Michael Ugulini
All Posts
-
Home on the Range; Where Deer, Antelope and Investors Play
By Michael Ugulini - March 5, 2013 | Tickers: GMCR, IRM, RRC
Can you picture yourself at home on the range, with mountains towering over you, as you peruse the many online and offline investing publications looking for that extra bit of insight? If you can, than you can play right along with the rest of the wildlife, hunting for sustenance to store in your portfolio for the seasons ahead.
Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (NASDAQ: GMCR) is a leader in specialty coffee more »
-
Mining Their Own Business
By Michael Ugulini - March 3, 2013 | Tickers: AEM, CDE, NEM
He who wakes up early finds gold. ~ Hungarian Proverb
Those who work for Agnico-Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM) must be rising quite early, if the company's recent numbers are any indication. Agnico-Eagle Mines is a gold producer, their objective is to continue increasing yearly gold production through building and exploring their own mines. This focus is paying off for the company. The following are a few key things for investors more »
-
Hair Raising Experiences for Investors?
By Michael Ugulini - February 27, 2013 | Tickers: AVP, JNJ, PG
"… the most important member of every heavy metal band is the hairdresser..."
Frank Zappa (American Composer: 1940 -1993)
~
Mr. Zappa was all about cutting to an issue's core. Whether you liked him and his music or not, you could count on his unique perspective on things. He recognized the penchant for puffed, fluffed hairdos in flamboyant bands whose hairstyles sometimes claim more attention than the music.
Considering the plethora more »
-
A Spice Route for Investors?
By Michael Ugulini - February 26, 2013 | Tickers: GE, MKC, MCD |
Readers of my blog probably realize by now that I typically consider companies (with trusted brands) that have been on the market for years. These companies and their brands could be anything from a General Electric (NYSE: GE) light bulb to a cache of fries from McDonald's (NYSE: MCD).
Investors may want to ponder the same things when it comes to buying stocks. Consider trusted companies, in whatever industry more »
-
The Whistling of Copper Kettles
By Michael Ugulini - February 25, 2013 | Tickers: FCX, SCCO
If you train your ear, you can hear the sounds from copper kettles whistling their tunes to investors concerning top copper companies and the prevailing winds for the commodity this year.
A report at Kitco News (Allen Sykora - December 27, 2012 - kitco.com) relates that the expectation is that there will be a modest surplus of copper on the market this year. However, analysts expect demand to increase somewhat as more »
-
Often Traversing an Oily Slope
By Michael Ugulini - February 25, 2013 | Tickers: APA, BHI, CAT, HAL, PG
Oilfield products and services suppliers ride the same waves of volatility, as does the energy industry they support. The potential for significant returns exists for these companies, and this can translate to healthy returns for those who invest in them. However, the risk factor is always there - and quite potent at times - as these corporations often traverse an oily slope. It can be a challenge for them to gain traction more »
-
Is Silver in Mint Condition?
By Michael Ugulini - February 22, 2013 | Tickers: AG, PAAS, SLW
Every cloud has its silver lining, but it is sometimes a little difficult to get it to the mint.
Don Marquis (Author, 1878-1937)
What's up with silver and silver companies for 2013 and beyond? A look at past performance, as well as forecasts already made, is giving investors some indication. Is silver in mint condition, or are there caveats to consider before taking a shine to a major silver more »
-
Lords of the Rings… and More
By Michael Ugulini - February 21, 2013 | Tickers: BKW, JACK, MCD, SBUX
In a land far, far away, the Chief Overlord of all things Fast Food was preparing his strategy for a deeper foray into the Hamburger, French Fries, and Onion Ring arena. With McDonald's Corp. (NYSE: MCD) at the top of the heap, he knew the battle would be tough. Add to that the offensives being put on by Burger King Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: BKW), Jack in the Box, Inc more »
-
I'll Try the Portfolio Salad with Oil & Vinegar, Please!
By Michael Ugulini - February 20, 2013 | Tickers: HNZ, SJM, MON
Sometimes all it takes is something crisp and refreshing like a salad - with just enough tanginess - to liven up a dreary lunch. The same can be true for a stock portfolio that seems bland and uninspiring. A little oil & vinegar over fresh greens may be just the enticing side dish you need to augment your investments.
An agricultural enterprise, Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), with their subsidiaries, provides agricultural products for more »
-
Spicy Sales with a Small Dash of Caveat Emptor
By Michael Ugulini - February 15, 2013 | Tickers: BJRI, CMG, DRI
Consumers' tastes for Mexican menu offerings are robust in many parts of the world. This is very evident when looking at the latest financial results for Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG). The company develops and operates fast-casual, fresh Mexican food restaurants. As of Feb. 5, 2013, they operated approximately 1,410 restaurants. In early February, the company reported financial results for their fourth quarter and full year ended Dec. 31 more »
-
Recline and Define Your Interest in These Companies
By Michael Ugulini - February 14, 2013 | Tickers: ETH, LZB, LEG
Sometimes it's nice to sit back and enjoy your favorite libation while researching companies in a relaxed manner. Rash investment decisions can cause a nervous rash, and blemishes on any disposable income you have in your cash account. With that in mind, recline and define your interest in these companies.
