Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, lead-acid battery producer Exide Technologies (Nasdaq: XIDE) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Exide's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Exide facts

Headquarters (founded) Milton, Ga. (1888)
Market Cap $220 million
Industry Auto parts and equipment
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $3.1 billion
Management

CEO James Bolch (since 2010)

CFO Phillip Damaska (since 2008)

Return on Equity (average, past 3 years) 1.7%
Cash/Debt $105.1 million / $776.9 million
Competitors

C&D Technologies

EnerSys

Johnson Controls

Source: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 97% of the 440 members who have rated Exide believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.  

Just a couple of days ago, one of those bulls, nccurrie, tried to help ease some concerns surrounding the stock:

Although [Exide] has significant debt, they also appear to have sufficient operating capital and credit to keep afloat until their sales recover from the drops due to the [unseasonably] mild winter. Plus, they have significant non-USA operations, which should give a measure of protection against the downside effects of the struggling USA economy.  

If you want market-beating returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Owning exceptional stocks is a surefire way to secure your financial future. Of course, despite its four-star rating, Exide may not be your top choice.

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