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December 2002
Moderate Trader
Contents
Back Issues
August 2002
Sept. 2002
Oct. 2002
Nov. 2002
Investing
Buy & Sell: Housing Manufacturers
The High Momentum Dow Stocks
Model Portfolio
Sold
Buy Alert
Model Portfolio Chart
New Investors
Model Portfolio II
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On December 9, 2002, UAL Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the Dow Jones industrial average immediately reacted to the negative announcement by falling 172.36 points and closing at 8473.41. Furthermore, Bank of America lowered its rating on International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE symbol: IBM) to “market perform” (continued in: Investing).
Housing manufacturers
By mid 2000 the majority of stocks in this sector fell to low levels due to fear of a recession. Although the U.S. economy entered a recessionary stage, due to the lower interest rates during the past two years the economic environment was great for housing manufacturers. Many investors (continued in: Buy & Sell ).
Disney Walt Company (NYSE symbol: DIS) is a giant that owns TV stations, radio stations, and has stakes in several cable channels. The company produces films through its Walt Disney Studios. Last, but not least, the company owns Disney World and (continued in: The High Momentum Dow Stocks).
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: AMAT) is a major supplier of wafer processing equipment that is used to produce semiconductors. The company produces systems that use physical vapor deposition technology, ( continued in Model Portfolio).
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Editor's Page
Welcome to the Moderate Trader. Within these pages a potential investor can easily find information that will be helpful when making the decision to buy or sell a stock. These factors are explored in detail in the section titled “Investing.”
On December 16, 2002, Cavalier Homes, Inc., (NYSE symbol: CAV) closed at $2.06 per share. Read on to see how we rate this stock. We are also featuring the stock of Champion Enterprises, Inc., (NYSE symbol: CHB) that closed at $3.09 per share on December 16, 2002. Those wondering whether to buy or sell these stocks will want to read the “Buy & Sell” section.
In November 2002, we started a new section titled “The high momentum Dow stocks.” In this section we will feature Dow Jones industrial stocks that either have appreciated at a fast pace, tumbled to a low level, or, depending on the money flow, could ascend or descend at a fast pace during the next three months.
In our Model Portfolio section, investors will find a brief description about each stock in our portfolio, our target level at which to buy these stocks, approximately when to sell them, and at what price level.
We have decided to increase cash position in our Model Portfolio. To find out which stocks were sold recently please read the section titled Sold.
Read our Buy Alert section to find out which stocks will be bought when they reach our target level. The majority of the stocks that were on our original Buy list have been bought during the past eight months and added to our Model Portfolio.
For your convenience we have listed the stock split dates and change in value for each one of the stocks held in our Model Portfolio in the section titled Model Portfolio Chart.
In May 2002, we started a section called New investors with a list of five stocks provided in Model Portfolio II that may be bought by investors who are just starting to build their stock portfolio. On July 10, 2002, we added one more stock to the list and now there is a total of six stocks in our Model Portfolio II.
We welcome your questions, or comments. Please E-mail them to: webmaster@moderatetrader.com

JESSICA BEZOLD, Editor
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Investing
On December 9, 2002, UAL Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and the Dow Jones industrial average immediately reacted to the negative announcement by falling 172.36 points and closing at 8473.41. Furthermore, Bank of America lowered its rating on International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE symbol: IBM) to “market perform” from a “buy”. If Big Blue is overvalued when it’s trading at 27 times earnings, then other technology stocks that are trading at a P/E of 50 or higher are really overvalued. We featured IBM in the section The high momentum Dow stocks in the November 2002 issue and we still maintain our buy target level of approximately $48.87 per share.
The Federal Reserve board members met on Tuesday, December 10, 2002, and left interest rates unchanged at 1.25 percent, a 41-year low. The Dow Jones industrial average closed at 8574.26, up 100.85 points. The Nasdaq Composite index closed at 1390.76, up 23.62 points.
Since October 9, 2002, the Dow Jones industrial average rose 23 percent while the Nasdaq Composite index rose 33 percent by November 27, 2002. The market is overbought and the price to earnings ratio is still too high. Due to such factors, short-term the market is bound to fall and test its recent support levels, perhaps by mid January 2003. The Dow Jones industrial average could test its October 9, 2002, support level of 7286.27 and the Nasdaq Composite index could test its October 9, 2002, low of 1114.11.
This is the time of year when investors may do some tax-loss selling. Investors should remember that an IRS rule specifies that an investor will have to wait a minimum of 31 days before buying the same stock again. An investor may, however, sell a stock and then buy a stock of another company in the same sector. For example, an investor may sell a stock of Lucent Technologies, Inc., and immediately buy a stock of JDS Uniphase Corporation and hold it long-term.
Investors have been informed by the media not to expect double-digit returns on stocks in the future years. That is incorrect. During this volatile market some of the tech stocks may fluctuate by 30 percent, or more, in less than three months. Just recently the stock of International Business Machines Corporation rose from $55.07 to $87.70 per share by November 27, 2002. That was a gain of $32.63, or 59 percent in seven weeks.
Although investors have to be aware that short-term trading, especially in tech stocks, is risky, it is also one of the major areas that has the potential to generate the highest short-term gains.
Speculators who have cash on the sidelines should wait patiently and then start buying stocks at their low levels. Many tech stocks may test their support level in mid January 2003. Some of these tech stocks may never again reach such low levels. On the contrary, two years from now some of these tech stocks may revisit their previous highs and reward investors with gains as high as 400 percent.
Short-term, the market may remain very volatile and speculators could achieve best results by trading stocks such as the ones mentioned in the section: The high momentum Dow stocks. Investors should remember that short-term trading is risky and will greatly increase one’s tax liability.
In January 2002, we stated in Investing “Warning! Speculators who have marginal accounts should minimize the margin level as soon as possible. Sell some of the stocks in your account during the market rallies in January 2002. Bring your margin level to zero, if possible. Speculators who do not bring their margin level to zero should be prepared to have enough cash on hand to add to their marginal account.”
Although the market rallied on Monday, December 16, 2002, and the Dow Jones industrial average closed at 8627.40 with a gain of 193.69 points this may have been its last attempt to test the resistance level. A decision was made to take advantage of this opportunity and sell several equities to increase cash position in our Model Portfolio. On Monday, December 16, 2002, five more stocks were sold. After these stocks were sold, as of Monday, December 16, 2002, after the market closed, the asset allocation in our Model Portfolio was 52 percent equities and 48 percent cash.
The market is still in an overall downtrend and has not reached its bottom yet. Speculators who are still on margin should sell some of their blue chip stocks before they generate a loss. Continue to build your cash position. As the remaining large-cap stocks continue to fall, these marginal accounts could generate margin calls during the next four months.
Cash is king! Investors should preserve the cash they have on hand and then start to accumulate equities at a moderate pace when they reach our buy target levels. Initially, do not commit more than 20 percent of your cash to equities because it could take this lengthy bear market several more months to reach its bottom.
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Buy & Sell
Housing manufacturers
By mid 2000 the majority of stocks in this sector fell to low levels due to fear of a recession. Although the U.S. economy entered a recessionary stage, due to the lower interest rates during the past two years the economic environment was great for housing manufacturers. Many investors who lost money in the stock market decided to invest the remainder of their cash in a home of their own and the sales of single family homes continued to boom.
Although overall the market was in a downtrend during the past two years some of the stocks in this sector were excellent performers and provided investors with gains as high as 300 percent.
By the end of September 2002, the stocks in this sector were fully valued. Although there is a very slight probability that the Federal Reserve Board members could lower interest rates by an additional 25 basis points, or a quarter of a percent, this premium is already factored in the price of the stocks of housing manufacturers. As speculators and mutual fund managers proceed to sell the stocks in this sector to lock in their gains and the money flow starts to fall, these equities could descend to much lower levels.
