Stock Picks Bob's Advice
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Fastenal (FAST)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
Fastenal (FAST) is a holding of mine in my Covestor 'Buy & Hold Value' model. I own shares with a cost basis of $41.83. Fastenal closed today (1/11/12) at $45.22, up $.21 or .47% on the day.
I most recently wrote up Fastenal (FAST) on April 12, 2007, when the stock was trading at $38.27, which actually works out to $19.14/share, when adjusted for a 2:1 stock split on May 23, 2011.
Let's take a closer look, one could say I suppose let's get down to 'nuts and bolts' on this company!
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on Fastenal, the company
"... Is Engaged As A Wholesaler And Retailer Of Industrial And Construction Supplies. The Industrial And Construction Supplies Were Grouped Into Ten Product Lines: Fasteners, Tools And EquipmeNt, Cutting Tools And Abrasives, Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Plumbing And Hvac, Material Handling, Storage And Packaging, Janitorial Supplies, Chemicals And Paints, Electrical Supplies, Welding Supplies, Safety Supplies And Metals, Alloys And Materials."
On October 13, 2011, Fastenal (FAST) announced 3rd quarter results. Sales for the quarter rose 20% to $726.7 million from $603.8 million the year earlier. Earnings came in at $.33/share, up 29% from the prior year's $.25/share result. The company met expectations as analysts had been expecting earnings of $.33/share according to FactSet. The company beat expectations on revenue as analysts had been expecting $721.6 million in sales.
Longer term, reviewing the Morningstar.com "Financials" on Fastenal, we can see that revenue growth was steady between 2006 and 2008 from $1.8 billion to $2.34 billion. However, sales dipped to $1.93 billion in 2009 before once again turning higher and coming in at $2.27 billion in 2010 and $2.64 billion in the trailing twelve months (TTM).
Earnings, similarly, grew from $.66/share in 2006 to $.94 in 2008 before dipping to $.62 in 2009. Earnings rebounded in 2010 at $.90/share and increased to $1.14/share in the TTM.
Outstanding shares have trended lower with 302 million shares in 2006 and 296 million in the TTM.
Briefly examining the Morningstar.com figures on the Fastenal Balance Sheet, we find that the company has $1.09 billion in current assets and only $162 million in current liabilities yielding a very strong current ratio of 6.7. Per Morningstar, Free Cash Flow has grown from $20 million in 2006 to a peak of $254 million in 2009. During the trailing twelve months, the company reported $145 million in free cash flow.
In terms of valuation, examining the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on Fastenal (FAST), we see that the company is a large cap with a market capitalization of $13.35 billion. The trailing p/e is rich at 40.02 with a forward p/e of 32.07. The PEG ratio of 2.19 confirms the price premium being paid for this stock. Generally I prefer to pay for growth only with ratios between 1.0 and 1.5.
According to Yahoo, there are 295.20 million shares outstanding with 23.54 million shares out short as of 12/15/11. This works out to a short interest ratio of 11.50, well above my own '3 day rule' for significance. Thus, there are a lot of shares already sold by short-sellers who are expecting the stock to decline in price. However, if the company outperforms expectations, and the stock rises, these short-sellers might scramble to cover pushing the stock price higher in a 'squeeze'. Just saying.
The company is paying a $.56/share forward dividend yielding 1.2%. The payout ratio is 63% meaning the company is paying out nearly 2/3 of its earnings in the form of dividends to share-holders. As I noted above, the company last split its shares on May 23, 2011, in the form of a 2:1 stock split.
Reviewing the StockCharts.com 'Point & Figure' chart on Fastenal (FAST), we can see that the stock bottomed in March, 2009, about the same time that financials were bottoming, at about $12.50/share. Since that time, the stock has been very strong climing to a recent price of $45.22.
Clearly this has been a very strong stock to own the past several years. And even more so longer-term!
However, the stock is richly priced and one must wonder whether a correction is needed to restore a better balance between earnings, earnings growth, and the stock price. Just today, Bloomberg reported that Fastenal had 21.5 million shares out short as of December 30, 2011, down 1.5 million shares from the December 15th numbers. However, with average trading volume of only 1.5 million shares, this still represents over 6 weeks of volume to cover.
Motley Fool jumped in on the skeptic bandwagon with a recent article listing Fastenal as one of the "5 Great Companies That'll Disappoint Investors" again based on the price/value premium to the market.
However, Zacks last week came out with a "Buy" rating on Fastenal based on the strong price performance and "bullish growth projections". Furthermore, a recent Seeking Alpha article pointed out that at least one insider, a director, made a purchase of about 10,000 shares in December. The Investor's Business Daily explained that with the apparent beginning of a housing rebound in December, housing and construction-related companies might begin to see upturns in their business.
Where do I stand? Well, I own shares of the stock. Valuation is indeed rich, but the track record of this company is hard to beat. Long-term I believe the prospects remain bright for Fastenal (FAST). Shorter-term, I would not be surprised to see increased volatility with profit-taking on perceived bad news as well as short-covering keeping the upward pressure on the stock price.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Please feel free to leave comments or questions right here.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Genuine Parts (GPC)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on this website.
Like so many of you, I also struggle to find reasonable investments in a very turbulent market. For me reasonable has become an understandable company with understandable products, decent earnings and valuation, good technicals and possibly a dividend to help stabilize the stock price.
I recently purchased shares of Genuine Parts (GPC) for exactly those reasons at a cost basis of $58.16. GPC closed today (12/28/11) at $61.44, down $(.47) or (.76)% on the day. This stock is part of my Covestor 'Buy and Hold' Model.
The stock was noted as one of the new "Dividend Aristocrats" by TheStreet.com. According to this article, to make this the company must have:
"... a 10-year history of rising payouts, a 2011 earnings coverage rate of at least 2, and implied coverage rates of at least 2 for 2012 and 2013 based on current consensus earnings estimates."
