Watch List: American Railcar Industries Inc.

American Railcar Industries Inc. (ARII) is one of the leading North American manufacturers of rail cars. More specifically, they manufacture and service hoppers and tankers. Hoppers are generally designed for transporting coal, grains, and other goods that could have an open top and draining bottom for easy load and leave. Tankers on the other hand are designed for transporting various liquids. The company both produces, services, and leases the rail cars.

Watch List: Cisco Systems

Cisco Systems - the tech company that would love to sell you your next piece of network equipment. If you've ever dealt with the task of obtaining your own router/modem or other tech piece, you've probably heard of their company. They design, manufacture, and of course sell equipment for our networking needs. The company was founded in 84' out of San Jose, California and they operate for in segments for home and business.

Aim for a Catalyst Stock

I believe that one of the most important things to do when looking for stock to invest in is to specifically try to eye the market for a catalyst stock. By this I mean to say that I watch and listen to the news and whenever I hear or read that a company that was once known and loved has suddenly come under fire for some reason or another, that's enough reason to start looking into the company as a potential investment. The human brain wants to lead you to believe otherwise and the media just eats it up. After all, at the core of everyone is a little beast that loves to start or watch drama unfold.

My Method of Evaluation

I think the question that I get most from readers is what method of evaluation I use to choose the select stocks that I feel really fit the mold for the Cookie Jar portfolio. After all, it should be the most important question for any dividend growth investor. What really matters to me? What do I hate most and try to avoid?