Stock Idea: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ, $60.62)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) produces and markets healthcare products throughout the world. The PE is 12.6, the beta is .7, the dividend is $2.16 per share and yields 3.56%. Projected consensus eps growth is 1.7%, 5.8% and 9.4% for the fiscal years 2011 through 2013.

The stock is likely to trade $60 to $64 in the near-term, with the next move likely being up to $66. I would buy this stock if I wanted a blue chip stock with a good dividend, but the growth will not be exciting, just slow and steady. If I've owned it for a while and I'm getting antsy, I'd sell at $64 and move on.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: WellPoint (WLP, $64.48)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

WellPoint (WLP) is a health benefits company serving over 30 million medical members. Earnings per share are projected to fall slightly in 2011 by 2.7% to $6.56 per share, then increase in the next two fiscal years by 11.0% and 8.1%. The PE is quite low at 9.0. Is there room for the PE to expand now that a Federal judge declared that citizens' mandatory purchases of Obamacare is unconstitutional, and there is less risk that Obamacare will put medical insurance companies out of business? I would think so.

The stock price looks like it's ready to rise above the recent $48-$65 range, possibly retracing its former high of $90 before the stock fell with the financial meltdown of 2008.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Walt Disney CO. (DIS, $39.88)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Walt Disney Co. (DIS) is still growing at an attractive rate, with projected consensus eps increasing 18.4%, 15.1% and 12.8% in the years 2011 through 2013. The dividend of 40 cents per share represents a modest yield of 1.00%. The PE is 19.74 and the beta is 1.07.

The stock price has traded between $15 and $35 repeatedly over the last ten years, and has just recently broken out of that trading range. I bought DIS shares recently at $38.50, and hope to earn a 10-25% return on my investment this year.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Update on United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

The Stock Idea on UPS (below) was originally posted herein on January 27. Click the link for today's excellent earnings report.


United Parcel Service (UPS) pays an annual dividend of $1.88, which yields 2.58% based on a current stock price of $72.87. The beta is .91. The PE is high at 23.43. Projected 2010 earnings per share are $3.53, and eps growth for 2011 and 2012 has consensus projections of 18.4% and 15.3%.

The stock is just now rebounding up to a former trading range of approximately $68 - $85, where it stayed in 2003 through 2008, prior to the financial meltdown of 2008. I bought the stock recently at $72.80, and I have a sell order in at $84. I would expect it to stay in this former trading range for quite a while, and this presents a good opportunity to buy and sell several times.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD, $85.77)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Air Products and Chemicals Inc. (APD) "serves technology, energy, industrial, and healthcare customers globally with products, services, and solutions that include atmospheric gases, process and specialty gases, performance materials, equipment, and services. The Company is a supplier of hydrogen and helium...." -- Morgan Stanley research, January 2011.

APD's earnings per share (eps) are expected to rise 13.3%, 11.2%, and 6.5% in 2011 through 2013. The PE is 18, the dividend yield is 2.27% and the beta is 1.19.

APD stock is recovering nicely from the 2008 Financial Meltdown, when stocks dropped precipitously. Watch for the stock to trade between $82 and $102 this year, barring any unexpected bad news.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stocks to Buy in the Face of Market Weakness

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

American stock markets went down today, not dramatically, but enough that people pause and wonder what to do. Keep in mind that stock market averages have trading ranges, advances and declines, just like individual stocks do. Today, American stock markets experienced a down day in an upward cycle.

Stocks which I've reviewed herein during the last week which look attractive at today's prices and strong enough to easily perform well in the near-term include Nordstrom (JWN), General Electric (GE) and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB).

Scroll down and read the reviews of those companies. Send me questions if you like, and I'll be happy to not "publish" your comments if you ask me not to. Or find me on Facebook or Twitter and talk about your stock market ideas and concerns.

Have a good weekend!

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Nordstrom Inc. (JWN, $41.96)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) is a specialty fashion retailer which sells merchandise through retail stores and online; manufactures private label clothing; owns a bank and offers credit and debit cards. The stock dividend is 80 cents per share and yields 1.91%.