Richard Shaw, a Seeking Alpha contributor, recently included GPC asone of "5 GARP Stocks With Yield And In An Upward Price Pattern."
Clearly I am not alone in my interest in this particular investment. Let's take a little closer look at this company and shall share with you my own perspective on this apparent favorite.
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on Genuine Parts (GPC), the company
"...distributes automotive replacement parts, industrial replacement parts, office products, and electrical/electronic materials in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico. The company operates in four segments: Automotive Parts Group, Industrial Parts Group, Office Products Group, and Electrical/Electronic Materials Group."
Perhaps more importantly, this company"...owns and operates automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores under the NAPA name."
Looking at the latest earnings report, on October 18, 2011, GPC announced 3rd quarter results. Revenue for the quarter came in at $3.3 billion up 18% and ahead of expectations of $3.2 billion according to Thompson Reuters. Net income was $151.8 million or $.97/share ahead of the $131.8 million or $.83/share the prior year same period. Analysts had been expecting earnings of $.94/share.
Review of the financials from Morningstar.com shows that revenue has shown a relatively modest rise from $10.5 billion in 2006 to $11.2 billion in 2010 and $12.2 billion in the trailing twelve months. Similarly diluted earnings per share have increased from $2.76 in 2006 to $3.00 in 2010 and $3.47 in the TTM. The company has been steadily buying back shares with 172 million outstanding in 2006 and only 158 million reported in the TTM.
Morningstar Balance Sheet on GPC shows the company with $4.4 billion in current assets and only $2.0 billion in current liabilities yielding a healthy current ratio of 2.2. In terms of the free cash flow, Morningstar shows GPC with $307 million in free cash flow in 2006 and $593 million in 2010 and $517 million in the TTM. While not steadily increasing, this company spins off over $500 million of free cash flow yearly.
Looking at some valuation numbers from "Key Statistics" on Genuine Parts from Yahoo, we can see that this stock is technically a mid cap stock with a market capitalization of $9.56 billion. The trailing p/e is a moderate 17.71 with a PEG ratio (5 yr expected) of 1.94. The company has 155.65 million shares outstanding. As of 11/30/11 there were 5.17 million shares out short with a short ratio of 6.10, ahead of my own arbitrary '3 day rule' of short interest. While that may mean that there are a lot of investors that are betting against this stock, assuming they don't know more than we do, with the stock price rising, they will need to 'cover their shorts' leading to possibly more buying pressure or a 'short squeeze'.
According to Yahoo, the company has a forward annual dividend of $1.80/share yielding a very healthy 3.00%. The company has a payout ratio of 51% suggesting good coverage of the dividend and the company last split its stock in April, 1997 with a 3:2 stock split.
Looking at the StockCharts.com 'point & figure' chart on GPC, we can see a steady rise in price from a low of $23 in March, 2009, to its current price level of $61.44. The chart appears quite strong but not, in my amateur perspective, getting 'ahead of itself' with a recent period of consolidation from December, 2010 to October, 2011, when it broke out higher in price. I like the chart.
Genuine Parts (GPC) works for me. I appreciate what I like to think of the somewhat added security of an increasing dividend in a stock that appears to have recently been exceeding expectations on earnings and revenue growth, shows reasonable if not cheap valuation, and strong technical performance. In today's difficult market and relatively anemic economy, I can understand an auto parts company that helps support people hanging on to their vehicles longer than ever and looking to repairs instead of a new car purchase.
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them right here.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Posted by bobsadviceforstocks at 8:16 PM CST
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Updated: Wednesday, 28 December 2011 10:04 PM CST
Saturday, 19 November 2011
Nu Skin Enterprises (NUS)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
I regret that I do not blog quite as often now as I have in the past. I continue to work to write as I really enjoy sharing ideas with all of you. My own strategy for selection remains essentially unchanged. I continue to look for stocks of companies with strong fundamentals and strong price performance. Aren't we all doing that?
I recently added Nu Skin (NUS) as a holding in my Covestor "Buy and Hold Value" model. My shares were acquired with a cost basis of $44.47; Nu Skin (NUS) closed at $47.22 onNovember 18, 2011, up $.63 or 1.35% on the day.
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on Nu Skin (NUS), the company
"...develops and distributes anti-aging personal care products and nutritional supplements worldwide. The company sells its personal care products under the Nu Skin brand; and nutritional supplements under the Pharmanex brand. Its personal care product line includes core systems, targeted treatments, total care, cosmetic, and Epoch, a product formulated with botanical ingredients. The company's nutritional supplements product line comprises micronutrient supplements, targeted solution supplements, and weight management products. It also sells Vitameal, which are nutritious meal products for starving children or purchased for personal food storage."
On November 16, 2011, Nu Skin raised guidance on 4th quarter results with earnings now expected to come in between $.68 and $.72/share above the prior guidance of $.66 to $.70/share. In addition, the company raised 2012 revenue guidance to a range of $1.8 to $1.83 billion. Analysts have been expecting 4th quarter earnings of $.70/share (in line with the new company guidance) and revenue of $1.7 billion, under what the company now believes achievable.
On October 25, 2011, the company reported 3rd quarter results. Net income climbed 32% to $46.8 million or $.72/share from $35.3 million or $.55/share the prior year. This result beat expectations as analysts had been expecting income of $.61/share. Revenue for the quarter increased 12% to $428.4 million ahead of last year's $383.6 million. This result also beat expectations by analysts of revenue of $414.4 million. The strongest region for this company was "Greater China" where revenue climbed 32% to $83.4 million.
