The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Raven, Graco, Spartech, Hersha Hospitality and Ashford Hospitality

CHICAGO, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Raven Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:RAVN), Graco Inc. (NYSE:GGG), Spartech Corp. (NYSE:SEH), Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT) and Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE:AHT).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:

Raven Misses on Both Lines

Raven Industries Inc. (Nasdaq:RAVN) reported second quarter 2012 earnings of 32 cents per share, down 3% from 34 cents in the year-ago quarter. Results were affected by continued volatility in the Aerostar segment. Earnings per share also fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 38 cents per share.

Operational Update $101.7 million $102 million

Cost of sales increased 15% year over year to $71.6 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 28% year over year to $9.1 million. Operating income decreased 7% year over year to $17.4 million in the quarter.

Segment Performance

Applied Technology: Sales for the segment surged 13% year over year to $40 million, due to the strength in international sales, particularly in Brazil and Canada. Domestic sales also remained strong but were somewhat mitigated by drought conditions. Operating income, however, declined 2% to $12.9 million from $13.2 million due to higher sales of lower-margin products and higher investment in research, marketing and product development.

Engineered Films : The segment reported sales of $36.8 million, up 13% year over year. Operating income saw a 29% increase on a year-over-year basis to a record $6.8 million. The solid performance was driven by strength in the energy and agricultural markets, and deliveries of geomembrane films for environmental protection. Margins benefited from improved operating efficiencies and a more aggressive pricing strategy.

Aerostar : Sales increased 15% year over year to $26.8 million, primarily driven by the addition of Vista Research revenues (which was acquired in January 2012) and higher Electronic Systems' sales. Raven realigned its Electronic Systems Division in the quarter. Approximately 75% of Electronic Systems' sales have been recorded in the Aerostar segment and the balance to Applied Technology.

The segment reported an operating profit of $2.3 million, down 32% from $3.4 million in the prior-year quarter due to decline in Aerostat sales. A difficult federal spending environment led to continued volatility in the segment, as lack of aerostat orders are taking a toll on potential top-line gains.

Financial Position $44.1 million $43.5 million April 31, 2012 $44.4 million $26.2 million Our Take

South Dakota-based Raven Industries Inc. is an industrial manufacturer providing a variety of products for the agricultural, industrial, construction and military/aerospace markets. The company operates through four business segments: Engineered Films, Electronic Systems, Applied Technology and Aerostar. Graco Inc. (NYSE: GGG) and Spartech Corp. (NYSE: SEH) are peers of Raven.

Hersha Hospitality Gains Full Ownership of JV Asset

Hersha Hospitality Trust (NYSE:HT) recently acquired the remaining 50% ownership stake in the 130-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel located in Ewing, a sub-market of Princeton, New Jersey. With the transaction, this real estate investment trust (REIT) becomes the sole owner of this property.

Since 2004, the property has been considered an unconsolidated joint venture investment, but will become a consolidated asset as of the third quarter of 2012. With the completion of this deal, Hersha Hospitality expects that less than 8% of its 2013 Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization) will be generated from its portfolio of unconsolidated joint ventures.

In concurrence with the deal, Hersha Hospitality repaid the first mortgage loan secured by the hotel and entered into a new $9.15 million revolving line of credit.

The strategic move is expected to provide long-term earnings growth to its shareholders through opportunistic investment in premium high-quality properties. Hersha Hospitality aims to further capitalize on opportunities as the sub-market recovery continues and the lodging cycle gains strength. The location of the hotel in a densely populated submarket is also expected to drive accelerated demand from corporate clients.

Hersha Hospitality primarily owns upscale hotels in urban gateway markets. It currently owns 64 hotels in major urban markets including New York, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Miami, totaling 9,221 rooms.

Hersha Hospitality currently retains a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold rating. We have a long-term Neutral recommendation on the stock. One of its competitors, Ashford Hospitality Trust (NYSE:AHT), also holds a Zacks #3 Rank.

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