Unlike bonds, stocks do not promise any fixed stream of cash flows to the stockholder. Stocks are thus much more difficult to value because even if a company pays dividends, it is very difficult to estimate future dividend amounts with any degree of certainty.

In what situations would the information obtained from the industry peers of the company be appropriate to use in valuing a company? When would such (industry) information be inappropriate? Please find two real-world companies to illustrate the two situations (i.e. one company for each situation: appropriate vs inappropriate). For each company discuss thoroughly why using industry information would be either appropriate, or inappropriate. Please provide links.

In the case where using industry information would be inappropriate for a company, what other information sources/methods can be considered?