VSH - Vishay Intertechnology, Inc -

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (VSH) recently reported first-quarter earnings per share that beat the consensus estimate by four cents. Analysts have upped their profit forecasts over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 14% over the next 3-5 years. The company has a price-to-book ratio of only 1.0, compared to 4.5 for the market and 1.9 for the industry average. Full Analysis Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors and passive electronic components. These components are used in virtually all types of electronic devices and equipment, in the industrial, computing, automotive, consumer, telecommunications, military, aerospace and medical markets. The company has sales offices worldwide, as well as manufacturing plants in China and five other Asian countries, Europe and the Americas. On Apr 30, VSH posted first-quarter profits of 26 cents per share, beating the Street’s estimate by four cents and earnings in the prior-year period by a penny. The company's net revenues came in at $658.2 million, compared with $631.1 million in the prior-year period. President and CEO Dr. Gerald Paul stated, "Vishay had a strong start into the year 2007. Solid demand from substantially all regions and end markets resulted in a higher level of revenues than anticipated." Consensus estimates for this quarter and next are up three cents and four cents to 28 cents and 29 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days. Seven analysts raised their estimates for both this quarter and next. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 13 cents and nine cents to $1.11 and $1.25, respectively, over the past month. Upward revisions were submitted by seven analysts for this year and by six analysts for next year. Earnings per share are projected to grow 14% over the next 3-5 years. VSH has been rather active in the acquisitions arena of late. On Apr 1, VSH completed the acquisition of International Rectifier's Power Control Systems business. The acquired product lines are said to complement VSH’s existing product portfolio and have the potential to materially improve its growth in revenues, return on investment and profits. On Apr 19, VSH acquired UK-based PM Group Plc but intends to only retain its on-board vehicle weighing business, PM Onboard. This should bode well for VSH’s plan for vertical integration in its Measurements Group. VSH is currently trading at a valuation of 15.4x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 13.6x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.3x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.3x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of only 1.0, compared to 4.5 for the market and 1.9 for 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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HSC - Harsco Corp - Harsco Corp - topped the consensus estimate for 15 consecutive quarters by an average margin of 16.2%

Harsco Corporation (HSC) has topped the consensus earnings estimate for 15 consecutive quarters by an average margin of 16.2%. The company recently reported record first-quarter results. As a result, HSC raised its full-year 2007 profit guidance to between $2.69 and $2.74 per share. Analysts responded to the company’s bullish guidance by boosting their earnings estimates. HSC has a current dividend yield of 1.4%. Full Analysis Harsco Corporation is a diversified, worldwide industrial company. HSC's operations fall into four main operating groups: Mill Services; Access Services; Minerals & Rail Technologies, Services and Products; and Gas Technologies. The company operates in over 40 countries and its businesses serve some of the world’s largest and most essential industries, including non-residential construction, steel and metals, energy and railways. HSC has a very strong history when it comes to beating analysts’ earnings expectations. The company has topped the consensus estimate for 15 consecutive quarters by an average margin of 16.2%. In 10 of the aforementioned 15 quarters HSC surprised to the upside by a double-digit percentage. On Apr 23, 2007, HSC reported record first-quarter profits of 54 cents per share. With analysts expecting 42 cents per share, the company recorded a 28.6% positive earnings surprise. When compared to the first quarter of 2006, HSC’s profits were up 33.3%. Revenues also marked a new record for the company, growing 23.2% to $840 million from $682.1 million during the same period a year earlier. The impressive result was fueled by a 109% increase in operating income from HSC's Access Services Segment. President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Salvatore D. Fazzolari stated, “We look forward to continuing our first-quarter momentum throughout all of 2007. Our overall global markets remain strong and provide us with numerous opportunities for growth.” In addition to posting record quarterly results, HSC raised its full-year 2007 profit guidance to between $2.69 and $2.74 per share. The company’s prior outlook called for profits between $2.52 and $2.57 per share. Analysts responded to HSC’s bullish guidance by upping their profit forecasts. The consensus earnings estimate for this quarter currently sits at 79 cents. When compared to the consensus of 30 days ago, it has jumped seven cents and reflects upward revisions by three of the five covering analysts. Estimates for the full year have risen 20 cents over the same time period. Four of the six covering analysts boosted their forecasts. Earnings per share are projected to grow 13% over the next 3-5 years. On Mar 22, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 17.75 cents per share on a post-split basis. The dividend is payable on May 15 to stockholders of record as of Apr 13. A two-for-one stock split took effect on Mar 27. HSC has a current dividend yield of 1.4%. HSC increased revenues and expanded gross margins for the past four years and grew profits for five years running. The company’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—18% compared to 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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SPIL - Siliconware Precision Ind. Co., Ltd - will benefit from the current trend towards outsourcing by integrated device manufacturers

