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Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Gentiva Health Services Inc., Lincoln National Corp., Manulife Financial Corp., Principal Financial Group and Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. – Press Releases

Zacks Market Commentaries — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:52:37 +0000

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 30, 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: Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV), Lincoln National Corp. (LNC), Manulife Financial Corp. (MFC), Principal Financial Group (PFG) and Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG).

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Here are highlights from Thursday’s AnalystBlog:

Gentiva Beats Zacks Estimate

Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV) reported a third-quarter (ended Sept. 27, 2009) net income of 54 cents per share, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2 cents. Net income per share was 42 cents in the year-ago quarter.

Net revenues for the quarter came in at $295.6 million, as against $345.2 million in the year-ago quarter. Revenues for the reported quarter included net revenues of $75.5 million from the CareCentrix business unit. Excluding the 2008 third quarter net revenues from CareCentrix, Gentiva's net revenues increased about 9% in the reported quarter. On Sept. 25, 2008, Gentiva sold a majority interest in CareCentrix to Water Street Healthcare Partners.

Revenues from the Home Health segment increased 9% to $261.4 million in the reported quarter. Revenues in the All Other segment - which includes hospice, respiratory therapy and home medical equipment, infusion therapy and consulting - came in at $34.6 million, which reflected an increase of 11%.

Lincoln National Beats

Lincoln National Corp. (LNC) reported operating earnings of 84 cents in the third quarter, which was ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 80 cents. The company had earned $1.16 per share on an operating basis in the year-ago quarter.

The company experienced lower average variable account values compared to the prior-year period. Also, there were some modest losses on its alternative investments.

Lincoln reported a net income of $153 million or 44 cents per share compared with $148 million or 58 cents in the year-ago quarter. We note that there were fewer shares outstanding in the prior-year quarter.

Companies such as Lincoln Financial, Manulife Financial Corp. (MFC), Principal Financial Group (PFG) and Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (HIG) have been adversely impacted by the severe equity market downturn. In particular, the variable annuity businesses of these companies have been worst hit.

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Zacks Investment Research

Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day Highlights: Gentiva Health Services, Inc., MetroPCS, Yahoo! Inc., Google and Boeing Company – Press Releases

Zacks Market Commentaries — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:50:25 +0000

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 22, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) as the Bull of the Day and MetroPCS (PCS) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Yahoo! Inc. (YHOO), Google (GOOG) and Boeing Company (BA).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2676

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) has scheduled its third quarter earnings call for October 29th, one week from today. Gentiva reported a second-quarter net income of 59 cents per share which was much higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents.

The company boasts of a diversified product portfolio. Its product offerings include home health, hospice, respiratory therapies and home medical equipment. Gentiva serves nearly 500,000 patients annually in more than 380 locations across 39 states. Gentiva has successfully grown primarily through acquisitions. During the past few years, the company has completed multiple acquisitions which have expanded its reach further.

Gentiva continues to look for profitable acquisitions. We have an Outperform rating on the stock.

Bear of the Day:

We downgrade our recommendation for MetroPCS (PCS) to Underperform, which reflects the company's disappointing results in the last quarter. Reported earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate, partly due to higher operating expenses.

Moreover, subscriber growth decelerated significantly on a sequential basis, hurt by intense competition in the prepaid wireless segment. MetroPCS contends with high churn (customer switch) levels due to increased customer defection as its larger peers continue to lure subscribers with competitive service plans and better product offerings.

We are also concerned about the highly leveraged balance sheet, which may limit the company's ability to invest in growth initiatives moving forward.

Gentiva Acquires Rush Home – Analyst Blog

Zacks Market Commentaries — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:10:53 +0000

Yesterday, Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV) announced the completion of its acquisition of Rush Home Care Inc., which operates as Magna Home Health. While the financial terms of the transaction were undisclosed, the company announced that it funded the deal with its existing cash reserves.

The agreement to purchase Magna Home Health, a part of the Rush Health System, was signed by Gentiva in July this year. The addition of Magna's locations in Meridian, Mississippi and Gilbertown, Alabama should enable Gentiva to expand its coverage in seven new certificate of need (CON) counties to participate in the delivery of home health services.

We believe this deal will consolidate Gentiva’s position as the largest provider of comprehensive home healthcare services in the U.S. and enable them to serve a wider patient population. The transaction is not expected to affect Gentiva’s 2009 operations materially.

