This contest is now closed. Click here to follow the stock contest leader board. Good luck to all participants!
First of all, congratulations to Rachel Campbell whose stock pick, Dendreon (DNDN) went from $4.58 to $26.28 — an increase of 473.8%. For winning the contest Rachel will receive $300.00.
2009 was a very interesting year. Only 26 people picked stocks that didn’t go up. Included in the list are some pretty smart and successful people. That list includes: Steve Schlesinger, my dad, Todd Biederman, Ed Case, Greg Horvath and yours truly. Yes I made the list and was MUCH closer to the worst pick than the best – shows what little I know.
To participate in the 2010 contest, 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’ll do the rest.
A few things to remember:
- You need to respond by 7:00 PM CST January 18, 2009
- You can only have one entry
- The stock price needs to be at least $1.00 – anything less will not be accepted into the contest.
- Only one person can have a particular stock, so the person who responds first gets the pick and we will notify anyone who has a duplicate stock (we had at least 10 duplicates last year and I am sure there will be more this year).
- If a stock splits, we will make the necessary calculation and adjustment
- If the company you pick gets acquired during the year and their company doesn’t have their own stock price, you won’t be counted in the contest
- We will use the stock prices as they were at the time the market closed the last trading day of 2008.
- Like last year we will post a leader board.
First prize will be $300.00 for the person whose stock goes up the highest percentage in 2010.
I will get the ball rolling with my choice for the 2010 contest: Omnicom (OMC). With the challenging economy I believe we are poised for a strong 2010!
Take the stock challenge of 2010! Get your entries in today!
Again, the deadline is 7:00 PM CST, January 18th.
Alice says:
I’m going with Apple (AAPL) based on the continued success of the IPhone and the probable success of the rumored Apple Tablet to be released this year.
Christopher Dallion says:
I’ll go with Akamai Technologies (AKAM). They are the big leader in helping the internet flow easier without so many bottlenecks.
If Apple does come out with a ground-breaking tablet then it will only help to increase internet traffic which means more customers coming to Akamai.
Rachel Campbell says:
Decisions, decisions…
I will go with Smart Balance (SMBL). They are currently nice and low at <$7 a share, with plenty of room for a huge increase…
Heather Bosley says:
First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR). I am going to need a big upswing here and am hedging my bet on Obama legislation. This could either turn out really well for me or really bad…
Fee Sepahi says:
I’m going to put my vote in for Citigroup symbol C. I think with all the financial woes they’ll make a come back!
Jocelyn Smith says:
I am going with Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SNSS). They conduct clinical trials on the treatment of leukemia. I wanted to pick a low pharma company this year.
Pat S. says:
I am going to go with Bank Of America (BAC). Reason, it has to go up, can’t go down much more — or can it?
Carol Hyden says:
I’ll go with Cisco Systems, CSCO.
janet says:
I am going with LULU which is Lulumon Athletica, sports apparel
John Garvey says:
My pick is Hillenbrand (HI). They are the largest supplier of products to funeral homes and they sell to about 75% of the funeral homes in the US.
Jake says:
I choose Capstone Turbine Corporation (CPST). This producer of microturbines should continue to benefit from expansion into developing nations.
howard burack says:
I’m going with Encana Corp, a natural gas company out of Calgary, Alberta. Their symbol is ECA.TO
Steve Kennedy says:
I am going with UNG (United Natural Gas). No chance to win the contest, but should be good for a 50% return.
Jeff Adler says:
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) — the stock sank from about $80 to about $20 in 2008, as “upscale teenager” got hit particularly hard in the economic meltdown. In 2009, it roared back to about $40 — even though sales have not roared back yet. This could be an $80 stock again by the end of the year — which would represent a 3 year return of 0%, but a 2010 return of 100%.
Marko says:
NOVELOS THERAPEUTICS (OTC:BB NVLT.OB) is the pick this year. Its up from the penny levels in 2009 to well over $2.00 in early 2010. Expecting positive Phase III Trial results in January and an FDA NDA (New Drug Application) sometime before the end of this year. Could be this years DNDN or HGSI.