A consensus of earnings estimates from 22 investment firms shows that earnings per share are expected to increase 39.2%, 13.3% and 11.8% in the years 2011 through 2013.

If the stock price continues its current rise toward the former high of about $58., investors could earn a 35% return. I bought the stock recently at $40.50, and plan to sell around $56. (I never try to get every penny of profit out of a stock trade. I just sell when it's close to my target and move on to another attractive stock.)

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: AT&T Inc. (T, $28.13)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

AT&T, Inc. (T) is a worldwide telecommunications conglomerate. AT&T continues to experience modest year-over-year earnings growth, and is expected to do so through 2011 and 2012. The dividend yield is 6.11%, the PE is 7.7, and the beta is 0.61. This is an incredible value stock which could attract stock traders, income investors, and value stock investors.

AT&T reported fourth quarter earnings today. Despite new competition in the I-Phone market, AT&T is expected to maintain the lion's share of that market for quite some time, and the company has additional business divisions which contribute to its overall annual earnings growth.

The stock is likely to trade in the $28-$30 area in the near term, with the next move likely being a rise to $35/$36. I wouldn't hesitate to buy AT&T immediately for a good trading opportunity.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS, $72.87)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

United Parcel Service (UPS) pays an annual dividend of $1.88, which yields 2.58% based on a current stock price of $72.87. The beta is .91. The PE is high at 23.43. Projected 2010 earnings per share are $3.53, and eps growth for 2011 and 2012 has consensus projections of 18.4% and 15.3%.

The stock is just now rebounding up to a former trading range of approximately $68 - $85, where it stayed in 2003 through 2008, prior to the financial meltdown of 2008. I bought the stock recently at $72.80, and I have a sell order in at $84. I would expect it to stay in this former trading range for quite a while, and this presents a good opportunity to buy and sell several times.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: General Dynamics (GD, $74.77)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

General Dynamics (GD) is in the businesses of aviation, shipbuilding, weapons & combat, and information & technology.

GD has a dividend of $1.68, which yields 2.25%; and a PE of 11. Consensus earnings are projected to increase 5.0% and 7.3% in 2011 and 2012.

GD stock fell from approx. $93 to $37 during the financial meltdown, recovered to a trading range in the $57-$77 area, and now looks poised to climb from there. GD stock could provide a good medium-term return of up to 21%. From a trader's point of view, if I owned this stock, I would definitely sell at 91.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: The Coca-Cola Company (KO, $62.96)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Coca-Cola (KO) stock has spent the last ten years trading roughly between $40 and $60 dollars per share, and it is just now showing signs that it's ready to break out from that trading range. I would buy KO today. The dividend is $1.76 per share, which represents a yield of 2.80%. Consensus earnings growth for 2011 and 2012 is project at 10.3% and 10.1%. The PE is 19.31 and the beta is quite low at 0.59.

(Many stocks have made no significant advances in the recent decade. Four major hits came to U.S. stock markets during that time: the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, the ensuing recession, the 2008 financial crisis, and its ensuing recession. These events cost American companies lots of money; many were financially devastated, e.g. real estate and financial companies; and some even closed for business, e.g. Bear Stearns.)

KO looks like it will trade in the low $60's in the near-term (approximately $62.50-$65.50), and I expect the next move to be up. I expect that both short-term investors and medium-term investors could be happy with KO's investment returns. Read about the company at http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: DeVry Inc. (DV, $47.38)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

DeVry Inc. is an educational services company, serving students in middle school through post-secondary education.

DV has a low PE, a low beta, and a tiny dividend. Earnings are projected to rise 15.8%, 6.9% and 11.0% respectively for 2010, 2011 and 2012.

DV stock has traded between $39 and $70 in the last year. As a stock trader, I would be a buyer of the stock below $44 and would sell at $60.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Sanofi Aventis (SNY, $34.56)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Sanofi Aventis (SNY) is a healthcare company which produces human pharmaceuticals and vaccines and animal healthcare products.

SNY had a firm trading range of $40-$49 before the stock fell with the crash of 2008. The stock price is now recovering. I expect it to trade in the $34-$40 range in the near-term, and it could break through $40 without too much difficulty if market conditions remain strong.