Reviewing the Morningstar review of Nu Skin "Financials", we can see that revenue has increased from $1.12 billion in 2006 to $1.54 billion in 2010 and $1.65 billion in the trailing twelve months (TTM). During this same period diluted earnings per share have increased steadily from $.45/share in 2006 to $2.11/share in 2010 and $2.19/share in the TTM. Outstanding shares have declined from 71 million in 2006 to 64 million in the TTM.
In terms of the balance sheet, Morningstar has NUS with total current assets of $423 million, and total current liabilities of $216 million. This yields a very healthy current ratio of 1.96. (Over 1.5 is great from my perspective!)
Morningstar reports that the free cash flow has improved from $38 million in 2006 to $134 million in 2010 and $124 million in the TTM.
In terms of valuation, examining the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on NUS, we can see that the company is a mid cap stock with a market capitalization of $2.94 billion. The trailing p/e is a moderate 21.56 with a forward p/e (fye Dec, 31 2012) estimated at 16.12. With rapid growth in the past and expected in the future, the PEG (5 yr expected) works out to a reasonable 1.30.
Yahoo reports 62.16 million shares outstanding with 54.01 million that float. As of 10/31/11 there were 4 million shares out short with a short interest ratio of 4.5 slightly ahead of my own arbitrary '3 day rule'.
The company pays a forward dividend of $.64/share yielding a not-insignificant 1.4%. The company has a payout ratio of 25%. No prior stock splits are reported on Yahoo.
Reviewing the 'point & figure' chart on Nu Skin (NUS) from StockCharts.com, we can see that the stock declined to a low of $8.00/share in March, 2009, from a recent high of $18/share in March, 2008. Since then the stock has rallied strongly to a recent price of $47.22.
To summarize, Nu Skin Enterprises (NUS) is a stock that I own in my Covestor 'Buy and Hold' model. I own this stock because of its strong technical performance, its recent financial results that exceeded expectations while also raising guidance. The company has a strong more than 5 year record of such performance. In addition, the company is just developing a business presence in 'Greater China' where it is recording much of its outstanding growth. Valuation appears reasonable and the company also pays a small but growing dividend. The chart is gorgeous with a strong price move the past 2 1/2 years. What is there not to like?
Thanks so much again for stopping by and visiting. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave a comment right here.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Cardtronics (CATM)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
I have been working very hard to identify strong stocks for inclusion in my "Buy and Hold" model on Covestor. One of my recent purchases and a current holding of mine is Cardtronics (CATM). I wanted to share with you some of my thinking behind this selection and current holding. CATM closed at $26.23 on 11/16/11 down $(.31) or (1.17)% on the day. I have an average cost of $22.22 on this stock.
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on CATM, this company
"... together with its subsidiaries, provides automated consumer financial services through its network of automated teller machines (ATMs) and multi-function financial services kiosks. As of June 30, 2011, it offered services to approximately 37,800 devices across its portfolio, which included approximately 31,600 devices located in 50 states of the United States, as well as in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; approximately 3,300 devices throughout the United Kingdom; and approximately 2,900 devices throughout Mexico. The company also deployed approximately 2,200 multi-function financial services kiosks in the United States."
On Tuesday, November 8, 2011, Cardtronics (CATM) reported 3rd quarter 2011 results. The company came in with revenue of $165.1 million for the quarter up 20% from the prior year. This exceeded analysts' expectations of revenue of $160.1 million. Earnings came in at $46.88 million up 126% over last year's results. This worked out to an adjusted net income of $.39/share ahead of analysts' expectations of $.37/share. To top off this result, the company went ahead and raised guidance for the full year of adjusted profit of $1.35-$1.38/share, ahead of analysts expectations of $1.31/share and up from prior guidance of $1.26-$1.31/share. To summarize, the company reported results that exceeded expectations on both earnings and revenue and raised guidance going forward. My kind of result!
Reviewing the Morningstar.com financials on Cardtronics for longer-term results we can see that revenue has steadily grown from $294 million in 2006 to $532 million in 2010 and $585 million in the trailing twelve months (TTM). The company turned profitable the last several years after losing $(.46)/share in 2006, increasing that loss to $(4.11)/share in 2007, improving to $(1.81)/share in 2008, then $.13/share in 2009, $.96/share in 2010 and $1.65/share in the TTM.
Outstanding shares have increased from 2 million in 2006 to 40 million in 2009, and have increased only slightly to 43 million in the TTM.
The Morningstar balance sheet on CATM shows the company to have a total of $55 million in current assets and $99 million in current liabilities, with a current ratio of .56. Generally I prefer to see a current ratio of at least 1.0 supporting good financial health. However, with the company rapidly growing and only in the last few years turning profitable, I am willing to accept a sub-par ratio.
Fortunately the 'free cash flow' makes up for this excess of current liabilities and as Morningstar reports has improved from a $(11) million in 2006, decreasing to a $(43) million level before improving to $49 million in 2009, $57 million in 2010 and $56 million in the TTM.
Reviewing the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on Cardtronics for some valuation numbers, we can see that this is a small cap stock with a market capitalization of $1.15 billion. The trailing p/e is a moderate 16.51 with a forward p/e (fye Dec 31, 2012) estimated at 16.50. The PEG ratio works out to an acceptable 1.27 (for me under 1.50 is reasonable).
Yahoo reports that there are currently 43.86 million shares outstanding with 42.73 million of them that float. As of 10/31/11 there were 1.80 million shares out short with a short ratio of 4.90 (slightly ahead of my own 3.0 day ratio for significance---over 3.0 from my perspective may be a bullish indicator).
The company does not pay a dividend and has not split its stock recently.
Examining the 'point & figure' chart on Cardtronics from StockCharts.com, we can see that the stock price, after declining from $10.0 in May, 2008, declined to a low of $.50/share in November, 2008, before starting a sustained increase in price toa recent high of $28.00 this month and the current level of $26.23.
