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Bull of the Day: Stamps.com (STMP)

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Stamps.com , a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), is a leading provider of Internet-based postage services. Stamps.com's service for postage online enables small businesses, enterprises, and consumers to print U.S. Postal Service-approved postage with just a PC, printer and Internet connection, right from their home or office. The Company targets its services to small businesses and home offices, and currently has PC Postage partnerships with Microsoft, EarthLink, HP, NCR, Office Depot, the U.S. Postal Service and others. Stamps.com provides easy, convenient and cost-effective Internet-based services for mailing or shipping letters, packages or parcels.

Recent Earnings Data

In the company’s most recent earnings report, it easily beat both the Zacks consensus earnings and revenue estimates for the 14th consecutive quarter.  Earnings grew by +73.4% while revenues improved by +24.5% due to impressive performances in both the Mailing & Shipping, and Customized Postage segments.  The mailing & shipping segment saw revenues grow by +26% while the customized postage segment produced revenue growth of +9%.  Another positive for the quarter was higher than anticipated service fees, and shipping volumes.  

Looking Forward

Going into 2018, management guided revenues between $530-560 million above the previous consensus of $532 million.  Further, STMP guided pro forma EPS in a range between $8.80-8.90, above the consensus of $8.53.  The increase in guidance was due to increased exposure of international markets, and customer acquisitions.  Another tailwind for the company is their elevated focus on shipping with e-commerce merchants.  

Management’s Take

According to Ken McBride, Chairman and CEO, “We are pleased with our fourth quarter and fiscal 2017 financial performance. We achieved strong financial results driven by exceptional performance in our shipping business. We believe we are well positioned for 2018 and we remain excited about our long-term business opportunities.”

Price and Earnings Consensus Graph

As you can see in the table below, the company’s 14 consecutive quarters of beating both top and bottom line expectations has lifted the stock price since the end of 2014.

Stamps.com Inc. Price and Consensus

Stamps.com Inc. Price and Consensus | Stamps.com Inc. Quote

Detailed Earnings Estimates

Over the past 30 days analysts have positively revised Q1 18, Q2 18, FY 18 and FY 19 estimates; Q1 18 improved from $1.79 to $1.97, Q2 18 was lifted from $2.05 to $2.24, FY 18 rose from $8.15 to $9.19, and FY 19 moved upwards from $8.61 to $10.68.

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