My Fab Five: Facebook, Yahoo, Tesla, Sodastream and Zillow

Submitted by Covestor as part of our contributors program

by Eric Steiman

At the beginning of the year I wrote a list of my top 5 stocks for 2013.  You can read the article here.  I thought it would be a good idea to see where those picks stand after a solid first quarter.

Facebook (FB): The stock started the year off in great fashion, riding all the way up to $32.  Since its February 1st earnings report, the stock has trended lower into the 25s. Fortunately, the stock is only down 3.91% YTD as of March 29, and I remain very bullish.  In my opinion, the technicals look great, the company continues to look for ways to monetize its users. I’d be a buyer right here, right now.

Yahoo (YHOO) –  New CEO Marissa Mayer has done everything right, in my opinion, and continues to look at changing the daily habits of users.  She’s been looking at changing Yahoo’s culture, improving innovation, and touching the daily lives of everyone.  The stock is up 18.24% YTD as of March 29.

Tesla Motors (TSLA) – Tesla Motors is run by one of the best innovators today, in my opinion. Elon Musk started Paypal early in his career, and currently is the CEO of Tesla, SpaceX, and chairman of Solar City.  I’m not sure how he can manage his time, but I believe his drive, ambitions, and products are worth investing in.  The Model S looks to be revolutionizing the car business and looks to sell more than the 20,000 Musk predicted in 2012.  YTD Tesla is up 11.87% as of March 29.

Sodastream (SODA) – Sodastream makes the in-home carbonation system, and had a great Q4 will solid guidance, in my opinion.  The company continues to roll-out new products and flavors with partnerships with Kraft, Ocean Spray, and V8.

They also arranged a manufacturing agreement with Cott, a US based manufacturer that I believe should greatly improve margins.  The company has been producing its products in Israel and spending money in shipping costs.  I believe this alone should be a boon for the stock.  So far this year, it’s up 10.58% as of March 29

Zillow (Z) – Zillow is the newest real estate tool being used by clients and agents across the US.  The simplicity of the site makes searching, analyzing, and purchasing real estate easier than ever before.  The US housing market looks to be improving, and I look at Zillow as a major reason to be in this market.

The stock has been on an absolute tear this year and is up 97.01% YTD as of March 29.  My initial investment thesis was bullish, but I believe that the next few years could see even more gains than I initially thought.  The company is still under $2 billion in market cap.

The investments discussed are held in client accounts as of March 31, 2013. These investments may or may not be currently held in client accounts. The reader should not assume that any investments identified were or will be profitable or that any investment recommendations or investment decisions we make in the future will be profitable.

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