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July 2003
Moderate Trader
Contents
Back Issues
March 2003
April 2003
May 2003
June 2003
Investing
Buy & Sell
The high momentum Dow stocks
Model Portfolio
Sold
Buy Alert
Model Portfolio Chart
New Investors
Model Portfolio II
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Although the stock valuations have reached lofty levels, the market still continued to ascend. On July 8, 2003, the S & P 500 Index closed at 1007.84. The S & P 500 Index attempted to test its resistance level once again on July 14, 2003, but was not able to reach it (continued in: Investing).
(Nike, Inc., (NYSE symbol: NKE) is the largest maker of footwear that is sold worldwide. The majority of its product is manufactured overseas.
This equity is in an overall downtrend since March, 2002. On October 9, 2002, this stock closed at a low of $39.32 per share. As the institutional investors stepped in (continued in: Buy & Sell ).
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 five months.
Altria Group, Inc., (NYSE symbol: MO), formerly known as Philip Morris Companies, is the world’s largest tobacco company and its Marlboro brand has worldwide recognition. The company has an 83 percent stake in Kraft Foods, (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 July 21, 2003, Nike, Inc.,(NYSE symbol: NKE) closed at $51.10 per share. Read on to see how we rate this stock. We are also featuring the stock of EMC Corporation (NYSE symbol: EMC) that closed at $10.05 per share on July 21, 2003.
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 five 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.
Read our Buy Alert section to find out which stocks will be bought when they reach our target level.
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
Although the stock valuations have reached lofty levels, the market still continued to ascend. On July 8, 2003, the S & P 500 Index closed at 1007.84. The S & P 500 Index attempted to test its resistance level once again on July 14, 2003, but was not able to reach it and closed at 1003.86.
Ever since the S & P 500 Index reached its high of 1011.66 on June 17, 2003, it has been in a very slow downtrend. If the money flow were to ascend, the S & P 500 Index could test its previous high of 1011.66, perhaps by mid August 2003.
On the other hand, if the money flow continues to fall, the S & P 500 Index could test its support level of 919.73 and if it were to break below that level it could test its March 31, 2003, level of 848.18. That would be a retracement of 16 percent from the June 17, 2003, level.
The earnings season has arrived again and so far most of the companies that announced earnings beat their earnings estimates, but the short-term outlook for some of these companies is bleak. On July 17, 2003, Nokia Corporation stated that third-quarter profit would fall below expectations and the equity fell $3.57 for the day, and closed at $14.38, down 20 percent for the day.
On July 14, 2003, Yahoo Inc., (NASDAQ symbol: YHOO) announced that it would buy Overture Services Inc., for $1.63 billion in cash and stock. As of Monday, July 14, 2003, based on Yahoo’s closing price of $32.20, the deal valued Overture at $24.42 a share, with $4.75 payable in cash plus 0.61 shares of Yahoo per each share of Overture.
Typically, a company acquires another company when its stock is at the highest level. Furthermore, YHOO is trading at slightly over 100 times earnings. Does anyone recall Internet bubble? Last, but not least, in the beginning of July 2003, the long-term stochastic indicator generated a sell signal.
On July 21, 2003, YHOO closed at $31.05 per share and is already down $4.24 a share since July 9, 2003, when it closed at a high of $35.29 per share. If the money flow were to descend $12 billion during the next two months this equity could fall to $17.54 per share, perhaps by the end of September 2003.
The market is still in an overall long-term 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 three 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. As of Monday, July 21, 2003, after the market closed, the asset allocation in our Model Portfolio was 21 percent equities and 79 percent cash.
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Buy & Sell
Nike, Inc., (NYSE symbol: NKE) is the largest maker of footwear that is sold worldwide. The majority of its product is manufactured overseas.
This equity is in an overall downtrend since March, 2002. On October 9, 2002, this stock closed at a low of $39.32 per share. As the institutional investors stepped in and started buying this stock, money flow rose $6.4 billion during the following nine months. The stock ascended and closed at $56.93 per share on June 26, 2003.
The long-term fast stochastic indicator generated a sell signal in June 2003. If the money flow were to fall $6.1 billion during the next four months, NKE could fall to a low of $42.40 per share by the end of September 2003. At such a level speculators should start monitoring this stock on a daily basis and if it were to fall to approximately $37.85 per share to start accumulating it.
EMC Corporation (NYSE symbol: EMC) 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.
This stock had a tremendous run-up and rose from its October 2002 low of $3.83 per share, to a high of $11.74 per share on July 7, 2003. This equity rose 206 percent in just 9 months.
