Investing is part science and part art. You need a lot of experience to sift through stocks and quickly spot potential winners, but that comes in time for everyone. So until you have built up that level of expertise and understanding, concentrate on the science part that everyone can learn and use.
I think one of the quickest ways to build that skill and become more successful with your investing is…
Write down why you think a stock is good, giving clear, simple reasons for the choice before you buy.
Like anything of value, knowing why you buy avoids impulse buying and later regret.
I do this myself. Actually, you should be able to rattle off the reasons to your friend, spouse or even the family pet as if you have to convince them to buy. An old investing saying is "a stock well bought is half sold". That means if chosen wisely, then you will roughly know the reasons why it should be sold later on.
Does the company fall in share price on short-term weakness, like Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) has recently, yet regularly it is a stellar performer that is making realistic business changes? Then, you know to keep the stock and maybe even add to the position.
If the reasons you bought a stock disappear or go sour, you can go back to your notes and know why you should clear it from your portfolio. We can improve our returns by getting rid of the dogs just as much as holding winners.
Here are two stocks that I am watching that have increased earnings recently and even had their earnings forecasts upgraded.
— DuluxGroup Limited (ASX: DLX)
The paint, home improvement and gardening goods producer and distributor has almost doubled in revenue since listing in 2010. Its brands such as its Dulux paint, Selley Yates, British paints and Cabot's sealants are household names and can be found in many major DIY hardware stores. The growing housing market is increasing demand for these products. Its dividend yield is 3.4%.
— Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB)
This global supply-chain logistics company recently spun off its information management business Recall Holdings Ltd (ASX: REC), yet is maintaining its business expansion through steady acquisitions of overseas logistics companies. Investors can have a 2.9% yield now and look forward to long-term growth.