Andrew Bausk says:
Put me in for TTNP.PK
Speculative drug maker so if they hit up we GO, GO, GO!
Amy Shields says:
Since Jocelyn took my first choice (SNSS…no kidding), I’ll go with VISN.
Gwen says:
Ann Taylor Stores (ANN)…Why not support the place you shop?
Sharon Gautschy says:
Hello. I will go with Liberty Media Interactive (LINTA)
steve says:
AAU – Almaden Minerals – going for the gold!
Trent Gautschy says:
AMR Corporation (AMR)
Jeffrey Lorber says:
VVUS –
Obesity Drug Manufacturer – I ate way too much this holiday!
Good luck everyone.
Jeffrey Lorber says:
That’s VIVUS – (VVUS kind of looks like Wus!)
Patrick Glaser says:
I’ll go with Exelon (EXC). A power supplier that gets most of its energy from nuclear and hydro.
It’s also planning another nuc plant, and supported cap and trade legislation. It should be in a good position to reap rewards there.
chris hauck says:
OK – I’m going with Exxon/Mobil – XOM. I just think that the oil companies will give us another ride this summer and their prices will be way up again.
Paul Kirch says:
My pick is HESS Corp (HES). Oil & Gas industry should see some big numbers in 2010.
Terri McClain says:
My pick is Allos (ALTH). Research is showing that their drug FOLOTYN is really helping cancer patients with lymphoma. GO ALLOS!!
Steve Larson says:
I am going with Google (Goog). I am banking on the the Google phone being a bit hit.
Jeff Drucker says:
GGWPQ – General Growth Properties. Company being reorganized and hopefully will fly high in 2010. If not, it goes south to 0!
Vic Walsh says:
I will choose Orion Energy Systems, OESX. This company works in the green industry, and retrofits buildings with lighting that works better and is cheaper for the user. Sounds like something we could all use! By the way, I actually did some research this year and spotted this company on one of those websites that picks stocks to watch, so we’ll see how smart an idea that was!!!!
Aimee says:
Coinstar — CSTR
Redbox seems to be gaining popularity and Blockbuster continues to close stores, so could be an interesting one to watch.
Tim Antoniewicz says:
NetFlix – (NFLX)
They are doing so much with streaming video, TV shows and movies. In addition to their good DVD by mail setup.
Uncle J says:
Sucampo Pharmaceuticals – (SCMP)
Small company specializing in solutions for gastrointestinal problems Sitting on $100M in cash.
Melanie says:
I think I’ll take Novartis (NVS). Healthcare may be a bit risky, but they’ve had a bunch of drugs approved in the last 3 years and they have a new CFO.
Laurie says:
CEFT
Has new cell phone technology coming out which is going to change the way consumers make purchases and pay bills
Lisa Rich says:
Siga Technologies (SIGA). Bio-terrorism play. Waiting on potential $1 Billion contract award from Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) for a smallpox antiviral agent for the Strategic National Stockpile. If awarded, shares could rise above $15 this year.
Tim S. says:
WEL – Black Gold… Texas Tea
Stephen Walsh says:
Knight Capital Group (NITE) I have a good feeling this is the year for movement!
Janice Walsh says:
TJX – the store where I spend way too much time!
Lorri says:
My pick is Sucampo Pharmaceuticals (SCMP). They appear to be on the cutting edge of gastrointestinal drugs,
Ace says:
Oclaro Optics (OCLR)
Ace says:
OCLR Oclaro Optics
(so nice I submitted it twice…)
KVD says:
I’m going with Home Depot (HD) …I think people will be doing more DIY projects this summer.
Bill Dunn says:
Ford Motor co. (F)
Rich Zeichner says:
RXii Decade for RNA
Megan Zeichner says:
FRG Commodities will be strong in 2010 especially gold.
G Ross says:
I am kind of glad that Pat S. picked my first choice of BAC. Funny that the question of whether it could go down any further was asked given that the SEC is filing additional charges against the bank. I think the answer is yes.
So, that requires me to go with my second choice — Lawson (LAWS). I think the company is small enough to get it right by listening to its customers and big enough to be a pain for its larger competitors. To me that smacks of takeover candidate.
