Take the $250.00 Challenge (Closed to new entries)
Periodically I will review my 401k accounts. When I checked online this morning I noticed that my Harris Interactive account was up 16.5% year to date and my Omnicom 401K account was up 16.6% year to date.
It got me to pause and think about a challenge, a little contest for the blog. So here goes.
What I would like to propose is for readers of the blog to pick one stock that they believe will go up dramatically in 2007.
Here is what you need to do:
- Respond to the blog with your stock name and if possible symbol
- State the reason why you picked the stock you did
It’s as simple as that.
We will do the rest.
A few things to remember:
- You need to respond by January 15, 2007
- You can only have one entry
- Only one person can have a stock, so the person who responds first gets the pick and we will notify anyone who has a duplicate stock.
- If a stock splits, we will make the necessary calculation and adjustment
- We will use the stock prices as they were at the time the market closed on 12/29/06.
We will frequently post a leader board.
There will be at least two prizes.
The 1st prize will be $250.00 for the person whose stock goes up the highest percentage in 2007.
The 2nd prize will be $100.00 for the lucky loser whose stock goes down the highest percentage in 2007.
I will get the ball rolling with my choice. An easy one. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Symbol COKE. They will follow up a successful 2006 with an even better year.
Take the stock challenge of 2007!
Get your entries in today!
January 2nd, 2007 at 5:36 pm
AAPL - because they had a huge tumble at the end of the year, but I think they will recover well, and their products are hot.
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:00 pm
TIVO - They are doing great things in their area. The subsidizing of their hardware has hurt them in the past, but they have the patents and the product is just too good not to give them long-term growth.
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:01 pm
MSFT - I think they are going to have a good year and I use their products daily.
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:05 pm
VLO - Energy is going to be another hot market in 2007 and Valero was flat last year and believe they are due to take off
January 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pm
JSDA - I’m going to buy a 4-pack on my way home tonight to help them get a strong start on ‘07!
January 2nd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
GOOG - I think they are primed up so much, that they either would go up to 1k or have a precipitous fall. Either way, I am covered with $250 or $100 price
Nice competition by the way !
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:22 am
NOK - new designs and a very hot wireless market will propel Nokia this year.
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:27 am
ABX- Barrick Gold Corp. They mine gold and I expect gold to take off this year.
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:40 am
Ok Merrill - there’s nothing better to get me to respond to something than a challenge. My pick - Tenaris (TS). Whether you’re drilling for oil, pumping oil, moving it around a refinery or delivering it to market, you need steel pipe and for much of global oil industry steel pipe means Tenaris steel pipe…and with the state of the world in regards to oil it seems like a solid pick.
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:49 am
Infosys (INFY)
Outsourcing will continue to be extremely strong in India for the next 2-3 years (until the world finds the ‘next India’). Infosys is the leader of this industry.
Happy New Year!
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:57 am
Reliant Home Warranty Corporation (RHWC)
I am a sucker for on-line advertising; especially when I am not really investing.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:09 am
BIDU - Baidu is thought of as “the Google of China.” With a 50% market share, explosive growth in China, and the high-flying potential of the internet what’s not to love?! Whether or not they will defy gravity like Google is to be seen, but for the contest I’ll take a swing with this one. With 85% growth in 2006, Baidu is a candidate for both first AND second.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:19 am
F — Ford Motor Company. the stock is very low due to recent issues, but new products (e.g. Ford Edge), new CEO, and cost cutting alone should boost the price.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:32 am
XOM - Oil prices are so volatile but they seem to be staying high. I think that is going to continue as a trend in 07.
I didn’t realize my last name wasn’t on there until now.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:41 am
ACH - Aluminum Corp. of China - In the process of consolidating the Aluminum market in China through rollups and it’s own production capabilities. Should do well as China continues to move forward in its path of development. Closed 12/29/06 at $23.50 per share.
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:45 am
HGSI - I’ve got to have this one move up, baby needs a new pair of shoes. They’re a biopharmaceutical company with a promising 3rd stage Lupus drug in the works…roll baby roll…
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:10 am
REV - Revlon basically the stcok for the first time went below $1.00 in 2006 and they almost got delisted. The stock is around $1.25 now and Ronald Perelman will probably sell the company rather than see another slide in price.
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:32 am
Beijing Airport - sym 0694.hk
China, China, China
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:35 am
ALU- as they have made some key aquisitions and look to be on their way up!
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:36 am
GME - Gamestop, the video game craze is not about to stop anytime soon especially with Wii and PS3.
