As I mentioned several times in previous posts(here, here and here), I decided to sell my RJR positions acquired on March 18, 2003 (as Trade #24) this month to log a long-term capital gain. I just did that this morning by selling the 100 shares at $58.02 apiece. After commission and SEC fee of $11.22, the net proceeds is $5,790.78. Adding dividends of $380 throughout the year and comparing to the cost basis of $3,374.99, the roundtrip represents an ROI of 83%. (ARR is close to 83% too because I held the position only a few days longer than the required 366 days tobe eligible for long-term capital gain treatment.)
I saw this move as another step toward a move defensive portfolio. The current net worth of my actively managed accounts is less than $30,000 now, including 21% of net worth investing in bearish put options in MSFT and QQQ. While I might consider some pruning in my OCA positions, I am quite comfortable with my current holdings.
Also, after I claim the final installment of RJR dividend in early April, I will close my AmeriTrade account. As a background, I opened the account in early 2003 to take advantage of a $75 account bonus offer and the decision paid off quite well. The $75 cash bonus offer is still available thru http://www.ameritrade.com/75/. (Disclousre: I earn no referral fee if you try out this offer. However, I will appreciate if you try out some sponsors thru the Google Ads too.)