On July 7, 2003, EMC closed at $11.74 per share and was fully valued. As the money flow fell $1.5 billion during the following two weeks, this equity proceeded to fall and closed at $10.05 per share on July 21, 2003. Speculators who bought this equity several months ago may want to sell it now to lock in their gains.
In June 2003 the long-term fast stochastic indicator generated a sell signal. If the money flow were to fall $1.8 billion during the next three months, this equity could descend and test its October 2002 low of $3.83 per share. At such a price level, speculators should start monitoring this equity on a regular basis. If the money flow were to continue falling, EMC could fall to a low level of approximately $1.10 per share by January 2004. At such a level we would rate this stock a speculative buy.
On July 8, 2003, EMC Corporation announced that it would acquire Legato Systems, Inc., for $1.2 billion in stock. Although this is a very good move to diversify into software, that generates a much higher margin than hardware, there will be an immediate dilution due to the increased amount of shares.
Legato Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ symbol: LGTO) develops storage software for UNIX, Windows NT, and Linux computer systems. The company’s products are fully backed by its support staff.
The company will be acquired by EMC Corporation for $1.2 billion in stock, which values Legato at $10.24 per share, based on the EMC closing price as of July 8, 2003.
The stockholders of Legato Systems, Inc., have two choices: sell this stock, or wait until the deal is consummated and receive 0.9 shares of EMC stock per each Legato share.
In August 2002, the stock of LGTO closed at a low level of $1.88 per share. On July 8, 2003, this equity closed at $9.91 per share, up $0.81 for the day. This equity rose 427 percent in less than one year. Speculators who bought LGTO below $4.95 per share may want to sell this stock now to lock in their short-term gains.
As we have stated, the stock of EMC could test its October 2002 low of $3.83 per share, perhaps by the end of October 2003. In such a scenario, 0.9 shares of EMC could be worth as little as $3.45. Furthermore, if money flow were to fall an additional 700 million, then EMC could fall to a low of approximately $1.10 per share, and in such a scenario 0.9 shares of EMC would be worth less than one dollar.
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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 five months.
Altria Group, Inc., (NYSE symbol: MO), formerly known as Philip Morris Companies, 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 had 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 $41.80 per share on December 26, 2002.
The first time we featured MO was in the December 2002 issue of the Moderate Trader in which we stated “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.”
As the money flow fell $4.5 billion during the following eight weeks, this equity proceeded to reach lower levels. On January 30, 2003, this stock closed at a low of $36.85 per share. Afterwards, as the money flow rose $491 million during the next three days this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $38.39 per share on February 3, 2003.
In February we stated “On February 14, 2003 this stock closed at $38.14 per share and it could test its October 2002 low of $36.17 this month. If this equity were to break below this level it could continue to descend and reach a low of $21.88 by mid September 2003. Speculators should wait patiently until this stock reaches its low and then buy it.”
As the money flow fell, this equity closed at a low of $37.02 per share on February 20, 2003. Then, as the money flow rose $995 million, this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $38.99 per share on March 5, 2003. Since this equity did not break through its 50-day moving average, investors and money managers proceeded to sell this stock. As the money flow fell $2.03 billion during the next nine days this stock closed at a low level of $34.93 per share on March 14, 2003.
This equity continued to descend and on March 18, 2003, closed at a low of $32.60 per share, down $2.12 for the day. During the next three days money flow rose $1.1 billion and the stock proceeded to rebound and closed at $35.04 per share on March 21, 2003.
Afterwards, money flow reversed its direction and proceeded to descend. During the next seven trading days money flow fell $4.1 billion and the stock closed at a low level of $28.10 per share on April 1, 2003, down $1.86 for the day. This equity was affected negatively by the recent ruling of the Illinois state judge who on March 21, 2003, ordered Altria Group, Inc., to pay $10.1 billion in fines and to post $12 billion bond while it appeals the verdict.
In our opinion the company has three options. If the company were to have sufficient cash on hand it could pay the fine of $10.1 billion, post the $12 billion bond and continue its business as usual.
The second option is for the company to top its line of credit (if it is sufficient enough to cover both of these expenses) and continue its business as usual.
In a worst case scenario, there is a third option. If the company does not have sufficient cash on hand and is not able to borrow $22.1 billion it could file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This is a worst case scenario that we hope does not happen because in such a case stockholders and bondholders could incur substantial losses.
Although the judge lowered the amount of the appeal bond from $12 billion bond to a $6 billion term note on April 14, 2003, the short-term risk remains. On April 17, 2003, this equity closed at $32.19 per share and we rated it neutral.
On May 1, 2003, this stock tested its support level and closed at $30.45 per share. Afterwards, as the money flow rose, this equity proceeded to ascend and closed at $33.74 per share on May 15, 2003, and we stated: “If the money flow continues to ascend, this stock could test its resistance level of $38.15 and then once again resume its long-term downtrend.”
