Harley was Young Research’s "Stock of the Decade" in the 1990s. The shares were first recommended as a buy in May of 1992 at a price of $3.62. During the 2000s, we advised a series of buys and sells chronicled in the chart below. The chart runs through 2007 and there was only one additional buy and sell recommendation that was essentially a wash. On the sale we explained: “The dynamics of Harley’s business have changed. HOG has transitioned from a growth company to a cyclical company reliant on a consumer that may be jobless, over-indebted, and unable to obtain financing. Demand for … [Read more...]

Only Trump Saw the Risk in America's Relationship with China You’ve known for some time now that for many Americans today the “American Dream” is simply that, a dream. You’ve instinctively known this. It was in your gut. If you haven’t, hopefully you’ll seek out the peace of mind and safety you deserve when the coast is clear. That may be a while. You know I’ve been a big supporter of the message Tucker Carlson’s been making on his show each night, that we need an American Dream (my words) that is open to Americans. When I was in college, globalism dominated discussions about the … [Read more...]

How are you holding up? Other than the fact that today feels like yesterday, you’re telling me you’re OK. If you had a well-diversified, balanced investment plan—your retirement plan is still intact. Retirement planning isn’t fun. It’s not supposed to be fun. But, putting the fun aside, aren’t you glad you spent time thinking about your retirement many years ago? Whether through our conversations or Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report, you began understanding the importance of a well thought out strategy. Based on the performance numbers for balanced portfolios, you’ve been able to … [Read more...]

You have spoken and I have listened. Here’s what you told me: How much you miss Richard C. Young’s Intelligence Report, especially if you’re not a client. I’m not saying that to rub anything in, this is not the reason for writing this. I just want you to know that you’re not alone and your words are not forgotten. This is my message to you today from one client: “E.J., times like these are why I’m with you guys. I’m good. Thanks for the call.” Originally posted on Your Survival Guy.  … [Read more...]

The buyback game may finally be coming to an end. One can hope at least. Over the last decade, many U.S. companies levered up their balance sheets to repurchase shares. Why did they do it? For starters, it drives share prices, and in turn the value of executive stock options, much higher. Why finance the buybacks with debt? Look to Mr. Powell and Mrs. Yellen and Mr. Bernanke at the Fed for keeping interest rates at ultra-low levels for an entire decade. The Fed will, of course, escape any blame for this debacle as it did the Financial Crisis, but the evidence should be clear as day for … [Read more...]

When it feels like things are changing by the hour, a week feels like a year, and three weeks a lifetime. That’s how I feel this morning as I write to you from Newport, having scrambled home Monday, cutting short our ski vacation in Telluride, CO. Last Friday, at this time, we were waking up to a few inches of wet snow and windy conditions. We skied in what felt like a snow globe being shaken madly by a five-year-old. Visibility was nil. It snowed most of the night, and on Saturday (the mountain having been resurfaced with seven inches of light powder) we cut fresh tracks all morning … [Read more...]