(FMFC) - First M&F Corp - company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.4, compared to 4.9 for the market

First M&F Corporation (FMFC), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, beat the third-quarter consensus earnings estimate by 8.1% when it posted profits of 40 cents per share. The company recently opened its first Florida branch, providing FMFC with opportunities for growth in that market. The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share on Nov 9. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.4, compared to 4.9 for the market. Full Analysis First M&F Corporation operates as the holding company for Merchants and Farmers Bank of Kosciusko. The company has 46 banking locations throughout Central and North Mississippi, in Shelby County, Alabama, in Southwest Tennessee, including the Memphis metro area and now in Okaloosa County, Florida. On Oct 19, FMFC reported third-quarter profits of $3.7 million, or 40 cents per share. With analysts calling for profits of 37 cents per share, the company surprised to the upside by a solid 8.1%. FMFC posted earnings of 37 cents in the prior-year period. Net interest income increased 20.7% to $13.4 million from $11.1 million in the third quarter of 2005. For the first nine months of the year, profits came in at $10.2 million, compared to $9.5 million for the same period last year. Net interest income jumped 19.9% to $39.2 million from $32.7 million for the first nine months of 2005. Chairman and CEO Hugh S. Potts, Jr. stated, “With the help of our two recent bank acquisitions, we have grown our assets by 21% and deposits by almost 24% since the beginning of the year, creating a growing base from which to offer M&F banking to a broadening footprint in three states. We also look forward to opening our first Florida branch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the opportunities for growth in that market.” FMFC announced the opening of a branch in Crestview, Okaloosa County, Florida on Nov 20. Consensus estimates for this quarter and next jumped 5.3% and 7.9%, respectively, over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 3.4% and 7.6%, respectively, over the same period of time. The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share of stock on Nov 9. The dividend is payable on Dec 29 to stockholders of record as of Dec 18. FMFC has a current dividend yield of 2.8% and a five-year average dividend yield of 2.9%. FMFC is currently trading at a valuation of 12.5x trailing 12-month earnings and at 12.2x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 17.4x trailing 12-month earnings and at 16.7x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.4, compared to 4.9 for the market. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(LFC) - China Life ADR - powerful momentum at the current time and no resistance above

China Life ADR (LFC), a Zacks #1 Rank Stock, is soaring along with the Chinese yuan. Background China Life provides products and services including individual life insurance, group life insurance, accident and health insurance. LFC is China's largest life insurance company, a leading provider of annuity products and life insurance for both individuals and groups, and a leading provider of accident and health insurance. Full Analysis When China Life was last featured as a Zacks Momentum Stock of the Day on May 16, the company was in the process of taking stakes in both the Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. Now LFC is getting ready for a new Shanghai IPO that is expected to bring in more than 30 billion yuan, or about US $3.8 billion. The company expects to begin trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Jan 11. Since it’s May 16 feature on Zacks, LFC shares have risen more than 88%. And the stock set a new lifetime high on Wednesday at $123.25 on more than twice normal trading volume. With the China market continues to boom, and with LFC controlling about 44% of the market for life insurance in China, the new infusion of capital from the Shanghai IPO can only be expected to fuel LFC’s growth. From a technical perspective, LFC is the type of extreme upward momentum that gives many investors pause. Yet time and again, buying stocks making new 52-week highs as a strategy has beaten the general market. LFC has powerful momentum at the current time and no resistance above the market Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(CACB) - Cascade Bancorp - exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in four out of the past five quarters by an average margin of 16.9%

