Expert Insight & Commentary
Stocks Article Library
Looking for Equity Income? Try Shareholder Yield
by John Wightkin
May 1, 2013
Shareholder yield—a measure of total cash returned to the shareholders—can be a useful stock selection tool for investors seeking income.
by John Wightkin
May 1, 2013
Shareholder yield—a measure of total cash returned to the shareholders—can be a useful stock selection tool for investors seeking income.
Inside Earnings: Quality Is Key
by Brian L. Burda
March 26, 2013
What's earnings quality? Some say it's impossible to define, but they know it when they see it. Schwab Equity Ratings takes a more disciplined approach.
by Brian L. Burda
March 26, 2013
What's earnings quality? Some say it's impossible to define, but they know it when they see it. Schwab Equity Ratings takes a more disciplined approach.
Order Types: Getting to Know the Basics
by Randy Frederick
January 18, 2013
Learn about the main order types and how they are executed in the marketplace.
by Randy Frederick
January 18, 2013
Learn about the main order types and how they are executed in the marketplace.
Don't Let Strategy Skew Your Portfolio
by John Wightkin
December 17, 2012
Why you should keep a sector-neutral stock allocation—and how to do it.
by John Wightkin
December 17, 2012
Why you should keep a sector-neutral stock allocation—and how to do it.
A Story Goes With It
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
December 13, 2012
Heard a story about a stock? Be careful. But if you choose to invest, here are some steps that may improve your odds.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
December 13, 2012
Heard a story about a stock? Be careful. But if you choose to invest, here are some steps that may improve your odds.
How to Use Schwab Stock Tools
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
November 28, 2012
Learn how to manage your stock portfolio using Schwab Equity Ratings®, the Equity Scorecard, the Portfolio Checkup®, Schwab Stock Lists™ and the Stock Screener.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
November 28, 2012
Learn how to manage your stock portfolio using Schwab Equity Ratings®, the Equity Scorecard, the Portfolio Checkup®, Schwab Stock Lists™ and the Stock Screener.
How Risky are "Safe" Stocks?
by John Wightkin
October 24, 2012
Stocks with higher dividend yields and lower price volatility are often thought of as "safe" stocks. But are they actually getting risky?
by John Wightkin
October 24, 2012
Stocks with higher dividend yields and lower price volatility are often thought of as "safe" stocks. But are they actually getting risky?
Blending Schwab Stock Research With Other Sources
by Jeff Ryan
October 23, 2012
Find out how to use Schwab Equity Ratings in conjunction with our other stock research.
by Jeff Ryan
October 23, 2012
Find out how to use Schwab Equity Ratings in conjunction with our other stock research.
What to Do When the Schwab Equity Rating® Disappears
by Jeffrey P. Ryan,
October 8, 2012
What should you do if your stock's Schwab Equity Rating® is displayed with an asterisk or is replaced by an NR? Use our four-step research process to help decide your next move.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan,
October 8, 2012
What should you do if your stock's Schwab Equity Rating® is displayed with an asterisk or is replaced by an NR? Use our four-step research process to help decide your next move.
What the Past May Tell Us About IPOs
by John Wightkin
July 31, 2012
Before jumping into an IPO, you may want to step back and do a little research into how they've performed in the past.
by John Wightkin
July 31, 2012
Before jumping into an IPO, you may want to step back and do a little research into how they've performed in the past.
Lessons Learned from Schwab Equity Ratings' First 10 Years
by Greg Forsythe
May 21, 2012
As Schwab Equity Ratings reach their 10-year anniversary, have we achieved our goals?
by Greg Forsythe
May 21, 2012
As Schwab Equity Ratings reach their 10-year anniversary, have we achieved our goals?
Behavioral Challenges of Sell Decisions
by Greg Forsythe
April 25, 2012
Why it's so hard to decide when to sell a stock.
by Greg Forsythe
April 25, 2012
Why it's so hard to decide when to sell a stock.
Stock Investment Lessons From the World of Baseball
by Greg Forsythe
March 29, 2012
What the Oakland A's learned about picking ballplayers and Schwab learned about stock selection are that rigorous statistical analysis can help improve the odds of success.
by Greg Forsythe
March 29, 2012
What the Oakland A's learned about picking ballplayers and Schwab learned about stock selection are that rigorous statistical analysis can help improve the odds of success.
Cross-Listed International Stocks: Another Investing Alternative
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
February 15, 2012
Cross-listed stocks trade on one or more foreign stock exchanges in addition to a domestic exchange--another way for investors to invest internationally.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
February 15, 2012
Cross-listed stocks trade on one or more foreign stock exchanges in addition to a domestic exchange--another way for investors to invest internationally.
