OK, I tried for a full two weeks to give a detailed earnings report run down each day and I’m hitting the wall right before the finish line.  I slept right through the alarm clock this morning for the first time since yesterday morning .. It was an ambitious endeavor, but one I won’t be trying again.. EVER!   Thankfully, my shipment of acai berries arrived last night just in time to rejuvinate me for a weekend of RR.  For you early morning risers (ei. west coasters) who are trying to wean yourselves of the addiction of caffiene, I highly recommend whipping up an Acai berry smoothie (think chocolate/blueberry mixture) in the morning.  Incredible… and you’ll be helping to save the rain forests of Brazil in the process.  Equally as satisfying.  Check it out at Sambazon.com (you can also buy locally at some high end markets).  Drop me a line and tell me what you think!

What I will do to finish out this earnings season and earnings seasons beyond is to highlight a few companies each day, typically the best fundamentally and/or technically, and maybe just list the tickers of the rest in order of ranking.  For more on the SelfInvestors.com database and ranking system please see this page.

On to the highlights from this evenings reports…

WebEx (WEBX), developer and marketer of services that allow end-users to conduct meetings and share software applications, documents, presentations and   other content on the Internet using a standard Web browser is the highest ranked company in the SelfInvestors.com database with a rank of 51/60.  With 23 consecutive quarters of revenue growth it’s a company doing something right.  That streak continued after the bell today as the company reported revenue growth of 23% which was in line with estimates.  On the earnings side, the company beat by a penny and posted growth of 32% from the year ago period.  WebEx also raised guidance for the full year ’05.  However, shares are down more than 2% after hours.

Technically, the stock broke out of a long, double bottom base (albeit not a great looking one) at the end of June and has worked its way up about 10% higher.  Considering this is not a great looking double bottom (second leg down doesn’t undercut the first) and earnings were fast approaching, this is not a stock I would have pulled the buy trigger on at the first breakout.  What I’d be looking for at this point is a pull back to support at the 50 day moving average as an opportunity to add a small position.  Keep in mind that the stock still has to face resistance at around 33.. an area where the stock may form a large handle.  Certainly, one to watch but probably not a great opportunity at this level.

Several companies with a rank of 50/60 reported after the bell…

• Microsemi (MSCC): The maker of high end semis beat estimates after the bell, but just misses on rev estimates.  Company guides in line for Q4.  Shares down 6% after hours. 
• Psychiatric Solutions (PSYS): The provider of inpatient behavioral health care services in the United States beat earnings estimates by .03/share and reaffirmed for ’05, but shares slipped just a bit after hours.
• Webside Story (WSSI): The provider of on-demand Web analytics services reported and outstanding quarter that was in line with estimates and reaffirms guidance for next 3 quarters, but falls 6% after hours to $15/share.  Good support in the 14-15 range, worth keeping an eye on.
• Netgear (NTGR):  The provider of home networking gear beat earnings estimates by a penny, but missed on sales targets.  Shares fell more than 7% after hours.  Technically, the stock looks outstanding and looks poised to break out to all time highs.  Watch support tomorrow at around 20.
• Sonosite (SONO): The developer of hand carried ultra sound systems reported a wider loss this quarter (that was in line with estimates) than the year ago quarter due in part to a large marketing effort for the launch of the 3rd generation MicroMaxx which began shipping late last quarter.  Shares fell just a bit in after hours trading.
• SS&C Technologies (SSNC): The provider of specialized software, business process outsourcing services and application solutions to the financial industry beat by a penny after the bell and also announced it was being bought out by a private equity firm.
• Franklin Resources (BEN): The investment management company reported another outstanding quarter and beat estimates by .04/ share.

Best of the Rest (in order of rank)…

Radient Systems (RADS), Whole Foods Market (WFMI), KLA Tencor (KLAC), Techteam Global (TEAM), Standard Pacific (SPF), Baker Hughes (BHI), United Surgical Parners (USPI), American Medical Systems (AMMD), Cameco (CCJ), Invitrogen (IVGN), Charles River Labs (CRL), Community Health (CYH) and Guess (GES).

