The S&P 500 Index rose 8.3% in October, snapping back from its third-quarter lull from extreme global market volatility.
The index, along with other benchmarks, rallied in October as China and the European Central Bank committed to do whatever it takes to reinvigorate flagging growth. U.S. markets rallied earlier this week after the Federal Reserve held rates steady, though a December rate hike could still be in play.
The technology sector dominated stocks that had the best returns during the period, aided by strong earnings reports and continued consolidation in the semiconductor industry.
Here are the 10 best-performing S&P 500 stocks of the month, with ratings from TheStreet Ratings to let you know if you should buy or sell these stocks, despite strong performance.
TheStreet Ratings uses a quantitative approach to rating over 4,300 stocks to predict return potential for the next year. The model is both objective, using elements such as volatility of past operating revenues, financial strength, and company cash flows, and subjective, including expected equities market returns, future interest rates, implied industry outlook and forecasted company earnings.
Buying an S&P 500 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a "buy" yielded a 16.56% return in 2014 beating the S&P 500 Total Return Index by 304 basis points. Buying a Russell 2000 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a "buy" yielded a 9.5% return in 2014, beating the Russell 2000 index, including dividends reinvested, by 460 basis points last year.
RIG data by YCharts
10. Transocean Ltd. (RIG) Industry: Energy/Oil & Gas Drilling
October return: 22.52%
Transocean Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells worldwide. The company primarily offers deepwater and harsh environment drilling services.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates TRANSOCEAN LTD as a Sell with a ratings score of D+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate TRANSOCEAN LTD (RIG) a SELL. This is driven by some concerns, which we believe should have a greater impact than any strengths, and could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared to most of the stocks we cover. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its disappointing return on equity, deteriorating net income, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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9. Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) Industry: Technology/Internet Software & Services
October return: 23.21%
Yahoo! Inc. provides search and display advertising services on Yahoo properties and affiliate sites worldwide.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates YAHOO INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate YAHOO INC (YHOO) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, deteriorating net income and disappointing return on equity.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
URI data by YCharts
8. United Rentals Inc. (URI) Industry: Industrials/Trading Companies & Distributors
October return: 24.66%
United Rentals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company. It operates in two segments, General Rentals; and Trench Safety, Power and HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), and Pump Solutions.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates UNITED RENTALS INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate UNITED RENTALS INC (URI) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity, expanding profit margins, impressive record of earnings per share growth and increase in net income. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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7. Autodesk Inc. (ADSK) Industry: Technology/Application Software
October return: 25.03%
Autodesk, Inc. operates as a design software and services company worldwide.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates AUTODESK INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate AUTODESK INC (ADSK) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, expanding profit margins and increase in stock price during the past year. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity and weak operating cash flow.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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6. DuPont (E.I.) De Nemours (DD) Industry: Materials/Diversified Chemicals
October return: 31.54%
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company operates as a science and technology based company worldwide. The company's Agriculture segment offers corn hybrid, soybean, canola, sunflower, sorghum, inoculants, seed products, wheat, rice, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates DU PONT (E I) DE NEMOURS as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate DU PONT (E I) DE NEMOURS (DD) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, reasonable valuation levels and notable return on equity. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, weak operating cash flow and a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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5. Wynn Resorts Ltd. (WYNN - Get Report) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Casinos & Gaming
October return: 31.68%
Wynn Resorts, Limited, together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates destination casino resorts. It operates in two segments, Macau Operations and Las Vegas Operations. The company operates Wynn Macau and Encore at Wynn Macau resort located in the People's Republic of China.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates WYNN RESORTS LTD as a Hold with a ratings score of C-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate WYNN RESORTS LTD (WYNN) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. Among the primary strengths of the company is its expanding profit margins over time. At the same time, however, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, feeble growth in the company's earnings per share and a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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4. TripAdvisor Inc. (TRIP - Get Report) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Internet Retail
October return: 32.94%
TripAdvisor, Inc. operates as an online travel company. The company operates through two segments, Hotel and Other.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates TRIPADVISOR INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate TRIPADVISOR INC (TRIP) a BUY. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, expanding profit margins, good cash flow from operations and notable return on equity. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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3. First Solar Inc. (FSLR - Get Report) Industry: Technology/Semiconductors
October return: 33.5%
First Solar, Inc. provides solar energy solutions worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Components and Systems. The Components segment designs, manufactures, and sells solar modules that convert sunlight into electricity.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates FIRST SOLAR INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate FIRST SOLAR INC (FSLR) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, attractive valuation levels, increase in net income and growth in earnings per share. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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2. KLA-Tencor Corp. (KLAC - Get Report) Industry: Technology/Semiconductor Equipment
October return: 34.24%
KLA-Tencor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets process control and yield management solutions worldwide.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates KLA-TENCOR CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate KLA-TENCOR CORP (KLAC) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its increase in net income, notable return on equity and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and generally higher debt management risk.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
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1. Sandisk Corp. (SNDK - Get Report) Industry: Technology
October return: 41.73%
SanDisk Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets data storage solutions in the United States and internationally.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates SANDISK CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate SANDISK CORP (SNDK) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, feeble growth in the company's earnings per share and deteriorating net income.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
The technology sector dominated stocks that had the best returns during the period, aided by strong earnings reports and continued consolidation in the semiconductor industry.
