MSFT
Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio Mid-Year Update 2008
The mid-year performance report for the Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio. The number remain ugly, but not much worse than the S&P 500.
Yahoo Grasping at Straws with Google Deal
After its second bid was rejected, a frustrated Microsoft turned its back and walked away. This infuriated Yahoo shareholders who had seen the bid as the company’s last chance to regain profitability. A contingent led by Carl Icahn instigated a proxy battle, seeking to oust Yahoo’s current board of directors and replace it with candidates of his choosing.
Comparing Valuations: Yahoo vs Google
Turley presents an interesting analysis comparing the value of Google to Yahoo, and why Microsoft was smart in not upping their bid for Yahoo.
Scenes from an Annual Meeting
Jeff Matthews recalls his impressions of seeing Bill Gates and Sue Decker at the Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting. Maybe Buffett's friendship with Bill Gates has had an impact on how Microsoft operates.
Microsoft Withdraws Proposal to Acquire Yahoo!
It appears that the Microsoft and Yahoo saga is over. Microsoft withdrew its offer today and it doesn't appear they are going to pursue a merger with Yahoo anymore. There were a lot of rumors flying, so I wanted to share this official release.
Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio April 2008
The Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio was down 1.21% in April. I held tight as the markets continued to be stormy.
Magic Formula Business Sector #8: Software
Despite attractive economics and the potential for lasting competitive advantages, the Software sector is not a favorite of the Magic Formula screen. I examine why in this article, as well as providing some attributes to look for when picking a Software company from the screen.
Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio First Quarter 2008
A review of the performance of the Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio for the first quarter of 2008.
World's Billionaires - Buffett reclaims #1 Position
After 13 years at number 1 Bill Gates falls to number three as Buffett moves to number 1.
Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio Update for February 2008
The Fat Pitch Financials Portfolio held steady in February. I added a position in Premier Exhibitions (PRXI) and watched several positive developments in other positions. The portfolio continues to beat out the S&P 500.
Do software companies have moats?
I examine the idea that software companies in general share business advantages that give them a 'built-in' moat.
A Love Affair With Unloved Stocks
We try to buy businesses at big discounts to what they're worth, focusing mostly on out-of-favor or forgotten stocks, the ones nobody wants until they start going up," Mark Boyar explains. Once described as "the most patient man on Wall Street," Mr. Boyar has outperformed the S&P 500 during the past decade with a compounded annual growth of better than 2-to-1 (roughly 11.9%, versus 5.3%).
Deep in the money options
Leverage is one of the best tools of profit. Leverage is what fed the real estate boom and continues to feed the popularity in forex trading. Unfortunately for equities investors, leveraging your stock purchases means borrowing from your broker.
Microsoft & Yahoo! Are Like Oil And Water
Comparing the Microsoft/Yahoo! merger to past mega-mergers shows that these two companies are unlikely to live in perfect harmony.

