Aggressive

The slowdown in the automotive industry has hurt the earnings of these four companies, which serve a number of auto-dependent customers. The potential bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler is also a risk factor.

However, all four are leaders in their niche markets, which gives them special appeal. Their strong balance sheets will also help them weather the recession. We see …read more »

The recession has hurt banks’ ability to invest in new automated teller machines (ATMs). However, ATMs will continue to play a major role in many banks’ operations, particularly in developing countries. Rising demand for better security will also prompt banks to upgrade their ATMs. Based on these factors, we feel Diebold and NCR are well positioned to increase their earnings …read more »

WASHINGTON FEDERAL INC. $12 (Nasdaq symbol WFSL; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 88.1 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.9; WSSF Rating: Average) earned $8.4 million, or $0.10 a share, in its second fiscal quarter, which ended March 31, 2009. That’s a 76.3% drop from its year-earlier earnings of $35.5 million, or $0.40 a share.

Washington Federal raised …read more »