Cavalier Homes, Inc. (NYSE symbol: CAV) designs and manufactures single-family houses with a focus on the low-to medium-priced manufactured housing market. The Company also provides home financing and insurance. Cavalier Homes markets its houses through 238 dealers participating in its Exclusive Dealer Program and through approximately 600 non-exclusive independent dealers in 30 states.
This stock fell to a low level of $0.75 per share in December 2000. Afterwards, as the money flow rose $3.7 million this stock ascended to a high of $4.20 per share on February 4, 2002. This equity has been in a downtrend since April 2002. On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $2.06 per share and is fully valued.
If the money flow continues to fall, this stock could test its support level of $1.68 per share. When this equity reaches such a level, speculators should monitor it closely. If this stock were to break through its $1.68 support level, it could fall to $0.75 per share by April 2003.
Speculators may want to buy this stock at such a level and then hold it long-term until it reaches approximately $3.75 per share. If this stock were to reach such a level, speculators should sell it immediately to lock in their gain.
Champion Enterprises, Inc., (NYSE symbol: CHB) is a major producer of manufactured housing, with 39 home building facilities in sixteen states and western Canada.
This stock closed at a high level of $13.47 per share on December 10, 2001. Afterwards, as the money flow fell $136 million, this equity closed at a low of $2.12 per share on November 11, 2002. On November 27, 2002, this stock closed at $3.80 per share and was fully valued at that level. As the money flow proceeded to fall, this stock descended to a low level and closed at $3.09 per share on December 16, 2002.
If the money flow continues to fall, CHB could test its support level of $2.12 per share and speculators may want to buy it at such a level. As the earnings improve, albeit at a slow pace, this stock could test its resistance level of $9.30 by the end of 2004. If this stock were to reach such a level, speculators should sell it immediately to lock in their gain.
D.R.Horton, Inc., (NYSE symbol: DHI) is one of the largest homebuilders in the United States, with 11 operating divisions in 21 states. The company offers high quality homes ranging in price from $90,000 to $900,000. This stock closed at a low level of $7.96 per share in February 2000. Afterwards, as the money flow rose $1.9 billion during the next 24 months, this stock closed at a high of $28.43 per share on March 12, 2002.
As speculators and mutual fund managers proceeded to sell this stock to lock in their gains this equity proceeded to descend. On August 20, 2002, the 50 day Moving Average fell below the 200 day Moving Average and the stock closed at $21.79 per share. As the money flow continued to descend, this stock closed at $17.95 per share on December 16, 2002.
If this stock were to break through its support level of $16.06 it could test its support level of $10.73 in the second half of 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a speculative long-term buy.
Hovnanian Enterprises, Inc., (NYSE symbol: HOV) is the fourteenth largest homebuilder in the United States. The company designs, builds, and sells a variety of home designs, from entry-level condominiums to luxury single-family homes.
This equity has been in a strong uptrend since March 2000. As the money flow rose $890 million, this stock ascended to a high level and closed at $40.00 on September 17, 2002. At that level this equity was fully valued. As the money flow proceeded to fall this stock descended to lower levels and closed at $33.20 per share on December 16, 2002.
Although this equity is trading at a low P/E ratio of 9 times earnings it is fully valued and could continue its slow descent. Speculators who own this stock may want to sell it now. If the money flow were to fall $390 million during the next twelve months this stock could descend to a low of $10.85 per share. At such a level we would rate this stock a long-term buy.
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The High Momentum Dow Stocks
In this section we will feature stocks that either have appreciated at a fast pace, tumbled to a low level, or depending on the money flow could ascend or descend at a fast pace during the next three months.
Disney Walt Company (NYSE symbol: DIS) is a giant that owns TV stations, radio stations, and has stakes in several cable channels. The company produces films through its Walt Disney Studios. Last, but not least, the company owns Disney World and Disneyland.
On April 25, 2002, this stock closed at a high of $25.00 per share and then proceeded to descend. During the next four months money flow fell $3.5 billion and the stock slid to a low level of $13.77 per share on August 13, 2002.
As the money flow rose $1.6 billion during the following fourteen weeks the stock rebounded and closed at $19.89 per share on November 27, 2002. During the next three weeks money flow fell $994 million and the stock closed at $16.88 per share on December 16, 2002.
Speculators who already own this stock may want to sell it. If the money flow were to fall $3.4 billion during the next three months, then this stock could test its support level of $11.58 per share by mid April 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a strong buy.
Philip Morris Companies, Inc., (NYSE symbol: MO) is the world’s largest tobacco company and its Marlboro brand has worldwide recognition. The company has an 83 percent stake in Kraft Foods, the world’s second largest food company.
This stock closed at a high level of $57.72 on June 4, 2002, and since then has been in an overall downtrend. By October 4, 2002, money flow has fallen $8.9 billion in four months. This stock closed at a low level of $36.17 per share on October 10, 2002.
Afterwards, as money flow rose $1.7 billion during the following four weeks, this stock proceeded to ascend. On October 11, 2002, this stock closed at $42.98 per share and then the following day this equity tumbled $5.95 and closed at $37.03 per share. Then, MO proceeded to ascend and closed at $41.49 per share on December 16, 2002.
This stock is still in an overall downtrend. Although this stock is trading at a low P/E ratio of 7 times earnings and the quarterly dividend payout is $0.64 per share, investors should avoid this stock. If the money flow were to fall $14 billion during the next nine months, this stock could test its support level of $21.88 by mid September 2002. At such a level we would rate this stock a speculative long-term buy.
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Model Portfolio
Sold 500 shares of Advanced Micro Devices on December 11, 2002, at $7.86 per share.
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE symbol: AMD) manufactures microprocessors, flash memory devices, data communications products, and network products. While the demand for microprocessors continued to grow worldwide in the year 2000, Intel Corporation was not able to produce enough chips due to insufficient manufacturing capacity. During that time AMD was able to increase its market share. AMD and Intel continue their fierce competition.
The stock of AMD reached a high of $94.63 per share on June 21, 2000 (after the 2-for-1 stock split that was issued on August 22, 2000, this high was adjusted to $47.32). Before the company issued the split, the stock was already in a downtrend. During the sell-off in chip stocks, this stock closed at $13.81 per share on December 29, 2000.
Due to the strong money flow, this stock proceeded to rebound and closed at $20.00 per share on January 4, 2002. On January 8, 2002, this stock closed at $19.90 per share and we stated: “…in our opinion it is fully valued at this level.”
On April 12, 2002, this stock closed at $13.15 per share. This stock maintained its downtrend and on April 18, 2002, broke through its support level of $12.85 and closed at $12.60 per share, down $2.21 for the day. As the money flow continued to fall, this stock maintained its slow downtrend and closed at $9.60 per share on June 14, 2002.
This stock reached our buy target level on June 21, 2002, and 200 shares were bought at $8.11 per share and added to our Model Portfolio.
The money flow fell sharply and this stock closed at $6.40 per share on September 20, 2002. On September 20, 2002 we stated “Depending on the money flow and other key indicators, this equity may continue its downtrend and could reach a low of approximately $3.74 per share by the end of November 2002. At such a level speculators may want to buy more shares.”
After the company announced on Wednesday, October 2, 2002, that its third-quarter revenue would come in below estimates, the stock was pummeled. On Thursday, October 3, 2002, it closed at $3.63 down $1.74 for the day. The stock of Advanced Micro Devices fell below our revised buy target level and an additional 300 shares were bought at $3.58 per share on October 4, 2002.
As the money flow rose, this equity ascended to its recent high level very quickly. That’s why all of the shares of Advanced Micro Devices were sold on December 11, 2002, at $7.86 per share. There is a slight probability that this stock could reach our target level of $2.50 per share by mid January 2003. If this equity were to reach such a low level then 1,000 shares will be bought immediately and added to our Model Portfolio.
Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: AMAT) is a major supplier of wafer processing equipment that is used to produce semiconductors. The company produces systems that use physical vapor deposition technology, chemical vapor deposition and oxide etching.
The demand for the company’s equipment continues to accelerate in line with the growing sales of computers and telecommunication devices.