Larry Coggins says:
I am going with MGM…i believe gaming will roar back in 2010.
Larry Coggins says:
just to clarify my pick…Company name is MGM Mirage…ticker is MGM.
Judy Coggins says:
I pick Borders Group Inc…ticker is BGP…it is down, but not out.
Lucy Haydu says:
HSIC – Henry Schein, Inc. is my pick. Henry Schein, a Fortune 500® company is the largest provider of health care products and services to office-based practitioners. Henry Schein also provides exclusive, innovative technology offerings for dental, medical and veterinary professionals, including value-added practice management software and electronic health record solutions.
Thanks Merrill, enjoy the posts (and the contests). Happy New Year!
jennifer says:
Great Wolf Resorts (WOLF). They opened one in my town last year…the hotel with an indoor water park. Sounds like a lot of fun, but we haven’t been yet.
Adam Jolley says:
I’m going with FCEL (FuelCell). I’m not sure when this whole “alternative energy” boom is going to happen but thought I’d take a shot at it being in 2010.
AJ says:
I’ll go with ETCK (Enerteck)
Go Yanks!
Frank Mezler says:
I’ll take Marvel (MVL) if no one has it. New Spiderman – deal with Disney….who knows.
Kylene says:
I’m going with XTXI (Crosstex Energy) this year.
Pat says:
I’m going with SPPI (Spectrum Pharmaceutics)
Tiffini says:
I’m going to pick NAK (Northern Dynasty Minerals)
Dusten Lorenz says:
Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MRTI.BO)
Since India seems to be the buzz….
Steve Yonish says:
I’ll take Freddie Mac (FRE) – can’t get any worse. Can it?!
Glenn Davis says:
I’ll go with China Wind Systems (CWS)
Jeremy Brandt says:
I’ll got with Emergent BioSolutions (EBS) – I’m guessing this vaccine manufacturer’s stock price still hasn’t started recovering from the 2008 slump.
Greg Horvath says:
I will once again pick Citigroup, symbol: C. I still expect banking to recover and with Citi so low – I am going with them.
Ginger Blazier says:
I’m going to stick with Amylin Pharmaceuticals- AMLN.
Magda Ayoub Cooling says:
I’d like VANS. Since the Kids (& Adults) around here are keeping them quite popular… =) THANKS, MERRILL!
Magda Ayoub Cooling says:
Aww man, need to pick another stock… OK, how about ALLION HEALTHCARE INC. (ALLI:NASDAQ) My Daughter’s name is Alli & she’s a positive influence! =)
Todd Biederman says:
Hi Merrill,
Happy New Year to you. This Year I am going to go with Pfizer (PFE) thank you for reminding me!!!
All the best,
Todd
Jennie says:
I’ll go with GMAC (GMA)
They can’t stay in the tank, can they??
GO YANKEES!
Marty Coggins says:
China Direct Inc. (CDII) Magnesium shortages.
Robert Harrell says:
TACT
Stephenie Gordon says:
i am going with Baxter Healthcare, mainly because i would like to brown nose and win this giant project we bid on with their research time.
BAX
Colleen Mezler says:
Royal Caribbean (RCL)
Mary says:
chevron
Greg Horvath says:
Since Citigroup has been picked I’ll go pharmaceutical – how about Syntax Pharma – SNTA.
Greg
Lori says:
I’ll go with Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX). They develop vaccines and with last year’s H1N1 development, who knows what we’ll need vaccines for next!
Karen Bills says:
Best Buy (BBY) – as the economy recovers, people will catch up on the electronics purchases they have held out on for the past year or two!
Aaron Nichols says:
I am rolling the dice with Level 3 Communications (sym: LVLT). This is a pure broadband play that could benefit from the fast-paced growth of the internet in Europe and other emerging markets.
Andy Davis says:
Merrill,
I am going with Green Energy Live(GELV). Turning BS into biofuel can’t be all bad. I knew BS was good for something!
