Quick Analysis: Texas Instruments (TXN)

TXN: Texas Instruments

The company sells and designs semiconductors, serving communications, computing, industrial, consumer electronics, automotive, and education sectors. It also designs, manufactures, and sells wireless application processors and connectivity products. Plus, its name is on several handheld retail graphing and scientific calculators.

Recent Range: $15/share – $38/share (Current Price: 33.91, as of close of 1/19/11)
Price/Sales (P/S) = 2.96 (2.70, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 4.00 (3.08)
Price/Earnings (P/E) = 14.3 (15.6)
Gross Profit Margin = 53.6% (58.7%)
Pre-Tax Profit Margin = 31.1% (29.0%)
Net Profit Margin = 21.9% (20.9%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.00 (0.17)
Current Ratio = 3.5 (3.4)
Return on Equity = 30.0% (24.8%)
Return on Assets = 24.0% (17.4%)

Analysis: This company is really well known, and people that I know who work within this field indicate that this company is doing some really good things. However, while the stock price might rise, it is not an obvious buy to me.

Quick Analysis: BP P.L.C. (BP)

BP: BP P.L.C.

Oil drilling, refining, and transporting, and it markets and sells gasoline retail.

Recent Range: $27/share – $78/share (Current Price: 44.17, as of close of 12/31/10)
Price/Sales (P/S) = 0.46 (0.86, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.55 (1.80)
Gross Margin = 4.3% (27.4%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -2.3% (+11.0%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.45 (0.29)
Current Ratio = 1.0 (1.2)
Return on Equity = -5.3% (+14.3%)
Return on Assets = -1.9% (+7.4%)

Analysis: This company was really a great buy a couple of months ago, but I still think there is more room to grow here.

Quick Analysis: Home Depot (HD)

HD: Home Depot

Retail for general home contactors and do-it-yourself home repairs

Recent Range: $21/share – $40/share (Current Price: 35.09, as of close of 12/23/10)
Price/Sales (P/S) = 0.85 (0.80, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 3.01 (2.56)
Gross Margin = 34.2% (33.8%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 7.0% (6.7%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.51 (0.42)
Current Ratio = 1.3 (1.3)
Return on Equity = 15.9% (13.4%)
Return on Assets = 7.2% (6.6%)

Analysis: This company has widely recognizable name and has a great company concept. However, I am lukewarm on the stock.

Quick Analysis: Baidu Inc. (BIDU)

BIDU: Baidu Inc

Internet Search Engine: uses Chinese Characters

Recent Range: $15/share – $110/share (Current Price: 101.25, as of close of 12/21/10)
Price/Sales (P/S) = 34.92 (10.24, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 32.55 (7.89)
Gross Margin = 70.7% (64.6%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 48.2% (34.3%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.00 (0.04)
Current Ratio = 3.6 (4.3)
Return on Equity = 48.5% (23.0%)
Return on Assets = 37.9% (18.0%)

Analysis: This company is definitely in a hot industry within a hot geographic region (China). It also appears to manage its money really well. I really like the company, but I am afraid of the stock.

Quick Analysis: WD 40 Company (WDFC)

WDFC: WD 40 Company (Maker of WD-40 Lubricant)

Maker of household product WD-40 lubricant. Also, they make specialty chemicals to help with maintenance, cleaning, and household tasks.

Recent Range: $24/share – $41/share (Current Price: 41.08, as of close of 12/17/10)
Price/Sales (P/S) = 7.89 (5.55, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 3.49 (2.85)
Gross Margin = 51.4% (29.5%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 16.7% (-17.5%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.11 (0.93)
Current Ratio = 2.5% (2.2%)
Return on Equity = 19.5% (14.7%)
Return on Assets = 13.1% (8.1%)

Analysis: This company appears to be in excellent health; however, the stock does not seem like an obvious bargain, even though this seems to be somewhat of a hot stock right now.

Quick Analysis: Proctor & Gamble (PG)

PG: Proctor & Gamble

Product Conglomerate, mostly with consumer goods

Recent Range: $47/share – $73/share (Current Price: 65.56, as of close of 12/14/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 2.26 (2.06, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 2.87 (5.06)
Gross Margin = 51.8% (52.0%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 19.1% (16.9%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.52 (0.71)
Current Ratio = 0.7 (1.0)
Return on Equity = 17.0% (28.9%)
Return on Assets = 8.1% (9.9%)

Analysis: This company is well-run and in excellent financial health. This stock is SAFE but unexciting.

