January Budget 2012

I can't believe that 2011 is already over! Well, it's back to the old budget for the first month of the new year. Oh, except for the fact that I increased the amount allotted for transportation from $99 to $104 because the TTC wants more of my money. No much else to say here except if I go over budget once again, then maybe I'll just raise the limits, but I know that's counterproductive so we'll see. I'll have a December Budget Review up soon and I don't think it'll be a pretty sight.

-the Paperboy

Investing 101: Reading Stock Quotes II

Let's talk about what to do with all that money that you've worked so hard on saving up. In this section titled Investing 101, I'll go over different terms and ideas that every investor should know.* Hopefully the information provided will help give you a general idea of how things work and build a foundation for you to go and further educate yourself. Welcome to class. Today's topic? Reading stock quotes (again).

Reitmans Position

Reitmans was founded in Montreal in 1926. The company operates 968 stores across Canada under 7 names: Reitmans, Smart Set, RW & Co, Thyme Maternity, Penningtons, Addition-Elle and Cassis (although I read somewhere that the company plans to close down the 22 Cassis stores and reopen them under the other names). Reitmans also recently launched an online store and has a quick ratio of 3.32 (MRQ) which is more than enough to cover its debt. The high payout ratio of 93.19% (TTM) is a concern but the company has been very consistent with dividends distributions. I opened a position in Reitmans today after it fell almost 7%. My entry point gives me a 5.55% yield which isn't too shabby. Retail stocks have been taking a beating lately but I'm always happy to pick things up cheap. I'm currently overweight in the financial sector so having more exposure to the service sector is nice. Besides, I shop at RW & Co so I might as well get some of that money back right?

-the Paperboy

Astral Media Increases Dividends

Great news for Astral Media shareholders. The company has decided to hike the dividends by 33%. Along with this, the company announced its plans to buyback stock which will leave less shares outstanding, giving remaining shareholders a larger slice of the pie. Astral Media has 23 television services and is the largest radio company in Canada, with 83 radio stations. They also do outdoor advertisement and you may have seen the logo on billboards and bus shelters around your city. I'm currently long on Astral Media but I feel that I rushed into it and bought it at too high of a price. The increase in dividends makes me feel a little better though and hopefully this is something they'll continue to do because I plan to hold my shares for a long time.

-the Paperboy

Novmeber Budget 2011 Reivew

I really went overboard with the food and entertainment last month. I didn't realize it was this difficult until I actually wrote down everything I spend. The only reason I didn't go over altogether is because I didn't have to buy a bus pass for December after I realized that I was done school on the 19th. Even though I looked ahead just like what I said should be done, I forgot to taken into account that I need to buy a pass for January, meaning that the amount I allotted for the December transportation won't be enough. I have to buy bus tokens and a bus pass this month, meaning once again, I will be over budget for at least one category. Sigh...

-the Paperboy

Canfor Pulp Products Position

Canfor Pulp  Products is the largest North American and 3rd largest global producer of NBSK pulp and is currently running three mills in Prince George, British Columbia. Today it went below the 52 week low so I took the opportunity to increase my position in it. The company seems to have its debt under control so hopefully this play works out for me.

-the Paperboy

Investing 101: Reading Stock Quotes I

Let's talk about what to do with all that money that you've worked so hard on saving up. In this section titled Investing 101, I'll go over different terms and ideas that every investor should know.* Hopefully the information provided will help give you a general idea of how things work and build a foundation for you to go and further educate yourself. Welcome to class. Today's topic? Reading stock quotes.