2015: The Biggest Year For Movies Ever?

The way the 2015 movie lineup is shaping up, the year could wind up recording the largest box office revenues ever. With major releases from The Walt Disney Company (DIS), Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF)) and others, expect big things from the big screen in 2015.

Click here to learn more. Enjoy!

Philip

3 Ways Nike Is Still Innovating

Despite being a mature company with a massive global footprint, Nike (NKE) remains as innovative as ever. With a management team that continues to deliver new, game-changing products to market, Nike's place at the head of the athletic footwear market seems unchallenged in the short-term.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

This Large Media Company Is Growing Fast

Despite being a very large company, Discovery Communications (DISCA) is growing well due to a combination of organic growth and acquisition, which is positioning the company for further global expansion.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

Here's How Under Armour Is Winning Kids Over

Under Armour's (UA) latest clever marketing tactic is yet another example of how great the athletic apparel company's management team is. By aligning with high profile superhero movies and targeting America's youth, Under Armour is assuring its products will be bought by consumers for generations.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

Is Divergent The Next Hunger Games?

With seemingly every movie producer looking to score the next huge young adult blockbuster franchise, there are more commercial failures like Beautiful Creatures, The Host and Mortal Instruments than there are successes like Twilight. However, with the release of Divergent, Lions Gate Entertainment (LGF) hopes to repeat its prior success in the genre.

Click here to see if Divergent really is the next Hunger Games. Enjoy!

Philip

Consider Buying Panera On Weakness

Shares of Panera Bread (PNRA) were mauled this week after the company issued disappointing guidance for the first quarter and full-year of fiscal 2014. However, the company remains in the midst of a turnaround that will help foster long-term growth. In the meantime, management is willing to forsake earnings in the short-term, which is why shares of Panera tumbled.

This means that on current weakness, Panera looks tasty for long-term investors. Click here for more. Enjoy!

Philip

3 Important Takeaways From Nike's Earnings Report

Although shares of athletic footwear giant Nike (NKE) slipped after the company announced its most recent earnings results, management brought to light several key aspects of future growth that every investor should know about.

Click here to find out the 3 most important takeaways from Nike's recent earnings call. Enjoy!

Philip

Under Armour To Split Again And Continue Winning

Under Amrour (UA) made big news last week when the company announced that it would split its shares for just the second time ever. While the move has no real impact on the company as an investment, it does serve as a reminder of just how much shares of UA have appreciated over the last few years. Perhaps what it does best is illustrate how great Under Armour's management team is.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

lululemon: A Downward Facing Dog No Longer?

With shares of popular yoga apparel maker lululemon athletica (LULU) having been severely punished as of late, the time to consider investing in a turnaround story may be soon at hand.

Click here to read whether lululemon can change its current trajectory.

Philip

This Retailer Continues To Persevere

While many larger retail companies expand through a combination of organic growth and acquisition, companies with incredibly strong brand recognition often do not need to focus much on buying competitors. Such is the case with Ralph Lauren (RL). The iconic American retailer has long succeeded in fashion through a unique ability to remain relevant but traditional at the same time.

Click here to read how Ralph Lauren can continue to grow in the future. Enjoy!

Philip

This Small Apparel Retailer Is Growing In A Big Way

Although popular apparel companies like Nike (NKE) and Under Armour (UA) often garner the majority of attention from investors, small apparel companies can be equally rewarding investments. A perfect example is GIII-Apparel Group (GIII), a company that owns brands like Andrew Marc and makes clothing/accessories for brands like Calvin Klein, Guess and Tommy Hilfiger.

Click here to read how GIII can continue to impress going forward. Enjoy!

Philip

Disney vs. Time Warner: An Epic Showdown Set For 2016

By all accounts, 2016 is shaping up to be the most epic battle ever for superhero blockbuster supremacy. The Walt Disney Company's (DIS) as of yet unnamed Marvel movie is scheduled to collide with Time Warner's (TWX) eagerly anticipated Batman vs. Superman movie.

With both companies refusing to back off the May 6, 2016 release date, viewers and shareholder alike are in for some fireworks.

Click here to read which company I think will win on May 6. Enjoy!

Philip

Is Wal-Mart About To Kill GameStop?

