We talked about stocks. My friend showed me her monthly dividend averages for the last three years, the growth from $9 to $30 (wow!!) and I feel I have a lot of catching up to do. She's a dividend investor though, and I'm a "fundamental" investor looking for a good balance of growth and income.

We shared our favourite stocks: I showed her Value Line investment surveys for Target, Walgreen Co. and Freeport-McMoran. I bought two shares of Walgreen by mail, because of the 20% projected LOW annual return, and I already own the stock through a direct purchase plan. She mentioned Southern Copper (SCCO), American Express (AXP), Apollo (AINV) - 14% Dividend plus low of 30% annual growth.

eBay (EBAY) and Pan American Silver (PAAS) look good too. I'm happy buying silver for now, but if I got hold of an A-level Financial Strength, Return on Equity of 16%+, projected LOW annual return of 20% stock, I'd be dividing my $$ between precious metals and the stock. Right now I don't pay taxes purchasing precious metals (I pay a 3% premium, not a flat rate), plus if my credit union ever *ahem*ed for its HELOC money back, I could pay them back within three days. Not so easy with direct purchase plans.

SCCO - Price/Sales: 4.44; 4.66% Short Float; Target Price: 36.87

EBAY - Price/Sales: 3.83 1.12% Short Float; Target Price 38.28

AXP - Price/Sales: 1.83 0.73%% Short Float; Target Price 56.60

PAAS - Price/Sales: 1.83 0.73%% Short Float; Target Price 56.60