Acuity Brands (AYI) Boasts Impressive Q2 Profits

Acuity Brands (AYI) is a leading lighting equipment maker based out of New York. The company recently announced a sharp rise in its second quarter profits. Net income for the quarter was $34.1 million, or 82 cents per share. This strong performance led to an immediate stock trading surge as stock investing picked up after the report.

What really gave the stock help was that it bested analyst expectations by 14 cents per share. This is an incredibly strong topping of expectations, which always heightens interest in trading portfolio additions. Revenue for the quarter was $482.6 million, significantly more than the $470.2 million analysts predicted.

Several analysts immediately upped their expectations for the company’s fiscal third quarter, and 2009 outlooks. They were excited about the company’s unanticipated performance. The current one year price target average for the company is $53 per share. This currently sits just below $46. It had actually spiked higher immediately after the earnings, but has fallen back a bit. It is possible some covered call trading strategies kicked in after the spike in price as stocks for covered calls may have come into play after the announcment.

Traders operating with a long-term stock trading strategy are likely waiting to jump in at the right market price. The company seems to offer a good long-term proposition considering its strong current earnings, optimistic outlook, and the 52 cents per year dividend yield.

Acuity definitely appears to offer a lot of potential for strong upward price movement. It is actually well below its 52-week high trading price. Stock trading drove the share price to $66.89 at one point during the past year. Its 52-week low was $34.04. This suggests some implied volatility given the wide range in share price. Investors seem to be interested in the movements.

Many stocks are sitting in a holding pattern waiting to move one direction or the other. The direction of the US economy could dictate the direction of share prices of many companies in the latter half of 2008. As the economic outlook picks up and the situation looks better, companies sitting in good financial situations should see the largest improvement in stock price. It may not take too long either, as traders are emotional.

Acuity Brands has recently won some international awards for its involvement in global business partnerships. The company is similar to many global operators in that it has been able to thrive during the US slowdown by making up business in other parts of the world. Many of the companies that have been recently successful, that operate internationally, are primed for improvement as the US markets open back up.

There were several great reasons noted in the earnings announcement as to why Acuity was so successful. Among the key reasons were improved margins, successful new products and better pricing. For more stock market help about how to identify and research in investing in stock options, stock market portfolios and stock market investment strategies, visit the PowerOptions website. There you will find the data you need to make quick, clear, and informed decisions. You can invest with the confidence that you have the most recent, up-to-date information in covered call strategies and stock investing. Also, PowerOptions will allow you, with a few quick clicks, to quickly and accurately compare stocks. PowerOptions‘ premium customer support is second to none in the industry. They can be easily contacted when you need them at their toll-free number to answer customer questions. Call them now toll free at 877-992-7971.

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[tags] New York, US, AYI, Acuity Brands Inc., covered call strategies, implied volatility, investing in stock options, poweroptions, stock help, stock investing, stock market help, stock market investment strategies, stock options, stock trading, stocks for covered calls [/tags]