Bitcoin (GBTC) Update | Coming Soon: Splunk (SPLK) | Capri (CPRI) | Reddit (RDDT)

 

Investing In Yourself – Using Pillars to Build Your Core	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2015/04/urbanomics-pillars-path-set-for.html
Setting Budgets + Saving for Black Swans	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2013/02/personal-finance-budget-101-free-credit.html
	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2019/11/hey-henry-high-earner-not-yet-rich.html
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Hello everyone, out there. 2024 has been a blur so far! Wait isn't that the name of Drake's current tour? All I know is the first three months of this year, I have been skating by like Tyla's hit single --- "Water". So, for my first post I want to revisit some trades that have been at the top of my investment playlist. Some have worked, others are clearly on vacation.

Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) (GBTC) Update

Bitcoin! I've been called many things but don't call me a flip flopper. I recently had someone say, "See I told you about Bitcoin and now you like the investment". My response was as follows "You clearly didn't read my previous post, What? Am I Investing in Bitcoin:  https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2023/11/what-am-i-investing-grayscale-bitcoin.html "

What I have been called over time is a penny pincher, miser, or as I like to call myself -- a Value Trader. I love to find value. My cryptocurrency friends don't like to tell you about the lumps they absorbed if they bought Bitcoin when it was trading at roughly $60K over a year ago and then precipitously saw it drop to roughly under $20K. The 'Day 1' crypto lovers probably held on to their investment but your average investor may have seen their investment fall almost 100% (...if they bought at the highs) and sold out of fear.

I have to admit, I was triggered into investing in Bitcoin. I watched this Bitcoin drop for over a year and felt for those crypto investors that bought at the highs. But more importantly from my post last November, I was triggered by the fact that crypto industry was suing the SEC to allow them to create and offer Exchange Traded Funds (ETF). ETFs are investment vehicles that allow an investor like me to easily buy and sell, say a commodity (like corn, wheat, gold, crypto, etc.) without having to take ownership of the actual good. I did not want to buy crypto outright because as a cyber professional I've seen the supposed crypto exchanges get hacked (remember Mt. Gox). I have seen crypto influencers post on social media about their wealth only to have crypto robbers (usually friends) beat them up and force them to give up their passwords to their crypto accounts or cold storage devices. Even worse, I saw how FTX and the saga Sam Bankman Friedman played out and the pain it caused many of FTX's crypto investors. An ETF means, no crpto exchange needed, no cold storage required, and no hassle. The VALUE logic I believed was when Bitcoin hit the lower end of $20K there was much more upside than when it was trading at highs of $60K. So, I bought GBTC back in November 2023 at roughly $20 a share. because of the value but more importantly because of the catalyst of the SEC losing this all-important court case. So, I remind my fellow value traders who read my posts on Urbanomics the path that got us here: Value (investment trading at a perceived reasonable discount) + Catalyst (positive legal decision in this case) = great trade even for an investment you may not like or plan to hold forever.

Splunk (SPLK) Update - Deal Close, Trade Done

Stay tuned for my new post of how Splunk is no longer...congrats to Cisco on this hook up. It went down in the DMs and this was a profitable trade for me.

Read my previous post, here: https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2023/11/lets-go-splunking-splunk-inc-nasdaq-splk.html

Capri (CPRI) - Trade Underwater

Next, I'll visit my failing trade in Capri. The FTC has stepped in like a thoughtful parent and put this discovered hook up on ice so far. Is this hook up in danger, like my failed Tegna trade.

Read my previous post, here: https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2023/08/savage-over-avid-technology-nasdaq-avid.html

Pay It Forward - Reddit (RDDT)

Stay tuned for a post on Reddit. I have a gentleman I mentor tell me how he broke out his old Robinhood account and finally made a trade. While he said it was easy money, I reminded him it was a thoughtful trade similar to what Mansa Musa network trader Peter Lynch would do. My friend simply bought something he knew about, used, and had much more insight into that I do.

Savage over AVID Technology (NASDAQ: AVID) | IT Goes Down in the DM [Versace, Kors, Jimmy Choo]

So, I typed a text to a girl I used to see

Sayin that I chose this cutie pie with whom I wanna be

And I apologize if this message gets you down

Then I CC'd every girl that I'd see see round town and

I hate to see y'all frown but I'd rather see her smiling

Wetness all around me, true, but I'm no island

Peninsula maybe, makes no sense I know, crazy

Give up all this pussy cat thats in my lap no lookin back

Song: Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You)

Artist: UGK featuring Outkast

Produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J

SAVAGE over AVID Technology (Nasdaq: AVID)

Avid (NASDAQ: AVID), just got Chose. Like Beyonce said 'Put a Ring On It" and AVID announced that it will be acquired or hook up with a company linked to STG in an all-cash deal.  Avid shareholders will receive $27.05 in cash and this makes one of the quickest wins I've ever had investing in stocks. Not the quickest though. I'll post my trades but I have to get back to it.

