I’ve been tracking healthcare rockstar Intuitive Surgical (NYSE: ISRG) for about six months now, and have been impressed with their results… its astonishing to me that they are back to their late-October trading levels despite all of the hard work. After a terrific earnings call, including a 2008 guidance boost, shares of ISRG took a hit. Capitalize on the market’s mistake and unlock some growth!

So why exactly did ISRG slide downward after good earnings? They raised outlook, but perhaps not by enough. Kind of a ridiculous expectation, but we’ve grown accustomed to Intuitive’s 22 consecutive quarters of above-guidance outlook bumps that the $853.2 million sales forecast fell short of analyst’s $857.3 million dream. What’s more? Monday night, Jim Cramer came out on his show, CNBC’s “Mad Money,” and told us that the bullish run is done, and that you should “take gains here.”

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Intuitive Surgical is fine. The fact that medical facilities are purchasing the pricey “da Vinci” robotic-surgery system sparingly in the near term is a cyclical theme… not a business problem! Hospitals loaded up on the system in the fourth quarter when it was most economical to do so… I think this is the future of surgery and everyone is going to want one in stock. Perhaps the outlandish P/E multiple will “catch up” in 2008, but its not going to stop this train from accelerating to the mid-$300 levels that it deserves to be trading around.

I’m a believer that robotic-surgery is the future, and Intuitive Surgical’s “da Vinci” program offers the best-of-breed solution. Think about it, elimination of human error and easier medical processes. This is like iRobot meets Terminator, and hey… ISRG is really bringing the heat. They sold 74 systems in the previous quarter versus an expected 68… which is a HUGE deal when each sale brings. Bottom line, these suckers are expensive, and a lot of hospitals have felt financially unable to buy them. But the tides are turning. The da Vinci Surgical System costs a rough $1 million plus maintenance and all the bells and whistles. It’s good to see the sales roll in!

So they are selling a multi-million dollar robotic system, so what? The thing is expensive, but people are paying up for the technology, which really improves things. ISRG announced a strategy to increase what they call the “field sales rep concentration” from five to four, unlocking new value where we might even see some facilities buying multiple systems. When you have each robotic arm running $175,000, you know that getting people to buy the thing is a big deal, and deserves a nice premium trading value.

I’m no technical analyst, but I’ve noticed a strange “box trend” in the stock chart. It seems to me that the stock has been traded back and forth over the last seven months between $250 and $350 with relative consistency. Well guess what, we’re back closing in on $250, and I think it’s time to get back in the game. ISRG is going to break the box soon, and I think this next run-up could do the trick. I would jump at the chance to pick them up under $268.37 (yes, that is a random number ), but you may not get the chance. The way I see it, I’m measuring about 25%-30% upside, with just 10% downside from current $282 values. Nice.

A lot of success in the future is going to stem off of how well they sell the surgical system. This may sound kind of “door-to-door salesmen” of them, but really the da Vinci system is capable of handling so many different procedures, so convincing relevant doctors that they need it is essential.

Replacement parts, recurring profits, maintenance fees, and flat-out sales have this company reeling. The fact that they couldn’t please the Street’s ridiculous expectations should be a non-factor in the long term. Intuitive Surgical is in the process of penetrating new markets, and this is one company you need to take a look at before there is a da Vinci Surgical System on every street corner.

-The Net Fool

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Chances are, you have never heard of Harsco… an industrial company that does everything from on-site work outsourcing to roofing scaffolding, from railroad tracks to mineral air-abrasives. I recently made a “buy” pitch recommendation for Harsco as a manager of the Nittany Lion Fund. As a great company that is totally flying under the radar in my view, you need to take a look!

I can’t stress this enough. In this market environment, you don’t want to be making a speculative pick that carries a lot of risk. But you also want a growth company, and most of these are already valued too high. I found a solution in Harsco, an established 5 billion dollar company with an insane capacity for growth and not many investors “in the know.”

