We're head-over-heels about stocks. Unfortunately, love is blind at times, and falling for the wrong investment can break your heart, along with your bank, in a hurry. That's why our free dating, err, stock-picking service, Motley Fool CAPS, is devoted to identifying businesses that are truly worth longing for.
Don Juan of the Dow
Last year, our 145,000-plus-member community declared its love for thousands of stocks, but one company had more hearts fluttering than all the rest. With a whopping ratio of 424.5 bulls for every bear, oil and gas behemoth ExxonMobil
Of course, CAPS members helped share the love with positive comments throughout the year. In May, for instance, LongTermBull made a convincing case that Exxon traded "at a significant discount to its true worth," earning him the most recommended pitch on the stock last year.
So what are the other most-loved stocks of 2009?
Company |
Bull/Bear Ratio |
Bull % Increase |
Bear % Increase |
---|---|---|---|
McDonald's |
415 |
24.2% |
0.8% |
Noble |
275 |
15.9% |
4.2% |
Jinpan International |
245 |
34.3% |
5.3% |
Hasbro |
228 |
138.0% |
6.8% |
TBS International |
227 |
23.5% |
2.2% |
Immucor |
211 |
59.3% |
5.3% |
Canadian National Railway |
206 |
17.4% |
4.2% |
Pharmaceutical Product Development |
201 |
145.1% |
66.7% |
HQ Sustainable Maritime Industries |
200 |
666.7% |
20.0% |
Required minimum of 100 picks by the end of the year.
Clearly, the top objects of affection in CAPS aren't exactly the most exciting ones. In fact, some downright boring businesses make up the top 10, which include a driller, a shipper, a railway operator, and, yes, even a tilapia producer! Big market-shaking tech names are noticeably absent from the list, but there's probably good reason for that: Sharp Fools understand that simple stories offer the best risk-adjusted returns.
Feel the love, firsthand
In 2009, our community proved, once again, that its biggest goal is to hook investors up with stocks that treat shareholders right -- not necessarily the sexiest or most popular ones. Just like momma always wanted.
So if you're in search of that special stock, log in to CAPS today. 2010 might just be the year you find true investment love.