Thursday, October 7, 2010

Share Investor Portfolio: Spring Stock Picks

I have been saving up my dividends from the Share Investor Portfolio over 2010 as I haven't yet found anything I am interested in buying. There is currently close to $16000 to spend and with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd [FPH.NZX] and Mainfreight Ltd [MFT.NZX] still to announce their 2011 half year results in late November this figure should reach well over 16K .

But what to spend it on or to spend it at all, that is the question.

Most stocks in the portfolio have now retraced back up to market value or past my buy levels but I have a few I am currently looking at to add to.

First on my list is Michael Hill International [MHI.NZX], it has been operating reasonably well as a business over the great recession but its share price has been marking time and hasn't taken off like other shares in my portfolio have.



Closing at 68 cents yesterday, it is trading at levels it was back in 2005 when its profit and growth prospects were much lower. I have a lower end 60c price to add to the current 10000 shares in the portfolio. I am tempted to use the whole dividend pool on this stock alone.

Second in the firing line is Pumpkin Patch Ltd [PPL.NZX] It has had some hiccups due to the expansion of the company in North America and the UK but profit has remained over the last 2 years and its latest result shows an improvement and a promising long term.



Its share price though is trading well below where it was in 2005 and even though its share price has recovered over the last year or so it is now a yield stock at current price levels with a gross dividend of over 7%. It has the added benefit of good growth prospects as the economy recovers. I have a buy level between $1.70 and $1.80.

Third and last from the existing Share Investor Portfolio is Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd. [SKC.NZX] The company has been performing better than it ever has, with record profits and a much better balance sheet due to far lower debt.



While it is off its lows share price wise, it isn't by much and I cant fathom as to why this stock seems to be out of fashion. It is paying a dividend of well over 8% gross on these share price levels so it is a good buy for those sick of meager returns from term deposits.

I am greedy here considering its current share price, I am looking at a buy between $2.70 - $2.80.

My final pick is a stock from outside the Share Investor Portfolio but one I follow closely for a number of reasons. Contact Energy Ltd [CEN.NZX].

CEN is a solid company that does business amongst a handful of electricity companies that operate like monopolies and I love monopolies as investments.



I think it is one of the better long-term buys at current share price levels of around $5.70. A price it was trading at in 2005.

It has the added benefit of a majority owner poised to make a takeover offer at any time.

I am looking at a buy in the $5.50 - $5.60 range.

Conclusion.

I don't have a time horizon for my buys and things could change if the market takes a dive - other stocks might become more attractive than the ones above.

I could in the end just leave the $16000 in the CMA account and wait for further opportunities as the market reacts to the poor global economy latter on down the line.

I think my picks though show how my portfolio will develop as I add stocks through dividends and this has been my intention from its inception in 2002.


*Note all charts are 5 year indicators chosen for uniform comparison.


Michael Hill International @ Share Investor

Michael Hill International: Tall Tales & Rumours
Hill Family makes Claytons Takeover bid for Michael Hill International
Michael Hill International Ltd: 2010 Full Year Profit Analysis
Long Term View: Michael Hill International Ltd
Michael Hill International: 2010 half year profit commentary
Michael Hill Makeover kicks off
Michael Hill International: 2009 full year profit commentary
Toughen Up: What I have learned from the hard times
Stock of the Week: Michael Hill International
Michael Hill TV3 60 Minutes Interview
Long VS Short: Michael Hill International
Marketwatch: Michael Hill International
Michael Hill's profit shines
Michael Hill takes on the windy city
Why did you buy that stock? [Michael Hill International]
MHI has defined growth strategy
MHI profit sparkles

Discuss MHI @ Share Investor Forum

Download MHI Company Reports


Pumpkin Patch @ Share Investor

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Pumpkin Patch CFO Matthew Washington
Pumpkin Patch Ltd: 2010 Full Year Profit Analysis
Pumpkin Patch Ltd move downmarket
Long Term View: Pumpkin Patch Ltd
Pumpkin Patch's North American Downsizing a Prudent move
Digging at Pumpkin's Profit
Long vs Short: Pumpkin Patch Ltd
Pumpkin Patch Buyback shows Confidence in the Future
Pumpkin Patch takes a hit
Pumpkin Patch ripe for the picking
What is Jan Cameron up to?