Cascade Bancorp (CACB) beat analysts’ earnings expectations in four out of the past five quarters by an average margin of 16.9%. The Board of Directors announced both a 5-for-4 stock split and a nine-cent quarterly cash dividend on Oct 16. The dividend represented a 25% increase. This Zacks #1 Rank stock is currently yielding 0.94%. The company’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, tops that of the industry average—18% compared to 15%. Full Analysis Cascade Bancorp operates as the holding company for Bank of the Cascades and provides commercial and retail banking services. CACB serves small to medium-sized businesses, municipalities and public organizations, and professional and consumer relationships. The company operates 33 branches in Central Oregon, Southern Oregon, Portland/Salem and Boise/Treasure Valley. CACB exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in four out of the past five quarters by an average margin of 16.9%. In three of the four quarters, the company surprised by a double-digit percentage. On Oct 12, CACB reported third-quarter earnings per share of 37 cents, which topped the Street’s estimate by two cents and earnings in the prior-year period by an impressive 42.3%. As of Sep 30, the company's total loans stood at $1.9 billion, up 83.3% from the prior-year period. CACB’s acquisition of Farmers and Merchants State Bank of Idaho, on Apr 20, 2006, fueled the growth. However, organic loan growth also contributed. The acquisition also helped total deposits increase 41.3% to $1.6 billion. The Board of Directors announced both a 5-for-4 stock split and a nine-cent quarterly cash dividend on Oct 16. The cash dividend was applied to the split adjusted shares and represented a 25% increase over the dividend paid in the prior quarter. President and CEO Patricia L. Moss stated, “The company's focus remains on providing long-term value to shareholders. We believe that increasing the cash dividend reflects this commitment.” CACB is currently yielding 0.94%. The consensus estimate for this year experienced a five-cent jump to $1.33 over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for next year have risen seven cents to $1.52 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 15% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is expected to grow 11%. CACB’s history of growing profits is truly remarkable, having done so for nine consecutive years. Its net interest income has also increased for nine years running. The company’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, tops that of the industry average—18% compared to 15%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(AMSF) - AMERISAFE, Inc - consensus estimates for this quarter and next jumped 5.9% and 11.8%, respectively

AMERISAFE, Inc. (AMSF), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations over the past four quarters by an average margin of 42.2%. In late October, the company posted solid results for the third quarter and first nine months of the year. AMSF has a price-to-book ratio of 2.0, compared to 4.9 for the market. Its return on equity nearly doubles that of the industry average—25% compared to 13%. Full Analysis AMERISAFE, Inc. is a specialty provider of workers' compensation insurance focused on small- to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, logging, agriculture, oil and gas, maritime and sawmills. The company’s workers’ compensation insurance policies provide benefits to injured employees, as well as for temporary or permanent disability, death, and medical and hospital expenses. AMSF has achieved a positive earnings surprise every quarter since the company went public in November 2005. Over the past four quarters, the company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations by an average margin of 42.2%. AMSF produced double-digit surprises in each of the four quarters. On Oct 31, AMSF posted third-quarter profits of 43 cents per share. The result crushed the consensus estimate of 31 cents by 38.7%. Revenues jumped 17.9% to $81.8 million, compared to $69.4 million in the prior-year period. Gross premiums written rose 17.4% to $83.0 million from $70.7 million. The net combined ratio, a measure of profitability for insurance companies, was 93.6% for the quarter, versus 96.5% for the same period in 2005. A ratio less than 100% indicates that the company is turning an underwriting profit, while a ratio greater than 100% indicates one that is paying out more money in claims versus receiving via premiums. For the first nine months of the year, revenues came in at $236.2 million, up 16.3% from the $203.1 million achieved in the first nine months of 2005. Gross premiums written increased 10.7% to $255.9 million. The net combined ratio improved to 94.6%, compared to 106.9% for the same period in 2005. For the full year, AMSF now expects gross premiums written at the upper end of its earlier guidance of between $317 million and $325 million. A combined ratio of 95% or better has also been projected. Over the past week, consensus estimates for this quarter and next jumped 5.9% and 11.8%, respectively. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 7.5% and 8.7%, respectively, over the same period of time. AMSF is currently trading at a valuation of 9.7x trailing 12-month earnings and at 10.0x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 17.4x trailing 12-month earnings and at 16.8x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.0, compared to 4.9 for the market. Its return on equity nearly doubles that of the industry average—25% compared to 13%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(TELN) - Telenor ASA - ROE dwarfs the industry average - 29% compared to 9%