La-Z-Boy Incorporated (NYSE: LZB) is one of the world's leading residential furniture producers with three reportable operating segments more »
-
Holy Equities Commissioner…We Don't Even Miss the Batmobile!
By Michael Ugulini - February 13, 2013 | Tickers: GE, TRN, LCC |
With the original Batmobile selling at auction recently for $4.2 million, the Caped Crusaders have resorted to public transit and other modes of transportation to fight evil. At an Investors' Forum in Gotham City this week, the Duo discussed their investing philosophies concerning diverse aspects of the transportation industry. Here's a portion of my give and take with them:
Michael: I understand you both have an interest in more »
-
Are These Two Diamonds in the Rough or an Investor's Best Friend?
By Michael Ugulini - February 12, 2013 | Tickers: DO, DDC, RIO
Marilyn Monroe sang, "A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl's best friend." Does that go for everything "diamonds?" Concerning equities, are different kinds of "diamonds" an investor's best friend?
Diamond Offshore Drilling (NYSE: DO) provides contract drilling services to the energy industry. They're a leader in deepwater drilling, and own and operate one of the largest fleets of offshore drilling more »
-
A Breakfast Club for Investors
By Michael Ugulini - February 11, 2013 | Tickers: DF, GIS, K
Do we need to have 280 brands of breakfast cereal? No, probably not. But we have them for a reason - because some people like them. It's the same with baseball statistics. --Bill James (American baseball writer, historian, statistician)
It seems many people like breakfast cereals--in traditional and non-traditional formats. The advent of cereal bars has changed the morning breakfast routines of many consumers and opened up new revenue streams more »
-
Potash: A Good Way to Fertilize an Investment Portfolio?
By Michael Ugulini - February 8, 2013 | Tickers: VALE, IPI, POT
Using potash fertilizers can increase crop yields and improve plant quality, especially where potassium is deficient in the soil. "Potash" refers to a group of potassium (K) bearing minerals and chemicals. The dominant potash in the market is the compound potassium chloride (KCl). Fertilizer manufacturers mine this potassium from naturally occurring potash ore deposits. Can holding shares in potash companies increase your investment yields and portfolio quality? They can, but more »
-
Superman Avoiding Kryptonite – Considers Investing in Uranium
By Michael Ugulini - February 7, 2013 | Tickers: AU, CCJ, IAG, RIO
At a recent Investor's conference I talked to the Man of Steel who reported his renewed interest in Uranium while avoiding Kryptonite altogether. "For obvious reasons I'm risk-averse as concerns Kryptonite, but I'm researching the opportunities in Uranium and the companies that have projects in this area."
Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO) engages in finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminum, copper, diamonds, thermal and more »
-
Are These Companies Worth Their Salt?
By Michael Ugulini - February 7, 2013 | Tickers: CAG, PEP, TATYY.PK
A recent report from the NPD Group concerning snacking habits of U.S. consumers stated that 53 percent of American consumers snack more than once daily. The NPD Group report also related that over 90 percent of U.S. households have traditional salty snacks in their kitchen cupboards.
It's no wonder that major consumer brand companies are focusing on those "in between" eating times, and garnering significant profits from more »
-
Breakfast at Tiffany's, Barbie's, and Sally's
By Michael Ugulini - February 6, 2013 | Tickers: MAT, SBH, TIF |
Lately, I've been having morning javas and marmalade-smothered crumpets, while performing due diligence concerning three companies. This has led to fine morning connections with the always-dynamic Tiffany, Barbie, and Sally.
Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) is involved in product design, manufacturing and retailing activities. Their principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Co. - a jeweler and specialty retailer. Tiffany and Co.'s vast selection of jewelry was responsible for 91 percent of more »
-
Investors: Consider Bubbles Certain to Burst
By Michael Ugulini - February 1, 2013 | Tickers: MDLZ, PDRDY.PK
The housing bubble has caused economic pain in the U.S. and elsewhere since 2008. Some investors are avoiding real estate investing all together. They should consider other bubbles certain to burst, which can provide a good ROI. This means chewing gum, bubbles for bathing, and champagne. Investors can enjoy these - literally and equity-wise - and invest in companies with bubbles that consumers enjoy.
-
Shiver Me Timbers! "Log" These Companies in Your Portfolio
By Michael Ugulini - January 29, 2013 | Tickers: PCL, RYN, VMC
Today, as an investor, do you have the proverbial intestinal fortitude to invest in an industry sector that depends on the housing and even still the publishing industry to some extent? It's not to say that Plum Creek Timber (NYSE: PCL) and those of its ilk can't get along with advancing their businesses somewhat when there's trouble in these sectors. However, it's infinitely more difficult and more »