Investment involves staking capital in an enterprise, with the expectation of profit. It is nothing but the use of liquid funds to gain income or increase capital. In order for money to grow, investors need to invest judiciously. There are certain guidelines to be followed to avoid major mistakes.
Price of the Company: An investor needs to research on the 'Market Capitalization' of the company he is planning to invest in. Market Capitalization or Market Cap is the total cost of acquiring the entire company. It refers to the price of all outstanding shares of a company multiplied by the quoted price per share, at any given point of time. It is important to gauge the relative cost of a stock, before making any investments in the company. This can be done by learning the 'P/E Ratio'. P/E ratio refers to the Price is to Earnings Ratio. It is the ratio of a company's current share price to its earnings per share.
P/E Ratio = Market Value per Share
Earnings per Share (EPS)
Example: If a company is trading at $50 per share and earnings per share over the last 1 year were $ 2 per share, then, P/E ratio for this company's stocks would be $50/$2, that is, $25. High P/E value indicates that the company has high growth prospects in the future.
P/E ratio can be used to make important investment decisions, by comparing P/E values of various companies.
Is The Company Buying Back Shares: It is very important for investors to observe the per-share growth of a company. A company may not show considerable growth in sales, profit and revenue for a few consecutive years, but could generate large returns for investors by dropping the total number of outstanding shares.
Investment Policy of the Investor: An investor needs to have valid reasons for investing in a particular enterprise. Investment decisions should be solely based on the authenticity of a company. Authenticity, here involves the reputation of the company, its management, profits earned, market cap and other such fundamentals, related to economics and finance.
Long Term Goals of the Investor: Investment involves risk but intelligent planning of long-term goals makes investing safe. An investor needs to select a good company that requires him to pay the minimum possible amount initially. He should consider the 'Dollar-cost Averaging Program'.
Dollar Cost Averaging Program: This involves investing a particular amount in the same investment, periodically. Investors need not invest a lump sum amount in a stock all at once. They can invest a little every month in the same stock. Since an investor puts in the same amount of money, he can purchase more shares when the prices are lower. This basically lowers an investor's average cost per share in comparison to the average market price per share, in the same time period. Dollar cost averaging builds the habit of setting aside money for investment.
Reinvesting the dividends, to grow over a long period of time, often proves highly profitable. An investor should look for all valid essentials of an investment before investing.
Latest Finance Articles
The History of the Global Forex Market
By: Orlando Thompson | 07/10/2008
In this article we explain what the global forex market is and how it came to be this is very insightful information that will help you in your forex trading system choices.
How To Go About Improving Your Credit Score
By: MIKE SELVON | 07/10/2008
While it'd be nice to live a "credit-free existence," it can be difficult to do so in today's world.
Self Directed IRA Possibilities With A Small Business
By: Jerry Glynn | 07/10/2008
It is normally not possible to set up a self directed IRA with a small business. This article describes a little known strategy that can be used in conjunction with a small business.
Understanding Debt Consolidation Loans
By: Richard Greenwood | 07/10/2008
It can be all too easy to end up in debt and especially during the current times of financial uncertainty you may find yourself unable to make repayments. Consolidating your debt can make your debts easier to manage and lower your interest charges meaning you become debt free faster.
Credit Card Comparison
By: Richard Greenwood | 07/10/2008
Credit card offers are everywhere and all claim to out do each other. How do you cut through the marketing talk and understand the key features you need to compare to make an informed decision. Find out with this informative article on credit card comparison.
Shopping For Auto Insurance
By: Brenda Williams | 07/10/2008
When you get your license for the first time before you begin driving you need to get car insurance as it's mandatory to have car insurance while driving. Car insurance can be rather expensive, especially for new drivers which is why you'll need to ensure that you're getting the best...
Taking 100% Responsibility - the Prerequisite for Creating Money & Marriage Success
By: Leslie Cunningham | 07/10/2008
It's a simple concept, to refrain from blaming and complaining, and yet it's a challenge to change a habit, especially one that everyone else has. Like sticking to your diet, when everyone else around you is enjoying chocolate cake. Keep reading and you'll find out how this relates to your marriage and finances. Then I'll share some action steps to help you become 100% responsible for your life.
Retirement Income Investing and Your Portfolio
By: Steve Selengut | 07/10/2008
Brokerage firm monthly statements are designed to promote either fear or greed, depending on the current market environment. Nowhere on your statement can you find numbers that report your net investment, your total working capital, or your true asset allocation. Current and projected income numbers are given little attention
More from Joseph Kenny
What Type of Loan Do You Need?
By: Joseph Kenny | 19/06/2008 | Loans
If you have ever applied for a loan, then you probably are aware that there are different kinds of loans which are available at banks, credit unions, other financial institutions, or with private lenders.
Choosing The Right Life Insurance For You
By: Joseph Kenny | 17/06/2008 | Insurance
Here is an important question for you. Have you considered the type of life insurance policy you need? For many people throughout the country, the question of life insurance is one they have no answer. They haven't even considered it. It is not always about not having the money to purchase a policy.
Be Prepared When Applying For A Mortgage
By: Joseph Kenny | 16/06/2008 | Mortgage
It is true that most of the people in America do not have the finances to purchase a home and pay cash or the equivalent for it. The American dream is to own a home and the main objective is to obtain a mortgage for it. This is what the mortgage lenders know and most of them are willing to be of help in this endeavor.
Choosing The Right Credit Card Deal
By: Joseph Kenny | 16/06/2008 | Credit
When you are considering applying for a credit card you probably will have several offers available. The credit card companies will spend about a million dollars a year to send us their particular offers for credit. Trying to choose which one among them that is best for you can be a hard decision to make. Should you choose the first pre-approved offer and send in the application?
Dwindling Consumer Confidence Is Not Helping the Housing Market
By: Joseph Kenny | 16/06/2008 | Finance
e aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Government to maintain jobs and even a stimulus package sent out to assist with finances, consumer confidence is still lingering around its lowest level in close to two decades.
Choosing Between A Second Mortgage And A Home Equity Loan
By: Joseph Kenny | 16/06/2008 | Mortgage
There are some alternatives available to the homeowner who needs financial help but does not want to refinance their present mortgage. There are however, at least two main options if some sort of equity loan is desired. You can obtain an equity credit line or a second mortgage loan and there are specific advantages and disadvantages with each one.
Defining Credit Card Finance Charges
By: Joseph Kenny | 13/06/2008 | Credit
There are other fees associated with the use of a credit card besides the actual charge from each purchase. These other costs can add to the total balance on your account that you have to pay.
Eliminate Debts For A Better Personal Life
By: Joseph Kenny | 13/06/2008 | Finance
The elimination of personal debt is always a good idea; removing debt is always advantageous in many ways. It doesn't matter who you are wealthy and have huge debts, or who are regular person with a small amount of debt.
Finance 
| Posted: 05-12-2006 | Comments: 