Ahhh, make them stop.. so many earnings so little time.  Ok, just going to highlight a few of the stocks I think will be worth watching tomorrow as earnings reports are digested.  For more on the SelfInvestors.com ranking system, please see this page.) 

Rank 53/60

Right at the top of the list is Cogent Systems (COGT), a provider of automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) and other fingerprint biometrics solutions to governments, law enforcement agencies and other organizations worldwide.  Yes, this will be big business for years to come if not already.  Cogent Systems reported great results again this quarter beating earnings estimates by 3 pennies a share as well as revenue estimates.  That translates to an 89% year over year increase in earnings and a 130% increase in revenue.  The stock is up just a bit after hours.

"During the second quarter we grew revenues by 131% year over year, announced over $75 million in new contracts and orders and successfully completed our follow-on equity offering," commented Ming Hsieh, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cogent. "Our record quarter was driven by continued strong demand for our AFIS systems and services. During the quarter, we successfully expanded on our business with follow-on orders from existing customers and also diversified our client base with large orders from new customers. Our leading technology enabled us to win a number of important new contracts for border control, voting applications, law enforcement and point of sale applications for the fast growing commercial market. Looking ahead, demand for biometric solutions continues to rise, and we are seeing an increasing number of opportunities."

Cogent Systems is carving out its first base since going public last year.  Technically, its not an outstanding chart, but hey, few charts are.  The decline of nearly 50% in the base is too steep, but the up versus down volume in the right side is just what you want to see in a winning stock.  A breakout above 30 would offer an opportunity to initiate a position, but I’d probably be setting a tight stop just below the 20 day moving average (currently around 29).

• MEMC Electronic Materials (WFR): The supplier of silicon wafers said second quarter earnings fell 3 percent due to an industry wide inventory surplus, which the company predicts is finally coming to an end.  Earnings were in line with estimates and revenues beat, but the stock is down 4% in after hours trading.  The stock broke out at 14.42 on June 8th and didn’t waste any time soaring 30% in a short time.  Might be time for a pit stop at the 50 day moving average at around 16.

Rank 52/60

The leading designer of graphite golf shafts (i’m still convinced the reason my own golf game is poor is because of the equipment – there must be a slight bend or something in all of my clubs.. maybe time for an Aldila set!) continues to be off the radar of Wall Street analysts, but that may change with the latest quarter.  The company reported a revenue increase of 53% over the year ago quarter and an earnings increase of 68%.  The stock is soaring after hours, up over 20%.  I might be willing to nibble a bit should the stock consolidate quietly around the $24 – 25 range for a few weeks.  I don’t like the short base.. it needs more time to digest the big gains over the past year.

Rank 50/60

• Pulte Homes (PHM): The good news from the home builders just keep rolling in.  Pulte announced a revenue increase of 31% and an earnings increase of 62% over the year ago period.  The company’s backlog rose 24%, they raised the ’05 outlook, increased the dividend and to top it off, set a 2 for 1 stock split.  Pulte is up a couple bucks in after hours trading.
• Cleveland Cliffs (CLF): The producer of iron ore pellets absolutely blew out earnings after the bell today, whopping estimates by .43/share.. setting the stage for a possible breakout in a nice looking base.  Shares up over 5% in after hours trading.
• Range Resources (RRC): I have this company as one of the highest rated oil stocks in the database and todays earnings report will keep them there.  However, they missed the lofty analyst estimates.  Not much change after hours.

Others notables that reported after the bell last night (in order of rank)..

Netlogic Microsystems (NETL) – beats by .04, stock up 4% after hours
HealthExtras (HLEX) – reports in line
Talx Corp (TALX) – beats by .02, guides higher, stock down 4% after hours
Internet Security Systems (ISSX) – reports in line, but indicated 3Q may fall short, down 7% hours
Witness Systems (WITS) – beats by penny, but guides lower for Q3, down 3% AH
Questar (STR) – beats by .02
Intermagnetics (IMGC) – beats by .01, shares down 7%
Roper Industries (ROP) – beats by .04, declares 2 for 1 stock split
BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) – beats by penny
Harris Corp (HRS) – beats by .02, ups guidance, up 3% after hours
Manitowoc (MTW) – beats by .07
Bell Microproducts (BELM) – misses by penny, beats on revenue, down 4% AH
Nautilus (NLS) – reports in line, reaffirms guidance, down 3% AH

Short on time this morning, so I’m going to try and run these quickly… Again, I’m going to organize these posts by total rank (the ranking is a proprietary rank of SelfInvestors.com which combines a fundamental and technical score, for information on the ranking and the SelfInvestors.com database, please see this page.) 