Although short-term, there may be a temporary decline in demand for the equipment made by Applied Materials, but in our opinion long-term outlook for the company is excellent.
As the demand for chips continues to grow worldwide, the sales of Applied Materials could grow approximately 20 percent annually during the next five years.
On July 16, 2001, this stock fell to a low of $41.95 per share and then closed at $45.86 on July 31, 2001. In the September issue, we stated that AMAT could fall to $39 per share in September and at such a level would be a strong buy. Due to the horrific events of September 11, 2001, this stock fell tremendously and closed at $27.87 on September 27, 2001.
The company issued a 2-for-1 stock split on April 17, 2002. Now there are 320 shares in our Model Portfolio. Immediately after the company issued the stock split, this stock reversed its upward trend and proceeded to fall. On May 10, 2002, this stock closed at $23.70 per share.
During the next four weeks money flow fell $1.4 billion and the stock closed at $19.83 per share on June 14, 2002.
The chip sector has not rebounded yet and chip manufacturers are still postponing the purchases of additional chip making equipment. As the revenues remain flat, or even fall, this stock may test its support level. In July 2002, we stated, “This stock could test its support level of $13.75 by October 2002.” This equity broke through this support level sooner than we projected and closed at $12.76 per share on August 5, 2002. Afterwards, this stock proceeded to test its resistance level and closed at $14.70 per share on August 16, 2002.
On November 15, 2002, AMAT closed at $15.83 per share and was fully valued. To our surprise money flow rose $701 million during the next twelve days and this stock closed at a high of $17.49 per share on November 27, 2002. Afterwards, money flow proceeded to fall at a fast pace and this equity closed at $14.46 per share on December 16, 2002.
If the money flow were to fall $3.9 billion, this stock could drop to $6.27 per share by March 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a strong long-term buy. Investors who bought this equity at approximately $13.75 per share may want to average down and acquire more shares. Long-term, this stock could reach $48.25 per share. Hold this stock at least four years.
CMGI, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: CMGI) finds, acquires, develops, and operates Internet companies. It is one of the world’s largest Internet investment companies. CMGI consists of three venture capital funds.
CMGI, Inc. has developed a strategy to acquire start-up Internet companies, and then either sell them outright, or sell a minority interest and reinvest the cash proceeds. The company has a history of acquiring successful Internet companies. CMGI, Inc. acquired a majority stake in Alta Vista, while Compaq retained 17% equity ownership in the Alta Vista business.
To find out more about Alta Vista, visit the company’s Web site at www.altavista.com and to find out more about CMGI, Inc., visit the company’s Web site at www.CMGI.com
The main reason why we like this company is because it has an 83 percent interest in Alta Vista. CMGI planned to issue an Initial Public Offering in Alta Vista but due to the negative market condition the IPO has been postponed. When the market improves and the company does an IPO on Alta Vista, the stock of CMGI could establish a strong upward trend and may even reach $90 per share by the year 2006.
Once this stock reaches our revised target level of $59.75 per share, all three hundred shares will be sold to lock in the gain. We would like to remind investors that the risk of owning this stock is high; therefore it should only be bought by speculators. On December 2, 2002, this stock closed at a high of $1.68 per share and then proceeded to descend. As the money flow fell, this equity closed at $1.12 per share on December 16, 2002, and we maintain our rating of speculative long-term buy.
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: CSCO) makes data networking equipment, data switches, and networking gear. Cisco Systems continues to expand its market share. John T. Chambers, who is a CEO of Cisco Systems, continues to steer the company on a path to high growth and the long-term outlook for the company is excellent.
In our opinion, Cisco Systems, Inc. could resume its acquisition spree and the annual revenues may reach $50 billion in six years. Cisco Systems, Inc. is positioned to offer the latest equipment to service providers. IP internetworking technology which allows any company to host Internet applications and expand their service from basic voice traffic to broadband (which can carry data and provide Internet access and video conferencing) is among their innovations.
This stock closed at a low of $11.24 per share on September 27, 2001. It then proceeded to rebound and closed at $21.79 on December 6, 2001. Afterwards, as the money flow fell, this stock reversed its uptrend and proceeded to descend.
On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $13.70 per share. This equity is in a very slow downtrend and may test its support level by January 2003. If the money flow were to continue falling, in a worst case scenario this stock could drop to $5.75 per share by April 2003, and at such a level we would rate it a strong long-term buy. Investors who already own this stock could add to their position.
Previously we stated that this stock should be held at least ten years. Although patient investors may want to hold this stock five years, speculators may achieve a better return by trading this equity. On December 16, 2002, one hundred shares of Cisco Systems, Inc., were sold at $13.45 per share. There are still 100 shares of CSCO left in our Model Portfolio.
Compuware Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: CPWR) makes software that manages corporate networks and improves productivity. Its revenues are growing at a fast pace. The stock of Compuware Corporation reached $40 per share in December 1999.
This stock closed at a high of $13.75 per share on January 24, 2002 and then proceeded to fall.
Due to the weakness in the sector this stock maintained its downtrend and closed at $12.20 per share on March 15, 2002. In March 2002 we stated, “This stock may test its support level of $9.90 by the end of March or the beginning of April 2002 and investors may want to buy it at such a level.”
On April 4, 2002, this stock broke through its support level of $9.90 and closed at $8.28 per share, down $2.82 for the day. This equity continued its downtrend and closed at a low of $2.56 per share on August 13, 2002.
This stock closed at a high of $5.78 per share on November 25, 2002, and then proceeded to fall. On December 16, 2002, this equity closed at $5.00 per share. Buy this stock on a pullback, preferably below $3.25 per share.
Due to the negative outlook for this sector, we have revised our long-term target level down to $25.75 per share from $35.00 per share. Once this stock reaches our revised target level it will be sold immediately.
Corning Incorporated (NYSE symbol: GLW) is a major supplier of fiber-optic cable. Its inventory has been depleted to a low level and as the demand improves the company could sell more products. Afterwards this stock may establish a strong upward trend.
On March 11, 2002, this stock reached a high of $8.90 per share. Then, as money flow fell $631 million during the next four weeks, this equity proceeded to fall and closed at $6.38 per share on May 10, 2002. This stock continued its overall downtrend and closed at a low of $1.10 per share on October 8, 2002.
This equity closed at $3.90 per share on December 16, 2002. Buy this stock on a pullback, preferably below $1.87 per share. The expansion of revenues in this sector may be slower than we expected, therefore this stock will be held in our Model Portfolio long-term. These 100 shares of Corning, Inc., will be sold as soon as this stock reaches approximately $15.50 per share, perhaps in the second half of 2005.
Delia’s Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: DLIA) sells clothing and accessories for girls and women. Over half of the sales are generated at the company’s Web site.
In April of 1999, this stock closed at a high of $39.00 per share and then proceeded in a downtrend. As the money flow fell $266 million during the next nineteen months, this equity descended to a low level of $0.57 per share on December 22, 2000. Afterwards, as the money flow rose $229 million during the next seven months, this equity proceeded to ascend and closed at $7.16 per share on June 29, 2001.
Due to the negative outlook for this sector this stock fell and closed at a low level of $0.40 per share on October 8, 2002. On October 9, 2002, one thousand shares of Delia’s Corporation were bought at $0.43 per share. As the sales improve and if the money flow were to ascend $210 million during the next eight months this equity could rebound to approximately $4.50 per share. At such a level this stock will be sold immediately. On December 16, 2002, DLIA closed at $0.71 per share and we rate it a speculative short-term buy.
This stock was previously held in our Model Portfolio for slightly over two years and then on February 1, 2002, all of the shares of Delia’s, Inc., were sold at a gain of 84 percent.
Elan Corporation, plc (NYSE symbol: ELN) is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that develops and distributes a variety of prescription drugs. During the past seven years the company expanded by making aggressive acquisitions. On April 12, 2002, five hundred warrants of Elan Corporation, plc were bought at $0.50 per warrant.
