Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, fluid control systems provider Flowserve (NYSE: FLS) has earned a coveted five-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at Flowserve's business and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

Flowserve facts

Headquarters (Founded) Irving, Texas (1912)
Market Cap $5.49 billion
Industry Industrial machinery
Trailing-12-Month Revenue $4.39 billion
Management CEO Mark Blinn (since 2009)
CFO Richard Guiltinan Jr. (since 2009)
Return on Equity (Average, Past 3 Years) 22.5%
Cash/Debt $227.9 million / $510 million
Dividend Yield 1.3%
Competitors Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR)
General Electric (NYSE: GE)
Tyco International (NYSE: TYC)

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 98% of the 858 members who have rated Flowserve believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward. These bulls include JerseyBull and KnockoutMouse.

This past summer, JerseyBull listed several of Flowserve's positives: "Solid company, niche market and great management. Right recipe for long term success and a value at current price point!"

Over the next five years, in fact, Flowserve is expected to grow its bottom line at a brisk rate of 20% annually. That's faster than much larger competitors like Emerson (14%), General Electric (13%), and Tyco (13%).

CAPS member KnockoutMouse elaborates on the Flowserve bull case:

1. A clear leader in an industry with high barriers to competition.
2. Well managed and efficient: with a high ROIC and profit margin.
3. Strong balance sheet, free cash flow adequate to fund its dividend, and well managed debt.
4. A history of substantial dividends and dividend growth. ...

[Flowserve] is a big leader in water infrastructure.

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