(BSC) - Bear Stearns Inc - topped the consensus earnings estimate for 16 straight quarters, including double-digit percentage surprises in 12 of them

The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. (BSC) returned nearly 29% since it was last featured as a Value pick on Jun 20. BSC exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for 16 consecutive quarters, underscoring its status as a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stock. In addition to solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, the brokerage giant raised both its dividend and share repurchase authorization. BSC has a price-to-book ratio of 1.8, compared to 4.8 for the market. 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 was last featured as a Value pick on Jun 20 and has returned nearly 29% since that time. The company retains its Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) status, reflecting its impressive ability to consistently exceed rising earnings estimates. BSC topped the consensus earnings estimate for 16 straight quarters, including double-digit percentage surprises in 12 of them. On Dec 14, BSC posted fourth-quarter fiscal 2006 profits of $4.00 per share, up substantially from the $2.90 earned in the prior-year period. Net income soared 38.3% to $562.8 million, versus $407.0 million achieved in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Net revenues climbed 26.3% to $2.4 billion from $1.9 billion. For the entire fiscal year, net revenues leapt 24.3% to $9.2 billion from $7.4 billion last year. Profits amounted to $2.1 billion, up 40.0% from the $1.5 billion earned in fiscal 2005. The company increased profits for five consecutive years. “We are pleased to announce Bear Stearns' fifth consecutive year of record net income and earnings per share,” stated Chairman and CEO James E. Cayne. “I look forward to 2007 and our continued expansion both internationally and domestically.” In addition to solid fourth-quarter and full-year results, the company also announced 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 is currently yielding 0.66%, with a five-year average dividend yield of 0.92%. The Board also increased its total share repurchase authorization from $1.5 billion to $2.0 billion. Consensus estimates for this quarter and next have risen 4.5% and 7.4%, respectively, over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for this year and next jumped 5.9% and 9.5%, respectively, over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10.5% over the next 3-5 years. BSC is currently trading at a valuation of 11.8x trailing 12-month earnings and at 11.4x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 17.3x trailing 12-month earnings and at 15.6x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.8, compared to 4.8 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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(TOC) - Thomson Corp - Beat earnings in two of four quarters by an average 23.4%

The Thomson Corporation (TOC) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past four quarters by an average margin of 19.4%. The company has been returning value to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a current dividend yield of 2.2% and a five-year average dividend yield of 2.4%. Full Analysis The Thomson Corporation is a leading global provider of integrated information-based solutions to business and professional customers. The company serves more than 20 million information users in the fields of law, tax, accounting, financial services, scientific research and healthcare. Over the past four quarters, TOC has succeeded in beating the Street’s earnings estimate by an average margin of 19.4%. In two out of the four quarters, the company surprised by a double-digit percentage. Earnings per share grew 23.4% over the past five years. The company is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year results on Feb 8. On Oct 26, TOC reported third-quarter profits of 61 cents per share, which surpassed the consensus estimate of 57 cents by 7.0%. The result also represented a 19.6% year-over-year improvement when compared to the 51 cents earned in the third quarter of 2005. Revenues grew to $2.4 billion from $2.3 billion in the prior-year period. President and CEO Richard J. Harrington stated, “We delivered solid performance this quarter, reflecting good organic revenue and earnings growth, and continued success in executing on our THOMSONplus initiatives.” For the first nine months of the year, profits jumped 28.0% to $685 million from $535 million for the first nine months of last year. Revenues came in at $6.4 billion, versus $6.0 billion in the same period last year. The company has been returning value to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks. TOC first started repurchasing shares in May 2005 and has bought back approximately 17.0 million common shares at a cost of around $629 million. On Oct 26, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 22 cents per common share. TOC has a current dividend yield of 2.2% and a five-year average dividend yield of 2.4%. Oct 25, TOC announced that it will sell its divisions devoted to higher education, library reference, electronic testing and other markets as part of a reorganization. The company cited that its Learning unit did not fit its “long-term strategic vision.” The move was taken in an effort to “sharpen its strategic focus on providing electronic workflow solutions to business and professional markets and better position the company for future growth.” 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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(SPWR) - SunPower Corp - tripled solar cell manufacturing capacity over the past year

