H&R Block Financial Advisors Announces Top Equity Picks for 2008
2008 Top Picks List Selected from Rigorous Fundamental Analysis is
Balanced between Cyclical and Defensive Industries, as Well as Growth
and Value
KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2007--Good stock ideas are often vital in a volatile market and the H&R Block Financial Advisors (HRBFA) 2008 "Top Picks" list, which was released today, highlights equity sectors and stocks the firm believes may prove beneficial next year. With the increasing market volatility, the 2008 stock selections have been geared toward the shifting equity market.
The complete list of 20 equities was compiled by HRBFA's independent internal team of sector analysts and is based upon the team's rigorous analysis around the fundamental factors of valuation, competitive position and market conditions.
The Top Picks list was designed to strike a balance between economic cyclical and defensive industries, as well as growth and value. The list of 20 equities offers diversity from nine different economic sectors. Large-cap companies (greater than $6 billion in equity market capitalization) dominate the list, which can outperform in a slow growth environment, according to Marc A. Zabicki, CFA, Senior Market Strategist for HRBFA.
"In what could prove to be a volatile market in the coming quarters, we believe the inclusion of some defensive names in the 'Top Picks' list is prudent. However, investors will also find some cyclical or economic-sensitive suggestions that could outperform, should the economy track better-than-expected," said Zabicki.
All equities are selected from separate industry focus lists that analysts at the firm maintain on an ongoing basis. Following are the 20 stocks that represent the Top Picks list for 2008, which are grouped according to sector.
HRBFA 2008 Top Picks:
Company Ticker Exchange Sector ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Carnival Corp. CCL NYSE Consumer Discretionary ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Kimberly Clark KMB NYSE Consumer Staples ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Anheuser Busch BUD NYSE Consumer Staples ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Noble Corp. NE NYSE Energy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Superior Energy SPN NYSE Energy ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Goldman Sachs Group GS NYSE Financial Services ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hartford Financial Services HIG NYSE Financial Services ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Northern Trust Corp. NTRS NASDAQ Financial Services ---------------------------------------------------------------------- State Street Corp. STT NYSE Financial Services ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Humana HUM NYSE Health Care ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Icon PLC ICLR NASDAQ Health Care ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Waters Corp. WAT NYSE Health Care ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Chicago Bridge & Iron CBI NYSE Industrials ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DRS Technologies DRS NYSE Industrials ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Owens Illinois OI NYSE Materials ---------------------------------------------------------------------- EMC Corp. EMC NYSE Technology ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jabil Circuit JBL NYSE Technology ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Microsoft MSFT NASDAQ Technology ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Nokia NOK NYSE Technology ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Dominion Resources D NYSE Utilities ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclosure: Unless otherwise indicated, comments in this document should not be construed as an investment opinion or recommendation of the securities mentioned. A full research report is available which includes potential conflict and other important disclosures. To receive a copy of the full report, please contact your HRBFA advisor, log on to your hrblock.com account and visit the "Investments" section, or send a written request to H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc., 719 Griswold Street, Suite 1700, Detroit, MI, 48226.
About H&R Block
H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax, financial, and accounting and business consulting services and products. H&R Block is the world's largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 400 million tax returns since 1955. The company and its subsidiaries reported revenues of $4.0 billion and net income from continuing operations of $374.3 million in fiscal year 2007. The company has continuing operations in three principal business segments: Tax Services (income tax return preparation and related services and products via in-office, online and software solutions); Business Services (accounting, tax and business consulting services primarily for midsized companies); and Consumer Financial Services (brokerage services, investment planning and related financial advice along with full-service consumer banking). Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., H&R Block markets its continuing services and products under two leading brands - H&R Block and RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.
H&R Block Financial Advisors provides brokerage services and investment planning in the U.S. Services offered include traditional brokerage services, as well as annuities, insurance, investment advisory accounts, online account access, equity research and focus lists, model portfolios, asset allocation strategies and other investment tools and information.
Investment services and securities products offered through H&R Block Financial Advisors Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and subsidiary of H&R Block, Inc. Annuities and Life Insurance products are provided by various Insurance Companies and are offered through H&R Block Financial Advisors, Inc. Insurance services offered in Massachusetts through H&R Block Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, Inc. H&R Block, Inc. is not a registered broker-dealer or registered investment adviser.
CONTACT: For H&R Block Financial Advisors
Stacie Fleming, 816-512-2324
stacie.fleming@fleishman.com
SOURCE: H&R Block