Poetic Portfolios

As I write this, Apple is the largest company by market cap to not pay a dividend. (more…)

I added some shares of Sharps Compliance (SMED) earlier this quarter. The company provides disposal solutions for medical waste. Trailing earnings look great for the company, but this is largely due to a front-loaded government contract. The real question is whether or not the company can add additional contracts to maintain their momentum. (more…)

About a month ago, I wondered if a turnaround was on the way at Dawson Geophysical (DWSN). I even noted that:

Adding just two crews in a rising market could bring $55 million in revenues and $12 million in owner earnings per quarter (excludes depreciation). Even at 10 times $48 million in annual cash flow, shares could rise to $60 per share.

When Dawson announced earnings a few weeks ago, they indeed noted that demand has turned and that they added two crews. (more…)

Apple’s (AAPL) stock is down today, likely due to the market downturn and deflation of the hype balloon surronding the curiously named iPad. Investors, however, may be losing sight of what Apple is accomplishing even without the iPad. (more…)

In their fourth quarter, Dawson Geophysical’s (DWSN) business continued to contract. Another crew was cut in the quarter as revenues fell 45% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2008 to $47 million. The company lost $2 million for the quarter or $0.26 per share. Dawson’s business, however, depends largely on natural gas prices. The rise in natural gas prices could lead to greater demand from their customers later this year. (more…)

Lexington Realty Trust (LXP) has grown to be the largest position in the Against the Sky Portfolio. Given its recent rise, now is a good time to take a look at their most recent quarter, determine if they are executing their strategy, and double-check their valuation. (more…)

Middleby’s (MIDD) third quarter earnings release was very similar to their second quarter. Organic growth was down significantly, but the company continues to maintain strong profits. In their third quarter, net earnings were $15.5 million, or $0.83 per share as compared to $16.3 million or $0.96 per share for the third quarter of 2008. (more…)

I continue to hold CapitalSource (CSE) because I believe it will recover very quickly as the economy improves. However, this is a company in transition, and with each news release it is as if the company is completely new. I’m often tempted to sell simply based on how complicated it is. My four part series took a close look at this company, and I thought it would be useful to take another look after their third quarter earnings and other recent announcements. (more…)

Much has been written about Apple’s most recent quarter and the potential price targets for Apple shares. Despite the technology treadmill, despite their growing market cap, despite all the competition, one thing is certain about Apple the company: It continues to execute. I think the first few minutes of their conference call cover their successes: (more…)

I don’t usually like to comment on share price movements, but Apple (NASD: AAPL) has shown quite a jump over the past couple of days. Shares are now priced at $184, up from their 52-week low of $78.20. (more…)