SNY pays a dividend of $1.099 per share, with an attractive yield of 3.18%. The PE is 8.55 (very low!) and the beta is 0.91. EPS are consistently in the $4.50 area going back to 2009 and forward to 2011. All-in-all, Sanofi Aventis appears to be a good value stock with immediate upside potential.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Stock Idea: Verizon (VZ, $34.95)

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Verizon (VZ) has a dividend of 5.58%. What is the bank paying you? My last statement from TCF Bank shows an annual yield of 0.16%. Obviously, stocks are risky and money market funds are not too risky, but the goal is not always to minimize risk. Sometimes the goal is to earn money!

VZ's eps are expected to drop 1% in 2011 and climb 17% in 2012. I bought this stock recently at $32.15, and now it's at $34.95. It could easily bounce around $32 again before a run-up. I expect it to climb to $41/$42, at which point I'll sell.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

Investment Disclaimer

Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using you agree to hold www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and me, Crista Huff, harmless and to completely release www.TheRightHuff.blogspot.com and Crista Huff from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damage (monetary or otherwise), or injury (monetary or otherwise) that you may incur.

I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

My Investment Background and Today's Stock Idea: Fifth Third Bancorp

(May 16, 2011 update: All future stock posts will appear on my new subscription-only website at www.GoodfellowLLC.com. Please visit!)

Career Experience

I worked in New York City in the 1980's, and had an interest in the stock market. I sent various resumes to financial firms, but couldn't get an interview, presumably because I wasn't aggressive enough and also didn't have the appropriate background: I had a B.A. in English and worked as a wholesaler at Liz Claiborne Inc.

Then I moved to Colorado and got hired by Dean Witter in a heartbeat, presumably because I had serious sales experience in New York City. (Interesting how the same job can be seen as both an advantage and disadvantage, depending on the observer.)

I worked at Dean Witter, which later became Morgan Stanley, and is now Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, from 1988 through 2002, at which time I retired to take care of my children. While at Dean Witter, I enjoyed trading stocks for clients, earned a Vice President title, and served as the Equity Coordinator in my office.

Now the kids are older, and I'm trading stocks in my retirement account. This blog will serve as a discussion of what I'm buying and selling for myself, and why. I will be happy to answer your questions as to what I would do when presented with your favorite stock, but you will have to determine for yourself what you will do with it. I encourage you to consult investment and tax advisors so that you understand the risk and tax implications of investing in stocks.

Today's Stock Idea: Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB, $14.60)

FITB has projected eps growth of 76%, 29% and 6% over the next three years. The beta and PE are high and the dividend is not worth mentioning. The stock is now recovering from a long-term decline. I bought the stock the other day at $14.15 -- I had been waiting for a dip in the price -- but I would be happy to own this anywhere in the $14's to be poised to catch the expected run-up. FITB should meet a little resistance around $20, then climb to the mid-30's before getting stuck again.

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The Right Huff is Crista Huff's blog for politics and items of sociological or financial interest. Crista Huff also manages Goodfellow LLC, a subscription-only stock market website. We strive to identify financially healthy companies in which traders and investors can buy shares and earn dividends and capital gains. See disclaimer for the risks associated with investing in the stock market. See your tax advisor for the tax consequences of investing. See your estate planning attorney to clarify beneficiary and inheritance issues associated with your assets.

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I am not paid to promote nor disparage any investment. My recommendations are based on hypothetical situations of what I would do, not advice on what you should do. The information provided herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Investments are risky, and can go down in value. Past investment results are not indicative of future returns. I am not a licensed investment advisor nor a tax advisor. Consult with a licensed investment advisor and a tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment. This is not a solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Second Chances: Good Mommy, Bad Mommy

Dr. Laura says that we have two chances in life for a loving parent-child relationship, meaning that if your parents screwed it up, you can get it right with your own child. I grew up in fear, and one fear was the terror involved in asking my mother for things which needed to be purchased. This included everything from popsicle sticks for a Girl Scout project to shoes because I had outgrown my only pair. Such a request would invariably be met with a bitching diatribe about how "I'm not made of money!", etc., at which I would cower and hide.