See My Post on AVID Technology

It Goes Down in the DM --- Capri Holdings (NYSE: CPRI)

I believe in love and positive vibes, energy, and frequencies. I still hold a few shares of Tapestry Inc., which most of us know as the brand Coach. Tapestry also own Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman. Am I going high fashion? No, it doesn't bring me much satisfaction in life but for many is sells music and is aspirational. So, its no surprise that Tapestry slid into the DMs of Capri Holdings who owns high fashion names like Michael Kors, Versace and Jimmy Choo. Cue the Migos -- Versace Versace Versace! Capri just got Chose and clearly love is in the air and they will will be hooking up at roughly $57 a share.

I have been out of the markets for over a year and I'm finally seeing an atmosphere I likely likely. I still think we are headed for turbulent waters in the stock market. So I like to look for stocks that like to hook up as this presents opportunities that are lower on my risk scale. I also am starting to see stocks getting hammered after what I believe is a fake run up recently, likely due to the AI craze. Robolox was down 20% + after earnings, Magnite was falling, Beyond Meat was down big, and the cyber stocks have "Put it On Da Floor" recently. You have to be very very careful in this environment so you're not catching a falling knife? WTF does that even mean, I don't really know but in regular people speak you don't to invest in someone or in the case of stocks something that will keep letting you down (cue a Mary J. Blige heartbreak song).

#IGottheHookUp #AvidTechnology #CapriHoldings #ItGoesDownInTheDM 

IT GOES DOWN IN THE DM - Avid Technology (NASDAQ:AVID)

 

IT GOES DOWN IN THE DM - Avid Technology (NASDAQ:AVID) 

I usually hate that technology is always watching or should I say listening to what you're doing. In a recent episode of "Billions", they were covering the subject of wire taps. There were strict rules of what you could listen to and where you could listen. The bedroom was off limits and also if a lawyer was present ---listening is a no-no. 

Things that may you go hmmm --- we have strict rules for wiretaps but not for the proliferation of devices listening to people all day in their homes and in their bedrooms.

But it's Friday, I'm not gonna be too cranky because there is the occasional positive use case of computers watching our every move. OCCASIONALLY, they add something to my feed that I really find of use. That happened last night, I believe. In my feed was Reuters story about it reminded me that "Investors never sleep". So, as I was in bed, I took screenshots of the article so I could evaluate trades the next morning. I hope you're listening -- the Early Bird Gets the Worm.

Here were some of those details:

2 companies, Symphony Technology Group & Francisco Partners, just jumped in the Direct Messages (DMs) of and Avid Technology (NASDAQ:AVID). You chose the analogy but I liken it to:

- 2 sports teams looking to sign a player on the market

- 2 people looking to date the same person

- 2 people haggling over the same car

What this means is "usually" the price is going to go up until someone walks away. Time for me to quote Fat Joe:

#yesterdayspriceisnottodaysprice

This is one way I keep investing, simple straightforward and fun. Now the harder part is at what price point and how do you setup the trade? The funny thing is MANY years ago I traded Avid but I don't think it was profitable, I'll need to go back and read my own blog this weekend to see. Peace out its Friday!

QUOTE PRICE:

It Goes Down in the DM -- Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI)

  

Investing In Yourself – Using Pillars to Build Your Core	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2015/04/urbanomics-pillars-path-set-for.html
Setting Budgets + Saving for Black Swans	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2013/02/personal-finance-budget-101-free-credit.html
	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2019/11/hey-henry-high-earner-not-yet-rich.html
How to Open My First Brokerage Account	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2015/04/personal-finance-101-starting.html
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ACTIVISION BLIZZARD INC

Hello everyone, I hope you're enjoying a good summer. I've been laying low from the stock market as you guys have previously read. Some may say I've missed out on this year's rise in stocks and that is partially true. Many people don't know that the market has actually risen as a result of primary 7 stocks that have been very hot because of the latest buzzword AI - Artificial Intelligence. So if you've owned NVIDIA, MICROSOFT, META PLATFORMS (formerly FACEBOOK), APPLE, ALPHABET (aka GOOGLE), AMAZON, TESLA then you've done very well this year, however; all other stocks have just done BLAH. 

