HI: HILLENBRAND

A focus on American-made products is in the works as companies realize diminishing returns in Europe. Such focus will require upgrades in industrial equipment and manufacturing infrastructure. Recent acquisitions of Rotex and K-Tron demonstrate Hillenbrand's willingness to focus on companies that provide more efficient industrial equipment. Batesville company provides caskets, urns and funeral equipment. Funeral services are nearly recession proof as liquor and tobacco. The company features a meaningful dividend and earnings per share. HI is an Indiana billion dollar company and growing by acquisitions. An industrial goods company with a market share of the funeral business makes this company very interesting. Acquisitions have been a result of cash and use of credit sources. Trading volume is relatively low with a -17% yor earnings growth is a confusing metric. A speculative BUY