I haven’t been posting much on this investment blog lately, because I haven’t been doing much buying and selling in the market lately. Call it a pandemic malaise, but it’s been a quiet summer for my portfolio.

I’ve nibbled up a few more shares of Clearway Energy (CWEN), and have been pleased to see some share price appreciation validating my decision. I’ve also strategically scooped up some more Wells Fargo (WFC) shares, trying to buy on the dip. This idea, so far, hasn’t panned out as well, as WFC (along with most other financial stocks) continued to drift down in value. I was pleased to see my shares of UPS increase dramatically in value as increased online buying boosted the companies delivery business — so pleased, in fact, that I sold my entire stake in UPS. I’m still nervous about the market overall heading into what may be a second wave of coronavirus infections this fall. As such, I’ll sit on the sidelines before deciding where and when to redeploy my capital.

An article in Barron’s got me thinking about ViacomCBS. The article, by Andrew Bary, called VIAC a potential “cheap content play.” I love CBS and the other media and entertainment brands owned by the company. I love the dividend yield, currently at about 3.6%, is awfully tempting. On the other hand, the short sales ratio remained high as of July, so not everyone is betting on a bright future. The company also could be sold, presumably at a premium to current share values, according to Barron’s.

At the moment, I’m tempted by VIAC. And when I’m tempting, I often move forward in little baby investor steps, taking a small position and adding to it if the investment thesis holds up in the months ahead.

 

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