Stock Pick Update

Looks like my best pick so far was McDonalds (MCD), way up since I posted about it. Wendys (WEN) has been in a tight up and down trading range. Not too sure about Barnes & Noble (BKS), so far things aren't panning out. Loved them when they paid the huge dividend but now just speculating on a take over possibility. My General Electric (GE) pick was spot on. Started buying at $7.50 a share, my average cost basis is $13.50 and it's currently at $20.45 a share. Also have been collecting the dividend which has been recently raised. Almost forgot MCD has raising their dividend 3 times since I have owned them! Remember solid dividend paying blue chip stocks are the way to go for longterm investing. Happy Investing. Tony

Barnes & Noble Update

Something is going on with B&N(BKS) stock, it's up 20% in the last 2 days. Options action in the stock is way up too. Think that buyout they were talking about a few months ago may go through. I am buying more shares now and think everyone should, IMHO. Happy Investing. Tony

Barnes and Noble(BKS) Update

A month ago I wrote about Barnes and Noble Stock(BKS) no longer being a long term buy in my opinion. Things have changed based on the current stock price. Right now the company’s Stock price is such that there is no chance they will be taken over. Also it’s priced as if there is a 50% chance they will declare bankruptcy within the next 2 years. Both premises are false, IMHO. Actually at this price I think the stock is very attractive to buy once again. Between $9-11 a share I would be and am a heavy buyer. Just picked up my first new shares at $9.10, a bargain IMHO. I agree there is a slight risk that management will sink the ship by over investing in the Nook, but the price is clearly reflecting this risk already. Give the Borders stores a few months to sell their inventory and close down, this will boost Barnes and Noble’s revenue once these stores are gone. People like to buy books and many will continue to do so forever. While I love Ebooks and many people do there will always be people that want a real book to hold. Good luck investing. Tony

Wendys(WEN) Update

So far so good on my Wendys(WEN) pick. The street is hoping they will sell off their Arby’s chain to focus on growth with their namesake Wendy’s brand. Even if they don’t sell off Arby’s I think they can turn around. They have been introducing new items to the menu and will re-launch a shot at Breakfast. The Wendy’s brand stands for quality and I believe it will transfer over to breakfast just as well. To sum things up I am a strong believer in this company and will add to my position in the stock so I am rating it a strong buy. Happy investing. Tony

Barnes & Noble Stock Status Change

I guess all your picks can’t turn out golden. Barnes & Noble(BKS) released a bad earnings report this week. Worse yet they choose to suspend their huge 6.5% dividend. Time will tell if this company is a good long term investment. I have changed my opinion on it to a hold, instead of a buy. I really liked the Dividend that management stated they are suspending to invest more money in Ebooks. This may be the right move for the company long term but short term it’s bad for us shareholders being we won’t get a yield from this investment. I will hold on for the company’s turnaround but not invest any new money in it. Happy Investing. Tony

B&N Stock Update

I am growing even more bullish on Barnes & Noble(BKS) by the day. Now that Borders Group has filed for Chapter 11 a lot of B&Ns competition will disappear overnight. I know the market for printed books has/is shrinking but there will always be a need for them somewhat. B&Ns Color Nook is an overnight success for them. I got a 3G e-ink Nook for Christmas and just love it! I have purchased double the books I usually do and will continue this trend for a long time. Have spoken to many Nook owners and they all love it. This will provide a continuous stream of revenue for them for years to come. Don’t forget about the 6% dividend! Got to love a nice fat dividend like B&N pays. Happy Investing. Tony

Wendys (WEN)

My reasons for owning Wendys are even better today than a few months ago when I posted to buy it. Once they get rid of their earning drag (Arbys) they can focus on growing the brand overseas and in the US. Breakfast sales alone will push this companies earnings up starting later this year. Strong buy on this one you won't be sorry! Happy Investing. Tony