When to sell

Saul,

Many people on this board have recently noted your ability to get out of a position at the first sign of trouble. This has made me curious. Have you ever stuck with a stock after you’re down more than 50% from your cost basis? 90%? What’s the most you’ve lost percentage-wise when you actually did sell?

I have definitely had times when I was not quick enough to realize I was barking up the wrong tree. I gave INFN a lot of slack and got hit twice – Saul, you cut your losses after only one big drop as I recall.

What signs do you think help you realize it’s time to sell? And what are some times this worked for you / didn’t work for you?

Thanks
Bear

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Many people on this board have recently noted your ability to get out of a position at the first sign of trouble. This has made me curious. Have you ever stuck with a stock after you’re down more than 50% from your cost basis? 90%? What’s the most you’ve lost percentage-wise when you actually did sell?

Hi Bear, I don’t keep individual track, but I have stayed with stocks probably have kept going down, when I didn’t understand why they were going down, or when I understood but thought it wasn’t a good reason. Skechers is a good example. I still have a substantial position although it’s down about 60% from its exuberant high or $53.50. (I did take my position at $15 to $18 though). I wish I had sold my entire position at $51, when I sold a little, but I had no idea that the company which had been growing revenue by leaps and bounds would take a total pause in growth. Waiting to see what happens tomorrow.

Saul

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Baby needs a new pair of shoes!!!

bulwnkl

long SKX

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I have a bunch of SKX, and I only learned now that the earnings announcement is on the 20th. Consensus is $.46 EPS, and earningswhispers.com says $.49. Let’s hope they’re right!

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