Disney Is About To Be Reanimated

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) is perhaps now best known for its top of the line media brands like ESPN, Marvel and Pixar. However, the classic animated fairytale stories that Mr. Walt Disney himself created are an important part of the company's history. Now it looks like these animated characters could be a part of Disney's future and investors should probably take notice.

Click here to read and enjoy!

Phil

Is Chipotle The Next Yum! Brands?

Even on Christmas day I am blogging! Hope everyone is enjoying the day so far.

A stock that I am growing increasingly bullish on, which is the reason I have been adding to my position significantly in recent months, is Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG). Chipotle is known for its burritos and unique approach to fast causal dining. The company basically reinvented the segment as has been a leader in it ever since.

However, Chipotle is now branching out into other food-themes. The much talked about ShopHouse concept is the company's take on Southeast Asian cuisine and the only-recently announced Pizzeria Locale is the company's take on custom pizza. Chipotle's brands are now reminiscent of those at Yum! Brands (YUM), the company behind restaurant chains like Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. The diversity reduces risk and enhances growth potential for Chipotle going forward. As such, it is one of my largest positions and I expect it to outperform significantly in 2014 and beyond!

Click here to read and enjoy my latest article on Chipotle! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all,

Phil

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays To All

Just in time for Christmas, I published three new articles for The Motley Fool today! Here they are:

Noodles Is Worth A Second Look

Nike Continues To Excel On The Global Stage

For Target, A Breach Of Trust Is The Main Concern

Enjoy guys and gals!

Phil

For Target, A Breach Of Trust Is The Main Concern

The big news leading up to the holidays was the massive data breach at the third-largest retailer in The United States, Target (TGT). The company exposed over 40 million consumers' sensitive credit/debit card data and is already embroiled in a number of lawsuits and investigations.

However, the main concern for Target going forward has to be the potential loss of valuable customers. After all, while Target has a great brand, it also must compete with the likes of Costco (COST) and industry titan Wal-Mart (WMT).

Click here to read why Target may not be such a great buy even after the stocks recent drop!

Phil

Nike Continues To Excel On The Global Stage

Most investors who follow me probably know that I am a big fan of Under Armour (UA), both the company and the stock. However, this doesn't mean that I do not like Nike (NKE). The company is after all the undisputed king of athletic footwear in the world. With a solid earnings report behind it and powerful momentum in key businesses like North America and China, shares of Nike look set to continue sprinting ahead in 2014. Click here to read more!

Phil

Noodles Is Worth A Second Look

With shares of Noodles & Company (NDLS) steadily approaching their post IPO close price, the time seems right to reconsider the company as a long-term investment. With solid management and a unique spin on fast casual dining, Noodles may be set for a major turnaround in 2014. Click here to read more!

Phil

Balchem Just Got Even Better

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I go back to an old favorite of mine, Balchem (BCPC), the small-cap designer and manufacturer of chemicals used in the animal supplement, medical and oil & gas industries. The company recently announced two new bits of information that remain critical for investors and only serve to make one of the greatest growth stocks even better!

Click here to read and enjoy!

Phil

Lululemon's Real Problem Is That It's Still A Yoga Company

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss one of my favorite group of companies, the retail apparel makers. Lululemon (LULU), Nike (NKE) and Under Armour (UA) all have very popular brands with loyal consumer bases. Not surprisingly, the three stocks have all been media darlings in recent years.

However, Lululemon has a crucial problem, it is still only a yoga company. Whereas Nike and Under Armour have both greatly diversified their business mix away from their original core audience, Lululemon is stuck selling primarily to women and unable to branch out effectively.

Additionally, Nike, Under Armour and even The Gap (GPS) are starting to market specifically towards yoga consumers and beginning to eat into Lululemon's core market share. When added with a management team that seems incapable of stemming the tide, Lululemon appears headed for a drastic slowdown in growth, which is directly reflected in the company's recently lowered guidance and plunging share price.

Click here to read more about why Lululemon is in trouble and the course I think it has to take to remain on a path towards growth. Enjoy!

Phil

Why A Discovery Buyout Of Scripps Makes Sense

The idea that Discovery Communications (DISCA) was interested in buying Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) made the rounds last week when Variety reported that such a discussion was mentioned in the former's most recent board meeting. Although it would be difficult to finalize, the potential deal would make for one of the most powerful media companies in terms of pure content creation.