We’ll call Harsco our little secret

Harsco lacks any true competitors or peers in terms of industry expertise and geographic reach. So they are capitalizing on niche markets that no one else is competing in. They operate in three businesses: mill services, access services and rail & mineral technology. From Access Services, Harsco works with 5 of the top 6 contractors in the world, and are working on capitalizing in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Harsco underperformed in Mill Services last year, but management is completely dedicated to improving this in 2008 by basically cutting the crap out and making things more efficient. Out of Rail & Mineral, Harsco has seen some great improvment. They are the #2 track company in the world (#1 in U.S.) and have made some great strategic acquisitions to improve their margins further.

So HSC has this profound niche exposure that nobody is touching. But what they have that others lack is a strong international exposure that is all too important in today’s markets. In fact, 70% of their business comes from outside the United States, and they expect to increase emerging market revenue from 19% to 30% by 2010. They are completely hedged against the U.S. dollar because of this internationally favorable currency exchange. So when the dollar falls, Harsco rolls… don’t worry, a good dollar isn’t too bad either.

This international exposure along with niche markets makes Harsco a clear-cut winner. They have had so many big contracts come in fast growing economies, and I think that recent wins in China, Dubai and Germany are just the tip of the iceberg. They are doing things like locking in contracts in Panama to complete the rebuilding of the Panama Canal, and their dealings in steel products have allowed them to capitalize on a consolidating global steel market.

The growth and value-added initiatives in tact have this company reeling. They currently use the EVA (economic value added) system in combination with what they call the “LeanSigma” system in order to pinpoint which areas of their business model are lagging, as well as how they can work to improve them. We’re talking renegotiated contracts, divestments, and the like.

Their last earnings call in January absolutely blew away expectations, and I anticipate similar success on their quarterly earnings scheduled on April 22nd. Typically, I have noticed a pattern of a pre-earnings run up, followed by a drop off after the announcement regardless of results. Maybe take this into account, but I see Harsco hitting $73 for twelve-months forward so look to purchase under $55.

This is a great mid-cap international growth play with plenty of room to run. They are focused on targeting expansion of their already dominate margins in 2008, so get in while the gettin’s good.

-The Net Fool

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The typical recession advice says not to buy steel companies in a bear market. But this group of companies has been among the strongest performers year to date! Explosive steel demand has entirely outdone global supply. Despite the U.S. recession lag, global steel demand is expected to rise 5% a year. Whether you turn to the Middle East, India or China, buildings are going up daily, everywhere you look.

The most interesting market in my view is China, where they are anticipating 2008 crude steel demand to rise 11% versus a supply increase of just 6.3% (China Daily). Fast Money analyst Guy Adami says “the steel story is real,” and I don’t blame him. Let’s take a look at four of the best steel stocks money can buy!

U.S. Steel Corp. (NYSE: X)
I recommended U.S. Steel at $96.29 a share back on January 21, 2008. Today, they are trading at $140.70. I don’t mean to brag, but that’s a 46.121% return on your investment. Just a friendly reminder to trust the Net Fool!

Business as usual down at U.S. Steel is stronger than expected, and they are at a 52-week high… but I see them going higher! Why is X so special? Most steel producers need to offset higher ore costs with higher prices, but U.S. Steel has a unique integrated business model that includes self-sourced ore operations. Less exposure to the global iron ore market means potential to outperform by taking advantage of price increases without taking a hit on input costs like most other producers.

Wait for a good buying point on X, and you might be able to work in some extra gains off the top. I recommend waiting for something around $130, but who am I to discount their higher highs? I still trust steel, and U.S. Steel is still my X-factor for 2008.

Nucor Corp. (NYSE: NUE)
The recent run up in scrap metal prices, primarily due to higher than anticipated domestic & global demand, lower supply and higher-priced alternatives, has fueled a recent buying frenzy of scrap processors for Nucor. This is not a bad thing. Most notably, Nucor acquired Metal Recycling Services Inc. and said the deal “provides additional growth in the scrap metal sector.” NUE makes steel from recycled materials.