To summarize, Cardtronics (CATM) is a small cap stock that has been growing rapidly both by 'organic' growth as well as acquisitions. It recently reported a terrific quarter that exceeded the analysts' expectations and it raised guidance. It is reasonable valued with a PEG under 1.5 and a p/e under 20. Looking at the financials, we do see that the current ratio is only 0.55 making this a little less solid an investment then I would prefer but the cash flow is positive and growing and the technicals look beautiful.
I am certainly aware of the pressure that financial stocks are under in general with concerns about Greece, Italy, and now other European Union countries. In addition, there is pressure on the ATM business to keep fees as low as possible. However, it appears that Cardtronics (CATM) appears to have their own niche in this business and I am glad to be a shareholder as long as the business continues to hum along!
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my blog! If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them right here and I shall try to respond.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Sunday, 9 October 2011
AutoZone (AZO) "Revisiting a Stock Pick"
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
There have been many stocks that have been reviewed on this blog. Some of them have been purchased by me in my 'trading account' or more recently into either my Covestor "Buy and Hold Value" model or my Covestor "Healthcare" model that has allowed me to share actual trading strategies and portfolios with my readers. The rest of the posts are either about stocks that didn't do very well since writing them up (yes I have lots of those too) and the stocks that I report on, never purchase, and then later review that they like the great fish on the line, are ones that 'got away'. Autozone (AZO) is definitely a stock that has eluded me and that currently I do not own any shares.
I wrote up AutoZone (AZO) on December 4, 2007, when it had closed at $128.80. AutoZone closed at $324.02 on 10/7/11, up $1.65 on the day.
Let's take a closer look at this stock and see if it still worth including in this blog and possibly adding to an actual portfolio even after this incredible price appreciation!
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on AutoZone (AZO), the company
"...retails and distributes automotive replacement parts and accessories. The company's stores offer various products for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans, and light trucks....The company also offers commercial sales program that provides the delivery of parts and other products to local, regional, and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, and public sector accounts. In addition, it sells the ALLDATA brand automotive diagnostic and repair software through the Website, alldata.com; and automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products through the Website, autozone.com. As of May 7, 2011, the company operated 4,467 stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and 261 stores in Mexico. AutoZone, Inc. was founded in 1979 and is based in Memphis, Tennessee."
As I have written and we all certainly are aware of, the economy in the United States and indeed globally is weak as we all work to get out of the worldwide slowdown. News stories abound how Americans are holding their cars longer and repairing them instead of looking for a replacement vehicle. As expected this bodes well for auto parts stores like AutoZone (AZO).
On September 20, 2011, AutoZone reported 4th quarter 2011 results. For the quarter ended August 27, 2011, the company had a 12.1% increase in profit from $268.9 million the prior year to $301.5 million. Earnings per share grew 26.9% to $7.18 from $5.66 last year exceeding analysts expectations of $6.98.
Revenue for the quarter increased 8.1% to $2.64 billion, ahead of analysts expectations of $2.61 billion. Same store sales in the U.S. increased 4.5% during the quarter.
Reviewing the Morningstar.com financials on AZO, we can see that revenue has steadily increased from $5.95 billion in 2006 to $7.36 billion in 2010 and $7.88 billion in the trailing twelve months (TTM). Earnins have also steadily increased with $7.50/share reported in 2006 increasing to $14.97/share in 2010 and $18.18/share in the TTM. During this time outstanding shares have decreased from 76 million in 2006 to 49 million in 2010 and 45 million in the TTM.
Briefly examining the Morningstar.com balance sheet figures, we see that the latest numbers find AutoZone with $2.6 billion in current assets as opposed to $3.064 billion in current liabilities a ration under 1.0. However 'free cash flow' has been improving from $559 million in 2006 to $1.02 billion in the TTM suggesting that this deficit in current assets over current liabilities is easily managed. However, I do prefer to see companies with an excess of current assets over current liabilities and maybe AZO would be better off building its balance sheet a bit over the continued share buy back (?).
In terms of valuation, Yahoo "Key Statistics" on AutoZone shows us that the company is a large cap stock with a market capitalization of $13 billion. The trailing p/e is a moderate 16.64 but with solid growth the forward p/e (fye Aug 27, 2013) is estimated at 12.53. The dynamic growth expected from AZO results in a very reasonable PEG of 0.96.
Yahoo reports currently the company has only 40.11 million shares outstanding with a float of 27.96 million. There are 1.47 million shares out short yielding a short interest ratio of 3.70, slightly higher than my own arbitrary '3 day rule' for significance. No dividends are paid and the company last split its stock 4/21/94 when a 2:1 split was distributed.
Reviewing the 'point & figure' chart on AZO from StockCharts.com, we can see that the stock declined to a low of $136 in November, 2009, before starting its virtually meteoric climb to its current level of $324.02. If anything the fast rise of this stock suggest that it is 'overextended' but it shows remarkable strength!
To summarize, AutoZone (AZO) has been a terrific stock (if you owned shares) the past couple of years. It may well be a retail area (auto parts) that is recession resistant. It continues to do well with a strong recent quarterly report that exceeded expectations, the stores are reporting sustainable same-store sales growth, and they are buying back shares steadily supporting the per share results as well as the stock price.
On the negative side, the company seems to have a slight dearth of cash vis a vis the current assets vs current liabililties. However, the strong free cash flow growth is easily handling this. Otherwise, technically, I am a bit afraid that I may be a bit late to the party here and would rather see this stock pull back a bit before stepping in myself. Of course, I probably said the same thing back in 2007!
Valuation isn't bad at all with a trailing p/e in the mid-teens and a PEG ration under 1.0.
Thank you again for stopping by and visiting! If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them right here on the blog!
