A Hidden Gem In The Chemicals Space

Small-cap companies like Stepan (SCL) are often overlooked by the majority of investors because they operate in typically conservative industries like specialty chemicals. However, this in no way means they are not capable of extreme outperformance. In fact, Stepan has been one of the best performers in the chemicals space in recent years and the company's growth is only improving! Click here to read more about this hidden gem. Enjoy!

Phil

Just Do It! Buy Nike

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I write about one of the best stocks in history, Nike (NKE). Even though the athletic footwear/apparel/accessories company has already been one of the biggest success stories in America, Nike is still growing at robust levels and remains one of the best and most consistent growth stories in the world. Click here to read and enjoy!

Phil

Amazon's Plan To Take Over The World Is Almost Complete

Yep, you heard it right, Amazon has almost successfully taken over the world! Click here to read what I'm talking about in my newest article for The Motley Fool!

Phil

What Is Driving VF Corporation's Growth?

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I write about the main drivers of growth behind VF Corporation's (VFC) increasingly solid 2013 performance. As one of the most recognized retailers in the world, VF Corporation is still in the early stages of an aggressive 5-year global expansion. The company also remains one of the most consistent dividend growth achievers in the market. Click here to read and enjoy!

Phil

FleetCor: A Fleeting Growth Opportunity

Anyone who reads my articles on a regular basis knows that one of my favorite industries is 'payments solutions.' In addition to being financially sound, companies that engage in the processing of payments like MasterCard (MA) and Visa (V) are currently riding a tremendous wave of growth across the world.

An alternative play in the space is FleetCor (FLT), a leading payment provider to fleet operators. The company's more niche business, which focuses on businesses and government entities, is growing rapidly and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. Click here to read and find out more!

Phil

Disney Vs. Time Warner: Clash Of The Superheroes

With all of the superhero-related movies hitting theaters in recent years, it is a perfect time for investors to consider which company behind the blockbuster releases makes for the better investment, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) or Time Warner (TWX).

Both companies have formidable superhero offerings but which one is right for investors? Click here to read my take on the clash of the superheroes!

Phil

Playstation 4 Vs. Xbox One: Does The Launch Really Matter?

With the successful launches of Sony's (SNE) Playstation 4 and Microsoft's (MSFT) Xbox One now behind us, it is a perfect time to consider the effects that initial system releases can have on gaming consoles throughout their lifecycle. Click here to read my take on the new console war!

Phil

Meet The Only Airline Stock You'll Need

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I cover one of my favorite stocks, Alaska Air Group (ALK). From its veritable moat in the Alaskan flight market to its award-winning customer service and top-tier brand image, Alaska Air Group is the only stock an investor needs to consider in the airline industry. Click here to read more!

Phil

Jim Cramer Was Right: Under Armour Is A Tech Company After All

When I first heard Jim Cramer, host of CNBC's Mad Money, refer to athletic apparel maker Under Armour (UA) as a technology company, I did a double take. After all, the company isn't going to start making smartphones and tablets any time soon.

However, in hindsight it seems Cramer was more right than even he knew himself! Under Armour's recent acquisition of MapMyFtitness, the open fitness-tracking platform, is proof that the sports company has its sights set on bigger things. Click here to find out about the company's next big move!

Phil 

Can Under Armour Capitalize On Lululemon's Struggles?

Another week, another scandal! Lululemon co-founder Chip Wilson angered his company's legions of fans by stating that he thinks the yoga brand's pants are not fit for every type of woman!

Why should investors care? The reason is simple, American athletic apparel maker Under Armour (UA) is in perfect position to capitalize on Lululemon's latest PR crisis. Management at the Baltimore-based company has been aggressively targeting female athletes to grow its business even more in the coming years. The company plans to expand its female business by 150% in the next four years.

Click here to read why Under Armour will continue to win over female consumers and investors going forward!

Phil

Recent Portfolio Changes

I recently updated the 'Current Holdings' page on my blog today. The major changes to my portfolio worth noting are the complete liquidation of Discovery Communications (DISCA), which was sold for approximately 40% profit, and the complete liquidation of Cree (CREE), which was sold for approximately 12% profit.

I have also added considerably to my Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) holding, which is now my third largest position behind Under Armour (UA) and MasterCard (MA).

Phil

Proto Labs: A High-Growth Alternative In The 3D Printing Space

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I write about one of my more lucrative investments in 2013, Proto Labs (PRLB), a small-cap producer of CNC-machined and injection-molded plastic parts.

Often overlooked by investors as just another 3D printing stock, Proto Labs actually has a more stable business than many of the popular printer manufacturers. As such, Proto Labs remains a worthy consideration for any investor seeking long-term, small-cap growth. Click here to read and enjoy!

Phil

Tesla Is Doing The Electric Slide!

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I write about Tesla Motors (TSLA), one of the standout stocks in 2013, which has recently come under intense scrutiny as a result of several vehicle fires in its luxurious Model S line. While certainly a serious situation and cause for some concern, the approximate 40% correction in Tesla shares most likely represents a buying opportunity for investors with a long-term mindset. Click here to read and find out why. Enjoy!

