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Last week was a good week for most investors. The major indices did fairly well and if you were an investor in the stocks of my Watch List, then you likely had a good week.

As always, my thoughts should only be used for educational purposes and any decision by the reader to use this information is subject to my disclaimer. In addition to the disclaimer, the stocks mentioned may have changed value from the time I wrote this to the time that you are reading it and therefore the conclusions below, may no longer be valid. The analysis on any investment indicator is always a short-term thought and just by being in this list the stock already is a long-term Good Company  or Fair Company and made my Watch List. If you are looking for long-term analysis of the stock, you should look for the stock in the company list that appears to the far right.

My analysis in this article is based on the investment indicator tools that I describe in my book, “The Confident Investor.” If you are not subscribed to this site as a book owner, then you will not be able to see some of the analysis. You can purchase my book wherever books are sold such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books A Million. It is available in e-book formats for Nook, Kindle, and iPad. After you purchase my book, it is free to subscribe to the extra content on this site. 

I will only be commenting on stocks that are ranked as an “Investigate to buy” and Possible buy” on my daily investment indicator article. The most recent daily investment indicator article is from May 24. Those stocks are:

  • Agilent Technologies Inc.,
  • Apple Inc.,
  • Alliance Data Systems Corporation,
  • Akamai Technologies Inc.,
  • Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.,
  • AMETEK Inc.,
  • American Tower Corp,
  • Apache Corporation,
  • BlackRock Inc.,
  • Broadcom Corporation,
  • Baytex Energy Corp (USA),
  • Buffalo Wild Wings,
  • Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.,
  • Cerner Corporation,
  • Cummins Inc.,
  • Capital One Financial Corp.,
  • Cirrus Logic Inc.,
  • Equinix Inc,
  • Extra Space Storage Inc.,
  • First Financial Bancorp,
  • Google Inc,
  • Helmerich & Payne Inc.,
  • JPMorgan Chase & Co.,
  • KLA-Tencor Corporation,
  • Monster Beverage Corp,
  • Merck & Co. Inc.,
  • Nordson Corporation,
  • Netflix Inc.,
  • Annaly Capital Management Inc.,
  • Priceline Group Inc,
  • QUALCOMM Inc.,
  • Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc,
  • Skyworks Solutions Inc,
  • Trinity Industries Inc,
  • Under Armour Inc,

Investment Indicator Thoughts

S&P 500
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]The general S&P 500 (ticker is ^GSPC and the first line of my investment indicator articles). This index has shown increasing strength all of last week and should not be a hindrance in making buying decisions in any of its member companies.[/s2If]

NASDAQ Composite
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]The NASDAQ Composite (the ticker is ^IXIC and the second line of my investment indicator articles). This index has shown increasing strength all week and should not be a hindrance to buying decisions any of its member companies.[/s2If]

Agilent Technologies Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Agilent Technologies Inc. [stckqut]A[/stckqut] has shown a bit of a downturn towards the end of the week. It is too early to take profits but you should watch this stock for any more weakness.[/s2If]

Apple Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Apple Inc. [stckqut]AAPL[/stckqut] will be implementing its stock split strategy this week. Unless the bottom goes out on this stock, I would hold it all week.[/s2If]

Alliance Data Systems Corporation
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Alliance Data Systems Corporation [stckqut]ADS[/stckqut] is coming out of a multi-month slide. Watch for resistance at $264 and $294. This stock may be a good short term buy.[/s2If]

Akamai Technologies, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Akamai Technologies, Inc. [stckqut]AKAM[/stckqut] is barely moving out of a multi-month slide. Recovery is not very strong. Be cautious that this may be a false bottom.[/s2If]

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. [stckqut]ALXN[/stckqut] has shown a bit of a downturn towards the end of the week. It is too early to take profits but you should watch this stock for any more weakness.[/s2If]

AMETEK, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]AMETEK, Inc. [stckqut]AME[/stckqut] has been having difficulty breaking a $54 ceiling. Be careful that the current BUY signal doesn’t falter as it approaches that ceiling.[/s2If]

