Top Performer for Thursday

Earnings estimates for Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (TTWO) have moved sharply higher over the past month. Expectations for this fiscal year, ending October 2009, advanced to a profit of a penny per share from a loss of 42 cents. Meanwhile, estimates for next fiscal year, ending October 2010, are up 140%.

The video game company, which releases the very popular Grand Theft Auto series, made the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List for Thursday with shares that have gained approximately 7%.

Earlier this month, TTWO announced that fiscal first-quarter net revenue increased almost 7% to $256.8 million from $240.4 million. The gain reflected solid sales from Grand Theft Auto IV, Carnival Games, NBA 2K9 and Midnight Club: Los Angeles.

TTWO reported a loss per share for the quarter that was wider than a year earlier, but narrower than the consensus.

In order to stay competitive during these tough times, video game companies like TTWO need to have a strong pipeline of fun and innovative products. Recently, one of the company's publishing labels, Rockstar Games, announced that Max Payne 3 is in development and scheduled for winter 2009.

Also of late, a downloadable episode of Grand Theft Auto IV was released.

TTWO said it is in a good position to offer quality and value to consumers, which the company believes are necessary to attract a broad audience during this economic environment.

TTWO is the only company from its industry on the Zacks #1 Rank List for today, which includes 203 stocks.

Read the full analyst report on TTWO