Here are the 10 best-performing S&P 500 stocks of the month, with ratings from TheStreet Ratings to let you know if you should buy or sell these stocks, despite strong performance.
TheStreet Ratings uses a quantitative approach to rating over 4,300 stocks to predict return potential for the next year. The model is both objective, using elements such as volatility of past operating revenues, financial strength, and company cash flows, and subjective, including expected equities market returns, future interest rates, implied industry outlook and forecasted company earnings.
Buying an S&P 500 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a "buy" yielded a 16.56% return in 2014 beating the S&P 500 Total Return Index by 304 basis points. Buying a Russell 2000 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a "buy" yielded a 9.5% return in 2014, beating the Russell 2000 index, including dividends reinvested, by 460 basis points last year.
RIG data by YCharts
10. Transocean Ltd. (RIG) Industry: Energy/Oil & Gas Drilling
October return: 22.52%
Transocean Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells worldwide. The company primarily offers deepwater and harsh environment drilling services.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates TRANSOCEAN LTD as a Sell with a ratings score of D+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate TRANSOCEAN LTD (RIG) a SELL. This is driven by some concerns, which we believe should have a greater impact than any strengths, and could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared to most of the stocks we cover. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its disappointing return on equity, deteriorating net income, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- Return on equity has greatly decreased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of major weakness within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Energy Equipment & Services industry and the overall market, TRANSOCEAN LTD's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
- Despite any intermediate fluctuations, we have only bad news to report on this stock's performance over the last year: it has tumbled by 46.03%, worse than the S&P 500's performance. Consistent with the plunge in the stock price, the company's earnings per share are down 42.94% compared to the year-earlier quarter. Naturally, the overall market trend is bound to be a significant factor. However, in one sense, the stock's sharp decline last year is a positive for future investors, making it cheaper (in proportion to its earnings over the past year) than most other stocks in its industry. But due to other concerns, we feel the stock is still not a good buy right now.
- The change in net income from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Energy Equipment & Services industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income has significantly decreased by 41.7% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $587.00 million to $342.00 million.
- TRANSOCEAN LTD's earnings per share declined by 42.9% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has reported a trend of declining earnings per share over the past year. However, the consensus estimate suggests that this trend should reverse in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, TRANSOCEAN LTD swung to a loss, reporting -$5.25 versus $3.85 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($3.35 versus -$5.25).
- Despite the weak revenue results, RIG has outperformed against the industry average of 31.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues fell by 19.1%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: RIG
YHOO data by YCharts
9. Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO) Industry: Technology/Internet Software & Services
October return: 23.21%
Yahoo! Inc. provides search and display advertising services on Yahoo properties and affiliate sites worldwide.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates YAHOO INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate YAHOO INC (YHOO) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, deteriorating net income and disappointing return on equity.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 10.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 6.8%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
- Although YHOO's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04 is very low, it is currently higher than that of the industry average. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 5.09, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
- The gross profit margin for YAHOO INC is rather high; currently it is at 67.91%. Despite the high profit margin, it has decreased significantly from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, YHOO's net profit margin of 6.22% is significantly lower than the industry average.
- Net operating cash flow has significantly decreased to $137.28 million or 52.53% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing to the industry average, the firm's growth rate is much lower.
- The share price of YAHOO INC has not done very well: it is down 24.60% and has underperformed the S&P 500, in part reflecting the company's sharply declining earnings per share when compared to the year-earlier quarter. Looking ahead, other than the push or pull of the broad market, we do not see anything in the company's numbers that may help reverse the decline experienced over the past 12 months. Despite the past decline, the stock is still selling for more than most others in its industry.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: YHOO
URI data by YCharts
8. United Rentals Inc. (URI) Industry: Industrials/Trading Companies & Distributors
October return: 24.66%
United Rentals, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates as an equipment rental company. It operates in two segments, General Rentals; and Trench Safety, Power and HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), and Pump Solutions.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates UNITED RENTALS INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate UNITED RENTALS INC (URI) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, notable return on equity, expanding profit margins, impressive record of earnings per share growth and increase in net income. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had generally high debt management risk by most measures that we evaluated.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- URI's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 0.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 0.4%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share.
