June 17, 2003 FactSet Research Systems (FDS)
O.k. it is almost 11 pm here in Wisconsin and I really should be getting some sleep but I know I haven't looked hard at that list of stocks so here goes.

In fact, this selection, FactSet Research looks BETTER to me than Dicks Sporting Goods that I went ahead and bought earlier today. I guess it is just buyer's remorse. And besides, can you REALLY get excited about a stock whose symbol is FDS? Anyhow...don't let me explain THAT one.

ANYHOW, FactSet had a GREAT day in the market. The stock was up $2.56 to $40.39 a gain of 6.77% on the day.

What sparked interest in this company, was their earnings report which came out earlier today. The company, by the way, "is a provider of online integrated database services to the global financial community. The company provides financial information and analytics for investment managers/bankers, and other financial professionals." I wonder if that includes amateur WebLog authors....hmmm. (per CNN.Money)

Back to the earnings report...Revenues were up 12.8% to $59.1 million while operating income rose 21% to 19.5 million. Net income increased 37.8% to $14.3 million and diluted earnings per share increased 41.4% to $.41 for the quarter ending May 31, 2003. This is per the NYTimes on the Web.

Looking at Morningstar we see one of those BEAUTIFUL bar graph progressions that is the HALLMARK of the website here. Revenue was $78.9 million in 1998, $103.8 million in 1999, $134.2 million in 2000, $176.7 million in 2001, $205.9 million in 2002, and $211.7 million for the trailing twelve months.

Extrapolating from the current quarter at $59.1 million we get just under $240 million for the year 2003. Not too shabby indeed.

There are only 34 million shares outstanding for a market cap of $1.365 billion. The stock has a trailing p/e of 32.31 and DOES pay a dividend...small but not bad in today's interest climate of 0.52%.

Free Cash Flow has been improving recently with an improvement from $19 million in 2000 and 2001 up to $57 million in 2002.

This company is LOADED with CASH. They have $138.7 million in cash with $41.7 million in other current assets. Current liabilities are $35.3 million and there is NO long-term debt. (I am really sorry I rushed and bout Dicks now.....lol...but this one looks great!).

I do not own any shares but if there is any way I can figure out to pick up some I sure would! This is a pretty stock and deserves a place in your portfolio!

Regards to my friends. Again, please respond or comment right HERE on this WebLog or drop me a line at Bobsadviceforstocks@lycos.com and I will try to get back to you! Have a great evening....all 54 minutes left!

Bob