These warrants trade under the symbol ELANZ and expire on August 31, 2005. As this stock tumbled, the price of warrants fell along with it. On December 16, 2002, these warrants closed at a low level of $0.10 per warrant. The risk of owning these warrants is high; therefore only speculators may buy them. These warrants will be sold as soon as they reach approximately $2.00 per warrant.
Sold 260 ADR’s of Ericsson LM Telephone on December 16, 2002, at $8.53 per ADR.
Ericsson LM Telephone (NASDAQ symbol: ERICY) is a leading supplier of mobile
phones and telecommunications equipment. Ericsson’s telecom equipment is among the most advanced in the world.
On April 11, 2002, an additional five hundred ADR’s were bought at $3.56 per ADR. After this equity was bought the money flow continued to fall and on October 18, 2002, ERICY closed at $0.62 per ADR.
There was a total of 1,300 ADR’s of Ericsson LM Telephone in our Model Portfolio and the rights to acquire 1,300 of new ADR’s class B shares were exercised on Friday, August 16, 2002. The order was filled on September 19, 2002 and there was a total of 2,600 ADR’s in our Model Portfolio.
Ericsson LM Telephone issued a 1-for-10 reverse stock split on October 23, 2002, and afterwards instead of 2,600 ADR’s there were only 260 ADR’s in our Model Portfolio.
This equity should have been sold a long time ago. We were waiting for this equity to reverse its downtrend but instead the company issued a reverse 1for 10 stock split. If this equity were to fall to approximately $5.75 per ADR we will buy it again and add it to our Model Portfolio.
Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE symbol: HPQ) is the second largest computer manufacturer in the world. The Company designs and makes notebook personal computers, servers, consumer PCs and networking equipment. Although revenues continue to grow, the earnings are still below the levels reached three years ago.
Hewlett-Packard Company acquired Compaq Computer Corporation on May 3, 2002. There were 100 shares of Compaq Computer Corporation in our Model Portfolio. For each share of Compaq, Hewlett-Packard issued 0.6325 shares of its stock. Now, there are 63 shares of Hewlett-Packard Company in our Model Portfolio. The new stock symbol for the company is HPQ. On May 10, 2002, HPQ closed at $19.26 per share and we rated it a hold.
We were not enthusiastic about this merger. Now that this merger is finalized, the only thing we can do is to hold HPQ shares long-term until they reach approximately $46 per share, perhaps in 2006.
While Compaq Computer was an independent company, it sold 83 percent of interest in Alta Vista website to CMGI, Inc. and retained 17 percent equity in Alta Vista. In the future this website could generate a substantial amount of revenue.
This stock broke through its support level of $14.96 sooner than we projected and closed at $14.62 per share on July 2, 2002. As the money flow continued to fall this equity closed at $11.52 on July 23, 2002. Then this stock proceeded to rebound and HPQ closed at $15.30 per share on August 22, 2002.
On October 9, 2002, HPQ broke through its support level and closed at a low of $11.16 per share. Then, as money flow rose $402 million this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $17.70 per share on November 4, 2002. During the next four weeks the money flow rose $1.7 billion and this equity continued its uptrend. On December 2, 2002, this stock closed at $19.83 per share and at such a level was fully valued. As the money flow fell, this stock closed at $18.95 per share on December 16, 2002.
Speculators should wait until this equity tests its $11.16 support level and if it were to fall below that level in a worst case scenario this stock could reach a low of $5.75 per share during the next six months. At such a level we would rate this stock a long-term buy.
Speculators may buy this stock and trade it, while patient investors may want to hold it until it reaches our target level of approximately $46 per share. As soon as this stock reaches our target level, the 63 shares of HPQ that are held in our Model Portfolio will be sold immediately.
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: INTC) is the leading manufacturer of microprocessors. The company continues to switch production to a 0.18 micron manufacturing process that yields more semiconductors from each wafer.
The stock of Intel Corporation has kept rising ever since 30 shares were bought in March of 1995, at $78.25 per share. The company issued a 2-for-1 stock split on June 22, 1995, another one on July 14, 1997, a 2-for-1 stock split on April 11, 1999, and another 2-for-1 split on July 30, 2000. The original 30 shares bought became 480 after these stock splits.
On October 30, 2000, two hundred shares were sold and now there are 280 shares in our Model Portfolio. This stock continued to fall and closed at $30.06 per share on December 29, 2000. As the institutional investors proceeded to buy this stock, it rebounded and closed at $37 per share on January 31, 2001.
This stock closed at $35.58 per share on January 8, 2002, and we stated, “At this level the stock is fully valued.” This stock was in a slow downtrend and on May 10, 2002, closed at $27.01 per share. On June 6, 2002, Intel lowered its revenue projection. The stock fell $5.00 on June 7, 2002, and closed at $22.00 per share. This equity continued to fall and closed at a low of $13.22 per share on October 8, 2002.
As the money flow rose $14 billion during the following eight weeks, this stock proceeded in a strong uptrend. On December 2, 2002, this stock closed at $21.05 per share and was fully valued at that level.
Afterwards, as the money flow proceeded to fall, this equity closed at $18.22 per share on December 16, 2002. If the money continues to fall, in the worst-case scenario this stock could reach a low level of $7.85 per share by March 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a strong long-term buy.
Internet Capital Group (NASDAQ symbol: ICGE) is a venture capital group that owns a stake in over 52 Internet companies. This venture capital group owns a stake in Vertical Net Inc.
In July 2000, this stock traded at $45.18 per share and then proceeded to fall. Due to the carnage in the Internet sector this stock closed at a low of $3.28 per share on December 29, 2000, down from its high of $143.55 reached in March 2000.
Afterwards, this stock proceeded to build a slow upward momentum and closed at $6.44 per share on January 31, 2001. It is highly unlikely that this stock will ever revisit its previous high of $143.55 per share.
On April 12, 2002, five hundred shares of Internet Capital Group were bought at $0.57 per share. These 500 shares will be held in our Model Portfolio long-term until this equity reaches our revised target level of $22.75 per share; perhaps by 2006. At such a level all of the shares will be sold immediately. On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $0.50 per share, and we rate it a speculative long-term buy.
JDS Uniphase (NASDAQ symbol: JDSU) makes components used in fiber-optic networks and is a leader in the sector.
Although our original objective was to buy 100 shares, due to the substantial amount of cash in our Model Portfolio, a decision was made to buy more shares. On February 6, 2002, two hundred shares of JDSU were bought at $6.33 per share.
Due to the negative outlook for this sector this stock continued to descend and closed at a low level of $1.62 per share on October 7, 2002.
On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $2.79 per share. We maintain our rating of a speculative long-term buy. Due to the unfavorable short-term outlook for this sector it may take this stock longer to reach our sell target level. These 200 shares will be sold as soon as this stock reaches approximately $12.26 per share, perhaps in the second half of 2004.
LSI Logic Corporation (NYSE symbol: LSI) makes chips for cellular phones, satellite set-top boxes, DVD products, and personal computers. LSI Logic has manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, and Japan.
The company may continue to invest 15-17 percent of its revenues in R & D. As the demand for cellular phones and set-top boxes continues to grow, the revenues and earnings of LSI Logic could outperform the rest of the companies in the chip sector. This stock closed at $32.63 per share on October 31, 2000 and then proceeded to descend. Due to the bear market, this stock broke below $20 per share and closed at a low level of $16.43 per share on December 21, 2000, way down from its high of $71.32.
On January 8, 2002, this stock closed at $16.21 per share and at that level was fully valued. After testing its support level of $13.95 on January 22, 2002, this stock proceeded to rebound and closed at $15.60 on February 7, 2002.
Due to the negative short-term outlook for this sector this stock continued to fall and closed at $8.26 per share on August 16, 2002. This equity proceeded to test its support level and closed at $6.65 per share on September 20, 2002. As the analysts proceeded to downgrade the stocks in this sector this equity continued to descend and closed at $4.49 per share on October 18, 2002.