Why am I talking about this consolidation? I think Nucor is one of the smarter companies, and they are making all the right moves to vertically integrate their business. Estimates from most major firms are on the up-and-up because a lot of these deals are adding insane value and security to Nucor’s business. JP Morgan feels that rising metal spreads “are likely to result in significant margin expansion” for NUE, and I agree. Also trading near their 52-week highs, keep Nucor on a short leash.

Steel Dynamics Inc. (NYSE: STLD)
STLD is a great steel company, but i have fears that their fundamentals may have already juiced up the stock price too much. I feel that they have taken off too fast out of the gates, and you need to wait a while before jumping back on board.

That being said, Steal Dynamics is a stellar company that has eeked out profit from every corner of the market. Scrap prices have increased gross margins, “flat rolled” product pricing has outpaced input costs and even resource operations are outpacing profit expectations as demand rises.

I don’t buy the “concerns” many analysts have about STLD. Rather, I think that Steel Dynamics is one of the best in its class… but it is just not attractive enough to push more money into. Can’t get too greedy, they have nearly doubled since mid-January. This is definitely a stock to track though, and if something were to trigger a selling frenzy, I wouldn’t second guess buying on the way down.

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE: RS)
Reliance is in a pretty favorable environment for growth right now, and I think they could definitely outperform in the short and long term. Things like better carbon steel pricing environments, strength in end markets (energy, oil & gas, aerospace), strong non-residential construction numbers and minimal discretionary exposure has Reliance Steel & Aluminum jumping beyond expectations.

Historically, Reliance Steel has been able to turn out huge revenue growth from smart acquisitions, I think they continue on this path (just purchased Dynamic Metals on April 2nd). Management has a great focus on improving performance where they are market leaders. In a consolidating steel market, this is a very important strategy. Trading around $62, I expect them to reach a target over $70 in 12 months, but I wouldn’t want to own them until I can get them closer to $55. Regardless, this is another winner in my eyes.

Bottom Line: Hindsight is always 20-20, and I wouldn’t be shocked if we turn around at the end of the year and say “gosh, why didn’t I buy at the 52-week highs?” I am too scared off by this run up to buy right now, but I am asserting that this industry has catalysts and all of these stocks are on my watch lists… just waiting to get my value.

-The Net Fool

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In a shaky stock market environment, there is no better place to turn than the defense contractors. Leading the S&P index by about 20% in 2008 (the 8th straight year of better relative performance), the so-called “big five” have their work cut out for them in 2008 and beyond. It is pretty much a foregone conclusion that defense spending will increase this year.

With high global threat levels, the United States defense budget has historically increased regardless of the presidential party in power. Don’t listen to the fools that tell you a democrat president will cut the defense budget, that is simply not true. The funding put into homeland security as well as our defense budget is set to increase (President Bush recently introduced a $3.1 trillion dollar budget) regardless of the War on Terror’s outcome, and the big five defense firms are set to benefit.

There are pros and cons to each of the main defense contractors, but I want to defend the notion that they are all winners in this environment. Which companies? I am talking about United Technologies, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon and Northrop-Grumman.

United Technologies (NYSE: UTX)
UTX is the largest of the Defense companies, and offers a favorable mix of risk-reward at this point. A widely expected healthy first quarter could be a huge catalyst for the rest of the year. United Technologies does everything from industrial turbine engines to elevators, and it is this diversity that really makes them the General Electric of defense contractors. The weak dollar actually bolsters a potential earnings beat (+15%) for 2008, despite a rocky economy, because European sales account for about 25% of United Technologies’ total.

Many investors have voiced concern over the recent announcement to acquire Diebold. I believe that speculation since the bid isn’t likely to be hostile and the relative size of the expense is small on UTX’s books. Other potential risks include a weakening in commercial construction markets and a slowing residential construction recovery, but I think that a strong aerospace backlog along with a geographic diversity balances their resume enough to ensure a strong year under even the worst conditions.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT)
Lockheed Martin is the kind of company that never gives you the value you want, but always performs with off the charts fundamentals and margins. I think a lot of analysts with HOLD ratings on the firm are underestimating LMT’s ability to drive profit out of even the bleakest of market conditions. This company has the most risk behind a 2009 administration changeover, but the threat posed is hyped beyond what will actually happen in my honest opinion.