So I've opted for the slow and less risky approach while the government tries to still cool down what has been referred to as an overheating economy. As interest rates have gone up, I've focused more on taking advantage of those increased interest rates to collect 4 to 5% on the cash I'm sitting on in my retirement and personal bank accounts. I have stayed invested in investment account, but I've not been overly active. So what has worked for me:

I've continued to rely on my Mansa Musa network of friends. If you're not sure what this network is about, just run a search on my blog and get familiar with this approach. When there is uncertainty in the air, I believe in strength in numbers and invest with friends. Just over a year ago my 93-year-old buddy Warren Buffett started buying shares in Activision Blizzard. 

It Goes Down in the DM - Activision

I watched patiently after Microsoft slid into Activision DMs in January 2022 to the tune of $69 billion to hook up. As Buffett saw they were willing to 'put a ring on it', his company bought roughly 50 million. When we invest in companies hooking up, we hope they make it all the way to the alter. If you're a sports person, we hope the trade for the star player goes through. Two things subsequently happened that may me want to jump on board:

Back in May 2022, the stock market was falling and there was rumblings that these two were not going to make it to the alter. The trade might get cancelled. In the stock world, it's usually because US and international governments have to bless the deal to ensure it's not anticompetitive. This is like your parents blessing your marriage or the owners blessing the trade. This blessing was getting pushback in the US and UK. So there was VALUE as the stock dropped. What did I do, I decided to gamble with my Mansa Musa buddy Warren Buffet. I jumped in at the range of $69 - $75 a share.

I don't play poker but I and Warren Buffett were making a bet that the merger (aka hook up) would go through. If it did...if they made it to the alter the predetermined buyout price would be $95 a share. I like simplicity sometimes when I invest and I thought I was getting a discount on a great stock which I don't mind owning. The bonus or side bet is if this great stock gets the blessing to get married - then I get the guaranteed upside to $95 a share. In short Activision's stock should rise as long as Microsoft gets the blessing of it's parents (in the form of governments across the world). This got nasty like Real Housewives and went to court in the US, but the blessing finally happened. What happened to my simple thesis from over a year ago. 

Don't believe me, well go back look for yourself:

May 2022: First Post on Activision: https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2022/05/the-stock-market-is-falling-will-i-be.html

July 2022: Second post: https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2022/07/inflation-stagflation-recession-either.html

Where is Activision now:

Peloton (PTON) - Is it Going Down in the DM?

 

Investing In Yourself – Using Pillars to Build Your Core	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2015/04/urbanomics-pillars-path-set-for.html
Setting Budgets + Saving for Black Swans	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2013/02/personal-finance-budget-101-free-credit.html
	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2019/11/hey-henry-high-earner-not-yet-rich.html
How to Open My First Brokerage Account	https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2015/04/personal-finance-101-starting.html
Diversify your Life (Mind, Body, Soul, + Investments) HOW TO SEARCH MY BLOG:	Get Updates to Your Email When I Create A New Post:

Also Coming Soon - a series on #HowtoInvest. People have been reaching especially after the spikes in Gamestop, AMC, and other stock to learn the basics. I self-taught myself how to invest beginning at the age of roughly 18 and have never stopped. To be a good investor and ensure you are not gambling (speculating), I'll cover (hardest parts of investing in RED):

Budgeting 101 - How to Fund Ur Investments?

Why Stocks as an Investment?

What is Ur Investment Profile + Personality?

How to Pick Stocks?

When to Buy Stocks?

How to Enter My Trade?

How Many Stocks Should I Own?

When to Sell Stocks?

Am I Speculating (Gambling)?

Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON)

I get many readers ask me the question: "What do you mean when you say Value Stocks"? Then I refer them back to my favorite analogy. I have stuck in my head, from my youth, that candy bars should be $50c. When I travel the country and have to stop at a gas station, I WILL NOT buy candy unless it's $50c. I'm stubborn like that. I'll get the king size bar only if it's $1 dollar. A value stock is when you've done your homework and know what you think it should sell for like my Reese's cups. A value investor like myself tries (key word) to only buy when I see my Reese's cups (or a stock) AT or BELOW this level. Yes, go ahead and make fun of me but I'm principled in that way. I apply the same standard to stocks. I prefer to buy when I see it on sale and have a price in mind. 