I'm buying
Why did you buy that Stock? [Pumpkin Patch]
Rod Duke's Pumpkin Patch gets bigger
Buyer of large piece of Pumpkin Patch a mystery
Pumpkin Patch a screaming buy
Broker downgrades of PPL lack long term vision
Pumpkin's expansion comes at a cost
Pumpkin Patch vs Burger Fuel
Pumpkin Patch profits flatten
New Zealand Retailers ring up costs not tills

Discuss PPL @ Share Investor Forum

Download PPL Company Reports

Buy Pumpkin Patch Clothing


Sky City Entertainment Group @ Share Investor


Sky City set to lose National Convention Centre bid
Sky City Entertainment Group: Australian Acquisition on the Cards?
Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd: 2010 Full Year Profit Analysis
Sky City Entertainment Group 2010 Full Year Profit Preview
Chart of the Week: Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd
Share Investor discusses Convention Centre proposal with CEO Nigel Morrison
Share Investor Q & A: Sky City CEO, Nigel Morrison
Sky City Entertainment: CEO Nigel Morrison discusses 2010 HY
Sky City Convention Centre Expansion a Money Loser: Part Two
Sky City Convention Centre Expansion a Money loser
Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd: Download full Company analysis
Sky City 2010 full year profit looking good
Long Term View: Sky City Entertainment Group Ltd
Sky City Entertainment: CEO Nigel Morrison discusses 2010 Half Year
Sky City Entertainment Group 2010 Interim Profit Review
Sky City to focus on Gaming
Sky City debts levels now more manageable
Insider Trading on Sky City shares
Sky City Profit Upgrade: Always on the Cards
Sky City's Current Cinema "Boom" a Horror Story in Disguise
Stock of the Week: Sky City Entertainment Group
Are Insiders selling Sky City Stock?
Sky City Entertainment 2009 Interim Result Preamble
2008 Sky City profit analysis
Sky City share offer confusing and unfair for smaller shareholders
Sky City Entertainment 2008 Full Year profit results , NZX release, 2008 full year presentation, result briefing webcast, financial statements
Sky City 2008 profit preamble
Sky City outlines a clear future plan
As recession bites Sky City bites back
Sky City Assets: Buy, sell and hold
Why did you buy that stock? [Sky City Entertainment]
Sky City Share Volumes set tongues wagging
Sky City half year exceptional on cost cutting
NZX Press release: Sky City profit to HY end Dec 2007
Sky City Cinemas no Blockbuster
Sky City Entertainment share price drop
New Broom set to sweep
Sky City Management: Blind, deaf and numb
Sky City sale could be off
Opposition to takeover
Premium for control
Sky City receives takeover bid
Sky City Casino Full Year Profit to June 30 2007
Setting the record straight
Sky City CEO resigns
Sky City Casino: Under performing
Sky City Casino 2007 HY Profit(analysis)
Sky City Casino 2007 HY Profit

Sky City Convention Centre @ Share Investor

Share Investor discusses Convention Centre proposal with CEO Nigel Morrison
Sky City Convention Centre Expansion a Money Loser: Part Two
Sky City Convention Centre Expansion a Money loser
SKC Convention Centre power-point slide illustrations & SKC submission to Auckland City Council

Discuss SKC @ Share Investor Forum

Download SKC Company Reports


Contact Energy @ Share Investor


Stock of the Week - Reprise 4: Contact Energy Ltd
Stock of the Week - Reprise 3: Contact Energy Ltd
Long Term View: Contact Energy Ltd
Stock of the Week: Reprise 2 - Contact Energy
Stock of the Week: Reprise - Contact Energy
Not so fast Davy Boy
Still Watching Contact Energy
Beam me up Davy
Stock of the Week: Contact Energy
MarketWatch: Contact Energy - June 2009
MarketWatch: Contact Energy - Jan 2009
Contact Energy looks bright during dark times
Share Investor's 2009 Stock Picks
Follow the Monopoly Board

Discuss this stock at Share Investor Forum - Register free

Download CEN Company Reports



Recommended Fishpond Reading

Crisis: One Central Bank Governor and the Global Financial Collapse

Buy The Intelligent Investor & more @ Fishpond.co.nz

Fishpond


c Share Investor 2010

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Is Joris De Bres' Racially Biased?