One result for me was that when it came time to work on school or Girl Scout projects, I'd procrastinate and also do a terrible job. I never had the materials I needed to complete the projects like the other kids, I had no confidence, and no matter how much effort I made, my mother would, in the end, insult my final result, even if I received an "A" on the project.

Skip to the year 2010. My youngest daughter is super-industrious. If she has a school project to complete which is due in three weeks, she finishes it with two weeks to spare, often asking for no help other than spell-check and asking me to buy posterboard.

Last night, I was blown away when my middle daughter Olivia came home in alarm, announcing that there was a book project due on October 5, which she had apparently not known about. I know she's a fast reader, so I calmed her down and told her she had plenty of time to read the book.

She replied, "Oh, I've already read the book." Then she walked around, gathered a Corn Flakes box, scissors, wrapping paper, tape, and proceeded to work on and complete the three-dimensional book report over the course of the next two hours. Nowadays, kids don't necessarily "write" book reports like we did in the 60's and 70's. They turn them into marketing projects with both writing and artwork.

This morning, Olivia brought the project to school, six days before it was due. On the way home from dropping her off at school, I cried. All the terror from my childhood came flooding back, and I was comparing it to the ease with which Olivia approached her school project, knowing that Mommy would help her with any part of the project that she couldn't complete alone. "Where do we keep the wrapping paper?" "How do I wrap a box?" Etc.

I want to tell Dr. Laura that I've checked another box on the list of "Second Chances: Getting Things Right With Your Own Kids." What a relief.

Douglas County GOP By-Laws and the Governor's Race

by John Ransom, former Chairman of Douglas County Republicans


There has been quite a bit of controversy regarding what the bylaws say about support of the GOP nominee, Dan Maes.

Let's first look at what the bylaws don't say.

While the language is very general, a plain reading of the bylaws does not say that precinct people and district captains must resign if they support another candidate besides the GOP nominee. And they certainly contain no provision for officers or other members to demand that members of the central committee or executive committee resign if they refuse to support the GOP nominee. It's no more proper for others to demand resignations than it is to demand that Maes drop out of the race.

I would argue, quite the opposite. Officers who demand that others resign are violating the bylaws in fact. They have no authority anywhere in the bylaws to demand resignations. The only authority to remove members of the GOP from positions as Officers, PCP or DC is vested in the executive committee and the central committee under the bylaws. There are clearly prescribed procedures for such removals and those procedures don't include the chairman of the county party demanding resignations.

So what exactly do the bylaws say about supporting a Republican candidate?

The bylaws say that the central committee "acting as an entity" may not oppose the GOP nominee in a general election. The words "acting as an entity" defines what may not be done (that is, oppose a GOP nominee as an entity) and by implication defines what may be done. Because it excludes all other cases, such as individual endorsements, one could reasonably argue that a PCP or a district captain then can individually endorse candidates.

In other words, precinct people, district captains can individually endorse whoever they wish as long as they are not "acting as an entity" as the central committee.

The bylaws were written this way on purpose in order to take into account unique situations where healthy public opinion prohibits members of the GOP from supporting a nominee, as in the case of Maes. Instead of tying the hands of members, the bylaws leave the definition of what is permissible by individuals to the executive committee and the central committee to define on a case by case basis. There is nothing hypothetical about the vesting of the authority to define on a case by case basis by the executive committee and the central committee how to act in these cases . It is an accomplished fact in the way the bylaws define the role of executive committee and the central committee.

What about removing members?

The word in the bylaws "may" regarding removal (as in: "Any elected officer (PCP, DC) of the DCR may be removed for good cause which shall include the following,") does not mean that an officer, precinct person or DC must resign, should resign or will be asked to resign or be removed. In fact, it is up to the executive committee to vote to remove a PCP, district captain or officer. A two-thirds vote is required to remove someone via executive committee and a majority vote via central committee.

Then even if the person is removed, there is no provision preventing precinct people from re-electing officers, district captains or re-appointing those removed.

I would strongly urge everyone to please read the bylaws before demanding what clearly violates the procedures, spirit and intent of the bylaws. Remember please that Officers, PCP and District Captains all are elected by peers to represent us. We should respect that, and let everyone be animated by the desire to do what their conscience dictates is in the best interest of the party.