As the money flow rose $4.5 billion during the following four weeks, this equity proceeded to ascend and closed at a high of $44.24 per share on June 18, 2003. In June 2003, we stated: “This stock is fully valued and investors who still own it may want to sell it.”
In June 2003, the Illinois highest court declined to accept a direct appeal of the verdict against Philip Morris USA, a unit of Altria Group, Inc. On July 7, 2003, MO closed at $46.87 per share. Now, the court of appeals in Illinois is hearing the appeal of the class action verdict against Philip Morris USA, and it could be a lengthy process that may take several months.
Although the long-term fast stochastic indicator generated a sell signal in June 2003, this stock continued to ascend and on July 7, 2003, closed at $46.87 per share. On some occasions an equity could maintain its uptrend for a few more weeks, as was in this case, but eventually the stock changes its direction and proceeds in a downtrend. On July 9, 2003, this equity fell $2.77 for the day and closed at $44.00 per share. This could be the onset of a downtrend that could last from as little as two months, to as long as 6 months. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $40.27 per share.
We were maintaining our buy target level for this stock at $21.88 per share and stated that this equity could reach it by approximately mid September 2003. Depending on how the recent events play out, this equity could reach our target level of $21.88 per share sooner, or later than we initially projected. Due to the recent negative events the risk of owning this stock even at such a low level would be above average, therefore if this equity were to reach such a level we would rate it accumulate.
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE symbol: IBM) is the world’s largest manufacturer of computer hardware. The stock of Big Blue closed at a high of $133.62 per share on September 1, 2000. Since then this equity is in an overall downtrend.
On October 9, 2002, this stock closed at a low of $55.07 per share. Then, as the money flow rose $8.9 billion during the following three weeks, the stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $82.50 per share on November 4, 2002.
In the November 2002 issue we stated “The stock of Big Blue closed at $80.01 per share on November 15, 2002, and at this level is fully valued. Investors who own shares of International Business Machines Corporation may want to sell them now and hold cash in their account.”
To our surprise this equity continued its uptrend and closed at $87.70 per share on November 27, 2002. Afterwards, as the money flow fell $4.4 billion during the following four weeks, this equity proceeded to descend and closed at $76.25 per share on December 30, 2002.
As the money flow rose $4.4 billion during the following fourteen days, this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $88.58 per share on January 14, 2003. Investors who did not sell this stock when it closed at $87.70 per share on November 27, 2002, had another chance to sell it.
Although this stock broke through its previous resistance level of $87.70, the overall trend for this equity is down, but it could fall at a pace much slower than we projected. On March 12, 2003, this equity fell below its 200-day moving average and closed at $75.18 per share. Afterwards, the money flow rose $1.6 billion during the next two days and this stock closed at $79.00 per share on March 14, 2003, above its 50-day moving average.
On April 17, 2003, this equity closed at $84.26 per share and we stated: “Although short-term this stock appears to have a strong upward momentum and could test its resistance level of $87.70, long-term this equity is still in a slow downtrend. If the money flow were to fall $12 billion, IBM could test its October 2002 low of $55.07 by the end of September 2003 and we would rate it a strong buy.”
We stated on April 17, 2003, that short-term this timely stock could test its resistance level of $87.70. On May 12, 2003, this equity broke through that level and closed at $89.00 per share, up $1.45 for the day. As the money flow continued to ascend this stock closed at $89.98 per share on May 13, 2003. On the following day this equity edged lower and then on May 15, 2003, tried to test its resistance level and closed at $89.90 per share.
On May 16, 2003, this stock closed at $88.99 per share and we stated: “Investors who own this stock may want to sell it to lock in their gains.” During the following three weeks money flow fell $6.1 billion and the stock proceeded to descend. On June 6, 2003, IBM closed at $80.05 per share. Afterwards, this stock tried to test its recent resistance level and closed at $84.70 per share on June 18, 2003.
The long-term fast stochastic indicator generated a sell signal on May 16, 2003. In June 2003, we stated: “This stock could continue its downtrend until July 20, 2003, and may fall to an intraday low of $72.95 per share. Although this equity could try to test its recent resistance level and may reach approximately $80.05 per share by August 18, 2003, the long-term trend is still down.” On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $82.50 per share.
We are maintaining our buy target level of $55.07 and this stock could reach it by the end of September 2003, or beginning of October 2003. At such a level investors may want to buy this stock again for a short-term trade. Investors should consider committing all of the cash received from the previous sale of this stock and buy approximately 50 percent more shares than they owned previously.
