Stock Picks Recap: The Ups and the Downs

Looking back on all the Stock Picks I have made throughout the year I have realized it is time to sell some of my positions. Will do this in two articles this week but basically just go through every pick and say what I think so here it is:

Ivanhoe Mines (IVN) Bought on 2/20/2009 at $4.42 now at $8.69, Total Return: 97%

Sell half your position, that’s what I did to protect myself. The stock is up 89% since this pick was made and has high volatility ahead. I still like it, actually love it but its better to play with the houses money than your own. The things that bode well for IVN are Copper is increasing in price and demand plus they are on verge of building one of the largest copper mines in the world. The plans to build a massive mine in Mongolia would surge stock price. They are just going through agreements. IVN with an IA agreement would appreciate a lot. I firmly believe this as does Goldman Sachs and many analysts. It will easily reach 13-15, in a short run.  The run is partially due to the anticipation of the signing which is now in negotiations and it will most likely be signed very soon. Clearly the movement of IVN in the short term is based on the IA and has nothing to do its recent run-up. It has dropped on anticipation but I am long. Yes this all sounds like great news but the problem is the deal has been a stalemate for such a long time, who knows if it will ever get done. Plus if they get screwed over by the government with the excess of 68% windfall tax, etc it could take a hard hit on the stock. That’s why I advise selling half the position. Here is the link to read the original research report.

Oracle (ORCL) Bought on 4/2/2009 at $18.82 now at $21.96, Total Return: 17%

Hold onto it if you own it. If not buy on a dip. They offer a nice dividend and are a best of breed company in a growing industry so looks good. Here is the link to read the original research report.

China Life Insurance (LFC) Bought on 4/4/2009 at $53.05 now at $64.03, Total Return: 21%

Sell and take the profits. LFC is up close to 20%+ since the recommendation and it is already trading over my 12-month target. Still has potential as it is a sound company yet I think there are other places to but your money that you will get better return. Here is the link to read the original research report.

Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR) Bought on 4/23/2009 at $35.90 now at $42.21, Total Return: 18%

Hold onto PBR as long-term it had great growth potential. I am a firm believer that oil will continue to rise throughout the year and leading into 2010. $100 a barrel oil is on its way. PBR also has invested billions on billions in the discovery of massive oil fields. Only a few months back they found one of the largest oil discoverieis off the coast of Brazil. With money backed by the government and a strong expansion plan this stock has room to grow making it a great long-term investment. Here is the link to read the original research report.

Under Armour (UA) Bought on 5/25/2009 at $20.70 now at $24.00, Total Return: 16%

Hold it for the long-term. If Under Armor can do it big in the international scene then there is nothing stopping this stock from surging. Here is the link to read the original research report.

Noble Bought on 6/16/2009 at $34.40 now at $34.46, Total Return: 0%

Buy, Buy, Buy. This is a great oil stock. I believe that this stock could easily reach $40 come years end and hitting $50 in 2010. It holds a strong array of oil holdings worldwide and is positioned well for the future. With the price of crude oil slowly creeping up all bodes well for this stock. Here is the link to read the original research report.