Here's my latest possible update at noon o'clock on Tuesday, 11/14/17:
ALDW---sold about half of my 23,500 units positions total.
Paid off an $88,000 margin debt in its entirety.
Built several positions in Delek (DK) adding up to 1,650 shares. Cost basis is $27.72. If DK drops a half dollar or so additionally I won't hesitate to add strongly. Margin utilization has been a great friend and I won't hesitate to jump back into bed for a thousand or two more shares.
Also launched a position in EPD. This has been a many-years-long buddy of pete807's and he's earned the right to my trust. This seems to be a perfect moment to launch a new position. I've looked into the company many times over the years and nearly started positions before but today was the time as I'm making so many large moves. I bought 300 units of EPD at $23.88. And I sent pete807 a personal note of thanks for guiding me. Well deserved recognition!
Conclusions:
ALDW is higher, defying my own thoughts. I see no reason to wait around for a dying breath which is sure to come when DK finally executes the "big swallow." I expect no further distribution but if I'm wrong I'll receive my just desserts just like anyone else.
There's always a possibility that DK will sweeten the offer for ALDW but I sure wouldn't count on it! It's ludicrous to even think a responsible business entity would consider upping the ante when DK controls the game. Those on the retail side who are jacking up today's price either are the biggest fools on the block or I'm a complete idiot for not seeing things more clearly.
This much is all too clear to me:
Investors hate change. Absolutely hate it!
A good investor sideswipes painful winds of change by detailing visible things involved and then plans an orderly program as he seeks to optimize opportunity at hand.
While I may be reading some things incorrectly, by liquidating just half of my ALDW, I preserve rights due anybody when the big swallow occurs. If I'm right or wrong, then, it will be limited to just 50% right or wrong. I can live with that.
So here I am, feeling much more protected than when retiring last night. Come what may, I've made big (for me) changes without putting things off. Did it feel good effecting these moves? Yes and no. More than anything, I'd say it felt RIGHT. And maybe that's worth more than dollars in the final analysis. Time will tell. But at least for now I feel I did the responsible thing.
As for my excursion into DK---I can tell you this:
I like the prospects. I may lose a few bucks today on my buys but it's part of the process and I accept that. The intention was that of securing a foothold while the getting-part looked good enough to take the risk. One thing is for certain: ALDW should not be holding up or rising, what with the enormous erosion predating the big swallow. I made my moves based on that alone and am damned glad I could face up to it.
I'll be happy to field questions from others so have at it, please.
Meanwhile, I hope you'll share your time with us on the DK board. We will all be richer for your participation!
