Announcing the enhanced 2026 Pick of the Year contest! Now with scrubbing bubbles!!

[antioch6]

My first post in months. I couldn't get on with the new format. My son figured it out. My pick ASTS Long. Thank you.

I had been wondering where billy went. I am glad you are back and I can't wait to hear your latest picks. But your picks of the year's have always been too crazy, maybe for the contest's sake. I remember your contests for stocks under $10 that should double first, that's fun.

[billyjoe]

Antioch, Thanks for remembering me. I'm more in to dividend stocks now and reinvesting divs,. My 2 sons are keeping up the tradition with more speculative choices. That's how I learned about ASTS.

[jiesen]

I’m liking everyone’s picks so far, but boy am I struggling to make my pick. I just can’t find that one stock that really catches my attention yet. I’m much better at picking an aggregation of stocks than I am at picking a winner takes all. I do like the PotY contest because I always get some good ideas from your picks.

here's some more ideas for you, in case you still need more food for thought....

How about sequencing? This sector is making a big comeback right now, and 2026 could be the year we see 20-40% gains in these comanies' stock prices. Specifically, there are two to consider for purposes of the contest, one is ILMN the leader of the pack, which is up 50%+ already just in the past 3 months. I wouldn't put it past them to run another 50% from here by EOY. Second to think about is PACB. They've been beaten down (mainly by ILMN) from $8 to $1 over the past 2 years, but have made a comeback already to over $2.50. Whatever ILMN's share price does this year, you can pretty much assume PACB will do as well, only doubly so. So if you really want to win the contest, PACB is your stock to pick from the sequencing space. But if you were to buy one of these, ILMN is the safer play, and will likely do much better than PACB long term.

[BlueWolf]

here's some more ideas for you, in case you still need more food for thought....

How about sequencing? This sector is making a big comeback right now, and 2026 could be the year we see 20-40% gains in these comanies' stock prices. Specifically, there are two to consider for purposes of the contest, one is ILMN the leader of the pack, which is up 50%+ already just in the past 3 months. I wouldn't put it past them to run another 50% from here by EOY. Second to think about is PACB. They've been beaten down (mainly by ILMN) from $8 to $1 over the past 2 years, but have made a comeback already to over $2.50. Whatever ILMN's share price does this year, you can pretty much assume PACB will do as well, only doubly so. So if you really want to win the contest, PACB is your stock to pick from the sequencing space. But if you were to buy one of these, ILMN is the safer play, and will likely do much better than PACB long term.

Thanks for the ideas, Jiesen.

[billyjoe]

BlueWolf, Have you thought about any gaming or gambling stocks? My kids and 1 Daughter-in-Law have or have had jobs in those fields. I won't mention any names since many aren't publicly traded but they seem to be taking over every sporting event I watch. Daughter -in-Law works setting odds that change during the games due to live injuries. I have no idea how it's done . Formulas are used that are over my understanding. I'm sure the weaker companies will be weeded out shortly. Good luck!

[BlueWolf]

BlueWolf, Have you thought about any gaming or gambling stocks? My kids and 1 Daughter-in-Law have or have had jobs in those fields. I won't mention any names since many aren't publicly traded but they seem to be taking over every sporting event I watch. Daughter -in-Law works setting odds that change during the games due to live injuries. I have no idea how it's done . Formulas are used that are over my understanding. I'm sure the weaker companies will be weeded out shortly. Good luck!

Hadn’t really thought about it, but I’m told that this is one industry that is recession proof.

[BlueWolf]

Just a reminder. ONE WEEK left to submit or edit your picks.

[BlueWolf]

This is what I have so far for the PotY contest. Let me know if I missed anyone:

[Louetta]

BlueWolf, can I change my pick to HOOD long please.

Louetta

[BlueWolf]

BlueWolf, can I change my pick to HOOD long please.

Louetta

Absolutely! Noted.

[JohnHenry]

I'll go with Bloom Energy (Ticker BE). Thanks again for running this fun contest

This is an awesome pick, one on my list. BE was on 60 Minutes in 2010 - EBay, GooG, FDX purchased Boom Boxes for their Bay Area offices.

[jiesen]

BlueWolf, can I change my pick to HOOD long please.

Louetta

now THAT's more like it! This one I can see being at 150 or even 180 by EOY.

[BlueWolf]

OK, I’m down to three or four candidates, but to make sure I at least have a placeholder entry before the deadline I choose NXT.