Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (HGR) yesterday reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2009 after market close. Earnings per share were 30 cents, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 27 cents and the year-ago earnings of 23 cents. Sales Net sales for the quarter increased 7.6% year over year to $192.3 million. Growth can be primarily attributed to higher same-center sales of patient care centers, higher demand for the company’s distribution segment and acquisitions. Patient-care services contributed approximately 88% to total sales while the remaining came from the distribution segment. Margins Gross margin declined 70 basis points (bps) year over year to 69.4% in the reported quarter due to higher cost of raw materials. However, strong sales and the company’s expense management initiatives helped it to increase operating and net margins. Both operating and net margins increased 100 bps year over year ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 12, 2009 – 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: Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (HGR), Orthofix International NV (OFIX), Conmed Corporation (CNMD), Exactech Inc. (EXAC) and Owens & Minor Inc. (OMI).

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Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Hanger on Acquisition Spree

Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (HGR) recently made three acquisitions totaling $10.7 million in annual net revenues. These acquisitions are: Creative Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc.; Custom Orthopedics of Wyoming; and certain orthotics and prosthetics assets from the Hospital of

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Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (HGR) recently made three acquisitions totaling $10.7 million in annual net revenues. These acquisitions are: Creative Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc.; Custom Orthopedics of Wyoming; and certain orthotics and prosthetics assets from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. These acquisitions will enable Hanger to add patient care centers to its existing markets in New York, Wyoming and Pennsylvania. Hanger will fund these acquisitions from internally generated cash flows. It is estimated that the acquisitions will be accretive to Hanger’s earnings once the integration process is over. The acquisitions strengthen Hanger’s leadership position in the orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) market and bolster its top-line. Hanger Orthopedic Group, based in Bethesda, MD, provides orthotic and prosthetic patient care services through its 671 patient care centers in the U.S. The company operates through four business units: patient care, distribution, Linkia and Innovative Neurotronics....

Exactech develops and markets orthopedic implant devices, related surgical instruments and biologic materials and services to hospitals and physicians. Previous announcements had claimed earnings estimates of $0.21-$0.23 diluted earnings per share. These estimates are being revised to reflect the new estimate of approximately $0.15 diluted earnings per share. Even though there is a reduction in revenue guidance, Exactech management remains strong in their anticipation for continued company growth. Conference call for all interested investors has been set for October 29th at 10:00am EST.

Exactech CEO Dr. William Petty said, “Although our domestic sales were softer than expected for the third quarter, we are still pleased that we will be reporting revenue growth of about 26% that is within the range of our guidance due to continued strength in international sales. However, our bottom line was adversely affected in the quarter by expenses for legal work and related costs associated with

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