Italian Stocks: Eight Ways to Add Some Diverse Exports to Your Portfolio

Here are some stocks from the 'boot-shaped' country of Italy that are interesting, and might actually add a kick to your investments.

Here are some facts about Italy that are important for potential investors:

It has the seventh highest GDP in the world.

It has the 17th highest Human Development Index rating in the world.

It is a founding member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Western European Union, and the Central European Initiative.

It has the fourth largest economy in Europe.

It is the sixth largest exporter of manufactured goods in the world.

It is the fifth major tourist destination in the world.

It exports includes cars, chemicals, aerospace, firearms, food, fashion clothing, and yachts.

There are 27 major ports located throughout the country.

Benetton Group SpA (BNG), makes and sells fashion clothing for men, women, and children. Some of the brands include Playlife, Killer Loop , United Colors of Benetton, Undercolors, and Sisley. It has a P/E of 18.4, a P/S of 1.21, and its yield is 2.1%.

Enel SpA (EN), generates and distributes electricity, and natural gas throughout Italy. The stock has a P/E of 15.8 and a P/S of 1.3. It pays a generous yield of 5.3%. It has paid dividends at least once a year for seven years.

Eni SpA (E), is lucky enough to hold one of the one-letter stock ticker symbols. The company is involved in the oil and gas business, electrical generation, petrochemicals, and oilfield services. The stock has a very low P/E of 4.5, a low P/S of 0.47, and a PEG of a 3.4.

Fiat SPA ADS (FIA), the famous Italian automobile manufacturer, trades on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock pays a small yield of 0.5%, which is based on its latest dividend. It has paid dividends sporadically for over 15 years.

Gentium S.p.A (GENT) is a biotech company that is involved in the research, and manufacturing of treatments for vascular diseases, and cancer. It has a P/S of 38, and its earnings have been negative.

Luxottica Group SpA (LUX) makes, and sells high quality eyeglass frames and sunglasses, including such brands as Ray-Ban, Vogue, Luxottica, Chanel, Prada, Versace, Bulgari, DKNY, Brooks Brothers, and Anne Klein. The stock has a P/E of 29, and a P/S of 2.74. It even generates a yield of 1.8%.

Natuzzi SpA (NTZ), makes and sells fabric, and leather furniture which is sold in Europe, and the United States. The stock has an extremely high P/E of 398, but has a very low P/S of 0.46.

Telecom Italia (TI), is a NYSE-traded company that provides telecommunication services in Italy. Its P/E is 25, and based on its latest annual dividend, its yield is approximately 5%. It has paid dividends for the last four years.

Disclosure: The author does not own any of the above.