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:50 am
DSW. Yes, that’s right, the shoe store. Not only did they have a fantastic year last year (up 46%) since being spun off from Retail Ventures, but they also enjoy a strong, growing, and very loyal customer base. Just ask Kristy…..
Also, if you look at the competitive environment (Payless, Shoe Carnival, etc.,) they are in a great position to dominate the market considering the sheer volume and price advantage they provide. Just imagine DSW as the the Wal-mart of shoes.
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:19 am
MNKD—Mannkind. They are in the forefront of insulin inhalors which are due for FDA approval soon. Al Mann has made a lot of money for his investors over the years.
January 3rd, 2007 at 11:51 am
AstraZeneca PLC, (AZN). Alzheimers and other cognitive disease therapy in clinical trials.
January 3rd, 2007 at 1:53 pm
Western Union — WU — expect big increases in 2007.
January 3rd, 2007 at 2:34 pm
CheckFree (CKFR) is poised for some dramatic growth in revenue and earnings. Online bill payment services in the consumer markets start to pay off as more and more consumers discover and begin using online bill payment services at their financial institutions, which are enabled by CheckFree.
January 3rd, 2007 at 2:34 pm
I am going with BBBY which is Bed, bath, and Beyond. They are growing and are a well run business.
January 3rd, 2007 at 2:39 pm
GNBT-Generex Biotech- another insulin inhaler developer, but with the rise in Diabetes there is sure to be growth potential for all in that field. Also it was recommended by an Endocrinologist friend.
January 3rd, 2007 at 2:56 pm
China Mobile (CHL). The Company provides a full range of mobile telecommunications services in all thirty-one provinces, autonomous regions and directly-administered municipalities in Mainland China.
January 3rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
PFE - Solely on the basis of my husband’s experience using their fabulous new drug, Chantix.
January 3rd, 2007 at 4:37 pm
JNJ- I think they will bounce back this year.
January 3rd, 2007 at 4:37 pm
I’ll go with Yahoo (YHOO) solely based on a report I saw on the news this morning.
Yahoo! has partnered with Dash Navigation to bundle its search engine into Dash’s navigation offering to let users search for services or businesses from their cars. It could be interesting to see if it takes off as it really weaves Internet technology into everyday tasks. It’l lbe called Dash Express.
JM
January 3rd, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Amgen AMGN because it is so undervalued compared to the other Cancer drug. (and also because the clairvoyant on the radio this morning said we will find a Cancer cure in 2007)
I love this!
January 3rd, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Kmat has decided on Procter & Gamble (PG)….their position as a truly global consumer-products company is intriguing…..
January 3rd, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I’ll go with AIG. CEO Martin Sullivan will be able to keep this baby rolling.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:11 pm
I choose CMC - Commercial Metals Company…Their stock split once last year and they are on pace to have another record-breaking year.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:15 pm
I am just going to go with what I know. Tiffany & Co. Its always been good to me.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:18 pm
CYTK — Cytokinetics Inc, they’re partnering with Amgen to produce heart failure drugs.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:36 pm
My stock pick is AEOS (American Eagle Outfitters) because I have 3 teenagers and have often joked I should own stock as many times as we frequent their store!
January 3rd, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Marvell (MRVL) Marvell produces the chips in almost all of the hottest consumer electronics currently on the market. In addition,the launch of an apple branded phone,which Marvell would probably supply chips for,would be a huge boon for Marvell.
January 3rd, 2007 at 7:47 pm
My choice is Disney (DIS) they had a solid 2006 and will follow up with a much better year. Plus I plan on shopping there more
January 3rd, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Since Microsoft is gone, I’ll shoot for Dell
January 3rd, 2007 at 9:33 pm
CMGI - Years ago I used to work there and I have a good feeling about them.
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Encysive (ENCY)-Best PAH drug in it’s class. Some unforseen delays with the FDA but approval will come this summer causing the stock to soar. Already approved in Europe and pending approval in Austrailia.
January 3rd, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Diageo - DEO, great brands, worldwide markets, solid historic annual growth rates, and loyalist customer base in good economic times and bad.
I’ll drink to that stock!
January 4th, 2007 at 1:11 am
IMCL - ImClone Systems leads this year’s list of fastest growing technology companies with an annual revenue growth rate of 234%. If Sam and Martha had only been patient and waited.
January 4th, 2007 at 11:13 am
TOSHIBA CORP - they’re well positioned to sell the new HD-DVD players in the US, Japan and China.
January 4th, 2007 at 12:10 pm
My vote goes for YUM…because I love them!
January 4th, 2007 at 12:48 pm
Morgan Stanley (MS)
New management team in place.