Rank (51/60)

Top ranking stock to report earnings this morning is RPC Inc (RES), and oil services company.  The company beat estimates by .02/share and is reporting a revenue increase of 19% and earnings increase of 59%.  The stock is currently working the right side of a base as volume increases.  Look for resistance at 20.  No change to report premarket.

Rank (51/60)

• RPC Inc (RES), and oil services company beat estimates by .02/share and is reporting a revenue increase of 19% and earnings increase of 59%.  The stock is currently working the right side of a base as volume increases.  Look for resistance at 20.  No change to report premarket.
• Par Technology (PTC), a hardware, software and services provider to the hospitality and retail industries has had quite a run, more than doubling in the last 5 months.  Yesterday, the company bounced off support of the 50 day moving average for the first time since breaking out and will need a strong earnings report to remain above.  Looks like the company is reporting solid but unspectacular results, with a 71% increase in earnings and 19% increase in revenue.  The company did beat estimates by .03/share.  No change to report premarket.

Rank (50/60)

• Aspect Medical (ASPM): This is a company i’ve had my eye on for some time.  They develop an anesthesia monitoring system to assess consciousness during surgery.  Ist time profitable in ’04, with accelerating growth in recent quarters.  The company beat estimates this morning by .02/share and is guiding Q3 higher.  The stock broke out on April 21st, but has been hovering around support of the 50 day moving average lately.  It is a highly volatile stock, no not for the feint of heart!  No movement premarket to report.

Rank (49/60)

• Iris International (IRIS):  A designer, developer, manufacturer of vitro diagnostic equipment, IRIS has posted huge growth in the last year after after losing money in ’03.  Technically, the stock continues to look strong as it trends along the 50 day average (where it sits now.  A bounce off support may offer an opportunity to add a small position.  The company hasn’t reported earnings yet this morning.
• T. Rowe Price (TROW):  The investment managers have had a nice run and T. Rowe is no exception.  The stock broke out to all time highs on July 6th and is currently up 4% from that point, so still in a buyable range.  The company beat estimates this morning by .02/share.  No change to report premarket.

Rank (48/60)

• Grey Wolf (GW): Another oustanding quarter for this oil driller as they beat estimates by .01 and swung to a profit this time around with .12/share (vs. a loss of .01 in the year ago period).  Stock is down just a bit premarket.  The stock broke out June 14th and is currently too extended from a proper buy point.
• Helmerich & Payne (HP): Another oil driller beating estimates, this time by .04 share.  The stock has had quite a run since breaking out at the beginning of June and is too extended at this time to be considered for puchase.

Others notables reporting this morning…..

Chicago Bridge and Iron (CBI), Monster Worldwide (MNST), Diamond Offshore (DO), Rollins Inc (ROL), Arrow Electronics (ARW), Respironics (RESP), Affiliated Managers (AMG).

Hologic (HOLX) beats by .08/share and is up 13% premarket.
PF Changs (PFCB) is cutting its forecast and getting hammered as a result.

Lots of notable earnings after the bell today.  I’m going to organize these posts a bit differently by categorizing by total rank (the ranking is a proprietary rank of SelfInvestors.com which combines a fundamental and technical score, for information on the ranking and the SelfInvestors.com database, please see this page.) 

Rank (52/60)

Carters Inc (CRI), an apparel retailer of baby and young children’s apparel is the highest ranking stock in the database to report after the bell today.  The company reported net income of .18/share, badly missing analyst estimates of .24/share.  However, excluding charges associated with the closing of two sewing facilities in Mexico, the company’s net income comes in at .29/share, which would be good for a 48% increase over the year ago quarter.  Net sales increased 23% from the year ago quarter.  Technically, the stock is well extended past the breakout that occurred in january.  A drop to support of the 50 day moving average at around 53 may offer a chance to initiate a small position or add to an existing position.  The stock closed down just a bit today at 57.10. 

