The Conglomerates Sector has lost 20% of its collective market capitalization in the last 12 months. 50% of this loss was during April of this year alone. A principal advantage of mixing varied lines of business together is to beat economic downturns. Is this financial strategy a failure?

Find the true answer by sifting through the micro. Take for example, the case of John Bean Technologies Corporation (NYSE: JBT). The stock of this small-capital member of the Conglomerates Sector from Chicago, IL has jumped 13% in the second fortnight of August 2008. The Price to Earnings Ratio remains at just 6.79 even after this appreciation.

Business progress is sustained and a way of life at this corporation. Earnings per Share have grown annually by 62.50% during the most recent quarter. The Quick Ratio is at less than 1.00 even though the company is engaged in very different lines of business. The