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE symbol: PG) is the largest manufacturer of household products such as Folgers coffee, Pringles potato chips, Crest toothpaste, Pantene shampoo, Bounty, Charmin, and Downy.
This high flying stock closed at a lofty level of $117.00 per share on January 14, 2000, and then proceeded to tumble to a low level. On March 10, 2000, PG closed at $ 53.25 per share.
As the money flow rose, this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $94.40 per share on June 19, 2002. Then as the money flow fell $3.5 billion during the next four weeks, this stock tumbled and closed at a low of $74.46 per share on July 19, 2002.
Afterwards, the money flow rose $3.4 billion in three weeks and the stock closed at a high of $92.89 per share on August 14, 2002. Since then the stock tested its resistance level twice and since October 21, 2002, is in a downtrend.
On November 15, 2002, we stated “This stock closed at $87.28 per share and is fully valued at this level. Investors may want to sell this stock. If the money flow were to fall $15.2 billion during the next eight months, this stock could tumble to a low level of $56.75 per share.”
This stock was falling at a very slow pace. Since this equity was featured in November 2002, the money flow fell $910 million and the stock descended from $87.28 as of November 15, 2002, to a low of $79.79 per share on March 10, 2003. Afterwards, money flow rose $781 million and this equity closed at a high of $83.40 on March 14, 2003.
In March 2003, we stated “This uptrend could be temporary and as soon as the money flow starts falling, this equity could once again resume its downtrend. If the money flow were to fall $12.3 billion during the next four months, this equity could test its low level of $56.75 per share.”
The money flow rose $3.9 billion during the next three weeks and this stock continued to ascend. On April 4, 2003, this equity closed at a high level of $90.12 per share. On April 17, 2003, this stock closed at $89.26 per share.
As the money flow continued to ascend, this stock closed at a high of $92.40 on June 16, 2003. At the end of June 2003, the long-term fast stochastic indicator generated a sell signal. On July 21, 2003, PG closed at $89.16 per share. This equity could continue its downtrend for five months. If the money flow were to fall $13.5 billion during the following three months, this equity could fall to $56.75, perhaps by November 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock accumulate.
United Technologies Corporation (NYSE symbol: UTX) is a diversified behemoth that manufactures a variety of products through its subsidiaries, starting with air conditioners made by Carrier, airplane engines made by Pratt and Whitney, and last but not least, helicopters made by Sikorsky.
This equity reached a high level of $87.21 per share on May 18, 2001. Afterwards, as the money flow proceeded to descend this stock has been in a long-term downtrend. On September 20, 2001, this equity closed at a low of $41.64 per share. During the following five months, the money flow rose $15 billion and the stock closed at a high of $75.68 per share on March 11, 2002.
As the money flow fell $13 billion during the following six months this stock reversed its uptrend and descended to lower levels. This equity fell and closed at a low level of $55.98 per share on September 24, 2002.
The stock found strong support and did not break below the $51.85 support level. As the money flow rose $6 billion during the following three months, this equity proceeded to ascend. On January 16, 2003, this stock closed at a high of $66.21 per share and then once again proceeded to fall.
On March 12, 2003, this stock closed at a low of $54.15 per share. As the market rallied, this stock proceeded to ascend. On May 12, 2003, this stock broke through its resistance level of $66.21 and closed at $66.85, up $2.05 for the day. This equity continued to participate in the recent rally and closed at $67.77 per share on May 15, 2003.
In May 2003, we stated: “If the money flow continues to ascend, this stock could test its resistance level of $71.10 by June 2003.” On June 16, 2003, this stock closed at a high of $73.51 per share and was fully valued at this level.
We stated in June 2003: “The long-term stochastic indicator generated a sell signal on June 10, 2003, and speculators who own this equity may want to sell it. If the money flow were to fall $2.8 billion during the next three months, this stock could descend and test its support level of $55.98 per share.” At first, the money flow edged lower, and then rose $912 million during the following 6 weeks and the stock proceeded to ascend. On July 21, 2003, this equity closed at a high of $73.75 per share.
If the money flow were to reverse its trend and started descending, there is a very slight possibility that this equity could fall to a low level of $41.64 by mid October 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a speculative short-term buy.
Caterpillar, Inc., (NYSE symbol: CAT) is a major supplier of agricultural equipment and engines for trucks and locomotives. The company sells its equipment worldwide.
This stock closed at $59.79 per share on March 15, 2002, and since then has been in a downtrend. As the money flow fell $4.18 billion during the following seven months, this stock proceeded to descend and closed at a low level of $33.86 per share on October 9, 2002.
Afterwards, as the money flow rose $1.6 billion during the next eight weeks, this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at $49.90 per share on November 29, 2002. As the money flow fell during the next two weeks, this stock closed at $44.60 per share on December 13, 2002.
