On the stock market since 1994, it operates in the world of money and finance. It has 60,000 employees. Now — the numbers.
This is an established company with proven profits.
No real growth (-3% a year).
The stock trades near its peak today. For long-term holders the ride has paid off so far — though past performance guarantees nothing about the future.
The net profit margin is 27% — still a thick cushion, though costs have been eating into it lately.
It pays out $1.47 per share each year — regular cash for whoever holds the stock.
Over the last 3 years, sales fell about 12% a year on average. Profit is holding up, but a shrinking business is a risk worth watching.
The stock trades 30% above the average analyst price target.
On our five-subject report card, ING sits in the middle of the class: some subjects shine, others don’t. The grade moves as the numbers move.
The takeaway: ING is an established business that has proven its profits for years. The real debate isn’t the quality of the business — it’s whether the price paid for the stock is too high.