Yours in investing,
Bob
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Costco (COST)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
On September 1, 2011, I purchased shares in Costco (COST) for my "Buy and Hold Value" model in my Covestor account. The shares were purchased with a cost basis of $80.14. Costco (COST) closed today (10/4/11) at a price of $81.65, up $.02 or .02% on the day.
With the economy continuing to teeter on the edge of a 'double-dip' recession, I have along with other investors found a small amount of hoped-for safety in the companies that can do well when times are rough for many Americans. Some of the stocks I hold include Costco (COST) that is a leading warehouse store providing discounted goods to members when bought in bulk, McDonald's (MCD) which remains a staple value fast-food outfit that seems to be recession-resistant, TJMaxx (TJX) which with its occasional high-end brands that it stocks at close-out prices may be competing with Target (TGT) for the distinction of "cheap chic", and Perrigo (PRGO) which provides the cash-strapped consumer an opportunity to buy knock-off products in the form of house brands at cheaper prices at stores like Walgreen (WAG).
September 'same-store sales' results should be released shortly, but the latest results from August, 2011, found Costco (COST) with same-store sales growth of 6%.
On May 25, 2011, Costco (COST) reported 3rd quarter results with earnings of $324 million or $.73/share compared with earnings of $306 million or $.68/share the prior year. Analysts however, were expecting earnings of $.77/share, but the continued solid reports of same-store sales growth have supported the continued stock price appreciation since.
In terms of valuation, if we look at the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on Costco, we can see that the market cap is a large cap size $35.75 billion. The trailing p/e is a tad rich at 25.51 with a better forward p/e (fye Aug 29, 2012) of 21.26. However, even with this growth, the PEG is a bit rich as well at 1.96.
COST has 437.81 million shares outstanding and has 9.65 million shares out short as of 9/15/11, representing 3.5 trading days, a little bit above my own arbitrary '3 day rule' for short interest.
The company pays a forward dividend of $.96/share yielding 1.2% at its current price. The payout ratio is a modest 27% suggesting plenty of room for continued dividend payment and possible growth in the amount. The company last split its stock 1/14/00 with a 2:1 split at that time.
Reviewing some of the Morningstar.com financials for a longer-term view of this company we can see that revenue, except for a dip in 2009, has grown steadily from $60.1 billion in 2006 to $77.9 billion in 2010 and $84.8 billion in the trailing twelve months (TTM). Similarly, except for a dip in 2009, earnings have also grown steadily from $2.30/share in 2006 to $2.92/share in 2010 and $3.20/share in the TTM. Diluted outstanding shares have been reduced during this perior from 480 million in 2006 to 446 million in 2010 and 443 million in the TTM.
The balance sheet appears adequate with $11.7 billion in most-recent current assets reported, compared to $10.06 billion in current liabilities. During this period free cash flow has soared from $615 million in 2006 to $1.7 billion in 2010 and $1.6 billion in the TTM.
Finally, the Costco (COST) 'point and figure' chart from StockCharts.com is a beautiful chart with a steady increase in price from a dip in 2009 in March when the stock hit $38/share to its most recent high of $86 in September, 2011. The stock has pulled back slightly to its current close at $81.65.
To summarize, I recently purchased shares of Costco (COST) in my own belief that it offered some relative recession-resistance in terms of attracting more value-driven buyers in this difficult economic environment. They continue to report steady and strong same-store sales growth, they pay a dividend, have a long-term record of growing their revenue and earnings and generating a solid free cash flow, and have a great chart as well.
I cannot predict whether we are to be entering into a double-dip recession, whether the deadlock in Congress will continue, whether the Fed will do a "twist" or another round of 'quantitative easing', whether Greece or Italy will resolve their financial problems or any other crisis which may affect the market. However, I shall continue to concentrate on those companies that continue to do well fundamentally as well as technically as we review stocks and the companies they represent.
Thank you again for stopping by and visiting my blog. If you have any comments or questions, please feel to leave them right here.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Sunday, 7 August 2011
IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
I am fully aware of the effects of the debt downgrade by S&P on U.S. Government debt. The downgrade may push the already weakly recovering economy back into recession. As I write, stock futures are strongly negative for the opening tomorrow (Monday). Beyond that, I am wise enough to know that it is a fool's game to predict the market beyond what is immediately seen. It is well known that stocks often climb a wall of worry as the negative news becomes quickly 'baked into the cake' and investors and institutions look beyond the immediate future into longer-term possibilities. That being said, I am being quite cautious and am willing to miss a rebound to avoid a large loss with much of my holdings in my Covestor Healthcare and my Covestor Buy and Hold accounts sitting in cash.
Please consult with your own professional investment adivsers regarding the current market environment to assist you in dealing with the tremendous volatility!
With all of that said, I still remain committed to identifying the highest quality companies that might be considered for investing.
Recently I purchased some shares of IDEXX (IDXX) at $85.79 on 7/22/11 only to sell them just last week on 8/4/11 at a price of $78.02 for a loss of $(7.77) or (9.06)%. As much as possible I try to limit my losses after initial purchases to 8% and also to avoid quickly reinvesting those funds to avoid compounding losses in a market downdraft. I do not currently own any shares of IDEXX (IDXX).
However, I believe that IDEXX (IDXX) is a great company and when the market sorts out, might well be considered for investment once again. Let's take a closer look at this company and see if it is indeed worth a place in my blog and in my portfolio.
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX), the company
"...develops, manufactures, and distributes products for the veterinary and production animal markets, as well as for the water testing and dairy markets."
Like so many of my amateur stock 'picks' I start with an earnings headline that catches my attention. On July 22, 2011, IDEXX (IDXX) announced 2nd quarter 2011 results. The company reported revenue for the quarter of $317.9 million a 13% increase over the prior year's revenue result. This exceeded expectations of $308 million. Earnings came in at $.83/share up from $.62/share last year. This also exceeded expectations of $.72/share. To top it off the company raised guidance for the full-year to revenue of $1.205 to $1.215 billion and earnings of $2.68 to $2.73/share up from prior guidance of $2.66 to $2.71/share.
