FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (NYSE:FDS)

Small but well managed company in the information management industry. Will continue to grow with financial professional's need for accurate historical information about companies.

This pick comes from a newsletter that my wife ordered. Let's see what happens.

FDS? Feminine Dedorant Spray? SMELLS like a winner to me!

FactSet Research Systems provides financial and economic information, including fundamental financial data on various companies to the investment community worldwide. Earnings for the quarter ended February 29, 2008, increased 21% to $140.2 million compared to the year earlier same period. Net income increased to $29.5 million from $26.5 million last year and diluted earnings per share grew to $.59 from $.52 last year. They also raised their projection for this quarter from 145 to 149 mil. And this isn't a flash in the pan. This company is always making money! $222 million in revenue in 2003 increasing to $476 million in 2007 and $501 million in the trailing twelve months (TTM). The company also pays a dividend and has been steadily increasing it from $.15/share in 2003 to $.36/share in 2007 and $.42/share in the TTM

Trading 30% below high for last year.

This stock is going to be one that will stand out in it's sector.

Growing revenues, earnings and dividends at a very good clip. Young company with a lot of room to grow.

mkt share, unique, margins, financial cond, MANAGEMENT, cust base, retention.

This is an excellent growth story that is currently being dragged down by negative sentiment for the big banks. Specifically, the concern is that the banks' recent sub-prime losses will force them to reduce spending on technology. The flaw in that logic is that banks must spend on tech so as to not become competitely disadvantaged. With specific regard to FDS, FDS provides software and services that help banks better manage their risk. When the going gets tough, in other words, they need FDS more than ever. FDS' growth story is still intact, so buy 'em when they're on sale, as Warren Buffet says.

Great business - look at ROA and ROIC. 95% client retention indicates a "sticky" business with high switching costs and high customer satisfaction... creating a moat. Widening asset class products from straight equities to fixed assets like bonds and derivatives. Also positioned to increase sales internationally.

Pristine balance sheet

solid 15-20% growth past decade

mid 20% ROE

95%+ retention rate with clients

FDS software integrates with ubiquitous MS software

Officers own healthy portion of stock

Competitive moat keeps getting wider

Financial company with great software. Plenty of cash, and always growing.

FactSet is a community favorite ... and a leader in investment intelligence to the global investing community. The profitability trend at FDS has been quite strong with steady improvements in margins. We rate FDS as an excellent (top quintile company) with a projected annual return of approximately 16%.

High Dividend Yield
High ROE
High Gross Profit Margin
Zero Debt
S&P Three Starts or better

Sales increasing. Earnings/share is increasing. Global markets are rising. People are looking for an edge. Enough said.

tech is back.

Has returned 26% since Jan 10 . The company topped the Street’s earnings estimate for eight consecutive quarters. Earnings per share are projected to grow 19% over the next 3-5 years. On Mar 20, the Board of Directors approved a 100% increase in the company’s quarterly cash dividend to 12 cents per share.

I'm late to the party, but I still like this as a long-term player.

Based on technical analysis and watching fundamentals and news.