Siliconware is a cheap stock relative to its growth prospects. At about 11.5x next year's estimates, the stock trades well below its projected long-term growth rate of 20%. Over the past month, this year's earnings estimates have increased four cents to 82 cents per share. The company has comfortably exceeded analyst expectations in eight consecutive quarters. Both analysts covering the stock raised their numbers for next year. Full Analysis Siliconware Precision Industries Co., Ltd. (SPIL) offers a full range of semiconductor packaging and testing solutions to over 100 customers worldwide, including ATI Technologies, nVIDIA, Intel, IBM, MediaTek, VIA Technologies, and Xilinx Inc. The company's packaging and testing facilities are located in Taichung and Hsin-Chu in Taiwan. Siliconware is one of the largest subcontract assembly companies in the world, with an estimated 11% share of the global market. Its packaging services (approximately 80% of revenue in 1Q07) protect chips and enable their integration into electronic systems. The company s packaging services offers a full array of packing solutions, including lead frame packages and flip-chip ball grid array packages. Packaging services are conducted by wire bonding machines, and at the end of the fourth quarter, SPIL had 3,986 wire bonding sets. Siliconware will benefit from the current trend towards outsourcing by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs). The IDMs are outsourcing their packaging and testing requirements to subcontractors like Siliconware, so they can focus on their core design and marketing activities. The company is also experiencing strong growth and stands to gain as the personal computer market is showing signs of recovery. We are also particularly optimistic about the prospects of the high-margin liquid crystal display (LCD) driver integrated circuit (IC) packaging business. Zacks Equity Research Analyst Robert Perri, CFA expects SPIL to win more business by taking advantage of the demand that will be created when production ramps up on the new gaming systems, such as the Playstation 3, the Nintendo Wii and the X-Box 360. SPIL has recently modified its dividend distribution policy to guarantee more than 50% payout in cash, which shows management's confidence in the company's earnings ability, and the recent gains taken by selling some of its investments should help boost the dividend payout in the near term. 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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TBSI - TBS International Ltd - topped the Street’s estimate by 27.5% -- a 30.8% year-over-year improvement

TBS International Limited (TBSI) posted fourth-quarter earnings that beat the consensus estimate by 27.5%. The company continued to expand and renew its fleet in 2006. Analysts’ earnings estimates have been climbing upward for this Zacks #1 Rank company. TBSI has a price-to-book ratio of 2.1, compared to 4.5 for the market. Its PEG ratio currently resides at 0.76. Full Analysis TBS International Limited is an ocean transportation services company that offers worldwide shipping solutions through liner, parcel and bulk services, and vessel chartering. TBSI has developed its business around key trade routes between Latin America and China, Japan and South Korea, as well as select ports in North America, Africa and the Caribbean. The company provides frequent regularly scheduled voyages in its network, as well as cargo scheduling, loading and discharge for its customers. When TBSI reported fourth-quarter 2006 results on Mar 8, shareholders were pleased that earnings of 51 cents per share not only topped the Street’s estimate by 27.5% but also marked a 30.8% year-over-year improvement. However, total revenues slipped to $65.4 million, compared to $67.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2005. TBSI will announce its first-quarter results after the market closes on Monday, May 14. Chairman and CEO Joseph E. Royce stated, "We are pleased to have concluded an exciting year in 2006, delivering strong operational performance and financial results while executing our strategy of fleet expansion and renewal as a response to the growth of our business. In 2006, we experienced volume increases both in general cargo and aggregates coupled with stronger freight rates in the fourth quarter." The company continued to expand and renew its fleet in 2006. During the year TBSI concluded the acquisition of four additional vessels for a total of $69.3 million and the sale of one vessel for $3.2 million. The end result was a fleet of 34 vessels from 31 vessels. Analysts’ earnings estimates have been climbing upward for TBSI. Consensus estimates for this quarter and next are up nine cents and 13 cents to 40 cents and 54 cents, respectively, over the past 30 days. Both of the covering analysts upped their estimates for this quarter. Likewise, the sole covering analyst for next quarter took the same measure. Profit forecasts for this year and next have both risen 43 cents to $2.17 and $2.84, respectively, over the same period of time. Upward revisions were submitted by both of the covering analysts. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years. TBSI is currently trading at a discounted valuation of 7.6x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 5.8x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.3x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.3x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.1, compared to 4.5 for the market. Its PEG ratio currently resides at 0.76. The company’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—20% compared to 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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BEZ - Baldor Electric Co - the company crushed the consensus estimate by 44.4%

Baldor Electric Company (BEZ) is a Zacks #1 Rank stock that recently beat the Street's first-quarter earnings estimate by an impressive 44.4%. Furthermore, revenues more than doubled to $395.7 million. Consensus estimates for both this year and next are up over the past week. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.5% and its return on equity easily surpasses that of the industry average--19% compared to 12%. Full Analysis Baldor Electric Company designs, manufactures and sells electric motors, drives and generators to distributors and original equipment manufacturers in more than 70 countries. The company's products are available from 50 sales offices/warehouses in North America and 26 offices serving international markets. These products are produced at 28 plants in the U.S., England, Mexico and China. On May 3, BEZ reported first-quarter earnings per share of 52 cents. With analysts calling for 36 cents, the company crushed the consensus estimate by 44.4%. BEZ posted profits of 34 cents per share in the prior-year period, representing a 52.9% year-over-year improvement. Revenues more than doubled to $395.7 million from $192.3 million in the first quarter of last year. Sales of the company�s industrial motors and generators led the way gaining 13%. BEZ increased revenues for the past four years, expanded gross margins for the past three and grew profits for five years running. Earnings per share are projected to grow 13.7% over the next 3-5 years. In late January, BEZ announced the completion of its acquisition of Reliance Electric Company, including Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric motors, from Rockwell Automation. Integration activities are well underway, with the financial benefit for the first quarter being minimal. The purchase will enable BEZ to be one of the leading North American manufacturers of industrial electric motors and power transmission products. The consensus estimate for this year currently sits at $1.89 and marks a 10-cent improvement when compared to the consensus of a week earlier. Two of the four covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for next year have risen three cents to $2.33 over the same period of time. Upward revisions for next year were also submitted by two of the four covering analysts. On Feb 27, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 17 cents per common share of stock. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.5% and a five-year average dividend yield of 2.3%. BEZ's return on equity, a common measure of profitability, easily surpasses that of the industry average�19% compared to 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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CROX - Crocs, Inc - Not surprisingly, the company raised full-year earnings guidance