Rank (50/60)

  Cascade Microtech (CSCD), a designer, developer and manufacturer for electrical and test equipment for integrated circuits, went public in December of last year and is looking for a successful breakout after carving the first base of its existence.  It may have to wait.  Although the stock broke out yesterday, the company didn’t report outstanding earnings after the bell today.  Excluding settlement income of .05/share, the company reported .14/share, which was in line with analyst estimates.  However, it also looks like the company is indicating that results will be a bit less than estimates for the 3rd quarter.  The stock is down nearly 10% in after hours trading to 14.55.  The stock still has support of the 50 day moving at 14 ..   Technically, the best looking base… base too steep and severe.  Resistance at all time highs of 16.  I wouldn’t be buying this on a breakout to all time highs.  A base that sharp needs much more time to consoldidate.

Corporate Executive Board (EXBD) reported another strong quarter after the bell today as revenue increased 30% and earnings 28% from the year ago quarters.  Earnings per share of .41/share beat estimates of .39/share.  This is a remarkably consistent company that seems to grow 30% every year without fail.  While quite extended from a proper buy point, the stock looks very strong technically and looks poised to move higher from this latest consolidation before earnings. 

• Portfolio Recovery Associates (PRAA): Another highly rated company in the business of managing portfolios of defaulted customer receivables, Portfolio Recovery just continues to post oustanding results year after year, quarter after quarter.  The company reported earnings of .56/share after the bell which was in line with estimates and good for a 34% increase from the year ago period.  Revenue rose 28%.  Technically, the stock looks pretty good and currently sits just above all time highs after carving out a base on base pattern (consecutive bases, one of top of the other).  Personally, I’d like to see a consolidation to support of the 50 day moving average, which might provide a nice buy opportunity.

Rank (49/50)

BLOW OUT EARNINGS! Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) is a very interesting company that makes an advanced, precicion control, 3D robotic system aiding doctors in varioius surgeries.  Sales and earnings have absolutely exploded in the last year and half as the company gains FDA approval for more procedures with the system.  Technically, the stock is looking to break out of a nearly 6 month consolidation…. and it looks like it will have no problem doing that tomorrow morning.  The company has reported blow out earnings after the bell, smashing estimates of .19/share by reporting .40 share, good for a 186% increase over the year ago period.  Revenues rose 70%.  The stock is bolting after hours more than 20% higher.

• PSS World Medical (PSSI): A specialty marketer and distributor of medical products, equipment and pharma related products to to healthcare providers, PSS has been increasing revenue and earning in the last couple years (although revenue growth has not been all that impressive, never surpassing 20% in a quarter).  Technically, it looks very strong and is currently at a 6 year high after breaking out last week.  The company beat estimates after hours, but the stock is slipping, down nearly 5%.
• Lifeline Systems (LIFE): Lifeline, a leading provider of personal response services for the elderly is a company that has increased earnings every year since 1999 with consistent yearly growth of around 20%.  However, revenue growth is never outstanding and has not cleared 15% growth in any quarter in the last 2 years… until now!  The company reported a revenue increase of 17% from the year ago quarter and an earnings increase of 31%.  Down just a bit after hours.  Technically, the stock sits below the 50 day moving average and is in the middle of carving out a shallow base.
• Akama Technologies (AKAM): A provider of products and services that deliver web content, Akamai delivered great results and met analyst estimates by reporting .11/share and beat revenue estimates by about 2 million.  That translates to a 120% increase in earnings from the year ago period and a 27% increase in revenue, nearly matching the growth of last quarter.  The company enjoyed the first profitable year in its history in ’04 and isn’t showing any signs of slowing down.  Technically, the stock has improved greatly in the past couple months and looks poised to break out in the right side of a base that began nearly two years ago.

