Category Archives: stocks to avoid

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What most investors get wrong about gold stocks + new research report

There are three things the majority of investors fail to understand with regards to gold stocks. The first is gold is NOT THE hedge against inflation and thus gold stocks not even better hedges. The second is with higher gold prices, NOT ALL gold stocks go up exponentially. The third is the evergreen that all gold stocks are heavily undervalued by the stupid market and great buying opportunities. I am going to take these beliefs apart. My Premium PLUS members receive on top my best gold stock idea after I have already had a golden hand with my silver pick (for all my members). If you read until the end, I have a small gift for you.

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Back to 2012 after the blocked acquisition – is Capri Holdings a buy?

Last year in August, struggling Capri Holdings, known for its brands Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo, received a bid from competitor Tapestry. Capri’s stock surged by 50%. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to block this deal in fear of market concentration. As the deal still hasn’t closed and court hearings are ongoing, the stock lost now the complete bid premium. It fell even back again to 2012-levels. Is the stock a buy now?

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The untold risks of average returns

This headline might sound confusing at first sight, but behind it is a topic worth thinking about. As one understands what’s behind “average returns”, a portfolio check-up could be appropriate, especially if one is overweight in stocks with past above average performances paired with high valuations. A few thoughts on risk-adjusted investing.

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Uncle Sam as tenant? Two stocks with government exposure – Part I

While it is not directly investing in the government per se as you won’t have any direct ownership in it (luckily), I’ve found two stocks that are operating in the name of it. I am not talking about defense companies where governments are the sole customers (individuals don’t buy tanks). There are two high-yielding REITs with several government agencies as their tenants. Are they worth a look? Part one.

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Quitting at a loss to free up capital and the mind

Today, I’m writing about one of my (former) best stock ideas which didn’t play out as initially thought. Besides describing the case and the reason that led me to throw in the towel, I also want to use it to show why it’s important to regularly go over one’s portfolio and to cut the weeds.

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Paypal – despite –80%, I think it can fall another 50%

PayPal’s stock was without a doubt one of the highfliers during the 2020–2021 tech mania. At its top, PayPal was valued at around 15x sales, having a market cap of more than 350 bn. USD, despite only 6 bn. USD in free cash flow. Not so surprisingly, the stock came back from this unsustainable level, though many likely didn’t expect to see less than 15x earnings after a drop of 80%. Time for a turnaround? I think this is still a strong value trap, good enough to fall another 50%.

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Why I don’t like diversification

Buying either parts of or even entire other companies is a common way for businesses to grow. This inorganic route though is often used for empire building (higher salaries and bonuses), sometimes even to hide own problems inside the core business (presenting an external growth story) and more often than not destroying shareholder value by overpaying for the targets. Today, I’m discussing a company that is losing through diversification.

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A second look at tobacco stocks after BAT’s gigantic write-down

One the most heavily watched and discussed stocks last week was British American Tobacco after it released a trading update. While the headline read relatively okay-ish, on the following pages they admitted to take a hefty 25 bn. GBP impairment on their US operations with the next earnings. While many see this as a non-event due to not affecting cash flows, I’m looking at it differently. I rather feel confirmed with what I wrote earlier in the year about Altria.

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Today’s tech-leaders… can stop existing tomorrow

Tech stocks, “Big Tech” or the “Magnificent Seven” – the same the names get more stupid, the riskier investing in their stocks becomes. Many do not see it this way. For the bona fide investor these are core investments of their portfolios with great future potential. However, a critical look back at history tells us that the risk / reward ratio is not favorable. Size does not equal safety.

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“Fallen Angels” – why you should be cautious + new research report

No matter whether experienced or not, almost every investor is on the hunt for undervalued stocks to make money. What could be less welcome than a stock which has fallen in price and become cheaper? The problem is, “cheap” is not automatically “cheap”. In fact, buying cheap can become a costly mistake. I see a strict urgency to clean up with this dangerous myth that a stock only has to fall enough to become attractive.

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