Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of July 21, 2015

Article Excerpt

You can cut your investment risk and enhance your potential profit by investing in stocks with hidden assets. These are assets that most investors overlook. The classic example is real estate that is worth a lot more than its balance-sheet value (which is usually the purchase price, minus depreciation on the buildings). Another source of hidden value is successful research and development spending. These outlays get written off against current-year income, much like day-to-day expenditures such as rent and utilities. This accounting treatment depresses current earnings. But if the research turns up anything of value, it adds to long-term profit. This past week, we had examples of both kinds of hidden-value stocks, and the gains they can generate when their hidden values become apparent. Macy’s Inc., $72.14, symbol M on New York (Shares outstanding: 336.4 million; Market cap: $24.3 billion; www.macys.com), is a 157-year-old retailer that has acquired substantial real estate over the years. Its shares rose from under $67 to…