Rev up on M&A
Sell off of Discover
Retail stays Strong
January 4th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Okay Merrill, is the next step to have each of us throw in a couple of Ks and start our own Fund managed by M.D.?
January 4th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
My pick is Beazer Homes, Symbol BZH
I think I may have a chance to win either bet!
January 4th, 2007 at 6:12 pm
Merrill .. brilliant post idea .. this goes up tomorrow on Diva Marketing Friday Fun. Put me down for Starbucks - SBUX. Why?Surprised no one has and who woulda thought that people would pay half their salaries for a cup of java? Great example of experiential marketing.
January 4th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Merrill,
I’d like to go with a little company by the name of General Dynamics.
NYSE: GD
thanks,
kath
January 5th, 2007 at 5:12 am
NSSI - Network 1 Security Solutions - this is a second choice since someone already took Amgen. This is a small company but moving fast. Involved in licensing and protecting intellectual property, one of the most important assets of businesses today. By the way, not a bad choice for anyone out there looking to try a little gamble on a start-up company
January 5th, 2007 at 8:50 am
Jane,
Thanks for your email and comments. While I do like your idea I can’t say if we are planning on moving forward with that.
What I will say is that we have a surprise or two planned for the people who responded that will be posted after the deadline for the contest which is January 15.
Thanks again.
Merrill
January 5th, 2007 at 11:05 am
IMAX. Has had some turbulence lately but is likely to have a good 2007. Plus it met my criteria for this contest … should be below $5 and trading close to its 52 week low … so if it goes up, the percentage gain will be large.
Thanks for sponsoring the contest Merrill … it’s been fun.
January 5th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Hi Merrill,
What a great idea! Hope everyone had a great holiday and I know we all look forward to a healthy and prosperous 2007, which is why I am going with AMLN - Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
January 5th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
My first choice would have been JNJ but seeing as how that one has already been taken I’m going with PepsiCo (PEP). Honest reason - I went to google and typed in ‘hot stocks of 2007′.
January 7th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
HMIN - Home Inns & Hotels Management - my play on the growing Chinese tourist industry. Growth has been good in 2006, and expect inter-china travel to perform well in 2007.
January 7th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
SNE–Sony Corporation
January 7th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
I am going to go with Whole Foods not only are they good for me and I love to shop there, but market perceptions were not great for them last year but I think they are going to have a tremendous year this year.
January 8th, 2007 at 9:24 am
Nice idea Merrill,
My pick is TWTC — Time Warner Telecom. Only because Google was already taken.
Gail
January 8th, 2007 at 9:47 am
GE. Jeffrey Immelt is a strong new leader. GE’s turbine business is growing like a weed — thanks to continued and growing interest in wind energy.
January 8th, 2007 at 9:53 am
Hi Merrell,
What a fun way to start off the New Year. I will go with Boston Scientific (BSX). I thought you might like something from the Northeast, but I will admit that is not the reason I chose them as my pick for the year!
January 8th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Hi Merrill, I’m going to go with Lukadia (LUK) — a poor man’s Berkshire Hathaway that has had stellar performance over the past several years. I like Jane’s idea — let’s go for it (since I doubt many of us will be making $6,600 an hour in the near future)!
January 8th, 2007 at 10:23 am
Put me down for NYX - The New York Stock Exchange. As NYSE goes electronic, profits should grow.
January 8th, 2007 at 10:34 am
BRLC, Syntax Brillian. Manufacture plasma and LCD TV’s Just purchased Vivitar for additional dist channels. Sales and revenue will explode next year.
January 8th, 2007 at 10:50 am
Stock symbol is GERN
Reason going up – Democratic Congress, discovery of stem cells in amniotic fluid vs. having to destroy embryos.
January 8th, 2007 at 10:56 am
I am going with WYNN - as in Steve Wynn. Love Las Vegas, love the Wynn, and he just opened his new casino in Macau, China. People wait in lines to get on tables and on slot machines over there. Potential is staggering….
January 8th, 2007 at 11:15 am
I am going to take a shot and say RAD - Rite Aid …as the baby boomers get older they need drugs…..
January 8th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Merrill,
Great idea! I’m going with Home Depot (HD). They just let go of their CEO, and even though they gave him a nice golden parachute, I think the stock has to go up with the new CEO. They certainly don’t want Lowe’s catching up with them.
January 8th, 2007 at 11:37 am
Seattle Genetics (SGEN), for their recent agreement with Genentech to develop and sell a new cancer treatment.
January 8th, 2007 at 11:53 am
Merrill,
This is becoming addictive. Can you amend the rules and allow all of the players to choose a second stock also?