American Tower Corp
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]American Tower Corp [stckqut]AMT[/stckqut] has been showing some growth lately but the MACD is still negative. Be ready to move on this if the MACD goes positive.[/s2If]

Apache Corporation
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Apache Corporation [stckqut]APA[/stckqut] has been growing nicely for several months. No rise can last forever but there are no indications that a large pullback is likely in the short term.[/s2If]

BlackRock, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]BlackRock, Inc. [stckqut]BLK[/stckqut] has been going sideways for several months. It may be forming a “flag” or “penant” formation. While the indicators are showing buy right now, it is likely the trend will continue to be sideways.[/s2If]

Broadcom Corporation
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Broadcom Corporation [stckqut]BRCM[/stckqut] has been going sideways for several months but has been showing buy for the past week. This may be a good time to own this stock.[/s2If]

Baytex Energy Corp (USA)
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Baytex Energy Corp (USA) [stckqut]BTE[/stckqut] has been going sideways for seveal weeks. It is just under its 52 week high and seems to be having a tough time breaking that limit.[/s2If]

Buffalo Wild Wings
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Buffalo Wild Wings [stckqut]BWLD[/stckqut] has been going sideways for seveal weeks and just hit a 52 week high a few weeks ago. It is just under its 52 week high and seems to be having a tough time breaking that limit.[/s2If]

Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. [stckqut]CBI[/stckqut] looks like it is reversing its slide for the last couple weeks. Be careful of resistance at $87.[/s2If]

Cerner Corporation
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Cerner Corporation [stckqut]CERN[/stckqut] had a multi-week slide off of its 52 week high. That slide may have bottomed out now. Be cautious but this may be a good time to make up for the previous drop.[/s2If]

Cummins Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Cummins Inc. [stckqut]CMI[/stckqut] has been growing with starts and stops all year. This stock may require a bit of patience and you may not want to sell just because it drops below the slow EMA.[/s2If]

Capital One Financial Corp.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Capital One Financial Corp. [stckqut]COF[/stckqut] has been growing with starts and stops all year. This stock may require a bit of patience and you may not want to sell just because it drops below the slow EMA.[/s2If]

Cirrus Logic, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Cirrus Logic, Inc. [stckqut]CRUS[/stckqut] has a negative MACD as it has been going sideways for a few weeks. Worth watching for when MACD goes positive.[/s2If]

Equinix Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Equinix Inc [stckqut]EQIX[/stckqut] has been showing nice short-term growth over the last several weeks. Be cautious when the stock approaches ceiling of $203.[/s2If]

Extra Space Storage, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Extra Space Storage, Inc. [stckqut]EXR[/stckqut] recently set its 52-week high. Be cautious of a pullback especially if the overall market slows down.[/s2If]

First Financial Bancorp
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]First Financial Bancorp [stckqut]FFBC[/stckqut] is trying to reverse a multi-week slide. If it works, look for resistance at $18.40.[/s2If]

Google Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Google Inc [stckqut]GOOG[/stckqut] looks like it has recovered from a pull back at its recent high this spring. Be cautious as it passes $600 as profit takers could drive it back down.[/s2If]

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Helmerich & Payne, Inc. [stckqut]HP[/stckqut] has pulled back from its 52-week high a few weeks ago. Currently is moving sideways. I foresee it eventually setting a new high unless the overall market reverses.[/s2If]

JPMorgan Chase & Co.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]JPMorgan Chase & Co. [stckqut]JPM[/stckqut] is trying to reverse a recent multi-week slide. Be cautious that this is a true recovery.[/s2If]

KLA-Tencor Corporation
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]KLA-Tencor Corporation [stckqut]KLAC[/stckqut] is trying to reverse a recent multi-week slide after setting a new high. Be cautious if this stock gets above $68 and definitely $71.[/s2If]

Monster Beverage Corp
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Monster Beverage Corp [stckqut]MNST[/stckqut] is moving sideways and is currently showing a negative MACD. Be ready to move if the MACD goes positive.[/s2If]

Merck & Co., Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Merck & Co., Inc. [stckqut]MRK[/stckqut] is reversing a short slide after setting a 52 week high. Look for a new high to be formed.[/s2If]

