Checkpoint Systems Inc. Stock Upgraded (CKP)

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) -- Checkpoint Systems (NYSE:CKP) has been upgraded by TheStreet Ratings from sell to hold. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its increase in stock price during the past year, increase in net income 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:

• Compared to where it was a year ago today, the stock is now trading at a higher level, reflecting both the market's overall trend during that period and the fact that the company's earnings growth has been robust. Despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year, there is currently no conclusive evidence that warrants the purchase or sale of this stock.
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry. The net income increased by 89.0% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from -$48.66 million to -$5.33 million.
• CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS 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, CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS INC swung to a loss, reporting -$1.47 versus $0.67 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings (-$0.22 versus -$1.47).
• CKP, with its decline in revenue, slightly underperformed the industry average of 7.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues fell by 12.5%. The declining revenue has not hurt the company's bottom line, with increasing earnings per share.
• Return on equity has greatly decreased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of major weakness within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Electronic Equipment, Instruments & Components industry and the overall market, CHECKPOINT SYSTEMS INC's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500.

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Checkpoint Systems, Inc. manufactures and provides technology-driven end-to-end loss prevention, merchandising and labeling solutions to the retail and apparel industry worldwide. Checkpoint Systems has a market cap of $493.2 million and is part of the services sector and diversified services industry. Shares are up 13.1% year to date as of the close of trading on Tuesday.

You can view the full Checkpoint 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.

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

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Stock Price

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Analyst Ratings

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Key Stats & Profile

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Earnings

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Ratio Comparison

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Growth Rates

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Balance Sheet

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Cash Flow

• Checkpoint Systems Inc. Income Statement