O.K. it is late in the day and the NASDAQ is on fire. Our stocks are up and looking at the lists of gainers we have found a couple of new candidates for review. I have already listed Merit below (MMSI), so let's now take a look at Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co. (HITK). HITK is having a nice day today, trading at $28.75 as I write, up $2.46 or 9.36%.
According to money.cnn.com Hi-Tech "...develops, manufactures and markets over-the-counter, prescription and nutritional products. The Company also produces sterile ophthalmic, otic and inhalation products and provides contract services." I currently do not own any shares nor does any member of my family.
On July 16, 2003, according to the NYTimes on the Web, HITK reported their fourth quarter results for the quarter ending April 30, 2003. Revenues for the quarter were $10.9 million, a 14% increase from $9.59 million the prior year. Net income increased 11% to $1.27 million, or $.16/diluted share vs. $1.15 million or $.15/diluted share for the same period last year.
Looking at Morningstar.com, we find that revenue has steadily increased from $23.3 million in 1999, $26 million in 2000, $29.6 million in 2001, $33.3 million in 2002, and $47.4 million in 2003.
Free cash flow while small remains positive at $3 million in 2001, $3 million in 2002, $4 million in 2003. Assets and liabilities look excellent with $15.6 million in cash per Morningstar, more than enough to cover both current liabilities of $7.5 million and long-term liabilities of $1.3 million.
Per Yahoo.com, trailing p/e is 35.53 with a price/sales of 4.63. This is a pretty small company with 8.35 million shares outstanding and 6.50 million of them that float. The Market Cap is $241.9 million. There are 1.962 million shares out short representing 18.83% of the float (!) or 1.962 trading days of short shares. This is an increase from 1.20 million shares for the prior month (July, 2003). No dividend is paid.
This stock looks very nice. I like the recent growth and the past growth is consistent and steady. The price isn't cheap p/e-wise, but the oppportunities are quite large considering the small size of the current company. I am completely out of any money to buy shares myself, but this might be one you would like to consider.
Please contact me at bobsadviceforstocks@lycos.com if you have any questions, comments, or words of encouragement!
Bob