I’ve been looking around at some stock ideas for the Prosocial Portfolio I manage for Fool.com. I have a watchlist of possibilities. I was hoping to find some sleepers that seem to be trading at relative bargains, and I’m running into disappointment. And you know what? I’m getting even better proof to support my sense of just how bubbly so many stocks have become.
Some of these skyrocketing stocks are even already in the portfolio. Given my long-term view, I won’t sell on panic about the idea that they may be considered “overvalued” — unless I get the sense that the business thesis has materially changed for the worse. Obviously, given the portfolio’s parameters, these are stocks I purchased because of their companies’ sense of ethics, innovation, great management, and good business, which make them worth the ultimate ups and downs of short term “bear markets” and “bull markets.”
We may go on a roller coaster when the market (finally) corrects, and that day will come. Those of us who are long-term investors will have to ride it out as long as we have great companies in our portfolios.
No bargain on this bunny right now
The Prosocial Portfolio includes stocks that take socially responsible (or just plain responsible business) factors into account. These are intended to be long-term holdings, exhibiting great growth potential for the future due to positive attributes and innovative visions.
In looking for some possible additions from my watchlist, so many stand out as stocks that I’d rather buy on temporary weakness rather than purchasing now. This reflects the market’s “irrational exuberance,” the Alan Greenspan phrase alluding to the possibility of dot-com craziness back in the day.
However, Annies Inc (NYSE:BNNY) has a lot to prove going forward. The consumer goods company is best known for its organic macaroni and cheese. It’s expanding into various other areas — it absolutely has to. Mac and cheese is delicious, but the market is limited. Annie’s must convince consumers to embrace many new branded products such as pizzas, salad dressings, and frozen meals.
Annies Inc (NYSE:BNNY) most recent quarterly results disappointed investors. Quarterly net income was just about flat, although sales increased 13.8%. Snack foods took the lead in increasing sales; although meals, dressings, and condiments still showed growth, both declined as a percentage of sales.
On a brighter note, Annies Inc (NYSE:BNNY) management reported an enthusiastic response to its microwavable macaroni-and-cheese cups from retailers, and it’s debuting family-size frozen meals. Still, there’s uncertainty as to how much traction Annie’s can make in other areas.
Facing the growing gluten challenge
One of the stocks that I have bought twice for the Prosocial Portfolio, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN), offers brands that are already well-known on grocers’ shelves. These include Celestial Seasonings, Arrowhead Mills, Rice Dream and Soy Dream, Garden of Eatin’, Terra Chips, Ethnic Gourmet, and many more.
The Hain Celestial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAIN)’s stock price has also been on a major upward trajectory this year, but its valuation is lower than Annies Inc (NYSE:BNNY). Its forward P/E is 23, and its PEG ratio is a slightly lower 1.77. When I bought more shares on temporary weakness in December 2012, the stock was trading at 19 times forward earnings and a PEG ratio of 1.36.
Boulder Brands Inc (NASDAQ:BDBD) is an interesting stock idea recently mentioned by a longtime Foolish community member on the Prosocial Portfolio discussion board. The company’s focus on products for folks with dietary restrictions, such as plant-based Smart Balance and gluten-free options like Glutino and Gluten-Free Pantry, certainly lend it the possibility of major growth.
More and more Americans are finding themselves eating gluten-free diets out of necessity, and Earth Balance is for those who choose plant-based diets. (Meanwhile, Smart Balance is also useful for those who are trying to control cholesterol levels.)
Earlier this year, Food Business News reported that the market for gluten-free products will reach $6.2 billion by 2018, catapulted by increased celiac disease and allergies, as well as the general desire to eat healthily. Earlier this year, NPD reported that 30% of adults are decreasing their gluten intake or giving it up entirely.
