Jim Fink

I admit it, I'm a couch potato. After a long day at work, there's nothing better than sitting in front of the TV. ?

Pop quiz: Who can tell me the definition of a PEG ratio? If you read last month's Profit Playbook, you know it's the price-to-earnings ratio divided by a forward estimate of earnings growth. It's a useful gauge, but it only tells part of the story -- after all, the value of a company doesn't hinge solely on current earnings and future annual earnings growth. The real McCoy -- actual cash dividends paid out now -- also provides value. ?

Hybrids are all the rage these days. While that talk usually is restricted to cars and gas prices, shares can get in the hybrid game, too. Take B&G Foods EIS (NYSE: BGF): With each unit, you get one share of the common stock (BGS (NYSE: BGS)) plus a callable corporate bond (meaning the company can redeem them prior to maturity)with a $7.15 par value (the amount of principal you get back when the bond matures in October 2016). ?

PEG ratio (n.): A useful investing measure that sounds a lot more complicated than it really is.

Just because we're probably in a recession doesn't mean there's no hope. You can still find earnings growth in foreign companies whose businesses offer significant exposure to growing economies overseas. Genesis Lease (NYSE: GLS), an aircraft leasing company based in low-tax Ireland, does business with 34 airlines in 17 countries -- and 36.4% of that business is in Asia. Today, Genesis has 53 aircraft in its $1.7 billion lease portfolio. Given that there are 18,500 commercial jet aircraft worth

Invest like the Rockefellers.

Nell Minow is the co-founder of The Corporate Library (www.thecorporatelibrary.com), which provides corporate governance research and tools for investment analysts, as well as corporate, legal, and academic clients. She also reviews movies from a parent's perspective at her site, Movie Mom (www.moviemom.com).

When money gets tight, you might pass on opera tickets or that Caribbean cruise, but you won't skimp when it comes to life-saving surgery or medication. That's why health-care stocks outperform when the economy slows. Health-care spending, which consumes 16% of the nation's GDP, is expected to double to $4.2 trillion by 2016, increasing that chunk of GDP to 20%.

Invest like the Rockefellers.

We're a country of procrastinators. That's why Uncle Sam has to look out for those of us who put off until tomorrow what we should do today, and gives us until April 15 to contribute to an IRA for the 2007 tax year. But that nefarious postmark date is fast approaching, so send in your check (or make that e-transfer) now.

You are about to witness history, ladies and gents. For the first and probably last time, I am writing favorably about a company that is about to cut its dividend. Because of an impending acquisition, rural telephone company Fairpoint Communications (NYSE: FRP) plans to slash its dividend 35%.

Invest like the Rockefellers.

New stock recommendations are exciting -- who doesn't love getting fresh ideas about where to put money? But don't sell the rest of our scorecard -- the oldies but goodies -- short. Looking back at our previous stock recommendations can uncover some great insights and money-making opportunities.

Want to start a fist fight? Invite a bunch of stock analysts to a bar, buy them a few drinks, and mention the name Biovail (NYSE: BVF). This drug technology company engenders either love or hate, and nothing in between. Count me among the Biovail bulls.

Invest like the Rockefellers.

You may not have it, but you can still profit from it by investing with those who do.

In the spirit of Hollywood's annual Golden Raspberry Awards for the film industry's worst, Wall Street's "Razzie" this year has to go to homebuilders and mortgage financers. But banks -- down 21% for the year -- aren't far behind. That can mean great values, but it can also mean huge value traps. Thus, it is more important than ever to value banks correctly. And that's not easy. Financial service companies are arguably the most difficult to value.