Robert Hanley

Burger King has transformed itself into a pure-play franchiser through sales of company-owned properties, sending its profitability higher. Should investors bet on the story?

Shareholders of home-decor retailer Kirkland's had a lot to smile about in 2013, with a rising stock price due to consumers' increasing desire to decorate their new and existing homes. However, with major retailers encroaching on its turf, is it a good bet in the new year?

Post-IPO investors in The Fresh Market are still looking for daylight, as the company's stock price has had limited cumulative gains beyond the first day pop. With a recent sell-off attributed to growing pains, should investors take a bite?

Specialty retailer Mattress Firm has leveraged its role as industry consolidator to a big stock-price gain during the past year, while also benefiting from being a major distributor for industry dynamo Tempur Sealy. Should investors continue betting on this rising star?

Investors have bid shares of United Continental higher over the past year, believing that the major airline left its red ink in the past. Is it time for investors to look for the exit?

Warren Buffett bet big on Media General last year, with a big term loan that allowed the operator of local broadcasting affiliates to get over the debt-refinancing hump. Is it a good bet for investors?

Beazer Homes has ridden the Federal Reserve's tsunami of low-cost money to higher home sales and better business results, which has given the company time to rightsize its balance sheet. Is it a good bet for investors?

MDC Partners has rolled itself into a major position in the domestic advertising agency space. Can investors ride the company's coattails to future gains?

Shares of consumer-goods marketer Blyth have been on a downward spiral lately but jumped higher in October after receiving an acquisition offer from a competitor. Is it a good bet in the weight-loss business? Or are other businesses in the space such as Medifast and Weight Watchers International better positioned for success?

AFC Enterprises' Popeyes and Louisiana Kitchen concepts have been winning customers in the chicken quick-serve wars, leading to strong stock price gains. Is it still a good bet?

Dillard's has created significant shareholder value since the financial crisis by staying close to its roots and focusing on the bottom line. Is it still a good bet?

Iconic footwear maker Crocs seems to have private equity firms sniffing around its operations and its cash hoard. Should investors bet on this small cap?

Men's Wearhouse turned from the hunted to the hunter in November, making a counter bid for smaller competitor Jos. A. Bank Clothiers. With its core business weak, though, should investors bet on upside for this niche retailer?

Despite a multi-year battle against detractors who seek to change its operating practices, SeaWorld's properties continue to rank among the top theme park destinations.

Legendary investor Carl Icahn has a long-term bet on the railroad industry through supplier American Railcar. This play has worked well lately as industry shipments rise. Should new investors get in now?

H&E Equipment has had a nice run in 2013, leveraging strength in the domestic construction sector. Should new investors take a position?

Clothing and accessories designer Jones Group has been restructuring its business to reinvigorate growth, attracting some interest from private equity firms. Should investors buy in to the story, or should they focus on peers like Fifth & Pacific Companies and Micheal Kors Holdings?

Career Education gave up its global ambitions with the recent sale of its international operations. Is it time for investors to buy in?

Media mogul John Malone seems to be at it again, working to engineer a possible tie-up between his Charter Communications investment and Time Warner Cable. Should investors bet on the target?

Last week was a bad one for Tile Shop Holdings, with allegations of accounting shenanigans and a falling stock price. Is it a buying opportunity for investors?