Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights: American Reprographics, Administaff, Gevity and Ventiv Health

Business Wire, Nov 14, 2005

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com releases its latest Industry Outlook. This report identifies the best stocks in the top-ranked industries. Featured in the latest report is the business services industry, with a focus on the following stocks: American Reprographics Company (NYSE:ARP), Administaff, Inc. (NYSE:ASF), Gevity (NASDAQ:GVHR) and Ventiv Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTIV). To read the complete Industry Outlook report and to see all of the top-ranked industries, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=2177. E[acute accent]Here are details on the stocks featured in the latest Industry Outlook. E[acute accent]American Reprographics Company (NYSE:ARP) reported a strong third quarter in late October as momentum continued in all business segments. The company posted earnings per share of 23 cents that topped the consensus by almost 10%. Furthermore, revenue advanced 15.7% to $127.5 million from $110.2 million year-over-year. Looking forward, American Reprographics plans to open new locations and enter new markets. E[acute accent]Administaff, Inc. (NYSE:ASF) posted third quarter earnings per share of 26 cents, marking a strong improvement from last year's 14 cents. The result also eclipsed the consensus by approximately 13%. Revenues reached $285.2 million, or 20.9% over the same period in 2004. The company said that its unit growth rate has increased ahead of schedule due to improved sales efficiency, strong client retention and some contribution from new hires within the existing client base. E[acute accent]Gevity (NASDAQ:GVHR) (formerly known as Staff Leasing, Inc.) put together a solid third quarter performance. Earnings per share advanced 27.6% year-over-year to 37 cents from 29 cents. The result also bettered the consensus by more than 15%. Revenues grew 3.3% to $152.9 million from $148 million. For 2005, Gevity expects its full year 2005 earnings per share guidance of between $1.30 and $1.35, based on results for the first nine month of 2005 and on anticipated performance for the remainder of the year. E[acute accent]Ventiv Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:VTIV) posted third quarter net income per share from continuing operations of 30 cents, excluding items, compared to 20 cents in the third quarter of 2004. The result topped the consensus by 25%. Total revenues advanced 44% to $128.4 million from $88.9 million year-over-year. The company said its quarter underscored its strong market positioning and continued effective execution across all of its businesses.

E[acute accent]About Zacks Industry Outlook

E[acute accent]These stocks featured above have a Zacks Rank of #1 ("Strong Buy") or #2 ("Buy") and a Zacks Equity Research rating of "Buy". The Zacks Rank is a quantitative indicator designed to cover periods of 1-3 months. Zacks Equity Research recommendations are based on both quantitative and qualitative factors and are intended to cover periods of 3-6 quarters. E[acute accent]For over 18 years, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988, #1 Rank stocks have generated an average annual return of 33%. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled -37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 by 143.5% annually ( 4.9% vs. 12%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively. E[acute accent]Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter offers continuous coverage of the industries and the stocks poised to outperform the market. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2177. E[acute accent]The Zacks Rank, and all of its recommendations, is created by Zacks & Co., member NASD. Zacks.com displays the Zacks Rank with permission from Zacks & Co. on its web site for individual investors.

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