Whitnell & Co. Q3 vs. Q4 2019: A Deep Dive into Their 13F Holdings

Investors carefully comb through the 13F filings as it offers a sneak peek into the investment strategies of firms. For this reason, we analyzed Whitnell & Co.'s Q3 vs. Q4 2019 13F holdings to determine how the well-established firm was adjusting its portfolio.

Firstly, it's important to note that the total value of the portfolio decreased from $163.5 million in Q3 2019 to $160.4 million in Q4 2019. The firm sold off positions in multiple ETFs, including Select Sector SPDR, Vanguard World FDS, and SPDR Index Shs FDS.

Whitnell & Co. opened a new position in First Tr Exchange Traded FD, more specifically in the Energy MLP ETF (EMLP). They acquired 113,487 shares worth $2.86 million in Q4 2019. EMLP's unit price has gone up by 30%, explaining the large investment increase.

Interestingly, the firm bought an additional 2,969 shares of Apple Inc (AAPL) despite its hefty price tag. AAPL has been a consistent performer and had a particularly profitable Q4 2019. Since Whitnell & Co.'s Q4 purchase, AAPL's stock price has increased by 15%.

Next, the firm bought 6,482 additional shares in Microsoft Corp (MSFT) and 355 additional shares in Alphabet Inc (GOOGL). In contrast, the firm sold off massive amounts of McDonald's Corp (MCD) worth $518,000 and Procter & Gamble Co (PG) worth $344,000. Other stockholders seem to have been just as unenthusiastic about these companies since both experienced a share price decrease.

The firm dumped 3.9% of their position in the Strategic ETF called Schwab Strategic Trust (SCHH). Schwab's unit price has remained relatively stable in Q4 2019, which might explain the sell-off.

Whitnell & Co. bought 1,271 more shares in Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO), despite other firms such as First Trust Advisors LP selling off their CSCO holdings. Surprisingly, the firm sold 184 shares in Visa Inc (V), even though the company has enjoyed stellar performance and is a favorite among many investors.

Continuing with its contradictory investment behaviors, Whitnell & Co. bought shares of companies that most other investors dumped. An instance is Cincinnati Finl Corp (CINF), which saw a decrease in stock price in Q4 2019; nonetheless, 12,953 of its shares worth $1.51 million were purchased by the firm in Q4 2019. Another example is Willis Towers Watson Pub Ltd (WTW), which lost value in its shares, but the firm still bought 77 shares, bringing their total holding to 8,613 shares.

In conclusion, Whitnell & Co. managed its portfolio at differing degrees in Q3 vs. Q4 2019. The firm invested in various companies, some of which grew, while others dipped in stock prices. From the detailed analysis above, it's safe to assume that the well-established firm isn't shy to go against widely-held opinions in the stock market.