TSC Ratings' Updates: Fifth Third Bancorp

Note: Our quantitative model makes stock recommendations based on GAAP figures that may differ materially from data as reported by the companies themselves. As a result, rating changes are occasionally driven by so-called nonrecurring items. As always, we urge readers to use TSC Ratings' reports in conjunction with additional information to construct their opinions on the value that should be placed on any given stock.

The following ratings changes were generated on Friday, March 27.

We've upgraded CyberSource(CYBS), which provides electronic payment and risk management solutions to enterprise and small business merchants, from hold to buy. This rating is driven by the largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, robust revenue growth, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income and expanding profit margins. Although the company may harbor some minor weaknesses, we feel they are unlikely to have a significant impact on results.

CyberSource's quick ratio of 2.5 implies strong liquidity. Revenue rose by 37% since the same quarter a year ago, compared with the industry average of 15% growth. Earnings per share also improved compared with the year-ago quarter. Net income increased by 746%, from $1.2 million in the year-ago quarter to $10 million in the most recent quarter. The 16.1% net profit margin is above the industry average, and the 65.7% gross profit margin has increased from the year-ago quarter.

We've downgraded diversified financial services holding company Fifth Third Bancorp(FITB) from hold to sell, driven by its deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share.

Net income fell from $17 million in the year-ago quarter to -$2.1 billion in the most recent quarter. Return on equity also decreased, implying weakness in the corporation. EPS declined compared with the same quarter last year, though the consensus estimate suggests that the company's two-year trend of declining EPS should reverse in the coming year. Net operating cash flow fell to $79 million.