Priceline Group Offers Deep Value For Many Years To Come

When skimming for value stocks, Priceline Group Inc (NASDAQ:PCLN) undoubtedly catches the eye. Stock analysts have coveted this stock for several years and now they are predicting that the online travel stock will post an earnings per share of $57.73. Priceline's brands are Booking.com, agoda.com, KAYAK, OpenTable and rentalcars.com. OpenTable is a recent acquisition by the Priceline Group for $2.6 billion. The company's CEO Darren Huston commented that this purchase would enhance the booking experience for Priceline's global customers.

With a PEG ratio of 1.08, Priceline is undervalued relative to its high-growth potential. While the best value stocks generally have PEG values below 1.0, we can make an exception for Priceline given its massive size and immense reach. Furthermore, the PEG ratio is lower for Priceline in comparison to Expedia Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) and Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE:OWW). Additionally, TripAdvisor, Inc (NASDAQ: TRIP) has a reported PEG value of 2.53. So you can definitely see that you can't go wrong with PCLN as you are paying much less for future earnings growth.

The P/E ratio tells a similar story as far as the attractiveness of Priceline is concerned. The 2015 estimate is 20.13 and it is the lowest value when comparing with industry peers. Going forward, Priceline.com continues to be expected to trade an attractive P/E a lot lower than its competitors. Expedia trades at a much higher P/E at 33.47 and will continue to be quite expensive in the estimates for the next two years. Value investors tend to pick the stocks with the lower P/Es in a particular industry. So this metric also makes PCLN look good.

While Wall Street remains fairly cautious on PCLN, it may be time to buy some shares. Most of the analysts' concern centers on increased competition in form of the Expedia Inc. - its chief rival. However, given the stock's attractive valuation multiples and robust fundamental performance, I am inclined to believe that Priceline shares are only going to keep surging higher over the long term. 

Million-Dollar Homes Around The World

A home valued at a million dollars sounds like a major luxury. The thing to keep in mind is that $1 million buys different properties in cities around the world. In New York City, for instance, where the median home sale price is $1.2 million, a million bucks can purchase a nice one-bedroom apartment. On the other hand, in Buenos Aires, a four-bedroom pad in a fancy neighborhood can be purchased.

Cape Town

This 10,000-square-foot, five-bedroom mountainside home sells for $981,000. It features a bar and private theater.









Dubai

You need $1.09 million to buy a two-bedroom apartment in the City of Gold. This home is 1,900 square feet and has an ocean view.









Sydney

With $1 million, you can afford a 990-square-foot apartment. This particular apartment is in close proximity to the Royal Botanic Gardens. Some of the features include high ceilings, a grand entrance foyer and a communal roof terrace with harbor views.






Tokyo

Who Is The Best Civil Engineer In The World

There are several talented people in the civil engineering community. Roma Agrawal comes to mind if you want to know about who is at the apex of their career right now. She was best known for being the structural engineer on the Shard, the tallest building in the European Union. People are often surprised when they learn about what Agrawal does for a living. "You're too pretty to be an engineer," is a common response.

Agrawal is reportedly not good with heights, but has been very instrumental in erecting one of the hottest buildings that the city of London has ever seen. Agrawal has become a sort of spokesperson for engineering as she enjoys speaking about the subject to people. She has made full use of her creativity and problem solving skills to get her project done. Being a team player has also been important according to her.

The construction industry is booming. Energy will be an issue in the world and scientists and engineers will be needed to cut down on the amount of power needed and energy output in the buildings.

Agrawal has a very strong academic background having grown up in Ithaca, New York prior to moving to Mumbai. In India, girls tend to study science more often than not. Her father was an electrical engineer who worked in the family business. Her mother was a computer programmer and this shows in her upbringing.

Agrawal feels that the growing vertically will help improve the housing situation in London. A lot of people want to live and work here and so it would be nice if the commute times didn't come up to about 2 hours.

'Engineering needs more women'

Only 10 percent of the engineers in Britain are female. Consequently, Agrawal has starred in a 'Leading Ladies' campaign to bring some attention to the profession. The profession could do with some diversity and a little bit of different perspective. There is a stereotype that exists that leads people to believe that women are unable to grasp the technical side of engineering.

Engineering is a rewarding career

A degree in engineering leads to any type of career whether it be in banking or tourism. Roma Agrawal's success can be replicated. She has risen to the top after completing a physics degree at Oxford University and then finishing her post graduate at Imperial College London in Structural Engineering. 

Panera’s New Growth Avenues Poised To Become More Meaning Cash Flow Contributors

Technomic recently released its annual 2017 Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report, which examines the top players in the chain restaurant industry and ranks those restaurants by sales. Unsurprisingly, the results of the annual ranking show that fast casual continues to be a powerhouse — the segment grew sales 8% in 2016. Leading the pack was Panera Bread, which inched out Sonic Drive-In for the number 11 spot.

One of the biggest reasons to consider Panera is its low debt/equity ratio, which is around the same range as Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD). With the general economic climate over the past couple of years, this value for the debt/equity ratio makes Panera particularly attractive.

Success of Panera 2.0

With Panera 2.0, there has been a focus on changes in consumer behavior around order, payment, production and consumption to help “bend the arc” on traffic trends. So it must be said that the ultimate goal of improving guest experience in order to build Panera’s competitive position has been achieved. Panera has become a better competitive alternative and expanded growth opportunities. Costs have become more manageable as sales have ramped up, with both labor and other controllable expenses falling as a percent of sales. Panera 2.0 customer experience investments have reinforced the brand intangible asset underpinning my positive moat trend.

There was a lot of transparency with the 2.0 market rollout allowing investors to read the results and make their own determination as to success of the initiative.