Telenor ASA (TELN), which was first highlighted as a Growth and Income stock on Mar 22, has soared 70%. The company upped its full-year revenue guidance after posting impressive results for the third quarter. Earnings per share are expected to grow 12% over the next 3-5 years. The company has a current dividend yield of 2.8% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.5%. TELN’s return on equity dwarfs that of the industry average—29% compared to 9%. Full Analysis Telenor is Norway's largest telecommunications company and one of the fastest growing providers of mobile communications services worldwide. TELN has mobile operations in some of the world's fastest growing markets, and the home market, Norway, is one of the most advanced in the world today. When TELN was first presented as a Growth and Income pick on Mar 22, the company was a Zacks #2 Rank stock (buy). Looking at its Zacks Rank today, one will notice that the company has joined the elite class of Zacks #1 Rank stocks (strong buy). Only 213 companies make up this select group. Furthermore, TELN is up an eye-popping 70% since its debut. On Oct 26, TELN reported third-quarter net profits of 3.78 billion kroner ($567 million), compared to 2.2 billion kroner in the prior-year period. Revenues increased 35.3% to 23.87 billion kroner ($3.58 billion) from 17.64 billion a year earlier. The company cited strong growth in the mobile phone sector as fueling the solid quarterly results. President and CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas stated, “I'm very happy to present a strong operational and financial quarter. We have achieved excellent results with continued high growth in subscriptions and revenues, combined with a record high EBITDA margin.” Based on TELN’s strong results for the third quarter, the company revised its guidance for the full year. TELN now forecasts revenue growth of around 35%, compared to its previous outlook which called for growth of 30%. The consensus estimate for this year currently sits at $3.04. This marks a 15.2% improvement when compared to the consensus of 60 days ago. Profit forecasts for next year have risen by a greater magnitude—14.6% over the same period of time. Earnings per share are expected to grow 12% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is projected to grow at a 10% clip. Investors requiring additional income in the form of a dividend have been quite content with TELN. The company has a current dividend yield of 2.8% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.5%. TELN’s return on equity dwarfs that of the industry average—29% compared to 9%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(HWCC) - Houston Wire & Cable Co - easily exceeded earnings estimates in the past two quarters by an average of 90%

HWCC has easily exceeded earnings estimates in the past two quarters by an average of 90%. Over the past two months, this year's estimates have jumped 18 cents to $1.43 per share. Similarly, next year's numbers have risen 19 cents to $1.59 per share. The stock is cheap at 13.8x next year's estimates, well below the projected long-term growth rate of 34.2%. Full Analysis Houston Wire & Cable Company (HWCC) engages in the distribution of specialty wires and cables, as well as in the provision of related services to the electrical distribution market in the United States. It offers products in various categories of specialty wires and cables, including continuous and interlocked armor cables; control and power cables. The company also provides private branded products, including LifeGuard low-smoke, zero-halogen cables; DataGuard engineered cables; and Houwire low-voltage cables. Its products are primarily used in maintenance, repair, and operations-related projects, as well as used for larger scale projects in the communications, energy, engineering and construction, general manufacturing, infrastructure, petrochemical, transportation, utility, and wastewater treatment industries. The stock got a nice boost in early November after it reported record third quarter results in sales and earnings. Profits increased 143% to $9.5 million or 45 cents per share. Analysts expected only 32 cents. Sales increased 54% to $90 million from $58 million. Internal growth accounted for the entire increase in sales which is a positive sign. Charles Sorrentino, President and CEO, commented, ``Our management team is pleased with the consistency that we are experiencing with our sales and earnings growth. We have now had six consecutive quarters of triple digit net income increases as a result of exceptionally strong organic sales growth driving operating leverage. "We continue to see strong end-user demand across all targeted markets. Our five key growth initiatives, including Emission Controls, Engineering & Construction, Industrials, our proprietary branded low-smoke zero-halogen product, LifeGuard(tm) (and other private branded products), and Utility Power Generation continue to drive record sales and earnings." HWCC has easily exceeded earnings estimates in the past two quarters by an average of 90%. Over the past two months, this year's estimates have jumped 18 cents to $1.43 per share. Similarly, next year's numbers have risen 19 cents to $1.59 per share. The stock is cheap at 13.8x next year's estimates, well below the projected long-term growth rate of 34.2%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(WHQ) - W-H Energy Services, Inc - Profit forecasts for this quarter and next have risen 19.8% and 73.1%, respectively