Thanks,
Andy
Dusten Lorenz says:
Jumping on the pharma band wagon…
MannKind Corp. (MNKD)
Jonathan says:
Quanta (PWR) – is the largest contractor in the U.S. electric power market. It specializes in constructing and maintaining high-voltage electrical transmission lines. They should benefit from all the government spending to upgrade infrastructure.
Dan Womack says:
I’m going to go with my pick from last year once again: GNW (Genworth Financial).
Up 301% (only good enough for 6th place, wow!) in ‘09, but they have very solid leadership and could continue that type of climb if world economies continue to recover.
Merrill, Thanks for running this again!
Joel Dubrow says:
I am going with Regency Energy Partners LP (RGNC)
Polann Dubrow says:
I hope to win this year with Martin Midstream Partners LP. (MMLP)
Rhonda Ellis says:
All right, I have finally picked my stock to go with for this year. For 2010 I am going with CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY).
CytoDyn, Inc. discovered and is developing a class of therapeutic antibodies to address significant unmet medical needs in the areas of HIV and AIDS.
Specifically, it has developed Cytolin®, an antibody administered by intravenous infusion.
In preliminary clinical trials involving hundreds of patients treated for about two years, Cytolin®, produced encouraging results in delaying or reversing disease progression while acquiring a good safety record.
…and the big pharma companies are watching these trials closely so they (CytoDyn, Inc.) are creating quite a buzz around themselves.
Lynda Manning says:
I like PALM. The stock is in the middle of it’s 52 week trading range, and has some momentum behind it. Their exclusivity agreement for the Plam Pre with Sprint expires at the end of this month, so other carriers like Verizon will be selling the product. This should definitely lead to increased sales revenues for the company.
Frank Mezler says:
I’m taking Glufmark Offshore (GLF) who operate oil service ships.
Jane Rosen says:
Nike
Ed Sugar says:
Family Dollar -FDO
Stacey Zontini says:
WPRT – Westport Innovations
Fred Van Tatenhove says:
I will go this year with the Principal Financial Group (PFG)
Rick Johnson says:
Hello Merrill,
My choice for this year is TerreStar Corporation (TSTR). Integrated satellite communication services in North America.
Rick
Larry Gulledge says:
I’ll go against my own judgement and many analysts and select General Electric (GE) as my choice. I don’t necessarily like the company but GE is in the bed with this administration on so many issues that I can’t help but think the company will do well although having to deal with NBC may counter many of the positives. NBC having the winter Olympics, however, may help.
SPA says:
I will take my chance with EXXI
Scott Cairey says:
I’m going to continue with the same stock as last year – Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX). It’s already up 20% ytd. That’s a good start.
Bill Priest says:
E*Trade (ETFC)
Rick Johnson says:
Here is my new pick:
Cumulus Media Inc. (CMLS) closed at $2.28 on 12/31/09 Thanks for the email!
Dixie says:
I checked with my stock guru and he says Jayhawk Energy (JYHW) – they’re sitting on top of a 503 billion barrel ocean of oil which is enormous and easily accessible.
Jeff Goldstein says:
Thinking big – Sprint (S)?
Kmat says:
My pick is Consol Energy, Inc. (CNX) – why? – I like the name! That’s how I bet at the horse races…..
Lori Young says:
HSY – Hershey
It’s chocolate – do you really need a reason?
AJ says:
Vvus is my choice.
Bob T says:
I will go with UPS- as consumer spending goes up, so should they.
Mark Eichinger says:
My pick is Dryships, Inc. (DRYS). They are a greek bulk shipping company that is poised for some great growth as the economies of the world recover and global trade picks up (especially with China and Asia). They are also entering the world of ultra deepwater drilling and have several drillships contracted out with oil giants Shell and Petrobras. If their UDW segment picks up, this stock will take off.
Greg Stanhewicz says:
I will say Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) because they settled a lawsuit with Intel in late 2009 which works in their favor in many ways.
Andy Davis says:
here is my new pick: MEMC Electronic Materials (WFR)
Bob Graham says:
I’m going to go with Directv (DTV). New satellite launched will continue dominance in HD programming and the promise of 3D broadcasts will mean new subscribers.
Karen Sciortino says:
ISRG. Using robotics cuts surgery recovery time in half!