Click here to read my take on the possibility and ramifications of such a deal.

Phil

Disney's Media Library Just Got Even Better

The Walt Disney Company (DIS) made headlines last week when it announced that it struck a deal with Paramount Pictures to acquire the marketing and distribution rights for all future films in the Indiana Jones franchise. The move is not totally unexpected as Disney had already acquired production rights for all future films in the popular franchise with its 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm.

However, the deal does make it possible for Disney to now build the Indiana Jones franchise in any way it wants. It now seems increasingly likely that the titular adventure hero will be joining his space-faring Star Wars friends in Disney's growing media library in the near future.

Click here to read how I think Disney will proceed with Indiana Jones in the years to come!

Phil

The True Power Of The Food Network

Since I have written about Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) a lot recently, with yet another article currently in the works, I thought it would be interesting to delve into what exactly makes the company's networks so popular and effective. The reason lies in the company's viewer base, which is affluent, loyal and exactly what advertisers want to see.

Click here to read more about the true power of networks like Food Network!

Phil

Potential Winners And Losers In The Online Gambling War

Many people across the country are excited for the legalization of online gambling. So far, only Nevada and New Jersey have made the controversial decision to allow gamblers to bet online. However, the majority consensus seems to be that it is only a matter of time before more states legalize online gambling. The benefit of increased tax revenue is simply too large for state legislatures to ignore for long.

The potential widespread legalization of online gambling is equally exciting for investors. Many of the major American casino operators are attempting to get in on the ground floor while others are still hesitant and more cautious regarding the new venture.

Will Caesars Entertainment (CZR) and MGM Resorts International (MGM) be able to capitalize on their early and aggressive moves in the space? Will waiting too long hurt larger casinos like Wynn Resorts (WYNN) and Las Vegas Sands (LVS)?

Click here to read my take on which companies stand to benefit the most in the impending online gambling war!

Phil

Here's Why W.W. Grainger Is Great

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I analyze an old favorite company of mine, W.W. Grainger, a distributor of facilities maintenance, repair and operating supplies. The company has long excelled at growing both revenue and earnings as well as dividends and the powerful trend shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Click here to read why Grainger continues to be a great investment!

Phil

MasterCard, Visa, Or American Express: Which Stock Belongs In Your Portfolio?

I am a big proponent of the trend towards a cashless society and I feel investors stand to benefit immensely if they ride the momentous wave for the next few years. Three of the best positioned companies to capitalize on this consumer trend are MasterCard (MA), Visa (V), and American Express (AXP).

However, MasterCard recently demonstrated why it is the best investment out of the three. Company management announced this week that it was raising MasterCard's dividend by a staggering 83% and implementing another $3.5 billion share buyback. Additionally, the stock will be split for the first time 10-1.

Click here to read how this trio of data points will benefit investors going forward!

Phil

Discovery & Scripps: Content Creation At Its Finest

Anyone who has followed my articles is no doubt familiar with my affinity for media companies that primarily engage in content creation. In a world where technology advances so rapidly and viewers can watch their favorite movies and television shows whenever and wherever they choose to, the only aspect that will remain the same is the demand for new and compelling content.

In this regard, there are few companies that perform as well as Discovery Communications (DISCA) and Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI). Both companies have the unique ability to create new and popular content rather easily and effectively. Furthermore, it is content that is simply not available from many other competitors and as such captures a loyal and dedicated viewer base.

Click here to read more about two of the best media companies with regard to content creation!

Phil

King Of The Casinos!

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, which will be followed up shortly by another piece next week, I focus on the lucrative 'Resorts & Casinos' industry. After a relatively quiet year in 2012, almost all of the casino stocks have roared back to life in 2013. Las Vegas Sands (LVS), MGM Resorts (MGM) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) are all up more than 50% year-to-date.

The question now is, which casino stock is set to lead the industry higher in 2014? Click here to find out which gaming company I like best for next year, enjoy!

Phil

Which Is The Healthiest Grocer Of Them All?

When it comes to food, it pays to eat healthy. However, the same could also be said about your portfolio! Considering the robust revenue and earnings per share growth of natural grocers like The Fresh Market (TFM) and Whole Foods Market (WFM), it has certainly paid to invest in healthy alternatives over the years!