Quick Analysis: Bank of America (BAC)

BAC: Bank of America

Nationwide Bank

Recent Range: $6/share – $53/share (Current Price: 15.89, as of close of 6/3/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 1.34 (1.60, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 0.73 (0.81)
Gross Margin = Not Available
Pre-Tax Margin = 2.9% (1.7%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 3.98 (3.53)
Current Ratio = Not Available
Return on Equity = -1.3% (-0.8%)
Return on Assets = 0.2% (0.2%)

Analysis: This company is unexciting, but this industry makes me still have to guess that this is a good long-term buy.

Quick Analysis: ITT Educational Services (ESI)

ESI: ITT Educational Services

For Profit Education Company

Recent Range: $45/share – $125/share (Current Price: 103.16, as of close of 5/11/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 2.52 (3.40, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 22.91 (7.83)
Gross Margin = 65.9% (56.9%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 37.8% (16.5%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.96 (0.16)
Current Ratio = 1.3 (1.7)
Return on Equity = 192.3% (47.8%)
Return on Assets = 50.2% (20.0%)

Analysis: I get the feeling that this stock will rise, but I don’t feel comfortable recommending it.

Quick Analysis: Magna International (MGA)

MGA: Magna International

Automotive supplier

Recent Range: $25/share – $95/share (Current Price: 71.92, as of close of 5/11/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 0.42 (0.84, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.06 (1.86)
Gross Margin = 11.2% (14.2%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 0.0% (1.0%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.02 (0.66)
Current Ratio = 1.5 (1.6)
Return on Equity = -1.0% (1.6%)
Return on Assets = -0.6% (0.9%)

Analysis: OK.

Quick Analysis: Kimco Realty Corp (KIM)

KIM: Kimco Realty Corp

Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that invests primarily in shopping centers anchored by grocery store chains and discount stores located a short distance outside metropolitan areas

Recent Range: $9/share – $45/share (Current Price: 15.30, as of close of 5/5/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 7.89 (5.55, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.28 (3.19)
Gross Margin = 69.9% (68.6%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -4.4% (3.8%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.91 (2.51)
Current Ratio = Not Available
Return on Equity = -1.3% (-2.2%)
Return on Assets = 0.0% (0.8%)

Analysis: There are more things about this stock to like than dislike. The Price/Book is higher than I like, but it is a lot smaller than its competitors.

Quick Analysis: Career Education Corp (CECO)

CECO: Career Education Corp

For Profit Education Company

Recent Range: $13/share – $35/share (Current Price: 29.47, as of close of 5/4/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 1.34 (3.49, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 2.74 (8.06)
Gross Margin = 65.3% (56.8%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 12.2% (15.3%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.00 (0.22)
Current Ratio = 1.4 (1.9)
Return on Equity = 15.6% (47.2%)
Return on Assets = 9.8% (19.9%)

Analysis: Confused…There are a lot of mixed messages here.

Quick Analysis: Linn Energy (LINE)

LINE: Linn Energy

Oil and Natural Gas Company, located in the Southern portion of the US

Recent Range: $14/share – $37/share (Current Price: 27.10, as of close of 4/30/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 12.34 (7.33, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.37 (2.43)
Gross Margin = 51.1% (64.1%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -109.8% (-40.2%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.65 (0.49)
Current Ratio = 2.0 (1.4)
Return on Equity = -11.4% (1.5%)
Return on Assets = -6.5% (2.4%)

Analysis: Not great…

Quick Analysis: Target Corp (TGT)

TGT: Target Corp

Recent Range: $30/share – $65/share (Current Price: 57.94, as of close of 4/23/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 0.68 (0.54, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 2.72 (2.85)
Gross Margin = 30.3% (25.3%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 5.9% (5.3%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 1.10 (0.61)
Current Ratio = 1.6 (1.1)
Return on Equity = 17.1% (19.4%)
Return on Assets = 5.6% (8.1%)
Return on Capital = 7.4% (12.3%)

Analysis: Obviously, Target is a very well known company.

