We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
IDEX (IEX) Hits 52-Week High on Favorable Growth Dynamics
Read MoreHide Full Article
Shares of industrial goods manufacturer IDEX Corporation (IEX - Free Report) scaled a new 52-week high of $131.68 in yesterday’s trading session, before closing a tad lower at $130.83 for a healthy year-to-date return of 45.3%. Barring minor hiccups, the company’s share price has steadily been on an uptrend since late August. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has the potential for further price appreciation with long-term earnings growth expectations of 13%.
Growth Drivers
IDEX is currently striving to expand its businesses in the emerging markets by focusing on organic growth. The company reported organic growth of 7% in the third quarter of 2017, while orders were up 8% year over year to $573.8 million on diligent execution of operational plans. IDEX further aims to increase its market exposure and improve sales mix by continually developing new products. With a flexible yet disciplined focus on cost and productivity, IDEX expects to successfully tap newer markets to augment its revenues.
Acquisitions have been IDEX’s most favored mode of penetrating unexplored markets. These acquisitions extend its geographic reach, fill technology gaps and strengthen foothold in the existing markets while expanding its product lines.
IDEX has historically generated a healthy cash flow that allows management the opportunity to invest in product innovations, acquisitions and business development. The company intends to optimize its cost structure, increase competitiveness and reallocate resources to improve profitability. The long-term growth prospects of the company therefore appear to be quite encouraging.
The company reported strong third-quarter results with healthy year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues. With solid quarterly results and robust demand patterns, IDEX raised its earlier guidance for 2017. The company currently expects adjusted earnings of $4.25-$4.27 per share, up from $4.00-$4.17 expected earlier. The company reaffirmed its organic growth expectations for 2017 at 5%. The favorable growth dynamics offer an enticing investment opportunity and probably raised investor confidence, driving the company’s shares to a fresh 52-week high.
Altra Industrial topped estimates in each of the trailing four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 17.3%.
Atlas has surpassed estimates twice in the trailing four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 9.9%.
Chart Industries has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 20%. It surpassed estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 13.9%.
Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +18.8% from 2016 - Q1 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +157.0%, +128.0%, +97.8%, +94.7%, and +90.2% respectively.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - Q1 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 11X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.
Image: Bigstock
IDEX (IEX) Hits 52-Week High on Favorable Growth Dynamics
Shares of industrial goods manufacturer IDEX Corporation (IEX - Free Report) scaled a new 52-week high of $131.68 in yesterday’s trading session, before closing a tad lower at $130.83 for a healthy year-to-date return of 45.3%. Barring minor hiccups, the company’s share price has steadily been on an uptrend since late August. This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has the potential for further price appreciation with long-term earnings growth expectations of 13%.
Growth Drivers
IDEX is currently striving to expand its businesses in the emerging markets by focusing on organic growth. The company reported organic growth of 7% in the third quarter of 2017, while orders were up 8% year over year to $573.8 million on diligent execution of operational plans. IDEX further aims to increase its market exposure and improve sales mix by continually developing new products. With a flexible yet disciplined focus on cost and productivity, IDEX expects to successfully tap newer markets to augment its revenues.
Acquisitions have been IDEX’s most favored mode of penetrating unexplored markets. These acquisitions extend its geographic reach, fill technology gaps and strengthen foothold in the existing markets while expanding its product lines.
IDEX has historically generated a healthy cash flow that allows management the opportunity to invest in product innovations, acquisitions and business development. The company intends to optimize its cost structure, increase competitiveness and reallocate resources to improve profitability. The long-term growth prospects of the company therefore appear to be quite encouraging.
The company reported strong third-quarter results with healthy year-over-year increase in earnings and revenues. With solid quarterly results and robust demand patterns, IDEX raised its earlier guidance for 2017. The company currently expects adjusted earnings of $4.25-$4.27 per share, up from $4.00-$4.17 expected earlier. The company reaffirmed its organic growth expectations for 2017 at 5%. The favorable growth dynamics offer an enticing investment opportunity and probably raised investor confidence, driving the company’s shares to a fresh 52-week high.
Other Stocks to Consider
Other stocks in the industry worth considering include Altra Industrial Motion Corp. , Atlas Copco AB (ATLKY - Free Report) and Chart Industries, Inc. (GTLS - Free Report) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Altra Industrial topped estimates in each of the trailing four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 17.3%.
Atlas has surpassed estimates twice in the trailing four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 9.9%.
Chart Industries has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 20%. It surpassed estimates thrice in the trailing four quarters with an average positive earnings surprise of 13.9%.
Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies
It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +18.8% from 2016 - Q1 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +157.0%, +128.0%, +97.8%, +94.7%, and +90.2% respectively.
And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - Q1 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten the market more than 11X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.
See Them Free>>