Rank (48/50)

CH Robinson Worldwide (CHRW) – blows past estimates, up nearly 4% after hours.
Kyphon (KYPH) – reports in line, raises ’05 guidance, little change after hours
Philadelphia Consolidated (PHLY) – blows past estimates, little change after hours

Rank 47/50

L3 Communications (LLL) – beats estimates by .02/share, no change after hours
Hydril (HYDL) – beats estimates by .05, no after hour change to report
Select Comfort (SCSS) – beats by .02/share, up nearly 10% after hours
VCA Antech (WOOF) – beats by a penny, up a hair after hours
Forward Air (FWRD) – beats by .02, but misses revenue est., no change to report after hours

Rank 46/50

Trimble Navigation (TRMB) – beats estimates but getting hammered after hours – down 14% Allscripts Health (MDRX) – reports in line, down 2% after hours
Bright Horizons Family (BFAM) – beats by .02/share, down a bit after hours

Good morning- today and tomorrow will be very busy days for earnings (about 10% of my database will report each day).  The 3 highest rated companies (all with scores of 50/out of 60) reporting this morning include Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), Building Materials Holding (BMHC), and The St. Joe Company (JOE).

As the popular of futures and options trading explodes, CME continues to benefit big time.  After losing money in ’01, the company has been on a torrid pace and that growth accelerated in ’04 with a 77% increase in earnings.  ’05 is also expected to be a solid year with 37% earnings growth.  Its a company with no debt and rising margins & ROE.  This morning the company is reporting net income of 2.36/share, a 44% increase over the year ago quarter, but missed estimates of 2.38 a share.  Revenue came in at 239 mill, good for a 60% increase, but again just missing analysts estimates.  Great results again, but if you’re a company with a high flying stock and you miss estimates, you’ll get hammered.  While a 4% drop isn’t exactly considered hammered (down in premarket), that may just be the beginning.  Areas of support to look for would include 270 (filling the gap) and 260 (support of the 50 day moving average).

As a leading supplier to the homebuilders, it’s no wonder that Building Materials Holdings doubled profits in ’04, with the company expected to come close to that gain in ’05. It’s reflected in the stock with a more than 4 fold increase from last year, trending along the 50 day moving average the entire time.  Yes, the stock is long overdue for a significant correction and base formation, but it looks like that will have to wait for now.  The company smashed estimates this quarter of 1.85/share by posting 2.28/share, good for a 148% increase over last year.  Sales rose 29% to 702 million, beating estimates of 690 million.  The stock is up nearly 6% premarket and continues to climb and will break through the top of that long term channel.  Hmm… may be a good time to take profits off the table on this one if you have them.

• St Joe Company (JOE):  Another company benefitting from the explosion in real estate, particularily in Florida is St. Joe Company, a real estate development company.  This morning the company smashed estimates and raised views for ’05.  No surprise here – stock up nearly 3% in premarket trading.   Technically, the stock continues to look very strong, up 10% since breaking out at the beginning of June.

Three Leading Oil Companies Reporting…VLO, UNT and BJS

• Valero (VLO): Smashed estimates again this quarter and rose 34% over last year.  Stock up just a bit premarket.  Technically, the stock has not carved out a great looking base with a sharp V like curve and lackluster volume in the right side.  It is currently in a buyable range after breaking out on July 5th.
• Unit Corp (UNT): Reporting a revenue increase of 67% and earnings increase of 97% over the year ago quarter, nearly identical to results last quarter.  Clearly no signs of slowing down for Unit Corp.  No change to report premarket.
• BJ Services (BJS): BJS is reporting an earnings growth decline over the year ago quarter, but that can be attributed to a one time gain in the year ago quarter as well as increasing operating expenses in the latest quarter.  The company did smash estimates of .60/share by posting .71/share and the stock is up nearly $2 in premarket trading.  The stock just broke out to new highs last Friday, but its Relative Strength rating isn’t great at 62.

Other Notable Earnings… Black and Decker (BDK), Stanley Works (SWK), Wabtec (WAB), Starwood Hotels (HOT), Pentair (PNR) – down 10% premarket, Anixter International (AXE), Seven Eleven (SE), MTC Technologies (MTCT), Legg Mason (LM), LCA Vision (LCAV) – up 4% premarket and Fargo Electronics (FRGO).

