"To invest in the growing personal protection industry, Brinks Home Security Holdings (NYSE: CFL) looks particularly attractive," says Jim Powell in Global Changes & Opportunities Report.
"Brinks Holdings is an October 2008 spin-off from Brinks Company; as its name suggests, Brinks Home Security has a tighter focus than its parent organization that offers security services to banks and other high value businesses.
"I think the emphasis on protecting families from burglary and home invasions is a plus in today’s economy.
"Brinks’ fortunes declined in lockstep with the housing industry. But even though housing remains on the floor, Brinks’ fortunes are now starting to rise.
"I believe the company’s success indicates that Americans know that crime will continue to increase due to the spreading economic crisis and the reduced moral values in society.
"So although most household budgets are tight, families are willing to invest in effective home security systems.
"Sales of security systems are actually more profitable than may first appear because customers also sign up for monthly monitoring services. The ongoing revenue stream returns several times the value of the system itself. It’s a nice business.
"Brinks is off to a good start. So far the company has 1.3 million customers located in 250 cities in 50 states and two Canadian provinces. The company is also aggressively pursuing new business, as noted by the intensive TV ads you may have seen.
"Brinks must be considered somewhat speculative because the P/E is above 20. On the other hand, that multiple is not out of line for a company that has considerable potential for growth."
