When considering the purchase of a stock, investors should find answers to five key questions.

1. Fundamentals: What is the company's business, is it financially sound -- and is it growing?

2. Price History: How much have other investors been willing to pay for the stock in the past?

3. Price Target: How much are investors likely to pay for the stock in the future?

4. Catalysts: What catalysts will change investors' perceptions of the stock in the future?

5. Comparison: How does the stock compare to others in its industry?