Investing by Advertising: February 2011

What makes a company successful?...

... delivering products and services that are relevant and create impact among consumers.

I combine my expertise as a Marketing executive in a Fortune 500 company and my passion as an investor to find the Companies that I think have "cracked the code" with consumers. Advertising does work. When I see a new product that fits relevant consumer trends, and that is supported with a campaign that I find particularly shrewd and innovative, I know that Company is potentially a great investment.

One of the great investors of all times, Peter Lynch, recommends to "buy what you know". You watch TV, go to the supermarket and walk around everyday. Observe... look around: what you see can make you money in the stock market. Now, let's be clear: a Company is not good just because it advertises. What we have to look for is great products supported with -and enhanced by- great advertising. The principle is simple: if something is good enough to draw your interest, it will be of interest to millions of persons just like you.

It is my goal to share with the reader my findings in the world of marketing which I think will turn into great returns for investors. Profit from it!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Apple: The Leader That Others Continue to Follow

Apple (AAPL) is fine. The competition that we see arising around the tablet category they created was to be expected, and if any, will only strengthen Apple.

How come? Read my article in Seeking Alpha named "Apple: The Leader That Others Continue to Follow"

Friday, February 11, 2011

Nokia, Apple: New strategies spell opportunity

Today, two interesting announcements surfaced that will surely change the landscape in the heated smartphone arena, creating new opportunities for investors. One involves the creation of "Winkia": the strategic allegiance between Nokia (NOK) and Microsoft (MSFT). The second one is about Apple (AAPL) developing a smaller iPhone to better compete against Google's (GOOG) Android. I discuss the impact of these strategies for investors in a Seeking Alpha article under the title "Nokia and Apple: New Strategies Spell Opportunity"

Sprint's Competitive Strengths

I believe Sprint (S) has several competitive strengths that define a far more robust competitive position than many might want to give it credit for. Those strengths are a) compelling plans that are well communicated to consumers; b) superior customer service; c) the increasing popularity of Google's (GOOG) Android; and, related to that, d) Sprint’s strong line-up of popular Android phones.

I discuss these strengths in a Seeking Alpha article with the title "Sprint Earnings Preview: Competitive Strengths to Drive Results".

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Ford: in the driver's seat

Optimism about Ford (F) is no news: there is a positive sentiment in the Street about this company. For investors, though, the lingering question is whether this optimism is justified. Indeed, Ford was better able to weather the economic storm that brought its American peers to their knees, but does it mean that it has the right stuff to succeed in the long term against the entrenched Asian importers?

I analyze the strategies that will drive Ford's long-term success in an article published today in Seeking Alpha with the name of "Ford: a sound marketing strategy to deliver growth".