CROX soared almost 20% after reporting blowout first-quarter earnings. Earnings estimates have dramatically jumped in the wake of this announcement. This year's numbers soared 53 cents to $2.95 per share over the past week. Zacks Equity Analyst Robert Plaza, CFA recently raised his rating to a "Buy" from a "Hold". Full Analysis Crocs, Inc. (CROX) and its subsidiaries design, develop, and manufacture consumer products from specialty resins worldwide. It offers footwear for men, women, and children under the crocs brand. The company also offers apparel and accessories, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, beanies, and socks. In addition, it manufactures spa pillows for the home spa market; seats and pads for use in kayaks and canoes; and scuba diving fins for other water sports products, as well as produces and distributes hockey and lacrosse equipment. It sells its products through other specialty channels, including gift shops, uniform suppliers, independent bicycle dealers, specialty food retailers, health and beauty stores, and other specialty stores. The company reported a spectacular first quarter in which net income increased almost fourfold driven by strong domestic and international sales. Earnings per share came in at 61 cents versus the 48-cent consensus estimate. Revenues came in at $142 million, well over $114 million consensus. Not surprisingly, the company raised full-year guidance as well. CROX sees yearly earnings of $2.90 to $2.95 per share on sales of $670 to $680 million. Previously, the company expected revenue and earnings to grow 45%, implying full-year earnings per share of $2.33 per share and sales of $514.3 million. Ron Snyder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crocs, Inc. commented, "Our strong first quarter performance was driven by the growing worldwide demand for our entire portfolio of products. Domestically, we benefited from robust sell through of our Crocs footwear, including our new spring/summer collection, in addition to our new licensed and Jibbitz businesses." "At the same time, our international business continues to rapidly expand fueled by sales of our classic models, as well as our more recent introductions. We are pleased with our start to 2007 and we remain extremely optimistic about the many growth opportunities that lie ahead as evidenced by our heightened outlook for the year." Zacks Equity Research Analyst Robert Plaza, CFA upgraded the stock to "Buy" from "Hold" following the quarter. He thinks that the company will easily beat its current earnings guidance, so he is increasing his estimates. Plaza believes the market continues to underestimate the strength of the Crocs brand. 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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TDW - Tidewater, Inc - Five of the seven covering analysts upped their estimates for both this quarter and next

Tidewater, Inc. (TDW), which was first featured as a Value stock on Dec 14, has returned nearly 20%. The company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for 10 consecutive quarters. TDW recently reported solid fourth-quarter and full-year results. Consensus earnings estimates have been trending higher for this Zacks #1 Rank stock. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.1, compared to 4.5 for the market. It has a PEG ratio of 0.17. Full Analysis Tidewater, Inc. provides offshore supply vessels and marine support services to the global offshore energy industry. The company’s vessels can be found in virtually every area of the world where there is significant oil and gas exploration, development or production. TDW owns 463 vessels, the world's largest fleet of vessels serving the global offshore energy industry. When TDW was first highlighted as a Value stock on Dec 14 it had topped analysts’ earnings expectations in eight straight quarters. Since then, the company added two more surprises to the upside. In the past 10 quarters, TDW beat the Street by an average margin of 8.1%, including four double-digit percentage surprises. Moreover, the company is up nearly 20% since its debut and is still a Zacks #1 Rank stock. On Apr 26, the company reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2007 profits of $1.56 per share. Compared to the prior-year period, earnings soared 40.5%. Analysts were calling for $1.47, leading to a positive surprise of 6.1%. Revenues of $293.5 million were up 19.1% versus $246.5 million posted in the fourth quarter of last year. For the entire year, earnings jumped to $356.6 million, or $6.31 per share, from $235.8 million, or $4.07 per share in fiscal 2006. Revenues came in at $1.1 billion, compared to $877.6 million last year. Chairman, President and CEO Dean E. Taylor stated, "With another quarter of outstanding financial results, this fiscal year ended March 31, 2007, was the very best in the 51-year history of this company. These results are reflective of our recent efforts to execute on our strategic plan to renew and upgrade our fleet to be better positioned to service the growing international marine transportation needs of our customers." Consensus estimates for this quarter and next are up nine cents and 10 cents to $1.60 and $1.67, respectively, over the past 30 days. Five of the seven covering analysts upped their estimates for both this quarter and next. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 36 cents and 35 cents to $6.60 and $7.07, respectively, over the same period of time. Upward revisions were submitted by five analysts for this year while two boosted their projections for next year. Earnings per share are projected to grow 56% over the next 3-5 years, while the industry is projected to grow at an 11% clip. Despite its strong fundamentals and growth prospects, TDW is currently trading at a discounted valuation of 9.7x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 9.1x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.3x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.2x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.1, compared to 4.5 for the market. It has a PEG ratio of 0.17. TDW’s level of profitability, as measured by its return on equity, tops that of the industry average—20% compared to 16%. The company has a current dividend yield of 0.94% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.7%. 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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CMI - Cummins, Inc - exceeded analysts' earnings expectations in 11 out of the past 14 quarters by an average margin of 18.0%

