Saying his pick was a “contrarian idea in one of the most beaten down sectors,” an investment advisor has picked Hertz Global Holdings (NYSE: HTZ) as his top investment for 2009.

This post is part of a special annual report – Top Stock Picks ’09-- in which 75 newsletter advisors were asked to select their favorite investment for the new year.

In his Stock Market Blog and Special Situations Report, advisor Glenn Cutler says that in addition to being the world’s largest car rental brand with more than 8,000 locations in 144 countries, Hertz Global has corporate and licensee airport locations in North America and locations such as Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

"Weakness in the economy and tight consumer behavior has pushed shares of car rental companies down to levels which discount Armageddon,” Cutler wrote. Small players like Advantage Rent A Car have recently failed and stronger companies are positioned to benefit as market share opportunities open up, he added.

He concluded that Hertz is positioned to bounce back in 2009 with even a modest uptick in economic recovery.

"This is a very contrarian idea to invest in the most beaten down sectors, but often this is a rewarding approach for investors who can afford to wait,” he said.