Gentiva, which derives its revenues from commercial insurance, federal and state government programs and individual consumers, has successfully grown by acquisition. It recently purchased the assets of a homecare operation from the Nicholas County Commission on behalf of the Nicholas County Board of Health in West Virginia . It continues to be on the lookout for profitable acquisitions.

The Gentiva family includes more than a dozen companies, including Carolina, Donelson, Emerald Coast, Gentiva, Gilbert's, Healthfield, Heritage, Horizon, Hospice of Charleston, Lazarus House, Medical, Mid South, Ogeechee, Physicians, Tar Heel, Total Care and Wiregrass.

The company competes mainly with Amedisys Inc. (AMED), American Homepatient Inc. and the privately held Apria Healthcare Group Inc. in the Home Health Care industry.
Read the full analyst report on "GTIV"
Read the full analyst report on "AMED"
Zacks Investment Research

Gentiva a Home Healthcare Buy – Analyst Blog

Zacks Market Commentaries — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:19:40 +0000

Highlighted in this blog is Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV).

In 2008, Medicare spent about $16.5B on home care services out of a total budget of $455B. In a report released Friday March 13, 2009, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) raised concerns that improper payments from practices indicating fraud and abuse may have contributed to Medicare home health spending and utilization over recent years.

The GAO focused on states with the highest growth in Medicare home health spending or utilization, fraudulent and abusive practices contributing to recent spending and utilization, and administrative issues that make it vulnerable to improper payments.

In comments on a draft of the report, CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] stated it would consider 2 of our 4 recommendationsto amend regulations to expand the types of improper billing practices that are grounds for revocation of billing privileges and to provide physicians who certify or recertify plans of care with a statement of services received by beneficiaries.

While possible headline risk is a concern, we believe changes to Medicare reimbursement rates in the context of health reform remain the main issue facing the industry at this point.

We recently move to a Buy rating on Gentiva (GTIV) at current levels. is the nation's largest provider of comprehensive home healthcare services, with more than 500 owned and operated direct service delivery units at approximately 400 locations in 36 states.
Read the full analyst report on "GTIV"
Zacks Investment Research

Sohu.com, Inc. – Aggressive Growth – Zacks Rank Buy

Zacks Market Commentaries — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

The Zacks Rank Buys featured in this article are: Sohu.com Inc.(SOHU) ,Owens & Minor, Inc. (OMI) , HMS Holdings Corp. (HMSY), Omnicare, Inc. (OCR), and Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV).

Sohu.com Inc.(SOHU) just reported yet another earnings surprise and estimates are on the rise for the Chinese gaming company. Sohu.com specialized in on-line, interactive role-playing games that are increasing in popularity around the globe and especially in Asia.

The Surprises Keep Coming

On Feb 26 Sohu beat Wall Street estimates once again when it reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.35, well above the consensus of $1.16. The 16% surprise is the company's seventh consecutive surprise.

Earnings were driven by a 41% spike in online gaming revenues. Active accounts also rose 13.5% over the previous quarter.

Estimates are Up

In the past 90 days the full-year consensus estimate for 2009 has climbed to $4.70, up from $4.59. The 2010 estimates are averaging $5.10, up from $4.99 in the same period of time. These figures forecast are good enough fro 19% growth in 2009 and 9% in 2010.

The Chart

Shares of SOHU have started to form an ascending triangle, for those of you who read the "tea leaves". Hopefully it can maintain its momentum and push through the level of resistance near $50 per share.

Last Week's Aggressive Growth Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

Owens & Minor, Inc. (OMI) recently extended its streak of earnings surprises to 5. Estimates are up following solid growth in revenues and earnings. Read Full Article.

HMS Holdings Corp. (HMSY) just announced a record-breaking quarter and estimates are on the rise. Analysts are forecasting 25% earnings growth for the next 2 years. Read Full Article.

Omnicare, Inc. (OCR) recently announced its full-year results and forecasts for next year are on the rise. Read Full Article.

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) has continued its streak by announcing its third consecutive earnings surprise. Estimates are climbing and shares are trading at a great value. Read Full Article.Zacks Investment Research

Proposed Cuts In Medicare – Analyst Blog

Zacks Market Commentaries — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:49:25 +0000

Highlighted stocks include Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV) and HealthSouth (HLS).

MedPac Releases Report on Medicare Payment Policy

Each March, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPac) reviews and makes recommendations for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) payment systems and the Medicare Advantage (MA) program to Congress.

