Stock Idea: Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD, $85.77)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD) "serves technology, energy, industrial, and healthcare customers globally with products, services, and solutions that include atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, equipment, and services. The Company is a supplier of hydrogen and helium...." -- Morgan Stanley research, January 2011.

APD's earnings per share (eps) are expected to rise 13.3%, 11.2%, and 6.5% in 2011 through 2013. The PE is 18, the dividend yield is 2.27% and the beta is 1.19.

APD stock is recovering nicely from the 2008 Financial Meltdown, when stocks dropped precipitously. Watch for the stock to trade between $82 and $102 this year, barring any unexpected bad news.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stocks to Buy in the Face of Market Weakness

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

American stock markets went down today, not dramatically, but enough that people pause and wonder what to do. Keep in mind that stock market averages have trading ranges, advances and declines, just like individual stocks do. Today, American stock markets experienced a down day in an upward cycle.

Stocks which I've reviewed herein during the last week which look attractive at today's prices and strong enough to easily perform well in the near-term include Nordstrom (JWN), General Electric (GE) and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB).

Scroll down and read the reviews of those companies. Send me questions if you like, and I'll be happy to not "publish" your comments if you ask me not to. Or find me on Facebook or Twitter and talk about your stock market ideas and concerns.

Have a good weekend!

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Nordstrom Inc. (JWN, $41.96)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) is a specialty fashion retailer which sells merchandise through retail stores and online; manufactures private label clothing; owns a bank and offers credit and debit cards. The stock dividend is 80 cents per share and yields 1.91%.

A consensus of earnings estimates from 22 investment firms shows that earnings per share are expected to increase 39.2%, 13.3% and 11.8% in the years 2011 through 2013.

If the stock price continues its current rise toward the former high of about $58., investors could earn a 35% return. I bought the stock recently at $40.50, and plan to sell around $56. (I never try to get every penny of profit out of a stock trade. I just sell when it's close to my target and move on to another attractive stock.)

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: AT&T Inc. (T, $28.13)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

AT&T, Inc. (T) is a worldwide telecommunications conglomerate. AT&T continues to experience modest year-over-year earnings growth, and is expected to do so through 2011 and 2012. The dividend yield is 6.11%, the PE is 7.7, and the beta is 0.61. This is an incredible value stock which could attract stock traders, income investors, and value stock investors.

AT&T reported fourth quarter earnings today. Despite new competition in the I-Phone market, AT&T is expected to maintain the lion's share of that market for quite some time, and the company has additional business divisions which contribute to its overall annual earnings growth.

The stock is likely to trade in the $28-$30 area in the near term, with the next move likely being a rise to $35/$36. I wouldn't hesitate to buy AT&T immediately for a good trading opportunity.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS, $72.87)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

United Parcel Service (UPS) pays an annual dividend of $1.88, which yields 2.58% based on a current stock price of $72.87. The beta is .91. The PE is high at 23.43. Projected 2010 earnings per share are $3.53, and eps growth for 2011 and 2012 has consensus projections of 18.4% and 15.3%.

The stock is just now rebounding up to a former trading range of approximately $68 - $85, where it stayed in 2003 through 2008, prior to the financial meltdown of 2008. I bought the stock recently at $72.80, and I have a sell order in at $84. I would expect it to stay in this former trading range for quite a while, and this presents a good opportunity to buy and sell several times.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: General Dynamics (GD, $74.77)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

General Dynamics (GD) is in the businesses of aviation, shipbuilding, weapons & combat, and information & technology.

GD has a dividend of $1.68, which yields 2.25%; and a PE of 11. Consensus earnings are projected to increase 5.0% and 7.3% in 2011 and 2012.

GD stock fell from approx. $93 to $37 during the financial meltdown, recovered to a trading range in the $57-$77 area, and now looks poised to climb from there. GD stock could provide a good medium-term return of up to 21%. From a trader's point of view, if I owned this stock, I would definitely sell at 91.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: The Coca-Cola Company (KO, $62.96)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Coca-Cola (KO) stock has spent the last ten years trading roughly between $40 and $60 dollars per share, and it is just now showing signs that it's ready to break out from that trading range. I would buy KO today. The dividend is $1.76 per share, which represents a yield of 2.80%. Consensus earnings growth for 2011 and 2012 is project at 10.3% and 10.1%. The PE is 19.31 and the beta is quite low at 0.59.

