| |
 Using
our 500-point system, we carefully research publicly
traded corporations to find companies that best reflect
traditional American values. The organizations that
make it through this rigorous research process are
named American Hero Companies. Periodically
throughout the year, each company is reviewed to assure
that it continues to meet American Hero Company standards.
Once we identify a new American
Hero Company, we incorporate the company into a range
of portfolio options for
our clients.
American Values Investments devotes a significant part of its efforts to the
identification of companies that do business in a manner that exemplifies traditional
American values.
| Scores
are based on: |
| 1. |
A
thorough review of all publicly available material
including news articles, company literature,
SEC filings, and other published materials. |
| 2. |
Interviews,
as appropriate, with the company’s principals,
employees, customers, vendors, and analysts covering
the company. |
Companies are evaluated and scores assigned in the following fourteen separate
areas in four major categories:
Integrity |
- Mission/Values/Vision Statement(s) - The company must have a stated, defined, published mission statement and/or values statement and/or vision statement. Profits should not be the focus of any of these statements. Such statements must be consistent with American values.
- Mission and Values in Corporate Culture - Values and principles must be clearly evidenced to be of high importance to corporate leaders. The ideal company will include values training in new-hire or recurring employee training programs and the values of the company will be readily surmised by an objective observer of the company’s business actions and corporate conduct.
- Senior Management’s commitment to values - Public evidence will include, but not limited to, media or analyst interviews, public statements, publications, personal conduct, and corporate documents.
- Awards & Recognition - Awards and recognitions provide confirmation of a company’s commitment to its core values.
|
Humility |
- Servant Leadership - Management should be seen more as a helping hand rather than merely an authoritative source. Management policies should allow for and encourage employee input in decision-making.
- Teamwork - The company should use team processes in core corporate divisions-corporate strategy, quality control, etc.
|
Diligence |
- Fiscal Responsibility - The company should conduct its operations in a fiscally responsible manner with the goal of long-term growth and stability. The company should not assume excessive debt. Ironically, systematic and planned charitable giving is also an important part of fiscal responsibility.
- Life enhancing products and/or services - Products and/or services must provide superior value and possess life enhancing characteristics. The company should have standards in place to insure the continued provision of quality products and/or services.
- Continuous improvement - The company should be committed to a process of continuous improvement. The company should solicit and encourage customer feedback and act on trends and issues as identified.
- Environmental Responsibility - The company should be cognizant of and take steps to address any environmental concerns related to its industry. Programs to reduce waste, emissions, and energy consumption are expected.
|
Caring |
- Families - The ideal company will provide services for employees such as day care and childhood development services, generous family leave programs, chaplain service, and other family-oriented programs and resources.
- Employees - The company should be an enjoyable and satisfying place to work and provide highly competitive benefits to its employees including but not limited to, competitive wages, healthcare, retirement, education, and relocation.
- Communities - The company should be involved in and support programs benefiting the local and extended community. Company involvement and support should not be solely limited to financial contributions but should also include a provision of personnel, facilities, and/or equipment. The company should encourage employee participation.
- Customers - The company should have a fair return/refund policy in effect and have a program to proactively address customer complaints and concerns.
|
Click here for
more information on our American Hero Research Standards.
|