Schwab Equity Ratings® Foundations
by Greg Forsythe
March 5, 2012
An 8-part series to help you use the Ratings in your stock picking. Learn about the stock characteristics we analyze, the traits of winners and losers, and frequently asked questions.
by Greg Forsythe
March 5, 2012
An 8-part series to help you use the Ratings in your stock picking. Learn about the stock characteristics we analyze, the traits of winners and losers, and frequently asked questions.
Selecting the Right REIT for You
by Greg Forsythe
November 25, 2011
Find out what counts and what doesn't when it comes to choosing a REIT.
by Greg Forsythe
November 25, 2011
Find out what counts and what doesn't when it comes to choosing a REIT.
There's No Place Like Home ... Or Is There?
by John Wightkin and Brian Burda
November 21, 2011
Many people tend to shy away from investing abroad. Find out how you might overcome your "home bias."
by John Wightkin and Brian Burda
November 21, 2011
Many people tend to shy away from investing abroad. Find out how you might overcome your "home bias."
Stock Picking: Playing Defense
by Greg Forsythe
November 11, 2011
Find out how value and growth stocks perform in up and down markets.
by Greg Forsythe
November 11, 2011
Find out how value and growth stocks perform in up and down markets.
Equity Risk: Managing What We Do and Do Not Know
by Greg Forsythe
July 23, 2010
Learn about the different risks involved with investing and the lessons you can take away from it.
by Greg Forsythe
July 23, 2010
Learn about the different risks involved with investing and the lessons you can take away from it.
The Case Against Small-Cap Stocks: Small Cap Stocks Article
by Greg Forsythe
May 2, 2011
Despite recent outperformance by small-cap stocks, we suggest you think twice before moving money from large- to small-caps.
by Greg Forsythe
May 2, 2011
Despite recent outperformance by small-cap stocks, we suggest you think twice before moving money from large- to small-caps.
Big Stock-Price Move—Should I Sell?
by Greg Forsythe
September 29, 2010
In this article, we examine the correlation between past and future performance, and highlight eight 'sell alerts.'
by Greg Forsythe
September 29, 2010
In this article, we examine the correlation between past and future performance, and highlight eight 'sell alerts.'
Price-Earnings Ratios—Which One to Use?
by John Zbesko
September 28, 2010
Find out how selecting low P/E stocks based on both past performance and future earnings may improve your stock-picking success.
by John Zbesko
September 28, 2010
Find out how selecting low P/E stocks based on both past performance and future earnings may improve your stock-picking success.
Can the Little Guy Beat the Pros?
by Greg Forsythe
July 7, 2010
Individual investors benefit from attributes like nimbleness, lower portfolio management costs, and the freedom to invest in small companies.
by Greg Forsythe
July 7, 2010
Individual investors benefit from attributes like nimbleness, lower portfolio management costs, and the freedom to invest in small companies.
Earnings Forecasts: The Trend Matters
by John Zbesko
May 28, 2010
Paying attention to the trend of earnings forecasts can be a savvy move.
by John Zbesko
May 28, 2010
Paying attention to the trend of earnings forecasts can be a savvy move.
How to Use Schwab Stock Lists
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
January 26, 2010
Finding the right stock to buy can sometimes seem overwhelming. We can help you generate buy ideas and maintain a diversified portfolio.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan
January 26, 2010
Finding the right stock to buy can sometimes seem overwhelming. We can help you generate buy ideas and maintain a diversified portfolio.
Don't Buy Low … Buy High
by John Wightkin
November 10, 2009
Find out why you don't want to buy stocks at the 52-week low but rather at the 52-week high.
by John Wightkin
November 10, 2009
Find out why you don't want to buy stocks at the 52-week low but rather at the 52-week high.
Don't Overpay Today for Growth Tomorrow
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated November 17, 2008
Why it's such a common and costly investor mistake. How to avoid it.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated November 17, 2008
Why it's such a common and costly investor mistake. How to avoid it.
Are Stop-Loss Orders a Good Idea?
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated September 8, 2008
Many investors find stop-loss orders intuitively appealing. But there's no free lunch in investing—these price-triggered sell orders may not measure up to expectations.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
Updated September 8, 2008
Many investors find stop-loss orders intuitively appealing. But there's no free lunch in investing—these price-triggered sell orders may not measure up to expectations.
Updated Schwab Industry Ratings
by Jeffrey P. Ryan, CFA, Senior Equity Researcher, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
August 27, 2008
Find out why we think they're even better, and the right way to use them.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan, CFA, Senior Equity Researcher, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
August 27, 2008
Find out why we think they're even better, and the right way to use them.
