Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: I would like to have your opinion on this stock: Metalico. Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Metalico, $5.45, symbol MEA on the American Exchange (Shares outstanding: 46.5 million; Market cap: $260.0 million; www.metalico.com), is a New Jersey-based metal recycling company. Metalico operates 30 locations in 10 states. It recycles four different types of metals: Scrap steel/iron, non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum, platinum group metals and specialty steels. In the three months ended March 31, 2011, Metalico’s revenue rose 35.7%, to $182 million from $134.1 million. Earnings per share jumped sharply, to $0.19 from $0.08. The higher results came from a 46% increase in ferrous (iron and steel) scrap volumes shipped, and a 19% increase in non-ferrous (copper and aluminum) scrap volumes shipped. Profit margins also improved, due to higher metal selling prices. The company continues to grow by acquisition, which adds risk. However, it is mainly buying small companies. That cuts the risk of a big writedown against earnings if one of its purchases fails to live up to expectations. Steelmaking and scrap-metal processing are highly…