Nordson Corporation
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Nordson Corporation [stckqut]NDSN[/stckqut] went sideways all week after a big jump based on earnings announcement. Market may try to fill that gap so there is some gravity to pull this stock back. Further good news will prompt more growth.[/s2If]

Netflix, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Netflix, Inc. [stckqut]NFLX[/stckqut] is showing continued growth after a recent reversal. Be cautious as the stock approaches $450[/s2If]

Annaly Capital Management, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Annaly Capital Management, Inc. [stckqut]NLY[/stckqut] is showing continued growth over the past few months. Resistance is possible at $12-$12.50.[/s2If]

Priceline Group Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Priceline Group Inc [stckqut]PCLN[/stckqut] reversed its multi-week slide after creating a 52-week high. I foresee a new high being set soon.[/s2If]

QUALCOMM, Inc.
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]QUALCOMM, Inc. [stckqut]QCOM[/stckqut] has been growing steadily all year long. This may be a case where it just makes sense to hold on and not worry about short-term set backs.[/s2If]

Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc [stckqut]QCOR[/stckqut] is showing a negaitve MACD but if you haven’t sold, you may want to hold it. Stock has been a steady growth for a couple months and has recently set a 52-week high.[/s2If]

Skyworks Solutions Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Skyworks Solutions Inc [stckqut]SWKS[/stckqut] has been showing steady growth all year. It would take several days (if not a week) of negative growth for me to recommend selling now.[/s2If]

Trinity Industries Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Trinity Industries Inc [stckqut]TRN[/stckqut] has been showing steady growth all year. It would take several days (if not a week) of negative growth for me to recommend selling now.[/s2If]

Under Armour Inc
[s2If !current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]This investment indicator analysis is for registered owners of my “The Confident Investor” book[/s2If][s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]Under Armour Inc [stckqut]UA[/stckqut] may be reversing a several week slide. Be cautious but this may be a time to see a rebound. Look for resistance at $54 and $59.[/s2If]

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Company name First Financial Bancorp
Stock ticker FFBC
Live stock price [stckqut]FFBC[/stckqut]
P/E compared to competitors Good

MANAGEMENT EXECUTION

Employee productivity Fair
Sales growth Poor
EPS growth Good
P/E growth Good
EBIT growth Good

ANALYSIS

Confident Investor Rating Good
Target stock price (TWCA growth scenario) $24.5
Target stock price (averages with growth) $25.79
Target stock price (averages with no growth) $19.09
Target stock price (manual assumptions) $15.48

The following company description is from Google Finance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=ffbc

First Financial Bancorp. (First Financial) is a bank holding company. First Financial is engaged in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association (the Bank). The Bank provides banking and financial services products through its three lines of business: commercial, retail and wealth management. The commercial and retail units provide banking services to individuals and businesses, which includes commercial lending, real estate lending and consumer financing. As of September 30, 2012, the Bank had $3.9 billion in loans and $4.9 billion in deposits. On December 10, 2012, the Bank opened a new banking center at Hessville. On December 17, 2012, the Bank opened a new banking center at Anderson. As of December 31, 2012, the Banks operated 122 banking centers.

Confident Investor comments: At this price and at this time, I think that a Confident Investor can confidently invest in First Financial Bancorp.

If you would like to understand how to evaluate companies like I do on this site, please read my book, The Confident Investor. You can review the best companies that I have found (and I probably invest my own money in most of these companies) in my Watch List.

How was this analysis of First Financial Bancorp calculated?

For owners of my book, “The Confident Investor” I offer the following analysis (you must be logged in to this site as a book owner in order to see the following analysis). If you have registered and cannot see the balance of this article, make sure you are logged in and refresh your browser.
[s2If current_user_can(s2member_level1)]
In order to assist you in using the techniques of this book, the values that I used when calculating the Manual pricing above were:

Stock price at the time of the calculation: $15.78

Growth: 0.1

Current EPS (TTM): $0.86

P/E: 18

Future EPS Calc: $1.38

Future Stock Price Calc: $24.93

Target stock price: $15.48

I hope that this makes you a better investor. [/s2If]

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Company name First Financial Bancorp
Stock ticker FFBC
Live stock price [stckqut]FFBC[/stckqut]
P/E compared to competitors Good

