Have a comment, thought or question on a stock?

Feel free to bring up any findings or opinions, I'm open to suggestions and willing to look into any opportunities. Brainstorming is a way to learn from others and expand our views. Changing markets require constant adjustments.

Since most of us are not "experts" in the field, let's communicate in basic terms.

I would like to hear from you, just click on the "comments" link below and contact me. Our communication will be published in this blog or, if you so choose, it will not be posted.
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KRO , a Stock to be Considered

Consistent insider buying over the past three months, coupled with an upside-down head-and-shoulders chart pattern, Kronos Worldwide, Inc. (KRO) has caught my eye.

Kronos Worldwide, Inc. engages in the production and marketing of titanium dioxide pigments primarily in North America and Europe.

Good trading volume, low P/E and adequate yield make this stock a fair prospect. It may be a bit early in the cycle but I am willing to inch into this opportunity, believing that a short term support level exists at 19.50 (closing on Friday at 22.67).
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More Comments on EBIX

The article in this morning's Seeking Alpha seems to go along with my earlier post.


2 Tech Stocks To Buy On Any Pullback

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EBIX Could Make a Turnaround

Having lost about 50% of it's value since March 24 '11, EBIX Inc.'s (EBIX) stock has found a base and could be poised for a rebound.

Ebix, Inc. provides on-demand software and e-commerce solutions to the insurance industry.

Here are some of the positive aspects:

1. 3 month support base at about 15.
2. Crossed and held above the 50 dma for 7 trading days; note that
yesterday it broke the pattern and, if not reversed, could retest
the lows.
3. Price support at about 15, limiting the downside exposure.
4. Adequate average daily volume of about 527 thousand shares.
5. Earnings have increased annually for at least 8 years, with a slight
decrease estimated for '12.
6. Forward P/E ratio is estimated around the mid 9's.
7. The stock is heavily shorted, so the bearish pressure could keep it
down for a while, or propel it on a "short squeeze".

Closing yesterday at 15.53, EBIX is a stock to be considered.
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Put Up Your DUK 's

While we are getting hammered in the markets, there is no evidence of a let up. Times like these are when traders start to look for signs of stock market capitulation as a signal marking the unpredictable bottom. Capitulation is associated with routs as investors “give up” on stocks entirely and move into less risky investments. What we would see is panic selling on big volumes while the crowd runs for the exits. Although it is usually brief and somewhat terrifying, true capitulation often means that the sell off has finally run its course, and prices begin to feel for the bottom.

To stick our necks out and go long in this environment requires great intestinal fortitude. With that mindset, I feel that a safer route at this time is to load up on Duke Energy Corp. (DUK).

Over the past twenty months, we contemplated DUK as a good alternative to the miserable returns that banks were offering through their CD's and savings accounts. DUK was mentioned in this blog's watch list on 12/1/09 when it was trading at 16.68; then on 6/30/10 we got serious and saw a buying opportunity at 16.10.

The yield that we receive from DUK at the present time is 5.40%, ex-dividend coming up in less than one week (8/10/11), the stock is trading at 18.25 and holding steady (down .20) in an uncertain climate.
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CEPH Receives a Hostile Bid

Had my eye on this one (CEPH) since November '09. Kept it in my watch list into February '10. Pulled the trigger on November 24, '10 at 64.10.
Today, CEPH received a hostile bid from Valeant for 73.00 per share. With a trading price of about 75.20, it is a good time to exit.

Sure, hostile takeovers may attract other suitors and higher bids... but then, the deal could fall apart.

Sudden spikes concern me and, with gains of 17.30% in four months, I would not hesitate to cash in.
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Ooooops! CSCO Takes a Dive

For the third time in six months, Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) has gapped down in a significant way coupled with huge trading volumes.

Cisco Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells Internet protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology industry worldwide.

Again, some Wall Street analysts downgraded the stock, citing concerns about higher competition and lower margins.

My belief is that the selling is overdone and that CSCO is not going away. Trading this morning at 19.17, closing in on a short-term support at 19.00; this could be an oportunity to get in at a good level.

Obviously, CSCO has shown to be very volatile and out of favor; with a contrarian view I am inclined to call this one a buy candidate.
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