Labranche & Co.

Labranche & Co.'s (LAB - Snapshot Report) estimates have been steadily rising for the last few months, with the current-year estimate jumping 9 cents to 72 cents per share in just the last 7 days.

Labranche & Co., through its subsidiaries, operates as a registered broker dealer that operates as a specialist in equities listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The company was founded in 1924 and has a market cap of $337 million.

Fourth-Quarter Results

In spite of unusual market volatility and general market uncertainty, LaBranche stepped up and reported fourth-quarter results on Jan 21 that were ahead of expectations.

Earnings came in at 41 cents per share, blowing past analyst estimates of 17 cents. LaBranche has either matched or beat estimates in each of the last four quarters, demonstrating the ability to produce consistent earnings in a challenging environment.

Estimates Moving Higher

Analyst estimates have been creeping higher over the last few months, with the current-year estimate climbing 31 cents to 72 cents per share. The next-year estimate is bullish, pegged at 92 cents, a 28% earnings growth projection.

The Chart

Shares of LAB have been trending higher since bottoming out just below $3 in late November. Since then, this stock has topped off above $7, but has since settled in lower territory around $5.50. Take a look below.