This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolios Series.

Most investors don't keep tabs on their companies' fundamental value. That's a mistake. If you take the time to read past the headlines and crack a filing now and then, you're in a much better position to spot potential trouble early. Better yet, you'll improve your odds of finding the underappreciated home run stocks that provide the market's best returns.

We can help you keep tabs on your companies with My Watchlist, our free, personalized stock tracking service. Here are two stocks from my watchlist.

WD-40 (Nasdaq: WDFC)
WD-40 is one of the few basically one-product stocks. The ubiquitous WD-40 product isn't really better than any other lubricant, but tell that to the millions of consumers who pay up to buy WD-40 versus some no-name lubricant. That strong brand has led to strong financial performance with returns on equity consistently in the high teens. To top it off, WD-40 also pays a small dividend of 2.7%. This is definitely one to watch.

Add WD-40 to My Watchlist.

John Bean Technologies (NYSE: JBT)
John Bean Technologies was spun off in 2008 from FMC (NYSE: FMC). It operates in two segments. The FoodTech segment manufactures food processing machinery and services its large installed base. The AeroTech segment manufactures equipment for airports, airlines, and freight companies. While you probably don't realize it, you encounter JBT products all the time.

FoodTech's machinery:

  • Sterilizes more than 50% of the world's canned foods.
  • Freezes more than 50% of the world's frozen foods.
  • Squeezes more than 75% of the world's citrus juices.

AeroTech's machinery:

  • Loads 70% of the world's overnight packages
  • Boards 75% of U.S. passengers.

I like it because it's No. 1 or No. 2 in all its major product categories, has a huge installed base providing recurring revenue, and has 42% of its revenue generated outside the U.S.

Add John Bean Technologies to My Watchlist.

My Foolish bottom line
If you're looking for more information these company, keep checking in on my Rising Star portfolio in the coming weeks as I look further into its audio and energy product lines.

This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolios series, where we give some of our most promising stock analysts cold, hard cash to manage on the Fool's behalf. We'd like you to track our performance and benefit from these real-money, real-time free stock picks. Click here to see all of our Rising Star analysts (and their portfolios).