Two strategies, two buys

Article Excerpt

Diebold began making locks, safes and vaults for banks in 1876. NCR started making mechanical cash registers in 1879. In the years since, both companies have evolved into the world’s top suppliers of automated teller machines (ATMs). Diebold continues to focus on the banking industry, mostly with specialized services. In contrast, NCR has cut its exposure to banks with a variety of products that help retailers cut their labour costs. Despite their different strategies, we like the outlook for both companies, and see them as buys for long-term gains. DIEBOLD INC. $27 (New York symbol DBD; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 66.3 million; Market cap: $1.8 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.6; Dividend yield: 3.9%; WSSF Rating: Average) makes automated teller machines (ATMs), as well as safes, vaults and building security systems. To cut its reliance on ATMs and related equipment, Diebold is offering more services to its banking customers. These include managing ATM networks, processing customer transactions and upgrading software. Diebold…