Back in early February, food firm Ralcorp (NYSE:RAH) spun off its cereal business into a new publicly-traded company. Post Holdings (NYSE:POST) now houses the namesake cereal brands and other familiar names including Pebbles, Grape-Nuts and Honeycomb. Post is just getting going on its own, but could be an interesting investing story as spinoffs generally have a solid performance track record.
Mar
30
Cascade Corp (NYSE:CASC) provides lifting materials for industrial lift trucks. Its underlying customer base operates on a global scale and includes many leading operators in the industrial space. As such, its business is a solid barometer on industrial activity across the world. Based on its recent results, many international economies remain on the upswing. Cascade’s own prospects going forward are much less certain.
Mar
30
Chesapeake Energy’s (NYSE:CHK) stated business strategy is to have one of the largest onshore natural gas and liquids resource base in the United States. Chesapeake was founded only in 1989, but already considers itself the second largest producer of natural gas behind Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM). The lowest gas prices in a decade are causing a shift in its near-term strategy, and the current uncertainty has masked the value of its exploration and production (E&P) assets. For more, see E&P Operators Drop Natural Gas PUD’s.
Mar
30
March 30, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis
Apollo Group’s (Nasdaq:APOL) reported second quarter results on Monday that demonstrated it is still working to find its footing, following increased industry scrutiny from regulators. An uptick in enrollment was an encouraging sign, though it could still be some time until total company sales and profits start moving steadily forward again.
Mar
30
March 30, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis
Mar
30
Posted on 30-03-2012
Filed Under (Uncategorized) by ryan
Angie’s List (Nasdaq:ANGI) helps facilitate the linking up of customers and businesses in local communities. It has a solid reputation for attracting the attention of dependable businesses that are likely to charge a fair price for their services and complete the work on time. The business has been around since 1995, but has grown rapidly during the past few years. Just last week, it issued shares to the public. Unfortunately, the valuation looks out of whack with what the business is currently delivering in terms of profits, or profit potential.
Mar
30
On March 22, email and social media marketer ExactTarget (NYSE:ET) completed its initial public offering (IPO). Since the firms’ founding in 2000, it has grown sales rapidly and is very optimistic about its ability to continue expanding in an overall rapidly growing market. At the current sales multiple, it is going to need substantial growth for the newest batch of public shareholders to make money in the stock. For related reading, see Investing In IPO ETFs.
Mar
30
Posted on 30-03-2012
Filed Under (Uncategorized) by ryan
March 30, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis, Stocks
New York-based Leucadia National Corp. (NYSE:LUK) operates a conglomeration of businesses across a wide array of industries. Leucadia has drawn comparisons to Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) (NYSE:BRK.B) for its go-anywhere style, as well as the stellar performance track record it has built over the past three decades. A current share price trading near book value could end up being a solid entry point for prospective investors.
Mar
28
March 28, 2012 | Filed Under » Business, Investment
Apple Inc.’s stock recently hit a number of impressive milestones. The share price rose above $600 per share to reach record highs. Additionally, its market capitalization, or share price multiplied by shares outstanding, reached $500 billion. Not since the dotcom craze has a technology firm reached a market cap of a half trillion dollars.
Mar
28
Posted on 28-03-2012
Filed Under (Uncategorized) by ryan
By Ryan FuhrmannPublished 03/28/2012 – 11:30
Back in the fall of 2010, I touted technology giant International Business Machines (NYSE: IBM [1]) in the belief that its stock was poised to have a strong run. A key part of this bullishness was a bold prediction by its management team that it would double earnings per share (EPS) [2] from $10 to $20 by 2015.
Mar
28
In 2007, automotive giant General Motors (NYSE:GM) announced it was selling its Allison Transmission business to a group of private equity investment shops. In mid-March, these private equity players brought some of their stake in Allison Transmission (NYSE:ALSN) to the public markets. The stock hasn’t moved much during the past couple of weeks, but could if and once the company starts growing consistently.