SPWR has blown away earnings estimates in each of the four quarters in which it has been public. The average suprise has exceeded 80%. Four analysts have raised their forecasts for both this year and next. 2007 earnings estimates have increased 12 cents to 78 cents per share. The stock is trading at 56x 2007 estimates, compared to its long-term growth rate of 35.20%. Full Analysis SunPower Corporation (SPWR) engages in the design, development, manufacture, and sale of solar electric power products. It offers solar cells, solar panels, and inverters that generate electricity from sunlight for residential, commercial, and remote power applications. The company’s solar cells are semiconductor devices that directly convert sunlight into electricity. Its solar cell product includes A-300 solar cell, a silicon solar cell with a specified power value of 3.1 watts. SPWR also offers imaging detectors that are back contact light sensor arrays for medical imaging applications, as well as infrared detectors that are semiconductors, which detect light signals primarily for use in computing and mobile phone applications. SPWR swung to a third-quarter profit on a huge sales gain. The company posted earnings of $9.6 million, or 13 cents per share, versus a year-ago loss of $1.6 million. Analysts only expected 10 cents per share. Quarterly sales climbed 19% to $65.3 million from $21.9 million a year ago. Tom Werner, SunPower's CEO, said, "We posted another strong quarter with operating results that exceeded our announced objectives. We saw excellent execution across the company, with significant progress on a number of fronts. SunPower has tripled solar cell manufacturing capacity over the past year and we plan to more than double that capacity by the end of next year while rapidly expanding our panel manufacturing in parallel. We have entered into a joint venture to construct and operate a new silicon ingot manufacturing facility in Korea. Our R&D group is establishing a formidable intellectual property position. Our marketing team is leveraging SunPower's industry-leading technology to deliver our customers highly differentiated products that combine superior performance with a more attractive appearance." SPWR has blown away earnings estimates in each of the four quarters in which it has been public. The average suprise has exceeded 80%. Four analysts have raised their forecasts for both this year and next. 2007 earnings estimates have increased 12 cents to 78 cents per share. The stock is trading at 56x 2007 estimates, compared to its long-term growth rate of 35.20%. 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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(IPSU) - Imperial Sugar Co - in 3 of 4 quarters, crushed earnings by an average of 150.0%

Imperial Sugar Company (IPSU), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in three out of the past four quarters by an average of 150.0%. Consensus estimates for both this quarter and for the full year have risen considerably over the past two months. The Board of Directors recently declared a special dividend of $3.00 per share in mid December. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.6, compared to 4.8 for the market. Full Analysis Imperial Sugar Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in processing and marketing refined sugar in the United States. The company refines, packages and distributes granulated, powdered, liquid and brown sugars. IPSU also produces specialty sugar products, including savannah gold, edible molasses, syrups and specialty sugars used in confections and icings. The company markets products nationally under the Imperial®, Dixie Crystals® and Holly® brands. When IPSU tops analysts’ earnings expectations, it usually does so by a rather large margin. In three out of the past four quarters in which the company surprised to the upside, it did so by an average of 150.0%. On Dec 12, IPSU reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2006 earnings per share of $1.34. The result crushed the consensus estimate of 88 cents by 52.3%. Revenues experienced a 6.1% jump to $240.3 million from $226.6 million in the prior-year period, fueled by a rise in domestic sugar prices. For the entire fiscal year, profits came in at $50.1 million, versus a loss of $19.3 million last year. Revenues increased 17.8% to $946.8 million from $803.8 million in fiscal 2005. President and CEO Robert A. Peiser stated, “We are very pleased with our financial results for fiscal 2006. Industry dynamics were very favorable to us and enabled us to improve margins across all channels to very acceptable levels.” Consensus estimates for this quarter have risen 18.7% to 89 cents over the past two months. Profit forecasts for this year have also increased by an impressive margin—16.8% to $2.50 over the same period of time. The Board of Directors recently declared a special dividend of $3.00 per share. The special dividend is on top of the company's regular quarterly dividend of six cents per share. IPSU has a current dividend yield of 0.92%. IPSU is currently trading at a valuation of 6.2x trailing 12-month earnings and at 10.4x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 17.3x trailing 12-month earnings and at 15.6x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.6, compared to 4.8 for the market. IPSU’s return on equity of 30% is in line with the industry average. 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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(BA) - Boeing - easily surpassed the consensus estimate by 30.9%

