Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Week #1 Hit'em Up!!!


With basic knowledge of fundamental and technical analysis the MooCows intend to milk the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) with a diversified portfolio. We decided the best way to learn the markets and develop a strategy is to buy shares of companies operating in different industries and then compare them based on short term performance. Keeping in mind economic uncertainty and current sensitivity of the stock market, we feel that 8 buys in the first 5 days is an aggressive approach. We believe that diversification now will help us develop a stronger strategy sooner than later. 

In no particular order is where we stand as of one week:

Evertz Technologies LTD (ET.TO)
A Small Canadian company operating with only 400 employees. ET.TO offers a solution for broadcasting service providers switching to multi-channel digital and high definition television. For instance, Shaw Communications Inc. and Telus offer digital television, high definition programming and movie rentals. This transition within the broadcasting industry creates a higher demand for the services Evertz provides. We purchased 500 shares at $16.65 for $8,344.99 and we are holding.


North American Palladium (PDL.TO, PAL) 
PDL.TO (TSE) or PAL (AMEX) is a Canadian mining company with operations in northern Ontario and Quebec. They produce precious metals Palladium and Gold. We purchased for $3.89/share USD and have seen decent returns, unfortunately however at $4.11/share CAD we have not had the same success. We are holding PDL.TO and PAL for the time being.


Bell Communications (BCE)
For some time Bell Communications has owned 15% of CTV. Earlier this month BCE announced that they will acquire the remaining 85% of CTV, in a deal that will be finalized sometime next summer. BCE is expanding their horizons and will be establishing themselves as one of the largest communications providers and television networks in Canada. We see this as a sign of strong management and an excellent investment. At $32.51 we bought 750 shares for $24,402.44, and it is our Bull!!! MOOOO!!!!!


Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)
CP Rail represents an essential part of the Canadian economy, shipping various imports, exports, and domestic goods across the country. Their chart shows steady growth in the past year, leading us to believe this is a safe investment. However, we do suspect that in the long run it may not provide the income we are looking for, yet we believe it makes a safe short term investment. We purchased 50 shares of CP at $61.53 totaling $3,096.49. It is our smallest investment and so we are sticking with it going into week two. CHOO CHOOO!!!!!


Imperial Oil (IMO)
For our oil and gas stock we picked Imperial Oil. They are 69% owned by Exxon Mobil Corporation (USA). They are involved with exploration, production and sale of crude oil, and natural gas in Canada. ROE, ROA, and profit margin are improving from 2009 to 2010. IMO was the last trade we made in this week and we acquired 300 shares at $37.09/share equaling $11,146.99.
SPDR Gold Trust (GLD)
SPDR Gold Trust investment goal is to reflect the performance of the price of gold. The price of Gold is sitting around $1,300/oz USD. Based on online news articles by investors and analysts we think gold is still on the mOOOOve. We purchased 150 shares at $126.48/share for $18,991.99. In hindsight the potential income from this investment may be sluggish for a seven week game. We decided that as of Monday we are selling SPDR Gold Trust.
iShares Silver Trust (SLV)
Similar to GLD, iShares Silver Trust owns silver and their stock reflects the price of silver at any given time less the Trusts expenses and liabilities. Silver hit an all time high this year. Based on our research we think the price of silver will continue to rise during the next few months.  Purchasing 500 shares at $20.75 for $10,393.44 we are holding SLV.
Thursday=EEEK!!!!
So if you were paying attention to the markets on Thursday September 23 you probably noticed that pretty much everything took a turn for the worst. Read this article… http://www.nationalpost.com/jobless+claims+rise/3567592/story.html 
Maybe this is a small part of what caused the markets to dip on Thursday, maybe not…  We don’t know. Bottom line, as of friday we were back in business.