Tag Archives: stock valuations

When it comes to valuing stocks, the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is the number one metric for investors that want an instant fix on what the market thinks of a company. [That being said]...there are health warnings to heed if you don’t want to be left exposed by its limitations. [Let me explain.] Words: 1101

Most first quarter 2011 earnings reports are in and...over three-quarters exceeded expectations... [with] results showing a desirable combination of growing revenues, profitability and cash flow ... [As such,] today's stock market valuations are conservative compared to typical bull markets accompanied by investor enthusiasm. In the past, using 2011's estimated earnings, the average P/E ratio could easily be 15 and...that would put the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) at 15,000 today – about 20% above today's level. [Were we to] add in high optimism like the kind we've seen in other investments recently, a 20 P/E ratio would be possible - and the DJIA would be 20,000 – 60% higher [than it is today! Let's take a look at the possibility.] Words: 540