Research In Motion: Only Bottom Feeders Need Apply

The P/E ratio of 2.94 compares to the 15 P/E ratio of the market. To make matters worse, the release of its new BlackBerry 10 has been postponed again this time into next year. The only bright spot is the balance sheet has lots of cash with no debt and rates a B++ financial strength and about $18.50 book value per share.

Investor Interest:

It's hard to believe that 30 analysts still recommend a buy or hold. The individual investor is also interested in this stock and 5,804 readers of Motley Fool who voted gave a 76% confidence vote for the stock to beat the market. I agree with TheStreet rating of D+ and the short sellers who began the year shorting 48 million shares and now short 87 million shares.

Peers:

When I look at the analysts projections I question why you would choose RIMM over its peers.

American Towers: TheStreet rating B. Revenue projected to grow 16.2% this year and another 10.2% next year. Earnings expected to increase 54.1% this year, 33.80% next year and average an increase of 18.57% annually for five years.

Crown Castle International: TheStreet rating of B. Revenue expected to be up 14.9% this year and 7.4% next year. Earnings to grow 64.2% this year, 36.8% next year and annually average 23.87% growth over the next five years.

SBA Communications: TheStreet rating of C. Revenue estimated to be up 28.5% this year and 14.00% next year. Earnings expected to be up 11.5% this year, 80% next year and average an increase of 17% for five years out.

Conclusion: Only bottom feeders need to look at Research In Motion and then as a speculation, not as an investment. With a P/E ratio of 2.94 and a book value around $8.50 the stock is a depressed bargain.

I would jump in if the revenue and earnings growth projections were positive, but they aren't. For you speculators looking for price action, it will only be caused by the short interest trying to cover their short positions by buying in. Closely monitor the moving averages and turtle channels to see when or if that will ever happen:

This article was written by an independent contributor, separate from TheStreet's regular news coverage.

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