(Source: Business Wire)
Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Washington Federal, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFSL), Castle Brands, Inc. (AMEX: ROX), Volcom, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLCM), MGIC Investment Corporation (NASDAQ: MGIC) and E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company (NYSE: DD).
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Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:
Washington Federal Holding Steady
Headquartered in Seattle, Washington Federal, Inc. (NASDAQ: WFSL) operates as a non-diversified unitary savings and loan holding company. The company conducts its operations through its federally insured savings and loan association subsidiary, Washington Federal Savings, which operates 135 offices in 8 western states.
Washington Federal's diluted operating earnings for 4Q08 (ended September 30), came in at $0.19 per share, substantially short of estimates. The miss stemmed from a huge increase in provision for loan losses in response to a deteriorating housing market, though the expansion in the interest margin was impressive, owing to WFSL's liability sensitivity. Credit quality significantly worsened during the quarter, a trend that we expect to continue in the coming quarters.
Castle Brands Trough-Bound
Castle Brands, Inc. (AMEX: ROX) is a small capitalization company in the premium spirits industry. The company has an established distribution network in the United States.
Despite rapid sales growth garnered through strategic relationships, joint ventures and acquisitions, the company has consistently operated at a loss, being funded by financing activities, including its IPO in April, 2006 and private placements in May 2007 and October 2008. The value of the company is in its distribution network and the national distribution agreements for certain brand-name premium spirits.
Volcom a Rare Buy-Rated Clothier
Volcom, Inc. (NASDAQ: VLCM) is an apparel company focused on designing, marketing, and the distribution of premium quality clothing, accessories, and related products for youth. Volcom's outerwear products include t-shirts, fleece, bottoms, tops, jackets, boardshorts, and denim.
Volcom has an impressive sales growth record. Continued distribution channel expansion, both domestically and internationally, along with a strong new product effort should support Volcom's 30%+ sales growth rate.
