13 Dow Stocks That Are Doomed

Print this page

Dow Stock #1 – AT&T (T)

AT&T (T) has been the lucky recipient of two million new customers thanks to the iPhone. But let’s not forget that AT&T was Apple’s second choice and only got the deal because Verizon passed up the opportunity. Now Verizon is intent on making up lost ground and then some, directly targeting iPhone users and making a huge splash with its Android smartphone. AT&T better be shaking in its shoes — and shareholders should rethink their stake in this stock.

Dow Stock #2 –
Bank of America (BAC)

Since the financial crisis, Bank of America (BAC) has received $20 billion in TARP funds and a guarantee to cover $118 billion in potential losses. The result? Bank of America lost more than $2 billion in the third quarter, worse than analysts expected, and had to set aside more than $11 billion more to offset bad loans.

Dow Stock #3 – Boeing (BA)

Boeing (BA) hung its future on the Dreamliner, but this messy project has turned into quite a nightmare for stockholders. As of this writing, the next-generation plane is two years late after five delays… so I’ll believe this launch when I see it. It’s tough to trust a company that is this poorly run.

Dow Stock #4 – Chevron (CVX)

Chevron (CVX) saw its profits slashed in half in its recent Q3 earnings report, and that’s even after a big jump in output and a sharp cut in operating costs. If producing more and spending less can’t get this company on the right track, it’s basically out of options in the short term. While it may be faring better than some other oil stocks, I still rate CVX a sell.

Dow Stock #5 – Alcoa (AA)

Alcoa (AA) is an industrial icon in America, but manufacturing hasn't been so hot lately. The result has been four straight quarterly losses for this metals company.

And guess what? Fourth-quarter earnings are just around the corner for this company on January 11, and a number of analysts are expecting yet another shortfall for this company. Not a good sign.

Dow Stock #6 –
Exxon Mobil (XOM)

Exxon Mobil (XOM) left much to be desired after its recent Q3 report. Earnings were down 68% compared to last year. Its refining business swung to a loss. Earnings fell short of analysts’ expectations. Revenue decreased 40%. Should I go on?

Dow Stock #7 –
General Electric (GE)

General Electric (GE) posted third-quarter profits that were down 44% over last year. While other companies are returning to growth mode, GE is still scrambling to survive — announcing just last week it plans to lay off almost 3,000 more workers to stay afloat.

Dow Stock #8 – Home Depot (HD)

Home Depot (HD) is kind of a no brainer. Home sales have trickled to nearly nothing, and with falling property values it doesn't make a heck of a lot of sense to add on that sunroom you've always wanted.

The final nail in the coffin is weak consumer spending that is hurting retailers of all stripes. Until housing and consumer confidence both improve markedly, HD is a sell.

Dow Stock #9 –
McDonald's (MCD)

McDonald's (MCD) was a favorite of mine during the recession, as a weak dollar boosted overseas revenue and value-conscious consumers flocked to the Golden Arches. But low-priced fare can only take you so far, and competitiors have started to erode MCD's hold on cheap eats.

What's more, the company's successful McCafe offerings took cash away from Starbucks in early 2009—but now cheaper at-home alternatives to brewing coffee are cutting into McDonald's java sales. That's bad news for MCD, and I rate this stock a sell.

Dow Stock #10 – Kraft (KFT)

Kraft (KFT) had hoped to win Wall Street’s attention by pursuing Cadbury, but instead it has come across as wishy-washy in a bid that may never come to fruition. And rather than growing, Kraft may actually be shrinking now that rumors are circulating that the company is shopping around its Maxwell House coffee brand. Obviously, a good company should be growing and not shrinking.

Dow Stock #11 – Verizon (VZ)

Verizon (VZ) is betting the farm on a high-stakes bid to supplant the Apple iphone with its Droid device. In the long run this may be a good move, but in the short run the ad blitz and high cost of this rollout are really going to eat away at Verizon's bottom line.

While spending on tech devices has been strong, the bottom line is that the initial price point for the Droid may be a bit high and it will take some time for consumers to catch on to this smartphone, considering how loyal Apple users are. Things may change in a few weeks if I hear some favorable news, but for now VZ is a sell.

Dow Stock #12 –
Procter & Gamble (PG)

Procter & Gamble (PG) is a company that overreached and now has a cumbersome fleet of brands. To its credit, the company is currently shopping around some product divisions including Braun small appliances, Iams pet foods, Duracell batteries and Pringles snacks. But the bottom line is that it will take some time to streamline this patchwork company — so investors shouldn’t hold their breath.

Dow Stock #13 – Wal-Mart (WMT)

After strong same-store sales during the crash of 2008, Wal-Mart(WMT) has become its own worst enemy as it continues to price itself out of profitability. The holiday pricing war sparked by this retail behemoth could win traffic, but is sure to result in slim margins and even slimmer earnings for this pick in the fourth quarter.

December 8, 2009

By Louis Navellier, Editor, Blue Chip Growth