On Friday February 27, 2009, MedPac released its findings and recommended significant cuts to home healthcare companies, reducing payments by 5.5% in 2010. It also suggested trimming reimbursement rates for high priced medical imaging services and reforming payments for end-of-life hospice care, among other measures.

The commission also echoed the Obama budget's call for reduced payments for Medicare Advantage insurance plans, which private insurers offer as an alternative to the government's traditional fee-for-service program.

On a positive note, the commission deemed payments to skilled nursing facilities, long-term care hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facility services * as adequate, and did not recommend any changes at this time.

The release of the report triggered further declines in the healthcare sector, with Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV) one of the worst casualties, with a share price decline of almost 4% yesterday.

Gentiva Health Services Inc, is the nation's largest provider of home healthcare services, with more than 500 owned and operated direct service delivery units at approximately 400 locations in 36 states, and one of the nation's 10 largest hospice providers. The company recently reported better-than-expected 4Q08 revenue $282.9M vs. consensus of $272.99M. We currently the stock a Hold.

* HealthSouth (HLS) is the nation's largest provider of inpatient rehabilitation services with inpatient facilities located in 26 states. We currently rate the stock a Hold.
Read the full analyst report on "HLS"
Read the full analyst report on "GTIV"
Zacks Investment Research

Gentiva Health, Inc. – Aggressive Growth – Zacks Rank Buy

Zacks Market Commentaries — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV)has continued its streak by announcing its third consecutive earnings surprise. Estimates are climbing and shares are trading at a great value.

Company Description

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. operates its health services business in the United States and provides specialty pharmaceutical services, including infusion therapy and distribution services, and home health care services.

Company headquarters are in Melville, New York, it has about 6,500 employees, and carries a market cap of over $700 million.

Beat the Street Again

On Feb 18 Gentiva announced fourth-quarter results that included earnings per share of 44 cents. That number is up 42% over the 31 cents reported in the same quarter last year. Income was driven by a 20% boost in revenue and a 39% increase in operating contribution.

The EPS number of 44 cents was 13% above Wall Street's consensus estimate of 39 cents. This is the third consecutive surprise for the healthcare company.

Raised Guidance

In the same announcement, Gentiva also updated its full-year its 2009 outlook. Earnings per share for full-year 2009 are expected to be between $1.72 and $1.80, up from $1.62 and $1.72, since the last earnings announcement.

Analysts have upped their estimates, given the revised guidance. Full-year 2009 estimates are up 10 cents to $1.76.

The Chart

Shares of GTIV have dropped sharply during the markets latest sell off. The stock is now trading at appealing valuations. With a forward P/E of under 10 and a PEG near 0.6, shares are hard to resist. Below is a chart with share price and full-year estimates. The consensus has been rising steadily.

Zacks Investment Research

A Break for Hospice Providers – Analyst Blog

Zacks Market Commentaries — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:44:58 +0000

Highlighted stocks include Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (ODSY), Chemed Corp. (CHE) and Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV).

A Moratorium for Medicare Cuts to Hospice Providers

The nation¹s hospice community claimed a significant victory this week after President Barack Obama signed a bill (H.R. 1-The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) into law that includes a one-year moratorium on cuts in Medicare funding for the more than 4,700 hospice programs nationwide.

On April 28, 2008, CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] had proposed a 3-year phase-out of the budget neutrality adjustment factor (BNAF) to the hospice wage index, a key component of the Medicare hospice reimbursement formula. CMS proposed phasing out the BNAF by 25% in 2009, 75% in 2010 and completely in 2011.

CMS issued a final rule phasing out the budget neutrality factor that is included in the computation of the annual hospice wage index.

The effort to halt the hospice rate cuts has been underway since the Bush Administration announced its intention to eliminate the BNAF in its FY09 budget. Efforts by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the Alliance for Care at the End of Life and hospice advocates to overturn the proposed 2008 regulation issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services culminated in the one year reprieve, which we believe is medium term positive for listed hospice providers like Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (ODSY), Chemed Corp. (CHE) and Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV).

Odyssey Healthcare Inc. (ODSY)

Odyssey Healthcare recently reported 4Q08 net income of $5.4M, or EPS of $0.17, compared with net income and EPS of $2.3M and $0.07 respectively in 4Q07. ODSY 4Q08 financial results were in line with expectations and included operations of Vistacare, which was acquired in March 2008.

