5 Fresh Picks for Autumn

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Autumn Fall Apple OrchardNext Friday marks the official start of fall. After a summer full of treacherous storms, earthquakes, fires and thermometer-topping temperatures, I’m ready for things to cool down and enjoy all the wonderful changes autumn brings. Besides colorful foliage, apple picking and other traditional family events, the markets have annual autumn customs of their own. The good news for us is that their tradition involves a revitalization period for investors.

Investors who decided to pack up and take a break during the summer months are beginning to start afresh in the markets. The low trading volumes, high volatility and uncertain economic data we saw and experienced over the past three months will soon be a shrinking vision in our rear-view mirrors as we drive toward a new season full of new money, new trends and exciting new picks.

Here are five stocks that will add fresh flavor to your portfolio this fall. Whether you’re in the market to find a booming blue-chip, an emerging gem, or a global dynamo, there is something for you on this list.

Dollar Tree (DLTR): Get More for Your Dollar

Nowadays it is a rare thing to find something that costs only a dollar–let alone an entire store that sales only dollar-priced items. Therein lies the beauty of Dollar Tree (NYSE:DLTR).

For over 50 years the retailer has been dedicated to providing consumers a lot of bang for their buck. With over 4,000 locations in the U.S., shoppers can purchase an impressive variety of merchandise, including glassware, gift wrap, crafts, toys, food supplies, cleaning supplies and much more for just $1 per item. It’s an oasis for thrifty shoppers.

The company’s low price and appeal to shoppers has translated into a stable stock value. DLTR has grown an impressive 32% per year over the last five years, consistently meeting or exceeding estimates. It’s still early in the third quarter, but eight analysts have already raised their earnings forecast for the company in the last month. DLTR is expected to post steady earnings growth of 12% and sales growth of 10% for the current quarter. Money may not grow on trees, but you’ll find a sound investment in this pick.

Darling International LogoDarling International (DAR): Success in a Fickle Industry

The food industry can be a fickle thing. It’s difficult to find a company to get really excited over and trust that the profits are going to keep rolling in. In this case, Darling International (NYSE:DAR) is a company with a solid history, but also one that exhibits huge growth potential for the future. The reason is that it carries out diverse operations that touch several important sectors. Darling is divided into three main branches: rendering, bakery feeds and restaurant services. This food services business does everything from collecting and recycling by-products from food processing plants and bakeries to cleaning grease traps at restaurants.

Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe what is expected from DAR in the coming months. For the current quarter, analysts expect over 200% earnings growth for the company and over 220% growth for the year. Sales figures are also expected to surge more than 170% in the third quarter. You can be like Darling International and clean up by purchasing shares of its stock now.

NASDAQ:SINASina Corp. (SINA): Shaping China’s Social Landscape

I realize that many of you are probably weary of global markets right about now. It’s no secret that a lot of market volatility of late can be traced to various problems abroad. However, I don’t want you to take this as a sign that investing in global stocks is too risky of a move to be profitable.

Take a look at China’s Sina Corp. (NASDAQ:SINA). The company is one of the country’s largest Internet players. Right now, Sina is garnering mass attention thanks to its mircoblogging service Weibo — think Twitter of China. Plans for the monetization of Weibo is going to be key for Sina’s growth. But the company also provides a variety of online media, and mobile services in China, including gaming, e-reading, enterprise solutions and online shopping options.

If you’re looking for a global stock with enormous potential, consider adding SINA to your portfolio now.

Stamps.com LogoStamps.com (STMP): Sign, Seal and Deliver a Portfolio Boost This Quarter

Advances in the Internet have changed virtually every aspect of our lives, even the way we send mail.

Stamps.com (NASDAQ:STMP) is a fairly young company, founded in 1996. It provides Internet-based postage for individuals and businesses. Products and services include United States Postal Service (USPS) — approved electronic stamps users can print in their own homes. Stamps.com also offers PhotoStamps, a service that allows people to turn their own photos, designs or images into valid stamps.

Recently, the company has benefited from the USPS’s impending budget problems. STMP experienced a record quarter, last quarter, with a 111% growth in postage sold and 26% increase in revenue. Upcoming third-quarter sales and earnings are predicted to rise 15.6% and 20.8%, respectively.

Mitcham Industries LogoMitcham Industries (MIND): Energize Your Investment Potential

Mitcham Industries (NASDAQ:MIND) leases, manufactures and sales seismic equipment to oil and gas companies all around the world. The company operates under two main sections: Equipment Leasing and Seamap. The first is responsible for leasing seismic data acquisition systems and equipment to contractors and service providers. The Seamap segment designs, manufactures and sales a wide variety of products to the seismic, hydrographic and offshore industries.

This is another pick expected to have an extremely successful quarter this fall. Analysts have predicted nearly 243% growth in MIND for the current quarter. They are also expecting 152% growth and 305% growth in the fourth quarter and full year, respectively. With predictions like these and a chart that has been shooting upwards nearly all year, it’s safe to say picking up shares of MIND will heat up your portfolio.


Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2011/09/5-fresh-picks-for-autumn-dltr-dar-sina-stmp-mind/.

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