A quick rundown of highlights from last night’s reports:

• Google (GOOG) still trading down, but has recovered significantly in after hours after the company failed to issue a report that was 100% positive.  While results were impressive, they didn’t exactly post blow out results and news of a summer slowdown and lawsuit with Microsoft are giving investors a reason to take some profits.  Maybe this sets up a move to support of the 50 day moving average for the first time since April (to around 280). 
• Tempur-Pedic (TPX) is down more than 10% after hours after the company missed revenue estimates.  Growth remains very good, but it appears that the torrid pace may be slowing.  Barrons and CIBC both believe that the company faces increased competition and lower margins in the future.  CIBC downgraded the stock this morning.  Despite the news, Tempur Pedic still remains an outstanding company fundamentally and is one to keep an eye on.
• Affymetrix (AFFX) is down nearly 15% after hours after the company missed estimates by a wide margin and guided lower for the 3rd quarter and full year ’05.  The stock has more than doubled in the last year so anything less than outstanding results was going to derail this stock… which is typically the case with most companies.  Almost always wise to sell before or wait to initiate a position after earnings are reported.  Not worth the risk.

Better Results…

• Ixia (XXIA): Reported results in line with estimates which resulted in another strong quarter.  100% quarter over quarter revenue growth and another 54%  increase in quarter over quarter (year ago) in earnings growth.  The stock actually sold off hard yesterday before earnings were reported and sliced through the 50 day moving average.
• Stamps.com (STMP):  Reported another very impressive quarter of growth as earnings growth continues to accelerate (138%, 150%, 217% and 250% in the last 4 quarters).  Revenue grew at 74% quarter over  quarter.  The breakout in the stock that began late April failed to materialize and the stock remains below the 50 day moving average at this point.

Also reporting solid results after the bell yesterday: CE Franklin (CFK), Computer Programs and Systems (CPSI)

_____________________________________________________________________

A few earnings to report before the bell this morning:

• Angiodynamics (ANGO): stock is up more than 2% after reporting this morning.  The stock is looking to break out to all time highs, but I don’t like the amount of insider selling in this company. 
• Fording Canadian Coal (FDG): the company will report this morning around 10AM EST. 
• Skywest (SKYW): reported results this morning in line with estimates.  Quarter over quarter earnings growth reported at 24%, revenue growth at 44%.  The stock has been basing for 2 years.

Another very busy week for earnings next week – stay tuned!

Just a few notable earnings to report before the market opens tomorrow –

A few high quality big cap names will report in the morning.. Caterpillar (CAT), DR Horton (DHI) and EMC Corp (EMC).

• Caterpillar (CAT):  Considering the size of this company, the kind of growth this company has strung together is simply amazing.  Quarter over quarter sales growth averaging over 30% in the last year and earnings growth much better than that.  The stock just underwent a 2 for 1 stock split and broke out to new highs yesterday on a big, high volume gap up.  Some of these big caps are acting like small caps! 
• DR Horton (DHI): I wouldn’t expect anything less than another blow out quarter from this leading home builder.  The stock is currently well above its original break out point and isn’t showing signs of slowing down.
• EMC Corp (EMC): EMC is a great turnaround story.  Since losing money in ’02, the company has been doubling profits on sales growth of around 30%.  While that kind of growth has slowed in recent quarters, it still remains very strong.  I set the first pivot point on this stock at 13.57 (offering the first opportunity to get in), but a surge above 15 would offer another buy opportunity and indicate that further gains are on the horizon.  The 3 year high is 15.64.

There is a real interesting small cap company reporting tomorrow by the name of Acme United Corp  (ACU).  C’mon, you’ve never heard of these guys.  They’re only a leading manufacturer of scissors and rulers!  Earnings more than doubled in ’04 with sales growth around 20 – 25%. 

This thinly traded stock broke out of a base on June 23rd, but has had trouble getting going since.  However, the stock has found support again at the 50 day moving average and is still in position to make significant gains… provided earnings come in strong tomorrow morning.

A few others worth mentioning:

• Wesco International (WCC):  A North American provider of electrical construction products and electrical and industrial maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) supplies, Wesco is working on the right side of its first significant base since running up more than 3 fold in the last couple years.  Earning growth has been mighty impressive during that time, but sales growth continues to come in a bit light at around 17%.
• Laureate Education (LAUR):  Formerly known as Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., Laureate is focused on providing a higher education experience through a global network of accredited campus-based and online universities, and other higher education institutions (higher education institutions or schools).   The company has posted very good, consistent growth over the last 3 years and that’s certainly been reflected in its stock price, which has trended along support of the 50 and 200 day moving averages for 2 years.  It currently sits right at support of the 50 day moving average.

