KVH Industries Inc. Stock Downgraded (KVHI)

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) -- KVH Industries (Nasdaq:KVHI) has been downgraded by TheStreet Ratings from buy to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its compelling growth in net income, revenue growth and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the company's return on equity has been disappointing.

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Highlights from the ratings report include:

• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Communications Equipment industry. The net income increased by 138.4% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $0.19 million to $0.45 million.
• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 14.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 4.7%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• KVH INDUSTRIES INC reported significant earnings per share improvement in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, KVH INDUSTRIES INC reported lower earnings of $0.06 versus $0.56 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($0.23 versus $0.06).
• Powered by its strong earnings growth of 200.00% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 63.38% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Looking ahead, however, we cannot assume that the stock's past performance is going to drive future results. Quite to the contrary, its sharp appreciation over the last year is one of the factors that should prompt investors to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
• The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Communications Equipment industry and the overall market, KVH INDUSTRIES INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.

KVH Industries, Inc. engages in the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of mobile communication products for the marine, land mobile, and aeronautical markets primarily in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company has a P/E ratio of 143.2, equal to the average telecommunications industry P/E ratio and above the S&P 500 P/E ratio of 17.7. KVH has a market cap of $191.1 million and is part of the technology sector and telecommunications industry. Shares are up 65.7% year to date as of the close of trading on Friday.

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

-- Written by a member of TheStreet Ratings Staff

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• KVH Industries Inc. Income Statement