Hello friends! Was away from my computer for a few days and am back on a great day in the market!
Looking over the greatest percentage gainers, I have found a new one for me: PolyMedica Corporation (PLMD). I do not own any shares of this issue nor does any member of my family.
PLMD had a nice day today closing at $46.05 up $5.01 on the day or 12.21%. Looking through the news, we find that Polymedica did have some accounting questions regarding how they account for advertising expenses...this was reported on 8/13/03....and would affect some of their earnings for 2002 and 2003. Regardcless, they reported a nice earnings report on 8/13/03: revenues for the first fiscal 2004 quarter ending 6/30/03 were $98.9 million an increase of $17.3 million or 21% from the prior year's result of $81.6 million. With the more conservative accounting of advertising expenses, as reported on NYTimes on the Web, net income for the quarter would be $8.9 million or $.70/diluted share compared to $7.3 million or $.58/diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
By the way, according to CNN.Money, PolyMedica "...is a nationwide provider of direct-to-consumer specialty medical products and services, primarily focused on the diabetes supply and consumer healthcare markets."
Examining Morningstar.com, we find that revenue growth has been excellent. In 1998, $73.8 million in revenue reported, $104.8 million in 1999, $156.9 million in 2000, $220.0 million in 2001, $279.7 million in 2002, and $334.6 million in the 'trailing twelve months.'
Free cash flow has been positive with $6 million in 2001, $8 million in 2002 and $7 million in 2003.
The balance sheet shows $28.6 million in cash and $97.4 million in other current assets, more than enough to cover the $31.9 million in current liabilities and $22.4 million in long-term liabilities.
It is revealing to look at Yahoo.com 'profile' section on PLMD. We find that the market cap is a moderate $506.9 million with 12.4 million shares outstanding with 10.1 million of them that float. The company DOES pay a dividend (!) with a $1.00 dividend reported on an annual basis with a projected yield of 2.44%. The price/earnings is very reasonable at 12.21. Price/sales is not inflated either at 1.38.
It is interesting to see that as of 7/8/03, there were 3.78 million shares out short representing 37.4% of the float or 10.15 days of average volume. Perhaps some of the current upward price movement involves some of the nervous short-sellers covering their short position (?). If not, they may be nervous soon, releasing additional buying pressure for this company.
I like this stock due to earnings momentum, reasonable price (on a p/e basis), income support, and technical price movement. I have a little concern over accounting questions regarding capitalization of advertising costs...but this does not take away the underlying revenue growth and earnings of this company. I am certainly thinking about buying some shares in here....if I can find some available cash!
Regards again and thanks for stopping by. Please email me if you have any questions or comments at bobsadviceforstocks@lycos.com
Bob