The Boeing Company (BA), which was first introduced as a Growth and Income stock on Apr 11, beat analysts’ earnings expectations in 14 out of the past 15 quarters. On Dec 11, the Board of Directors announced a 17% increase in its quarterly dividend to 35 cents per share. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.4% and a five-year average dividend yield 1.7%. BA’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—15% compared to 12%. Full Analysis The Boeing Company is the world's leading aerospace company and the largest manufacturer of commercial jetliners and military aircraft combined. The company operates in operates through six segments: Commercial Airplanes, Aircraft and Weapon Systems, Network Systems, Support Systems, Launch and Orbital Systems and Boeing Capital Corporation. BA serves customers in 145 countries around the world. When BA was first covered as a Growth and Income stock on Apr 11, the company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in 11 out of the past 12 quarters. In the time that has elapsed, the company added three additional positive earnings surprises to its impressive resume. And, the company managed to surprise by a double-digit percentage in all three. The stock is up nearly 10% since its debut. On Oct 25, BA posted third-quarter earnings per share of 89 cents. With analysts expecting 68 cents, the company easily surpassed the consensus estimate by 30.9%. The result also amounted to a 29.0% year-over-year improvement. Revenues increased 18.6% to $14.7 billion, compared to $12.4 billion in the third quarter of 2005. Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Jim McNerney stated, “Our strong performance during the third quarter and our growth outlook for 2007 underscore what Boeing can accomplish by an unwavering focus on execution and meeting our commitments. As we continue to drive our growth and productivity efforts, we aim to achieve a new level of consistently strong financial performance.” In addition to reporting solid quarterly results, BA updated its earnings per share guidance for 2006 to between $2.40 and $2.50 per share. The company also increased its 2007 profit guidance by 20 cents per share to between $4.45 and $4.65. Its revenue outlook for 2006 was raised to approximately $60.5 billion, which is the high end of its prior guidance range. Revenue guidance for next year was boosted to between $65.5 billion and $66.0 billion. Earnings per share are projected to grow 14% over the next 3-5 years, while the industry is forecasted to grow at a 13% clip. On Dec 11, the Board of Directors announced a 17% increase in its quarterly dividend to 35 cents per share. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.4% and a five-year average dividend yield 1.7%. BA’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, tops that of the industry average-15% compared to 12%. BA is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock. Zacks #2 Rank stocks have generated an average annual return of 21.6% since 1988. Because the Zacks Rank has a market cap bias, Growth & Income investors may find a greater number of large-cap stocks by considering both Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) and Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stocks in their selection criteria. 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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(SCRX) - Sciele Pharma, Inc - Three analysts have raised their forecasts for this year, seven for next year

SCRX has met or exceeded earnings estimates in 12 out of the past 13 quarters. Year-over-year growth has consistently been above 30% over that time period. Three analysts have raised their forecasts for this year, while seven have done so for next year. Earnings estimates for 2007 have increased a solid 16 cents to $1.57 per share over the past 90 days. The stock is trading at a reasonable 15.4x 2007 earnings. Full Analysis Sciele Pharma, Inc. (SCRX), a specialty pharmaceutical company, engages in the development, marketing, and sale of prescription products for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, obstetrical and gynecological, and pediatric and gastroenterological conditions and disorders. Sciele Pharma was previously known as First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corporation (FHRX). The company started trading as Sciele Pharma, Inc. (SCRX) on NASDAQ from June 19, 2006. Sciele s products include Sular, an antihypertensive prescription medication; Nitrolingual spray for acute relief or prevention of chest pain associated with angina pectoris that results from heart disease for curing acute angina; as well as Prenate Elite and Optinate prescription prenatal vitamin products. In April 2005, Sciele acquired Fortamet and Altoprev from Andrx Pharmaceuticals for $50 million in cash and $35 million in manufacturing milestones. Andrx will continue to manufacture Fortamet and Altoprev, and Sciele will pay 8% and 15% royalty on sales respectively. Fortamet, a once-daily extended-release tablet of generic metformin, offers fewer-side effects and easier dosing than traditional metformin or Glucophage tablets. Other niche products at Sciele offer strong growth opportunities. Prospects for Prenate Elite, the number-one prescribed pre- and post-natal multivitamin in the U.S. should remain strong going forward. The company is working on extending the Prenate Elite line, and recently launched a new vitamin, Ostiva, which will give women nutritional support to help maintain healthy bones. A special sales force is in place for the promotion of the Prenate line of products. ACcording to Zacks Equity Research Analyst Jason Napodano, CFA, Sciele should be able to post total top-line sales growth of 18% and bottom-line earnings growth of approximately 22% over the next 4 years. That is clearly among the upper echelon of specialty pharmaceuticals companies. Valuation is attractive in his view given the strong growth potential. SCRX has met or exceeded earnings estimates in 12 out of the past 13 quarters. Year-over-year growth has consistently been above 30% over that time period. Three analysts have raised their forecasts for this year, while seven have done so for next year. Earnings estimates for 2007 have increased a solid 16 cents to $1.57 per share over the past 90 days. The stock is trading at a reasonable 15.4x 2007 earnings. 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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(AIZ) - Assurant, Inc - beat the consensus earnings estimate in 10 out of the past 11 quarters by an average margin of 21.7%