However, as a stock, Target is in an ultra-competitive big box retail industry, which does not have a lot of upside for its stock holders.

Quick Analysis: Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT)

WMT: Wal-Mart Stores Inc

Recent Range: $45/share – $60/share (Current Price: 54.53, as of close of 4/23/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 0.50 (0.54, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 2.90 (2.85)
Gross Margin = 24.8% (25.3%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 5.4% (5.3%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.58 (0.61)
Current Ratio = 0.9 (1.1)
Return on Equity = 21.2% (19.4%)
Return on Assets = 8.9% (8.1%)
Return on Capital = 13.7% (12.3%)

Analysis: Obviously, Wal-Mart is a very well run company, but...

Quick Analysis: Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Corp (RNN)

RNN: Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Corp

Recent Range: $1.25/share - $3.50/share (Current Price: 2.50, as of close of 4/20/10)
Price/Sales (P/S) = 2782.05 (1002.08, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 25.22 (6.16)
Gross Margin = Not Available
Pre-Tax Margin = -8,516.6% (-4,752.1%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.00 (0.36)
Current Ratio = 9.9 (6.0)
Return on Equity = -118.2% (-8.1%)
Return on Assets = -90.6% (-20.9%)

Analysis: This is not one of those “sure bets,” unless you mean a sure bet to lose.

Quick Analysis: Radient Pharmaceuticals Corp (RPC)

RPC: Radient Pharmaceuticals Corp

Recent Range: $0.25/share - $2.00/share (Current Price: 1.21, as of close of 4/20/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 1.17 (35.14, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 0.98 (4.60)
Gross Margin = 46.4% (59.8%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -47.6% (-446.4%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.08 (0.30)
Current Ratio = 0.1 (3.0)
Return on Equity = -34.0% (18.4%)
Return on Assets = -32.8% (8.6%)

Analysis: Based on the numbers, this is not something that I would recommend.

Quick Analysis: National Retail Properties (NNN)

NNN: National Retail Properties

Recent Range: $14/share – $25/share (Current Price: 23.63, as of close of 4/19/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 8.38 (4.37, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.31 (2.36)
Gross Margin = 94.2% (54.1%)
Pre-Tax Margin = 24.2% (8.3%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.63 (1.48)
Current Ratio = Not Listed
Return on Equity = 3.3% (6.9%)
Return on Assets = 2.2% (3.1%)
Return on Capital = 2.2% (3.3%)

Analysis: OK. Seems to be a good quality company.

Quick Analysis: Devon Energy Corp (DVN)

DVN: Devon Energy Corp

Recent Range: $50/share – $75/share (Current Price: 64.57, as of close of 3/29/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 3.52 (6.84, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.81 (2.32)
Gross Margin = 79.2% (63.2%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -56.5% (-39.0%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.47 (0.49)
Current Ratio = 0.8 (1.5)
Return on Equity = -16.9% (2.0%)
Return on Assets = -8.9% (1.8%)
Return on Capital = -10.1% (2.5%)

Analysis: DON’T BUY.

Quick Analysis: EnCana Corp (ECA)

ECA: EnCana Corp

Recent Range: $24/share – $35/share (Current Price: 30.34, as of close of 3/29/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 2.00 (1.14, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 1.22 (1.77)
Gross Margin = 17.5% (11.7%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -56.5% (-39.0%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.47 (0.25)
Current Ratio = 1.4 (1.1)
Return on Equity = 9.3% (13.1%)
Return on Assets = 4.5% (6.4%)
Return on Capital = 5.0% (8.7%)

Analysis: OK—NOT GREAT.

Quick Analysis: Southwestern Energy Co (SWN)

SWN: Southwestern Energy Co

Recent Range: $31/share – $52/share (Current Price: 40.73, as of close of 3/29/10)

Price/Sales (P/S) = 6.08 (6.84, Industry)
Price/Book (P/B) = 5.59 (2.32)
Gross Margin = 69.4% (63.2%)
Pre-Tax Margin = -2.4% (-39.0%)
Debt/Equity Ratio = 0.44 (0.49)
Current Ratio = 1.1 (1.5)
Return on Equity = -1.5% (2.0%)
Return on Assets = -0.8% (1.8%)
Return on Capital = -0.9% (2.5%)

Analysis: Unimpressed.