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Chris Hodge

Editor's Choice

  • Are These Discount Stores Really a Discount?

    By Chris Hodge - February 26, 2013 | Tickers: BIG, COST, FDO | Editor's Choice

    I love discount stores. They've got the market expansion during bad times and there are always going to be deal-hunters during good times, so they've definitely got room to run. But I'm not about to plunk down my money (whether earning it was easy or hard) unless I can find a good deal. To me, that means a reasonably low price relative to either sales, profits, or more »

  • Potentially Powerful Value in Credit Service Companies

    By Chris Hodge - January 31, 2013 | Tickers: DFS, NNI, SLM | Editor's Choice

    There's nothing quite like value, especially when it comes in lender form. I like significant profit margins and I want something that pays. Naturally, I want to get all the value I can for the price. If you've got a similar mindset, I'd encourage you to follow along while I take a look at a few potential goodies. Just be careful -- knowing a company's name and more »

  • Are These Confection Stocks a Sweet Deal?

    By Chris Hodge - January 23, 2013 | Tickers: CZZ, MDLZ, HSY, TR | Editor's Choice

    I've been trying to stay away from candy lately, but I recognize that just because I'm not personally into something says very little about how popular it is. I rarely drink, but Diageo is thriving. I've never smoked, but Philip Morris International is alive and well regardless. So what about the confections industry? Are these stocks a taste of heaven, or are they just rot bait?

    Not more »

  • Can You Live on Your Dividends?

    By Chris Hodge - November 12, 2012 | Tickers: AI, BBEP, EPB, TNH | Editor's Choice

    One of the most liberating days of my life was when I realized I could go to a part of the world with an abundance of the Three S's (sun, sand and super-cheap) using only my dividends. One of the worst days of my life that doesn't involve a breakup or arrest was when those dividends fell to pieces. Those were sad times indeed. But it got me more »

  • The Advertising Sector: The Breakdown

    By Chris Hodge - October 17, 2012 | Tickers: FB, FMCN, OMC, IPG | Editor's Choice

    Advertising is as large a part of our modern society as anything. It may even be bigger than air. When someone starts selling "premium" air, I don't even know what will happen. But until then, I feel like getting into an industry that's everywhere at once. While a lot of advertising groups are either privately held or simply sections of a larger company, there actually is a niche more »