In 2010, The Motley Fool wrote almost 20,800 articles to educate, amuse, and enrich investors. Read along as we count down to the most popular article of 2010, starting with No. 10:
10) Avoid These Cash Machines
Jim Royal explained why you should avoid companies that are taken public by private equity firms, as they are often plundered and weakened before going public. He gives the example of Dollar General, taken private by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in 2007 -- and then taken public just two years later. During that time, KKR paid itself while adding $4.2 billion in debt to the company. Jim recommended that instead of buying Dollar General, investors take a look at Guess?
9) One Quality Stock to Sell Today
Todd Wenning decided to examine what stocks investors should consider selling roughly one year after the market bottom of March 9, 2009. He believed investors would be well served taking some profits on Apple
8) Buffett Is Selling
In May, April Taylor examined Warren Buffett's stock sales and purchases from the first quarter of 2010. Buffett sold 10% of his holdings of Procter & Gamble as well as 23% of his holdings in Kraft
7) The Dividend Play for a Lifetime
In July, Jim Royal recommended investors take a look at McDonald's
6) 5 Stocks for Retirees to Get Rich
Jordan DiPietro was astounded when bond guru Bill Gross said bond returns "stand at the threshold of mediocrity." Jordan recommended investors look for companies which remain steadfast in both up and down markets, with low betas, strong dividends, and room for growth. His search lead him to such names as Windstream
5, 4, 3, 2, 1 …
You'll find the rest of the Top 10 countdown here.