In September 2002, we stated, “If the money flow continues to fall, this stock could test its support level of $4.65 per share by mid November 2002. At such a level we would rate this stock a strong buy.” This stock fell sooner than we projected and closed at $4.15 on October 10, 2002.
On October 18, 2002, LSI closed at $4.49 per share and we stated “… investors may want to accumulate it at a moderate pace.” This equity closed at $8.54 per share on November 29, 2002, and then proceeded to descend. On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $6.40 per share.
If the money flow were to fall $821 million during the next four months there is a very slight probability that this stock could fall to a low of $1.25 per share by mid April 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a strong long-term buy.
We projected that LSI may appreciate substantially by the end of 2002, but it may take this stock a while longer. As the earnings improve it could reach our sell target level of approximately $15.45 per share in the second half of 2005. At such a level, speculators should sell it immediately to lock in their gain.
On the other hand, patient investors may want to hold this stock at least five years and if it were to reach $58.75 per share sell it immediately.
This stock will be held in our Model Portfolio and will be sold as soon as it reaches approximately $41.75 per share, perhaps at the end of 2006.
Lucent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE symbol: LU) is the largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment. Lucent Technologies makes fiber-optic equipment and optical network equipment that allows the phone companies to increase capacity and to provide high speed Internet access.
This high flying stock closed at a high of $81.75 per share in December 1999 and has been in a downtrend ever since. At that time no one would have thought that this equity could fall below $10.00 per share. As the money flow fell this stock continued to plunge and closed at $0.58 per share on October 11, 2002.
On October 18, 2002, Lucent Technologies announced that it will seek shareholder approval to do a reverse stock split to bring its stock price between $15.00 to $25.00 per share. If shareholders were to approve this reverse stock split at the company’s next annual meeting, the reverse split could be as bad as 1-for-36 shares. In such a horrendous scenario an investor who owns 100 shares would receive less than three shares.
This equity closed at $1.41 per share on December 16, 2002. Due to this negative announcement we would not recommend the stock even to speculators. We rate this stock a weak hold.
Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: MSFT) is the largest maker of software. The operating system made by Microsoft is used in the majority of computers. The company has no
debt and has approximately $17 billion in cash and short - term investments.
Although this timely stock may not appreciate at its previous fast pace, it could generate a gain of 700 percent in six years. This stock will be held long-term, at least five years. On December 29, 2000, this stock closed at $43.38 per share and we rated it a screaming buy.
On January 8, 2002, we stated, “…this stock closed at $69.38 per share and at this level is fully valued.” A month later, on February 7, 2002, this stock closed at $59.80 per share. Then, this stock proceeded to test its resistance level and closed at $64.34 per share on March 11, 2002.
In July we stated, “If money flow were to fall, this stock could test its support level of $43.38 in August or September 2002.” This equity reached such a low level sooner than we projected. On July 23, 2002, MSFT closed at $43.01 per share, down $4.50 for the day and then proceeded to rebound.
As the money flow rose sharply this stock tested its resistance level and closed at $53.23 per share on August 22, 2002. Afterwards, this equity proceeded to descend and closed at $43.74 per share on September 30, 2002.
On September 20, 2002, we stated “If the money flow were to fall in October, this equity could test its support level of $42.83 and if it were to break below this level it may fall to a low level of $32.45 per share by December 2002. In a worst case scenario, if this stock were to break below that support level it could fall to a low of $14.67 per share in the first quarter of 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a strong long-term buy.”
This equity closed at $43.77 per share on October 4, 2002, and then as the money flow rose $32.9 billion, the stock closed at $58.23 per share on November 25, 2002. As the money flow proceeded to descend, this equity started to fall and closed at $54.48 per share on December 16, 2002. If the money flow were to fall $67 billion, then this stock could fall to a low level of $32.45 by March 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a long-term buy.
Perhaps we were overly pessimistic about this stock falling to $14.67 per share but if the money flow were to fall $94 billion during the following eight months then MSFT could fall to a low level of $22.75 per share by mid August 2003.
Nortel Networks Corp. (NYSE symbol: NT) is the leading provider of networking solutions, including optical networking solutions and wireless networking systems.
There were 300 shares of Nortel Networks Corporation in our portfolio. On April 8, 2002, an additional 300 shares were bought at $3.55 per share. Now there is a total of 600 shares of Nortel Networks Corporation in our Model Portfolio.
On April 12, 2002, this stock closed at $3.49 per share and we rated it a strong buy. Due to the negative short-term outlook for this sector, this equity continued its downtrend.
In September 2002, the company announced that it plans to do a reverse stock split of 1-for-20, or higher, in the beginning of 2003. Now, due to this horrendous plan, we wouldn’t recommend this stock even to speculators. It is too late to sell this stock now; therefore we will continue to hold 600 shares of NT in our Model Portfolio. On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $1.90 per share.
Sold 500 shares of Oracle Corporation on December 16, 2002, at $11.05 per share.
Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: ORCL) is the world’s third largest software company. The company makes database management system software. Approximately 90 percent of corporate websites are using Oracle’s database software.
In the year of 1999, Oracle Corporation consolidated its computer system from approximately 40 locations around the world down to two locations. The company launched its Internet store and all of its sales will be made through this online storefront. Oracle Corporation has already achieved annual savings of $1 billion from this e-engineering.
On January 31, 2002, this stock tried to break through its resistance level but was not able to make it and closed at $17.26 per share. A week later, on February 7, 2002, this stock closed at $15.92 per share. We stated in February, “If the money flow were to fall, this stock may proceed in a downward direction and may test its support level of $13.40 in March 2002.”
As the money flow fell $2.2 billion this stock continued to fall and closed at $11.51 per share on April 12, 2002. The money flow fell an additional $7.5 billion during the next seven weeks and the stock closed at a low of $7.32 per share on June 3, 2002.
Afterwards, as the money flow rose, this stock proceeded in an uptrend. On November 29, 2002 this equity closed at $12.15 per share and was fully valued at that level.
This stock is still in an overall downtrend. On December 16, 2002, all of the shares that were held in our Model Portfolio were sold.
If the money flow were to fall $24 billion during the next four months this stock could descend to a low level of $4.97 per share. At such a level 800 shares of Oracle Corporation would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
Sold 200 shares of RF Micro-Devices, Inc., on December 16, 2002, at $8.94 per share.
RF Micro-Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: RFMD) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets semiconductors and components for the wireless handset market, wireless Local Area Networks (LAN), pagers, the broadband cable communications sector, and wireless security. The company offers a wide selection of products such as amplifiers, mixers, single chip transmitters, receivers and transceivers.
Among the microprocessors made by the company are gallium arsenide-based chips that are the most expensive and generate the highest profit margin. The company’s largest customer is the Nokia Corporation.
In 1999, the company’s wafer fabrication facility had a maximum production capacity of approximately 35,000 four-inch wafers per year. The company planned to increase the annual capacity to 60,000 four-inch wafers by the end of the calendar year 2000. Furthermore, in order to expand manufacturing capacity, the company began construction of a second wafer fabrication
facility in 1999. The construction was completed in 2001 and eventually the total annual output from this facility alone could reach 210,000 four-inch wafers.
The company plans to increase the production capacity gradually to meet the market demand. RF Micro-Devices, Inc. estimated that the cost to build and equip this facility would be approximately $140 million for the first phase and $180 million for the second phase.
On June 7, 2002, this stock broke through our previous buy target level of $12 per share and closed at $10.12 per share, down $5.12. The company cut its earnings forecast for the current quarter and the stock plunged immediately on June 7, 2002, on a heavy volume of 40.7 million shares.
In June 2002, we stated, “There is a slight probability that this stock could continue its downtrend and may fall below $7.25 per share by mid September 2002.” This stock reached such a level much sooner than we projected. On June 19, 2002, this stock closed at $7.09 per share, down $1.32 for the day. As money flow continued to fall, this stock closed at a low level of $6.44 per share on June 25, 2002.