Wal-Mart's (WMT) announcement last week that the company is moving into the used video game business is bad news for all game retailers. However, the move could be particularly devastating for GameStop (GME), which derives a large portion of its revenue and earnings from the sale of pre-owned video games and related services.

Click here to see if GameStop can survive. Enjoy!

Philip

Forget Titanfall, This Game Is This Next Halo

Although Electronic Arts' (EA) recent Titanfall release was successful from both a critical and commercial standpoint, the game never lived up to its branding as 'the next Halo.' For various reasons, the game never really stood a chance in this regard.

However, Activision-Blizzard (ATVI) has a new game that is being developed by the original creators of the Halo universe. Destiny, an open-world first-person shooter set in an post-apocalyptic wasteland, will attempt things never before seen in video games and could just end up being 'the next Halo.'

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

Kate Spade: Is There More To This Name Change?

Last year, management at Fifth & Pacific Companies starting diverting the company of brands, including Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand, to focus on the increasingly popular Kate Spade fashion label. This year, the company also changed it's management team and corporate name. Now known simply as Kate Spade, the small retailer is looking to grow its signature, namesake brand aggressively.

Click here to read about how it's being down. Enjoy!

Philip

Will lululemon Ever Win Over Male Consumers?

Yoga apparel maker lululemon athletica (LULU) has been one of favorite companies to write about over the last year. Not only is it a direct competitor to my largest holding Under Armour (UA), the company is also going through some serious growth challenges, which makes it an interesting investment to follow and cover.

Click here to read whether I think lululemon can ever capture a proper male audience? Enjoy!

Philip

Titanfall Has Already Succeeded

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss the eagerly anticipated new video game release Titanfall from publisher Electronic Arts (EA). As an Xbox brand/PC exclusive, the multiplayer game is helping Microsoft (MSFT) gain a lead in the console war by attracting gamers in droves to the Xbox Live service.

Click here to read why Titanfall has already succeeded. Enjoy!

Philip

Here's How Xbox One Will Pull Ahead Of Playstation 4

In the ongoing video game console war between Microsoft (MSFT) and Sony (SNE), the tide is constantly turning. Although right now the Playstation 4 has an early lead, Xbox One is hot on its heels and, with a bunch of new markets about to be made available to it, looks set to take the lead in 2014.

Click here to read what it means for shareholders in both companies. Enjoy!

Philip

ANN Will Change For The Better

As technology advances and consumers spend more time online and less time in actual stores, retailers are adjusting accordingly. Small fashion retailer ANN (ANN), responsible for popular brands Ann Taylor and Loft, has announced a restructuring strategy that will shift its business more towards commerce, which will enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Click here to read how ANN is changing for the better. Enjoy!

Philip

Chipotle Remains In The Early Innings Of Growth

If you follow my writing, it should be no surprise that Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) is my top pick in the restaurant industry and one of my favorite stocks in general. Although it is already a massively successful growth story, many investors seem to think the best is behind the company. That is simply not the case!

Click here to read and find out more. Enjoy!

Philip

Will Nike's Magista Really Change The Game?

Nike (NKE) has grown rapidly over the years thanks in part to a constant focus on innovations. With every new product release, the company tries to outdo its prior achievements as well as those of its competitors. Nike's new football boot, Magista, is being touted as a 'game-changing' product that will revolutionize the sport.

What does Magista mean for Nike and its shareholders? Click here to find out. Enjoy!

Philip

Here's How Panera Is Getting Better

Shares of Panera Bread (PNRA) have been going nowhere for the past year or so, as in-store foot traffic has slowed and caused the company's overall growth to decline modestly. However, management at Panera has recently initiated a viable turnaround strategy to turn the tide and increase long-term growth.

Click here to read more about the Panera turnaround. Enjoy!

Philip

Is The Coach Turnaround Real?

Shares of high-end retailer Coach (COH) have been declining for the better part of a year. The company is facing increasing competition from more popular and aggressive competitors like Michael Kors (KORS). However, management at Coach has set a turnaround course that seems viable and could help the company and its shareholders regain lost momentum.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Phil

This Small Media Company Is Doing Big Things

When it comes to media content creators, the investing landscape is quite bare. There are simply not many companies that excel at creating new and compelling content. However, Starz (STRZA) and AMC Networks (AMCX) are two small media companies that manage to do just that!

Click here to read which one is better. Enjoy!