I am slightly amused by the big fuss made over wind up comments about Anand Satyanand made by TVNZ Breakfast host Paul Henry on his show yesterday. It really is a non story but it is being twisted by the sniveling left wing media because there is no alternative "news".

What really grabs me by the balls and gives them a big yank though is the response by the bloated Race Relations Commissioner Doris de Bres.

Henry apologised to the sensitive wee things that were offended but that wasn't good enough for Doris.

Doris said:

"...the apology was not good enough, and should be aimed at all New Zealanders.

"When you say, 'I'm sorry if I offended you', it makes it sound as though the person who was offended is at fault..."

When Hone Harawera called white folk "white motherfuckers" earlier this year Doris said this was part of his freedom of expression and was "....just Hone being Hone..." he sure is one cheeky little darkie ah bro!!

Hone apologised to any offense that might have been caused but also qualified that by saying the "sentiment" of his words he stood by.

I am not bothered by either Henry's comment or Haraweras, it is merely someones opinion and we can judge them based on that but get a grip on your taxpayer funded gravy train Doris!

If you are going to be given half a million a year to sit and pontificate, and get fat and lazy, at least look like you are being fair when you make your pathetic, racially biased decisions.


c Darren Rickard 2010


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Friday, October 1, 2010

Allan Hubbard Saga: Third Grant Thornton Report reveals more dirt



With the release of the third Grant Thornton Report today the public has got a much better view of what Allan Hubbard and his fellow directors have been up to over at the now defunct Aorangi Securities, Hubbard Management Funds and numerous other business entities put into statutory management a few months ago.

While Thornton Reports 1 and 2 outlined the main points at issue in the case against Allan Hubbard, Report 3 gives us the detail and further evidence. Unfortunately because of the way Allan Hubbard eschewed paperwork, much of the detail has yet to come forth and may not be revealed at all, as there are simply no records on many loans and we would have to rely on the generosity of borrowers to put their hands up and identify themselves. Really who is going to do that.

What we see in the third report are the following main points:

* Aorangi previously advanced Southbury Group Limited (“Southbury”) the sum of $10 million. Southbury’s principal asset appears to be its interest in South Canterbury Finance Limited. Since the last Thornton Report South Canterbury Finance has been placed in receivership. The consequence of that is that Aorangi's investment in Southbury Group is unlikely to be recovered.

* Most assets held by the various entities in Statutory Management have been well overvalued.

* Accounts are either missing, were never in place or confusing.

* The possibility exists for a 23c return on the dollar to investors in Aorangi sometime in the future.

*Securities and assets were used as security for 3rd parties that had interrelated ties and therefore material to other investors easily getting their money back.

* Investments made by Hubbard were high risk, high return.

* Most assets were highly illiquid and therefore had to cash up when needed by investors.

* The majority of shares held were of the unlisted variety which are difficult to sell, especially in a depressed market.

* Many loans made inter-party were given security from other Hubbard related business entities - highly risky

* Hubbard Management Funds made big loans to Allan Hubbard's private businesses.

The worst part of this report reveals in more detail that Allan Hubbard built his investments on the foundations of a very large interrelated domino game. That is to say loans were made here, to related businesses there and if one fell, as they did months ago, the other had the distinct possibility of falling as well.

The other poor reflection on Hubbard was his lax and illegal accounting practices. No paperwork for some loans and he relied on his borrowers to be honest and pay back this and that whenever they could! Now that is not "old fashioned business done with a handshake" as he calls it, and his supporters would back up, it is plain and simple stupidity and very high risk. Old fashioned business did do business with a handshake but they always did the paperwork.

So much for looking after peoples money like it was his.

I am of the view now that the statutory managers have uncovered enough facts -as they are - to pass on their findings, the relevant information to the appropriate regulatory bodies, including the Serious Fraud Office, as to enable prosecution of Mr Hubbard and whoever else was involved in his various financial shell games. I am not confident that Mr Hubbard and his fellow travelers will get their just deserts but at least now charges can be brought and we can see the process proceed from here.