Then this equity reversed its downtrend and started to ascend. This stock proceeded to test its resistance level and closed at $48.40 per share on January 6, 2003.
As the money flow fell $301 million during the following five weeks CAT proceeded to descend and closed at $42.04 per share on February 12, 2003. Afterwards, this equity reversed its downtrend and as the money flow rose, this stock closed at $47.02 per share on March 14, 2003.
In March 2003, we stated “If this equity were to maintain its strong upward momentum it could reach a high of $55.45 per share during the next eight weeks.” On May 12, 2003, this stock closed at $54.25 per share.
As the money flow continued to edge higher, this equity maintained its uptrend and closed at a high of $57.89 per share on June 16, 2003. On June 18, 2003, this stock closed at $57.02 per share and was up $12.80, or 29 percent since March 12, 2003. In June 2003, we stated: “Speculators may want to sell this stock to lock in their short-term gains.”
On July 21, 2003, CAT closed at $65.32 per share and was fully valued. If the money flow were to fall $6.8 billion during the next three months, this stock could fall to a low level of $33.86 per share. If this equity were to break below this level, it could fall to $30.25 per share by the end of October 2003. At such a level speculators may want to buy this stock.
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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 semiconductors could accelerate in 2004 and along with it the sales of chip processing equipment could grow. 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.
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 of 2001, we stated that AMAT could fall to $39.00 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 uptrend 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.
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. 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 and this equity closed at $14.31 per share on May 16, 2003. On July 21, 2003, AMAT closed at $17.87 per share.
In June 2003, the fast stochastic indicator generated a sell signal. If the money flow were to fall $4.9 billion during the next two months, this stock could drop to $6.27 per share by the end of September 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a long-term buy. Long-term, this stock could reach $48.25 per share, perhaps by 2007.
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. To find out more about CMGI, Inc., visit the company’s web site at www.CMGI.com.
Recently, CMGI, Inc., has sold some of its core holdings. Among them were the Alta Vista unit and uBid, Inc. Due to these events we have revised our long-term sell target level from $59.75 to $17.50 per share.
The shares of CMGI, Inc., closed at a low of $0.29 per share on August 19, 2002. Afterwards, as the money flow rose $6.1 million during the following 11 months, this equity proceeded to ascend. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $1.79 per share and we maintain our rating of a speculative long-term buy. We would like to remind investors that the risk of owning this stock is high; therefore it should only be bought by speculators and should not account for more than three percent of ones portfolio.
Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ symbol: CSCO) makes data networking equipment, data switches, and networking gear. Cisco Systems continues to expand its market share. As John T. Chambers, who is the CEO of Cisco Systems, continues to steer the company on a path to high growth, the long-term outlook for the company is good.
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 July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $17.93 per share. This equity is in a slow downtrend and may test its $8.60 support level by mid September 2003. If the money flow were to continue falling, in a worst case scenario this stock could drop to $5.75 per share by the end of September 2003, and at such a level we would rate it a long-term buy. Investors who already own this stock could add to their position.
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.
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.
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. Afterwards, as the money flow rose $460 million during the following 10 months this equity proceeded to ascend and closed at a high of $6.38 per share on June 18, 2003.
On July 21, 2003, this equity closed at $5.01 per share. Buy this stock on a pullback, preferably below $2.95 per share.
Due to the negative outlook for this sector, we have revised our long-term sell 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.
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 and added to our Model Portfolio.
On July 21, 2003, DLIA closed at $0.77 per share and we maintain our rating of a speculative short-term buy. If the money flow were to rise $64 million during the following four months, this equity could rebound to approximately $3.70 per share, perhaps by October 2003.
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 and on October 22, 2002, ELANZ closed at a low of $0.06 per warrant. As the money flow rose $182,000 these warrants proceeded to ascend and closed at $0.60 on January 13, 2003.
On May 16, 2003, we lowered our buy target level from $0.15 to $0.10 per warrant. These warrants continued to descend at a slow pace and closed at $0.19 per warrant on July 21, 2003. The risk of owning these warrants is high; therefore only speculators should buy them when they reach our buy target level. On June 17, 2003, we lowered our sell target level for these warrants from $2.00 down to $0.75 per warrant.
Sold: 63 shares of Hewlett-Packard Company on July 17, 2003, at $22.34 per share.
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 PC’s, and networking equipment.
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 and there were 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. Initially, our objective was to hold HPQ long-term until the stock reaches approximately $46.50 per share and then sell it. Although long-term this equity could reach our sell target level, short-term this stock is overvalued and could fall below $14.95 per share by mid October 2003. Therefore, a decision was made in July 2003, to sell this equity. If this stock were to fall below $14.95 per share, 100 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
Internet Capital Group (NASDAQ symbol: ICGE) is a venture capital group that owns a stake in over 52 Internet companies.
