Reviewing Stock Values: A Comprehensive Analysis

[humanino]

I need the lights of the PFers again

I was just thinking how great it would be if there was a (say) yearly complete review of all values on the stock market, not just in terms of performances and economical perspective, but also on other criteria. I mean, for instance it would help individuals, and maybe professional traders as well, if people knew that such company right now invest money in Soudan despite the international opinion (except China). This is just one example. Another example, if people had more information earlier, maybe Enron disaster would have looked different.

Anyway, I'm sure I don't need to convince you this is such a great idea. So I know of yearly complete reviews for countries, but is there such a review for stock values ?

 

[humanino]

Up Up... Anybody ?

 

[lisab]

Wouldn't the stock price, P/E ratio, ROI, and other financial numbers pretty much constitute a review? Or are you thinking of something other than finacial statistics?

 

[humanino]

Wouldn't the stock price, P/E ratio, ROI, and other financial numbers pretty much constitute a review? Or are you thinking of something other than finacial statistics?

Yes, I would like to have more information than just financial statistics. I think I came across such a review once, but I can't remember the name of the magazine. The principle would be clear, it aims at pushing towards more criteria when choosing where to invest. It is arguable that more ethical businesses are more likely to survive on the long term.

 

[lisab]

I bet a financial advisor could tell you that information, but of course you'll have to pay for it !

 

[humanino]

I bet more than one institution would dream to become such a reviewer, considering the influence given by the position.

I'm certain that I have seen such a magazine once in an airport, but I don't remember...

 

[Gokul43201]

You will find such information on a fairly regular basis in most business magazines/newpapers.

 

[Astronuc]

There are a number of investment guides - some well researched, others not so.

The Motley Fool(s) are popular - http://www.fool.com/

http://www.investors.com/

http://www.marketwatch.com - I use this most often - particularly looking at short term and long term trends, in earnings, ROI, dividends, P/E, etc.

An example of ExxonMobil profile
http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/profile.asp?symb=XOM

Note for Exxon

Earnings (TTM): 7.69
Return on Equity (TTM): 34.30%
Return on assets (TTM): 16.40%
Return on Investment (TTM): 32.4%

BUT - dividends = $0.40 per share (2nd Q08) which are now ~$83/share. Not a good return.
See - http://www.exxonmobil.com/corporate/investor_dividend.aspx

One also wants to look at Stock Gifts to managment. When the company is making ROI of 10% or greater, and the stockholders get ROC < 1%, then somethings not right! Reinvesting in the company? Maybe. Putting money in the pockets of management? You bet. More than the stockholders.


http://online.barrons.com/public/main

Forbes magazine - http://www.forbes.com/

Wall Street Journal (www.wsj.com[/url]) - [url]http://online.wsj.com/public/us[/URL]

Each site offers information with varying degrees of analysis. There are periodic reviews of performance.

 

[humanino]

Thanks for the answers.

What I would like to see would be something like a yearly 150 page issue listing official numbers (technical information) as well as one or two pages general comments on the political/ethical stand of the stock company. My concern is clear : such a reference can have a very important influence on the market without any control of it. I am aware this is quite controversial, but I am almost certain I had this paper in my very hands.

 

[Astronuc]

I believe Business Week does annual reviews of the top 100 companies and perhaps top 500 companies. It's not a detailed analysis, but rather a simple overview.

http://www.businessweek.com

BW Special Reports - http://www.businessweek.com/sr/index.htm

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

Does this help?
http://www.socialinvest.org/"

 

[humanino]

I believe Business Week does annual reviews of the top 100 companies and perhaps top 500 companies. It's not a detailed analysis, but rather a simple overview.

http://www.businessweek.com

BW Special Reports - http://www.businessweek.com/sr/index.htm

Does this help?
http://www.socialinvest.org/"

Oh, waow, this is pretty much what I was after except it's much better It would be useful to have a summary of all this information however.

Yes it helps very much, links bookmarked, thanks

edit
Although it was definitely not what I stumbled upon, it is clearly even better.

 

[Gokul43201]

humanino, if you are looking to invest, there is also the option of just putting your money into a fund like this one: Vanguard FTSE Social Index Fund

Like any Mutual Fund, they come with the advantage of doing the research for you.

Who Should Invest

* Investors seeking a fund that invests in large- and mid-capitalization stocks.
* Investors seeking long-term growth of capital.
* Investors with a long-term investment horizon (at least five years).
* Investors seeking a fund that considers social and environmental issues as part of its investment strategy.

Who Should Not Invest

* Investors unwilling to accept significant fluctuations in share price.
* Investors seeking exposure to small-capitalization stocks.

Incidentally, this is the fund that Obama invests in.

 

[Astronuc]

There are also a number of magazines/journal that offer analysis and discussion on business and management.

I ran across this journal in a doctor's office. http://www.portfolio.com/