IBM was mentioned in the chapter as having an uneven performance. Let's check this out. Go to its Web site,ibm, and follow the steps below.

Select "About IBM" on the bottom of the page.

Select "Investors" (US) on the next page on the right side. Select "Financial Snapshot" on the next page.

1. Click on "Stock Chart." How has IBM's stock been doing currently?

2. Click on "Financial Snapshot." Assuming IBM's historical price-earnings ratio is 18, how does it currently stand?

3. Assuming its annual dividend yield is 2.5 percent, how does it currently stand?

4. Assuming IBM's historical "LT" (Long-term debt/Equity) is 100 percent, how does it currently stand? Generally speaking, is that good or bad?

5. Assuming its historical return on assets is 10 percent, how does it currently stand? Generally speaking, is that good or bad?