There is no easy answer for a stock that’s been in the CE Portfolio since October 2006, has fallen on hard times and has a very difficult albeit navigable path back to health. Read More

Total return numbers for the first six months of 2013 are unimpressive on the whole, dragged down by three laggards that we’ve unloaded. Company-level fundamentals remain our primary focus. Read More

We take a narrower approach than is usual in this space following earnings reporting season, focusing on Portfolio Holdings of particular concern with an eye toward limiting our losses. Read More

Seven CE Portfolio Holdings reported earnings over the past month. Six were solid. Results from the other have forced a reevaluation of long-term prospects. Read More

Our analysis of stocks begins with fundamental factors that speak to a company's ability to support and grow dividends. But there are certain other criteria that help explain short- and medium-term price movements. Read More

Despite a few notable setbacks, the CE Portfolio is holding up well this year. Several Holdings are trading below buy-under targets, which presents opportunities. Several are trading above target; don't chase them. Read More

The decision whether to buy, hold or sell the stock of a company that cut its dividend is not necessarily cut-and-dried. There is a formula, however, and it includes a broader evaluation of the overall health of the underlying business and how the cash saved from the payout reduction will bolster long-term prospects. Read More

The bottom line for the CE Portfolio in 2012 is a black number. But there was wide variation in performance for some Holdings. The most important thing is that the present lineup is set up to build wealth for the long term. Read More

Unlike in Decembers past, we're not making significant adjustments to the CE Portfolio heading into the New Year. There's just too much uncertainty at this time to make these types of decisions. Read More

The best way to ensure the safety of your portfolio--whatever comes down the political pike during the upcoming lame-duck session of the US Congress--is to own high-quality dividend-paying stocks backed by solid businesses. Read More