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 2008. At such a level all of the shares will be sold immediately.
On June 2, 2003, ICGE closed at a high of $0.82 per share and then proceeded to descend. As the money flow fell $37 million during the following 25 days, this equity descended and closed at a low of $0.46 per share on June 27, 2003. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $0.54 per share, and we maintain our rating of a speculative long-term buy.
JDS Uniphase Corporation (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. As the money flow rose $2.3 billion during the following 8 months, this stock proceeded to ascend and closed at a high of $4.28 per share on June 5, 2003.
On July 21, 2003, JDSU closed at $3.16 per share. If the money flow were to fall $440 million during the following three months, this stock could test its support level of $1.62 per share by the beginning of October 2003 and speculators may want to buy it.
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 of JDSU will be sold as soon as this stock reaches approximately $12.26 per share, perhaps in the second half of 2005.
Sold: 400 shares of LSI Logic Corporation on July 21, 2003, at $7.91 per share.
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 to 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 $20.00 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.
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 February 12, 2003, this stock closed at $3.97 per share.
In June 2003, we stated: “If the money flow were to fall $655 million during the next three months there is a very slight probability that this stock could fall to a low of $1.25 per share by mid October 2003. At such a level we would rate this stock a long-term buy.”
As the money flow continued to ascend this stock maintained its uptrend and in July 2003 was fully valued. Therefore, a decision was made to sell this stock while it was at its high level.
If the stock of LSI Logic Corporation were to fall below $2.45 per share, perhaps by mid October 2003, then 1,000 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
Sold: 160 shares of Microsoft Corporation on July 17, 2003, at $26.74 per share.
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 $45 billion in cash and short-term investments.
In July 2002, 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.
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.
On February 18, 2003, Microsoft Corporation issued a 2-for-1 stock split and afterwards there were 160 shares in our Model Portfolio. Although our initial objective was to hold this equity long-term, at least five years, a decision was made in July 2003, to sell this stock while it is at its high level. If this equity were to fall below $21.25 per share, perhaps by mid October 2003, then 200 shares of MSFT would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
Rite Aid Corporation (NYSE symbol: RAD) is the second largest drug store chain in the United States. The company operates approximately 3,400 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 until this equity reaches our revised target level of approximately $7.71 per share and then all of these shares will be sold to lock in our gain.
For several months during the year 2002, this equity was in a slow uptrend therefore this stock will be held long-term until it reaches our sell target level, perhaps in 2004. On June 18, 2003, this stock closed at $4.28 per share and we rated it speculative short-term buy.
As the money flow continued to rise during the following four weeks, shares of RAD proceeded to ascend and the stock closed at $4.51 on July 21, 2003. If the money flow were to rise sharply during the next four weeks, this equity could ascend to approximately $6.35 per share by the end of August 2003 and all of the shares held in our Model Portfolio would be sold. Speculators who bought this stock below $2.97 per share a few months ago may want to sell it, to lock in their short-term gains.
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 accounting debacle that 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.
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Sold
On Thursday, July 17, 2003, all 63 shares of Hewlett-Packard Company (NYSE symbol: HPQ) were sold at $22.34 per share. 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 and there were 63 shares of Hewlett-Packard Company in our Model Portfolio.
We were not enthusiastic about this merger. Initially, our objective was to hold HPQ long-term until the stock reaches approximately $46.50 per share and then sell it. Although long-term this equity could reach our sell target level, short-term this stock is overvalued and could fall below$14.95 per share by mid October 2003. Therefore, a decision was made in July 2003, to sell this equity. This trade generated a long-term loss of $1,020.14, or 42 percent. If this stock were to fall below $14.95 per share, 100 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
A decision was made to sell the stock of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ symbol: MSFT) on the same day, July 17, 2003. All 160 shares were sold at $26.74 per share. Although our initial objective was to hold this equity long-term, at least five years, a decision was made to sell this stock while it is at its high level. This trade generated a long-term loss of $2,526.35, or 37 percent. If this equity were to fall below $21.25 per share, perhaps by mid October 2003, then 200 shares of MSFT would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
In the second half of July 2003, a decision was made to sell the stock of LSI Logic Corporation (NYSE: symbol LSI) while it’s at a high level. On July 21, 2003, all 400 shares were sold at $7.91 per share. This trade generated a long-term loss of $2,136.45, or 40 percent.