Truth be told, I’d rather have you in a different defense contractor in the short term, but LMT’s performance is truly remarkable and I still have a BUY on these perennial EPS outperformers. They were up 32.8% during the last 2001 recession, and are poised to outperform the market again in 2008. What’s more, their 10-year annualized return is up at 7.3%. What I am trying to say is, Lockheed Martin is historically one of the top performers in a recession, and this go-round shouldn’t be any different.

General Dynamics (NYSE: GD)
General Dynamics is poised to be the largest holding in the Nittany Lion Fund, LLC., and I am generally stoked about their prospects for the year. GD has a leading market position in the areas essential to the U.S. military and has a strong track record of generating capital under every market condition imaginable.

The new Gulfstream G650 aircraft, from the leading unit of GD Aerospace, has really improved on fuel efficiency and speed (among other things) and I feel like the long-awaited release could really benefit sales. This is pretty much the world to GD, and offers a huge amount of visibility with low risk. Other than this, I continue to recommend General Dynamics because of their “no surprises” business model that continues to perform well, offering beatable 2008 EPS guidance and great long term prospects, that guarantees a safe investment.

Raytheon (NYSE: RTN)
RTN is really a conviction buy in the fact that they have an increasing foreign exposure, above average cash flow and a recession-proof portfolio. A lot of investors have Raytheon as the #1 defense company stock for 2008, and I really can’t argue with them. I do not like the fact that this company is overly tied to the Bush Administration, and would be effected slightly by a reduced US presence in Iraq or a more pro-China President (because of arms supplies to Taiwan). However, you need to consider that the defense budget is relatively stable.

Raytheon is set to benefit from some big contracts in homeland and border security, such as a $5+ billion Saudi middle east border contract and the ability to capitalize on cyber security after acquiring Oakley. Strong foreign orders and redeployment of cash should drive Raytheon into a profitable 2008/2009, and I stand by the hype.

Northrop-Grumman (NYSE: NOC)
All the buzz over Northrop-Grumman has been the contract win over Boeing to supply a new tanker worth a potential $35 billion. Despite Boeing’s dispute, NOC will more than likely come out with the win on this one. Regardless, I feel that the bigger development is Northrop’s “Guardian System,” a missile-jamming “pod” that can be attached to aircraft to prevent them from getting shot down in hostile flight areas. Before this system was released on March 26th, it was widely expected to favor Raytheon and BAE Systems… I think this can be a huge driver for NOC that has really gone unnoticed in the market.

Northrop is a steady performer at an attractive price. With a PEG at 0.88 and a Beta at just 0.38, they seem to be ripe for investment. Not only are the valued well, but they have that low debt that we love (debt/equity is just 0.23). The numbers are good, they are getting contracts nobody thought they would get, and they carry low risk in a poor market environment. NOC is good.

The power behind defense in a down market is the ability to lock in contracts, backed by a rising national defense budget, for the long term. The big five all have their advantages, and I would expect most of them to capitalize regardless of what twists and turns are in store for the rest of the market. Sometimes, the best offense is a good defense!

-The Net Fool

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There’s GOLD in them thar hills!

You’ve heard the news, gold is the hottest thing since sliced bread… especially in this devastating stock market environment. Gold has historically been one of the best flights to safety for investors in troubled times, and 2008 is no exception. With bullish analysts predicting prices from $1,600 (Jim Cramer) to $3,500 (Jim Rogers), current trading values at $919.60 are far too low and present one heck of an opportunity. It’s no surprise that Yamana Gold’s CEO Peter Marrone said there was a “good chance” gold goes over $1,500 in 2008.