Philip

Is This Game Developer Set To Lead The Industry Again?

With the next generation of video game consoles already underway, third-party game publishers like Activision-Blizzard (ATVI), Electronic Arts (EA) and Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) are all vying for an early lead and even long-term console supremacy.

Click here to read which publisher I think has an early lead. Enjoy!

Philip

Nike And Starbucks: Preparing For The Future Of Retail

As the consumer continues to spend more time online and less time in physical stores, retailers have had to adjust accordingly. No two companies remain better prepared for the evolution of consumer shopping/spending habits than Nike (NKE) and Starbucks (SBUX).

Click here to read how both companies are preparing for the future of retail. Enjoy!

Philip

Here's How VF Is Growing For You

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss VF Corporation (VFC). The company behind popular brands like The North Face and Timberland is growing rapidly thanks to an aggressive five-year expansion strategy. With solid revenue and earnings growth and robust dividend-growth, VF remains one of the best and most reliable growth investments in retail.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

Is Under Armour Too Big Right Now?

A recent headline caught my eye, it read "Under Armour Larger Than S&P 500 Component Ralph Lauren." While on the surface the headline is not negative or positive, it did force me to question whether Under Armour (UA) has run up too far too fast.

Click here to read my thoughts on the matter. Enjoy!

Philip

Will Under Armour Ever Catch Nike?

Chance are that if you follow my writing you already know my answer to the question, Will Under Armour Ever Catch Nike? If you don't, read my latest article for The Motley Fool to find out!

Click here to read now. Enjoy!

Philip

Should VF Acquire Columbia Sportswear?

If you pay any attention at all to active/outdoors brands, you probably know that two of the bigger ones are The North Face, owned by VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), and Columbia Sportswear (NYSE: COLM). The brands are so similar that a joining of the two companies seems like a no-brainer!

Click here to read why I think VF should consider buying Columbia Sportswear! Enjoy!

Philip

Which Pizza Company Should You Own?

Although I prefer my pizza from local pizza shops, as an investor there really are only two pizza companies worth considering, Domino's Pizza (DPZ) and Papa John's International (PZZA). Both are growing well and have viable international growth strategies but only one needs to be owned.

Click here to find out which company is better. Enjoy!

Philip

One Media Company Has An Edge

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss a media company with an edge, Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI). Servicing an affluent and attentive consumer base, Scripps Networks has serious leverage when negotiating with cable providers. The company remains one of the best investment ideas in the entire media industry.

Click here to learn more. Enjoy!

Philip

Chipotle's Latest Marketing Tactic Is Genius

One of the marks of great leadership is the ability to constantly innovate. While it may not seem like it, management at Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) is one of the most innovative teams in the business. The company's latest marketing tactic, a sponsorship deal with Major League Soccer, is a move that will reap benefits for the company and its shareholders for years to come.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

One Small Restaurant Company Is Primed For Big Success

In the restaurant industry, there is one public company that remains unique, Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD). The operator of popular sports bars around the country is renovating many of its locations and expanding rapidly. In many ways, Buffalo Wild Wings represents one of the best growth opportunities in the space.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

AMC Networks: No Longer A Walking Dead Stock

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss the small media company behind the blockbuster series The Walking Dead. With an increasingly robust content development pipeline, management at AMC Networks is preparing the company and investors for life after The Walking Dead.

Click here to read how the process is going and to learn when it will start to benefit shareholders. Enjoy!

Philip

Is This The Next Big Fashion IPO?

Did you miss out on the Michael Kors (KORS) IPO in late 2011? If you did then you probably regret it considering the fantastic run shares of KORS have enjoyed in recent years. However, Tory Burch could provide you with a second chance should the private brand decide to go public in the future.

With an incredibly popular brand and recently resolved legal troubles, Tory Burch is my bet for the next big fashion IPO, and one that is surely worth betting on.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

2 Hidden Gems In The Chemical Space

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss two solid growth companies in an often overlooked industry. Balchem (BCPC) and Stepan (SCL) are two superb small-caps that operate in the chemical solutions industry. With above-average revenue and earnings growth and consistent dividend-growth, these small-caps are certainly worth considering for the long-term.

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

Is This Beverage Company A Monster In The Making?