Click here to read and find out which natural grocer belongs in your portfolio going forward!

Phil

Two Small Alternatives To Johnson & Johnson

Investors looking to benefit from the success of popular brands in the 'Consumer Goods' space may want to consider smaller alternatives to conglomerates like Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Two prime examples are Church & Dwight (CHD) and Prestige Brands Holdings (PBH).

Click here to read my latest article for The Motley Fool and learn why bigger is not always better!

Phil

Great Things Come In Small Packages

The obvious is almost always overlooked. This popular phrase rings true with regard to investing as much as it does about life in general! One overlooked company is in the 'Packaging and Containers' industry, the appropriately named Packaging Corporation of America (PKG).

Although its primary business of producing corrugated container board products and related shipping services may be slightly boring, Packaging Corp's growth is anything but. The company's recent acquisition of smaller rival Boise has significantly bolstered Packaging Corp's industry positioning by greatly enhancing production capacity. Packaging Corp is now the fourth largest producer of container board in The United States and is set to grow revenue over 60% and EPS over 35% in fiscal 2014.

Click here to read more about the overachieving PKG, enjoy!

Phil

The Future Dividend Greats

When I think of the greatest dividend stocks, I think of companies that have sizable yields but also grow dividends at consistent and robust rates. Very few companies do this but some that do include VF Corporation (VFC) and W.W. Grainger (GWW).

However, just as important as identifying the current dividend greats is identifying the potential greats. Companies like MasterCard (MA), Starbucks (SBUX) and Visa (V) fall into this second category because their respective management teams have shown a willingness to increase payouts at rapid rates in their relatively short dividend history.

Not only are these three companies growing revenue and earnings per share very fast, they are now on watch for entry into the prestigious dividend great category. Click here to read more about the future dividend greats!

Phil

Forget Coach, Buy Michael Kors For The Holidays

With some analysts predicting a weak 2013 holiday shopping season, only the strong brands will survive. Perhaps no brand is hotter than Michael Kors (KORS) is right now. The company has extreme pricing power, which is evident in robust and increasing margins, and is rapidly expanding its stored count across the world.

Click here to read more about KORS and enjoy!

Phil

Ford Is Making Tesla Look Good

On a day when shares of Tesla (TSLA) are rallying over 10%, investors may be kicking themselves for not buying on the recent correction. Much of the stock's weakness has stemmed from the very public fires on Model S cars that occurred in recent months.

However, Tesla isn't the only one encountering problems with major vehicle releases, Ford (F) is too! The industry stalwart's woes illustrate perfectly that the automative world is a complicated beast and that investors may have overreacted to Tesla's problems.

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I explain why I think all long-term growth investors should consider Tesla now.

Phil

Does It Pay To Be Nice In Business?

The answer is usually no, sadly. However, for Alaska Air Group (ALK), it most certainly does! The small flight company stands out for its commitment to consumers in an industry known for notoriously bad customer service. This dedication to passengers has made Alaska Air Group's signature flight brands top choices among travelers and has cemented the company's positioning in crucial markets like the last frontier.

Click here to read more and enjoy!

Phil

The Dividend Difference!

In my newest article for The Motley Fool, I show readers the true power of dividend growth investing and the impact it can have on portfolios in the long run. Hint: it is substantial!

Click here to read more.

Phil

American Express: A Cheaper Alternative To MasterCard and Visa

Since the rise of two of the fastest growing payment leaders, MasterCard (MA) and Visa (V) has been well documented by me in recent months, I thought I would focus on a cheaper but equally solid company in the space, American Express (AXP).

While not growing revenue and EPS as fast as its two largest competitors, the credit card giant has a stronger clientele and stands to benefit from many of the same powerful trends as MasterCard and Visa. Additionally, the company is significantly cheaper and pays a solid dividend. Click here to read more about what I think makes American Express great!

Phil

What's Next For AMC Networks?

Can AMC become the next HBO? That is the big question, as management at AMC Networks (AMCX) seems intent on following the massive success Time Warner (TWX) has achieved with blockbuster drama on its premier cable network, HBO.

However, with several of AMC Networks' shows reaching maturation, what else can the company do to sustain growth? Click here to read and find out!

Phil