Economy

Does Genpact Miss the Grade?

Sat, 11/20/2010 - 09:55 by Seth Jayson

Margins matter. The more Genpact (NYSE:G) keeps of each buck it earns in revenue, the more money it has to invest in growth, fund new strategic plans, or (gasp!) distribute to shareholders. Healthy margins often separate pretenders from the best stocks in the market. That's why I check on my holdings' margins at least once a quarter. I'm looking for the absolute numbers, comparisons to sector peers and competitors, and any trend that may tell me how strong Genpact's competitive position could be.

Where's the Cash Coming From at Clorox?

Sat, 11/20/2010 - 09:53 by Seth Jayson

Although business headlines still tout earnings numbers, many investors have moved past net earnings as a measure of a company's economic output. That's because earnings are very often less trustworthy than cash flow, since earnings are more open to manipulation based on dubious judgment calls.

Here's How Apple Is Making So Much for You

Sat, 11/20/2010 - 09:50 by Seth Jayson

Margins matter. The more Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) keeps of each buck it earns in revenue, the more money it has to invest in growth, fund new strategic plans, or (gasp!) distribute to shareholders. Healthy margins often separate pretenders from the best stocks in the market. That's why I check on my holdings' margins at least once a quarter. I'm looking for the absolute numbers, comparisons to sector peers and competitors, and any trend that may tell me how strong Apple's competitive position could be.

Is MicroStrategy Going to Bomb?

Sat, 11/20/2010 - 09:48 by Seth Jayson

There's no foolproof way to know the future for MicroStrategy (Nasdaq:MSTR) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before your stock craters as a result. Rest assured: Even if you're not monitoring these metrics, short-sellers are.

Are Shorts Watching This Number at Clorox?

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 12:49 by Seth Jayson

There's no foolproof way to know the future for Clorox (NYSE: CLX) or any other company. However, certain clues may help you see potential stumbles before they happen -- and before your stock craters as a result. Rest assured: Even if you're not monitoring these metrics, short-sellers are.

How Netflix Is Failing You

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 12:42 by Seth Jayson

No doubt about it -- Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX)has been an amazing stock. It kills me to think about the money I missed on this one by not buying. It's not because I couldn't find an attractive entry point. It's because I forgot (just plain, boneheaded forgot) to add it to my watchlist the last time it dipped into the $20s.

4-Star Stocks Poised to Pop: Skechers

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 12:32 by Brian D. Pacampara

Based on the aggregated intelligence of 170,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, footwear company Skechers (NYSE: SKX) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

Is Wynn Resorts' Cash Machine Shutting Down?

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 12:24 by Seth Jayson

An IPO Worth Paddling for

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 12:21 by Rick Aristotle ...

I finally get my wish. Kayak is one of the seven companies that I was hoping would go public in 2010. Well, it finally filed for its IPO this week. Since the other six companies appear to have different ideas than my tickertape wishes, the travel comparison site will have to do.