Isn’t it amazing how forgetful market participants can be? Not even a full month ago, sentiment was as if the (financial) world were about to implode. Just a week later the panic-induced market losses were already gained back and three weeks later the crowd is smelling new all-time highs again. What I’m concerned about is expectations seem to be that nothing unfortunate will happen again. I have become a bit concerned, as complacency seems to be EXTRAORDINARILY high. In such an environment, small shifts are enough to cause a market panic – there are a few signs to be aware of. And a new stock idea for my members to capitalize on that, too.
Continue readingUncle Sam as tenant – part III – prison stocks
Five months ago, I published two articles, each about a company renting out different facilities to US government agencies like the FBI, the postal service or the Department of Veteran Affairs. Both were REITs with seemingly safe tenants and high occupancy ratios. I was not convinced of these stocks, though, due to either high debt and / or the financial well-being of some tenants. Today, I am discussing in this third article the two big private prison stocks.
Continue readingTwo years of Financial Engineering – about impatience and patience
With this weekly coming off the press, my blog has officially turned two years. Like I have done in August of 2023, I am using this time of the year again for a review to write down my current thoughts regarding the past, the present and the future. While last year’s review was a bit more multi-facetted, I want to discuss the topic of impatience and patience now and how it applies to my stock ideas.
Continue readingEstée Lauder – after –75% still not pretty + dividend in danger
A common misconception is that lower stock prices are akin to cheaper shares. Without much explanation, it is logical that this can only apply when the underlying business has at least been stable. Otherwise it is possible that a stock even becomes more expensive! While this is not the case at Estée Lauder, despite a 75% drop from its all-time high, the stock is still looking ugly valuation-wise. A decent downside risk remains. On top, the likelihood for a dividend cut or even entire suspension is significant.
Continue readingFlow Traders – it was right to cut the loss
My longer time readers and members will be familiar with the Dutch company Flow Traders as it once was one of my stock ideas (my very first report I published since launching my blog). In late September 2023, now ten months ago, however, I closed this case at a small loss of –10% (including dividends). It was not an easy decision as this was more an unconventional stock idea (basically a hedge against a market crash). Looking back, this was absolutely the correct decision to cut the small loss, because it would be a bigger hole now…
Continue readingInterview with a fellow investor + YouTuber
Herewith, I am happy to publish another interview – my third in total and this time with Darrell Thomas who invited me several times to his growing YouTube channel “The Money Levels Show”. As a stock investor and blogger myself, I am always interested in what my colleagues are thinking, saying, writing or in this case broadcasting about different topics regarding stock investments.
Continue readingAfter raising big money during the mania – is Gamestop a buy now?
Over the last weeks, the stock of struggling gaming retailer GameStop has been making big waves for a second time after 2021. Fortunately, management made use of the mania and raised an insane ~4.3 bn. USD via two equity raises. With such a huge cash pile and no debt, GameStop is not in danger of going bankrupt anytime soon. As the stock is down again significantly, is it now worth a look?
Continue readingThe case of NIKE – NOT worth every price
About two weeks ago, the stock of former darling Nike collapsed by 20%, something many thought could not be possible for a market leader. Especially, as Nike’s shares have fallen already by 40% from their all-time high at truly excessive valuations. But of course it’s possible, as a lower stock even by this margin is not automatically an attractive investment from a risk and reward perspective (sorry buy-the dippers). Today’s Weekly is a lesson about valuations and market behavior, something we need to remind ourselves all over again not to fall into valuations traps, no matter how bullish sentiment is.
Continue readingBreaking up to unlock value + new research report
While I do not agree that the market is efficient all the time, I also do not agree that it is completely inefficient. Especially in today’s world where information is more accessible than ever before. The truth will likely be somewhere in the middle. Clear cases with little surprises and high transparency with lots of attention tend to be valued fairly or even overvalued, especially when sentiment is positive. However, when something is overlooked and / or less transparent, respectively a bit more complicated and even hated, there’s a chance to find hidden value.
Continue readingHangover: Time to buy Brown-Forman?
Who doesn’t know the saying that quality has its price? While I would not necessarily view Jack Daniel’s Whiskey’s as high quality, the parent company Brown-Forman’s stock for long has been seen and valued by the market as such. Shares seemingly knew only one way: slowly, but reliably up. Despite small growth rates and unlike its bottles on the shelves, this high-margin business’ equity was never really on sale – until recently. Is this finally a once in a decade buying opportunity?
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