Assurant, Inc. (AIZ), first highlighted as a Value stock on Feb 1, is up nearly 23%. The company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in 10 out of the past 11 quarters by an average margin of 21.7%. On Nov 10, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per share of stock and approved the repurchase of up to $600 million of its common stock. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 1.9, compared to 4.8 for the market. Full Analysis Assurant, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides creditor-placed homeowners insurance; manufactured housing homeowners insurance; debt protection administration; credit insurance; warranties and extended services contracts; individual health and small employer group health insurance; group dental insurance; group disability insurance; group life insurance; and pre-funded funeral insurance. AIZ, which was first presented as a Value pick on Feb 1, continues to trade at a discounted valuation. Moreover, the company continues to top analysts’ earnings expectations, while earnings estimates are still trending higher. Nearly a year later, AIZ still wears the crown of a Zacks #1 Rank stock. AIZ beat the consensus earnings estimate in 10 out of the past 11 quarters by an average margin of 21.7%. In nine out of the 10 quarters, the company surprised by a double-digit percentage. AIZ missed by only a penny in the one quarter in which it failed to beat the Street. On Nov 1, AIZ reported third-quarter profits of $1.20 per share. The result equated to a 21.2% positive earnings surprise with analysts calling for only 99 cents per share. Compared to the third quarter of 2005, earnings soared 30.4%. Net premiums earned jumped 6.2% to $1.72 billion from $1.62 billion in the prior-year period. President and CEO Robert B. Pollock stated, “Our strong results this quarter demonstrate our focus on products we believe offer the best long-term profitable growth as well as the strength of our diversified specialty insurance strategy.” For the first nine months of the year, profits increased 25.8% to $466.5 million from $370.8 million for the first nine months of 2005. Net premiums earned rose 4.1% to $5.08 billion, compared to $4.88 billion in the same period last year. Consensus estimates for this year experienced a 16-cent leap to $4.70 over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for next year are up 10 cents to $4.88 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years, in line with that of the industry average. On Nov 10, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per common share of stock. The Board also approved the repurchase of up to $600 million of its common stock. AIZ stated that the new buyback program will begin once its current $400 million repurchase program has been completed. The company has a current dividend yield of 0.71%. AIZ is currently trading at a valuation of 12.0x trailing 12-month earnings and at 11.5x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 17.3x trailing 12-month earnings and at 15.6x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.9, compared to 4.8 for the market. AIZ’s return on equity of 17% betters the industry average of 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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(FDS) - FactSet Research Systems, Inc - Six analysts upped their estimates for this year

FactSet Research Systems, Inc. (FDS), which was first introduced as a Growth and Income stock on Jun 22, has returned 22%. The company topped the Street’s estimate for seven straight quarters. FDS has been able to post 41 consecutive quarters of sequential revenue growth. Consensus estimates have been on the rise for FDS. The company has a current dividend yield of 0.43% and a five-year average dividend yield of 0.55%. Full Analysis FactSet Research Systems, Inc. is a leading provider of global financial and economic data and analytics to the investment community worldwide. Combining more than 200 databases into its own dedicated online service, the company also provides the tools to download, combine and manipulate financial data for investment analysis. FDS is up 22% since it was first featured as a Growth and Income pick on Jun 22. With earnings estimates trending higher, coupled with the company’s strong history of beating the Street, we still feel confident about FDS’s future prospects. FDS exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for seven consecutive quarters. Moreover, the company met or topped the consensus estimate in 15 out of the past 16 quarters. Earnings per share grew 21.1% over the past five years. On Dec 19, FDS reported first-quarter fiscal 2007 profits of 47 cents per share, compared to 38 cents in the prior-year period. Analysts were calling for 45 cents. Revenues increased 21.4% to $108.9 million, versus $89.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. FDS has been able to post 41 consecutive quarters of sequential revenue growth. Subscriptions jumped $16.9 million, while client retention rate continued to eclipse the 95% plateau. Chairman and CEO Philip A. Hadley stated, “We are pleased to report a solid first quarter. Revenues and profitability improved, while we continued to invest in areas critical for future growth.” Consensus estimates for this quarter and next jumped two cents to 48 cents and 50 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days. Five analysts submitted upward revisions for both quarters. Profit forecasts for this year have risen eight cents to $1.98 and estimates for next year climbed seven cents to $2.28 over the past month. Six analysts upped their estimates for this year and four did so for next year. Earnings per share are projected to grow 18% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is expected to grow at a 15% clip. At the end of fiscal 2006, FDS’s free cash flow stood at $97.1 million, compared to $72.4 million in 2005 and $38.5 million in 2004. As a result, on Nov 14, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of six cents per share. FDS has a current dividend yield of 0.43% and a five-year average dividend yield of 0.55%. The company’s return on equity of 25% is in line with that of the industry average. FDS is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock. Zacks #2 Rank stocks have generated an average annual return of 21.6% since 1988. Because the Zacks Rank has a market cap bias, Growth & Income investors may find a greater number of large-cap stocks by considering both Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) and Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stocks in their selection criteria. 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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(HOLX) - Hologic, Inc - unbelievable history of exceeding earnings estimates - 10 straight quarters