Although this stock could reach a high level of $41.50 per share by 2007, short-term LSI could fall below $2.45 per share, perhaps by mid October 2003. At such a level, 1,000 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
The cash proceeds from these trades netted a total of $8,791.17 after commission and were added to the existing cash. Afterwards, there was $50,163 in cash in our Model Portfolio.
Buy Alert
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.
If this equity were not to reach a low level of $7.85 per share by the end of September 2003, then, 400 shares of Intel Corporation will be bought no later then October 18, 2003, preferably below $13.50 per share and added to our Model Portfolio.
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.
AMD could continue to spend a large percentage of its gross revenues on research and development and try to keep pace with Intel by introducing faster processors to the market. As AMD sells a larger quantity of higher priced processors, the average selling price will continue to rise, thus improving profit margins.
On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $7.10 per share. This equity is in a very slow downtrend. There is a probability that AMD could finally reach our target level of $2.50 per share by October 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.
On April 17, 2003, we added the warrants of Elan Corporation, plc, to our buy list. These warrants trade on NASDAQ under the symbol ELANZ and expire on August 31, 2005. As the stock tumbled, the price of warrants fell along with it and on October 22, 2002, ELANZ closed at a low of $0.06 per warrant. As the money flow rose $182,000 these warrants proceeded to ascend and closed at $0.60 on January 13, 2003. On July 21, 2003, these warrants closed at $0.19 per warrant.
Our initial buy target level for these warrants was $0.15 per warrant. On May 16, 2003, we lowered our buy target level to $0.10 per warrant. As soon as these warrants reach our buy target level 2,000 warrants would be bought and added to the 500 warrants that are already held in our Model Portfolio. The risk of owning these warrants is high; therefore only speculators should buy them.
Cisco Systems, Inc., (NASDAQ symbol: CSCO) makes data networking equipment, data switches, and networking gear. Cisco Systems continues to expand its market share.
This stock is in a downtrend. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $17.93 per share. If the money flow were to fall, in a worst case scenario this stock could descend to a low of $5.75 per share and 200 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
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. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $11.69 per share. If the money flow were to fall $17 billion during the next three 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.
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.
This equity is in a slow long-term downtrend. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $6.00 per share. If the money flow were to fall $1.1 billion during the next three months, then this stock could descend to $1.65 per share. At such a price level 800 shares of RF Micro-Devices, Inc., would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
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 approximately 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 May 16, 2003, this stock closed at $27.75 per share. and was overvalued. As the money flow continued to ascend, this equity maintained its uptrend and closed at $32.30 per share on June 18, 2003. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $31.05 per share.
Our previous buy target level was $4.77 per share and we estimated that YHOO could reach it by October 2003. This stock ascended at a very slow pace and it could also descend at a slow pace. There is a probability that this stock could fall to approximately $17.54 by mid October 2003. At such a level 100 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
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. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $8.72 per share. This stock could maintain its slow downtrend and reach a low level of $4.95 by October 2003. At such a level 300 shares would 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 was trading at approximately 49 times earnings. In our May issue we stated: “On May 16, 2003, this stock closed at a high level of $31.19 per share and was fully valued.”
On July 21, 2003, this equity closed at $32.67 per share. Depending on the money flow, volume, and other key indicators, this stock could fall to $16.65 per share by mid October 2003. If DELL were to reach such a low level, 200 shares would 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, Inc., and another stock.
Nokia Corporation (NYSE symbol: NOK) is the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile phones. The company is located in Finland, with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom and China.
On July 21, 2003, this equity closed at $14.36 per ADR. This equity is still in a long-term downtrend. If the money flow were to fall $25 billion during the next four months, in a worst case scenario this equity could descend to a low level of $2.95 per ADR. If this equity were to reach such a low level then 800 ADR’s of Nokia Corporation would be bought and once again added to our Model Portfolio.
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 July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $13.55 per share. If this stock were to reach a low of approximately $2.15 per share, three hundred shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio. We will wait patiently until November 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 nine years. During the past decade, this was the top performing stock on the NYSE. The company consistently split its stock, and the most recent stock split was 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 did not expect to return to profitability in the second half of the year 2002. The stock fell $1.18 on that day and closed at $3.83 per share.
On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $10.05 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 two years. 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 could establish a very strong uptrend, although it may take a while longer to reach its high. 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.
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.
In February 2003 we stated “This equity closed at $5.18 per share on February 14, 2003 and was fully valued at that level. If the money flow were to fall $1.4 billion during the next three months, this equity could descend to $1.71 per share. At such a level 400 shares of Corning Incorporated will be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.”
On July 21, 2003, this equity closed at $7.51 per share. We are maintaining our buy target level of $1.71 per share and this equity could reach it by mid October 2003.
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.