Then they can explain what they did at election time, as is proper.

Why Would I Campaign for Tom Tancredo?

A GOP friend of mine asked me if I will step down as GOP District Captain if I were to campaign for the non-GOP candidate for Governor of Colorado, former Congressman Tom Tancredo. Here was my response:

"If I were to campaign for Tancredo and also a variety of Republicans....well, I would just do it. If somebody wanted to bring me up on charges of breaking by-laws, then they would just do it. Then the Central Committee would vote for or against me. Most of them would make a personal assessment as to whether I brought much value to the Party or not. Some of them would vote along the lines of whether they liked me or didn't like me. Others would vote based on which candidate they had preferred, e.g., was I helping their guy win. For me, it would be a crapshoot.

I'm trying to help save our country by electing people who can pull it back from the brink of socialism. I need to elect people who seem capable of doing that, and avoid the others. My country's future is more important than this local issue. I'm not wavering at all from my original intention when I got into politics, after the illegal alien attack. I realized that nobody was going to do anything about illegal immigration until we elected Presidents and Governors who were adamantly against it. I have achieved much toward that goal. I helped launch the entire Tea Party movement in CO....I helped put enough pressure on Ritter to step down....I helped teach the masses how to have their voices be heard...and if I campaign for Tancredo, I will be campaigning for the very man who gave me hope in the first place.

If I campaign for Tancredo, I will be doing exactly what I've been doing since becoming a District Captain in October 2007. If I campaign for Maes, who the hell would I be? My children would be ashamed of me. They know what happened to me. One of them saw it. (No, it wasn't rape.) All of them lost me for two years. I need to stick to my plan.

I respect everybody else's choice(s) on this, but they've got to respect mine, too."

Why Are We Giving Money To Countries That Hate the United States?

(These statistics came from an email I received, and can be verified on Snopes.)

How they vote in the United Nations:

Below are the actual voting records of various Arabic/Islamic States which are recorded in both the U.S. State Department and United Nations records:

Kuwait votes against the United States 67% of the time.
Qatar votes against the United States 67% of the time.
Morocco votes against the United States 70% of the time.
United Arab Emirates votes against the U. S. 70% of the time.
Jordan votes against the United States 71% of the time.
Tunisia votes against the United States 71% of the time.
Saudi Arabia votes against the United States 73% of the time.
Yemen votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Algeria votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Oman votes against the United States 74% of the time.
Sudan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
Pakistan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
Libya votes against the United States 76% of the time.
Egypt votes against the United States 79% of the time.
Lebanon votes against the United States 80% of the time.
India votes against the United States 81% of the time.
Syria votes against the United States 84% of the time.
Mauritania votes against the United States 87% of the time.

U.S. Foreign Aid to those that hate us:

Egypt, for example, after voting 79% of the time against the United States, still receives $2 billion annually in U.S. Foreign Aid.

Jordan votes 71% against the United States and receives $192,814,000 annually in U.S. Foreign Aid.

Pakistan votes 75% against the United States and receives $6,721,000 annually in U.S. Foreign Aid.

India votes 81% against the United States and receives $143,699,000 annually.

What is the Difference Between the Characters of a Conservative and a Liberal?

from an email I received:
"If a Conservative doesn't like guns, he doesn’t buy one. If a Liberal doesn't like guns, he wants all guns outlawed.
If a Conservative is a vegetarian, he doesn’t eat meat. If a Liberal is a vegetarian, he wants all meat products banned for everyone.
If a Conservative is down-and-out, he thinks about how to better his situation. A Liberal wonders who is going to take care of him.
If a Conservative doesn't like a talk show host, he switches channels. Liberals demand that those they don't like be shut down.
If a Conservative is a non-believer, he doesn't go to church. A Liberal non-believer wants any mention of God and religion silenced.
If a Conservative decides he needs health care, he goes about shopping for it, or may choose a job that provides it. A Liberal demands that the rest of us pay for his.
If a Conservative reads this, he'll forward it so his friends can have a good laugh. A Liberal will delete it because he's "offended"."