Epiq Systems Inc. Stock Upgraded (EPIQ)

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Epiq Systems (Nasdaq:EPIQ) has been upgraded by TheStreet Ratings from hold to buy. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, reasonable valuation levels, increase in net income, good cash flow from operations and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity.

• ACTIVE STOCK TRADERS: Get full access to Jim Cramer's thoughts for less than $3/week - sometimes before he says them on TV! Start with a 14-Day Free Trial.

Highlights from the ratings report include:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 6.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 32.4%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Software industry. The net income increased by 86.0% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $2.77 million to $5.16 million.
• Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 1859.89% to $23.48 million when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, EPIQ SYSTEMS INC has also vastly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of 19.59%.
• EPIQ's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72 is somewhat low overall, but it is high when compared to the industry average, implying that the management of the debt levels should be evaluated further. Despite the fact that EPIQ's debt-to-equity ratio is mixed in its results, the company's quick ratio of 1.72 is high and demonstrates strong liquidity.

Epiq Systems, Inc. provides integrated technology solutions for the legal profession in the United States and internationally. Its solutions streamline the administration of discovery, bankruptcy, litigation, financial transactions, and regulatory compliance matters. The company has a P/E ratio of 35.6, equal to the average computer software & services industry P/E ratio and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. Epiq Systems has a market cap of $473.9 million and is part of the technology sector and computer software & services industry. Shares are up 11.2% year to date as of the close of trading on Monday.

You can view the full Epiq Systems Ratings Report or get investment ideas from our investment research center.

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

Editor's Note: TheStreet ratings do not represent the views of TheStreet's staff or its contributors. Ratings are established by computer based on metrics for performance (which includes growth, stock performance, efficiency and valuation) and risk (volatility and solvency). Companies with poor cash flow or high debt levels tend to earn lower ratings in our model

FREE from Real Money's Jim Cramer: Winners and Losers Election 2012 - Steps to take NOW so you can profit no matter who is in charge! Free download now.

 

For more information on Epiq Systems Inc. click any of the following:

• Epiq Systems Inc. Stock Price

• Epiq Systems Inc. Analyst Ratings

• Epiq Systems Inc. Key Stats & Profile

• Epiq Systems Inc. Earnings

• Epiq Systems Inc. Ratio Comparison

• Epiq Systems Inc. Growth Rates

• Epiq Systems Inc. Balance Sheet

• Epiq Systems Inc. Cash Flow

• Epiq Systems Inc. Income Statement