January 8th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
LVLT - Level 3 Communications
Provides broadband network and bandwidth. YouTube and other on-line video need the bandwidth LVLT provides.
January 8th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
ENR - Energizer… They keep going, and going, and going, and going!
January 8th, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Since my initial choice was already taken, I will go with the GAP (GPS)
January 8th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
Insmed (INSM). High expectation biotech.
… And, also I’m betting on the Patriots to upset the Chargers! - Ace
January 8th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
My kids still think Target is cool, so I’ll go with TGT.
January 9th, 2007 at 3:10 am
SIX
Six Flags Theme Parks - A Disney want-to-be, that has new ownership that is in early stage of a turnaround.
January 9th, 2007 at 10:32 am
SIFY - An internet services company in India.
January 9th, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Targacept (TRGT) because they are local, a biotech, just got a $20MM milestone payment from AstraZeneca, and the head of sales and marketing is a good friend.
January 9th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
This year’s mild winter (with the exception of Denver) will make water in the Northeast and California a premium. As fresh water becomes like oil, companies like American States Water Company (AWR) will grow.
January 9th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
I’m going with Ann Taylor stores (ANN). After the baby arrives, my wife is going to want a new wardrobe.
January 10th, 2007 at 8:57 am
SIRI
Sirius Satellite Radio….maybe this is the year for it to take off. They’ve spent millions positioning themselves and hiring talent.
Go HOWARD!!!
January 10th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
APC, with same reasoning as Rama
January 10th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
ATSI - Could this be the year management is rewarded for their efforts?
Note on gaming the game: an unscrupulous soul could choose to wait until the 15th and then choose the greatest percentage gainer to date since the 12/29/06 close giving them a large percentage cushion that might or might not last the year OR choose a company that has been purchased at a premium in b/t 12/29 and 1/15 so they would have a guaranteed return on their stock which could be the top performer if ‘07 is a rough year for the market overall. Just my .02
January 10th, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Coldwater Creek (CWTR). It a break-out retail stock.
January 12th, 2007 at 11:56 am
[...] A stock picking contest that I might be able to “win” since the person with the worse result gets $100; winner gets $250. I was going to take Google figuring that it could go either way, but it was already taken. You only have until monday, so get over there. (hat tip Diva Marketing Blog who has some nice suggestions on how to market your blog). [...]
January 13th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
Sohu.com Inc. (SOHU) - Not my first pick, but I’ve like what I’ve read. Also think LI Ning and Jinjiang Hotels would be good choices.
January 14th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
PYX-It’s doubled it’s new product offerings in 2006 and plans to continue diversifying in 2007.
January 14th, 2007 at 8:48 pm
NSLT.OB - NANO SUPERLATTICE because nano is the next big thing and it might just happen this year!
January 15th, 2007 at 6:43 am
XMSR - I think XM Radio will be the lead dog in any merger with Sirius and more and more people are turning to the satellite as they become bored with terrestrial radio.
January 15th, 2007 at 8:19 am
CHK - Chesapeake Energy
Chesapeake is buying out Dale Resources and will be doing much of the drilling for natural gas in the local Barnett Shale.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:42 am
AMAT - Applied Materials - lowish price and a comeback year for techs.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Kinross Gold (NYSE: KGC)
“All the money pumping by central banks around the world is driving investors into the one true currency that’s stood the test of time — gold.
January 15th, 2007 at 11:03 am
Merrill - seems that my top 2 pics (MSoft and SBUX) were already taken. Prior company is already at a 5 year high (DEG), so I’ll stear clear of them. Infosys would have also been a pick for me - wonderful consulting company that gives McKinsey a run for their money…smart move for the person who picked them.
That leaves me to pick someone that I read about everyday - Tesco (TESOF) and I’m greatly anticipating their landfall in California (Cal - e -for - nea as the governator would say it)….and at only $18.46 a share, even a small growth in $ will look like a bigger % growth….
Onward to 2007 and all that it holds!
-Brenda
January 15th, 2007 at 11:39 am
WOOF ….. because I like the name and….. people are treating/loving their dogs/pets like children. I just got a dog last August for the first time ever when my oldest son went to college. I just love her and see how dogs just become part of your family. And, my son loves to come often, not only to visit us, but he misses Daisy. I think that the animal healthcare industry will just grow.
I really wanted to pick BRK.A beacuse I am just fascinated that one share is $110K but decided to go with the underdog.
January 15th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Continental Airlines (CAL) - The airline industry is quite volatile making this pick a great candidate for a potential bust (and the $100 prize), yet airline stocks as a whole are upbeat with all of the recent merger discussions.
