You might have enough money in your hand to start investing in stock and generate more cash flow. But as financially capable as you are, you might be clueless the important things to consider in picking good stocks. Here are the three key financial ratios I used myself in evaluating stocks: Minimum 10% Earnings per Share Growth Rate (EPSGR) EPSGR is an incremental value of Earnings Per Share (EPS) at specified timeframe; which normally done on annual basis. Stock with the highest EPSGR grows the fastest in that year than the other competitor in the same industry. Consistently giving 10% EPSGR is a good indication that the company has excellent products with great demand and economies of scale. Minimum 10% Return on Equity (ROE) Return on Equity (ROE) is a comparison of the company's net profits to its shareholders equity. ROE tells you how much you can gain if you had decided to invest in the stock. Companies with more than 10 per cent ROE have the ability to utilize their shareholders' money for maximum profits. You should not buy stocks that have ROE less than 5% as you can get the same return with zero risk with cash deposit. Maximum 60% Debt to Equity Ratio (D/E) D/E shows you how much debt the company is using to finance its business operation. You can calculate it by dividing the company's total debt by the total number of equity. You will know if the company is heavily funding its operations from debt should its D/E is greater than 1. This will give you some picture to how sensitive the stock is from the rising interest rates. You must consider these key financial ratios altogether as they define just how much valuable your investment would be. But don't forget to use some qualitative methods as well in finalizing your stock picks. After all, picking good stocks requires homework and effort. Zainul is an individual investor who has made 10 to 20% return per year consistently from the stock market. Find out how you can get the same return or even better after learning how to pick good stock, calculate intrinsic value and determine it's margin of safety in http://www.stock-investment-made-easy.com/ Don't forget to subscribe my Easy Stock Tips newsletter and get your FREE ebook in http://www.stock-investment-made-easy.com/easy-stock-tips.html Source: www.articlecity.com |