With ongoing legal battles both behind it and in front of it, shares of Monster Beverage (MNST) have been on something of a roller coaster ride the last few years. However, beneath the controversy is a solid industry leader that is branching out aggressively and primed for growth.

Are share of Monster Beverage worth the risk at current levels? Click here to find out. Enjoy!

Philip

Older And Wiser, This Restaurant Stock Remains The Best

With more than a decade of operational excellence under its belt, Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) remains the best investment in the entire restaurant industry. An expanding menu, the addition of two new restaurant brands, and the best marketing team in the business means Chipotle will stay spicy for inevestors in the long-term!

Click here to read more. Enjoy!

Philip

My Two Greatest Buy And Hold Investments

In my latest article for The Motley Fool, I discuss my two greatest buy and hold investments ever! If you follow my writing at all, you probably know which two companies I am referring to. If not, click here to find out now!

Philip

Can Alaska Air Group Continue To Lead The Industry?

If you follow my writing, you know the only airliner I recommend owning is the regional airliner Alaska Air Group (ALK). Up over 70% in 2013 and already nearly 20% in 2014, can shares of the mid-cap company continue to lead its peers?

Click here to read and find out! Enjoy!

Philip

What's Eating Starbucks?

Ever since reporting financial results for its first quarter of 2014, shares of Starbucks (SBUX) have been stuck in the mud. The reason has nothing to do with the company itself but rather the extraordinary climate trends in Brazil.

Since Brazil is the major supplier of Arabica coffee beans, which companies like Starbucks and Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (GMCR) use to make signature gourmet blends, stifled output in the area is tremendously bad, potentially catastrophic news.

Click here to learn whether the unprecedented event will drastically impact Starbucks in the long-term. Enjoy!

Philip

CVS Caremark: Everyone Should Love A Quitter

CVS Caremark (CVS) made big news in February when the company announced that it would stop selling all tobacco products at its 7,600 pharmacy locations by October. This move, although expected to pressure CVS Caremark's revenue and earnings per share growth in the short-term, is a smart move that should help preserve the company's long-term growth trajectory.

Click here to learn how CVS Caremark is changing the American pharmacy landscape for the better and how investors stand to benefit. Enjoy!

Philip

Is Team USA's Loss Under Armour's Gain?

If you followed speed skating at all during the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, you are no doubt familiar with the controversy surrounding the American team's failure to win any medals and the blame that was placed on Team USA sponsor Under Armour and their new Mach 39 uniforms.

When the dust settled, however, Under Armour was found to be not at fault at all. The company even used the incident to strengthen its public perception and ink a new deal with Team USA's speed skating team out to 2022, which gives the Baltimore-based company a presence in at least two more winter games going forward.

Click here to learn more about Under Armour's Olympic triumph. Enjoy!

Philip

Despite Gloomy Weather, Noodles & Company Has Clear Skies Ahead

The harsh winter has impacted many companies this year and Noodles & Company (NDLS) was no exception. The company's latest earnings report showed just how devastating inclement weather can be to a restaurant chain dependent on steady foot traffic.

However, with old man winter about to call it quits soon, there may not be a better time to consider investing in Noodles & Company. The restaurant chain is expanding its store count at a rapid rate and should remain a viable long-term investment in the restaurant space.

Click here to read my latest article on Noodles & Company. Enjoy!

Philip

Why Under Armour's Valuation Doesn't Matter

This is a bold statement for me to make but I'm going to make it anyway; valuation for Under Armour does not matter. There, I said it! That feels better . . .

For reasons best explained in my newest article, investors seeking long-term growth have few options better than Under Armour. However, the company's stock has been drawing fire from investors and analysts alike because of its high price/earnings ratios.

It is my opinion that investors with a long-term focus should largely forget about these valuation concerns and invest in Under Armour anyway. Click here to find out why! Enjoy!

Philip

Here's Why I'm Buying More Boston Beer Now

After the company's latest earnings report, shares of Boston Beer Company (SAM) fell approximately 5% in after-hours trading only to make a full recovery a few days later. The reason is simple, the small beer brewing company simply could not keep up with robust demand for its products and therefore missed the consensus estimates for the quarter. This is a great problem to have, by the way!

The plunge in share price presented a perfect opportunity to load up on the industry's smallest and fastest growing domestic brewer. Click here to learn more about why I am looking to add to my position in Boston Beer.

Philip