HOLX has an unbelievable history of exceeding earnings estimates. The company has done so in 10 straight quarters, nine of which have posted double-digit surprises. Four analysts have raised their full-year 2006 projections. Over the past 60 days, 2006 estimates have increased six cents to $1.22 per share. Full Analysis Hologic, Inc. (HOLX), together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and distributes diagnostic and medical imaging systems for serving the healthcare needs of women. It focuses on mammography and breast care, and osteoporosis assessment. The company’s mammography and breast care products include breast imaging and related products, such as direct ray digital detector; Selenia full field digital mammography system; screen-film mammography system; SecurView, a breast imaging softcopy workstation; computer-aided detection system; stereotactic breast biopsy system, and breast biopsy products for breast biopsy, tissue removal, and biopsy site marking. HOLX turned in an impressive fourth quarter by coming in with earnings per share of 28 cents, four cents higher than the consensus estimate. Revenue almost doubled to $154.1 million from $78.2 million last year. Analysts were only expecting $137 million. For the full year, the company posted net income of $27.4 million, or 56 cents per share, compared with $28.3 million, or 63 cents per share, last year. The company reported adjusted earnings of $52 million, up from $28.3 million. "We are very pleased to report record revenues for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, in addition to full year revenue growth of 61% over fiscal 2005," said Jack Cumming, Chairman and CEO. "Our recent acquisitions contributed to the strong top line growth and laid the foundation for another successful year. Management's focus for the coming fiscal year will be to execute our business strategy relative to our core business, deliver anticipated growth from our acquisitions, improve our margins through lean initiatives and continue to invest in innovation." HOLX has an unbelievable history of exceeding earnings estimates. The company has done so in 10 straight quarters, nine of which have posted double-digit surprises. Four analysts have raised their full-year 2006 projections. Over the past 60 days, 2006 estimates have increased six cents to $1.22 per share. The stock is currently trading at 29.7x 2007 estimates of $1.58 per share, in-line with the company's projected long-term growth rate of 29.50%. 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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(TRMA) - Trico Marine Services, Inc - return on equity of 21% betters the industry average of 16%

Trico Marine Services, Inc. (TRMA), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in three out of the past four quarters by an average margin of 25.0%. Consensus estimates have been on the rise for both this quarter and for the full year. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.8, compared to 4.8 for the market. Its return on equity of 21% betters the industry average of 16%. Full Analysis Trico Marine Services, Inc. owns and operates a diverse fleet of marine support vessels serving the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico, the North Sea, Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa. The company’s vessels transport drilling materials, supplies and crews and provide support for the construction, installation, maintenance and removal of offshore facilities and for well servicing and subsea construction. TRMA beat analysts’ earnings expectations in three out of the past four quarters by an average margin of 25.0%. The company managed to surprise by a double-digit percentage in all three quarters. In the one quarter in which TRMA failed to beat the Street, it missed by only a penny. On Nov 8, TRMA reported third-quarter profits of $17.8 million, or $1.17 per share. The result topped the consensus estimate of 99 cents by an impressive 18.2%. In the second quarter, the company’s profits came in at $12.1 million. Total revenues amounted to $68.5 million, up 11.4% when compared to the second quarter of 2006. President and CEO Trevor Turbidy stated, “Our net income growth and improved operating margins reflect increased charter hire revenues and a continued focus on controlling operating expenses.” During the quarter, TRMA announced that it will build two GPA 640, 210' offshore supply vessels for a total cost of approximately $35 million. The vessels will be constructed by Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. The first vessel is scheduled to be delivered in March 2008 and the second vessel in July 2008. Turbidy commented, “We are delighted that Bender will be constructing the vessels and we have the utmost confidence in their ability to deliver the vessels on each of their expected delivery dates in 2008.” Consensus estimates have been on the rise for both this quarter and for the full year. Estimates for this quarter increased 6.3% to $1.01 over the past 60 days, while profit forecasts for this year are up 7.6% to $3.82 over the same period of time. TRMA is currently trading at a valuation of 9.7x trailing 12-month earnings and at 8.8x current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 17.3x trailing 12-month earnings and at 15.6x its current fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.8, compared to 4.8 for the market. TRMA’s return on equity of 21% betters the industry average of 16%. 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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(CT) - Capital Trust, Inc - estimates for both this year and next have been on the rise over the past 90 days

Capital Trust, Inc. (CT) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for five straight quarters and in eight out of the past nine. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years. On Dec 14, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 75 cents per share, as well as a special cash dividend of 65 cents per share. The quarterly dividend was raised by five cents in mid September. CT is currently yielding 6.3%. Full Analysis Capital Trust, Inc. is a finance and investment management company focused on the commercial real estate industry. The company originates, underwrites, structures, closes and manages real estate-related high-yield debt and other investments. CT is organized as a real estate investment trust (REIT). CT’s history of beating analysts’ earnings expectations is fairly impressive. The company topped the consensus estimate for five consecutive quarters by an average margin 13.9%. Furthermore, CT surprised to the upside in eight out of the past nine quarters. In the one quarter in which the company missed estimates, it did so by only a penny. On Oct 30, CT surprised to the upside by 11.7% when it reported third-quarter earnings per share of 86 cents. The Street was calling for 77 cents per share. Compared to profits of 64 cents per share in the prior-year period, earnings soared 34.4%. CEO John Klopp stated, “New originations topped $550 million, an all-time record, with 50% representing first mortgage and construction loans. Most important, our pipeline of investment opportunities has never been stronger and we are excited about our new initiative in Brazil.” Consensus estimates for both this year and next have been on the rise over the past 90 days. Profit forecasts for this year jumped 15 cents to $3.27, while estimates for next year experienced an 18-cent advance to $3.50 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years. On Dec 14, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 75 cents per share, as well as a special cash dividend of 65 cents per share. The company cited that the special dividend was a result of 2006 REIT taxable income in excess of the amount distributed through CT's regular, quarterly dividends. The company is currently yielding 6.3%, with a five-year average dividend yield of 5.3%. CT boosted its quarterly dividend back in mid September by five cents. CT is a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stock. Zacks #2 Rank stocks have generated an average annual return of 21.6% since 1988. Because the Zacks Rank has a market cap bias, Growth & Income investors may find a greater number of large-cap stocks by considering both Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) and Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) stocks in their selection criteria. 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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(GTIV) - Gentiva Health Services, Inc - positioned to benefit from growth of the home healthcare industry

