Stocks Articles
Cash Is King and Free Cash Flow Wears the Crown
March 2026 by Brian Haughey
Free cash flow is not just an accounting exercise but is central to valuation.
March 2026 by Brian Haughey
Free cash flow is not just an accounting exercise but is central to valuation.
How the Components of A+ Grades Help You Analyze Stocks
March 2026 by Charles Rotblut
Combining the criteria behind multiple grades provides more robust analysis than relying on a single factor.
March 2026 by Charles Rotblut
Combining the criteria behind multiple grades provides more robust analysis than relying on a single factor.
How Financial Statements Drive Stock Valuation Ratios
September 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Understanding how financial statements influence valuation measures helps you spot both positive and negative changes.
September 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Understanding how financial statements influence valuation measures helps you spot both positive and negative changes.
How to Analyze Corporate Earnings in Five Steps
July 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Earnings reports provide a snapshot of business performance, but they are most valuable when viewed as part of a longer-term trend.
July 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Earnings reports provide a snapshot of business performance, but they are most valuable when viewed as part of a longer-term trend.
16 Red Flags to Watch for in a Company’s Financial Statements
May 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Use our handy financial health checklist to spot potential problems in a stock before they cause you to incur a large loss.
May 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Use our handy financial health checklist to spot potential problems in a stock before they cause you to incur a large loss.
18 Financial Ratios That Shed Light on a Company’s Strengths and Weaknesses
January 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Financial ratios provide a powerful framework for assessing a company’s performance, efficiency and financial health across multiple dimensions and over time.
January 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Financial ratios provide a powerful framework for assessing a company’s performance, efficiency and financial health across multiple dimensions and over time.
Quickly Assess a Stock's Attractiveness With These Metrics
January 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Useful metrics found on a stock's Evaluator Snapshot page at AAII.com and how they help determine if a stock deserves a closer look.
January 2025 by Charles Rotblut
Useful metrics found on a stock's Evaluator Snapshot page at AAII.com and how they help determine if a stock deserves a closer look.
Stocks and Diversification Proven to Build Wealth Across Two Centuries
January 2025 by Tudor Pop
A new analysis found that the long-term premium from owning stocks has existed over a longer time period than has been commonly believed.
January 2025 by Tudor Pop
A new analysis found that the long-term premium from owning stocks has existed over a longer time period than has been commonly believed.
Buybacks Bounce Back in 2024
November 2024 by Omar Beirat
Corporate buybacks are showing a notable resurgence in 2024 after a significant decline in activity last year.
November 2024 by Omar Beirat
Corporate buybacks are showing a notable resurgence in 2024 after a significant decline in activity last year.
GICS Decoded: Analyzing Stocks With S&P Global Sectors and Industries
November 2024 by Charles Rotblut
AAII switched to the Global Industry Classification Standard for stocks when we began using S&P Global Market Intelligence as our data provider on October 1, 2024.
November 2024 by Charles Rotblut
AAII switched to the Global Industry Classification Standard for stocks when we began using S&P Global Market Intelligence as our data provider on October 1, 2024.
How Does the CPI Compare to the PCE Price Index as a Measure of Inflation?
November 2024 by Tudor Pop
The Federal Reserve uses the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index as the preferred method of measuring inflation instead of the more familiar consumer price index (CPI).
November 2024 by Tudor Pop
The Federal Reserve uses the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index as the preferred method of measuring inflation instead of the more familiar consumer price index (CPI).
How Financial Statement Data Can Differ Depending on the Provider
November 2024 by Wayne A. Thorp
Switching from as-reported to standardized data can significantly enhance the quality of stock analysis; however, using standardized data has potential limitations.
November 2024 by Wayne A. Thorp
Switching from as-reported to standardized data can significantly enhance the quality of stock analysis; however, using standardized data has potential limitations.
Money in, Money out: What the Cash Flow Statement Reveals
September 2024 by Charles Rotblut
How the cash flow statement tells you whether a company is realizing cash (copacetic) or burning through it (unsustainable).
September 2024 by Charles Rotblut
How the cash flow statement tells you whether a company is realizing cash (copacetic) or burning through it (unsustainable).