This equity continued to descend and closed at a low of $5.19 per share on August 5, 2002. Then, as the money flow rose $300 million this equity tested its resistance level and closed at $8.81 per share on August 19, 2002.
This equity is in a very slow overall downtrend. If the money flow were to fall $1.4 billion during the next five months then this stock could drop to $1.65 per share. At such a price level we would buy 800 shares of RF Micro-Devices, Inc., and add these to our Model Portfolio.
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE symbol: RAD) is the largest drug store chain in the United States. The company operates approximately 3,600 drug stores in 29 states. In the past, Rite Aid Corporation expanded rapidly through acquisitions. This stock approached a high level of $50.00 per share in December 1998.
After several missteps and a very heavy debt load, the company was almost driven into bankruptcy. New management sold assets and pared down debt.
After reaching a low level of $2.13 per share in December 2000, this stock proceeded to rebound and closed at $9.74 per share on June 15, 2001. Then, the stock reversed its trend and proceeded to fall. On January 8, 2002, RAD closed at $4.38 per share.
In January 2002, we featured the stock of Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE symbol: RAD) in the “Buy & Sell” section. We stated “If this stock were to maintain its downtrend and fall to approximately $2.80 per share in February 2002, speculators may start to accumulate this equity for a short-term trade.” This stock broke through our target level much sooner and closed at a low level of $2.06 per share on January 22, 2002.
In order to slightly diversify our Model Portfolio, 400 shares of Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE symbol: RAD) were bought at $2.57 per share on February 25, 2002. These 400 shares will be held short-term and as soon as this equity reaches our revised target level of approximately $7.71 per share, all of these shares will be sold to lock in a short-term gain.
On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $2.16 per share and we maintain our rating of speculative, strong short-term buy.
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(NASDAQ symbol: SUNW) is among the major suppliers of hardware to the Internet. The company continues to introduce new servers, competitively priced, in order to expand its market share.
As additional hundreds of millions of users access the Internet, the demand for servers could grow 50 percent annually during the next five years. On March 20, 2001, one hundred shares were bought at $18.82 per share. These one hundred shares will be held in our Model Portfolio approximately four years, and as soon as they generate a gain of 200 percent, all of the shares will be sold.
On January 8, 2002, this stock closed at $13.93 per share and then proceeded to fall. This stock tested its support level of $8.07 on February 22, 2002, a month sooner than we estimated.
On February 28, 2002, an additional 300 shares of SUNW were bought at $8.61 per share and added to our Model Portfolio. These 300 shares will be sold as soon as this stock reaches approximately $14.50 per share, perhaps in 2004.
As the money flow continued to fall this equity proceeded to break through its support levels. On August 6, 2002, an additional 300 shares of Sun Microsystems were bought at $3.71 per share and added to our Model Portfolio. These 300 shares will be sold as soon as the stock reaches approximately $14.50 per share, perhaps in 2004.
As the money flow continued to fall this equity proceeded to break through its support levels. On August 5, 2002, this stock closed at a low level of $3.53 per share and we stated, “If the money flow were to fall during the next two months, SUNW could break through its support level of $3.53 and may reach a low level of $2.95 per share.” As the money flow fell this stock closed at $2.70 per share on September 19, 2002. This equity continued its downtrend and closed at a low level of $2.42 per share on October 4, 2002.
This equity closed at $4.29 per share on November 29, 2002, and then proceeded to descend. On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $3.21 per share. If this stock were to break below its support level of $2.42 it could fall to a low level of $1.15 per share by April 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a long-term buy. Investors may want to average down and buy more shares at this low level. Patient investors may hold this stock until it reaches approximately $41.25 per share, perhaps in the second half of 2006. Investors should sell this stock immediately at such a high level to lock in a long-term gain.
Vertical Net, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: VERT) owned and operated over 50 websites designed as online business-to-business communities. Recently the company sold its websites and plans to generate its revenues from the sales of software.
This stock was featured in our “Buy & Sell” section in August 2000. At that time, we stated that this stock could fall to approximately $35 per share. Furthermore, we stated that the risk of owning this B2B startup is high; therefore this stock should only be bought by speculators.
At that time, who would have thought that this stock would break through a $35 level and continue to fall? When this stock fell below $5 per share it looked as it may have reached its bottom. In February 2001, two hundred shares were bought at $3.72 per share and added to our Model Portfolio.
During this bear market, VERT continued to fall and when this stock tested its support level again in April 2002, an additional 500 shares were bought at $0.58 per share. On July 15, 2002, the company issued a 1-for-10 reverse stock split and now there are only 70 shares of VERT in our Model Portfolio.
On December 16, 2002, this stock closed at $1.07 per share. Due to the reverse stock split we have revised our sell target level from $10.00 to $22.50 per share. As soon as this stock reaches such a level all of the shares held in the Model Portfolio will be sold.
We have revised our rating on VERT from a speculative strong buy to a hold.
Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: VTSS) makes gallium arsenide semiconductors that are used by manufacturers of networking equipment. On August 20, 2002, this equity was removed from the S&P 500 Index and 31.6 million shares were traded on that day. On September 20, 2002, four hundred shares of Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation were bought at $1.04 per share and added to our Model Portfolio.
At its height, this stock closed at $103.83 per share in February 2000 and then proceeded in a downtrend. Among the company’s major customers are Cisco Systems and Lucent Technologies. When that sector rebounds, the stock of Vitesse Semiconductor Corporation could ascend to a higher level. Although this equity may not reach its previous high of $103.83 per share, if it were to reach approximately $50.25 per share by 2007, it would provide speculators with a gain of 4,900 percent.
On December 16, 2002, this equity closed at $2.38 per share. This stock will be held in our Model Portfolio long-term and if it were to reach $50.25 per share it will be sold immediately. Speculators may want to buy this stock on dips but it should account for no more than three percent of one’s portfolio.
WorldCom Group (NASDAQ symbol: WCOEQ) has grown from a small telecommunications provider to a behemoth through mergers and acquisitions. On September 14, 1998, WorldCom merged with MCI Communications Corporation. Once this merger was finalized, WorldCom was in possession of one of the world’s largest and most advanced digital networks that connects local markets in the United States to more than 280 countries and locations worldwide.
Due to the sell-off in the telecommunications sector, this stock closed at $5.01 per share on April 12, 2002. Although the risk of owning this stock was above average, at that level we rated this stock a strong buy.
Due to the accounting debacle that has pushed WorldCom to its bankruptcy, this stock became almost worthless. This equity will be held in our Model Portfolio as a reminder of what could happen to the stock of any company.
Sold 100 shares of Yahoo Inc., on December 16, 2002, at $17.19 per share.
Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: YHOO) is a global Internet media company that provides comprehensive information and shopping services to over 200 million users worldwide.
The company’s website, www.yahoo.com , is the most visited site and has the highest name recognition. The company provides web content around the world in 12 languages.
Advertising revenues on the web in the United States alone are projected to reach an average of over $8 billion annually within a year. Yahoo, Inc., could receive 20 percent of these revenues; thus we estimate that the company’s annual revenue could grow to approximately $1.6 billion in the year 2003.
On August 5, 2002, this equity closed at $10.89 per share and then proceeded to test its resistance level. On November 22, 2002, this stock closed at $18.40 per share and was fully valued at that level.
This stock is still in an overall long-term downtrend and could reach our revised buy target level of approximately $4.77 per share, perhaps by May 2003. At such a level 400 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
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Sold
On December 11, 2002, five hundred shares of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., (NYSE symbol: AMD) were sold at $7.86 per share. Our original objective was to hold this stock until it reaches approximately $15.75 per share, by November 2004. Since this stock has run up very quickly during the past two months a decision was made to sell it and lock in the short-term gain.
Two hundred shares of AMD were bought on June 21, 2002, at $8.11 per share and these have generated a short-term loss of $70.15, or 4 percent, while the 300 shares of AMD that were bought on October 4, 2002, at $3.58 per share have generated a short-term gain of $1,253.85, or 115 percent.
