It's fundamental: Stick with stocks
The Sunday Star-Ledger, Sunday, September 18, 2005

MAKING THIS WEEK'S PICKS: Mark Meyerowitz is an independent registered investment adviser with Meyerowitz Investment Management in West Orange. He believes wealth is created through long-term ownership of shares of steadily growing businesses. He combines a company's fundamental growth with the supply and demand of the stock. Meyerowitz, his firm and his clients may own some of these investments.

1. COLDWATER CREEK

The specialty chain sells clothing, jewelry and home furnishings targeted at what he calls the underserved 35- to 60-year-old woman. In 2004, it had sales of $590 million. It's growing at a 26 percent annualized rate, and plans to open several hundred stores in the next few years, he says. "Coldwater Creek is right for aggressive, long-term investors."

NOTE: Data are through Friday.

2. PROSPERITY BANCSHARES

This community bank, based in the Houston area, has $3.4 billion in assets with a growth rate of 15 percent per year. It recently announced a 46 percent increase in quarterly earnings from the year earlier. "Prosperity pays a dividend that totals about 1.1 percent, and it raises the dividend payout aggressively," he says.

3. BRIGHT HORIZONS FAMILY SOLUTIONS

The company offers on-site child care and educational services for business employees and their families in the United States, Canada, England and Ireland. "Bright Horizons' business is growing at a 19 percent rate per year," he says. "Bright Horizons may be right for a long-term investor looking for capital growth."