January 15th, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Sign me up for Onyx Pharmaceuticals (ONXX). Thanks for the opportunity! Great idea, Merrill.
January 15th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Walgreens! Because it’s a great company that just keeps growing…
January 15th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
STKL- Canadian company poised for big growth in 07
February 14th, 2007 at 5:08 pm
[...] 1. Contests. Merrill Dubrow, The Merrill Dubrow Blog, president of M/A/R/C, has launched one of the most creative contests I’ve seen around. The Stock Challenge of 2007. Via comments you tell Merrill which stock you think will go up the highest percentage in 2007. Winner gets $250 .. 2007 holiday shopping $. And even the loser wins $100 if her (or her or his) stock goes down the most. As of writing this post 56 people commented. You have until January 15 to enter. My choice: SBUX [...]
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:30 am
The 1st quarter is in the record books and so far it is the Stacey Weber story. Here are the top 5:
Stock Increase
Stacey Weber ONXX 10.58 24.84 134.79
Tony Amador JSDA 12.3 20.22 64.4
Tricia Dubrow CMGI 1.34 2.12 58.21
Kelly Harrod-Lui SGEN 5.33 8.19 53.66
Bo Mullan IMCL 26.76 40.77 52.36
The race for the highest percentage decrease is alot closer with Louis P holding the top spot:
Colleen Moore Mezler GERN 8.78 7 -20.27
Andrew Bausk ENCY 4.21 2.71 -35.62
Sarah Kotva BZH 47.01 29.03 -38.24
Mary Wang GME 55.11 32.57 -40.9
Louis P. NSLT.OB 0.37 0.16 -56.75
Good luck to all of the entries
April 3rd, 2007 at 7:39 am
Hi Merrill,
I’ve enjoyed watching the stock board on your blog. I was curious how it’s performing vs measures like Dow, S&P and NASDAQ.
So far it’s out-performing all these indexes. Your stock board has earned a 3% return whereas the Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P have earned about 0% return ytd.
Dow: -0.6%
NASDAQ: -0.3%
S&P 500: 0.5%
April 20th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
Hey,
I love what you’e doing!
Don’t ever change and best of luck.
Raymon W.
July 2nd, 2007 at 7:54 am
Good morning.
Well six months are in the record books and here are the results:
Race for the highest increase:
Stacey Weber 154.26
Kelly Harrod-Lui 84.06
Greg H. 81.71
Brenda M 78.5
Mike Sullivan 74.33
Race for the highest decrease:
Andrew Bausk -57.71
Louis P. -56.75
Sarah Kotva -47.52
G-Man -47.22
Good luck to everyone!
Merrill
September 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 am
Good morning.
As the summer comes to a close so does the first 8 months of the year. With 4 months to go:
Race for the highest increase:
Stacey Weber 274.49 %
Greg H. 188.47
Mike Sullivan 100.96
Kelly Harrod-Lui 92.5
Chuck Miller 84.76
Race for the highest decrease:
Andrew Bausk -56.29%
Louis P. -72.97
Sarah Kotva -77.51
G-Man -88.88
Good luck to everyone.
Merrill
September 29th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Good morning.
With three months to go we still have a run away for first place. Although I am amzed that SIX people would have doubled their money had they invested in their stock:
Stacey Weber 311.35 %
Greg H. 198 %
Chuck Miller 157.04%
Mike Sullivan 155.79%
Kelly Harrod-Lui 110.89%
Mary Wang 104.47%
Race for the highest decrease is even closer:
Andrew Bausk -64.13
Louis P. -81.08
Sarah Kotva -82.45
G-Man -86.11
Good luck!
Merrill
December 7th, 2007 at 8:42 am
Here is the leaderboard with less than 20 sessions to go:
Stacey Weber 427.23
Chuck Miller 248.64
Greg H. 160.05
Ray Netzel 141.67
Kelly Harrod-Lui 138.65
The race is really for the stock that decreased the most:
Andrew Bausk -81.94
Louis P. -91.89
G-Man -94.44
Good luck.
Merrill
January 18th, 2008 at 10:42 am
The final results are in and no surprise that Stacey Weber won - Congratulations Stacey!
Here are some other top stocks:
Stacey Weber 425.71
Chuck Miller 245.91
Stephenie Gordon 133.48
Ray Netzel 127.17
Mary Wang 125.37
Greg H. 115.49
Kelly Harrod-Lui 113.89
Mike Sullivan 112.05
Elyse Gammer 101
The race was really for the person who had the largest decrease on their stock and the winner was G-Man - Congratulations.
Andrew Bausk -79.8
Sarah Kotva -84.19
Louis P. -89.18
G-Man -97.22