Balance Sheet Basics: Demystifying What a Company Owns & Owes
July 2024 by Jack Gilleland
Studying assets, liabilities and equity can give individual investors an advantage in judging whether a company might be a strong or weak portfolio addition.
July 2024 by Jack Gilleland
Studying assets, liabilities and equity can give individual investors an advantage in judging whether a company might be a strong or weak portfolio addition.
Getting to the Bottom Line: How to Read the Income Statement
May 2024 by Jack Gilleland
While it reports on profitability over a period of time, a firm’s income statement also offers valuable insights on internal operations.
May 2024 by Jack Gilleland
While it reports on profitability over a period of time, a firm’s income statement also offers valuable insights on internal operations.
Stocks Not Always Top Dog: A Challenge to Mean Reversion
April 2024 by Eunice Kim
Stocks don’t always beat bonds, and a 100% stock portfolio does not necessarily outperform a stock/bond blend.
April 2024 by Eunice Kim
Stocks don’t always beat bonds, and a 100% stock portfolio does not necessarily outperform a stock/bond blend.
Using Alerts to Keep Tabs on Securities
April 2024 by AAII Staff
Alerts notify you of changes to your investments based on parameters you determine. All AAII members have access to these alerts through My Portfolio.
April 2024 by AAII Staff
Alerts notify you of changes to your investments based on parameters you determine. All AAII members have access to these alerts through My Portfolio.
Beyond the Numbers: Getting Started With Financial Statements
March 2024 by Jack Gilleland
Setting the stage for our new AAII Journal series by introducing basic concepts for mastering company analysis.
March 2024 by Jack Gilleland
Setting the stage for our new AAII Journal series by introducing basic concepts for mastering company analysis.
Tax-Savvy Strategies for Your Stocks, Mutual Funds and ETFs
December 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Savvy steps to avoid or limit the tax impact of security events, and tools on AAII.com you can use to help manage them.
December 2023 by Charles Rotblut
Savvy steps to avoid or limit the tax impact of security events, and tools on AAII.com you can use to help manage them.
Holiday Preview: Stocks That May Benefit From Seasonal Spending
November 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Companies that might benefit from approaching holiday spending, include well-known companies and many that are the largest in their respective industries.
November 2023 by Cynthia McLaughlin
Companies that might benefit from approaching holiday spending, include well-known companies and many that are the largest in their respective industries.
Manage the Impact of Taxes on Your Stocks and Funds
December 2022 by Derek J. Hageman
You can control the impact that taxes have on your stocks, funds and ETFs to avoid letting taxes drive your investing decisions.
December 2022 by Derek J. Hageman
You can control the impact that taxes have on your stocks, funds and ETFs to avoid letting taxes drive your investing decisions.
Monitoring Your Tax Exposure With Stocks and Funds
December 2021 by Charles Rotblut
Taxes are an unavoidable cost with an investment portfolio. While they shouldn’t drive your decisions, you can manage their impact.
December 2021 by Charles Rotblut
Taxes are an unavoidable cost with an investment portfolio. While they shouldn’t drive your decisions, you can manage their impact.
Tap Into Tax-Related Information on Stocks and Funds
December 2020 by Charles Rotblut
Where on AAII.com to get the data you need to understand the tax implications of your investments for the current tax year.
December 2020 by Charles Rotblut
Where on AAII.com to get the data you need to understand the tax implications of your investments for the current tax year.
Corporate Announcements
January 2013 by AAII Staff
Which sites will keep you informed about company actions and earnings forecasts.
January 2013 by AAII Staff
Which sites will keep you informed about company actions and earnings forecasts.
Developing an Intuitive Feel for the Mechanics of Growth
September 2007 by AAII Staff
Major investment and planning decisions require judgments concerning growth. But most investors don't understand growth mechanics, particularly over long time periods. How to develop an intuitive feel for growth figures--without using a financial calculator.
September 2007 by AAII Staff
Major investment and planning decisions require judgments concerning growth. But most investors don't understand growth mechanics, particularly over long time periods. How to develop an intuitive feel for growth figures--without using a financial calculator.
