This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolios series.
Most investors don't keep tabs on their companies' fundamental value. That's a mistake. If you take the time to read past the headlines and crack a filing now and then, you're in a much better position to spot potential trouble early. Better yet, you'll improve your odds of finding the underappreciated home run stocks that provide the market's best returns.
We can help you keep tabs on your companies with MyWatchlist.com, our free, personalized stock tracking service. Here are three stocks from my watchlist that have been hot lately.
1. 8x8
8x8 caught my eye after it had risen almost 20% in the past month. The company provides Internet-based phone services and is getting out of the consumer segment to focus exclusively on business sales. The company is also expanding its offerings into video communications, taking on giant Cisco Systems
2. ATP Oil & Gas
ATP Oil & Gas caught my eye long ago, but recently more so since it has jumped more than 40% in the past month. The company's story is fairly well known. In 2010, ATP Oil & Gas was expected to drill four wells that would transform the company into a cash flow machine. ATP Oil & Gas finished one well early in the year, but then the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico with Transocean's
3. Great Panther Silver
Great Panther Silver caught my eye after rallying 12% over the past month compared with an 8% rise for Central Fund of Canada
My Foolish bottom line
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