Time to sell these six

We’re always on the lookout for new stocks that we feel offer
conservative investors strong growth with limited risk. International
Flavors & Fragrances (this issue), is a good example.

At the same time, we constantly monitor our current recommendations
for reasons that might cause us to change our opinion.
Here… Read More

FedEx has two big advantages

Businesses and consumers are shipping more packages as the economy improves. That’s helping FedEx and Arkansas Best. However, we prefer FedEx because of its larger international focus. It also uses fewer unionized workers.

FEDEX CORP. $94 (New York symbol FDX; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares… Read More

Trucking firm cuts dividend by 80%

ARKANSAS BEST CORP. $29 (Nasdaq symbol ABFS; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 25.3 million; Market cap: $733.7 million; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.5; Dividend yield: 0.4%; WSSF Rating: Average) lost $127.9 million, or $5.12 a share, in 2009. That figure included a $64-million… Read More

ARKANSAS BEST CORP. $26 – Nasdaq symbol ABFS

ARKANSAS BEST CORP. $26 (Nasdaq symbol ABFS; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 25.0 million; Market cap: $650.0 million; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.5; WSSF Rating: Average) specializes in “less-than-truckload” shipping. This involves loading freight from a number of customers onto a single truck… Read More

Global reach makes FedEx the better buy

The recession has hurt the earnings of these two high-quality shipping companies. However, both are doing a good job of controlling their costs. This should improve their profitability, particularly as the economy rebounds. The recent drop in fuel costs also brightens their prospects. However, we… Read More

ARKANSAS BEST CORP. $20 – Nasdaq symbol ABFS

ARKANSAS BEST CORP. $20 (Nasdaq symbol ABFS; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 25.3 million; Market cap: $506 million; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.3; WSSF Rating: Average) specializes in “less-than-truckload” shipping. This involves loading freight from a number of customers onto a single truck… Read More