02-10-2015, 06:43 PM
I agree with you on ESV. Though right now I'm just using the shares as a trading vehicle. At some point I'll likely add some to the long term portfolio. My two choices in the sector are ESV because of the reasons that you cite, and SLB because IMO it is the best of the breed. I wouldn't mind having some of each in the long term portfolio. Right now I'm trying to get some additional shares of ESV, but am doing so via put sell. My $28 March puts brought in $1.60, for an effective entry of about $26.45 if assigned. If not assigned, I'll sell another batch of puts after expiration. IMO this is a great way to eventually pick up some discounted shares. If it takes two or three cycles to get assigned, the discount would be substantial.
Alex