Poetic Portfolios

Today I’m wishing that I had paid attention to my own analysis. In December, I took a look at Netflix (NFLX) and noted that shares were expensive, and that I would look to buy below $50. Well, shares dipped below $50 earlier this month, and I found myself without any cash to invest. Then shares rocketed up almost 24% yesterday. (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…)

I’m a little late looking at earnings, but I wanted to make sure I reviewed the progress of Markel to check it with my investment thesis. Their third quarter demonstrated the investment gains that were expected as book value rose from $222 per share at year-end 2009 to $274 per share at the end of the third quarter, a 23% increase. (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…)

Last summer and fall I noted that Oyo Geospace (OYOG) was getting their balance sheet in order and that a turnaround may be on its way for the company as oil prices have risen. I didn’t expect their earnings to show any improvement until their fiscal fourth quarter. Their fourth quarter, however, was disappointing in regard to their earnings. (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…)

As 2009 has come to a close, it’s time to take a look at the Against the Sky Portfolio, check its performance, and test its asset allocation. Overall, I’m pleased with the performance of the portfolio, but in my search for value, I suspect that I’ve drifted from its original intent. (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…)