Top Five Fast-Growth Stocks

Going forward, Ametek estimates revenue for the full year 2008 will increase in the high teens on a percentage basis, while earnings are estimated to be in the range of $2.47 to $2.52 per share. Management also expects earnings for the second quarter to be approximately 61 cents to 63 cents a share, an increase of 13% to 17% over last year. However, these results could be negatively affected should the company fail to successfully integrate its recent acquisitions. Other risks include the price and availability of raw materials and changes in the competitive environment.

XTO Energy(XTO - Cramer's Take - Stockpickr) acquires, develops and explores oil and gas properties. The company also produces, processes, markets and transports oil and natural gas. XTO's proved reserves are located primarily in Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming. These fields are generally long-lived, with well-established production histories.

We have rated XTO Energy a buy since November 2001. We view the company's revenue growth, stock performance and increase in net income as strengths. For the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the company reported that its net income rose 21.4% to $465 million from $383 million a year ago, while its revenue rose 43.2% year over year. This growth appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, as earnings per share improved from 82 cents a year ago to 92 cents. Finally, net operating cash flow increased 12.45% to $957 million.

Management feels that the first-quarter results reflect a strong start to fiscal 2008, which they hope will be another record year for the company. While the stock's sharp appreciation over the last year has made it a premium compared to some of its peers, we feel the price levels are justified by the strengths of the company. Bear in mind, however, that the company operates in an industry that is highly volatile, and the cyclical nature of oil and gas prices could impact XTO's future results.