Investment Valuation in India

India is in a rising interest rate environment. We have already seen the RBI raising interest rates five times since March 2010. Last week, in its policy review, the central bank left rates unchanged, merely reducing the SLR to 24% from 25%. However, this is certainly not the end of the story. With the inflation showing no signs of easing in the medium term, raising interest rates is one of the most important tools in the hands of the government/central bank. Rising interest rates are generally not taken well by the investors at large. Firstly because it directly hurts the pockets of the individuals. The interest rates are increased to suck money out of the system and to curb the inflation. As rates increase, banks pass on the increase in rates to its customers and consequently home loans become more expensive. People having loans have less disposable income as their monthly payments increase. Let's see how this impacts the businesses. Companies need funds to operate and ...

4 things to look for in an investment New investors are often interested in purchasing a company's stock but are not sure where to begin. These four characteristics should serve as helpful guidelines in your search for a good investment. 1. What is the price of the entire company? When doing research, it is important that you look at more than just the current share price - you need to look at the price of the entire company. The "cost" of acquiring the entire corporation is called market capitalization (or market cap for short) and is frequently referred to by financial professionals. In short, the market cap is the price of all outstanding shares of common stock multiplied by the quoted price per share at any given moment in time. A business with one million shares outstanding and a stock price of $50 per share would have a market cap of $50 million. This market capitalization test can help keep you from overpaying for a stock. Consider the case of eBay and General Mo...

Seven Questions to ask before Investing When putting together a portfolio of companies, there are seven basic questions that every investor should ask. The answers can help uncover competitive strengths and weaknesses, providing a better understanding of the economics and market position of the business. 1. What are the sources of the company’s cash flows? John Burr Williams taught us that the value of any asset is the net present value of its discounted cash flows. Before the investor can even begin to value a business, he has to know what is generating the cash. It is important to be specific and avoid making assumptions. Take Coca-Cola, for example. Billions of people across the world are familiar with Coke’s products. When you see it on the shelf of your local grocery store, you may have concluded that it was the Coca-Cola Company that sold the bottled goods to the grocer. In reality, a look at the most recent 10K reveals that, although the company does sell some finished bevera...

IT major Satyam Computers, after being in the news for all the bad reasons has reported a major scam which left the country shocked. The major developments: Satyam Chairman B Ramalinga Raju resigns as Chairman and issues a letter stating that he has been involved in major misrepresentations of accounts. The balance sheet carries as of September 30, 2008 a) Inflated (non-existent) cash and bank balance of Rs 5,040 crore (as against Rs 5361 crore reflected in the books) b) An accured interest of Rs 376 crore which is non-existent c) An understated liability of Rs 1,230 crore on account of funds arranged by Raju d) An over stated debtor position of Rs 490 crore (as against Rs 2651 reflected in the books. For 2Q 08, “reported revenue of Rs 2,700 crore and an operating margin of Rs 649 crore (24 per cent of revenues) as against the actual revenues of Rs 2,112 crore and an actual operating margin of Rs 61 crore (3 per cent of revenue)”. “In the last two years a net amount of Rs 1,230 crore w...

Oil & Gas All’s well for India’s oil and gas future They are roughly 2,000 km apart and yet the pace of activity or the excitement in the air is unmistakably alike. While one set of them is busy scathing the rocks facing challenges in the desert region of Barmer, Rajasthan, the other is battling violent cyclone storms in water depths of 2,700 metres, off Kakinada, east coast of the Indian peninsula. These men are set to script the most exciting story in India's energy history in recent times, and are easily set to be billed as the top newsmakers of 2009. The two discoveries , RIL's offshore gas project and Cairn's onland oil discovery, are set to begin contributing to India's energy kitty in 2009-10, at a time when the country's trade deficit threatens to cause some serious concerns . India's exports have been dipping over the last few months and the slowdown in the global economy is only expected to further add to its woes. Add to it India's gargan...

Nothing is going good for the economy (whether India or the world). The markets are down and no one knows where it is heading. But there is one common view. The markets have bottomed out and there is little downside from here. However, no one knows when is it going to revive. The levels of 21000 seems fantasy at this point. Analysts are jobless and are considered a liability to the erstwhile employers who used to flaunt a research division not more than 4 months ago. But it is said that if there is anything that comes for free in India, it is advise. So here I am, giving free advise. I know I wont be paid foir it anyways ;-) Seven ways to tackle the bear run Stick to stocks of large companies Look for debt free companies Search for businesses that are insulated (well, relatively) from the slowdown Look for companies that largely depend on domestic revenues Search for value stocks (generally cash-rich companies) Have an investment horizon for at least 2-3 years In case of mid-cap stocks...

The Company Analysis The different issues regarding a company that should be examined are: The Management The Company The Annual Report Ratios Cash flow Management is the single most important factor to consider in a company. Upon its quality rests the future of the company. A good, competent management can make a company grow while a weak, inefficient management can destroy a thriving company. Investors must check on integrity of managers, proven competence, how high is it rated by its peers, how did it perform at times of adversity, the management's depth of knowledge, its innovativeness and professionalism. A company may have made losses consecutively for two years or more and one may not wish to touch its shares - yet it may be a good company and worth purchasing into. There are several factors one should look at. Another aspect that should be ascertained is whether the company is the market leader in its products or in its segment. When you invest in market leaders, the risk...