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 but at this time this equity is in an overall downtrend. On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $5.65 per share. This stock could fall to approximately $1.55 per share by mid October 2003. At such a level 800 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
Sun Microsystems, Inc., (NASDAQ symbol: SUNW) is among the major suppliers of hardware to the Internet. The company continues to introduce competitively priced new servers in order to expand its market share. On January 15, 2003, six hundred shares of SUNW that were in our Model Portfolio were sold at $3.81 per share.
On July 21, 2003, this stock closed at $4.56 per share. If the money flow continues to fall, then this stock could descend and fall to $2.42 per share. Depending on the money flow and other technical indicators, this equity could maintain its downtrend and fall to a low level of $1.15 per share by November 2003. At such a level 1,000 shares would be bought and added to our Model Portfolio.
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 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 and $25.00 per share. If this reverse stock split were approved it 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.
We will monitor this equity and if the company were to issue a reverse stock split, the stock could pull back to a lower lever after two or three months. When this stock reaches its low level we may buy it again and add it to our Model Portfolio.
Nortel Networks Corp. (NYSE symbol: NT) is the leading provider of networking solutions, including optical networking solutions and wireless networking systems.
In September 2002, the company announced that it plans to do a reverse stock split of 1-for-20, or higher, in 2003.
We will monitor this equity and if the company were to issue a reverse stock split, the stock could pull back to a lower lever after two or three months. When this stock reaches its low level we may buy it again and add it to our Model Portfolio.
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 7-21-2003
Stock Symbol |
Purchase date |
Purchase Price |
Shares Bought |
Recent Price |
Change % |
Market Value |
AMAT |
March 1996 |
$38.12 |
a 320 |
$17.87 |
275% |
$5,718 |
CMGI |
January 2001 |
$6.78 |
300 |
$1.79 |
- 74% |
$537 |
CSCO |
October 1999 |
$73.88 |
b 100 |
$17.93 |
- 51% |
$1,793 |
CPWR |
January 2000 |
$21.06 |
150 |
$5.01 |
- 76% |
$752 |
CPWR |
April 2000 |
$12.36 |
200 |
$5.01 |
- 60% |
$1,002 |
DLIA |
October 2002 |
$0.43 |
1,000 |
$0.77 |
79% |
$770 |
ELANZ |
April 2002 |
$0.50 |
500 |
$0.19 |
- 62% |
$95 |
ICGE |
October 2000 |
$11.63 |
200 |
$0.54 |
- 95% |
$108 |
ICGE |
April 2002 |
$0.57 |
500 |
$0.54 |
- 5% |
$270 |
JDSU |
February 2002 |
$6.33 |
200 |
$3.16 |
- 50% |
$632 |
RAD |
February 2002 |
$2.57 |
400 |
$4.51 |
75% |
$1,804 |
WCOEQ |
January 2001 |
$22.50 |
100 |
$0.05 |
- 99% |
$5 |
Cash $51,163
Total $63,649
a) 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.
b) 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 when they reach their lowest level. In the year 2002,
the annual contribution limit for Roth IRA for these taxpayers who were under age 50, was $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 their 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: ERICY) 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 afterwards instead of 200 ADR’s there were only 20
ADR’s in our Model Portfolio II. On December 16, 2002, twenty ADR’s of ERICY were sold at $8.53 per ADR. The cash
proceeds from this trade will be held in the Model Portfolio II. When the stock of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., (NYSE symbol: AMD)
reaches our buy target level of approximately $2.50 per share, additional cash will be added and one hundred shares of AMD will
be bought and added to Model Portfolio II.
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 and $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. On January 15, 2003, one hundred shares of LU were sold at $1.77
per share. The cash received from this trade will be held in Model Portfolio II.
Nortel Networks Corp. (NYSE symbol: NT) is the leading provider of networking solutions, including optical networking
solutions and wireless networking systems. 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 a decision was made to sell this stock. On January 15, 2003, one
hundred shares of NT were sold at $2.43 per share. The cash received from this trade was added to the existing cash in Model Portfolio II.
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 will 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 until
this equity reaches our revised target level of approximately $7.71 per share and then all of these shares will be sold.
If this stock were to reach approximately $6.30 per share by the end of August 2003, these 100 shares of RAD would be sold immediately and the cash added to existing cash in the Model Portfolio II.
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 II.
Our initial objective was to hold this stock long-term until it reaches approximately $41.25 per share. Although short-term trend for this stock appears to be upward, long-term this equity could continue to descend. Therefore, a decision was made to sell this stock. One hundred shares of SUNW were sold on June 12, 2003, at $5.47 per share and the cash was added to existing cash in Model Portfolio II.
As of July 21, 2003, there was $1,056.39 of cash in Model Portfolio II.
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