Stock Picks: Top Five Mid-Caps for Aug. 7

The Buckle has been rated a buy since May 2003 due primarily to its solid financial position and growth in revenue, net income and EPS. In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the company's revenue rose 32.4% year-over-year. The company improved its EPS from 40 cents a share to 61 cents a share over the same period. Net income also increased by 53.5%, rising from $12.19 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 to $18.72 million in the most recent quarter.

The Buckle reported a gross profit margin of 44.1%, which also increased from the same quarter one year prior. Finally, the company is clearly able to cover its short-term cash needs as it has no debt to speak of and most recently earned a quick ratio of 3.15.

While no company is perfect, we currently do not see any significant weaknesses likely to detract from this company's generally positive outlook. It is important to bear in mind, however, that the specialty retail industry as a whole could face pressures from a continued housing market contraction or a slowing economy. Such events could lead to a more challenging business environment that could potentially affect The Buckle's results and therefore the buy rating.

SPX Corp. (SPW Quote) is a multi-industrial manufacturing firm that provides flow technology products, test and measurement products, thermal equipment and services, and industrial products and services in the U.S. and abroad. Its products include valves, backflow prevention and fluid handling equipment, air filtration products, power transformers and high-tech die castings. The company's products are used by a range of customers in various industries, including chemical processing, pharmaceutical, automotive, telecommunication, transportation and power generation. The company is headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., and has operations in 35 other countries.