Downside Factor: P/E ratio is rather high

When it comes to fundamental ratios, the P/E is very valuable. As an investor, the best strategy is to pick the stock with the lower P/E. Right now, the P/E for Panera stands at 47.57 which is on the high side. Generally, this is acceptable in the fast casual and sports bar industry. But it makes for a tough scenario for investors when deciding whether to buy the stock or not. Additionally, there is the P/B ratio which is not acceptable at a value of 25.11.

At the same time, the big thing to love about BWLD is the return on assets currently and over the past five years. It suggests that its relatively high operating returns are sustainable.

Strong Balance Sheet Is The Plus Factor

The one noteworthy thing about Panera is that there is less debt in the balance sheet. This is a particular favorable time to be investing in companies with lower debt levels as money is hard to come by this year. The company can look to formulate a solid growth strategy that doesn't reek of desperation when it has less debt to deal with. At a time when most people and companies are drowning in debt, the best strategy is to move away from excessive debt levels and leverage. Panera gives an investor this opportunity. As mentioned earlier in this piece, the low debt/equity ratio is indicative of a strong balance sheet.

Global Economic Spectrum: People Always Have Money For Food

There are two main issues that are impacting the world right now. One is the issue with total global debt which continues to grow at a rather swift pace. The other predicament has been the rise in oil prices. The problem with high debt levels is that given an economic slowdown, a jump in interest rates or some other financial shock, business and household borrowers won’t be able to service their debts. As a consequence, consumption dips. High oil prices also have this effect on consumption. But there is always one thing that can sell like hotcakes and that is fast food.

Valuation

I believe Panera can ultimately deliver long-term EPS growth in the mid teens, likely at the lower end of their prior long-term guidance for 15-20%. With that said, the timeframe over which this will once again be achieved on a consistent basis is uncertain (acknowledged by management). And such is only accentuated as investors contemplate Panera’s move from growth to maturity, coupled with plans to begin refranchising efforts, pushing franchises north of the prior 50/50 split. While there is a lack of near-term EPS growth visibility, I believe the shares will once again sustain a multiple near the upper end of the recent ranges, in anticipation of improved fundamental performance, with an expected return to double-digit EPS growth in 2018, and accelerating further in 2019.

Risks

Competition, specifically related to price, service, locations and food quality, is the most significant risk faced by companies in the restaurant industry. If there was a significant change in the competitive landscape from current levels, the valuation would have to be reconsidered. Other risks that would require me to review this investment thesis include food safety, including the effects of food borne illness, changes in governmental regulations surrounding the restaurant industry and fluctuations in interest rates and commodity prices. 

The Top Ten Travel Agencies

Zicasso

Zicasso was started by the happy couple Brian Tan and Yuchun Ku after they faced several issues when organizing their travel plans. Brian is seen as a leader and visionary in the travel industry with top travel publications quoting him.
Do not let education get in the way of your travel business ventures. The travel world is always looking for new input from fellow travelers and innovative entrepreneurs. For the smart couple, it was an interesting journey. Brian has a BS in Electrical Engineering from Brown University and an MS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT.
Yuchun started off with an MS in Engineering from the National Taiwan University and followed it up with a Master of Architecture from UC Berkeley and an MBA from the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Orbitz Worldwide, Inc. 

Orbitz is a subsidiary of Expedia and is used to research, plan and book travel. There are flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages and other travel deals on offer on the Orbitz website. You can sign up for an account online and get into the rewards program.

Thomas Cook

Being one of the oldest travel agents, it is renowned for being the go-to source for travelers looking for guidance and expertise.

Abercrombie and Kent

With almost 50,000 likes, Abercrombie and Kent USA leads the way in social media fan following. There are stories of expedition cruises and private jet news that make this leader in luxury travel all the more fun to take a look at.
Tour operators are trained in the language that visitors are comfortable speaking. For instance, a German family visiting Bali would be introduced to a German-speaking guide who has achieved fluency in the language over a period of five years.

Ampersand Travel

This is a new kid on the block that you should check out for going the extra distance when it comes to tailor-made and cultural tours and vacations. The travel agents make the trips to the destinations they sell giving a personalized touch that is difficult to match.
Be sure to sign up for the Ampersand Travel newsletter and look closely at all the Asian holiday spots that they cover.

Cox and Kings

If you want to know about the top regional travel brand, it is this one. If you are looking at travel insurance, then it is best to book with Cox and Kings.

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Apple- the world's most valuable company

I want to wish all you out there a Happy New Year. I hope 2013 brings you peace and prosperity. There is a reason why I based my first post on Apple. I know it really belongs on my other blog, but it brought me such good gains in 2012 when I started investing in it in January 2012 that I have made it my good luck charm going into the New Year. Yeah! I am a little superstitious.

Working on my brand new iPad 4!

As you can see, I love Apple products and Apple stock of course, but the two shouldn't necessarily go together. Always have a stock trader hat and a lover of products hat when looking at something as hyped up by Wall Street as Apple.

I am not going to jump into some hardcore fundamental analysis here, but simply lay the foundation for a more detailed stock analysis of the world's most valuable company. 

On Apple versus Google

There is a war going on in Silicon Valley and this was excellently characterized in Steve Jobs speech where he was mad at Google. But I am sorry to say that I find Google to be a more valuable company for investors. 

Apple's problems lies in its short product life cycle and escalating R&D costs. Whereas, Google has the edge in the mobile industry with it being the market share leader, although Apple is the profit leader (that's what counts for stock investors, anyway). Nonetheless, Google is the cornerstone of the Internet that is going to translate to a lot more dollars for the Search giant.

I have big plans for 2013 after 2012 was my best year yet! There's going to be a lot of changes around here and I've been working on how to make my blog truly world class. For a moment, I suppose you thought I was going to do a Thelma & Louise. Nah! Good things take time.