Holiday Portfolio: What a Bunch of Turkeys

Let's talk turkey.

If there were ever an appropriate description of this year's holiday portfolio, that is it -- a bunch of turkeys. While we can cite scores of reasons for the decline in this portfolio of five interesting companies picked at the beginning of the year, the fact is the holiday portfolio looks headed for a very disappointing showing in 2008.

So, let's dive right in and discuss the current status of each company in the bunch and where we go from here. First, a quick review of the holiday portfolio concept.

All Year: Rain or Shine, Good or Bad

The concept behind the holiday portfolio is simple: I select a group of five stocks that I believe deserve watching over the next 12 months, and I follow them -- regardless of their performance -- throughout the year. I'll revisit the portfolio on each market holiday and, at times, make comments about the stocks in RealMoney's Columnist Conversation. The only way a stock is removed from the portfolio is if it merges with another company or ceases to trade on a major exchange.

The portfolio serves two purposes. First, it follows the fundamental progress of a group of stocks over a long period of time. My hope is that the portfolio will serve as a forum for in-depth discussion of investment decisions and company strategy, and reinforce the importance of ongoing portfolio analysis. Second, it provides an opportunity to look at both short-term trading strategies and longer-term investment strategies with the same stocks.