MANAGEMENT EXECUTION

Employee productivity Fair
Sales growth Poor
EPS growth Good
P/E growth Good
EBIT growth Good

ANALYSIS

Confident Investor Rating Good
Target stock price (TWCA growth scenario) $24.37
Target stock price (averages with growth) $22.51
Target stock price (averages with no growth) $16.28
Target stock price (manual assumptions) $15.97

The following company description is from Google Finance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=ffbc

First Financial Bancorp. (First Financial) is a bank holding company. First Financial is engaged in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association (the Bank). The Bank provides banking and financial services products through its three lines of business: commercial, retail and wealth management. The commercial and retail units provide banking services to individuals and businesses, which includes commercial lending, real estate lending and consumer financing. As of September 30, 2012, the Bank had $3.9 billion in loans and $4.9 billion in deposits. On December 10, 2012, the Bank opened a new banking center at Hessville. On December 17, 2012, the Bank opened a new banking center at Anderson. As of December 31, 2012, the Banks operated 122 banking centers.

 

Confident Investor comments: At this time, I think that a Confident Investor can cautiously invest in this stock as long as the price is correct. Most of the fundamentals of this company are good, in fact the company ranks as a Good company, but there are some concerns with the price of the stock. I am most concern with the lack of growth in revenue.

If you would like to understand how to evaluate companies like I do on this site, please read my book, The Confident Investor.

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Company name First Financial Bancorp
Stock ticker FFBC
Live stock price [stckqut]FFBC[/stckqut]
P/E compared to competitors Fair

MANAGEMENT EXECUTION

Employee productivity Poor
Sales growth Good
EPS growth Good
P/E growth Good
EBIT growth Good

ANALYSIS

Confident Investor Rating Good
Target stock price (TWCA growth scenario) $25.25
Target stock price (averages with growth) $25.78
Target stock price (averages with no growth) $18.35
Target stock price (manual assumptions) $17.77

The following company description is from Google Finance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=ffbc

First Financial Bancorp (First Financial) is a bank holding company. First Financial is engaged in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association (Bank). The range of banking services provided by First Financial to individuals and businesses includes commercial lending, real estate lending, and consumer financing. Effective September 1, 2011, First Financial’s wholly owned subsidiary, First Financial Capital Advisors LLC (FFCA) was dissolved. Its another subsidiary, First Financial (OH) Statutory Trust II (Statutory Trust II), was also dissolved during the year ended December 31,2011. On September 23, 2011, the Bank completed the purchase of 16 Ohio banking centers from Liberty Savings Bank. On December 2, 2011, First Financial Bank completed the purchase of 22 Indiana-based retail banking branches from Flagstar Bank.

 

Confident Investor comments: At this price and at this time, I think that a Confident Investor can confidently invest in this stock.

 

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Company name First Financial Bancorp
Stock ticker FFBC
Live stock price [stckqut]FFBC[/stckqut]
P/E compared to competitors Fair
MANAGEMENT EXECUTION
Employee productivity Fair
Sales growth Good
EPS growth Good
P/E growth Good
EBIT growth Good
ANALYSIS
Confident Investor Rating Good
Target stock price (TWCA growth scenario) $22.53
Target stock price (averages with growth) $23.81
Target stock price (averages with no growth) $17.71
Target stock price (manual assumptions) $18.71

The following company description is from Google Finance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=ffbc

First Financial Bancorp (First Financial) is a bank holding company. First Financial engages in the business of commercial banking and other banking and banking-related activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Financial Bank, National Association (Bank). The range of banking services provided by First Financial to individuals and businesses includes commercial lending, real estate lending, and consumer financing. Real estate loans are loans secured by a mortgage lien on the real property of the borrower, which may either be residential property (one to four family residential housing units) or commercial property (owner-occupied and/or investor income producing real estate, such as apartments, shopping centers, office buildings). In addition, First Financial offers deposit products that include interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing accounts, time deposits, and cash management services for commercial customers.

Confident Investor comments: At this price and at this time, I think that a Confident Investor can confidently invest in this stock.