Cummins, Inc. (CMI), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, topped the consensus earnings estimate in 11 out of the past 14 quarters by an average margin of 18.0%. The company recently boosted its full-year profit guidance to between $6.00 and $6.50 per share after delivering solid first-quarter results. Analysts responded by boosting their estimates. On Feb 7, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 36 cents per common share of stock. Full Analysis Cummins, Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes and services diesel and natural gas engines, electric power generation systems and engine-related component products. The company serves customers in more than 160 countries through its network of 550 company-owned and independent distributor facilities and more than 5,000 dealer locations. CMI exceeded analysts' earnings expectations in 11 out of the past 14 quarters by an average margin of 18.0%. In seven out of the 11 aforementioned quarters the company managed to surprise by a double-digit percentage. On Apr 27, CMI reported first-quarter profits of $1.42 per share, crushing the Street's estimate of 89 cents by 59.6%. The company posted earnings of $1.35 per share in the prior-year period. Revenues came in at $2.82 billion and represented a 5.2% advance from the $2.68 billion achieved in the first quarter of last year. Chairman and CEO Tim Solso stated, "Despite the predicted decline in the North American heavy-duty truck market, we achieved outstanding results in the first quarter. These results show our strategy is working, and we expect that type of performance to continue the rest of this year and beyond." Thanks to a solid first quarter, CMI upped its 2007 earnings per share guidance to between $6.00 and $6.50. The company's prior outlook called for profits between $5.50 and $5.75 per share. Earnings per share over the next 3-5 years are expected to grow 11%'in line with the forecasted growth rate of the industry. CMI stated that its capital spending is forecasted to increase significantly this year, with the company looking to support growth in current products or expansion into new products. Consensus estimates for this quarter are up 24 cents to $1.53 over the past 30 days. All six of the covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for this year have risen 87 cents to $6.19 over the same period of time. Upward revisions were submitted by all seven of the covering analysts. On Feb 7, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 36 cents per common share of stock. CMI is currently yielding 0.80%. Its return on equity of 25% is impressive and 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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TXN - Texas Instruments - components are the building blocks for wireless, broadband, and digital consumer devices

Texas Instruments is hitting on all cylinders as evidenced by its latest quarter which easily exceeded analyst expectations. The company posted a 13% positive earnings surprise and guided higher for the future. Earnings estimates for this year and next have increased nicely over the past month. Similarly, the quarter ending in June has seen a strong bump up in estimates over the past month. Full Analysis Texas Instruments (TXN) is the leading provider of digital signal processors and analog integrated chips. The also designs and manufactures standard logic, application-specific integrated circuits, RISC microprocessors, microcontrollers, and Digital Light Processing products. The company has operations in over 25 countries worldwide. The Semiconductor business accounts for about 97.8% of its revenue. The company has another line of business. Its company Educational & Productivity Solutions group designs and manufactures calculators for the education market and accounts for the remaining 2.2% of total sales. DSPs and analog are among the fastest growing segments in the semiconductor industry. These components are the building blocks for wireless, broadband, and digital consumer devices. Analog components take real-world phenomena, such as light, sound, and pressure, and convert them to digital signals. More than half of the world's cell phones are based on DSP technology from TI. Thus, owning shares of Texas Instruments is a large-cap play on the digitization of communications. Another strategy of TI is to invest in state-of-the-art process and manufacturing technologies. The company continues to transition to 90 nm production as well as 300 mm and 200 mm wafer fabs. Control of the manufacturing process will allow it to control its costs and generate margin expansion, helping it compete against smaller semiconductor firms. Moreover, TI outsources about 50% of its digital fab production to major foundries. The company announced that it would collaborate more closely with foundry suppliers on process development and stop production at one of its older 200 millimeter digital factories, moving production into several analog factories. Management estimates that these moves will lead to a reduction of approximately 500 jobs and $200 million in annualized cost savings. In Q1, the gross margin was 51.3%, compared to 50.5% in Q4 and 50.1% in Q1 of 2006. The increase in margin was due to a reduction in production costs which offset the decline in revenue. During the quarter, overall orders were $3.20 billion, up $128 million as compared to $3.08 billion in the prior quarter. The increase was due to higher demand for products in both the Semiconductor and Education Technology segments. Semiconductor book-to-bill ratio was 0.99, up from 0.89 in the prior quarter. 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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PCZ - Petro-Canada - topped analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past six quarters by an average margin of 20.3%

