In dedication to my recent posts on value investing vs. trading strategies, I decided to focus this week’s screen to the market’s favorite word: growth. Specifically, the criteria used was positive revenue growth for the next fiscal year. Of course, this does not translate to earnings growth but management teams should have figured out there’s (...)[More...]

Several notable companies raised their dividends last week. Dividend raises are not only getting more frequent, but they also seem to be spreading globally as well. A dividend raise in this tough environment indicates confidence in the business and the ability to generate free chas flow. A strong cash flow also ...

Several notable companies raised their dividends last week. Dividend raises are not only getting more frequent, but they also seem to be spreading globally as well. A dividend raise in this tough environment indicates confidence in the business and the ability to generate free chas flow. A strong cash flow also enables companies to fund future growth internally, rather than relying exclusively on the capital markets for growth. The companies which[More...]

People want to feel secure. National security and the military provide assurance that a country’s citizens will be protected, thus allowing them to focus their attention on other interests and endeavors.[More...]

AAON, Inc. (AAON) reported excellent Q1-09 results, especially in light of the current tumultuous economic environment and the poor performance of some of its competitors (e.g., UTX's (UTX) Carrier operations). Sales were down by 2.3% to $64.0 million (we had been looking for $60.5 million), while EPS rose by 11.4% to 39? (our estimate was 34?) on 11.4% fewer shares. In spite of the Sales reduction, Gross Income was up by 8.2% to $16.9 million -- and the Gross Margin expanded from 23.9% to 26.5%- - as the Company benefited from stability in its workforce (i.e., less turnover) as well as declining raw material costs. S,G&A Expense did rise by 10.7% to $6.6[More...]