- UNITED RENTALS INC has improved earnings per share by 22.3% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, UNITED RENTALS INC increased its bottom line by earning $5.18 versus $3.63 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($7.98 versus $5.18).
- The company, on the basis of net income growth from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly outperformed against the S&P 500 and exceeded that of the Trading Companies & Distributors industry average. The net income increased by 12.0% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $192.00 million to $215.00 million.
- The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Trading Companies & Distributors industry and the overall market, UNITED RENTALS INC's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
- The gross profit margin for UNITED RENTALS INC is rather high; currently it is at 60.97%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 13.87% is above that of the industry average.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: URI
ADSK data by YCharts
7. Autodesk Inc. (ADSK) Industry: Technology/Application Software
October return: 25.03%
Autodesk, Inc. operates as a design software and services company worldwide.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates AUTODESK INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate AUTODESK INC (ADSK) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, expanding profit margins and increase in stock price during the past year. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity and weak operating cash flow.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- ADSK's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78 is somewhat low overall, but it is high when compared to the industry average, implying that the management of the debt levels should be evaluated further. Despite the fact that ADSK's debt-to-equity ratio is mixed in its results, the company's quick ratio of 2.12 is high and demonstrates strong liquidity.
- Despite the weak revenue results, ADSK has outperformed against the industry average of 18.9%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 4.3%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share.
- The gross profit margin for AUTODESK INC is currently very high, coming in at 89.34%. Regardless of ADSK's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, ADSK's net profit margin of -38.63% significantly underperformed when compared to the industry average.
- Return on equity has greatly decreased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of major weakness within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Software industry and the overall market, AUTODESK INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
- Net operating cash flow has decreased to $77.20 million or 19.75% when compared to the same quarter last year. In conjunction, when comparing current results to the industry average, AUTODESK INC has marginally lower results.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: ADSK
DD data by YCharts
6. DuPont (E.I.) De Nemours (DD) Industry: Materials/Diversified Chemicals
October return: 31.54%
E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company operates as a science and technology based company worldwide. The company's Agriculture segment offers corn hybrid, soybean, canola, sunflower, sorghum, inoculants, seed products, wheat, rice, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates DU PONT (E I) DE NEMOURS as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate DU PONT (E I) DE NEMOURS (DD) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, reasonable valuation levels and notable return on equity. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, weak operating cash flow and a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- The debt-to-equity ratio is somewhat low, currently at 0.90, and is less than that of the industry average, implying that there has been a relatively successful effort in the management of debt levels. Along with the favorable debt-to-equity ratio, the company maintains an adequate quick ratio of 1.24, which illustrates the ability to avoid short-term cash problems.
- Current return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of strength within the company. In comparison to other companies in the Chemicals industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, DU PONT (E I) DE NEMOURS has underperformed in comparison with the industry average, but has greatly exceeded that of the S&P 500.
- The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Chemicals industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 45.7% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $433.00 million to $235.00 million.
- Net operating cash flow has decreased to $200.00 million or 25.65% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing the cash generation rate to the industry average, the firm's growth is significantly lower.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: DD
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5. Wynn Resorts Ltd. (WYNN - Get Report) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Casinos & Gaming
October return: 31.68%
Wynn Resorts, Limited, together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates destination casino resorts. It operates in two segments, Macau Operations and Las Vegas Operations. The company operates Wynn Macau and Encore at Wynn Macau resort located in the People's Republic of China.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates WYNN RESORTS LTD as a Hold with a ratings score of C-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate WYNN RESORTS LTD (WYNN) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. Among the primary strengths of the company is its expanding profit margins over time. At the same time, however, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, feeble growth in the company's earnings per share and a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- 37.48% is the gross profit margin for WYNN RESORTS LTD which we consider to be strong. Regardless of WYNN's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of 7.40% trails the industry average.
- WYNN, with its decline in revenue, underperformed when compared the industry average of 0.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues fell by 27.3%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share.
- Despite any intermediate fluctuations, we have only bad news to report on this stock's performance over the last year: it has tumbled by 65.37%, worse than the S&P 500's performance. Consistent with the plunge in the stock price, the company's earnings per share are down 61.17% compared to the year-earlier quarter. Naturally, the overall market trend is bound to be a significant factor. However, in one sense, the stock's sharp decline last year is a positive for future investors, making it cheaper (in proportion to its earnings over the past year) than most other stocks in its industry. But due to other concerns, we feel the stock is still not a good buy right now.
- WYNN RESORTS LTD has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. Stable earnings per share over the past year indicate the company has managed its earnings and share float. We anticipate this stability to falter in the coming year and, in turn, the company to deliver lower earnings per share than prior full year. During the past fiscal year, WYNN RESORTS LTD's EPS of $7.17 remained unchanged from the prior years' EPS of $7.17. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 58.9% in earnings ($2.95 versus $7.17).