We are encouraged by the progress to date of the integration of the Vistacare acquisition and believe the recent BNAF related Medicare reimbursement phase-out reprieve announced in the stimulus package is positive for the stock. We retain our Hold rating at current levels.

Read the full analyst report on ODSY

Read the full analyst report on CHE

Read the full analyst report on GTIV
.

"ODSY" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
"GTIV" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
"CHE" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

Zacks #1 Rank Additions for Friday – Zacks Tale of the Tape

Zacks Market Commentaries — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:40:53 +0000

Here are the stocks added to the Zacks #1 Rank ("strong buy") List today:

Aaron Rents Inc (RNT)
Air Liquide (AIQUY)
American Capital Ltd (ACAS)
AsiaInfo Holdings Inc (ASIA)
Basilea Pharmaceutic (BPMUF)
Cavalier Homes Inc (CAV)
El Paso Pipeline Partners LP (EPB)
FPIC Insurance Group Inc (FPIC)
Gander Mountain Co (GMTN)
Gentiva Health Services Inc (GTIV)
Harleysville Group Inc (HGIC)
Immucor Inc (BLUD)
Jarden Corp (JAH)
MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc (MAPP)
Metavante Technologies Inc (MV)
Novell Inc (NOVL)
Petroleum Geo-Services ASA (PGSVY)
Portugal Telecom SGPS (PT)
Radio One Inc (ROIAK)
Silgan Holdings Inc (SLGN)
Stericycle Inc (SRCL)
UBS AG (UBS)
Veolia Environnement (VE)
Wireless Ronin Technologies Inc (RNIN)

View the entire Zacks #1 Rank List.

Zacks Investment Research

Gentiva Health Beats 50-day MA – Zacks Tale of the Tape

Zacks Market Commentaries — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 18:22:53 +0000

Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV) went past a short-term level of resistance at $26.44 on Wednesday noon. The company raised its 2009 profit outlook to a range of $1.72 and $1.80 from a prior view of $1.62 and $1.72 per share. This Zacks#1 Rank (Strong buy) stock has topped the consensus estimate in 3 out of the last 4 quarters.

"GTIV" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

HealthSouth Corp – Aggressive Growth – Zacks Rank Buy

Zacks Market Commentaries — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

The Zacks Rank Buys featured last week were: Thoratec Corporation (THOR), Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV), DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE), and Nash Finch Co. (NAFC).

HealthSouth Corp (HLS) shares have been climbing recently while analysts are upping their earnings estimates for 2009.

Company Description

HealthSouth Corp. is the one of the nation's largest providers of outpatient surgery and rehabilitative healthcare services. The company provides these services through its national network of inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities, outpatient surgery centers, diagnostic centers, occupational medicine centers, medical centers and other healthcare facilities.

Another Surprise

On Nov 4th HealthSouth announced earnings per share of 15 cents for the third quarter, more than double the consensus of 7 cents. This was the companies third earnings surprise in the past 4 quarters, with the other announcement meeting expectations.

Following the announcement analysts have revised full-year 2009 estimates, which now average 81 cents, up from 74 cents. If the estimates are met, it will be a 30% year-over-year growth.

The Chart

Shares of HLS have been on a bullish until hitting resistance near $12 per share. Take a look at the chart below.

Read the September 26th Feature Here

Last Week's Aggressive Growth Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

Thoratec Corporation (THOR) is coming off of an excellent quarterly announcement that showed a spike in revenue and another earnings surprise. Shares are also benefiting from a newly formed level of support. Read Full Article.

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) estimates are holding strong headed into the companies upcoming earnings announcement. <a href=http://www.zacks.com/commentary/9751/Gentiva+Health+Services%2C+Inc.Read Full Article.

DXP Enterprises Inc. (DXPE) was recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in America. The company is also coming off of its latest earnings announcement which included a 55% increase in earnings and beat estimates once again. Read Full Article.