There is a slight probability that this stock could reach our target level of $2.50 per share by mid January 2003. If this equity were to reach such a low level then 1,000 shares will be bought immediately and added to our Model Portfolio.
A decision was made to sell 100 shares of Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ symbol: CSCO).
On December 16, 2002, one hundred shares were sold at $13.45 per share. These one hundred shares were bought on March 20, 2001, at $19.88 per share. This trade has generated a long-term loss of $683.07, or 34 percent. If the money flow were to continue falling, in a worst case scenario this stock could test its support level of $5.75 and at such a level we would buy 200 shares and add these to our Model Portfolio.
On December 16, 2002, a decision was made to sell 260 ADR’s of Ericsson LM Telephone (NASDAQ symbol: ERICY). These 260 ADR’s were sold at $8.53 per ADR. This trade generated a long-term loss of $5,531.20, or 91.7 percent and a short-term gain (for 1,300 ADR’s that were bought on September 9, 2002, at $0.42 per ADR) of $532.90, or 94 percent.
This equity should have been sold a long time ago. We were waiting for this equity to reverse its downtrend but instead the company issued a reverse 1for 10 stock split. If this equity were to fall to approximately $5.75 per ADR we will buy it again and add it to our Model Portfolio.
A decision was made to sell 500 shares of Oracle Corporation. These 500 shares were sold on December 16, 2002, at $11.05 per share. This trade has generated a long-term loss of $1,293.15, or 28 percent for the 300 shares that were bought on May 31, 2001, and a short-term gain of $505.95, or 30 percent for the 200 shares that were bought on May 10, 2002. If the money flow were to fall $24 billion during the next four months this stock could descend to a low level of $4.97 per share. At such level 800 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
On December 16, 2002, two hundred shares of RF Micro-Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: RFMD) were sold at $8.94 per share. These 200 shares were bought on June 14, 2002, at $9.07 per share. This trade has generated a short-term loss of $66.15, or 3.6 percent.
This equity is in a very slow downtrend. If the money flow were to fall $1.4 billion during the next five months then this stock could descend to $1.65 per share. At such a price level we would buy 800 shares of RF Micro-Devices, Inc., and add these to our Model Portfolio.
A decision was made to sell 100 shares of Yahoo Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: YHOO). These 100 shares were sold on December 16, 2002, at $17.19 per share. These shares were bought on February 20, 2001, at $27.32 per share. This trade has generated a long-term loss of $1, 053.15, or 38 percent. This stock is still in an overall long-term downtrend and could reach our buy target level of approximately $2.77 per share, perhaps by May 2003. At such level 400 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
The cash received from all of these trades was added to the existing cash in our Model Portfolio and now there is $27,112 in cash. After these stocks were sold, the asset allocation in our Model Portfolio was 52 percent equities and 48 percent cash, as of Monday, December 16, 2002.
Buy Alert
The stock of Motorola Inc. (NYSE symbol: MOT) is in a slow downtrend. We will continue to monitor this equity. In September 2002, we stated “If money flow continues to fall, this stock could descend below $8.55 per share, perhaps in October 2002. At such a level 200 shares will be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.”
On October 18, 2002, this stock closed at $7.77 per share. Although this equity fell below our buy target level, it was not bought. This stock could maintain its overall downtrend and reach a low level of $4.95 by March 2003. At such a level 300 shares will be bought and once again added to our Model Portfolio.
We will continue to monitor Dell Computer Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: DELL). This stock closed at $29.82 per share on November 15, 2002, and is trading at approximately 49 times earnings. Depending on the money flow, volume, and other key indicators, this stock could break through its support level of $16.65. There is a slight probability that this stock could fall to approximately $10.15 per share by April 2003. If this stock were to reach such a low level, 200 shares will be bought and added to our Model Portfolio. If this stock doesn’t reach our buy target level then the cash will be used to buy more shares of Advanced Micro Devices and another stock.
On October 18, 2002, we added the stock of Juniper Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: JNPR) to our buy list. The company makes Internet Protocol routers. On November 15, 2002, this stock closed at $7.09 per share and at that level was fully valued. If this stock were to reach a low of approximately $2.15 per share, three hundred shares will be bought and added to our Model Portfolio. We will wait patiently until March 2003 for this stock to reach our buy target level.
We also added the stock of EMC Corporation (NYSE symbol: EMC) on October 18, 2002. If this stock were to reach a low of $2.55 per share, five hundred shares will be bought and added to our Model Portfolio. EMC Corporation is the major supplier of enterprise storage devices, software, and services. The company’s top of the line Symmetrix® system can hold 19 terabytes of data on 384 individual drives.
EMC Corporation acquired Data General in October 1999, and that added a selection of mid-priced storage devices. Although EMC Corporation’s hardware and software is the most expensive, 98 percent of customers are willing to recommend it to their colleagues and business associates.
As the Internet continues to grow and hundreds of millions of people go online during the next decade, we project that the need for storage devices could continue to grow in double-digits. In our opinion, EMC Corporation’s annual revenues could grow ten-fold, and reach $60 billion in ten years. During the past decade, this was the top performing stock on the NYSE. The company consistently splits its stock, and the most recent stock split was 2-for-1 on June 5, 2000. After the split, the stock continued to ascend and closed at $103.18 per share on September 20, 2000.
During the carnage in the technology sector this stock plummeted to a low level. On Friday, October 4, 2002, the company announced that it will cut 1,350 jobs and furthermore added that it does not expect to return to profitability in the second half of this year. The stock fell $1.18 on that day and closed at $3.83 per share. On November 15, 2002, this stock closed at $6.33 per share and was fully valued.
We have lowered our buy target level for this stock to $2.55 per share. If this stock were to reach such a level speculators may want to buy it and hold it at least one year. Do not commit more than five percent of your cash to this stock.
EMC has the largest market share for storage equipment. As the sales rebound and earnings improve, this stock may test its resistance level, although it may take a while longer to reach it. This stock may reach our sell target level of $22.12 in 2005, and speculators should then sell it immediately to lock in their gain.
Our Model Portfolio is already extremely overweighed in the technology stocks. We advise investors against acquiring so many technology stocks in their portfolios. Investors may want to buy some of these stocks and add them to their portfolios. Speculators who are below thirty years of age may allocate up to 50 percent of their portfolios to technology stocks.
