Six China stocks set to take home Olympic gold

"The Olympics have long been a boon to stock markets of host countries," notes Tony Sagami, a leading global stock advisor with a noted specialty in Asian markets.

In his Asia Stock Alert, he notes, "I believe will be chief beneficiaries of the Olympic Games will be consumer and travel-related stocks. And within these sectors, I've chosen six stocks poised to bring home Olympic gold from Beijing."

"We saw a 19% gain in the Spanish stock market in the 12 months before the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and the 27% gain in the Greek stock market in the year before the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"And those countries were not growing at a fraction of the breakneck pace that China is. So it wouldn't surprise me to see the Chinese stock market do even better.

Olympic Gold Winner #1: China Mobile (NYSE: CHL):

"It seems like every person I see in China has a cell phone glued to their ear. And the cell phone is also the common way most Chinese access the Internet and email. In China, the cell phone 'is' the personal computer.

"Heck, most new high rise condominium and apartment complexes being built in China aren't even wired for land lines. China Mobile has more cell phone users (360 million) than the U.S. has people. I expect a lot of cell phone calls and text messages during the Beijing Olympics.

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Olympic Gold Winner #2: Focus Media (NASDAQ: FMCN):

"China is booming but most Chinese still can't afford TVs, personal computers, or cars. Because of that, the only way for companies to reach those consumers is through billboards and video monitors strategically placed in heavily traveled areas like elevators, train stations, and bus stops.

"Focus Media is the dominant advertising firm in China. So every company that wants to reach people attending or watching the Beijing Olympics will be spending millions on Focus Media ads.

Olympic Gold Winner #3: Home Inns (NASDAQ: HMIN):

"While most affluent foreigners will stay in fancy western hotel chains, the more budget conscious travelers — like me — will be checking into one of these spotlessly clean, bargain-priced rooms at the fastest-growing hotel chain in China.

"At less than $40 a night, Home Inns was running at a 90%-plus occupancy rate, but they are already sold out for the Olympics at triple the price. The company's tremendous value proposition will make it a big, big winner for many years after the Olympics.

Olympic Gold Winner #4: CTrip.com (NASDAQ: CTRP):

"CTrip is China's largest travel agency and odds are good that it will be handling the hotel and airline reservations for many Chinese travelers.

"In fact, business is already skyrocketing ... and the Olympics are six months away. CTrip recently reported its quarterly results and they were spectacular: A 52% increase in revenues and a 58% increase in profits. That's an amazing growth rate and yet CTrip only sells for 33 times earnings.

Olympic Gold Winner #5:  Yum Brands (NYSE: YUM):

"Hungry visitors are going to swarm Yum's restaurants during the Summer Games. Heck, I always utter a huge sigh of relief whenever I see the unmistakable logo of the 2,000 KFC and Pizza Huts peppered around China.

"I bet those stores will be packed morning, noon, and night during the Olympics. You better believe that Yum Brands will be making some very big profits during the Summer Games.

Olympic Gold Winner #6: New Oriental Education (NYSE: EDU):

"Beijing is going to be flooded with foreign visitors and very few of them will speak Mandarin. That's why any Chinese worker with even basic English skills is going to be in very high demand ... and very well paid.

"That opportunity isn't lost on the Chinese and they are signing up in droves for basic English classes at New Oriental. And while the payoff at the Olympics may be immediate, the long-term payoff for acquiring English skills is to the moon. That means plenty of future business for EDU.

"Overall, the pullback in Chinese shares is opening up a great opportunity. I am not suggesting that you rush out and buy all of these stocks today. As always, you should do your own research.

"And while weakness could continue in the short term, it is also creating what looks like a great long-term opportunity. China's economy may be the most powerful in history. Adding in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and the country's stock market could explode with potential."