Research Articles
When and Why to Buy or Sell a Stock (Part 1 of a Series)
2010-10-24
Introduction The two most important questions that investors in common stocks want answered are: When to buy, and when to sell? Unfortunately, we don’t believe that perfect answers to either question are possible. There are sound answers, prudent answers, and intelligent answers – but no perfect answers. On the other hand, there often exist very […]
Why Buy and Hold Will Always Be a Sound Investing Strategy
2010-10-19
It seems like the debate regarding the merits of the “buy-and-hold” investing strategy is alive and well. We always find these discussions amusing, because we believe that it is such a pointless discussion. There is no general argument or case that can be made to support the buy-and-hold strategy or to negate it. The only […]
Not All Dividends Are the Same, Even When They Are
2010-10-15
Introduction The better informed the investor is, the better the investment decisions they can make. But being an informed investor can be a very arduous task, and some would even say that conducting research on common stocks is a real snoozer. Poring over mounds of financial data and trying to piece this information into meaningful […]
Larry Ellison: Oracle’s Profit Oracle
2010-10-13
There are many adjectives that can be used to describe Larry Ellison, the charismatic leader and founder of Oracle Corp (ORCL). Detractors could call him brash, arrogant, rude and perhaps flamboyant. Fans would describe him as candid, forthright and straight to the point, brave and not afraid to speak his mind or tell it like […]
Fishing for The Six Best U.S. Dividend Stocks
2010-10-08
There is a running argument regarding whether or not dividend paying stocks are interchangeable for bonds. The pro-bond side argues in favor of the stability of bond prices and the predictability of bond interest. The pro-dividend paying stocks side argues in favor of the potential for increasing dividend income coupled with possible capital appreciation. In […]
Costco vs. Wal-Mart: Who Wins the Stock Price Wars?
2010-10-07
Headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, Costco (COST) reported fiscal year fourth quarter earnings Wednesday that beat street estimates only to see its shares slide. Although earnings were two cents better than estimated, revenues came in a little short. So far, the media is attributing Wednesday’s stock slide to the revenue miss and slightly slower September sales […]