Earlier in the week, gold was trading at over $1,003 an ounce. After the biggest dollar decline in 28 years on Thursday and a terrible week overall, gold lost just about $100 of its value. I call this selling on strength and taking profits off the table. I call this the best entry point of the year!

The Best Gold Stock of The Year - Yamana Gold (NYSE: AUY)
If you want to capitalize on appreciation in the value of gold, you want to buy Yamana Gold! I’ve already owned and sold this stock in 2008, taking a quick 19.4% profit (bought at $15.28 January 17th, sold last week at $18.24), and with the latest drop in value… I’m gearing up to buy more. Risky? Yeah. Rewarding? You bet. I think gold will trade up to $1400 in 2008, making me the most conservative of Jim’s… but that is still a pretty impressive amount of upside.

Why Yamana? Ever since Yamana, Meridian and Northern Orion Resources became one in September of 2007, this mineral (70% gold) monster is in the best stock of all to make money on a rise in the commodity. Among the Tier II gold producers, Yamana is the most liquid and one of the “growthier” companies in the mix. They have historically traded at a premium, and I feel that they deserve this. There are a number of earlier-staged projects coming from Yamana that haven’t been factored into the stock’s outlook yet.. and I think these could be a huge catalyst for the year. Cash flow multiple’s were increased last week from 20x to 25x because of copper operations. Yamana is in the smartest places of the commodities party, and with their smaller relative size and growth capacity (management projects 120% production increase to 2012)… I expect good things.

Let’s talk briefly about valuations. Yamana’s target price was recently raised by RBC Capital Markets to $21, and they were trading above $20 just a few weeks ago! I got greedy and held them, I ended up attaching a trailing stop to my position in order to lock in 20% gains.. and its a good thing I did. This stock was trading too high for its own good, but now that it was pulled back under… I don’t see any reason you can’t buy into it at $15 and sell at $20 once again. Rinse and repeat.

Feeling Conservative? Safer Gold Stocks Offer Security
As much as I am married to Yamana, and don’t see much risk in buying at $15, I realize that many of you might be scared off by its Tier-II status and want a more established player. That’s fine, and I have two winning stocks for you in Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) and Goldcorp (NYSE: GG).

Starting with Barrick, these guys are a bit more secure than Yamana in the fact that they are 5 times bigger, and after dropping 7% on Friday they present an interesting buy point. There are, however, some problems at home. In a recent article from the Wall Street Journal, some tax-sharing problems were exposed in Barrick between Argentina and Chile. Most of Barrick’s mining is in Chile, but most of the processing is in Argentina… there are a few uncertain government taxation issues at hand that could hurt you in handling costs. But as a whole, Barrick is one of the best stocks to get growth on gold with a nice valuation.

Let’s move on to Goldcorp. The fourth quarter was great news for GG, and added revenues from their plants in Alumbrera and Red Lake were definitely helpful. This is one of the few established companies that actually increased guidance into 2008. They were able to produce 623,000 oz at total cash costs of $208/oz, versus an anticipated 617,000 oz at total cash costs of $175/oz for the quarter. Investors considering an investment in Goldcorp should consider the risks associated with development of the large scale Penasquito project, and the risk associated with expected improved performance of the recent startup of the Marlin mine. Overall, I give the green light on this mineral powerhouse.

“There is a good chance we will see it before the end of this year.” - Yamana CEO Peter Marrone on gold’s $1500+ future

There are a lot of mineral gold/silver companies out there, but the others are just too risky for my blood. Newmont Mining (NYSE: NEM) issued very poor guidance and rising production costs, Agnico-Eagle (NYSE: AEM) is essentially at its target price with no upside, Harmony Gold Mining (NYSE: HMY) is just too speculative for my blood and Gold Fields (NYSE: GFI) is much too volatile. I would stick with Yamana at the current price. The gold producers as whole are a BUY for me with the recent fire-sale. Don’t be scared off when people move to secure gains, the time is approaching when you should put more money in.

-The Net Fool

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