Turfscape's Blog

Gratitude for First World Problems

Turfscape — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 13:20:24 GMT

As our National day of thanks approaches, I find myself surrounded by complaints.

On a full flight, three-across seating, I sat wedged into a middle seat for 3+ hours, after being delayed a little more than 90 minutes in the airport. I was annoyed, to say the least.

I strongly disagree with so many of our elected representatives, and can do nothing more than curse the thinki...

Off-Topic: CIA Director Resigns

Turfscape — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:46:22 GMT

So, CNN is blaring this headline

CIA Director David Petraeus Submits Resignation Over Extra Marital Affair

Now, first let me say, my own socio-political viewpoint would have me rejoicing if the enti...

Chinese Auto Subsidies Are Bad...

Turfscape — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:13:41 GMT

From the news:

>WHITE HOUSE — The Obama administration is complaining to the World Trade Organization, or WTO, that China is illegally subsidizing exports from its automobile and auto-parts industries. President Barack Obama made the announcement on Monday at a campaign rally in the swing state of Ohio, whose economy relies heavily on auto manufacturing.<</p>

Google doesn't divulge specific revenue information on Android...but that won't stop a judge from revealing a bit more than Google probably wanted during the court battle with Oracle.

Everything is Great for Android...Except Revenue

Tim Horton's (THI) is hitting new 52-week highs right now, up over $57.50 today, and has been on a tear since the start of the year. This Canadian Coffee, donut and sandwich chain has been part of my holdings since I stumbled into one of their stores for a caffeine fix and a maple-glazed during a trip to Toronto in 2006 (THI was spun off from Wendy's with an IPO in March '06). I loved it! I don't know what it is about the coffee and donuts there...

Apple, Schmapple...show me manufacturing!

Turfscape — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:16:16 GMT

Let me start by saying that I cannot imagine my life right now without my MacBook Pro, my iPhone and my iPad. I own AAPL and have held shares for a little more than 10 years now. But how many news stories about Apple do we REALLY need?

I counted 12 headlines on the MarketWatch homepage this morning. Apple stories were on CNN's main news page all morning, and are continually all over the CNNMoney page. Apple se...

Why HOG Matters

Turfscape — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:34:12 GMT

Harley-Davidson, Inc. put out its Q1 earnings this morning, and the numbers are solid. The quick view: EPS is up 45.1%; Revenue is up 20%; Gross margin rose from 33.1% to 35.9%. Retail sales are up over 20% globally and over 25% in the US. The big news to me is that the Motor Company is increasing production and revising their guidance on shipment to 245,000 - 250,000 bikes for 2012.

Good numbers. Solid growth...

Whoops...someone let the HOG out!

Turfscape — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:27:24 GMT

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (HOG) is scheduled to release Q1 earnings on Wednesday (4/25), but someone over at the Motorcycle Industry Council, which compiles motorcycle sales info, got an itchy trigger finger over the weekend!

I've been predicting a big Q1 for HOG here, based on my own observa...

Get Ready For One Helluva Ride

Turfscape — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:11:49 GMT

This is the time of year that a (not quite so) young motorcyclists heart starts beating a little faster...his eyes gaze longer down that open road...warmer weather means riding season is upon us! And, April means its also Earnings Season. So, if you are a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and stock owner, times could not be better. Get ready for the good times, because they are about to roll along.

Now, HOG has had a...

Apple worth more than Poland

Turfscape — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 09:38:15 GMT

At $500 billion, Apple is now worth more than the country of Poland.

But let me tell you this: Poland still has better soup!

...

More opportunity with HOG

Turfscape — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:41:23 GMT

Harley-Davidson is continuing to make the right moves. 3 years ago, the company named Keith Wandell as CEO. Immediately the company embarked on a restructuring and return-to-core-product philosophy. Since then, the results are showing. HOG has been a solid investment since I initiated it in my CAPS portfolio in June of 2010.

Following up on the successful re-org, today the Board of Harley-Davidson, Inc. ...

Manitowoc is Back at Work

Turfscape — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:49:20 GMT

Manitowoc Company (MTW) has resolved the labor dispute with the Machinist's Union that had resulted in a two-month long strike and partial work stoppage for the manufacturer of cranes and industrial foodservice equipment (temporary workers were eventually brought in to keep vital operations up). This is good, as it allows production levels to restore to normal...and people retain their jobs. I'm bullish on MTW and the strike had been a point of ...

They didn't cover this at insurance-adjuster school!

Turfscape — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 13:05:28 GMT

Oh...my...god!

A 14 car pile up in Japan, featuring 8 Ferraris, 3 Mercedes-Benzes, and a Lamborghini. Can you imagine the rates these drivers are going to be paying on their insurance for the next 7 years?

LINK TO VIDEO

Oh, those well intentioned electric cars...

Turfscape — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 12:47:08 GMT

Electric car maker Aptera is folding. Not selling...not merging...just dissolving and going away. Aptera wasn't able to attract enough private investment to secure a matching Federal grant in order to finance full production of a four-door electric sedan. They also couldn't attract enou...

Gah! Seriously? Seriously? (Off Topic)

Turfscape — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:01:06 GMT

I have made a very sincere attempt to not focus on politics with my blog posts...but on occassion I encounter something so amazingly stupid or reprehensible that I need to vent. My apologies for taking that opportunity here now.

Let's see a "Republican's" view of equality in the U.S.

I do apologize in advance for the non-investing, politically-based post...but:

Thank you to CNN for bringing even a little attention to this. I know among the open-minded on boards like these, this topic has been discussed quite deeply and intelligently, but from a National public standpoint, there is a depressing lack of awareness of just how rigged our political system really is:

I was surprised to not see the recent developments surrounding Manitowoc Company's (MTW) crane division among the news stories here at the fool. I feel a duty to bring this to the fool community:

Machinists Strike at Manitowoc Company

I love this Groupon headline!

Turfscape — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 15:08:59 GMT

Moatless, rudderless Groupon now worth $12.7 bln

What an apt description! And it leads right into my decision to red-thumb this stock (as soon as it's available for that).

My negative outlook on Groupon doesn't revolve around it's &...

Off Topic...

Turfscape — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:02:10 GMT

Generation X is Sick of Your Bull(squat)

Not investing related. Not related to economics. But, for whatever reason, it brought a smile to my face on a gray and dreary morning.

My big moves

Turfscape — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:37:25 GMT

Happy Market Panic to you, fellow Fools! How are you celebrating the irrational market today? I've jumped in with both feet, making a few moves into new positions that I had been watching for a while:

1) SWC - Stillwater Mining Company. SWC mines rare metals such as platinum and palladium. They also extract PMs from recyclable items. They posted record earnings and profits recently. They have a strong cash flo...