Of the 400 or so companies currently in the SelfInvestors.com database (a database of the fastest growing companies near a breakout, already broke out and/or above major support areas), 13 are set to report after the bell today. (Yes, Ebay meets my requirements for a fast growing company, but it’s been hanging out in the cellar for months, so isn’t currently included in the database – however, it may have the ability to move the markets a bit tomorrow morning).

OK, I want to highlight 4 outstanding companies I’ll be watching closely:

Online Resources (ORCC), an outsourcer of Web-based account presentation, payment and relationship-management services to over 700 financial services provider clients nationwide is a highly rated company in the SelfInvestors.com database with a score of 52 (out of 60).  The company experienced its first profitable year in ’03 and hasn’t looked back with soaring growth in the last year.  Both margins and ROE are outstanding and continue to rise to new highs.  Technically, stocks don’t get a whole let better than this – high volume buying, followed by orderly, light volume selling.  The stock currently sits in a buyable range, but its best to evaluate earnings before taking a position.

Cybersource (CYBS), a provider of secure electronic payment and risk- management solutions to organizations that process orders for goods and services over the Internet, is another small company growing quickly and on the fast track to profitablity.  The company experienced its first full profitable year in ’04 and is also highly ranked with a score of 51 out of 60 in the SelfInvestors.com database.

The stock chart provides a nice look at a series of bullish triangle patterns in the right side of the base which are characterized by initial surges in price and volume followed by a convergence of trend lines and declining trading volume.  It should be noted that there will be resistance at 8, which on a weekly chart is the mid peak of a long double bottom base.

OK, running out of time here, so will try and run through these quickly..

F5 Networks (FFIV) is one of the highest rated computer networking company in the database and is currently working on the right side of a base. 

Innovative Solutions and Support (ISSC), a leading aeronautics equipment company continues to consolidate after a failed breakout attempt in mid May.  ISSC, is a company with outstanding fundamentals, which is expected to continue through at least ’05.

Other notable earnings reports after the bell today:

PTEC, LHO, APH, RIMG, LOGI, LRCX, MATR, CVD and GPN.

Another busy day today for earnings and my list of notable earnings continues to grow!.. so I’ll break it up into two posts once again (before and after the bell).  8 companies will report before the bell tomorrow, with Vasco Data Security (VDSI) leading the pack as the highest ranked company in the database reporting in the morning (with a score of 54 out of 60). 

Technically, the stock looks outstanding with very good buy volume in the right said, followed by a breakout and subsequent orderly pull back to support of the 50 day moving average twice.  A good earnings report could propel the stock off support, possibly providing a nice entry point if you missed the initial breakout.

Other notable earnings before the bell:

• St.Jude Medical (STJ): A solid company that continues to post solid results quarter after quarter.  The stock broke out on June 24th and remains just outside of a proper buy range.

• Lufkin Industries (LUFK): The stock of Lufkin, an oil equipment company, continues to soar to new heights as earnings and sales growth continues to accelerate.

• ATMI Inc (ATMI): Semis have done well recently and ATMI is no exception – looks outstanding technically, but well above a proper buy range.

• Ametek (AME): Ametek, a global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electric motors, has been tracking along the 50 day moving average for 2 years and looks ready to bust out to big gains from a base at any moment.  Perhaps tomorrow’s earnings report will be that catalyst.  The stock currently sits in a buyable range.

• Astec Industries (ASTE): Designer, engineer and manufacturer of equipment and components used primarily in road building and related construction activities.  Astec is currently working on a base on base pattern after orginially breaking out in March.  The technicals are a bit suspect.

• Labor Ready (LRW): Capitalizing on the improving job market, this is a stock that continues to soar to new heights and well out of a proper buy range.

• Symyx Technologies (SMMX): A provider of research services and high throughput experimentation for the discovery of innovative materials, has experienced record growth over the past year and is currently forming the handle of a long base.