GreenAB

Encore Capital Deserves a Bravo

if you like ECPG then have a look at ASFI.
they seem to perform more consistently and are cheap as well.

VitalStream Post-MySpace: A 'Black Diamond' Buy?

thank you for this well balanced analysis!

Two Compelling 'Cash Hoard' Stocks

i think argueing with past EPS is not smart.
just have a look at analysts estimates for 2007.

CRYP: +1.21
PLAY: +0.25

both companies see their business shrinking dramatically, but costs remain.

the price targets cannot be justified on this basis.

both picks are just bets that something big might happen (CRYP being bought, PLAY huge customer win).
til then i see no reason for these stocks to outperform.

Profiting from Non-Hurricanes

a small company that benefits from fewer hurricanes is TCHC.
The Company, through its subsidiaries, underwrites standard and non-standard personal automobile insurance, flood insurance, general liability insurance, mobile home insurance and homeowners' property and casualty insurance in the State of Florida.
they did very well during the last years until their earnings got crushed by hurricanes.
with increased premiums and halfway through the hurricane season 2006 earnings should get a bosst.
stock is nearing an alltime high.

Baidu: Impressive Growth, But Valuation is Out of Hand

i see the picture for BIDU completely different.
the market doesn´t pay for historic but for future growth.
analysts steadily increased their EPS estimates for 2007 to 1.62, which translates into 90% growth for the next year. based on these projections BIDU trades at a forward P/E of 54.
to me the stock looks cheap.
as you mentioned the company has a unique position in chinas internet market, which morgan stanley sees growing by 50% anullay throgh 2009.
a dominant market share coupled with high growth never comes cheap