Local Stocks Show Strong Performance in 1996

Strategic Insights -

In 1996, several local companies posted impressive gains in terms of stock performance. SI Handling Systems Inc. led the pack, with its stock price more than doubling to $14.50 per share over the course of the year. Backing up its stock performance is a strong company performance, with profits of $1.6 million, or 66 cents per share, on sales of $25.8 million for fiscal 1996. The company's reorganization efforts, including the announcement of a share buy-back program and the naming of industrialist Elmer Gates to its board, have paid off.

Key Takeaways:

  • SI Handling Systems Inc. was the No. 1 company in terms of stock performance, with its price more than doubling to $14.50 per share over the course of the year.
  • Penn Treaty American Corp. ranked second-best, turning in a 55 percent gain to close the year at $25.50 per share.
  • Lucent Technology Inc. rose 52 percent over the year, driven in part by its spin-off from AT&T Corp. in May.
  • Dun & Bradstreet Corp. experienced a 62 percent decline in stock price, but its shareholders received new stocks in spin-offs Cognizant Corp. and A.C. Nielsen.
  • SubMicron Systems Corp. turned in a poor performance, with its stock price slumping to $4.42-1/2 at year-end, down 53 percent from the beginning of the year.
  • AM Communications Inc. also struggled, with its stock price falling 47 percent to 46 cents per share over the year.
  • The Easton-based SI Handling Systems Inc. landed a $16.9 million contract with the Defense Logistics Agency, the old army depot, which promises to boost its sales figures.
  • The company's profits were $1.6 million, or 66 cents per share, on sales of $25.8 million for fiscal 1996.
  • SI's reorganization efforts have paid off, with higher earnings on lower sales.

Statistics:

  • SI Handling Systems Inc.'s stock price more than doubled to $14.50 per share over the course of the year.
  • Penn Treaty American Corp.'s stock price increased by 55 percent to $25.50 per share.
  • Lucent Technology Inc.'s stock price rose 52 percent over the year.
  • Dun & Bradstreet Corp.'s stock price declined by 62 percent to $24.25 per share.
  • SubMicron Systems Corp.'s stock price fell 53 percent to $4.42-1/2 at year-end.
  • AM Communications Inc.'s stock price declined by 47 percent to 46 cents per share over the year.
  • SI Handling Systems Inc.'s profits were $1.6 million, or 66 cents per share, on sales of $25.8 million for fiscal 1996.

Sources:

  • The Morning Call
  • SI Handling Systems Inc.
  • Penn Treaty American Corp.
  • Lucent Technology Inc.
  • AT&T Corp.
  • Dun & Bradstreet Corp.
  • Cognizant Corp.
  • A.C. Nielsen
  • SubMicron Systems Corp.
  • AM Communications Inc.