Nash Finch Co. (NAFC) analysts continue to raise estimates following the company's latest earnings announcement. In addition, the company just announced a deal to buy a southern food distributor. Read Full Article.
"HLS" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

Zacks #1 Rank Additions for Thursday – Zacks Tale of the Tape

Zacks Market Commentaries — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 08:07:38 +0000

Here are the stocks added to the Zacks #1 Rank ("strong buy") List today:

The Advisory Board Co (ABCO)
Alliance Imaging Inc (AIQ)
Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions (MDRX)
Almost Family Inc (AFAM)
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc (ALNY)
Array BioPharma Inc (ARRY)
AsiaInfo Holdings Inc (ASIA)
athenahealth Inc (ATHN)
BearingPoint Inc (BGPT)
Chemed Corp (CHE)
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCLAY)
Corinthian Colleges Inc (COCO)
Corrections Corporation of America (CXW)
Cox Radio Inc (CXR)
Crown Castle International Corp (CCI)
CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS)
deCODE genetics Inc (DCGN)
Delhaize Group (DEG)
Diageo plc (DEO)
DRI Corp (TBUS)
El Paso Pipeline Partners LP (EPB)
Elbit Systems Ltd (ESLT)
The Ensign Group Inc (ENSG)
EnteroMedics Inc (ETRM)
EZCORP Inc (EZPW)
FGX International Holdings Ltd (FGXI)
Force Protection Inc (FRPT)
FPIC Insurance Group Inc (FPIC)
Fuel Tech Inc (FTEK)
Genoptix Inc (GXDX)
Gentiva Health Services Inc (GTIV)
Given Imaging Ltd (GIVN)
Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc (IDRA)
Immucor Inc (BLUD)
ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc (ISIS)
Kirkland's Inc (KIRK)
LeapFrog Enterprises Inc (LF)
Majesco Entertainment Co (COOL)
MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc (MAPP)
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MTU)
National Beverage Corp (FIZZ)
National CineMedia Inc (NCMI)
Natural Resource Partners LP (NRP)
North American Palladium Ltd (PAL)
NorthWestern Corp (NWE)
NxStage Medical Inc (NXTM)
O'Reilly Automotive Inc (ORLY)
Orthofix International NV (OFIX)
Onstream Media Corp (ONSM)
Open Text Corp (OTEX)
Pactiv Corp (PTV)
Paragon Shipping Inc (PRGN)
Prospect Capital Corp (PSEC)
Koninklijke KPN NV (KKPNY)
RWE AG (RWEOY)
Ryanair Holdings plc (RYAAY)
S1 Corp (SONE)
Saba Software Inc (SABA)
Sangamo Biosciences Inc (SGMO)
Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (SMG)
Seattle Genetics Inc (SGEN)
Shire Plc (SHPGY)
Siemens AG (SI)
SuccessFactors Inc (SFSF)
Teledyne Technologies Inc (TDY)
UQM Technologies Inc (UQM)
Ur Energy Inc (URG)
Vivo Participacoes SA (VIV)
Western Gas Partners LP (WES)
WGL Holdings Inc (WGL)
ZymoGenetics Inc (ZGEN)

View the entire Zacks #1 Rank List.

Zacks Investment Research

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. – Aggressive Growth – Zacks Rank Buy

Zacks Market Commentaries — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) estimates are holding strong headed into the companies upcoming earnings announcement.

Company Description

Company headquarters are in Melville, New York, it has about 6,500 employees, and carries a market cap of over $700 million.

Beat the Street by 24%

On Oct 30 Gentiva announced third-quarter results that included earnings per share of 42 cents. That number is up 40% over the 30 cents reported in the same quarter last year. Income was driven by a 17% boost in revenue and a 26% increase in operating contribution.

The EPS number of 42 cents was 24% above Wall Street's consensus estimate of 34 cents. This is the second consecutive surprise for the healthcare company.

Raised Guidance

In the same announcement, Gentiva also updated its full-year 2008 guidance and its 2009 outlook. Earnings for 2008, which will be released on Feb 5, are expected to between $1.47 and $1.51, up from a range of $1.36 to $1.43.

Earnings per share for full-year 2009 are expected to be between $1.62 and $1.72, a 12% growth, using the median of the range.

The Chart

Shares of GTIV have become increasingly volatile during the latter half of 2008 and do not show signs of settling down anytime soon. You can see the intraday price fluctuation grow over time, represented by the height of each individual line on the graph. Take a look at the chart below.