Reviewing longer-term results, we can see on the Morningstar.com "Financials" that revenue has increased from $739 million in 2006 to $1103 million in 2010 and $1164 million in the trailing twelve months (TTM). Earnings per share have grown steadily from $1.49/share in 2006 to $2.45/share in 2010 and $2.72/share in the TTM. The outstanding shares have actually been reduced from 66 million in 2006 to 60 million in 2010 and 59 million in the TTM.
Examining a few numbers from the Morningstar.com "Balance Sheet" on IDXX, we can find that the total current assets are listed as $461 million compared to the total current liabilities of $285 million. This yields a current ratio of 1.62.
The Morningstar.com "cash flow" analysis on IDXX shows free cash flow improving from $38 million in 2006 to $140 million in 2010 and $144 million in the TTM.
In terms of valuation, using the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on IDXX, we find that this is a mid cap stock with a market capitalization of $4.23 billion. The trailing p/e is a moderate 28.09, and the PEG also is a tad rich at 1.88.
According to Yahoo there are 56.8 million shares outstanding with 56.28 million of them that float. As of 7/15/11 there were 3.95 million shares out short representing a short interest ratio of 14.5. This appears quite significant as my own arbitrary cut-off on this is 3.0 days.
The company does not pay a dividend and last split its stock November 27, 2007, when it split 2:1.
Reviewing the IDEXX Laboratories 'point & figure' chart from StockCharts.com, we can see that the stock has moved strongly higher since March, 2009, when it was trading as low as $28 to its recent peak at $87 in July, 2011. The stock has recently sold off sharply down to $74.45, breaking through the plotted support line.
To summarize IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX) recently caught my attention with an outstanding earnings report that beat expectations on both the revenue and earnings side. This veterinary supply/equipment company also raised guidance for the full year. They have a record of steadily growing revenue and earnings for the past five or more years and have a solid balance sheet with growing free cash flow and diminishing outstanding shares.
Value-wise, the p/e ratio is a bit rich at 28 and the PEG is also a bit rich at 1.88. The short-sellers apparently agree as quite a few shares are out short with a short-interest ratio of 14.5. I do believe that as the market settles down from its recent volatility, this might be a good place to revisit for a possible investment. Meanwhile, I also am battening the hatches waiting for this financial storm to pass by.
Thank you again for stopping by and visiting my blog! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them right here on the website.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Thursday, 4 August 2011
Thoughts on the Correction and Debt-Ceiling Agreement
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please remember to consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
With the market turning in an awful performance I felt it would be negligent if I didn't at least comment on this turn of events even if I cannot claim to have any sort of answer on how to deal with it.
Today the Dow dropped a little over 500 points representing an approximately 4% loss, and the NASDAQ did even worse dipping over 5%. This evening, the Asian Markets responded with 3-4% losses as I write.
For specifics on how I am responding to this correction, you can check out my Covestor Buy and Hold Model or my Covestor Healthcare Model that I have been utilizing to monitor my own holdings and to develop and document the results of my own strategy for investing. Although less than stellar, I have continued to sell portions of my holdings and even full positions at times as I have shifted from equities into cash based on the weakness of my own holdings. I have not been quite as disciplined regarding exact percentages to determine these sales. And in fact, have been whipsawed with yesterday's 'dead-cat bounce' into timidly putting my feet back into the water only to have my toes slammed shut on the door of the ongoing bear correction.
When dealing with an entire portfolio that is behaving poorly, as has been my experience, I have chosen to shave shares off of all of the individual holdings. When added to the sales of a couple of the weakest positions, this has moved me from under 5% cash to over 40% cash over the last two weeks.
In general I have avoided much political discussions on this blog, choosing rather to emphasize some investment rules for identifying stocks. However, with what appears to be such a poor result on the debt-ceiling extension as a result of intense efforts by Tea Party Congressmen to hold the line on the debt ceiling, I feel it necessary to add my own 2 cents to the mix.
First of all, the debt ceiling, which has been raised numerous times under both Democrat and Republican Administrations is not the place for a confrontation over the level of spending. The debt-ceiling is just an arbitrary 'credit limit' that limits the amount that this nation can borrow to pay off its current obligations. That is, this debt-ceiling represents an artificial limit that restricts out nation from borrowing by issuing bonds and other debt instruments to pay off the existing agreed upon spending.
The place to argue about spending is in appropriation bills not in debt-ceiling limits that just endanger our very economy and threaten default on our obligations.
Second, nobody likes paying taxes. Yet they represent the income that government incurs to go about its business whether it be in defending this nation with our military, or helping to make sure that our Seniors stay out of poverty with Social Security and Medicare payments. We can afford to take care of our elderly and our needy in this, one of the richest nations in the world.
As negotiations dragged on due to the apparent inability of Republicans to consider closing loopholes because one unelected Grover Norquist had convinced these Representatives to sign a pledge not to raise taxes, the fact seemed to escape most Americans that our tax burden was actually the lowest in sixty years. We were not a very heavily taxed nation when compared just to ourselves let alone other Western nations.
When our President proposed letting the Bush Tax Cuts expire for those earnign over $250,000, the cry rang out of "class warfare" against those who would target the wealthy. However, somehow nobody noticed that there has already been class warfare the past 25 years in America as wealth migrated from the lower and middle class to the top 1% and even to even smaller portions of the very wealthies of Americans.
Not only would taxation of the wealthy be a great source of income to help reduce our deficit, but funding infrastructure projects that provided jobs for the middle class would also fuel out economy and increase the chance of recovery.
