Introduction One of the most common questions we receive regarding FAST Graphs is: why are P/E ratios different on the historical graphs versus the forecasting calculators? Although this is a fair question, it also illustrates that many of our users are not fully understanding how the tool is designed and/or how it works or should …
CTSH
The Right Way to Value Growth Stocks: Part 3
Introduction In part 2 of this series I focused on how to value slow and moderately growing businesses. In this article, Part 3, I will shift my focus on how to value faster growing companies (growth stocks). My definition of a fast grower (growth stock) is one that has consistently compounded earnings at 15% per annum or …
The Worst Reasons To Sell A Stock
Introduction An article on when to sell a stock would not be complete without some discussion about what I consider to be the worst reason to sell a stock. Ironically, this reason may be the one that is most commonly implemented by investors. Personally, I will rarely, if ever, sell a stock just because the …
Ignore Political and Economic Forecasts: Mind Your Owned Businesses
Introduction In his Berkshire Hathaway 1994 annual report Warren Buffett said ignore political and economic forecasts. I considered this one of the more profound pieces of investment advice and wisdom that I ever came across. It has been my opinion prior to and since I read this advice that investors spend way too much time …
Stock Selection Options by Category: Part 2A
Introduction In part 1 of this series titled “How Many Stocks Should I Own?” found here, I focused primarily on how many stocks an investor might need to hold in a stock portfolio for adequate diversification. In this part 2, my focus will shift to category selections. Instead of how many stocks to own, this …
Which is Best-Investing For Income or Total Return: Part 2
Introduction There is a long running feud between investors who believe in investing for total return versus those who believe in investing for current income. Both camps are fervent advocates of their respective beliefs, and there seems to be no feasible middle ground or compromise. Unfortunately, I believe that the dogmatic positions of both groups …
Choosing Common Stocks That Make Sense for Your Retirement Portfolio: Part 2
Introduction Choosing the most appropriate stocks for the common stock portion of your retirement portfolio is vitally important. In part 1 of this series found here I presented the 6 broad categories of stocks (businesses) that renowned mutual fund manager Peter Lynch presented in his best-selling book “One Up On Wall Street.” I contend that …
The Best Way to Judge Past Performance: Part Two
Introduction On virtually every financial website on the planet there is a never-ending daily stream of stock tips and recommendations. Consequently, the investing public is literally flooded with information and advice regarding what stock to buy today or not to buy. Some of what is offered is supported by factual information and logic, but unfortunately, …
“Ye Of Little Faith” What Has It Cost You? Part 1
Introduction I believe that one of the most important attributes that a successful investor must possess is optimism. Any serious student of financial history would recognize and acknowledge that economically speaking, things are good much more often than they are bad. In the general sense, common stocks have risen far more often than they have …
Mr. Valuation disagrees with Henry Blodget: “It’s a Market of Stocks” is not a Meaningless Phrase
Introduction There are many that consider the stock market the big casino. Because I believe in adhering to a business perspective on investing in common stocks, I am not one of those people. To investors like me, the stock market is simply the store that we shop at in order to buy (invest in) great …