Meanwhile the Serious Fraud Office is finalising its second interim report over the fraud case against Hubbard and multiple business entities and would be considering three options: charging Mr Hubbard, continuing the investigation, or closing it.

Another report from Grant Thornton will be released at the end of October and it is likely to be the forth of many more to come.

Related Share Investor Reading

Download Grant Thornton Report 1
Download Grant Thornton Report 2
Download Grant Thornton Report 3

Allan Hubbard Saga: Will He Walk?
Allan Hubbard Saga: No Longer Bothered by Botherway
Allan Hubbard Saga: 60 Minutes Interview, Sept 23 2010
Allan Hubbard Saga: Supporters head to the exit door
Allan Hubbard Saga: Threats & the Mysterious PWC Report
Allan Hubbard Supporters: Conflict of Interest
VW Veneer reveals BMW heart
VIDEO: Jenni McManus Explains Allan Hubbard Collapse
Allan Hubbard Statement on SCF Receivership
VIDEO: Sandy Maier - full news conference on SCF Receivership
Market Alert: South Canterbury Finance to be placed in Receivership
Allan Hubbard: Ignorant Supporters Blissfully Unaware
Thornton Report 2: Allan Hubbard Guilty as Charged
Allan Hubbard: Full TV3 Interview - July 16 2010
Thornton Report: Allan Hubbard's Aorangi Securities
Whatever happened to? Muriel Dunn
Bothered by Simon Botherway
Allied Farmers: Prosecutions should be on the cards
Allied Farmers Fraud passes with little fanfare
Allied Farmers: What's it Worth?
Hanover, Allied Farmers deal more of the same
Jane Diplock Q & A Interview
Hanover's "White Knights" are really daylight robbers
Hanover collapse: It was just a matter of time
Money Managers Saga: 3 Story wrap
Money Managers gives First Step investors the middle finger
Greed is bad: Geneva Finance Folds
Financial 101: Learn before you leap
Kevin's Blog


Recommended Fishpond Reading


Crisis: One Central Bank Governor and the Global Financial Collapse

Buy The Intelligent Investor & more @ Fishpond.co.nz

Fishpond


c Share Investor 2010

Stock of the Week - Reprise 4: Contact Energy Ltd



If you have been following the share price of Contact Energy Ltd [CEN.NZX] over the last few years you would have noticed a good short-term trading pattern that many have exploited to make some fast money. Since March 2009 the share price has been up and down like a cheap K-Rd hooker on multiple occasions, ranging between around $5.50 at its lows to around $6.50 at its highs. (see chart above)

Since April 2010 though the stock has been trading at the lower end of this range and seems to be marking time for whatever reason.

If you look at the historical 10 year chart below you will see that the last time this stock settled at any share price range for an extended period was back in 2000-2001.

The historical nature of this stock is for it to keep climbing in share price.

Conclusion?

The market seems to be hanging back and waiting to see some news, either good or bad, that will move the share price in the appropriate direction.

As I have already said, CEN stock really has been marking time since March 2009 when the aforementioned trading pattern began but the tighter trading range of the last 6 months or so really has made this stock worth watching closely.

For those of you wanting this stock for the long term it will perform well and the probability that its majority owned Australian parent Origin Energy Ltd [ORG.ASX] will make a takeover move will be icing on the cake. Its current share price would make a move by the long termers a wise one.

On the other hand if you are one of those short term traders that have made money on this stock since early 2009 beware that the trading pattern has been broken and you could well see a dip below the $5.50 floor.

Happy investing!



Contact Energy @ Share Investor

Stock of the Week - Reprise 3: Contact Energy Ltd
Long Term View: Contact Energy Ltd
Stock of the Week: Reprise 2 - Contact Energy
Stock of the Week: Reprise - Contact Energy
Not so fast Davy Boy
Still Watching Contact Energy
Beam me up Davy
Stock of the Week: Contact Energy
MarketWatch: Contact Energy - June 2009
MarketWatch: Contact Energy - Jan 2009
Contact Energy looks bright during dark times
Share Investor's 2009 Stock Picks
Follow the Monopoly Board

Discuss this stock at Share Investor Forum - Register free





c Share Investor 2010