Petro-Canada (PCZ), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past six quarters by an average margin of 20.3%. The company recently reported solid first-quarter results. Consensus estimates for both this year and next have risen over the past week. The Board of Directors recently declared a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share. PCZ has a price-to-book ratio of 3.2 and its PEG ratio currently sits at 0.95. Full Analysis Petro-Canada engages in the exploration, development, production and marketing of crude oil, natural gas liquids and natural gas in Canada and internationally. The company also refines crude oil and other feedstock; and markets and distributes petroleum products and related goods and services. PCZ topped analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past six quarters by an average margin of 20.3%. In four out of the five aforementioned quarters the company was able to surprise to the upside by a double-digit percentage. On Apr 24, PCZ posted first-quarter earnings per share of 99 cents, beating the Street’s estimate of 80 cents by an impressive 23.8%. The company reported profits of 95 cents per share in the prior-year period. PCZ produced 405,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the quarter, compared with 355,000 barrels per day in the first quarter of last year. New or increased production in the North Sea, from the eastern coast of Canada and from Canadian oil sands contributed to the increase in production. President and CEO Ron Brenneman stated, "We broke through the 400,000 barrel per day mark, consistent with our target of increasing production by 15% in 2007. At the same time, we continued to advance our five major projects and saw early exploration success in the North Sea." Consensus estimates for this quarter and next are up 11 cents and four cents, respectively, over the past seven days. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 33 cents and 21 cents, respectively, over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 11% over the next 3-5 years, while the industry is projected to grow at a 10% clip. In addition to reporting a solid first quarter, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per share of common stock. The dividend is payable on Jul 1 to shareholders of record as of Jun 3. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.0%. PCZ is currently trading at a valuation of 10.4x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 9.8x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.0x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.0x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 3.2, compared to 4.6 for the market and 6.5 for the industry. Its PEG ratio currently sits at 0.95. 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 - raised its full-year 2007 revenue and earnings outlook

Sciele Pharma, Inc. (SCRX) met or beat analysts’ earnings expectations in 15 out of the past 16 quarters. After reporting solid first-quarter results, the company raised its full-year revenue and profit guidance. Analysts have been upping their profit forecasts as a result. SCRX recently announced it will acquire Alliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.2 and its PEG ratio currently sits at 0.56. Full Analysis Sciele Pharma, Inc., formerly known as First Horizon Pharmaceutical Corp., is a pharmaceutical company specializing in sales, marketing and the development of branded prescription products focused on cardiovascular/metabolic and women’s health. The company sells its products to pharmaceutical wholesalers, chain drug stores, other retail merchandisers and directly to pharmacies. SCRX topped analysts’ earnings expectations for the past four quarters and in six out of the past seven. Moreover, the company met or beat the consensus estimate in 15 out of the past 16 quarters. On Apr 26, SCRX reported first-quarter profits of 36 cents per share, which exceeded expectations by two cents. More impressive was the 56.5% year-over-year improvement when compared to earnings of 23 cents in the prior-year period. Revenues came in at $82.3 million, an increase of 23.8% over the first quarter of 2006. President and CEO Patrick Fourteau stated, "We are pleased with our strong growth in revenue and earnings in the first quarter of this year, as well as the progress we have made in our product pipeline. During the past year, we expanded our sales force and we are now realizing increased revenues from this investment by leveraging our sales platform." Investors were also glad to hear that SCRX raised its full-year 2007 revenue and earnings outlook. Revenues are now projected to be between $365 million and $390 million. The company expects profits between $1.60 and $1.70 per share. Analysts reacted to SCRX’s revised guidance by adjusting their estimates accordingly. Consensus estimates for this year have risen three cents to $1.64 over the past week and reflect upward revisions by six of the seven covering analysts. Profit forecasts for next year are up 12 cents to $2.00 over the same period of time. Six of the eight covering analysts boosted their projections. Earnings per share are expected to grow an impressive 27% over the next 3-5 years, with the industry projected to grow by 18%. On Apr 24, SCRX announced that it will acquire Alliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held pediatric specialty pharmaceutical company, for $110 million in cash. Alliant expects to generate full-year 2007 revenues of approximately $50 million to $60 million. The move should give SCRX a much larger presence in pediatrics, along with well-recognized branded prescription products with growth potential and a solid base of unique or patent-protected products. SCRX is currently trading at a valuation of 15.0x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 12.4x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.1x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.0x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 2.2, compared to 4.6 for the market and 4.1 for the industry. It has a PEG ratio of 0.56. 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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XL - XL Capital, Ltd - $1 billion share repurchase program was authorized by the Board

