Single letter stock values: Part 1 -- A. C. F, K & M

"One group of stocks that has always intrigued us are those whose symbols have one letter," notes George Putnam. who offers a fascinating review of 9 such single letter stocks. 

In his The Turnaround Letter he says, "These stocks have been beaten down pretty badly and now look particularly appealing." Here's a look at 5; the rest are featured in our following post.

"Agilent Technologies (NYSE: A), which makes electronic and bio-analytic measuring devices, was spun out of Hewlett-Packard in 1999. Revenues surged in 2000 as did the stock price, reaching a lofty 162. 

"But the company subsequently suffered along with its customers in the communications and technology sectors.  However, the financials are sound,  including strong cash flow that is supporting a $2 billion share buyback, and management has been restructuring and realigning operations for long-term growth.