Schwab Equity Ratings Report Card
by John Zbesko, CFA, Senior Equity Researcher, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 9, 2008
Learn when our ratings have worked best—and how to help make them work for you.
by John Zbesko, CFA, Senior Equity Researcher, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 9, 2008
Learn when our ratings have worked best—and how to help make them work for you.
Following the "Smart Money"
by Greg Forsythe
September 28, 2007
The collective opinions of smart money investors are free and publicly available. Learn how to track their strategies.
by Greg Forsythe
September 28, 2007
The collective opinions of smart money investors are free and publicly available. Learn how to track their strategies.
High Returns From Low Risk?
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
June 1, 2007
Learn about the correlation between lower risk and higher returns.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
June 1, 2007
Learn about the correlation between lower risk and higher returns.
Considerations for Deciding When to Sell a Stock
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
May 10, 2007
Successful stock investing requires a sell discipline to prevent hold/sell decisions from being driven by subjective criteria or emotions, rather than facts.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
May 10, 2007
Successful stock investing requires a sell discipline to prevent hold/sell decisions from being driven by subjective criteria or emotions, rather than facts.
Tax Considerations for Selling a Stock
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
May 10, 2007
How should capital gains taxes be factored into your decision to hold or sell a stock? Here are six aspects to consider.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
May 10, 2007
How should capital gains taxes be factored into your decision to hold or sell a stock? Here are six aspects to consider.
Invest Like a Buyout King
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
February 14, 2007
How to use a sophisticated valuation measure favored by the pros.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
February 14, 2007
How to use a sophisticated valuation measure favored by the pros.
Know When to Sell
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 28, 2006
No one likes a losing stock. So why do we cling to them for far too long?
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 28, 2006
No one likes a losing stock. So why do we cling to them for far too long?
Beware of Target Prices
by Jeffrey P. Ryan, CFA, Senior Equity Researcher, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
September 28, 2006
Sell targets are wrong more than half the time. Buy targets can be pointless.
by Jeffrey P. Ryan, CFA, Senior Equity Researcher, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
September 28, 2006
Sell targets are wrong more than half the time. Buy targets can be pointless.
Cash Flow vs. Earnings: Which Is More Meaningful?
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
September 18, 2006
Analysts and money managers argue that cash flow is a more useful metric of investment attractiveness than earnings. Is it?
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
September 18, 2006
Analysts and money managers argue that cash flow is a more useful metric of investment attractiveness than earnings. Is it?
Using Sentiment to Gauge Valuation
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
August 8, 2006
If you believe the market is not perfectly efficient, how can you systematically determine whether a stock might be mispriced?
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
August 8, 2006
If you believe the market is not perfectly efficient, how can you systematically determine whether a stock might be mispriced?
The Myth of Insider Trading
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 25, 2006
Intrigued by insider trading? Our research shows there's a better way to gauge how top executives view their stock.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Financial Research
July 25, 2006
Intrigued by insider trading? Our research shows there's a better way to gauge how top executives view their stock.
Buy High and Sell Higher
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 20, 2005
The closer a stock's current price is to its 52-week high, the stronger that stock's performance in the subsequent year.
by Greg Forsythe, CFA, Senior Vice President, Schwab Equity Ratings®, Schwab Center for Investment Research®
December 20, 2005
The closer a stock's current price is to its 52-week high, the stronger that stock's performance in the subsequent year.
Finance 101: An Earnings Season Primer
Experts often advise you to read companies' financial statements. But why? What are they, and how can they make you a more informed investor?
Experts often advise you to read companies' financial statements. But why? What are they, and how can they make you a more informed investor?
Order Conditions: How They Can Affect Your Trade
Fill-or-kill? Good-til-canceled? Huh? Understanding trade order conditions can help you have more control over the time and execution of your trades.
Fill-or-kill? Good-til-canceled? Huh? Understanding trade order conditions can help you have more control over the time and execution of your trades.
Busting Market Myths
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
March 9, 2004
Investors are often bombarded with market myths, from the September effect to the Super Bowl theory. The truth is, you shouldn’t incorporate them into your investment planning process.
by Bryan Olson, CFA, Vice President, Head of Portfolio Consulting, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
March 9, 2004
Investors are often bombarded with market myths, from the September effect to the Super Bowl theory. The truth is, you shouldn’t incorporate them into your investment planning process.
What Is the Statement of Cash Flows?
Like an up-to-date checkbook, a statement of cash flows shows where the money went and how much is left. Here’s how to decipher it.
Like an up-to-date checkbook, a statement of cash flows shows where the money went and how much is left. Here’s how to decipher it.