An old friend of mine asked me a good question:

Hey Mal appreciate your opinion on OPTI TSX.  Have some money invested. Not too much.  What is your opinion take the loss and cash out. Or ride it out hoping they’ll somehow miraculously come back.  Sincerely Zen.

Let me give an example.  The transmission I installed (Screamin’ Eagle) on my 2005 Springer Softail Classic seemed to leak oil every 1000 kms or so.  I’d spend a ton of money replacing a seal (it would wear out) repeatedly, so finally I decided to replace it with a new
Baker transmission. 

Even though I had some issues (mechanical) having it done, I figured what the #$%$ – I can’t have a relaxing ride knowing the thing will again be a problem.

Why is it so easy to replace something like a transmission (if costly), and so hard to sell a stock that has been a disappointment?  It has something to do with human nature.  As bizarre as it seems, people become emotionally involved with their portfolio and its contents.  Since the stock is priced every minute of every day, what you actually paid for it doesn’t matter anymore.  Nevertheless, investors just hang on hoping as Zen (above) hinted waiting for a miraculous comeback.  In my mind, what they’re really waiting for is an apology.  The stock has insulted them by misbehaving, and humans are spiteful.  When it comes to their money, people are funny!  Hope isn’t what is delaying action, but rather it’s spite.  “I’m not stupid, and this stock makes me feel stupid…I won’t sell it until I get retribution.”

My advice to Zen was simple.  If it bothers you, get rid of it and find another stock out of the thousands out there.  The stock doesn’t know you own it, and doesn’t care.  Why should you?