- The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 61.5% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $191.41 million to $73.77 million.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: WYNN
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4. TripAdvisor Inc. (TRIP - Get Report) Industry: Consumer Goods & Services/Internet Retail
October return: 32.94%
TripAdvisor, Inc. operates as an online travel company. The company operates through two segments, Hotel and Other.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates TRIPADVISOR INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate TRIPADVISOR INC (TRIP) a BUY. This is driven by multiple strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, expanding profit margins, good cash flow from operations and notable return on equity. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- TRIP's revenue growth trails the industry average of 46.3%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 25.4%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
- TRIP's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.23 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. To add to this, TRIP has a quick ratio of 1.87, which demonstrates the ability of the company to cover short-term liquidity needs.
- The gross profit margin for TRIPADVISOR INC is currently very high, coming in at 96.05%. Regardless of TRIP's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, TRIP's net profit margin of 14.32% significantly outperformed against the industry.
- Net operating cash flow has increased to $200.00 million or 26.58% when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow, TRIPADVISOR INC's cash flow growth rate is still lower than the industry average growth rate of 53.27%.
- TRIPADVISOR INC's earnings per share declined by 14.9% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, TRIPADVISOR INC increased its bottom line by earning $1.56 versus $1.41 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.06 versus $1.56).
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: TRIP
FSLR data by YCharts
3. First Solar Inc. (FSLR - Get Report) Industry: Technology/Semiconductors
October return: 33.5%
First Solar, Inc. provides solar energy solutions worldwide. The company operates through two segments, Components and Systems. The Components segment designs, manufactures, and sells solar modules that convert sunlight into electricity.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates FIRST SOLAR INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate FIRST SOLAR INC (FSLR) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, attractive valuation levels, increase in net income and growth in earnings per share. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- FSLR's very impressive revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 13.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues leaped by 64.6%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share.
- FSLR's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.07 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. To add to this, FSLR has a quick ratio of 2.45, which demonstrates the ability of the company to cover short-term liquidity needs.
- The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. The net income increased by 1986.8% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $4.53 million to $94.49 million.
- FIRST SOLAR INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. However, we anticipate underperformance relative to this pattern in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, FIRST SOLAR INC increased its bottom line by earning $3.90 versus $3.61 in the prior year. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 12.1% in earnings ($3.43 versus $3.90).
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: FSLR
KLAC data by YCharts
2. KLA-Tencor Corp. (KLAC - Get Report) Industry: Technology/Semiconductor Equipment
October return: 34.24%
KLA-Tencor Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets process control and yield management solutions worldwide.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates KLA-TENCOR CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate KLA-TENCOR CORP (KLAC) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its increase in net income, notable return on equity and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and generally higher debt management risk.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. The net income increased by 45.2% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $72.23 million to $104.90 million.
- The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry and the overall market, KLA-TENCOR CORP's return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.
- KLA-TENCOR CORP reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, KLA-TENCOR CORP reported lower earnings of $2.25 versus $3.47 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($3.40 versus $2.25).
- The debt-to-equity ratio is very high at 10.70 and currently higher than the industry average, implying increased risk associated with the management of debt levels within the company. Despite the company's weak debt-to-equity ratio, the company has managed to keep a very strong quick ratio of 3.00, which shows the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
- KLAC has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 7.69% from its price level of one year ago. The fact that the stock is now selling for less than others in its industry in relation to its current earnings is not reason enough to justify a buy rating at this time.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: KLAC
SNDK data by YCharts
1. Sandisk Corp. (SNDK - Get Report) Industry: Technology
October return: 41.73%
SanDisk Corporation designs, develops, manufactures, and markets data storage solutions in the United States and internationally.
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates SANDISK CORP as a Hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate SANDISK CORP (SNDK) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed - some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, feeble growth in the company's earnings per share and deteriorating net income.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:
- Despite currently having a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, it is higher than that of the industry average, inferring that management of debt levels may need to be evaluated further. Despite the fact that SNDK's debt-to-equity ratio is mixed in its results, the company's quick ratio of 2.14 is high and demonstrates strong liquidity.
- 48.45% is the gross profit margin for SANDISK CORP which we consider to be strong. Regardless of SNDK's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, SNDK's net profit margin of 9.15% is significantly lower than the industry average.
- SANDISK CORP's earnings per share declined by 40.4% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. Earnings per share have declined over the last year. We anticipate that this should continue in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, SANDISK CORP reported lower earnings of $4.23 versus $4.37 in the prior year. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 23.4% in earnings ($3.24 versus $4.23).
- The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Computers & Peripherals industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 49.4% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $262.66 million to $133.01 million.
- You can view the full analysis from the report here: SNDK
Source:http://www.thestreet.com/story/13345884/1/the-10-best-s-p-500-stocks-in-october.html?kval=dontmiss
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