ATM makers have long-term appeal

Article Excerpt

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 when the economy rebounds. DIEBOLD INC. $26 (New York symbol DBD; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 66.2 million; Market cap: $1.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.6; WSSF Rating: Average) is one of the world’s leading makers of ATMs. The company also makes safes, vaults, building-security systems and electronic-voting machines. Diebold continues to lower its risk by cutting its reliance on ATMs. Lately, it has been offering its banking customers more services, including managing ATM networks, processing transactions and upgrading software. Services like these now account for over half of its revenue. The company has also been cutting its costs. Over…