Archer Daniels Midland

Companies highlighted in this weekly wrap include Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM - Snapshot Report), Baxter International Inc. (BAX - Analyst Report), Steris Corporation (STE - Snapshot Report), Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. (CPSI - Snapshot Report) and Allied World Assurance Company Holdings Ltd. (AWH - Snapshot Report).

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Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM - Snapshot Report) recently declared a dividend of 14 cents per share, which represents a 1-cent increase. The company also delivered a solid second quarter, which included year-over-year net earnings growth of 24%.

ADM’s 309th Dividend

The company’s dividend of 14 cents per share is payable March 12, 2009, to shareholders of record on February 19, 2009. The company offers an industry-leading yield of 2%.

It is ADM's 309th consecutive quarterly dividend, which translates into 77 years of uninterrupted dividends.

Quarterly Results Reflect Growth

Archer Daniels recently announced fiscal second-quarter earnings per share of 91 cents, eclipsing the previous year’s 73 and exceeding the consensus estimate 32%.

"Our insight into market dynamics and our core competencies in risk and cost management enabled our team to deliver strong results for the quarter as we saw a weakening global demand and margin environment," said Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Patricia Woertz. "Our balance sheet is strong, and we are focused on managing our business in these challenging markets while continuing to execute our strategy of building long-term shareholder value through strengthening and growing our value chain."

Analysts boosted forecasts on the solid quarter. The consensus earnings estimate for the fiscal year ending June 2009 is $3.59 per share, up from last week’s $3.47.

Read our Jan 29 commentary.

Last Week's Growth and Income Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

Baxter International Inc. (BAX - Analyst Report) recently reported record results for 2008, surpassing its guidance. The company also sees double-digit earnings growth in 2009. Read the full analysis on BAX.

Steris Corporation (STE - Snapshot Report) recently posted solid fiscal third-quarter results. Revenues jumped 2% year-over-year, while net income of $28.6 million topped the year-prior $21.8 million. Read the full analysis on STE.

Computer Programs & Systems, Inc. (CPSI - Snapshot Report) recently posted fourth-quarter results. Total revenues came in at $32.0 million, a 14% increase from the previous year's $28.1 million. Fourth-quarter net income totaled $4.8 million, 26.7% above last year's $3.8 million. Read the full analysis on CPSI.

Allied World Assurance Company Holdings Ltd. (AWH - Snapshot Report) is seeing higher earnings estimates ahead of its fourth-quarter report. Analysts are forecasting earnings of $8.00 per share for 2008, up from the two months-ago level of $7.81. For 2009, analysts’ estimates of $7.20 per share advanced 7 cents in just the past week. Read the full analysis on AWH.