GTIV has met earnings estimates in each of the past three quarters. Six analysts have raised their forecasts for 2007. Over the past month, 2007 estimates have increased eight cents to $1.15 per share. The company's average broker rating has been steady at 2.89. GTIV is trading at 17.3x next year's estimate, slightly below the projected long-term growth rate of 18.25%. Full Analysis Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) is the nation s largest provider of comprehensive home healthcare services, with more than 500 owned and operated direct service delivery units at approximately 400 locations in 36 states. Gentiva derives revenues through the provision of (1) home healthcare services on a direct basis to patients, including specialty services and neuro-rehabilitation services; (2) home healthcare services on an indirect basis through the delivery of national, regional, and local administrative services to managed care organizations and self-insured employers; and (3) home healthcare consulting services to independent and hospital-based home health agencies. The graying of the population and an increasing focus on healthcare cost containment underpins a shift towards lower-cost (and more convenient) solutions, such as home healthcare. According to Zacks Equity Research Analyst Chris Kallos, the company is well positioned to benefit from growth of the home healthcare industry through both its geographic reach and multiple service offering. A key feature of the Gentiva business model is the co-ordination of ancillary care services to member patients of managed care organizations through the CareCentrix unit. CareCentrix contracts, the largest being with CIGNA, provide relative earnings stability and valuable preliminary market data for business development of GTIV s direct services. The company has recently initiated a number of productivity initiatives designed to contain administrative costs and foster internal growth, which if successful will cushion operating margins to any sudden changes to government-sourced revenues. GTIV has met earnings estimates in each of the past three quarters. Six analysts have raised their forecasts for 2007. Over the past month, 2007 estimates have increased eight cents to $1.15 per share. The company's average broker rating has been steady at 2.89. GTIV is trading at 17.3x next year's estimate, slightly below the projected long-term growth rate of 18.25%. 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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(DECK) - (LEAP) - (CHAP) - (FRPT) - (GRMN) - Jim Collins, The OTC Insight newsletter

Jim Collins, editor of The OTC Insight newsletter, explains that valuations remain quite reasonable on a 12-month basis and the prospects are good for moderate economic expansion. Read this featured expert's market update and learn about recent economic reports. Then take a look at a few stock picks and check out some recent company news. MARKET UPDATE from December 26 On Thursday the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia reported business activity fell unexpectedly in December. This announcement coincided with a downward revision in third-quarter growth gross domestic product, which also was not anticipated. Coupled with reports showing a declining housing industry and lower than expected personal income and spending, pessimists are trumpeting their concerns over upcoming earnings. However, there were also several economic reports to which optimists could point for their argument. These included a better than expected report on the leading economic indicators, orders for durable goods, and consumer sentiment. Combined with the overwhelmingly positive news the week before, there is no need to become overly concerned. All of the news is consistent with what Insight has been saying for quite some time, and that is fourth quarter earnings will be decent-not great and not bad. Heading into 2007, valuations remain quite reasonable on a 12-month basis and the prospects are good for moderate economic expansion. Jim Collins and his team have noted the stock market remains susceptible to a small, short-term decline for no other reason than stocks have had a long, sustained climb. Stock Picks include Deckers Outdoor (DECK) designs, manufactures, and markets innovative, function-oriented footwear and apparel that have been developed for high-performance outdoor, sports and other lifestyle related activities, as well as for casual use. Leap Wireless International Inc. (LEAP) is a customer-focused company providing innovative mobile wireless services that are targeted to meet the needs of customers who are under-served by traditional communications companies. With a commitment to predictability, simplicity and value as the foundation of their business, Leap pioneered Cricket' service, a simple and affordable wireless alternative to traditional landline service. Cricket service offers customers unlimited anytime minutes within the Cricket calling area over a high-quality, all-digital CDMA network. A Sampling of Company News: Chaparral Steel (CHAP) reported fiscal second quarter results last Tuesday. The company recorded net income of $67.5 million, or $1.40 per share, for its second quarter ended November 30. This represents a 98% increase in net income over the $34.0 million, or $0.72 per share, earned in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Force Protection (FRPT) and General Dynamics Land Systems today announced on December 22nd, they will form a joint venture to compete for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program, a U.S. joint services program being managed by the U.S. Marine Corps. The joint venture was formed to offer Force Protection's Cougar 4x4 and 6x6 armored vehicles as an MRAP solution. The joint venture will include an experienced team in program management, systems engineering, production and service support from both Force Protection and General Dynamics. Garmin (GRMN) learned over the weekend that a United States District Court decided in Garmin's favor in their pending patent litigation against TomTom. The Court's ruling gave Garmin a complete victory in its defense of TomTom's claims of infringement of three patents and left undecided many of the claims filed by Garmin against TomTom. TomTom alleged that over 60 products made by Garmin infringed these three patents and sought substantial damages and a permanent injunction against further sales of these Garmin products. This article highlights the commentary of Jim Collins for the Zacks.com audience. Jim Collins provides insightful analysis, market commentary, and favorite recommendations on a timely basis in "OTC Insight" newsletter. Try it free for 30 days and see if you can improve your investment performance. Learn more about "OTC Insight" and 30-Day Free Trial. And get immediate access to current issues and special reports. Click here now. Here's How You Can Profit from the Pros Find out what other leading experts are saying about the market. And what stocks they are recommending. For free. Just sign up for our free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros, where we'll give you the commentary, advice, and insight from those rare few experts who consistently beat the market year in, year out. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(PNC) - (CVX) - (HBAN) - John Reese, Validea Hot List newsletter