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Model Portfolio Chart 12-16-2002
Stock Symbol |
Purchase date |
Purchase Price |
Shares Bought |
Recent Price |
Change
% |
Market Value |
AMAT |
March 1996 |
$38.12 |
c 320 |
$14.46 |
203% |
$4,627 |
CMGI |
January 2001 |
$6.78 |
300 |
$1.12 |
- 83% |
$336 |
CSCO |
October 1999 |
$73.88 |
j 100 |
$13.70 |
- 63% |
$1,370 |
CPWR |
January 2000 |
$21.06 |
150 |
$5.00 |
- 76% |
$750 |
CPWR |
April 2000 |
$12.36 |
200 |
$5.00 |
- 60% |
$1,000 |
DLIA |
October 2002 |
$0.43 |
1,000 |
$0.71 |
65% |
$710 |
GLW |
February 2002 |
$6.62 |
100 |
$3.90 |
- 41% |
$390 |
ELANZ |
April 2002 |
$0.50 |
500 |
$0.10 |
- 80% |
$50 |
HPQ |
May 2002 |
|
63 |
$18.95 |
|
$1,194 |
INTC |
March 1995 |
$78.25 |
a 280 |
$18.22 |
272% |
$5,102 |
ICGE |
October 2000 |
$11.63 |
200 |
$0.50 |
- 95% |
$100 |
ICGE |
April 2002 |
$0.57 |
500 |
$0.50 |
- 14% |
$250 |
JDSU |
February 2002 |
$6.33 |
200 |
$2.79 |
- 56% |
$558 |
LSI |
February 2001 |
$19.25 |
100 |
$6.40 |
- 67% |
$640 |
LSI |
May 2002 |
$11.05 |
300 |
$6.40 |
- 43% |
$1,920 |
LU |
June 2000 |
$57.88 |
50 |
$1.41 |
- 97% |
$70 |
LU |
October 2000 |
$20.75 |
200 |
$1.41 |
- 93% |
$282 |
MSFT |
January 1999 |
$169.12 |
h 80 |
$54.48 |
- 36% |
$4,358 |
NT |
March 2001 |
$17.56 |
100 |
$1.90 |
- 89% |
$190 |
NT |
July 2001 |
$7.58 |
200 |
$1.90 |
- 75% |
$380 |
NT |
April 2002 |
$3.55 |
300 |
$1.90 |
- 46% |
$570 |
RAD |
February 2002 |
$2.57 |
400 |
$2.16 |
- 16% |
$864 |
SUNW |
March 2001 |
$18.82 |
100 |
$3.21 |
- 83% |
$321 |
SUNW |
February 2002 |
$8.61 |
300 |
$3.21 |
- 63% |
$963 |
SUNW |
August 2002 |
$3.71 |
300 |
$3.21 |
- 13% |
$963 |
VERT |
February 2001 |
$3.72 |
f 20 |
$1.07 |
- 97% |
$21 |
VERT |
April 2002 |
$0.58 |
g 50 |
$1.07 |
- 81% |
$54 |
VTSS |
September 2002 |
$1.04 |
400 |
$2.38 |
129 % |
$952 |
WCOEQ |
January 2001 |
$22.50 |
100 |
$0.18 |
- 99% |
$18 |
Cash $27,112
Total $56,115
a) The quantity of shares was adjusted for a 100 percent stock dividend issued by Intel Corporation on June 22, 1995, a 2-for-1 stock split issued on July 14, 1997, a 2-for-1 stock split issued on April 11, 1999 and a 2-for-1 stock split issued on July 30, 2000. (There were 480 shares of INTC on October 29, 2000. On October 30, 2000, two hundred shares were sold and now there are 280 shares.)
c) The quantity of shares was adjusted for a 100 percent stock dividend issued by Applied Materials, Inc. on October 14, 1997, a 2-for-1 stock split issued on March 16, 2000, and a 2-for-1 stock split issued on April 17, 2002.
f) On July 15, 2002, Vertical Net, Inc. issued a 1-for-10 reverse stock split and now there are 20 shares, down from the initial 200 shares.
g) On July 15, 2002, Vertical Net, Inc. issued a 1-for-10 reverse stock split and now there are 50 shares, down from the initial 500 shares.
h) The quantity of shares was adjusted for a 2-for-1 stock split issued by Microsoft Corporation on March 26, 1999.
j) The quantity of shares was adjusted for a 2-for-1 stock split issued by Cisco Systems, Inc. on March 23, 2000.
After the trades done throughout the year 2001 and 2002, our Model Portfolio is heavily weighed in tech stocks. The risk of such asset allocation is much greater than owning a portfolio of stocks in several sectors. Furthermore, more stocks will be held short-term. Although it is not likely that a typical investor will acquire all of the stocks that are in our Model Portfolio, each investor has to be aware beforehand that short-term trading is risky, and will greatly increase tax liability.
Between April 1994 and July 1998, a total of $28,336 of cash was invested in the Model Portfolio. Due to the excellent performance of the technology stocks, over the course of six years the total value of the portfolio has risen to $145,374 as of June 30, 2000. Our Model Portfolio has generated a gain of $117,038, or 413 percent in just six years (as of June 30, 2000).
Investors who are just starting out should not be deterred by the size of our Model Portfolio. Notice that a total of $28,336 was invested over the course of four years, averaging an investment of $7,000 per year. Investors who are just starting out could invest as little as $2,000 each year but be consistent and invest that amount every year. After several years, an investor could have a portfolio consisting of several blue-chip stocks.
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New Investors
Investors who are just starting out should establish a Roth Individual Retirement Account (commonly called a Roth IRA) and may buy equities listed below in our Model Portfolio II as soon as possible, while these stocks are at their lowest level. In the year 2002, the annual contribution limit for Roth IRA for these taxpayers who are under age 50, is $3,000.
The Roth IRA has many advantages. One of the biggest advantages is that no taxes are due on qualified withdrawals, while withdrawals from the traditional IRA are taxable.
By not having to pay taxes to the government, a retiree may be able to save over $200,000 throughout his or her retirement years. Surely, you could think of many ways to spend $200,000 on yourself and your family. Furthermore, an investor could trade stocks, knowing that any capital gains, short-term and long-term, achieved in the Roth IRA are not taxable. This allows each investor to reinvest these gains and to generate a much higher annual return on the portfolio.
Investors should be aware that Model Portfolio II is heavily weighed in the technology stocks. The risk of such asset allocation is much greater than owning a portfolio of stocks in several sectors.
Model Portfolio II
Ericsson LM Telephone (NASDAQ symbol: ERICD) is a leading supplier of mobile
phones and telecommunications equipment. On May 10, 2002, two hundred American Depository Receipts were bought at $2.29.
On October 23, 2002, the company issued a 1-for-10 reverse stock split and now instead of 200 ADR’s there are only 20 ADR’s. The symbol was changed to ERICD. It is too late to sell this equity, therefore investors who already own ERICD may want to hold it long-term.
Lucent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE symbol: LU) is the largest manufacturer of telecommunications equipment. Lucent Technologies makes fiber-optic equipment and optical network equipment that allows the phone companies to increase capacity and to provide high speed Internet access. On May 10, 2002, one hundred shares were bought at $4.46 per share.
On October 18, 2002, Lucent Technologies announced that it will seek shareholder approval to do a reverse stock split to bring its stock price between $15.00 to $25.00 per share. If shareholders were to approve this reverse stock split at the company’s next annual meeting, the reverse split could be as bad as 1-for-36 shares. In such a horrendous scenario an investor who owns 100 shares would receive less than three shares. Due to this latest negative announcement we would not recommend this stock even to speculators. We rate this stock a weak hold.
Nortel Networks Corp. (NYSE symbol: NT) is the leading provider of networking solutions, including optical networking solutions and wireless networking systems. The stock is way off from its high of $86 per share. On May 10, 2002, one hundred shares were bought at $2.84 per share.
In September 2002, Nortel Networks announced that it plans to do a reverse stock split of 1-for-20, or higher, in the beginning of 2003. Due to this horrendous plan, now we wouldn’t recommend this stock even to the speculators.
Oracle Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: ORCL) is the world’s third largest software company. The company makes database management system software. Approximately 90 percent of corporate Web sites are using Oracle’s database software. On May 10, 2002, one hundred shares of Oracle Corporation were bought at $8.37 per share. This stock should be held long-term.
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE symbol: RAD) is the largest drug store chain in the United States. The company operates approximately 3,600 drug stores in 29 states. In the past, Rite Aid Corporation expanded rapidly through acquisitions. This stock approached a high level of $50 per share in December 1998.
After several missteps and a very heavy debt load, the company was almost driven into bankruptcy. New management sold assets and pared down debt.
After reaching a low level of $2.13 per share in December 2000, this stock proceeded to rebound and closed at $9.74 per share on June 15, 2001. Then, the stock reversed its trend and proceeded to fall. On May 10, 2002, one hundred shares were bought at $3.07 per share. These 100 shares of RAD will be held short-term and as soon as this equity reaches our revised target level of approximately $7.71 per share, all of these shares will be sold to lock in a short-term gain.
Sun Microsystems, Inc.(NASDAQ symbol: SUNW) is among the major suppliers of hardware to the Internet. The company continues to introduce new servers, competitively priced, in order to expand its market share. On July 10, 2002, one hundred shares of Sun Microsystems were bought at $5.12 per share and added to the Model Portfolio I I.
As additional hundreds of millions of users access the Internet, the demand for servers could grow 30 percent annually during the next five years. Patient investors may hold this stock until it reaches approximately $41.25 per share. At such a level this stock should be sold immediately to lock in the long-term gain.
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