Japanese holding company mainly engaged in the banking business. Mitsubishi Financial has posted a gain of 11% since this time last year. MTU stock gets a “B” grade for operating margin growth, a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, and an “A” grade for cash flow. For more information, view my complete analysis of MTU stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) provides its customers with lending and depository services, cash management, foreign exchange and trust and investment management services. Since this time last March, USB is up 19%. USB stock gets an “A” grade for operating margin growth, a “B” grade for earnings growth, a “B” grade for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street, a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, an “A” grade for cash flow, and a “B” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of USB stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (NYSE:SMFG) is another Japanese financial services-related company to make the list. Sumitomo Financial has jumped 9% in the last 12 months. SMFG stock gets a “B” grade for earnings momentum, an “A” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, and an “A” grade for cash flow in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of SMFG stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - BB&T (NYSE:BBT) owns the commercial banking subsidiary, Branch Banking and Trust Company, and has posted a gain of 16% since last March. BB&T stock gets an “A” grade for operating margin growth, an “A” grade for earnings growth, a “B” grade for earnings momentum, an “A” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, and a “B” grade for cash flow. For more information, view my complete analysis of BBT stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - Banco de Chile (NYSE:BCH) provides a range of credit and non-credit products and services to its Chilean customers. Banco de Chile is up 23% in the last 12 months. BCH stock gets an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of BCH stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - Credicorp (NYSE:BAP) is involved with banking, pension funds, insurance and brokerage services. BAP stock has outpaced the broader markets with a gain of 21% in the last year. Credicorp stock gets a “B” grade for sales growth, a “B” grade for earnings momentum, a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, an “A” grade for cash flow, and an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of BAP stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - American Express (NYSE:AXP) is best known for its charge and credit payment card products. Since last March, American Express stock has gained 29%. AXP stock gets a “B” grade for operating margin growth, a “B” grade for earnings growth, a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, a “B” grade for cash flow, and an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of AXP stock.
Top 9 Financial Stocks to Invest In April For 2012 - Discover Financial Services (NYSE:DFS) is also best known for its credit card service. Since last March, Discover stock has posted the biggest gain on this list at 45%. DFS stock gets an “A” grade for sales growth, a “B” grade for operating margin growth, an “A” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, an “A” grade for cash flow, and an “A” grade for return on equity.