Home
>
Stocks & Mutual Fund
>
Dont Buy Worldcom! A Guide to Wise Bottom Fishing

Dont Buy Worldcom! A Guide to Wise Bottom Fishing

Over the past few months, several investment professionals have brought up the topic of the down-and-out company of the day and whether to buy now as a speculation. Last year, K-Mart was the big news, and everyone wanted to know whether this was a good stock play. Today the news is focused on WorldCom and its downfall. Thus, some people are pondering this stock for quick profit potential.

Here's the scoop: Don't buy WorldCom.

I know! It's impossible for MCI to disappear: they're too big, they're too popular, their service is excellent, etc. That's the good news that everyone is talking about. But there's another side a darker side to the story. The company filed for bankruptcy because of their massive debt load, not just because of accounting failures. The accounting failures probably only came to light as a result of the company's lack of funds.

In the end, it will be the same story as K-Mart. It won't matter whether K-Mart or MCI survive, the shareholders will not. If the business survives still debatable in K-Mart's case, but more likely in MCI's business ownership will be transferred to the bondholders and other creditors by law. This is what bankruptcy courts do. Shareholders get nothing. If you want to gamble on MCI/WorldCom, you might consider their bonds rather than their stocks, although that option may not be great either.

So, is it pointless to look at "down-and-out" stocks as quick turnaround opportunities? Well, we may avoid the "down-and-out", and instead just invest in the "down-and-uncertain". These can be awesome opportunities, but be aware that the risks are sometimes high among these downtrodden firms.

Here is a list of 25 of these beaten down stocks which today sell for under $5. Some are well-known businesses, other names are less commonly known. Some are dot.coms suffering from the fallout of that moniker, while some languish in other areas of high tech. The energy market has taken more than its share of hits since Enron's collapse, and that industry is well represented on the list. Telecom, still reeling from WorldCom's collapse, is also present. For variety, the list includes everything from media to education, from international trade financing to pencil-graphite production.

If you're convinced that buying the beaten down is the best way to make money, this should provide you vastly better choices than K-Mart or WorldCom. Anything on this list is better than those two doomed stocks. While a few are pending investigation (*starred), most have fallen simply because of the whims of the market. Some are even maintaining profits in this tough environment.

With the market in the doldrums, out-of-favor companies sometimes fall more than would be rational. As a result, you might find great buys in stocks like this. But in this market, there are great buys everywhere. The question is when to buy.

Market timing is not necessarily wise, but when the market is falling as harshly as it has been, one can afford to wait until the stock is so low that you are virtually certain it can't go lower. Some of these stocks have reached that level.

To send comments or to learn more about Scott Pearson's Investment Advisor Services, visit http://www.valueview.net

Scott Pearson is an investment advisor, writer, editor, instructor, and business leader. As President and Chief Investment Officer of Value View Financial Corp., he offers investment management services to a wide variety of clients. His own newsletter, Investor's Value View, is distributed worldwide and provides general money tips and investment advice to readers both internationally, and in the U.S.

bmw rental chicago Bensenville .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

Developed at two California universities, the innovative technology combines brain-computer interfaces with advanced AI to decode neural activity into audible speech.

Microsoft patches 12 critical flaws, but six have already been exploited by criminals. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says updating your system is only a short-term fix.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how robots can milk, feed and clean cows on dairy farms, boosting efficiency and comfort.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says quantum internet ensures unhackable security and redefines online privacy and speed.

Kawasaki's CORLEO is a hydrogen-powered, AI-driven rideable robot. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports on this new way of thinking about off-road transportation.

The CyberGuy breaks down five mobile privacy terms that could make a difference when it comes to keeping your personal information safe.

A groundbreaking robot that's like a real-life Wall-E uses advanced artificial intelligence to replicate natural gestures and deliberate actions with striking accuracy.

If not properly managed, Windows Defender Application Control, a security feature with Windows, could be a potential security vulnerability.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

FlashBot Arm, a semi-humanoid robot, acts more like a human than traditional robots, and you may see it working at a restaurant, healthcare center or hotel.

There are multiple ways to find your missing Android phone after it goes missing. One method involves using a smartwatch to ping your phone.

The NeuroOne OneRF Ablation System is a new device with FDA-cleared technology designed for both diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in one procedure.

The CyberGuy provides tips to protect yourself from criminals who use various methods to make unauthorized transactions using your account information.

New drone technology maps land and water with stunning accuracy, giving researchers and conservationists a new way to understand our planet.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

X hit with massive data breach with 200 million records leaked, including emails. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers seven tips to help protect yourself.

Atlas robot by Boston Dynamics amazes tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson with its breakdancing moves.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how Google kept Android SafetyCore details quiet until it scanned users' photos.

Hydrogen trucks debut in Georgia, sparking debates on costs and green freight gains. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson comments on this promising chapter in green logistics evolution.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says ChatGPT learns from chats, but you should avoid sharing sensitive information to protect your privacy.

Beyond Aero's BYA-1: Hydrogen-electric jet with zero emissions, reduced costs, 2030 launch. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses a potential game changer in the evolution of air travel.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how you can creatively repurpose your old unused Android devices, which are full of potential and hidden value.

Mech the super-humanoid robot can lift up to 132 pounds and is designed to tackle stressful and repetitive tasks that often lead to workplace injuries.

Double-clicking is something we all do, often without giving it a second thought. But it could be giving hackers permission to do something dangerous.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Dont Buy Worldcom! A Guide to Wise Bottom Fishing

Stocks & Mutual Fund