Simply put, austerity in the midst of a deep recession is madness. It amounts to putting the patient on a calorie restricted diet when they are already starving to death.
Maybe I am naive, but I do not believe that once I have paid my taxes, a patriotic duty and responsibility, I am the victim of theft or that the government has 'my' money as President George W. Bush liked to state. Nor do I believe that "Government is the Problem" as President Reagan stated.
I do not believe as Grover Norquist has suggested that "Our goal is to shrink government to the size where we can drown it in a bathtub."
Instead I believe that in America, there is no other better vehicle for dealing with those without health care, those without jobs, those who are hungry or homeless, or those who cannot take care of themselves than the assistance of the government to deliver that help.
Keynes wasn't wrong. Our ability to emerge from this recession will take a strong stimulus that will also simultaneously address our crumbling infrastructure from bridges to highways, to schools and yes even to building high speed rail lines across America.
When instead of seeking to heal the ill patient that is the economy we discontinue our intervention and try to let nature run its course, we shall find that the course that nature directs us is not a pleasant or happy one. We shall once again scrape bottom in manufacturing, in job creation, and in delivering health care to the ill and the elderly.
Some have suggested that the GOP has chosen to undermine the economic recovery as a poor economy would improve their electoral chances in 2012. I refuse to be so cynical. I believe that they truly trust benign neglect to solve problems that require active intervention.
Thanks for bearing with me as I get this off my chest and review the injuries to my portfolio that I believe are due to a nation that has placed fiscal handcuffs on its leader in order to shelter the loopholes and tax liabilities of the wealthy, of the beneficiaries of wasteful largesse, and of the corporations who would prefer to operate without regulatory restaint regardless of what is best for individual Americans.
Yours in investing,
Bob
Sunday, 17 July 2011
The Cooper Companies (COO)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor so please consult with your professional investment advisers prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
On June 30, 2011, I purchased shares of Cooper Companies (COO) for my Covestor Healthcare Model at a cost basis of $80.62. Cooper has been a company I have admired for the most part from a distance and in fact first reviewed the stock almost 8 years ago on September 1, 2004. Cooper closed at $80.08, down $(.55) or (.68)% on the day. Let's take a closer look at this stock and update my review!
According to the Yahoo "Profile" on Cooper, the company
"... through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets healthcare products serving the vision care and women’s healthcare markets worldwide. It offers a range of soft contact lenses for the vision care market, such as toric lenses, which correct astigmatism; multifocal lenses for presbyopia; and spherical lenses that correct the common visual defects. The company also provides aspheric lenses for near and farsightedness. In addition, it engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of medical devices, diagnostic products, and surgical instruments and accessories used primarily by gynecologists and obstetricians."
On June 3, 2011, Cooper (COO) reported 2nd quarter 2011 results. For the quarter ended April 30, 2011, the company reported revenue of $325.3 million, an 8% increase (in constant currency) exceeding the Zacks estimates of $315 million. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.02, exceeding expectations by Zacks of $.93/share and outperforming the year-ago earnings result of $.61/share.
To top off the fabulous quarterly report, the company raised guidance for fiscal 2011 to a higher range of $3.90 to $4.05/share vs. earlier guidance of $3.60 to $3.80/share. Similarly revenue expectations were guided slightly higher by the company to a new range of $1.23 to $1.3 billion from prior guidance of $1.265 billion to $1.29 billion.
Examining the Morningstar.com "5 Years Financials" on Cooper (COO), we can see that revenue for the company has grown steadily from $859 million in 2006 to $1.16 billion in 2010 and $1.23 billion in the trailing twelve months (TTM).
Earnings dipped from $1.44/share in 2006 to a loss of $(.25) in 2007 only to rebound to $1.43 in 2008, $2.21 in 2009, $2.43 in 2010, and $3.56 in the TTM. Outstanding shares have been very stable with 48 million reported in 2006 and 47 million in the TTM.
Examining the balance sheet, as of October, 2010, Cooper according to Morningstar had $491 million in current assets and $200 million in current liabilities. This yielded a current ratio of 2.46. Thus the balance sheet at least in these measurements demonstrates significant strength.
Free cash flow has bounced around somewhat increasing from $8 million in 2006 to $176 million in the TTM according to Morningstar.com.
In terms of valuation, examining the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on Cooper, we can see that this is a mid cap stock with a market capitalization of $3.76 billion. The trailing p/e is a moderate 22.42, the forward p/e (fye Oct 31, 2012) is estimated at 17.44, and with solid growth predicted, the PEG ratio works out to a reasonable 1.25.
Yahoo reports that the company has 46.9 million shares outstanding with 46.21 million that float. Currently there are 925,000 shares out short, representing 1.6 trading days of volume, well below my own idiosyncratic 3 day rule for significance of the short interest ratio. The company pays a small dividend of $.06/share yielding 0.1% with a payout ratio of only 2%. The last reported stock split of The Cooper Companies (COO) was a 2:1 stock split on November 25, 2002.
Insofar as the technicals are concerned, Cooper (COO), as seen in this Point & Figure Chart from StockCharts.com, sold off in late 2008 from $40 down to a low of $10.50 in November, 2008. The stock moved higher, breaking through resistance in April, 2009 at the $29 level, and since then has stayed well above support levels reaching a high of $82 this July, 2011, and closed today (7/18/11) at $80.03, down $(.55) or(0.68)% on the day.
In summary, Cooper (COO) is an 'old favorite of mine' that has been performing very well the past two years both technically and fundamentally. Their latest earnings report was strong beating guidance for both revenue and earnings and the company chose to guide estimates higher. Fundamentally, they have been steadily growing revenue and earnings the past five years, have a solid balance sheet, and growing their free cash flow. Outstanding shares are stable, but dividend-wise, could be better.