W-H Energy Services, Inc. (WHQ), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, topped analysts’ earnings expectations for the past four quarters by an average margin of 20.5%. The company recently surprised by 17.2% in the third quarter. Consensus estimates have experienced sizeable jumps over the past 60 days. WHQ has a price-to-book ratio of 3.2., compared to 4.9 for the market. Its PEG ratio currently resides at 0.52. Full Analysis W-H Energy Services, Inc. is a diversified oilfield service company that provides products and services used primarily for the drilling, completion and production of oil and natural gas wells. The company’s operations are currently focused offshore in the Gulf of Mexico and in the North Sea, and onshore along the Gulf Coast. WHQ’s customers include independent oil and natural gas companies, drilling contractors and other oilfield service companies. WHQ exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past four quarters by an average margin of 20.5%. Over the past eight quarters, the company produced seven earnings surprises while meeting estimates once. In all seven quarters WHQ surprised by a double-digit percentage. On Oct 27, WHQ reported third-quarter profits of $31.5 million, or $1.02 per share. The result beat the consensus estimate of 87 cents by 17.2% and soared past earnings in the prior-year period by 131.8%. Revenues came in at $238.9 million, up 48.1% from the $161.3 million achieved in the third quarter of 2005. Broken down by region, domestic revenues ballooned 53% while international revenues increased 17%. For the first nine months of the year, profits experienced a sizeable leap to $83.0 million from $32.8 million for the first nine months of 2005. Revenues rose 42.4% to $656.4 million compared to $461.1 million last year. WHQ has differentiated itself by strategically targeting opportunities in niche markets. Looking ahead, the company is expected to expand in the offshore Brazilian, North Sea and Middle Eastern markets. Consensus estimates have experienced sizeable jumps over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for this quarter and next have risen 19.8% and 73.1%, respectively, over the past two months. Estimates for this year and next increased 12.7% and 14.0%, respectively, over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 25% over the next 3-5 years, slightly above the industry’s expected growth rate of 24%. WHQ is currently trading at a valuation of 14.9x trailing 12-month earnings and at 12.9x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 18.0x trailing 12-month earnings and at 16.7x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 3.2., compared to 4.9 for the market. Its PEG ratio currently resides at 0.52. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(BSC) - The Bear Stearns Cos - topped the Street’s estimate for 16 consecutive quarters, including double-digit percentage surprises in 12

The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. (BSC), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, beat analysts’ earnings expectations for the past 16 quarters. On Dec 14, the company posted its fifth straight year of record net income and earnings per share. Consequently, analysts have been upping their earnings estimates for BSC. The Board of Directors recently declared a quarterly cash dividend of 32 cents per common share of stock. Full Analysis The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities trading and brokerage firm. The company operates in three segments: capital markets, global clearing services and wealth management. BSC serves corporations, governments, institutional and individual investors worldwide. BSC’s history of exceeding analysts’ earnings expectations has been flawless over the past four years. The company topped the Street’s estimate for 16 consecutive quarters, including double-digit percentage surprises in 12 of them. Earnings per share grew 25.5% over the past five years. On Dec 14, BSC reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2006 earnings per share of $4.00, up considerably from the $2.90 earned in the prior-year period. Net income increased 38.3% to $562.8 million, compared to $407.0 million achieved in the fourth quarter of 2005. Net revenues jumped 26.3% to $2.4 billion from $1.9 billion. For the entire fiscal year, net revenues rose 24.3% to $9.2 billion from $7.4 billion last year. Profits came in at $2.1 billion, up 40.0% from the $1.5 billion earned in fiscal 2005. The company increased profits for five years running. Chairman and CEO James E. Cayne stated, “We are pleased to announce Bear Stearns' fifth consecutive year of record net income and earnings per share. I look forward to 2007 and our continued expansion both internationally and domestically.” In addition to posting solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, the company also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 32 cents per common share of stock. The payment represents a 14% boost when compared to the 28-cent dividend paid since January 2006. BSC has a current dividend yield of 0.68% and a five-year average dividend yield of 0.93%. Analysts have been upping their earnings estimates for BSC. Consensus estimates for this quarter and next have risen 3.9% and 7.1%, respectively, over the past 30 days. Profit forecasts for this year and next jumped 4.7% and 8.0%, respectively, over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10.5% over the next 3-5 years. The company’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, betters that of the industry average—18% compared to 14%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(TZOO) - Travelzoo Inc - exceeded earnings estimates in three consecutive quarters - year-over-year earnings growth in excess of 100%