XL Capital, Ltd. (XL), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in three straight quarters by an average margin of 29.9%. Analysts have been upping their profit forecasts for both this year and next. On Apr 30, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 38 cents per share. Moreover, in late February, a $1 billion share repurchase program was authorized by the Board. XL has a price-to-book ratio of 1.3, compared to 4.6 for the market and 1.4 for the industry. Full Analysis XL Capital, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance coverages, and financial products and services to industrial, commercial and professional service firms, insurance companies and other enterprises worldwide. On Apr 24, XL posted first-quarter earnings per share of $3.03, crushing the Street’s estimate of $2.15 by 40.9%. The company posted profits of $2.26 per share in the first quarter of last year. XL topped analysts’ earnings expectations in three straight quarters by an average margin of 29.9%. Total revenues came in at $2.48 billion compared to $2.47 billion in the prior-year period. President and CEO Brian M. O'Hara stated, "This quarter's excellent results reflect our drive to deliver value for our shareholders. Underwriting results in Insurance were strong and Reinsurance results were solid. Our other segments continued their positive contributions and our affiliates generated outstanding returns again." Consensus estimates for this year are up 76 cents to $9.68 over the past 30 days. 13 of the 17 covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for next year have risen 22 cents to $9.45 over the past month. Upward revisions were submitted by nine covering analysts. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years. On Apr 30, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 38 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on Jun 29 to shareholders of record as of Jun 11. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.92%. Moreover, on Feb 26, the Board approved a new share repurchase program, authorizing the company to buy back up to $1 billion of its Class A ordinary shares. XL is currently trading at a valuation of 8.2x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 8.4x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.2x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.1x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.3, compared to 4.6 for the market and 1.4 for the industry. XL’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—20% compared to 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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TRV - The Travelers Companies, Inc - Analysts responded to the company’s improved outlook by adjusting their profit forecasts

The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) recently raised its 2007 earnings per share guidance after reporting solid first-quarter results. The company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in six consecutive quarters and in eight out of the past nine. Consensus earnings estimates for this year and next are up over the past seven days. TRV has returned value to shareholders through both share buybacks and dividend payments. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.94%. Full Analysis The Travelers Companies, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations and individuals. The Travelers Companies, formerly known as The St. Paul Travelers Companies, Inc., was founded in 1979 and changed its name to The Travelers Companies, Inc. in February 2007. On Apr 26, TRV posted first-quarter profits of $1.56 per share. The result beat the Street’s estimate by 10 cents and marked a 10.6% year-over-year improvement for the company. TRV has now exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in six consecutive quarters and in eight out of the past nine. Revenues climbed 6.3% to $6.43 billion, from $6.05 billion a year ago. The company’s net written premiums jumped 7.8% to $5.14 billion. Chairman and CEO Jay Fishman stated, "We are delighted with our strong top and bottom line results this quarter. Many of our agents have confirmed to us that access to our organization and our industry-leading breadth of products has become easier, and we have succeeded in linking many of these products together. Consequently, new business flow for us is up." In addition to reporting solid first-quarter results, TRV upped its full-year profit guidance. The company now expects earnings per share between $5.60 and $5.85, versus its prior outlook, which called for profits between $5.20 and $5.45 per share. Analysts responded to the company’s improved outlook by adjusting their profit forecasts. The consensus earnings estimate for this year currently sits at $5.67 and marks a seven-cent increase over the past seven days. Five analysts upped their projections. Estimates for next year have risen 14 cents to $5.82 over the same period of time and reflect upward revisions by 10 analysts. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10.2% over the next 3-5 years. TRV has returned value to shareholders through both share buybacks and dividend payments. During the first quarter, the company repurchased 13.9 million common shares for a total cost of $725 million. As of Mar 31, the total remaining authorization under the current buyback program was $3.154 billion, or approximately 9% of TRV's total outstanding common stock. On Feb 7, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 26 cents per common share of stock. The company is currently yielding 1.94%. TRV’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, tops that of the industry average—17% compared to 16%. TRV 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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PCAR - PACCAR, Inc - company added two more earnings surprises to its nearly spotless history of exceeding analysts’ earnings expectations

PACCAR, Inc. (PCAR) has returned more than 43% since it was last highlighted as a Growth and Income stock on Oct 26 . The company is still a Zacks #1 Rank stock due to its strong history of exceeding the Street’s earnings expectations coupled with rising profit forecasts. The Board of Directors recently approved an increase of the regular quarterly dividend to 25 cents per share from 20 cents. PCAR has a current dividend yield of 0.94%. Full Analysis PACCAR, Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes light, medium and heavy-duty trucks, which are used for over-the-road and off-highway hauling of freight, petroleum, wood products, construction and other materials. The company also participates in the aftermarket distribution of parts worldwide and the manufacture of industrial winches. Finance and leasing services are also provided by PCAR to its customers and dealers. PCAR, which was last featured as a Growth and Income stock on Oct 26, has returned more than 43%. Since its debut, the company added two more earnings surprises to its nearly spotless history of exceeding analysts’ earnings expectations. PCAR has now topped the Street’s estimate in 15 out of the past 16 quarters. Of most importance is the fact that the company has maintained the coveted status of a Zacks #1 Rank stock (strong buy). On Apr 24, PCAR reported first-quarter profits of $365.6 million, or $1.46 per share. This beat the Street’s estimate of $1.22 by 19.7%. The result also represented an 8.2% year-over-year improvement when compared to earnings of $1.35 achieved in the first quarter of 2006. Revenues, including contributions from both trucking and financial services operations, came in at $3.98 billion, up 3.4% from $3.85 billion in the prior-year period. Chairman and CEO Mark C. Pigott stated, "PACCAR Inc reported excellent revenues and record first-quarter net income for the first quarter of 2007. PACCAR's balanced global diversification has benefited from a strengthened Eurozone economy and steady GDP growth in North America, in combination with the growth of aftermarket parts and financial services." Consensus estimates for this quarter and next are up 11 cents and six cents to $1.08 and $1.12, respectively, over the past seven days. Three analysts raised their estimates for both this quarter and next. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 32 cents and 17 cents to $4.84 and $5.55, respectively, over the past week. Upward revisions were submitted by five analysts for this year while three analysts boosted their estimates for next year. Earnings per share are projected to grow 12% over the next 3-5 years, with the industry expected to grow by only 5%. The Board of Directors recently approved an increase to the regular quarterly dividend to 25 cents per share from 20 cents. The dividend is payable on Jun 5 to shareholders of record as of May 18. PCAR has boosted its quarterly dividend by an average of 18% per year during the last decade. The company has paid a dividend every year since 1941. PCAR is currently yielding 0.94%. PCAR has also returned value to its shareholders through its $300 million stock repurchase program. During the first quarter, the company bought back 719,304 of its common shares for a total cost of $48.2 million. 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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BHI - Baker Hughes Inc - topped analysts’ expectations in 14 out of the past 16 quarters