The company sells at a moderate p/e but sports a PEG of only 1.25 suggesting that valuation is reasonable when earnings growth and estimated growth is considered. Finally, the momentum of the past two years is quite impressive as this stock moves strongly higher in a steady fashion.
As noted, I liked this stock enough to add it to my own Healthcare Model on Covestor.
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting! If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to leave them right here on the blog!
Yours in investing,
Bob
Monday, 27 June 2011
Hibbett (HIBB)
Hello Friends! Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting my blog, Stock Picks Bob's Advice! As always, please remember that I am an amateur investor, so please consult with your professional investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions based on information on this website.
On May 20, 2011, I added to my position of Hibbett (HIBB), purchasing shares at $39.42. Hibbett is currently one of my nine holdings in my Covestor "Buy and Hold Value" model. I have been a long-term fan of this company and have owned shares on and off over the years. One of my earliest review of Hibbett (HIBB) on this blog was more than six years ago when I wrote up Hibbett on March 10, 2005.
What has intrigued me and continues to attract me to Hibbett (HIBB) is the retail model that seems to parallel the tremendous growth that another retailer, Wal-Mart Stores (WMT) has experienced. Like Wal-Mart, Hibbett started out in the south, headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and has chosen to locate its sporting good stores in small towns often right in a Wal-Mart shopping center.
Ideally, a retail firm can develop a concept and then roll it out into additional outlets with growth coming both from 'same-store' increases and additional growth as new sites are established. Until such time as the concept has 'exhausted' its retail opportunity, an investor can hopefully successfully hold a stock that likely will parallel the underlying growth with appreciation in the price of the related shares. At least that's the theory!
According to the Hibbett Sports website, the company
"...operate sporting goods stores in small to mid-sized markets predominantly in the Southeast, Southwest, Mid- Atlantic and the Midwest. As of January 29, 2011, we operated 779 Hibbett Sports stores as well as 16 smaller-format Sports Additions athletic shoe stores and 3 larger-format Sports & Co. superstores in 26 states. Our primary retail format and growth vehicle is Hibbett Sports, a 5,000 square foot store located primarily in strip centers which are usually influenced by a Wal-Mart store. Approximately 76% of our Hibbett Sports store base is located in strip centers, which includes free-standing stores, while approximately 24% of our Hibbett Sports store base is located in enclosed malls. We expect to continue our store base growth in strip centers versus enclosed malls."
Certainly, when picking stocks we need more than just good ideas, we need implementation of those ideas into practice. One of the best ways to examine a company's performance is to check its latest quarterly report! On May 23, 2011, Hibbett (HIBB) reported 1st quarter (ending April 30, 2011) results. Earnings came in at $.76/share ahead of the Zacks estimate of $.68/share and significantly higher than last year's $.59/share.
Sales for the quarter came in at $203.7 million, up 10.4% from $184.5 million and ahead of Zacks estimate of $201 million. Comparable stores increased a very healthy 6.8%. According to this report, this was the company's sixth consecutive quarter of comparable store sales growth. Operating margin improved '180 basis points to 16.8% from the prior-year quarter'.
During the quarter the company opened 8 new stores and closed 7 underperforming stores with total reported at 799 stores in 26 states.
In addition, the company raised guidance for the fiscal year to a new range of $1.80 to $1.95/share up from $1.70 to $1.90/share previously provided.
Looking at some longer-term results, Morningstar.com shows that revenue has improved from $512 million in 2007 to $665 million in 2011 and $684 million in the trailing twelve months (TTM). Earnings came in at $1.17/share in 2007, dipped to $.96/share in 2008 and then improved steadily to $1.60/share in 2011 and $1.76/share in the TTM. Outstanding shares have decreased from 33 million in 2007 to 29 million in the TTM. (Stock Buybacks can help support a stock price and improve financial results.)
According to Morningstar, Hibbett (HIBB) has total current assets of $269 million as of 1/2011. Total current liabilities are at $94 million, yielding a current ratio of just under 3. Free cash flow has improved from $20 million in 2007 to $51 million in 2011 and $65 million in the TTM.
In terms of valuation, looking at the Yahoo "Key Statistics" on Hibbett (HIBB), we can see that this company is a small cap stock with a market capitalization of $1.08 billion. The trailing p/e is moderate at 22.45 with a forward p/e (fye Jan 29, 2013 est.) at 17.77. The PEG ratio (5 yr expected earnings) works out to a more reasonable 1.16.
Yahoo reports 27.32 million shares outstanding with 27.16 million that float. As of June 15, 2011, there were 4.68 million shares out short representing a short ratio of 9.7 days of trading volume. This is above my own arbitrary 3 day rule for short interest and may be a bullish indicator for this stock. The company does not pay a dividend and last split 3:2 in September, 2005.
If we examine the StockCharts.com 'point & figure' chart on Hibbett (HIBB), we can see that this stock which traded as low as $10.50 in November, 2008, has steadily and regularly moved higher to its current level of $39.44 where it closed today (6/27/11).
Simply put, the above chart is quite strong as the company has broken through resistance time after time the past two years and has moved higher above support levels.
To summarize, I like Hibbett (HIBB) and have been a fan and intermittent owner of the stock over the last 8 years as I have chronicled here on this blog. The company is carefully executing its expansion tracking alongside many Wal-Mart stores in strip malls in the south, southeast and midwest. They reported strong earnings that exceeded expectations in both the earnings amount as well as the sales figures. Furthermore, they raised expectations. Valuation appears reasonable althought the p/e is in the low 20's, the PEG is just a bit over 1.1. Finally the chart looks strong.
Frankly, I am more 'couch potato' than 'jock', but I can see value in the investment in this sporting goods firm.
Thanks so much for stopping by and visiting! If you have any comments, please feel free to leave them right here on the website.
Yours in investing,
Bob
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