The Long Term GARP portfolio had a strong month in October as it increased 2.8%, which was well ahead of the S&P 500 Index (SPX) performance of a loss of 1.3%.
Many companies in the portfolio announced earnings during the latter part of October or the first few days of November, and almost all had good quarterly results. A few companies raised their dividends, and one company announced a large acquisition.
The presidential election is over, and in my opinion the outcome will impact the market in the short term. On a long term basis, certainly more than one industry will be affected by the Obama win. as well as how the chambers of congress are composed. Regardless of the outcome, I have the utmost confidence the portfolio is well positioned for the future.
Liberty Interactive (LINTA) owns QVC, Bodybuilding.com, Provide Commerce, Buyseasons.com, Backcountry.com, and large passive minority positions in other large, well known internet-based business like the Home Shopping Network. Liberty completed the spinoff of their Liberty Ventures segment (LVNTA), and announced earnings on November 6, 2012. For more background, check out this company presentation from October 10.
Iconix Brands (ICON) owns of a broad range of well known brands like OP, Mossimo, Joe Boxer, Peanuts, and Sharper Image. Iconix Brands announced the acquisition of the Umbro brand from Nike for $225 million. The acquisition builds on the existing ownership of athletic apparel brands Starter and Danskin. The company recently reported earnings on November 1, 2012.
Quest Diagnostics (DGX) is the largest health care diagnostic testing company in the United States. The company reported lackluster earnings on October 17, 2012. Quest will have an investor day on November 16, 2012.
Intuit (INTU) recently raised their dividend to 17 cents a share in each quarter. Intuit will report earnings on November 15, 2012.
Starbucks (SBUX) is the largest coffee and tea company in the world. Starbucks recently opened their first stores in India at the end of October. The company reported better-than- expected results on November 1, 2012 and raised the dividend by nearly 25%.
Liberty Media’s (LMCA) holding company assets include Starz Media, the Atlanta Braves, 40% ownership of Sirius Satellite (SIRI), almost 20% ownership of Live Nation (LYV), 16% ownership of Barnes & Noble, and a few other non controlling positions of small public and private. Liberty announced they will be spinning off Starz Media into a separate company, and it should happen by the end of 2012.
VCA Antech (WOOF) is the second largest owner of animal hospitals in the United States, also owns the laboratories for diagnostic testing of animals. The company reported a nice 3rd quarter earnings report and continues to buy new animal hospitals to build the scale of the enterprise.
IAC Interactive (IACI) owns Ask.com, Match.com, Meetic, Service Magic, Vimeo, CollegeHumor.com, and the Daily Beast, among other web sites. The company reported good results for the 3rd quarter of 2012
Moneygram International (MGI) is the second largest money transfer and bill payment company behind Western Union. The company also announced a new relationship with Paypal and extension of its relationship with Wal-Mart-
British Petroleum (BP) is one of the largest integrated oil companies in the world. BP recently announced an agreement to sell their 50% stake in TNK-BP of Russia, and will then take a 20% ownership position in Rosneft, which will become the largest oil company in the world. BP will receive over $10 billion of cash by selling the stake. BP also announced better than expected earnings for the 3rd quarter of 2012 and raised the dividend by 24%.
Quidel Corporation (QDEL) makes influenza tests and is expanding their product line into strep throat, graves disease, and other molecular assays. Their most recent earnings report was better than expected.
Unilever (UL) is a massive food company based in the UK that gets over half of it’s nearly 50 billion dollars of sales in the emerging markets of Asia and Africa. The company pays a dividend of 3.7% and has the goal of doubling its sales by 2020.
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Disclosure: Performance discussed is net of advisory fees. The index comparisons herein are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as the basis for making an investment decision. There are significant differences between client accounts and the indices referenced including, but not limited to, risk profile, liquidity, volatility and asset composition. The S&P 500 is an index of 500 stocks chosen for market size, liquidity and industry, among other factors.
The investments discussed are held in client accounts as of October 31, 2012. These investments may or may not be currently held in client accounts.The reader should not assume that any investments identified were or will be profitable or that any investment recommendations or that investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable.
Certain of the information contained in this presentation is based upon forward-looking statements, information and opinions, including descriptions of anticipated market changes and expectations of future activity. The manager believes that such statements, information, and opinions are based upon reasonable estimates and assumptions. However, forward-looking statements, information and opinions are inherently uncertain and actual events or results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking statements, information and opinions.