Baker Hughes Incorporated (BHI) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in 14 out of the past 16 quarters by an average margin of 10.8%. Consensus estimates have risen over the past seven days, with earnings per share projected to grow 20% over the next 3-5 years. On Apr 26, the Board of Directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per common share of stock. BHI is currently yielding of 0.63%. Full Analysis Baker Hughes Incorporated provides products and services for drilling, formation evaluation, completion and production to international oil companies, independent oil and gas companies and national oil companies. BHI operates in over 90 countries worldwide. BHI’s history of beating the Street’s earnings estimate should catch the attention of investors. The company topped analysts’ expectations in 14 out of the past 16 quarters by an average margin of 10.8%. In nine out of the 14 aforementioned quarters, BHI produced a double-digit earnings surprise. Earnings per share grew 44% over the past five years. On Apr 25, BHI reported first-quarter earnings per share of $1.17. The result surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.10 by 6.4%. The company posted profits of 93 cents per share in the prior-year period, thus, the result equated to a 25.8% year-over-year improvement. Revenues climbed to $2.47 billion, up 19.9% from $2.06 billion in the first quarter of last year. Broken down by business segment, drilling and evaluation revenue jumped 19.4% to $1.29 billion, while completion and production revenue increased 20.7% to $1.18 billion. Chairman and CEO Chad C. Deaton stated, "The global oil market remains strong and Baker Hughes is well positioned to benefit from increased drilling and completion activity around the world. We are focused on margin improvement in 2007 while maintaining the investment in people, technology and infrastructure necessary to respond to the increased demand for our products and services outside of North America." For 2007, the company expects revenue outside of North America to be up between 19% and 21% compared to 2006. Furthermore, assuming U.S. drilling activity for the remainder of this year remains flat with the first quarter, revenues in the U.S. are forecasted to be up 7% versus 2006. Consensus estimates for this quarter and next are up three cents to $1.18 and $1.26, respectively, over the past seven days. Eight analysts raised their estimates for both this quarter and next. Profit forecasts for this year and next have risen 12 cents and 18 cents to $4.94 and $5.95, respectively, over the past week. Upward revisions were submitted by nine analysts for both this year and next. Earnings per share are projected to grow 20% over the next 3-5 years. On Apr 26, the Board of Directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of 13 cents per common share of stock. The dividend is payable on May 18 to stockholders of record as of May 7. BHI has a current dividend yield of 0.63%. The company’s return on equity surpasses that of the industry average—27% compared to 23%. BHI 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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SAY - Satyam Computer Services, Ltd - fourth largest Indian software services company

Satyam Computer is benefiting from the secular trend of offshore outsourcing. It contributed to a strong first-quarter in which profits grew over 38% on a 37% increase in sales. The company's growth shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. Satyam's ambitious expansion plans coupled with its strong cash flows and financial strength should keep this stock on Wall Street's radar for quite some time. Full Analysis Satyam Computer Services, Ltd. (SAY) is a worldwide consulting and information technology (IT) company, providing end-to-end IT solutions that help customers re-engineer and re-invent their businesses, improve efficiency of their IT infrastructure, and gain a competitive advantage. Through its global delivery model, the company leverages a combination of its offshore technology centers in India, its offsite-site overseas facilities in Australia, Canada, China, Hungary, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and the United States, its near-shore technology center in Canada, and onsite teams located at its client's offices, to deliver its services to its clients. In terms of sales, Satyam is the fourth largest Indian software services company and continues to win new clients across several different vertical markets, while growing revenues at its existing clients. Over the last five years, Satyam has shown significant growth, aided to a large extent by the global trend of outsourcing and off-shoring. Apart from maintaining a strong growth rate, Satyam has also been working toward reducing the risk of its business model. Satyam is targeting a reduction in client concentration, an increase in domain expertise, an increase in industry diversity, and effective cost management. This was shown by the decline in dependence of its top 5 customers for growth in fiscal 2007, as the revenue contribution from these customers declined to 21.97% of total revenues from 24.94% of revenues during fiscal 2006. The company also stands to benefit from its expansion across the globe, as it builds more near-site centers that can better enhance its businesses in Europe and Asia, where English typically isn't the first language. In a bid to enhance its global delivery capabilities, the company has launched operations in Hungary (Budapest), Brazil (Sao Paolo) and more recently in Malaysia (Cyberjaya) which should bode well for the company's future growth. SAY generates significant cash flow and has a very solid balance sheet with over $919 million in cash, equivalents and long-term bank deposits at the end of fiscal 2007, which gives the company a cushion if there is a market downturn. 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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HITT - Hittite Microwave - Gross margins have trended upwards every year