Stacey Weber says:
Ok, responding late certainly has its disadvantages….this is my 4th pick…Blackstone Group (BX) and I have no real reason other than it was selected by Business Week as a top pick!
Lorri says:
My new pick is INCY. Thanks!
Shannon Goyda says:
Domino’s Pizza (DPZ). I’m hoping their overhauled pizza recipe will be a hit with customers and not go the way of New Coke.
Laurie says:
Costco (COST) – who doesn’t love it? Great management, prices and customer service. I believe people will continue to look for ways to cut costs on every day products.
Jim Quilty says:
China Distance Learning Education Holdings Ltd (DL) has exclusive rights to distribute Becker Professional Education (a subsidiary of DeVry) CPA review courses in China. I see about one billion ways for upside for DL.
Bo Mullan says:
VirnetX (VHC on NYSE). VirnetX provides security software focused on real time communications over the Internet. Real time voice and video over IP is just getting started, and VirnetX is sitting in the middle of it.
Jim Steber says:
My stock pick for 2010 is WFT – Weatherford International Ltd. (NYSE)
Thanks,
Sarah Kotva says:
Fannie Mae – (FNM)
Marc Dresner says:
People may laugh, but I’m betting on Krispy Kreme (KKD). The product is just too good.
michael mermelstein says:
argonSt
Kelly heatly says:
Intel (INTC) — thanks
Bill Soule says:
Marvell Technology Group (MRVL: NASDAQ), data storage and broad band communications equipment company.
Happy New Year!
Deb Forte says:
I’m going to put my vote in for FORD symbol F. I think AUTO Industry is on a rebound.
Leslie Case says:
too late to plug in Dell Inc ? !
Merrill Dubrow says:
Here is the early top 10 leaderboard:
Marty Coggins (CDII) 94.07
SPA (EXXI) 54.98
Shannon Goyda (DPZ) 36.28
Larry Coggins (MGM) 33.89
Lynda Manning (PALM) 33.7
Ace (OCLR) 33.34
Kylene (XTXI) 30.75
Scott Cairey (CROX) 29.4
Vic Walsh (OESX) 29.16
Glenn Davis (CWS) 28.92
Merrill
Merrill Dubrow says:
The first month is in the record books and here is the top ten leaders:
SPA Energy XXI 56.97
Marty Coggins China Direct Industries 40.68
Shannon Goyda Domino’s Pizza 34.85
Kylene Crosstex Energy 28.1
Scott Cairey CROCS 27.83
Ginger Blazier Amylin Pharmaceuticals 26.71
Dan Womack Genworth Financial 21.94
Larry Coggins MGM Mirage 21.28
Lorri Incyte Corporation 17.24
michael mermelstein Argon ST 16.82
Still plenty of time for everyone to move up!
Merrill
Merrill Dubrow says:
Here is the updated top 10 list:
SPA Energy XXI (EXXID) 69.79
Shannon Goyda Domino’s Pizza (DPZ) 37.59
Bo Mullan VirnetX Holding (VHC) 34.36
Ace Oclaro (OCLR) 34.02
Marty Coggins China Direct Industries (CDII) 33.06
Scott Cairey CROCS (CROX) 31.83
Dan Womack Genworth Financial (GNW) 28.46
Ginger Blazier Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN) 26.93
Kylene Crosstex Energy (XTXI) 24.47
Lorri Incyte Corporation (INCY) 21.74
Still plenty of time.
Merrill
Merrill Dubrow says:
We have a new leader:
Bo Mullan VirnetX Holding (VHC) 80.28
SPA Energy XXI (EXXID) 67.71
Shannon Goyda Domino’s Pizza (DPZ) 46.54
Marty Coggins China Direct Industries (CDII) 44.08
Judy Coggins Borders Group (BGP) 37.29
Scott Cairey CROCS (CROX) 36.35
Dan Womack Genworth Financial (GNW) 35.25
Ace Oclaro (OCLR) 31.3
Kylene Crosstex Energy (XTXI) 29.59
Vic Walsh Orion Energy Systems (OESX) 29.16