Dykstra: The Real Measure of Success

In baseball, my theory is to strive for consistency, not to worry about the numbers. If you dwell on statistics, you get shortsighted, if you aim for consistency, the numbers will be there at the end.

-- Tom Seaver, Hall of Fame Pitcher

Undeniably, Seaver's numbers speak for themselves. Along those same lines, I recently came across this baseball trivia question: Who are the only two pitchers in Major League history to start their careers with 10 consecutive winning seasons? The second pitcher to accomplish this incredible feat of consistency is Andy Pettitte, former New York Yankee, now pitching for the Houston Astros. Amazingly, the first was initially the property of the Boston Red Sox, but went on to legendary status with the Yankees. His name was George Herman Ruth, better known as "The Babe."

Needless to say, he put up some numbers. What better lead-in to my home run for the week.

Bermuda-based Nordic American Tanker (NAT) owns and operates double-hull oil tankers.

The stock has been hit in the past week along with energy stocks generally, and specifically after the company reported disappointing earnings Monday. Nordic American fell 1% to $35.25, but I think it's ready to make a move back to $40.

The company has the best balance sheet in the industry: no long-term debt, a high current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities), and a credit facility in place if needed. The stock is trading near its 52-week low, which appeals to me more than chasing momentum on the new-high list. What I really like about Nordic American is its current dividend yield of 9.4%.

Underlying demand for oil continues to be strong, and the company is well positioned to benefit and maintain its dividend in full. Tanker rates are seasonal, and for the quarter ended Sept. 30 averaged $23,000 to $24,000 per day. Fourth-quarter rates are confirmed to be quoted $48,000 to $50,000 per day. Furthermore, there is a mandatory schedule for the phasing out of single-hull vessels because of legislative and environmental restrictions imposed by governmental agencies. As a result, Nordic American is in a favorable long-term competitive position due to the makeup of its fleet.