Developing an Intuitive Feel for the Mechanics of Growth
September 2007 by AAII Staff
Major investment and planning decisions require judgments concerning growth. But most investors don't understand growth mechanics, particularly over long time periods. How to develop an intuitive feel for growth figures--without using a financial calculator.
September 2007 by AAII Staff
Major investment and planning decisions require judgments concerning growth. But most investors don't understand growth mechanics, particularly over long time periods. How to develop an intuitive feel for growth figures--without using a financial calculator.
Taking the Spin Out of Earnings Announcements
April 2005 by AAII Staff
Public companies always want to put the best face on their quarterly financial results. But investors should not be distracted by excessive 'spin.' Tips to keep in mind when reviewing earnings announcements.
April 2005 by AAII Staff
Public companies always want to put the best face on their quarterly financial results. But investors should not be distracted by excessive 'spin.' Tips to keep in mind when reviewing earnings announcements.
The Proxy Edge: Exercising Your Shareholder Rights
April 2005 by AAII Staff
Many investors receive the annual proxy statement and simply throw it in the trash. But that is throwing away a vote, and the right to keep management's interest in line with your own. How to get the most out of a proxy statement.
April 2005 by AAII Staff
Many investors receive the annual proxy statement and simply throw it in the trash. But that is throwing away a vote, and the right to keep management's interest in line with your own. How to get the most out of a proxy statement.
The Big Picture: How to Decipher What the Market Is Saying
April 2004 by William J. O'Neil
A look at some key market indicators that provide a lens into how the market is behaving—and what it is saying right now.
April 2004 by William J. O'Neil
A look at some key market indicators that provide a lens into how the market is behaving—and what it is saying right now.
Your Order Please: A Guide to the Different Ways to Buy and Sell Securities
April 2004 by John Deysher
Understand the most common stock order types, such as market orders, not-held orders, fill-or-kill orders, as well as day orders and good-til-canceled.
April 2004 by John Deysher
Understand the most common stock order types, such as market orders, not-held orders, fill-or-kill orders, as well as day orders and good-til-canceled.
An Investor's Guide to Corporate Insider Trading Activity
November 2003 by AAII Staff
Insider buying is much more significant than insider selling. Insiders may sell their shares for a variety of reasons. But typically insiders buy their shares on the open market for one reason--the stock is cheap!
November 2003 by AAII Staff
Insider buying is much more significant than insider selling. Insiders may sell their shares for a variety of reasons. But typically insiders buy their shares on the open market for one reason--the stock is cheap!
Four Basic Steps to Gauging a Firm's True Financial Position
October 2003 by Jay Taparia
A basic understanding of a company's "true" financial position can be gleaned by starting with a company's cash flow statement. Four initial steps you can use to analyze a firm's financial statements.
October 2003 by Jay Taparia
A basic understanding of a company's "true" financial position can be gleaned by starting with a company's cash flow statement. Four initial steps you can use to analyze a firm's financial statements.
Evaluating the Performance Claims of Investment Approaches
May 2002 by AAII Staff
While all honest research helps to shed light on successful approaches, there are weaknesses in research methods that you need to take into account. In some cases, flawed research may be used to intentionally lead you astray.
May 2002 by AAII Staff
While all honest research helps to shed light on successful approaches, there are weaknesses in research methods that you need to take into account. In some cases, flawed research may be used to intentionally lead you astray.
What Steps You Should Take When Your Stock's Price Falls
November 2001 by AAII Staff
There are no simple rules that will tell you when to sell a stock, but an in-depth understanding of what economic, industry, and firm fundamentals drive the price will better equip you for making decisions.
November 2001 by AAII Staff
There are no simple rules that will tell you when to sell a stock, but an in-depth understanding of what economic, industry, and firm fundamentals drive the price will better equip you for making decisions.
Investing in Gray Matter: Evaluating a Firm's Human Assets
April 2000 by AAII Staff
If you want to buy shares in a company that depends primarily on brainpower, you need to make sure that those brains are going to stick around.
April 2000 by AAII Staff
If you want to buy shares in a company that depends primarily on brainpower, you need to make sure that those brains are going to stick around.