Asset manager Janus Capital Group Inc. (JNS) soared +46.37% on better-than-expected earnings and revenue. Specifically, in October the company reported quarterly earnings of $0.18 per share versus consensus of $0.17. Its assets under management (AUM) rose to $166.7 billion, from $158.2 billion a year ago. The company’s cash investments totaled $793 million versus $543 million in debt, giving it a positive $250 million net cash position. Finally, Janus repurchased more than one million shares of its own stock. Clearly, the roaring 2013 stock market had a good deal to do with the positive news that caught Wall Street’s attention. For our part, we were more interested in the capital allocation decisions because those are under management’s control.
From John Rogers (Trades, Portfolio)' Ariel Investments fourth quarter 2013 commentary.
