LPNT - LifePoint Hospitals, Inc - price-to-book ratio of 1.5, versus 2.2 for the industry

LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. (LPNT), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in 14 out of the past 16 quarters. Consensus earnings estimates for this year and next year are up over the past two months. Earnings per share are projected to grow 13% over the next 3-5 years. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.5, compared to 4.6 for the market and 2.2 for the industry in which it participates. Full Analysis LifePoint Hospitals, Inc. is a leading hospital focused on providing healthcare services in non-urban communities in 19 states. Of the company's 51 hospitals, 47 are in communities where LifePoint Hospitals is the sole community hospital provider. On Apr 26, LPNT reported first-quarter profits of 67 cents per share, compared to profits of 60 cents per share for the same period last year. In addition to achieving an 11.7% year-over-year gain, the result beat analysts’ expectations by three cents. LPNT topped the Street’s earnings estimate in 14 out of the past 16 quarters. Revenues from continuing operations jumped to $669.3 million from $586.6 million a year earlier. LPNT increased revenues for the past seven years. Its profit more than doubled in 2006, coming in at $146.2 million from $72.9 million in 2005. LPNT is scheduled to report its second-quarter results on Jul 26. President and CEO William F. Carpenter III stated, "We believe that our unrelenting focus on providing value to the communities in which we operate, combined with the implementation of our company-wide strategic initiatives, will not only benefit our company and our communities, but will enhance shareholder value for the long term." The consensus earnings estimate for this year jumped six cents to $2.59 over the past 60 days. Profit forecasts for next year have risen 13 cents to $2.90 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 13% over the next 3-5 years. LPNT is currently trading at a valuation of 15.3x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 13.7x 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 15.2x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.5, compared to 4.6 for the market and 2.2 for the industry in which it participates. 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

Click for full article

TRH - Transatlantic Holdings, Inc - has now beaten analysts' estimates in six out of seven quarters - raised dividend by 18.5%

Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. (TRH), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in six out of the past seven quarters. On May 24, the Board of Directors raised its quarterly cash dividend by 18.5% to 16 cents per share. TRH has a current dividend yield of 0.71%. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.6, compared to 4.6 for the market. Full Analysis Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. is a leading international reinsurance organization with operations worldwide. Its subsidiaries, Transatlantic Reinsurance Company, Trans Re Zurich and Putnam Reinsurance Company, offer reinsurance capacity on both a treaty and facultative basis—structuring programs for a full range of property and casualty products, with an emphasis on specialty risks. On Apr 26, TRH posted first-quarter profits of $1.61 per share, compared to $1.54 per share in the prior-year period. With analysts calling for $1.33 per share, the company posted a solid 21.1% positive earnings surprise. TRH has now beaten analysts’ earnings expectations in six out of the past seven quarters. Net premiums written for the first quarter came in at $984.2 million, compared to $914.4 million in the first quarter of last year. President and CEO Robert F. Orlich stated, "The premium increase year over year was, in part, indicative of a strong property market in the domestic segment that was prevalent through January 1, 2007. While generally, rates have drifted modestly downward in the early part of the year, we are seeing an ample amount of favorable opportunities throughout our global network of offices." The consensus earnings estimate for this quarter currently sits at $1.71, a one-cent improvement when compared to the consensus of 30 days earlier. One of the three covering analysts raised his estimate. Profit forecasts for this year have risen by two cents to $6.32 over the past month, with one of the three covering analysts upping his estimate. On May 24, the Board of Directors raised its quarterly cash dividend by 18.5% to 16 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Sep14 to shareholders of record as of Sep 7. The Board has boosted TRH’s quarterly dividend every year since the company became publicly traded in 1990. TRH has a current dividend yield of 0.71%. TRH is currently trading at a valuation of 12.0x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 11.3x 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 1.6, compared to 4.6 for the market. TRH’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, tops that of the industry average—15% compared to 13%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

Click for full article

MIND - Mitcham Industries Inc - after recent 30% earnings surprise, estimated were increased 10.8%

Mitcham Industries Inc. (MIND) has soared over 67% year to date. The stock is currently trading against resistance and any break to the upside would be a particularly bullish technical development. Full Analysis Mitcham Industries Inc. established a highly profitable niche within the growing 3-D seismic industry and is now the largest independent company specializing in the short-term leasing of 3-D seismic equipment to the oil and gas industry. 3-D seismic technology provides the most accurate data available for identifying oil and gas deposits, making it an invaluable tool for exploration companies striving to increase productivity and reduce exploration costs. The company also sells used seismic equipment, often in the international marketplace. On Jun 4, this Zacks #1 Rank stock reported first-quarter earnings of 39 cents per share, up from 33 cents in the year-ago period and nine cents above expectations. Revenues soared over 63% to $14.1 million, fueled by increased demand for seismic equipment; development and growth in new geographic markets; and expansion of the company's lease pool. Core revenues from equipment leasing rose 44% to $10.1 million, while Seamap equipment sales rose over 200% to $10.1 million. Looking ahead, the company reaffirmed its fiscal 2008 guidance of revenues between $55 million and $60 million, with operating income of $12.5 million to $13.5 million. Following the company’s most recent 30% earnings surprise, full-year 2007 estimates were increased by 10 cents to $1.02. Next year’s projections have also guided higher and currently stand at $1.25, up from $1.17 over the last 60 days. As testament to the company’s strong fundamentals, Zacks currently ranks Mitcham a number one out of 23 companies in the Oil Field Machinery & Equipment category. After a disappointing 2006, MIND has soared over 67% year-to-date. The stock is currently trading near 52-week highs, in-line with resistance formed in Apr, 2006. Should the stock break to the upside, new resistance won’t be reached until MIND reaches the $26 level. Momentum appears to be in place, as the stock continues to trade above the 21-day, 50-day and 200-day moving averages. A break above current resistance would be particularly bullish and should result in further price acceleration. 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

Click for full article

DSX - Diana Shipping Inc - global provider of shipping - consensus estimates have been increasing for both 2007 and 2008

Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX) continues to trend higher on strong fundamentals in the dry bulk industry and increasing full-year estimates. The stock is currently trading above technical resistance on stronger-than-average volume. Full Analysis Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services and specializes in transporting dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials. The Company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands, with principal executive offices are in Athens, Greece. On May 3, this Zacks #1 Rank stock reported first-quarter earnings of 40 cents per share, up 53.8% from the year-ago period and 8.1% from the prior quarter. Voyage and time charter revenues were $38.5 million, up almost 60% from $24.2 million in the year-ago quarter. The largely positive results were due to growth in the number of vessels in Diana Shipping’s fleet and increased time charter rates. Time charter equivalent rates, or TCE rates, rose to $27,283 from $20,165. TCE rates are defined as voyage and time charter revenues less voyage expenses, divided by the number of available days. The standard shipping industry performance measure is used primarily to compare daily earnings generated by vessels on time charters with daily earnings generated by vessels on voyage charters, because charter hire rates for vessels on voyage charters are generally not expressed in per day amounts while charter hire rates for vessels on time charters are generally expressed in such amounts. Full-year consensus estimates have been increasing for both 2007 and 2008. This year’s earnings forecast stands at $1.68, up from $1.61 three months ago. Next year, the company is expected to earn $1.96, up 24% over the same period. The implied 16.7% earnings growth easily exceeds the expected industry average of 9.7%, helping to further the stock’s upward momentum. Supporting additional strength in the sector, the Baltic Dry Index has been trending higher, rapidly approaching mid-May highs of 6688. The index measures the cost of transporting dry bulk goods by sea. Since it deals specifically with the precursors of production, the index is a closely watched leading indicator. DSX has risen over 55% year-to-date, already surpassing the company’s 2006 return of 22.9%. The stock is currently trading at record highs after recently breaking resistance established in early May. Over the last year, DSX has largely traded in an upward sloping channel; however, the stock recently broke above the upper channel line. If the upper channel line becomes new support, the case for further price acceleration would be substantially strengthened. However, should momentum falter, look for May resistance to become new support, followed by the lower channel line. That being said, DSX is clearly experiencing renewed momentum and the underlying trend remains to the upside. 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

Click for full article

CNA - CNA Financial Corp - first-quarter earnings topped the Street's estimate by 34.5%

CNA Financial Corporation (CNA), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, beat analysts’ earnings expectations in three out of the past four quarters by an average margin of 14.1%. Consensus earnings estimates for both this year and next have risen over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 13% over the next 3-5 years. CNA has a current dividend yield of 0.85%. Full Analysis CNA Financial Corporation is the 7th largest U.S. commercial insurer and the 14th largest U.S. property & casualty insurer. The company provides insurance protection to more than one million businesses and professionals in the U.S. and internationally. CNA has offices throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. CNA exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in three out of the past four quarters by an average margin of 14.1%. In two of the three aforementioned quarters the company was able to produce double-digit earnings surprises. On Apr 30, CNA reported first-quarter earnings per share of $1.13, which topped the Street’s estimate by 11 cents and earnings of 84 cents in the prior-year period by 34.5%. The company’s combined ratio, a measure of profitability for insurance companies, for the quarter improved to 95.1% from 96.9% in the first quarter of last year. A ratio less than 100% indicates that the company is turning an underwriting profit, while a ratio greater than 100% indicates one that is paying out more money in claims versus receiving via premiums. Chairman and CEO Stephen W. Lilienthal stated, "CNA came through with a very solid first quarter. Financially and operationally, CNA is stronger now than it has been for many years." In mid April, A.M. Best Co. affirmed the financial strength rating of A (excellent) and the issuer credit ratings of "a" of CNA. The company stated that the ratings reflect CNA’s favorable risk-adjusted capitalization, improved underwriting fundamentals and good business position as a top writer within the commercial lines segment of the U.S. property/casualty industry. The consensus earnings estimate for this year jumped five cents to $4.36 over the past 30 days. Upward revisions were submitted by two of the four covering analysts. Profit forecasts for next year have also risen five cents to $4.40 over the same period of time, and reflect an upward revision by one analyst. Earnings per share are projected to grow 13% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is expected to grow 10%. On Apr 25, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per share of common stock. CNA has a current dividend yield of 0.85%. Its return on equity of 13% is in line with that of 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

Click for full article

PEP - PepsiCo, Inc - return on equity is quite impressive at 33% - Three analysts upped their estimates

PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in four out of the past five quarters. The company recently raised its full-year profit guidance to between $2.02 and $2.07 per share. On May 2, the Board of Directors boosted its annual dividend by 25% to $1.50 per share from $1.20. PEP is currently yielding 2.3% and has a five-year average dividend yield of 1.7%. Its return on equity is quite impressive at 33%. Full Analysis PepsiCo, Inc. is a world leader in convenient foods and beverages. The company consists of Frito-Lay North America, PepsiCo Beverages North America, PepsiCo International and Quaker Foods North America. Its brands are available in nearly 200 countries and territories. On Apr 25, PEP reported first-quarter profits of 65 cents per share, compared to 60 cents per share in the prior-year period. The result amounted to a 4.8% positive surprise with analysts calling for 62 cents per share. The company has now topped analysts’ expectations in four out of the past five quarters. Revenues jumped 9.4% to $7.35 billion from $6.72 billion in the first quarter of last year. PEP is scheduled to release its second-quarter results on Jul 24. Chairman and CEO Indra Nooyi stated, "We're pleased with our performance for the first quarter of 2007. The business portfolio performed exceedingly well, with each of our operating divisions showing strong results. Our business momentum is strong coming out of the first quarter, which increases our confidence in the full-year outlook." On Jul 10, PEP raised its full-year profit guidance to between $2.02 and $2.07 per share. The company’s prior guidance called for earnings per share between $1.90 and $1.98. The consensus earnings estimate for this year calls for profits of $3.34 per share. The estimate is up a penny over the past 30 days, with two analysts submitting upward revisions. Profit forecasts for next year are also up a cent to $3.71 over the same period of time. Three analysts upped their estimates. Earnings per share are projected to grow 11% over the next 3-5 years. On May 2, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $8 billion of its shares through mid-2010. This will become effective once its current $8.5 billion plan is exhausted. Also, the Board boosted its annual dividend by 25% to $1.50 per share from $1.20. The company is currently yielding 2.3% and has a five-year average dividend yield of 1.7%. PEP’s return on equity, a common measure of profitability, is quite impressive at 33%. PEP 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

Click for full article

TNE - Telemar - Analysts forecast the company's earnings per share will grow 20.50%

Telemar has been on a roll as evidenced by its surging stock price. The stock has almost doubled since hitting the $12-level in February. Over the past 60 days, this year's earnings estimates have increased 17 cents to $1.85 per share. Next year's numbers have also risen 12 cents. Analysts forecast the company's earnings per share will grow 20.50% over the next three-to-five years. Full Analysis Tele Norte Leste Participações S.A. (TNE), also known as Telemar, is a leading provider of fixed and wireless telecommunications services in Brazil. The company operates two business segments: wireline/ broadband communications, and wireless services. Through its subsidiary, Telemar S.A., the company is the largest provider of wireline services in South America, with around 14.3 million access lines in service. Telemar also provides local, intra/inter-regional, international long distance services, and custom data transmission services in a territory encompassing approximately 64% of the population of Brazil. Telemar's success in wireless services has been impressive. The mobile subscriber base increased 76.3% during 2004, 50.7% in 2005, 26.4% in 2006 and 2.1% in the first quarter 2007. At the end of the March 2007, Oi had 13.36 million total subscribers and an estimated market share of 27.2% in its business area. Oi is still one of the fastest growing wireless operators in Brazil. According to Anatel (Brazilian National Agency for telecommunications), at the end of March 2007, the total number of wireless subscribers in Brazil reached more than 102.15 million, representing growth of more than 14% year-over-year. Considering those numbers it is quite clear that the wireless business in Brazil remains heated. Additionally, the current outlook for the Brazilian economy remains promising. Zacks Equity Research believes the Brazilian Central Bank will continue to ease the domestic monetary policy. Indeed, there is room for continued interest rate cuts throughout 2007, since the Brazilian domestic interest rates remain among the highest ones in the world at 12.50% against a 2006 inflation rate of just 3.2% and an expected inflation for 2007 of 3.7%. The official inflation target for 2007 is 4.5% (2.5% - 6.5% range). Despite the stagnating wireline business, TNE has been able to stabilize the customer base and to offer attractive convergent plans that link all the products offered by the company. This has enabled the company to deliver solid operating results, including solid operating margins and healthy cash flow in a very competitive business environment. Moreover, Telemar is making a continued effort to reduce net debt. 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

Click for full article

GIVN - Given Imaging, Ltd - Earnings have exceeded estimates, with two of the past four posting 100%+ positive surprises

Given Imaging has innovative proprietary technologies that are in demand with customers. Its large potential markets have investors excited about the company's prospects, which in turn has led to a premium multiple being awarded to the stock. Earnings have exceeded estimates in three out of the past four quarters, with two of them posting 100%+ positive surprises. Over the past month, next year's estimates have increased a nickel to 49 cents per share. Full Analysis Given Imaging, Ltd. (GIVN) engages in the development, manufacture, and marketing of diagnostic products for the visualization and detection of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Its principal product is the Given System, a wireless imaging system that uses disposable video capsules. The Given System comprises three principal components: the PillCam video capsule, a disposable, miniature video camera contained in a capsule, which is ingested by the patient; a portable data recorder and array of sensors that are worn by the patient; and a computer workstation with proprietary RAPID software for downloading, processing, and analyzing recorded data. In mid-June, the company said the FDA approved its PillCam ESO 2 video capsule. The capsule, for imaging of the esophagus, is meant to help physicians diagnose disorders including Barrett's esophagus, which is caused by exposure to stomach acid, and esophageal varices, a complication of liver cirrhosis. In early-May Given reported a strong first quarter in which revenues grew 14% over last year. Gross margin in the first quarter of 2007 was 73.9%, compared to 74.6% in the first quarter of 2006. On a GAAP basis, the Company reported net income of $0.1 million, or $NIL per share on a fully diluted basis in the first quarter of 2007, compared to net loss of $3.0 million, or ($0.11) per share on a fully diluted basis in the first quarter of 2006. U.S. sales in the first quarter of 2007 increased by 13% to $15.4 million compared to $13.6 million sales in the same period in 2006. International sales in the first quarter of 2007 increased 15% to $7.7 million compared to $6.7 million sales in the same period in 2006. "We are pleased with this quarter's results which put us firmly on track to achieve our $114 million to $119 million guidance for 2007. We now expect our full year 2007 revenues to come near the higher end of this range," said Homi Shamir, president and CEO of Given Imaging. "We achieved strong PillCam SB sales this quarter particularly in the United States where PillCam SB sales increased by 23%. 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

Click for full article

ROSE - Rosetta Resources, Inc - exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations over the past four quarters by an average margin of 27.3%

Rosetta Resources, Inc. (ROSE) topped the Street’s earnings expectations over the past four quarters by an average margin of 27.3%. Consensus earnings estimates for both this year and next are up over the past 60 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow by an impressive 29% over the next 3-5 years. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 1.2, compared to 4.6 for the market and 2.3 for the industry. Full Analysis Rosetta Resources, Inc. is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of primarily natural gas properties in North America. The company’s exploration and production activities are concentrated in the Sacramento Basin of California, South Texas, the Gulf of Mexico and the Rocky Mountains. ROSE exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations over the past four quarters by an average margin of 27.3%. In three out of the four aforementioned quarters the company managed to surprise by a double-digit percentage. On May 14, ROSE reported first-quarter profits of 28 cents per share. With the Street calling for 21 cents, the company beat expectations by 33.3%. Compared to earnings of 19 cents per share in the prior-year period, the result equated to a 47.4% year-over-year improvement. Revenues in the quarter were $75.8 million, up 17.5% from $64.5 million achieved in the first quarter of last year. The consensus earnings estimate for this year currently resides at $1.35. This marks an eight-cent improvement when compared to estimates of 60 days prior. Profit forecasts for next year are up by an even larger margin over the two months—14 cents to $1.85. Earnings per share are projected to grow by an impressive 29% over the next 3-5 years. The industry is expected to grow by 15%. In late February, ROSE announced that for 2007 it expects production to increase 36% when compared to 2006 volumes. The company is currently trading at a valuation of 14.2x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 10.4x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.5x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.4x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. ROSE has a price-to-book ratio of 1.2, compared to 4.6 for the market and 2.3 for the industry. The company’s PEG ratio currently resides at 0.49. 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

Click for full article

HDNG - Hardinge Inc - selected for inclusion in both the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indices

Hardinge Inc. (HDNG) continues to trend higher, having already returned over 152% for 2007. With estimates guiding higher, a successful follow-on stock offering, and recent inclusion in the Russell indices, look for the company’s underlying trend to remain in place. Full Analysis Hardinge Inc. engages in the design, manufacture, distribution and marketing of computer controlled metal-cutting lathes, machining centers, grinding machines, collets, chucks, indexing fixtures and other industrial products. It also offers workholding devices for machine tools. The company provides its services to aerospace, automotive, construction equipment, defense, energy, farm equipment, medical equipment, recreational equipment, telecommunications and transportation industries, as well as to small and medium-sized independent job shops. On May 10, this Zacks #1 Rank stock reported first-quarter earnings of 60 cents per share, up from 22 cents in the year-ago period and 16 cents above expectations. Overall net sales grew 15% to $87 million and were positively impacted by $3.4 million in currency translation effects. While North American sales declined by 5% due to lower demand for grinding and milling products, Europe sales soared 41% on strong demand for the same products. Net sales in Asia and other regions rose 18%. On Jun 28, Hardinge was selected for inclusion in both the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indices. The inclusion became effective on June 22 when the Russell Investment Group reconstituted its comprehensive set of U.S. and global equity indices. According to CEO J. Patrick Ervin, "Our inclusion reflects Hardinge's strong growth in market capitalization, coupled with a successful follow-on stock offering which generated nearly $56 million of new capital." Following the company’s most recent 36.3% earnings surprise, full-year 2007 estimates were increased by 30 cents to $2.05. Next year’s projections have also guided higher and currently stand at $2.25, up from $2.11 over the last 60 days. As testament to the company’s strong fundamentals, Zacks currently ranks Hardinge a number one out of seven companies in the Machine Tools & Related Products category, which itself ranks an attractive 10 out of 217 industries. After slipping over 13% during 2006, HDNG has skyrocketed over 152% year-to-date. The stock is currently trading just under record highs achieved on Jul 6. Momentum appears to be solidly to the upside, as HDNG continues to trade above the 21-day, 50-day and 200-day moving averages. Furthermore, the recent cross of the MACD line over the signal line should point to continued price acceleration. 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

Click for full article

RBN - Robbins & Myers, Inc - beat analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past seven quarters by an average margin of 54.4%

Robbins & Myers, Inc. (RBN) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past seven quarters by an average margin of 54.4%. After reporting solid third-quarter fiscal 2007 results, the company upped its full-year profit guidance to between $2.60 and $2.70 per share. Earnings per share are projected to grow by 12% over the next 3-5 years. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a current dividend yield of 0.44%. Full Analysis Robbins & Myers, Inc. is a leading global supplier of highly-engineered, application-critical equipment and systems to the global energy, chemical, pharmaceutical and industrial markets. The company maintains manufacturing facilities in 15 countries. RBN beat analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past seven quarters by an average margin of 54.4%. In those five quarters, the company surprised by a double-digit percentage four times and by triple-digit percentage once. On Jun 28, RBN reported third-quarter fiscal 2007 profits of 77 cents per share. The result represented a 30.5% positive earnings surprise when compared to the consensus estimate of 59 cents. Earnings in the prior-year period came in at 32 cents, thus, the year-over-year improvement was 140.6%. Total revenues increased to $171.4 million from $153.2 million in the third quarter of last fiscal year. For the first nine months of the year, profits rose to $31.8 million from a loss of $28.6 million in the first nine months of last year. Total revenues climbed to $488.4 million, compared to $442.2 million for the prior-year period. President and CEO Peter C. Wallace stated, "We are pleased to report our fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year sales and order growth and finish the third quarter with record backlog of $212 million. End markets remain very active, new product and application initiatives are contributing to our success, and we continue to develop our customer-facing capabilities to identify and execute new avenues of profitable growth." In addition to posting solid third-quarter results, RBN upped its full-year profit guidance to between $2.60 and $2.70 per share. The company’s previous outlook called for earnings per share between $2.20 and $2.40. The consensus earnings estimate for this year currently sits at $2.69. This represents a 29-cent jump when compared to estimates of 30 days prior. Both of the covering analysts upped their forecasts. Estimates for next year are up 27 cents to $2.95 over the same period of time, with two of the three covering analysts submitting upward revisions. Earnings per share are projected to grow by 12% over the next 3-5 years. On Jun 27, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 6.5 cents per share. The dividend is payable on Aug 3 to shareholders of record as of Jul 10. RBN has a current dividend yield of 0.44%. Its return on equity of 11% is in line with that of 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

Click for full article

FWLT - Foster Wheeler Ltd - will be added to the NASDAQ-100 Index on Jul 12, 2007

Foster Wheeler Ltd. (FWLT) has soared over 25% since its last feature as an aggressive growth play. While the company’s earnings growth going forward is expected to exceed the industry average, its addition into a number of high profile indices should increase investor attention and spur further share price gains. Full Analysis Foster Wheeler Ltd. provides engineering and construction services to the oil and gas, oil refining, chemical/petrochemical, pharmaceutical, environmental, power generation and power plant operation and maintenance sectors worldwide. It operates through two business groups: Global Engineering and Construction Group and Global Power Group. The Global E&C Group designs, engineers and constructs onshore and offshore upstream oil and gas and natural gas liquefaction facilities. The Global Power Group designs, manufactures and erects steam generating and auxiliary equipment for electric power generating stations and industrial facilities. On May 9, this Zacks #1 Rank stock reported first-quarter earnings of $1.60 per share, up from 23 cents per share in the prior-year period and 85 cents above expectations. This report marked the fourth consecutive double-digit quarterly earnings surprise. Driving the strong earnings growth, operating revenues rose by 78% to $1.15 billion from $645.8 million. Going forward, company officials commented, “The fundamentals supporting the markets served by the company's Global E&C Group and Global Power Group remain very robust, with strong global economic growth continuing to drive investment in new and existing oil and gas, refinery, petrochemical and power facilities. The company plans to continue to increase the capacity of its two business groups to capture the opportunities offered by these very strong markets.” Most recently, on Jul 10, it was announced that Foster Wheeler will be added to the NASDAQ-100 Index on Jul 12, 2007, replacing Biomet Inc. In late June the company was added to the Russell 1000 Index. According to Raymond J. Milchovich, CEO, "With Foster Wheeler's recent record-level of financial performance, strong competitive position, and robust markets, the company has steadily attracted increasing attention from the investment community, and we expect that the company's inclusion in the Russell 1000 will further broaden that exposure." Full-year consensus estimates have been trending higher and currently stand at $5.73, up 71% from 90 days ago. Next year’s estimates are guiding higher as well, rising to $6.38 from $3.89 over the same time period. Furthermore, Zacks ranks the company a number one out of 17 companies in the Building/Heavy Construction category, which itself has an attractive Zacks Industry Rank of 29 out of 217 industries. In support of the company’s fundamentals and improved credit quality, on Mar 26, Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's raised Foster Wheeler's credit ratings. Year-to-date, FWLT has returned an astonishing 113.9%, easily surpassing the company’s 2006 return of 49.9%. In particularly bullish fashion, FWLT continues to make new 52-week highs on strong volume. Zacks first featured FWLT as an as an Aggressive Growth play on Mar 16, 2007. Since then, the stock has climbed over 25%. Furthermore, over the next five years, earnings are expected to grow at a 23% annual rate, well above the industries expected growth of 14.3%. Lastly, the company’s ROE of 575% speaks for itself. 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

Click for full article

CMC - Commercial Metals Co - Upward revisions were submitted by all five covering analysts

Commercial Metals Company (CMC), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, recently reported strong third-quarter and year-to-date fiscal 2007 results. Consensus earnings estimates for this quarter and for the full year have risen over the past 30 days. On Jun 18, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of nine cents per common share of stock. CMC has a price-to-book ratio of 3.0 compared to 4.6 for the market. Full Analysis Commercial Metals Company and subsidiaries manufacture, recycle and market steel and metal products, related materials and services through a network including steel minimills, steel fabrication and processing plants, construction-related product warehouses, a copper tube mill, metal recycling facilities and marketing and distribution offices in the United States and in strategic overseas markets. On Jun 20, CMC announced third-quarter fiscal 2007 profits of 82 cents per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of 78 cents by 5.1%. The year-over-year improvement was even more impressive—32.3% when compared to earnings of 62 cents per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. Revenues came in at $2.35 billion, compared to $2.02 billion a year ago. President and CEO Murray R. McClean stated, "It was a terrific quarter, a record third quarter for the company with four of our five operating segments setting third-quarter records." For the first nine months of the year, profits jumped 10.1% to $250.7 million from $227.7 million in the first nine months of last year. Revenues rose 19.6% to $6.35 billion from $5.31 billion. The consensus earnings estimate for this quarter currently resides at 93 cents, marking a three-cent improvement when compared to the consensus of a month earlier. Three of the five covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for this year have risen six cents to $2.99 over the same period of time. Upward revisions were submitted by all five covering analysts. On Jun 18, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of nine cents per common share of stock. The dividend will be paid on Jul 20 to shareholders of record as of Jul 6. It represents the 171st consecutive quarterly cash dividend distributed by CMC. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.0%. CMC is currently trading at a valuation of 11.6x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 11.0x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 16.5x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 15.4x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 3.0 compared to 4.6 for the market. CMC’s return on equity doubles that of the industry average—30% compared to 15%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

Click for full article

AMSF - Amerisafe Inc - Zacks currently ranks Amerisafe number one out of eight companies in the Insurance-Accident & Health category

Amerisafe Inc. (AMSF) is up almost 26% for the year after reporting a positive earnings surprise for the first quarter. The Zacks #1 Rank stock is trading at 52-week highs and is poised for further momentum. Full Analysis Amerisafe Inc. is a specialty provider of workers' compensation insurance focused on small- to mid-sized employers engaged in hazardous industries, principally construction, trucking, logging, agriculture, oil and gas, maritime and sawmills. On May 7, this Zacks #1 Rank stock reported first-quarter earnings of 42 cents per share, up from 36 cents in the year-ago period and one cent above expectations. Overall revenues grew 10.2% to $82.9 million. Also, gross premiums written totaled $90.5 million, an increase of 12.0% over gross premiums written of $80.8 million for the prior-year quarter. Lastly, net investment income rose to $6.9 million from $6.0 million for the same period last year. Allen Bradley, Amerisafe’s Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Our top-line growth, combined ratio and return on average equity all exceeded our expectations for the first quarter of 2007. We are obviously pleased with these results and believe that we are solidly positioned to meet our overall financial objectives for the year. It is also noteworthy that the company's total assets exceeded $1 billion for the first time in our 21-year history." Amerisafe also reaffirmed its guidance for the full year. The company forecasts gross premiums written of between $350 million and $360 million, a return on average equity of more than 16% and a combined ratio of less than 95%. Following the company’s 2.4% earnings surprise, full-year 2007 estimates were increased by eight cents to $1.83. Since then, estimates have been raised again by an additional two cents to $1.85. Next year’s projections have been guiding higher as well and currently stand at $2.08, up from $2.03 over the last 90 days. As testament to the company’s strong fundamentals, Zacks currently ranks Amerisafe number one out of eight companies in the Insurance- Accident & Health category, with the overall industry ranked an impressive 32 out of 217 industries. Zacks first featured Amerisafe as a Momentum Play on Mar 14, 2007. Since then, the stock has returned 14.9%. Year-to-date the stock is up 25.9%, handily beating the S&P 500. AMSF recently surpassed prior resistance, making fresh highs after rebounding from a brief consolidation period. In closing above the prior highs for three consecutive trading days, AMSF seems poised for further price acceleration. Also, the MACD line remains well above the signal line and the 21-day moving average is close to crossing above the 50-day moving average, both signaling the increased possibility for further momentum. 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

Click for full article

GEF - Greif, Inc - increased revenues for the past nine years, expanded gross margins for the past three and grew profits for three years running

Greif, Inc. (GEF) recently raised its full-year profit guidance after reporting solid second-quarter fiscal 2007 results. Consensus earnings estimates are up over the past 30 days for both this quarter and for the full year. Earnings per share are projected to grow 27% over the next 3-5 years, while the industry is expected to grow by only 9%. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a current dividend yield of 1.8%. Full Analysis Greif, Inc. is a world leader in industrial packaging products and services. The company has extensive experience in steel, plastic, fibre, corrugated and multiwall containers and protective packaging for various industries. GEF also produces containerboard and manages timber properties in the United States. The company has over 160 operating locations in more than 40 countries. On Jun 6, GEF beat the consensus earnings estimate by 4.8% when it posted second-quarter fiscal 2007 profits of 66 cents per share. Analysts were calling for 63 cents. Compared to the prior-year period, earnings were up 29.4%. Revenues jumped 31.4% to $815.0 million from $620.1 million in the second quarter of last fiscal year. Chairman, CEO and President Michael J. Gasser stated, "We are pleased with our results for the second quarter, including strong performances in the Americas, Europe and emerging markets of the Industrial Packaging & Services segment. We exited the quarter with positive momentum and anticipate continued strong performance levels during the second half of 2007." GEF increased revenues for the past nine years, expanded gross margins for the past three and grew profits for three years running. Citing solid operating performance, orderly integration of recent acquisitions, realized benefits from the Greif Business System and positive momentum, GEF raised its full-year profit guidance to between $3.05 and $3.10 per share. The company’s prior outlook called for earnings per share between $3.00 and $3.05. Analysts responded to the company’s bullish guidance by upping their profit forecasts. The consensus earnings estimate for this quarter has risen nine cents to 91 cents over the past 30 days. Estimates for this year are also up nine cents to $3.09 over the same period of time. Earnings per share are projected to grow 27% over the next 3-5 years, while the industry is expected to grow by only 9%. GEF has a current dividend yield of 1.8%. The company’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—19% compared to 17%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

Click for full article

SNHY - Sun Hydraulics Corp - return on equity of 25.7% is more than double the industry average of 11%

Sun Hydraulics Corp. (SNHY) reported a 20.4% earnings surprise for the first quarter and earnings estimates for this year and next have been revised upward. Also, the company�s expected earnings growth over the next five years is well above the forecasted industry average. Full Analysis Sun Hydraulics Corporation designs and manufactures screw-in hydraulic cartridge valves and manifolds, which control force, speed and motion as integral components in fluid power systems worldwide. Its products include screw-in cartridge valves; electro-hydraulic cartridges; manifolds, a solid block of metal that is machined to create threaded cavities and channels; and integrated packages, an assembly of cartridge valves into a custom designed manifold. These products are used in construction, agricultural, and utility equipment, as well as in a range of industrial applications, such as machine tools and material handling equipment. On May 8, the Zacks #1 Rank stock reported first-quarter earnings of 53 cents per share, up from 38 cents in the year-ago period and nine cents above expectations. Driving the strong earnings growth, revenues rose to $40.9 million from $34.2 million last year, also surpassing expectations of $39.6 million. Strong international sales were the primary catalyst for the quarter's report, particularly sales from Europe and Asia, as well as the release of several new elector-hydraulic products. The company also projected second-quarter 2007 revenues of $41 million and earnings per share between 52 cents and 54 cents. This would represent an increase in revenues and earnings per share of roughly 11% and 36%, respectively, over last year. Following the company's 20.4% earnings surprise, full-year 2007 estimates were increased by 25 cents to $1.95. Next year�s projections were raised as well and currently stand at $2.20, implying earnings growth of 12.8%. Over the last five years, SNHY has reported average annual earnings growth of 44.5%, more than double the industry average. Looking ahead, the company is expected to continue to grow faster than its peers, with analysts forecasting earnings growth of 23%, above the expected industry growth rate of 14.3%. Lastly, Sun Hydraulics return on equity of 25.7% is more than double the industry average of 11%. 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

Click for full article