Pitney Bowes Inc. (PBI) reported earnings per diluted share from continuing operations of 55 cents, compared with 67 cents in the prior year. This was higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 54 cents. Earnings reflect the negative impacts of 1 cent per diluted share associated with currency and 1 cent per diluted share from incremental pension costs when compared with the prior year. Revenue for the quarter was $1.36 billion compared with $1.55 billion in the prior year, a decline of 12%. A stronger dollar reduced revenue by 2% year-over-year. The sustained nature of the recessionary environment is also driving some fundamental changes in the way businesses and customers connect, communicate and complete transactions in the global marketplace. Companies in most industries still have limited visibility and uncertain outlooks resulting in rising unemployment and ongoing caution about capital expenditures. These factors have ...

Financial Federal Corporation’s (FIF) fourth quarter of fiscal 2009 earnings of 35 cents per share came in two pennies short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. The earnings for the quarter were also down 29% from 49 cents in the prior-year quarter. Results were negatively impacted primarily by fewer originations, higher provision for credit losses and increased expenses. However, a significant improvement in net interest margin, decreased cost of debt, and strong liquidity were impressive during the quarter. Net income for the quarter decreased 27% year-over-year to $8.9 million. Net income for fiscal 2009 came in at $43.1 million, down 14% from $50.1 million in fiscal 2008. Earnings per share for the fiscal year also decreased to $1.72 from $2.01 in the prior year. Finance receivables originated during the reported quarter, substantially decreased to $60 million from $208 million in the same quarter a year ago. ...

America's Car-Mart Inc. (CRMT) saw revenues leap 10.7% in the first quarter as same store sales also jumped 8.4%. The company has surprised on estimates the last 4 quarters by an average of 17.82%. CRMT has attractive value characteristics, with a forward P/E of 12.27.

Company Description

America's Car-Mart is an automotive retailer that focuses on the used car market through its "Buy Here/Pay Here" program. It operates 96 dealerships in 8 states located primarily in small cities throughout the South-Central United States.

America's Car-Mart Beat Big in the Fiscal First Quarter

While many in the auto industry are struggling in this recession, America's Car-Mart continues to see growth.

On Sep 1, the company reported first quarter results that saw revenues jump 10.7% to $83.8 million from $75.7 million in the year ago period. Same store sales rose 8.5% and sales at four new locations added to

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Portfolio Recovery Associates Inc.’s (PRAA) second-quarter earnings of $0.76 per share were 3 cents ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Results reflected growth in fee-for-service business and increased cash collections.

Portfolio Recovery reported earnings of $11.7 million, or $0.76 per share, compared with $11.4 million, or $0.75 per share, last year. The company recorded a $3.9 million allowance charge in the quarter which hurt earnings by $0.15 per share.

Total revenue for the quarter increased 11.8% year over year to $71.1 million. Cash collections increased 6.5% to $90.5 million from $85.0 million reported in the year-ago period. Productivity (measured by cash collections per hour paid) finished at $145.20 for the first six months of 2009 versus $131.29 for all of 2008. Cash collections and productivity are two of the key metrics for the company.

Income from finance receivables (constituting 76.0% of total revenue) rose 1.9% year over year

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