John Reese, editor of the Validea Hot List newsletter, details the performance of his Validea Hot List since inception, year to date and over the past few weeks. Find out how this featured expert's stocks stack up against the S&P 500. Afterward, learn about some of the Hot List holdings, including an addition to the portfolio that Reese describes as 'a very strong performing bank with a well-priced stock. Validea Hot List Performance from December 29 Since inception, the Validea Hot List has increased 186.7 percent, versus 42.4 percent for the S&P 500. Year to date, the Validea Hot List has risen 29.2 percent compared with an increase of 14.1 percent for the S&P 500. Since John Reese and his team's last issue of the newsletter, the Validea Hot List is up 0.6 percent, while the S&P 500 is down 0.1%. The Newbies PNC Financial Services (PNC) Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services is a bank with retail operations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and the District of Columbia. It owns 34 percent of BlackRock, an investment management firm. It is in the process of acquiring Mercantile Bancshares. The bank is favored by Reese and his team's interpretation of the David Dreman and Peter Lynch strategies. The Peter Lynch Strategy In addition to the Dreman strategy, the Lynch strategy is willing to bank on PNC. PNC Financial is a Lynch true stalwart because its earnings growth rate, 14.24 percent, is within the 10 percent to 19 percent range. The company's yield adjusted P/E/G ratio (P/E relative to growth) is a very strong 0.5 (0.5 or less is best of class). Also in its favor is its positive EPS, 11.0 percent equity-to-assets ratio (5 percent is the minimum) and its return on assets of 2.69 percent (1.0 percent is the minimum acceptable). Overall, PNC Financial is a very strong performing bank with a well-priced stock. Other Hot List stocks include: Chevron Corp. (CVX), formerly ChevronTexaco Corporation, manages its investments in subsidiaries and affiliates, and provides administrative, financial and management support to the United States and foreign subsidiaries that engage in integrated petroleum operations, chemicals operations, coal mining, power and energy services. Petroleum operations consist of exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas; refining crude oil into finished petroleum products; marketing crude oil, natural gas and the many products derived from petroleum, and transporting crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products by pipeline, marine vessel, motor equipment and rail car. Chemicals operations include the manufacture and marketing, by affiliates, of commodity petrochemicals for industrial uses, and the manufacture and marketing, by a consolidated subsidiary, of fuel and lubricating oil additives. Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (HBAN) is a multi-state diversified financial holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides full-service commercial and consumer banking services, mortgage banking services, automobile financing, equipment leasing, investment management, trust services and brokerage services. It also reinsures private mortgage, credit life and disability insurance, and sells other insurance and financial products and services. The Huntington National Bank (the Bank) is Huntington Bancshares Incorporated's only bank subsidiary. The Company has three lines of business: Regional Banking, Dealer Sales, and the Private Financial and Capital Markets Group (PFCMG). A fourth segment includes Huntington Bancshares Incorporated's Treasury function and other unallocated assets, liabilities, revenue, and expense. This article highlights the commentary of John Reese for the Zacks.com audience. John Reese provides insightful analysis, market commentary, and favorite recommendations on a timely basis in "The Validea Hot List" newsletter. Try it free for 30 days and see if you can improve your investment performance. Learn more about "The Validea Hot List" and 30-Day Free Trial. And get immediate access to current issues and special reports. Click here now. Here's How You Can Profit from the Pros Find out what other leading experts are saying about the market. And what stocks they are recommending. For free. Just sign up for our free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros, where we'll give you the commentary, advice, and insight from those rare few experts who consistently beat the market year in, year out. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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(BAC) - (EV) - (MCD) - (MRK) - (PFE) - Kelley Wright, Investment Quality Trends newsletter