Mar
28
March 28, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis, Stocks
Midsize investment banking firm Jefferies Group (NYSE:JEF) has seen its stock nearly double from lows last fall, just as European sovereign debt concerns were reaching a fever pitch. Prospective investors in Jefferies might want to hold out hope for a future wave of irrational market pessimism, because the stock looks to have returned to fair value. For related reading, see Wanna Be A Bigwig? Try Investment Banking.
Mar
28
March 28, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis, Stocks
Discount retailer Dollar General (NYSE:DG) reported positive sales trends at its existing stores during 2011, marking the 22nd straight year it has been able to achieve such a feat. This consistency over more than two decades recently caught the attention of a famed billionaire investor, who likely plans to stick with the name for the long haul.
Mar
27
Upscale jewelry store operator Tiffany (NYSE:TIF) closed out its fiscal year in fine form. It reported sales and profit growth right around 20%. However, these growth figures are higher than what Tiffany is likely to report over the long haul. The stock’s current valuation discounts these unsustainable growth expectations.
Mar
27
After seeing its popularity peak some years ago in the United States, donut and coffee shop operator Krispy Kreme Donuts (NYSE:KKD) has shifted its attention to overseas expansion. This and a renewed emphasis on coffee could help the company sustain its current profit momentum, though much upside is already priced into the stock.
Mar
26
Posted on 26-03-2012
Filed Under (Uncategorized) by ryan
The latest string of social media initial public offerings (IPOs) is fast creating a select handful of fantastically wealthy company founders and early stage investors. The financial headlines are full of details. The coming IPO of Facebook is estimated to put founder Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth in the neighborhood of $20 billion, give or take a few billion dollars. LinkedIn’s chairman Reid Hoffman is worth around $2 billion thanks to a recent IPO, and while he looks poor in comparison to Zuckerberg, he has enough excess capital to survive for many lifetimes. The list goes on. Zynga’s founder is now worth close to $2 billion while Pandora’s CEO owns an estimated 3% of the firms market capitalization of $1.75 billion for an estimated worth of $52.5 million. Early stage investors in these firms are also doing well. Early Facebook investors tried to sell billions in stock a year ago when the implied value of the firm was closer to $70 billion. They may have lost out as the total IPO value is being pegged above $100 billion, but this still means huge wealth creation in just a few years.
Mar
26
March 26, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis, Stocks
Technology consultant and outsourcing giant Accenture (NYSE:ACN) reported very solid second quarter results late last week. This continues a strong run by Accenture’s businesses, and investors have taken notice as the stock hit all-time highs. Despite these highs, there could be plenty of further room for shareholder gains going forward.
Mar
26
Vera Bradley (Nasdaq:VRA) focuses on selling affordable and fashionable handbags, as well as related accessories including totes, luggage and wallets. Investors sent the stock tumbling following disappointing guidance for its next quarter. This could present a buying opportunity for shareholders keen on taking a long-term interest in the company.
Mar
23
March 23, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis, Stocks
Cato Corporation (NYSE:CATO) focuses on selling fashionable clothing, footwear and related apparel at affordable prices. It operates primarily in the Southeastern part of the United States and is focused primarily on strip mall locations. These factors give Cato a competitive edge over most retail rivals, and though it doesn’t grow rapidly, its stock does offer an appealing dividend yield.
Mar
22
FactSet (NYSE:FDS) sells software and data that helps financial professionals research financial markets and analyze individual securities. Its products are proving indispensable to existing customers, and the firm’s recent second quarter results indicated that it continues to have no problem signing up new ones. The only thing to not like about the investment story is the valuation.
Mar
22
TransAct Technologies (Nasdaq:TACT) sells printers and related supplies to a diverse and growing set of customers in differing industries. Its sights are firmly set on the gambling space, and though it has posted three years of solid sales and earnings trends, its cash flow production is much more mixed.