Phil

Chipotle Won't Stop Growing

In recent months, many restaurant companies have made successful IPO's on American exchanges. In the red hot fast casual dining segment, popular companies like Noodles & Company (NDLS) and Potbelly (PBPB) are often considered the next great Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG).

While a compliment to Chipotle for sure, many analysts and investors searching for the next Chipotle are usually missing a crucial point. Chipotle is not done growing, not by a long shot! Click here to read why I think Chipotle is still the best investment in the fast causal dining space.

Phil

Is Valve's Steam Machine A Viable Competitor To Playstation 4 and Xbox One?

In one of my latest articles for The Motley Fool, I discuss whether or not Valve, maker of the Half-Life and Portal series, has a chance at dethroning Microsoft and Sony in the impending console war. Valve recently announced that it was developing a fully upgradable video game system for 2014. In its various trims, which are to be made by multiple partners, the console will cater to individual gamers' needs. It could in essence be the only console gamers ever need to own! Click here to see if Valve has a chance.

Phil

Forget Twitter, Buy Square In 2014

Yep, you heard that right. Forget Twitter (TWTR), after it's IPO last week, the stock has already bloated to a massive $25 billion market capitalization and that is far too large for a company that is barely projected to generate over $1 billion in sales next year. The more interesting company is another one of entrepreneur and Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey's creations, Square.

Square is a payments company that caters to individuals and small businesses that want to accept credit/debit cards on the go and without hassles. In a world that is dominated by ecommerce, mobile devices and electronic payments, Square seems positioned to capitalize on one of the largest trends in the world, digital payments.

The company plans to go public sometime in 2014 and investors would be wise to keep it on their radars. Click here to read why I think Square could be one of 2014's standout IPO's.

Phil

Credit Card Giants American Express, MasterCard and Visa Are Teaming Up!

It is no secret that one of my favorite industries to invest in is the payments solutions space. Three of the strongest companies in the segment, American Express (AXP), MasterCard (MA) and Visa (V), are joining forces to establish a new global standard in payments security. The proposed token system would help to eliminate fraud and stands to strengthen the three credit card giants' already formidable positions at the forefront of the payments industry. Click here to read my take on the the big announcement!

Phil

It's An Exciting Time To Own Disney!

In one my latest articles for The Motley Fool, I analyze the latest earnings report from The Walt Disney Company (DIS). In my opinion, there were three major takeaways from the company's report and several of them seem to indicate that management is intent on bolstering the growth of Disney's two exceedingly popular entertainment properties, Lucasfilm and Marvel Entertainment. Click here to read why there may not be a more exciting time to own shares of Disney than right now!

Phil

Balchem: A Small-Cap Beauty

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I analyze one of my favorite small-cap growth stocks, Balchem (BCPC), New York-based specialty chemical developer, manufacturer and distributor. While I have written about the company before, shares of BCPC recently hit all time highs only to pull back significantly in the wake of the company's latest earnings report. Now is as good a time as any to consider initiating a long position in the small-cap beauty. Click here to read and enjoy!

Phil

Rise Of The Left-For-Dead Growth Stocks

In my latest article for The Motley Fool,  I discuss a theory I have had for a while, the idea that certain growth stocks trade in tandem with one another. This was never made more clear to me than in 2011, when Netflix (NFLX), Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG), Monster Beverage (MNST) and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) all rose incredibly alongside one another. However, in the coming years, each stock proceeded to tumble more than 40%, some much more than that!

The pattern was unmistakable and it will happen again, maybe not to these stocks but certainly to others. Accordingly, investors should always monitor stocks that trade as a group because they can often serve as early warning signs of trouble ahead. Click here to read why the the four stocks fell and why they are rising once again!

Phil

Starbucks Is A Future Dividend Great

Lost amid the fantastic earnings report by Starbucks Corp. (SBUX) last week was news that the company was raising its dividend substantially. However, this is just one raise in a long line of dividend increases by management over the last four years and it is becoming apparent that Starbucks is a future dividend great. Click here to read why I believe Starbucks should be considered by both growth investors and dividend-growth investors alike!

Phil

Under Armour: Take Advantage Of Post-Earnings Weakness

After reporting a blowout quarter on both top and bottom lines, management at Under Armour , Inc. (UA) proceeded to raise fiscal 2013 guidance. However, shares of UA slid more than 7% in the days after the earnings report, which represents a solid entry point opportunity for investors interested in mid-cap growth. Click here to read why I think UA is a buy at current levels!

Phil

MasterCard: $1,000 Is Inevitable

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss why I feel it is only a matter of time before shares of MasterCard Inc. (MA) cross the prestigious $1,000 mark. With industry-leading growth and fundamentals, MasterCard is poised to continue riding the seemingly unstoppable trend among consumers away from cash and check and towards digital forms of payment. Click here to learn more about why I think MasterCard is one of the best investment ideas around!

Phil