Kelley Wright, editor of the Investment Quality Trends newsletter, is not about to play the game of predicting where the market will end up at the end of 2007. However, this featured expert can say, with almost 100% certainty, that there will be opportunities in the market of stocks that are of the highest-quality and trading at their historic area of undervalue. Read Wright's outlook and learn about bonds, the Fed, oil and the new Congressional majority. Afterward, discover some of Wright's Lucky 13 for 2007. Commentary from January 1 You never know what Mr. Market will throw at you over the course of a year and 2006 was no exception. Kelley Wright and his team thought for sure that the markets in 2006 would prove every bit as tough as the ones in 2005 and that they would be lucky to post another 8.0% total return. So much for that prognostication, which is why Wright's team sticks to what they know; picking stocks. As of the closing bell on December 27th the portfolio generated a price gain of 13.67% plus dividend income on invested capital of 3.07% for a total return (capital gains plus dividends) of 16.74%. For the edification of new subscribers the Lucky 13 returned 31.20% in 2000, 15.20% in 2001, 10.90% in 2002, 30.20% in 2003, 13.21% in 2004 and 8.0% in 2005. With this year's return the average annual return for the seven years is 17.92%. So much for 2006; it's time to look toward 2007. Treasury yields are backing up as bond prices retrace a fair chunk of their earlier gains. With myriad data points to choose from in the economy and the apparent diversification away from the dollar overseas, it will be interesting to see how far Treasury yields rise. Wright's thought is that the 10-Year will re-visit the 5% area once again by March. From there, Wright sees yields declining through June of 2008 to approximately the 4% area and that should be the end of the move. Reading the above, one could guess that Wright falls into the Fed will probably need to lower the Fed Funds rate camp. As for that nasty 'R' word, we will simply have to wait and see. Much will depend on the consumer who continues to display mind-boggling resiliency. Wright continues to believe that gold is in a long-term bull market. Whether we see any fireworks this year in the gold complex remains to be seen; the metal is certainly building quite a base, however. Oil had a raucous 2006 and continues to enjoy a broad swath of support from the analytical set. From a technical perspective, though, the only way to describe the price action of crude last year was weird. While Wright doesn't fully subscribe to the 'oil was manipulated' theory, the price action was strange enough that oil might just trade sideways this year between $55 and $65 per barrel. That being said, Wright suspects that 2008 will tell an entirely different story by putting in a new high by mid-2008. In case you were off the planet in November a new Congressional majority will take the reins in January. Having sojourned in the desert so long, one would think that the new powers to be will want to play it safe and shore up their position going into 2008. One would also think that the recently deposed would be desirous of reclaiming their previous perch and to that end would behave entirely different from the manner that was the catalyst for their dismissal in the first place. This breed that makes up the legislative branch, no matter the letter after their name, is different from you and Wright however, and try as they might Wright suspects that they will succumb to the force that is their DNA. While comity may be the watchword for about, oh, let's say five minutes or so, business no doubt will revert to the usual. Moving from the political to the practical Wright believes that the markets will do what the markets always do; fluctuate. Where the indices end up at the end of next December is anybody's guess and a fool's game to try to predict. What Wright can say with almost 100% certainty, however, is that there will be opportunities in the market of stocks that are of the highest-quality and trading at their historic area of undervalue. THE LUCKY 13 2007 include: For The Lucky 13 portfolio, Wright and his team attempt to select stocks that exhibit the highest quality, offer historic value and have attractive dividend yields. Bank of America (BAC): Arguably still the best run bank in America; a holdover from 2006 with absolutely no apologies. Eaton Vance (EV): Designs, markets and manages both open-end and closed-end mutual funds and offers investment management services to high-net-worth investors and institutions. McDonalds (MCD): Another holdover from 2006 and why not? Still trading at Undervalue, MCD is too good to pass up. Merck & Co. (MRK): A global pharmaceutical company that discovers, develops, manufactures and markets products to improve human and animal health. Pfizer (PFE): Another reprise for 2007. While Wright and his team chalked up 15.5% in PFE last year, they like the sector and they love the value. This article highlights the commentary of Kelley Wright for the Zacks.com audience. Kelley Wright provides insightful analysis, market commentary, and favorite recommendations on a timely basis in "Investment Quality Trends" newsletter. Try it free for 30 days and see if you can improve your investment performance. Learn more about "Investment Quality Trends" and 30-Day Free Trial. And get immediate access to current issues and special reports. Click here now. Here's How You Can Profit from the Pros Find out what other leading experts are saying about the market. And what stocks they are recommending. For free. Just sign up for our free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros, where we'll give you the commentary, advice, and insight from those rare few experts who consistently beat the market year in, year out. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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