We are introducing a new two-part model portfolio of Focus List Stocks. This model portfolio will consist of “best ideas” selected from our past and future Long Idea and Danger Zone stock research. The two groups will be tracked separately as long and short portfolios as well as together as a market-neutral portfolio.

This report covers our initial Focus List (Long) Model Portfolio selected from our Long Idea research. This model portfolio is designed for investors who are focused on long-term capital appreciation.

Why a “Focus List” Model Portfolio?

The goal of this portfolio is to show how our proprietary forensic accounting research empowers investors to identify alpha-generating investment ideas more efficiently than traditional research. Our research team adds a qualitative view to the quantitative insights that our Robo-Analyst technology provides on a firm’s true return on invested capital (ROIC) and economic earnings[1] when publishing Long Ideas.

Avoid the Pitfalls Inherent in Sell-Side ‘Focus Lists’

As previously stated (here and here), investors should approach sell-side research with caution. With our Focus List, investors can be assured they are getting a diligently reviewed list of objectively selected “best ideas”. With the Focus Lists that are available from most Wall Street sell-side research firms, investors are forced to wonder if they are getting a list of investment banking’s “best clients.”

Focus List (Long) Methodology

Our risk/reward rating system is the first hurdle for all published stock ideas. Long Idea stocks earn an Attractive-or-better rating at the time of publication. Ratings are based on the five most important criteria for assessing a stock’s risk/reward profile, which account for “Earnings Quality” and “Valuation.”

  1. Qual­ity of Earn­ings mea­sures how reported account­ing income com­pares to economic earn­ings.
  2. Return on Invested Cap­i­tal (ROIC) mea­sures the cash on cash returns of the company.
  3. Free Cash Flow Yield mea­sures the true cash yield of the company.
  4. Price to Eco­nomic Book Value mea­sures the growth expec­ta­tions embed­ded in the stock price.
  5. Growth Appre­ci­a­tion Period mea­sures the num­ber of years of future profit growth required to jus­tify the cur­rent val­u­a­tion of the stock.

Under this rating system, Long Idea stocks are generally characterized by high/rising ROIC, positive economic earnings, and low market-implied profit expectations. However, the rating system alone does not determine Long Idea stocks. They are also evaluated on the following qualitative factors:

  1. Growth and profitability trends relative to peers and market expectations.
  2. Executive compensation plans and incentive alignment risk.
  3. Competitive market position and advantages, or lack thereof.
  4. Assessing valuation under optimistic, neutral and pessimistic scenarios.
  5. Assessing potential for value-destroying acquisitions, or a sale of the company.

Stocks ideas that pass the dual screening by our Robo-Analyst and research staff are eligible for Focus List inclusion after they have been published as a Long Idea report. The Focus List (Long) model portfolio will target our top 20-30 long recommendations as determined by our Investment Committee.

The portfolio’s performance will be reviewed regularly. Individual stocks may be added or removed in the interim as warranted. To support sector diversification, we seek to limit the number of stocks per sector (or sub-sector) on the list to roughly 20% of the portfolio.

This portfolio is available to all members with a Pro or higher membership. Login here 

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    2 replies to "New Model Portfolio: Focus List Stocks (Long)"

    • Louis Devanney

      where is this portfolio? you write about it but where is it?

    • Louis Devanney

      where is your portfolio? you write about it but i can’t find it.

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