Asta Funding, Inc. (NASDAQ:ASFI)

Wansley517 (< 20) Submitted: 12/29/2006 2:34:32 PM : Start Price: $28.56 ASFI Score: -67.50

Good value. Room for growth.

TrendIsMyFriend (< 20) Submitted: 12/14/2006 9:06:45 AM : Start Price: $33.09 ASFI Score: -71.76

ASFI

TMFEldrehad (99.99) Submitted: 12/12/2006 3:26:04 PM : Start Price: $30.84 ASFI Score: -70.58

This is yet another pick based soley on a fundamental stock screener. In CAPS, I try to make a concious effort to try out new investing approaches that I'd be reluctant to employ with real money and actively learn through the process - and this is one of those occasions.

newby1973 (45.70) Submitted: 12/9/2006 2:26:50 AM : Start Price: $31.34 ASFI Score: -70.55

Debt collection company that did well in the last recession. Also does well in good times. Family owned company, with low overhead and a solid earnings history. The historical key ratios are fairly consistent and also double or triple P/E as of Dec. 8.

jamdooly (< 20) Submitted: 12/8/2006 11:23:07 AM : Start Price: $31.20 ASFI Score: -70.28

ASFI's ability to acquire assets at attractive prices will continue as the market for bad debt will continue to grow. Competition will also increase, but given management's ability to understand the shifts in the market and it's ability to increase or decrease it's collection capacity will allow margins to remain strong.

pocoloco1408 (< 20) Submitted: 11/25/2006 10:29:38 AM : Start Price: $31.37 ASFI Score: -71.45

look at the chart and the track record.
creditcard defaults will certainly increase for years to come.

marktu22 (54.95) Submitted: 11/21/2006 8:58:29 PM : Start Price: $32.41 ASFI Score: -71.90

More and more people are in debt... and debt consolidation will only grow as a business. Nice lean business model. Steady earnings growth.

pdyang (88.58) Submitted: 11/8/2006 2:01:59 PM : Start Price: $31.77 ASFI Score: -73.36

Trades at a significant discount to PRAA, with a slightly different model that outsources collections (resulting in higher margins). Management has long history in the business and knows when to purchase paper on the cheap.

manowar100 (77.54) Submitted: 10/24/2006 8:54:32 AM : Start Price: $31.05 ASFI Score: -73.28

Will benefit from Americans continuing to live beyond their means.

Roberto1212 (69.66) Submitted: 10/13/2006 2:24:10 PM : Start Price: $33.72 ASFI Score: -76.23

Essentially a collections agency. As housing pricess drop and interest rates increase, they may be busy and making lots of money in the near future.

valueforyou (< 20) Submitted: 10/5/2006 6:26:01 PM : Start Price: $33.95 ASFI Score: -77.57

The buy bad debt for 3 cents on the dollar and collect. A growth business. Good margins.

mhlevinson (< 20) Submitted: 10/1/2006 7:51:47 PM : Start Price: $34.84 ASFI Score: -79.30

Declining housing markets/prices, poor lending practices, tougher bankruptcy laws, higher personal debt levels - all add up to increasing business for collection agencies

understudy50 (< 20) Submitted: 9/30/2006 4:57:00 PM : Start Price: $34.84 ASFI Score: -79.30

Love the industry -- no better place to be in the US economy than a company that buys consumer debt. Industry is always growing and there is something to be said for management experience and contacts (there is a moat). By outsourcing, they can grown and shrink with the industry.

rich426 (< 20) Submitted: 9/29/2006 10:22:23 PM : Start Price: $34.84 ASFI Score: -79.30

Well run business that is positioned in a market with a strong future.

blueear (64.17) Submitted: 9/15/2006 6:50:59 AM : Start Price: $33.13 ASFI Score: -78.83

Unheralded and underpriced company with 47% Net Profit Magin.