Mar
22
Mall-based apparel retailer Buckle (NYSE:BKE) recently closed out its fiscal year by reporting very respectable, low double-digit growth trends. The profit improvement was slightly below trend given the impressive decade of growth the company has posted, but an investment in the Buckle’s stock still represents one of the best ways to combine growth with stability in the retail industry. For more, see Earning Forecasts: A Primer.
Mar
21
Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev SA (NYSE:BUD) recently reported full year sales and earnings results. The top-line trends were decent given Anheuser-Busch is among the largest beer makers in the world, and profit growth was impressive in the double digits. However, at the current valuation, the market is assuming more of the same for many years to come. As a result, investors could be left with a hangover. For more, see Earning Forecasts: A Primer.
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Read the rest of this entry »
Mar
13
March 13, 2012 | Filed Under » Stock Analysis, Stocks
Mar
13
Internet radio firm Pandora (NYSE:P) is seeing a huge jump in popularity, as consumers increasingly embrace its music streaming services. With its service, users are able to enter an artist name, such as the Grateful Dead, and have its Music Genome Project create a customized channel of similar music. The service is great for music lovers, but investors may not make out as well.
Mar
13
Sporting goods giant Dick’s Sporting Goods (NYSE:DKS) closed out its fiscal year by reporting respectable sales growth and very impressive earnings levels. The firm’s investment appeal is currently questionable, but there is no denying that Dick’s is the strongest player in a crowded sporting goods field.
Mar
12
March 12, 2012
Rural convenience store operator Casey’s General Stores (Nasdaq:CASY) has put together an impressive string of annual sales and profit gains. Last year, this caught the attention of a key rival that wanted to acquire Casey’s, but it was able to successfully fend off the hostile bid. Based off the strong recent stock gains, shareholders are happy that Casey’s has remained independent.
Mar
07
Defense and aerospace firm Esterline Technologies (NYSE:ESL) reported great sales growth during its first quarter, though this was due to the purchase of a French rival. Profit growth lagged, but management has ambitious expansion targets over the long haul. Recent trends could make meeting these goals difficult, but it’s hard to argue with the company’s track record and aerospace exposure could easily offset challenging defense industry trends.
Mar
07
Posted: Mar 07, 2012 08:47 AM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann , CFA
After years of underinvestment in its brand, Wendy’s (Nasdaq:WEN) is pursuing an ambitious program to remodel its store base, and better compete with a group of peers it refers to as the “new quick service restaurant” (QSR) group. The program will be expensive, but could be just what the company needs to start boosting returns for shareholders.
Mar
05
Posted: Mar 05, 2012 08:13 AM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann , CFA
A.T. Cross (Nasdaq:ATX) was perhaps known best for its Cross pens and related writing accessories, but in recent years has shifted its focus to a couple of higher end sunglass brands. Eyewear is increasingly driving the company’s fortunes, and their solid growth potential make the stock worth a look. For more, see Earning Forecasts: A Primer.
Mar
05
Posted: Mar 05, 2012 08:50 AM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann , CFA
Home improvement giant Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) closed out its fiscal year with solid profitability and a modest boost in the bottom line. A push for further growth in the face of continued challenging industry conditions is commendable, but much of any potential is already baked into the share price valuation. For more, see Earning Forecasts: A Primer.
Mar
05
Posted: Mar 05, 2012 08:34 AM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann , CFA
TJX Companies (NYSE:TJX) is better known for store brands that include TJ Maxx, Marshall’s and HomeGoods. Due to solid, consistent growth performance, investors have gotten to know the stock well and have bid it up to its all-time highs. This could imperil future shareholder returns, but the firm’s operations still have plenty of growth potential. For more, see Earning Forecasts: A Primer.
Mar
02
Posted: Mar 02, 2012 15:37 PM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann , CFA
Caribou Coffee (Nasdaq:CBOU) is a small but growing operator of nearly 600 coffeehouses. Management has set out some ambitious growth goals going forward, and has just started recently delivering on its expectations. The share price valuation assumes many more years of rapid expansion, but is definitely achievable given the small store base and potential of its commercial sales.
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