A tradition unlike any other...
2017 was a good year. My portfolio solidly outperformed the S&P 500, gaining 33.5% vs. 21.8% (+11.7%). It is my 4th best rate of return after 2003 (46.5%), 2009 (39.0%), and 2013 (34.7%); and 3rd best relative to the S&P 500 after 2003 (+17.8%) and 2009 (+12.5%). I am most proud of my 62.7% savings return for the year, just below the all-time high of 70.3% in 2009.
As most successful years go, there were not many stocks sold - just 6 - but they were significant in terms of both capital losses, and giving up the ghost on some ill-advised investment decisions.
Here's a look at all the stocks I've sold in the past year, from best to worst - based solely on 2017's performance, while mostly ignoring any intra-year volatility:
Twitter (TWTR)
Year-opening price: $16.30
Sold: Feb @ $16.00 (-2%)
Year-closing price: $24.01 (47%)
A rising tide lifts all boats. Third fiddle to Facebook and Google in social media.
Stratasys (SSYS)
Year-opening price: $16.54
Bought more: Jun @ $27.83
Sold: Aug @ $22.59 (37%)
Year-closing price: $19.96 (21%)
3D printing technology may not be all that compelling, part one.
ULTA Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance (ULTA)
Bought: Jan @ $254.94
Sold: Oct @ $226.93 (-11%)
Year-closing price: $223.66 (-12%)
Growth slowing; got in at the wrong time (i.e. late).
ExOne (XONE)
Year-opening price: $10.35
Sold: Aug @ $9.70 (-6%)
Year-closing price: $8.40 (-19%)
3D printing technology may not be all that compelling, part two.
3D Systems (DDD)
Year-opening price: $13.29
Sold: Aug @ $13.00 (-2%)
Year-closing price: $8.64 (-35%)
3D printing technology may not be all that compelling, part three.
Under Armour (UAA)
Year-opening price: $29.05
Sold: Feb @ $21.60 (-26%)
Year-closing price: $14.43 (-50%)
In free-fall; showing no signs of a turnaround anytime soon.