"GTIV" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

Zacks #1 Rank Additions for Wednesday – Zacks Tale of the Tape

Zacks Market Commentaries — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:13:31 +0000

Here are the stocks added to the Zacks #1 Rank ("strong buy") List today:

AAR Corp (AIR)
The Advisory Board Co (ABCO)
Alliance Imaging Inc (AIQ)
Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions (MDRX)
Array BioPharma Inc (ARRY)
AsiaInfo Holdings Inc (ASIA)
athenahealth Inc (ATHN)
BearingPoint Inc (BGPT)
Boston Properties Inc (BXP)
Chemed Corp (CHE)
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCLAY)
Corinthian Colleges Inc (COCO)
Corrections Corporation of America (CXW)
Cox Radio Inc (CXR)
Crown Castle International Corp (CCI)
CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS)
deCODE genetics Inc (DCGN)
Delhaize Group (DEG)
DRI Corp (TBUS)
El Paso Pipeline Partners LP (EPB)
Elbit Systems Ltd (ESLT)
The Ensign Group Inc (ENSG)
EnteroMedics Inc (ETRM)
FGX International Holdings Ltd (FGXI)
Force Protection Inc (FRPT)
FPIC Insurance Group Inc (FPIC)
Gentiva Health Services Inc (GTIV)
Given Imaging Ltd (GIVN)
Immucor Inc (BLUD)
ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc (ISIS)
Kirkland's Inc (KIRK)
LeapFrog Enterprises Inc (LF)
MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc (MAPP)
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc (MTU)
National Beverage Corp (FIZZ)
National CineMedia Inc (NCMI)
Natural Resource Partners LP (NRP)
NetEase.com Inc (NTES)
NorthWestern Corp (NWE)
O'Reilly Automotive Inc (ORLY)
Onstream Media Corp (ONSM)
Open Text Corp (OTEX)
Pactiv Corp (PTV)
Paragon Shipping Inc (PRGN)
Prospect Capital Corp (PSEC)
RWE AG (RWEOY)
Ryanair Holdings plc (RYAAY)
S1 Corp (SONE)
Sangamo Biosciences Inc (SGMO)
Seattle Genetics Inc (SGEN)
SuccessFactors Inc (SFSF)
Teledyne Technologies Inc (TDY)
Tree.com Inc (TREE)
UQM Technologies Inc (UQM)
Ur Energy Inc (URG)
Vivo Participacoes SA (VIV)
Western Gas Partners LP (WES)
Williams Partners LP (WPZ)

View the entire Zacks #1 Rank List.

Zacks Investment Research

Dental Patient Care of America, Inc. (DPAT.OB): Serving America’s Dentists

QualityStocks — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:39:43 +0000

Dental Patient Care of America (DPAT) is a provider of management services and solutions to dentists across the United States. Dental Patient Care is essentially a dental cooperative consisting of over 100 independent dentists and nearly 500 dental providers participating on the Dentist Direct Dental panel. The company acquires, develops, finances, and provides various cooperative [...]

Gentiva Health’s Neutral Outlook – Analyst Blog

Zacks Market Commentaries — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:22:14 +0000

Gentiva Health Services, Inc. (GTIV) recently reported better-than-expected 2Q08 net income of $12 million (up 34% y/y), or EPS of $0.41, reflecting solid increases in Medicare related revenues in Home Health buoyed by higher episodic patient admissions (up 10% y/y), increases in revenue per episode.

We believe the $147 million sale of CareCentrix is positive in terms of both lowering long-term debt and supporting the managementÂ’s stated growth via acquisition strategy of its core home care business. We retain a Hold rating at current levels.

The aging of the population and an increasing focus on healthcare cost containment underpins a shift towards lower-cost (and more convenient) solutions, such as home healthcare. Gentiva is well positioned to benefit from growth of the home healthcare industry through both its geographic reach and multiple service offering.

GentivaÂ’s strong balance sheet provides financial flexibility to pursue acquisitions and expansion into new markets or fund share repurchase activity. The company has recently initiated a number of productivity initiatives designed to contain administrative costs and foster internal growth, which if successful will cushion operating margins to any sudden changes to government-sourced revenues. The companyÂ’s purchase of Healthfield enhances operations and potentially improves efficiencies in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee, while establishing a presence in the South Carolina market.

We have valued shares of GTIV on a forward price/earnings (P/E) basis, as well as a comparison to similar firms in the healthcare sector. Our revised price target of $29 is derived using a multiple of 20.4x FY08 EPS forecast of $1.42 (previously $1.38).

Read the full analyst report on GTIV

"GTIV" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

A Healthy Business Prescription from Gentiva Health Services Inc. (GTIV)

QualityStocks — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:58:23 +0000

Should you buy into a stock when it is within touching distance of a 52-year price high? Conventional wisdom would suggest otherwise, but there are strong contrary indications for this small-capital member of the Healthcare Facilities Industry from Melville, NY. The stock price has surged by nearly 28% in August 2008 following a great second [...]