Don't believe me just watch moment: Go back and search for one of my best investments ever, Sprint. Sprint got "beat down" like they stole something, and I swooped in. When T-Mobile came calling, they offered a higher price to merge (as we say here "date" or "hook up" with) Sprint. It was truly a beautiful trade and we made lots of money. 

I think Peloton is starting to shape up the same way my Sprint trade did. This stock was once as high as $150 just a year ago. To me, Peloton is just a bike but the stock skyrocketed once it came public. It has fallen from grace to a low of $22 dollars. Like the winter olympics, you don't want a stock chart that is sloping downhill...not good.

Rumor has it companies may be sliding into their DM trying to hookup. I bought some Peloton today because it reminds me of whenever I find Reese's cups for $50c. Usually, it's a time to load up because I just don't see if often. With Peloton, I still struggle with the need for an overpriced exercise bike. I will probably need to interview some actual users to fully understand all the benefits, but I said the same thing about the Apple iPhone and many people are happy with paying for an overpriced phone. I think there is definitely a market for the "connected" use of the bike but clearly, I didn't agree with the price of the stock. I finally feel somewhat vindicated, now that the stock has cratered but it took a while to get here. Long story short, is I can see clearly now the rain is gone. And I think Pelton is worth some risk if Amazon, Apple or other suitors wanna hookup.

When to Sell - Hookup Alert: It's Official W.R. Grace Bought Out for $70 | $1500 in 5 months

#MansaMusaMentality

#BreakfastClubforStocks - get your Sherlock Holmes on with news, reports, and data for stock investments ideas

This post is a part of my #MansaMusaMentality series on how I invest. Almost like case studies (known as "Detail"), I'll highlight how I invest in assets such as real estate, stocks, precious metals, cryptocurrencies, etc. And I want to foster a community culture, so I'll show you how I invest and learn from my network and maybe in the future we can crowdsource or here we call it #tribesource investment ideas for the future.

If you had signed up for my Subscriber Alerts you would have just netted a big gain. Don't hate -- just participate by signing up.

When to Buy - It Goes Down in the DM

Final Detail: 

1. I got my Sherlock Holmes on and did my own personal research

2. My research found an investment firm trying to slide into WR Grace's DM

3. Strategy: Companies are like People: Sliding into DMs can often lead to Hooking Up! Hook Ups can result in the stock price going up.

4. When to Buy: - After reviewing my research I bought the stock

5. Need Some Help: Sign Up for my Subscriber Alerts - I alerted subscribers about my "It Goes Down in the DM" trade. And noted if the two companies hook up we make $$$ 

Trust But Verify - WR Grace "Detail" borken down here:

https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2021/02/no-hail-mary-needed-wr-grace-gra.html

Keep Updated on Your Investments:

You can use a tracking site, however; this update landed in my Google Feed. Yeah they watching and listening but we'll address privacy later. Funny, this type of gossip about hooking up actually makes me $$$, TMZ does not:

https://urbanomics.blogspot.com/2021/04/subscriber-update-wr-grace-gra-going-up.html

When to Sell:

Arguably selling a stock is the hardest thing in the world to figure out when to do. We got lucky here because when your stock finally decides to get married the final price is determined for you. Last night, in my Google feed (I know, don't say it) I saw this article. So I did a happy dance and made a decent amount of $$$. 

Source:

Courtesy of WTOP

Jeff Clabaugh

April 26, 2021, 9:35 AM

Columbia, Maryland-based W.R. Grace, one of the oldest specialty chemical makers in the country, has agreed to be acquired by New York-based Standard Industries Holdings in a deal valued at $7 billion, including Grace’s pending acquisition of Albemarle Corp.’s fine chemistry services business.

Standard Industries’ all-cash acquisition of Grace is being made through its investment platform, 40 North Management LLC, one of Grace’s long-standing shareholders.

The $70 per share acquisition represents a 59% premium over Grace’s closing stock price on Nov. 6, 2020, the last trading day before 40 North’s initial proposal to acquire the company on Nov. 9.

Regular People Language:

• 40 North Slid into W.R. Grace's DM
• W.R. Grace said I'm cool hooking up with you now that you've raised to $70. I've got expensive habits
• W.R. Grace previously rejected hooking up at $60 and then $65
• The wedding date is set for Nov 9th
• Investors like us here at Urbanomics will be paid $70 in cash. My subscribers got an alert to buy in at $54.97

My personal challenge to you...join me and #getthebag !!! Thanks to my subscribers, they benefited from a roughly $1500 gain in 5 months on only 100 shares. Do the math 200 shares = $3000 and so on

Trust But Verify: