LRW - Labor Ready, Inc - six of 15 quarters, suprised to the upside by a double-digit percentage

Labor Ready, Inc. (LRW), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past 15 quarters. Consensus earnings estimates for both this year and next are up over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 16% over the next 3-5 years. LRW has been active in returning value to shareholders though its stock repurchase program. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 3.3, compared to 4.6 for the market. Full Analysis Labor Ready, Inc. is an international provider of blue-collar staffing with three primary service lines including on-demand labor, light industrial and skilled construction trades. The company operates under the brand names of Labor Ready, Labour Ready and Workforce for its on-demand service line; Spartan Staffing for its light industrial service line; and CLP Resources and Skilled Services for its skilled construction trades service line. LRW exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past 15 quarters. In six of the aforementioned 15 quarters the company succeeded in surprising to the upside by a double-digit percentage. In one quarter it produced a triple-digit percentage surprise. On Jul 6, LRW posted second-quarter earnings per share of 41 cents, beating the Street’s estimate of 34 cents by 20.6%. The company posted profits of 35 cents per share in the second quarter of last year. Total revenues came in at $351.1 million compared to $339.8 million in the prior-year period. CEO Steve Cooper stated, "We intend to continue pursuing growth through strategic acquisitions that expand our blue-collar staffing services. Operating as one company with multiple blue-collar brands in the temporary help industry is a key component of our vision." Looking ahead to the third quarter, LRW expects profits between 48 cents and 50 cents per share on revenues between $390 million and $395 million. For the full year, profits are expected to come in between $1.45 and $1.48 per share, on revenues between $1.39 billion and $1.4 billion. The consensus earnings estimate for this year is up nine cents to $1.48 over the past 30 days. Seven of the eight covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for next year have risen nine cents to $1.61 over the past month, with seven of the eight covering analysts submitting upward revisions. Earnings per share are projected to grow 16% over the next 3-5 years. During the second quarter LRW bought back approximately 0.9 million shares of its outstanding common stock for $18 million. Under its current repurchase plan, $93 million remains available for repurchase. Since the beginning of 2006, the company has bought back approximately 9.2 million shares at a cost of $184 million. LRW is currently trading at a valuation of 14.3x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 13.1x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 15.7x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 14.7x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. LRW has a price-to-book ratio of 3.3, compared to 4.6 for the market. The company’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—22% compared to 13%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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GGL - Goodman Global Inc - old resistance to become new support going forward and momentum to remain to the upside

Goodman Global Inc. (GGL) has soared over 39% year to date. Earnings surprises, improved guidance, and a possible sale of the company have largely fueled the stock’s recent momentum. Full Analysis Goodman Global Inc. engages in the design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related products for the residential and light commercial markets in the U.S. and internationally. Its products include split system air conditioners and heat pumps, gas furnaces, packaged units, air handlers, package terminal air conditioners/heat pumps, evaporator coils, and flexible duct and accessories. The company offers its products under Goodman, Amana, and Quietflex brands. It also sells package terminal air conditioner products to the light commercial sector, including hotels and assisted living facilities. On Jul 26, Goodman Global reported second-quarter earnings of 55 cents, up from 36 cents last year and seven cents above analyst expectations. Net sales increased 12% from the year-ago period to $563.7 million. The solid growth was due to increased sales volume, benefits received from a price increase late last year, as well as the continued shift to higher-efficiency products. The company also raised its full-year 2007 forecast. Goodman now expects EBIDTA of between $260 million and $270 million and diluted earnings per share of between $1.35 and $1.45. Charles Carroll, President and CEO, expounded, “With this strong earnings performance and continued improvement in working capital management, we expect to generate sufficient cash to reduce debt by at least $150 million this year.” Late last month, the Goodman announced that it has hired Goldman Sachs to explore strategic options, which may include a sale of the company. The firm is 40% owned by private equity firm, Apollo Management. While no specifics have yet been mentioned, Mr. Carroll stated, “The management and board of directors continually evaluate our business and operations to identify and develop opportunities for maximizing value for all shareholders.” The recent 14.58% earnings surprise marked the second consecutive quarter the company has beat expectations by a double-digit percentage. As a result of the earnings momentum, analysts have increased their full-year profit projections three times over the last three months, most recently by six cents to $1.46. Next year’s estimates were revised higher as well and currently stand at $1.73, up six cents from the latest earning release and 11 cents from three months ago. Year to date, GGL has gained over 39%, well above any of the major market indices. The company has only been public since Apr 11, 2006 and has traded in a range of $11.32 to $26.60. In mid-Jul, GGL broke from resistance after reporting that it was exploring strategic options. Since then, the stock has remained above former resistance, trading largely against the 21-day moving average. Look for old resistance to become new support going forward and momentum to remain 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

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TUP - Tupperware Brands Corp - Analysts responded to TUP’s bullish guidance by increasing their estimates

Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in 15 out of the past 16 quarters. After reporting solid second-quarter results, the company raised its profit outlook for the full year. Analysts responded to TUP’s bullish guidance by increasing their estimates. On May 16, the Board of Directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of 22 cents per share and approved a $150-million share repurchase plan. TUP is currently yielding 2.8%. Full Analysis Tupperware Brands Corporation is a portfolio of global direct selling companies, selling premium innovative products across multiple brands and categories through an independent sales force of 2.0 million. Product brands and categories include design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home through the Tupperware brand and beauty and personal care products for consumers through the Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fuller, NaturCare, Nutrimetics, Nuvo and Swissgarde brands. TUP has a strong history of topping the Street’s earnings estimates, having done so in 15 out of the past 16 quarters. In six out of the 15 aforementioned quarters the company surprised by a double-digit percentage and in three others it produced triple-digit percentage surprises. On Jul 31, TUP reported second-quarter earnings per share of 58 cents. With analysts covering the stock projecting 51 cents per share, the company surprised to the upside by 13.7%. Compared to profits of 41 cents per share in the prior-year period, the result equated to a 41.5% year-over-year improvement. Revenues came in at $492.9 million, compared to $438.6 million in the second quarter of 2006. TUP stated that sales advanced in all of its brand segments, with its Asia Pacific and North America regions leading the way. Chairman and CEO Rick Goings stated, "Execution under our strategic growth initiatives including refreshing the core Tupperware businesses, growing emerging markets and expanding beauty led to strong sales and profit growth ahead of our expectations again for the quarter." Based on TUP’s solid quarterly results, the company boosted its full-year profit outlook and now expects adjusted earnings between $2.00 and $2.05 per share. Its previous outlook called for profits between $1.84 and $1.89 per share. Analysts responded to TUP’s bullish guidance by increasing their estimates. The consensus earnings estimate for this year rose 18 cents to $2.03 per share over the past 30 days, with both of the covering analysts upping their estimates. Profit forecasts for next year jumped 13 cents to $2.14 per share over the same period of time. Upward revisions were submitted by two of the three covering analysts. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years. On May 16, the Board of Directors announced a quarterly cash dividend of 22 cents per share. The company has a current dividend yield of 2.8%. The Board also approved a $150-million share repurchase plan. TUP’s return on equity is impressive at 28%, which is greater than the industry average of 24%. TUP 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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TRAK - DealerTrack Holdings, Inc - 42% increase in revenue-generating subscriptions to the company's network

DealerTrack turned in a strong second quarter in which both earnings and revenues grew 35% over last year. The results beat analysts expectations by 13%. The company has met or exceeded earnings estimates in four of the past five quarters. Four analysts have raised their estimates for this year. Over the past 60 days, this year's estimates have risen five cents to 96 cents per share. The company is growing at a robust 25% per year over the long term. Full Analysis DealerTrack Holdings, Inc. (TRAK), through its subsidiaries, provides software, network, and data solutions to the automotive retail industry in the United States. It offers pre-sales marketing and prospecting products, which include Chrome Carbook, PC Carbook, and Carbook Fleet edition that provide automotive specification and pricing information; and WebsitePlus that enables visitors to a dealer's Web site to submit credit application data online. The company's sales products comprise SalesMaker, a profit management system that enables dealers to search the financing source programs in its database; and Credit Reports, which enables the dealer to use the consumer's credit report to determine an appropriate automobile and financing package for that particular consumer. TRAK said last Friday its second quarter earnings rose 35% from the year-ago quarter due to subscription growth. Second-quarter net income rose to $6.3 million, or 26 cents per share, up from $4.7 million, or 13 cents per share, during the same quarter a year ago. DealerTrack's revenue rose 35% year-over-year to $58.5 million. Growth was spurred by a 42% increase in revenue-generating subscriptions to the company's network. "DealerTrack's growth is driven by our ability to provide innovative solutions that meet the needs of the automotive retail industry," said Mark O'Neil, chairman and chief executive officer of DealerTrack. "Our second quarter financial results were generated from ongoing momentum in cross- selling our subscription products and strong performance across our transaction businesses. We remain focused on creating value for our customers and stockholders by expanding the range of products and services we offer, enhancing the integration between our products, and adding new participants to the DealerTrack network." On June 5, 2007, DealerTrack completed its acquisition of Arkona, Inc. for a cash purchase price of approximately $59.8 million (including estimated direct acquisition costs of approximately $0.9 million). This acquisition expands DealerTrack's product suite with an on-demand dealership management system (DMS) that can be utilized by franchised, independent and other specialty retail dealers. 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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RLI - RLI Corp - Two of the four covering analysts upped their estimates for this quarter and next

RLI Corp. (RLI), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in four straight quarters by an average margin of 45.4%. Consensus earnings estimates have risen over the past 30 days. On May 3, the Board of Directors announced a 10% boost in its quarterly dividend to 22 cents per share and authorized a new stock repurchase program for up to $100 million of the company’s common stock. RLI has a price-to-book ratio of 1.7, compared to 4.6 for the market. Full Analysis RLI Corp. underwrites selected property and casualty insurance through major subsidiaries collectively known as RLI Insurance Group. It conducts operations principally through three insurance companies. RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and RLI Indemnity Company. RLI topped analysts’ earnings expectations in four straight quarters by an average margin of 45.4%. In all four of the aforementioned quarters the company surprised by a double-digit percentage. On Jul 17, RLI reported second-quarter profits of $1.64 per share, which easily surpassed the consensus estimate of $1.05 by 56.2%. Compared to earnings of 73 cents per share in the second quarter of 2006, the result equated to a 124.7% year-over-year improvement. Total revenues jumped 18.4% to $171.5 million, compared to $144.9 million in the prior-year period. RLI’s underwriting income rose to $39.1 million from $7 million, while net premiums climbed 9.2% to $137.5 million from $125.9 million. Consensus earnings estimates for this quarter and next are up nine cents and six cents to $1.09 and $1.10, respectively, over the past 30 days. Two of the four covering analysts upped their estimates for both periods. Profit forecasts for this year and next year increased 44 cents and 21 cents to $4.72 and $4.48, respectively, over the same period of time. Three of the five covering analysts submitted upward revisions for this year while two followed suit for next year. Earnings per share are projected to grow 14% over the next 3-5 years, with the industry expected to grow by 10%. On May 3, RLI announced a 10% boost in its quarterly dividend to 22 cents per share from 20 cents per share. The company has a current dividend yield of 1.55% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.40%. RLI has distributed 124 consecutive quarterly dividends. Additional value has been provided to shareholders through its share repurchase program. The Board authorized a new stock repurchase program for up to $100 million of the company’s common stock. RLI had previously concluded a similar $100 million buyback program. RLI is currently trading at a valuation of 12.0x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 12.7x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 15.2x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 14.2x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.7, compared to 4.6 for the market. RLI’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—18% compared to 15%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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FDP - Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc - exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past three quarters by an average margin of 98.7%

Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. (FDP) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past three quarters by an average margin of 98.7%. Consensus earnings estimates for both this year and next have risen over the past week. Earnings per share are projected to grow 10% over the next 3-5 years. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 1.4 compared to 4.6 for the market and 2.1 for the industry. Full Analysis Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc. is one of the world's leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared fruit and vegetables, juices, beverages, snacks, and desserts in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. When FDP beats the Street’s estimate, it has done so by a large margin of late. The company exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations for the past three quarters by an average margin of 98.7%. In two out of the three aforementioned quarters, FDP surprised by a triple-digit percentage. In the other quarter it posted a double-digit percentage surprise. On Jul 31, FDP announced second-quarter profits of $1.18 per share, easily surpassing the consensus estimate of 59 cents by 100%. The year-over-year improvement was even more impressive—337% when compared to earnings of 27 cents per share in the second quarter of 2006. Revenues came in at $924.2 million, compared to $907.1 million in the prior-year period. Chairman and CEO Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh stated, "Our second-quarter performance, which was the strongest in four years, is a further validation of the success of our strategy and of the performance-improving initiatives we put in place last year. Today, Fresh Del Monte is a company that is focused and committed to profitable growth." The consensus earnings estimate for this year currently resides at $1.94, marking a 59-cent improvement when compared to the consensus of a week earlier. Two of the three covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for next year have risen 88 cents to $2.38 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. FDP is currently trading at a valuation of 14.0x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 11.5x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The market, as represented by the S&P 500, is trading at a valuation of 15.6x current fiscal-year estimated earnings and at 14.6x next fiscal-year estimated earnings. The company has a price-to-book ratio of 1.4 compared to 4.6 for the market and 2.1 for the industry. FDP has also returned value to shareholders through dividend payments. The company is currently yielding 0.37%. 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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TRMB - Trimble Navigation Ltd - matched or exceeded analysts’ expectations for over 16 consecutive quarters

Trimble Navigation Ltd. (TRMB) has gained over 51% year to date, reflecting the increasing popularity of GPS technologies. With increasing estimates and above average earnings growth rates, TRMB should continue moving higher. Full Analysis Trimble Navigation Ltd. provides advanced positioning product solutions to commercial and government users worldwide. It operates in four segments: Engineering and Construction, Field Solutions, Mobile Solutions and Advanced Devices. Trimble integrates a wide range of positioning technologies including GPS, laser, optical and inertial technologies with application software, wireless communications and services to provide complete commercial solutions. The company’s products are used in over 100 countries around the world. On Jul 31, Trimble Navigation reported second-quarter earnings of 28 cents, in-line with both last year’s results and analysts' expectations. However, revenues soared 34% to $327.7 million. Engineering and Construction, Field Solutions, Mobile Solutions, and Advanced Devices all reported double-digit increases in revenue, largely due to strong international growth. Looking forward, Trimble expects third-quarter adjusted earnings between 26 cents and 28 cents per share on revenues of $294 million to $299 million. The guidance was largely above analysts’ forecasts of earnings of 26 cents per share on revenue of $293.4 million. Trimble’s track record of earnings surprises has been impressive. In fact, the company has either matched or exceeded analysts’ expectations for over 16 consecutive quarters. All but two of those results have been double-digit surprises. After the release, analysts increased their full-year profit projections by six cents to $1.09. Next year’s estimates were revised higher as well and currently stand at $1.38, up from $1.22 three months ago. The implied 26.6% earnings growth is well above the industry average of 17.5%. As testament to the company’s strong fundamentals, Zacks currently ranks Trimble a number one out of 22 companies in the Electronic Products-Misc. category. TRMB has gained over 51% this year, already surpassing its remarkable 2006 return of 42.9%. A 5-year chart illustrates the company’s consistent long-term trend, climbing from around $3 per share to over $38 today. Following the earnings release, TRMB accelerated from its upward trend, soaring over 16% in the two days. The stock is currently trading at 52-week highs on almost twice the normal volume and well above the 21-day, 50-day, and 200-day moving averages. Also, the MACD line made a strong cross above the signal line, further demonstrating the increasing 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

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TGI - Triumph Group Inc - analysts increased their full-year profit projections, the third upward revision in three months

Triumph Group Inc. (TGI) has benefited from continued strength in the Aerospace sector. Earnings momentum, increasing estimates for this year and next, and solid growth in order backlog should further the stock’s consistent momentum going forward. Full Analysis Triumph Group engages in the design, engineering, manufacture, repair, overhaul and distribution of aircraft components. Its aircraft components comprise hydraulic, mechanical, and electromechanical control systems; aircraft and engine accessories; structural components and assemblies; non-structural composite components; auxiliary power units; avionics; and aircraft instruments. The company offers various products and services to the aerospace industry through two groups, Aerospace Systems group and Aftermarket Services group. On Jul 25, Triumph Group Inc. reported fiscal first-quarter earnings of $1.04, up from 58 cents last year and 23 cents above analyst expectations. Driving the earnings growth, revenues rose 26% to $275 million, also surpassing estimates of $261.1 million. Both the Aerospace Systems and Aftermarket Services segments posted strong sales growth of 26% and improved margins. Furthermore, the company’s order backlog rose 27% over last year to $1.2 billion. The company also announced that it is selling two business units: Triumph Precision Castings and Triumph Precision. The transaction is expected to occur in the fiscal second-quarter. The combined units posted a first-quarter loss of $3.9 million, or 23 cent per share, which was recorded as discontinued operations. The move is widely regarded as positive due to the units drag on profitability. Looking forward, Triumph expects fiscal 2008 earnings between $3.85 and $4 per share. Richard C. Ill, CEO, commented, “Based on our robust backlog, the strength of our markets and our ability to execute, we are confident that we will continue to generate significant revenue growth and enhanced operating earnings and profitability for the balance of the fiscal year.” Triumph has reported seven consecutive earnings surprises. After the most recent 28.4% surprise, analysts increased their full-year profit projections by five cents to $4.15, the third upward revision in three months. Next year’s estimates were revised higher as well and currently stand at $5.00, up 26 cents from the latest earning release and 68 cents from three months ago. As testament to the company’s strong fundamentals, Zacks currently ranks Triumph a number one out of 26 companies in the Aerospace/Defense Equipment category, which itself rates a very attractive 38 out of 217 industries. Since 2005, TGI performed very well, returning 43.2% in 2006 and over 53% year to date. In fact, the stock has gained 5.4% in August alone. TGI’s consistent upward trend is similar to Precision Castparts Corp. (PCP) , another aerospace Momentum play. TGI is currently trading at 52-week highs and with no resistance to impede the underlying trend, look for continued upside 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

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JLL - Jones Lang LaSalle Inc - in three of the past six quarters, the company surprised by a triple-digit percentage

Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in five out of the past six quarters, most recently by 127.5% in the second quarter. Consensus earnings estimates for this year and next year are up over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 15% over the next 3-5 years. On May 1, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of 35 cents per share. JLL has a current dividend yield of 0.67%. Full Analysis Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides comprehensive integrated real estate and investment management expertise on a local, regional and global level to owner, occupier and investor clients. The company has approximately 160 offices worldwide and operates in more than 450 cities in over 50 countries. JLL beat the Street’s earnings estimate in five out of the past six quarters. In three out of the five aforementioned quarters, the company surprised by a triple-digit percentage. In one quarter it produced a double-digit percentage surprise. On Jul 24, JLL crushed analysts’ expectations by 127.5% when it reported second-quarter profits of $2.32 per share. Compared to earnings of $1.94 per share in the prior-year period, the result marked a 19.6% year-over-year improvement for the company. Revenues jumped 32.6% to $676.1 million from $509.8 million in the second quarter of last year. For the first half of the year, profits came in at $105.8 million from $70.8 million achieved in the first half of last year. Revenues jumped to $1.2 billion from $846.9 million. The company increased revenues for the past four years and grew profits for seven years running. CEO Colin Dyer stated, "The impressive second-quarter performance in all our businesses and geographies, together with our strong first quarter, puts us in an excellent position for the second half. To build additional momentum, we continue to invest in our operations, and to deepen and strengthen our service delivery to clients," The consensus earnings estimate for this year is up $1.53 to $7.21 over the past 30 days. Five of the six covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts next year increased 96 cents to $7.27 over the same period of time. Five of the six covering analysts submitted upward revisions. Earnings per share are projected to grow 15% over the next 3-5 years, with the industry expected to grow by 12%. On May 1, the Board of Directors declared a semi-annual cash dividend of 35 cents per share. JLL has a current dividend yield of 0.67% and a five-year average dividend yield of 0.26%. The company’s return on equity more than triples that of the industry average 28% compared to 9%. Content Courtesy: Zacks Investment Research #1 Ranked Stocks Highlight Archive To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That is why we created the free special report: Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions. | Blog Home| VitalStocks Home

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GVA - Granite Construction Inc - beat the consensus earnings estimate in six of the past eight quarters by an average margin of 40.6%

Granite Construction Incorporated (GVA), a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in six of the past eight quarters by an average margin of 40.6%. Consensus earnings estimates for both this year and next year are up over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 12% over the next 3-5 years. GVA has a current dividend yield of 0.66%. Full Analysis Granite Construction Incorporated builds roads, tunnels, bridges, airports and other infrastructure-related projects used by millions of people. In addition, the company also produces sand, gravel, ready-mix and asphalt concrete and other construction materials. GVA serves both public and private sector clients. GVA beat the consensus earnings estimate in six of the past eight quarters by an average margin of 40.6%. In five of the aforementioned six quarters the company was able to surprise by a double-digit percentage. Earnings per share grew 23.0% over past five years. On Jul 25, GVA reported very impressive results for the second quarter. The company posted earnings per share of $1.05—50.0% better than the consensus earnings estimate. GVA’s earnings in second quarter of 2006 were 80 cents per share, equating to a 31.3% year-over-year improvement. New awards in the quarter included a $92.6 million highway project in Florida and a $37.3 million highway project in Texas. President and CEO William G. Dorey stated, "I am very pleased with our financial results this quarter. Our branch business in the west achieved record gross margin results driven by excellent execution on a strong backlog of work. With regard to the large projects in our Granite East division, I am particularly encouraged by the profit potential of our backlog and the overall financial improvement we are beginning to see from this business." Analysts’ estimates have been trending higher for GVA. The consensus earnings estimate for this year has risen 32 cents to $3.27 over the past month. Four of the five covering analysts upped their estimates. Profit forecasts for next year have risen 30 cents to $3.82 over the same period of time. Upward revisions were submitted by four of the six covering analysts. Earnings per share are projected to grow 12% over the next 3-5 years. On Jul 19, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of 10 cents per common share of stock. The dividend is payable on Oct 15 to stockholders of record as of Sep 30. GVA has a current dividend yield of 0.66%. The company’s return on equity tops that of the industry average—14% 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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FARO - FARO Technologies - Blowout earnings! - 39 cents, Analysts only expected 28 cents per share

FARO Technologies is performing exceptionally well just as the broader market is struggling through a correction. Earnings have been wonderful as evidenced by the last two quarters. Those quarters have averaged a positive surprise of 48%. Just over the past week, this year's estimates have jumped 11 cents to $1.31 per share, while next year's numbers have risen eight cents to $1.68 per share. Analysts project long-term earnings growth of 23.33%. Full Analysis FARO Technologies, Inc. (FARO), together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, and manufactures software-based three-dimensional (3D) measurement devices for manufacturing, industrial, building construction, and forensic applications. The company offers articulated electromechanical measuring devices, such as Faro Arm, a combination of six or seven-axis, instrumented articulated measurement arm, a computer, and software programs; Faro Scan Arm, which provides customers the ability to measure their products without touching them and offers a seven-axis contact/noncontact measurement device with integrated laser scanner; and Faro Gage, an accuracy version of the Faro Arm product. Second-quarter results were nothing short of spectacular when the company reported in late July. FARO said second-quarter sales increased to $47.6 million or 25.3% more than the $38 million the company recorded for the same period last year. net profits for the quarter reached $5.8 million, or 39 cents per diluted share, compared to $900,000, or 6 cents for diluted share last year. Analysts only expected 28 cents per share. "The second quarter established another new milestone for the Company," stated Jay Freeland, President and CEO. "For the first time ever, we exceeded $50 million in new orders in a single quarter. Customer demand in all vertical markets remains strong and all three regions continue to meet or beat the expectations we established for them at the beginning of the year." Gross margin for the second quarter of 2007 was 61.3%, compared to 59.3% in the second quarter of 2006. Gross margin increased primarily as the result of an increase in unit sales in product lines with lower unit costs due to continuing productivity improvements. 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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EEFT - Euronet Worldwide - EFT Processing, Prepaid Processing, and Software Solutions - explosive growth opportunities

Euronet Worldwide is a company with explosive growth opportunities. Central Europe and India are large growth markets for the company. Earnings estimates for this year have jumped 24 cents to $1.11 per share over the past month. Similarly, next year's numbers have jumped 22 cents to $1.44 per share. The company has significantly exceeded earnings estimates in two out of the past three quarters. Analysts project long-term earnings growth of 19.67%. Full Analysis Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (EEFT) provides electronic payment services in the United States and internationally. It offers automated teller machine (ATMs) and point-of-sale (POS) operations and management services, card outsourcing services, software solutions, money transfer and bill payment services, and electronic prepaid top-up services to financial institutions, mobile operators, and retailers. It operates in three segments: EFT Processing, Prepaid Processing, and Software Solutions. The EFT Processing segment provides outsourcing and network services to financial institutions and mobile phone companies. As of December 31, 2006, it provided these services with a network of approximately 8,885 ATMs and approximately 44,000 POS terminals in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. Second-quarter profits came in at 27 cents per share, well above the 20 cents that analysts expected. Revenue climbed to $237.1 million from $153.8 million last year, boosted by results from RIA Evnia Inc., a money-transfer company acquired in April, and a 25% increase in the number of ATMs in service. Analysts forecast revenue of $229 million for the quarter. The year-over-year improvement in revenue was primarily attributable to organic transaction growth as well as the benefit from the first quarter 2007 acquisition of a U.K. based prepaid processing company that contributed approximately 10% of the segment's revenue growth when compared to the second quarter of last year, but had a minimal impact on the segment's operating income. "I am very excited about this quarter's addition of RIA to Euronet's EFT and Prepaid Segments," said Michael J. Brown, chairman and chief executive officer, Euronet Worldwide Inc. "In just the first three months of our ownership of RIA, we have made significant progress towards integrating Euronet's Veloz business with RIA, cross-selling prepaid products through RIA agents and stores, cross-selling our money transfer product through prepaid retailers and expanding RIA's payout network through the EFT Segment's banking relationships across the globe." 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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