(Many stocks have made no significant advances in the recent decade. Four major hits came to U.S. stock markets during that time: the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, the ensuing recession, the 2008 financial crisis, and its ensuing recession. These events cost American companies lots of money; many were financially devastated, e.g. real estate and financial companies; and some even closed for business, e.g. Bear Stearns.)

KO looks like it will trade in the low $60's in the near-term (approximately $62.50-$65.50), and I expect the next move to be up. I expect that both short-term investors and medium-term investors could be happy with KO's investment returns. Read about the company at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: DeVry Inc. (DV, $47.38)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

DeVry Inc. is an educational services company, serving students in middle school through post-secondary education.

DV has a low PE, a low beta, and a tiny dividend. Earnings are projected to rise 15.8%, 6.9% and 11.0% respectively for 2010, 2011 and 2012.

DV stock has traded between $39 and $70 in the last year. As a stock trader, I would be a buyer of the stock below $44 and would sell at $60.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Sanofi Aventis (SNY, $34.56)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Sanofi Aventis (SNY) is a healthcare company which produces human pharmaceuticals and vaccines and animal healthcare products.

SNY had a firm trading range of $40-$49 before the stock fell with the crash of 2008. The stock price is now recovering. I expect it to trade in the $34-$40 range in the near-term, and it could break through $40 without too much difficulty if market conditions remain strong.

SNY pays a dividend of $1.099 per share, with an attractive yield of 3.18%. The PE is 8.55 (very low!) and the beta is 0.91. EPS are consistently in the $4.50 area going back to 2009 and forward to 2011. All-in-all, Sanofi Aventis appears to be a good value stock with immediate upside potential.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Verizon (VZ, $34.95)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Verizon (VZ) has a dividend of 5.58%. What is the bank paying you? My last statement from TCF Bank shows an annual yield of 0.16%. Obviously, stocks are risky and money market funds are not too risky, but the goal is not always to minimize risk. Sometimes the goal is to earn money!

VZ's eps are expected to drop 1% in 2011 and climb 17% in 2012. I bought this stock recently at $32.15, and now it's at $34.95. It could easily bounce around $32 again before a run-up. I expect it to climb to $41/$42, at which point I'll sell.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

My Investment Background and Today's Stock Idea: Fifth Third Bancorp

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Career Experience

I worked in New York City in the 1980's, and had an interest in the stock market. I sent various resumes to financial firms, but couldn't get an interview, presumably because I wasn't aggressive enough and also didn't have the appropriate background: I had a B.A. in English and worked as a wholesaler at Liz Claiborne Inc.

Then I moved to Colorado and got hired by Dean Witter in a heartbeat, presumably because I had serious sales experience in New York City. (Interesting how the same job can be seen as both an advantage and disadvantage, depending on the observer.)

I worked at Dean Witter, which later became Morgan Stanley, and is now Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, from 1988 through 2002, at which time I retired to take care of my children. While at Dean Witter, I enjoyed trading stocks for clients, earned a Vice President title, and served as the Equity Coordinator in my office.

Now the kids are older, and I'm trading stocks in my retirement account. This blog will serve as a discussion of what I'm buying and selling for myself, and why. I will be happy to answer your questions as to what I would do when presented with your favorite stock, but you will have to determine for yourself what you will do with it. I encourage you to consult investment and tax advisors so that you understand the risk and tax implications of investing in stocks.

Today's Stock Idea: Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB, $14.60)

FITB has projected eps growth of 76%, 29% and 6% over the next three years. The beta and PE are high and the dividend is not worth mentioning. The stock is now recovering from a long-term decline. I bought the stock the other day at $14.15 -- I had been waiting for a dip in the price -- but I would be happy to own this anywhere in the $14's to be poised to catch the expected run-up. FITB should meet a little resistance around $20, then climb to the mid-30's before getting stuck again.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.