The company has exceeded earnings estimates in three consecutive quarters, with two of them posting year-over-year earnings growth in excess of 100%. Two of the three analysts covering the stock have raised their forecasts for this year. Over the past 60 days, this year's estimates have increased 6.3% to $1.01 per share. Full Analysis Travelzoo Inc. (TZOO, an Internet media company, publishes travel offers from various travel companies. The company’s publications include the Travelzoo Web sites, the Travelzoo Top 20 email newsletter, and the Newsflash email product. It also operates SuperSearch, a pay-per-click travel search engine. Travelzoo’ products provide advertising opportunities for airlines, hotels, cruise lines, vacation packagers, and other travel companies. Its products also provide Internet users with a source of information on current sales and specials from various travel companies. TZOO's third-quarter profits almost doubled over last year due to a robust online advertising market. Net income grew to $4.6 million, or 28 cents per share, from $2.3 million, or 13 cents per share, in the prior-year period. The results topped Wall Street's expectations of 25 cents per share, according to analysts. Travelzoo reported quarterly revenue growth at both its North American and European units. Also aiding the bottom line, Travelzoo said its effective income tax rate for the quarter was 46%, down from 48% in the year-ago period. "Q3 2006 marks our 33rd consecutive quarter of growth in online advertising sales," said Ralph Bartel, chairman and chief executive officer, Travelzoo. "We are very excited about the growth of our business in Europe. We will continue to aggressively pursue our strategy of replicating the Travelzoo® business model in international markets. We believe this represents an attractive opportunity for value creation." The company has exceeded earnings estimates in three consecutive quarters, with two of them posting year-over-year earnings growth in excess of 100%. Two of the three analysts covering the stock have raised their forecasts for this year. Over the past 60 days, this year's estimates have increased 6.3% to $1.01 per share. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(MEOH) - Methanex Corp - topped estimates in four of the past six quarters by an average of 23.9%

Methanex Corporation (MEOH), which was first presented as a Value pick on Jun 28, is up nearly 22%. The company beat analysts’ earnings expectations for the third quarter by an impressive 38.2%. Consensus estimates for this quarter and for the full year have increased substantially over the past 60 days. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 2.8, compared to 4.9 for the market. It has a miniscule PEG ratio of 0.13. Full Analysis Methanex Corporation is the world's largest producer and marketer of methanol, a petrochemical that is used to make countless industrial and consumer products. The company has manufacturing, marketing and supply chain capabilities in North America, Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean and throughout the Asia Pacific region. MEOH, which was first highlighted as a Value pick on Jun 28, continues to trade at a discounted valuation. The stock is up nearly 22% since its debut. With a very impressive earnings surprise in its most recent quarter, coupled with earnings estimate revisions shooting upward, the company has held on to its Zacks #1 Rank status. On Oct 25, MEOH reported third-quarter profits of $1.05 per share, crushing analysts’ expectations of 76 cents by 38.2%. Earnings in the prior-year period came in at 21 cents per share. The company has now topped the Street’s estimate in four out of the past six quarters by an average margin of 23.9%. Consensus estimates for this quarter and for the full year have increased substantially over the past 60 days. Estimates for this quarter have risen 33.3% to $1.56 over the past two months. Profit forecasts for the full year jumped 20.7% to $4.20 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 46% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is expected to grow at an 8% clip. On Nov 28, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 12.5 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Dec 31 to shareholders of record as of Dec 18. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.9% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.8%. MEOH is currently trading at a valuation of 8.3x trailing 12-month earnings and at 6.1x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 18.0x trailing 12-month earnings and at 16.8x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.8, compared to 4.9 for the market. It has a miniscule PEG ratio of 0.13. MEOH’s return on equity more than doubles that of the industry average—35% compared to 17%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(PCP) - Precision Castparts Corp - analysts continue to boost their earnings estimates

Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP), which was first presented as a Growth and Income stock on Aug 29, is up nearly 34%. The company topped the Street’s earnings estimate for the past 15 quarters, most recently by 14.4%. Consensus estimates for this year and next year have been trending higher for this Zacks #1 Rank stock. PCP’s return on equity exceeds that of the industry average—20% compared to 12%. Full Analysis Precision Castparts Corp. is a worldwide, diversified manufacturer of complex metal components and products. PCP is the market leader in manufacturing large, complex structural investment castings, airfoil castings and forged components used in jet aircraft engines and industrial gas turbines. The company is also a leading producer of highly engineered, critical fasteners for aerospace, automotive and other markets. PCP, which was first featured as a Growth and Income stock on Aug 29, is up nearly 34%. The company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for 15 consecutive quarters. Furthermore, analysts continue to boost their earnings estimates for PCP. Consequently, the company has maintained its Zacks #1 Rank status. On Oct 24, PCP posted second-quarter fiscal 2007 earnings per share of $1.03, topping the Street’s estimate of 90 cents by a solid 14.4%. Furthermore, the result represented a 71.7% year-over-year improvement when compared to earnings of 60 cents per share in the prior-year period. Revenues ballooned 51.9% to $1.32 billion from $869.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2006. For the first half of this year, profits came in at $269.9 million, compared to $156.5 million for the first six months of fiscal 2006. Revenues soared 41.3% to $2.43 billion from $1.72 billion. Chairman and CEO Mark Donegan stated, “Production volumes are at an all-time high, with demand continuing to increase.” Consensus estimates for this year are up 6.8% to $3.94 over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for next year have risen by a larger magnitude—8.3% to $4.69 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 16% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is expected to grow at a 15% clip. On Dec 11, PCP agreed to acquire GSC Foundries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of aluminum and steel structural investment castings for aerospace, energy, medical and other end markets. Donegan stated, “GSC will enhance our small structural investment casting portfolio. We look forward to combining the expertise, capabilities, and reputation of the GSC and Precision Castparts teams to create continued shareholder value going forward.” Terms of the deal, which is expected to close by April 2007, were not disclosed. While PCP’s dividend yield may not be entirely impressive, it does exceed that of the industry average. The company is currently yielding 0.20%, while the industry’s current dividend yield is 0.0%. Management has been extremely effective in building shareholder value, made clear by the company’s return on equity of 20%. This is significantly higher than the industry’s ROE of 12%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(INTV) - Intervoice, Inc - posted a 400% earnings surprise in its fiscal second-quarter

Earnings estimates have been on the move over the past 90 days. This year's estimates have quadrupled to four cents per share, while next year's have increased 11.1% to 20 cents per share. Three analysts have raised their forecasts for this year. Similarly, the Average Broker Recommendation has improved to 1.74 from 2.14 over the past 90 days. Full Analysis Intervoice, Inc. (INTV) provides converged voice and data solutions for the network and enterprise markets worldwide. The company offers enterprise solutions, including intervoice interactive voice response solutions; intervoice media exchange, an advanced software-based platform used to create and manage voice-based solutions. It also provides next-generation IP-based messaging and media management applications, intelligent network-based voice and text messaging applications, and prepaid payment solutions. In addition, Intervoice offers assessment and application design, voice user interface design, system integration, project management, and training and optimization of their custom solutions to engineers. INTV posted a 400% surprise in its fiscal second-quarter, coming in with earnings of five cents per share versus the one cent analysts expected. Revenue rose 18% to $51.1 million from $43.3 million a year ago. Wall Street expected $48 million. The company expects third-quarter revenue in the range of $48 million to $53 million. Analysts, on average, forecast revenue of $49 million. "I am very pleased with the results we have posted for this quarter," said Craig Holmes, the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. "Our investments in new customers, software, services and markets drove significant top-line growth during the first half of our fiscal year." Earnings estimates have been on the move over the past 90 days. This year's estimates have quadrupled to four cents per share, while next year's have increased 11.1% to 20 cents per share. Three analysts have raised their forecasts for this year. Similarly, the Average Broker Recommendation has improved to 1.74 from 2.14 over the past 90 days. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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