Topic: How To Invest

Pat: Could I have you opinion on: Swisher Hygiene? Regards.

Article Excerpt

Swisher Hygiene, $6.02, symbol SWI on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 150.4 million; Market cap: $905.3 million; www.swisherhygiene.com), formerly known as “CoolBrands International Inc.,” cleans washrooms, provides cleaning supplies and offers waste-collection services for more than 50,000 businesses. Its customers are in a wide range of industries, with an emphasis on the food service, hospitality, retail, industrial and health care businesses. Swisher has customers throughout much of North America and internationally through its global network of 73 company-owned operations, 10 franchises and 10 master licensees. It operates in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, the Netherlands, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, Hong Kong/Macau/China, and Mexico. In 2010, Swisher’s revenue rose 12%, to $63.7 million from $56.8 million in 2009. The company lost $17.5 million or $0.26 a share, compared to a loss of $7 million or $0.13 a share. Swisher operates in a stable industry. However, it continues to grow very rapidly by acquisition, which adds risk. It’s also losing money. As well, its…