Hittite is in a sweet spot in the semiconductor industry. The company has comfortably exceeded earnings estimates in seven straight quarters. Five analysts have raised their estimates for this year. Over the past week, this year's earnings estimates have increased six cents to $1.56 per share, while next year's numbers have risen seven cents to $1.69 per share. Full Analysis Hittite Microwave (HITT) designs and develops high performance integrated circuits (ICs), modules and subsystems for radio frequency (RF), microwave and millimeterwave applications. The company offers standard off-the-shelf products as well as customized products to some of its larger customers. Hittite s three largest markets are currently military, broadband, and microwave and millimeterwave, which comprised approximately two-thirds of revenue during 2006. The company has a broad base of over 2,300 customers in a variety of markets and applications. Historically, both Motorola and Boeing have been large customers, accounting for greater than 10% of sales each, however with its current customer diversification no customer accounts for greater than 10% of revenue. Distributor currently account for approximately 5% of revenue, including 5.3% in the first quarter of 2007. Demand for mobile communications services has grown rapidly and appears poised for continued growth over the foreseeable future. This growth in systems using RF, microwave and millimeterwave technologies has accelerated demand for the analog, digital and mixed-signal ICs, modules and subsystems that Hittite provides. Hittite has generated historically high levels of profitability. Gross margins have trended upwards every year, rising from 55.4% in 2002 all the way to 70.8% for 2006 as the company has been able to improve efficiencies and lower manufacturing costs, as well as an improve its product mix. Gross margin reached the 73% for each of the first three quarters of 2006 due to product mix and operating efficiencies. By focusing on intellectual capital, such as semiconductor modeling and library of proprietary circuit designs, rather than investing in capital-intensive wafer production facilities, Hittite has been able to generate strong returns on invested capital. Improving manufacturing efficiencies have been one of the factors contributing to strong gross margins. On April 26th, Hittite Microwave announced results for the first quarter of 2007, ended March 31, 2007. Revenue for the quarter was $36.3 million, above the Zacks estimate of $35.5 million and the previously guided range for revenue in the $35.0 to $36.0 million range. Revenue was up 30.4% over the $27.9 million in the first quarter of 2006, and up 2.6% sequentially over the $35.4 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2006. EPS for the quarter were $0.39 on net income of $11.99 million, ahead of the Zacks estimate of $0.37 and previously issued guidance for EPS in the $0.36 to $0.38 range. 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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PLXS - Plexus Corp - Upside to revenue was driven by strong results in Wireline/Networking and Medical sectors

Plexus is a cheap stock with a lot of earnings momentum. The stock is only trading at a little over 14x next year's estimates, but is expected to grow almost 18% long-term. Over the past week, this year's earnings estimates have increased 16 cents to $1.23 per share, while next year's numbers have risen nine cents to $1.46 per share. The company posted a 29% surprise in its latest quarter. Full Analysis Plexus Corporation (PLXS) is a leading provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS) to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in a wide range of industries, including wireline/networking, wireless infrastructure, industrial/commercial, defense/security/aerospace, and medical. Plexus provides a broad range of integrated product realization services that helps customers to outsource all stages of product realization. The company's major customers include Juniper Networks at 19% of revenue and GE at 12% for fiscal 2006, with its top 10 customers accounting for 59% of revenue. By end-market, the wireline/networking sector (this also includes computing) accounted for 38% of fiscal 2006 revenue, wireless infrastructure 9%, medical 26%, industrial and commercial 18%, and defense, security, and aerospace accounted for the remaining 9% of revenue. Plexus continues to expand its clientele and increase penetration in its existing customer base with its consumer-focused strategies. As an engineering-focused EMS player, Plexus is well-positioned to benefit from the increasing trend of outsourcing from the medical, industrial, and defense/aerospace OEMs. Engineering agreements generate higher margins and are improving the company's overall profitability. Plexus' gross margin reached 10.9% and operating margin reached 5.5% during fiscal year 2006, well ahead of its EMS peer group that typically has gross margins in the mid single-digit percentage range. Driving its turnaround in profitability has been the transfer of new businesses to its new and lower-cost facility in Asia. The company announced plans to double its manufacturing capacity in China and expand its new facility in Malaysia. The company has ramped production at its new facilities in Penang, Malaysia ahead of expectations, which has begun to drive margins well ahead of expectations. Prior to what appears to be a short-term setback, Plexus had made significant strides on its balance sheet metrics. On April 25th, Plexus announced results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2007, ended March 31, 2007. Both revenue and income were ahead of expectations, although guidance was a little weak. Revenue for the quarter was $360.2 million, compared to $337.9 million in the year-ago period, and EPS were $0.23, compared to $0.40 in the year-ago period. Upside to revenue was driven by strong results in Wireline/Networking and Medical sectors and upside to EPS was driven by higher revenue (four cents), a lower tax rate (two cents), and cost reductions/efficiencies (10 cents). 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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