Well investors, it's that time of the year again. For shareholders owning some of the weaker performing companies like JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH) this may be a very painful time, but on the bright side, it may also be a good time to stock up on quality companies that have been sold off by nervous shareholders.
The reporting season also offers crucial insights, both as to how a company is currently performing and future growth prospects that have the potential to drive earnings in the future. Here are three companies that are set to offer some stellar results in their latest report and I think you should consider adding these stocks to your portfolio.
1. GBST
GBST Holdings Limited (ASX: GBT) provides a range of software services to the financial services industry in a wide range of locations such as Australia, Europe, Asia and North America. GBST's strategy is to grow earnings organically by distributing its services on a global scale. It has recently established quite strong ties in the UK and is looking to leverage off the country's massive asset management market. In addition to this, GBST has recently signed two major software services deals with prominent U.S. financial services businesses, providing it with another earnings booster.
For a company with a market capitalisation of only $233 million, GBST has a very bright future to look forward to. I think its preliminary report next week will provide investors nothing but good news. Given a price-to-earnings ratio of only 16, I think GBST is a definite buy for those looking for rapid earnings growth.
2. Bentham IMF
Litigation manager Bentham IMF Ltd (ASX: IMF) provides third-party funding to legal cases with a minimum claim of $2 million. Bentham IMF has been on a highly successful winning streak in the past 12 years, averaging a 96% success rate from 155 cases. This superior selection process creates a competitive advantage that can drive Bentham IMF's future growth.
Bentham IMF's future growth prospects seem promising given a U.S. funding contract has been recently signed and the potential opportunity to fund a claim against nine banks for late bank fees has arisen. This would allow it to take away approximately 22.5% of winnings, if successful.
With analysts reporting large double-digit growth projections, Bentham IMF seems to be a bargain. Trading on a price-to-earnings ratio of only 11.11 and offering a fully franked dividend yield of 3.7%, Bentham IMF is certainly a company to watch out for this reporting season and for many more to come.
3. SEEK
SEEK Limited (ASX: SEK) offers online employment classifieds on a global scale. SEEK is a great example of a company reaping the full benefits of the internet. Since its humble beginnings, it has managed to achieve monthly site visits in excess of 14.4 million, far greater than the 2.9 million by its rivals. In addition, SEEK is set for some heavy gains in the next few years given its expansion into the booming Asian market. While it already has formed subsidiaries in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty more growth opportunities that SEEK can take advantage of.
Although its high price-to-earnings ratio of 30.7 does tend to scare value investors off, SEEK's potential to deliver double-digit growth for the years to come is unquestionable and I think its current share price offers investors a decent opportunity to buy before results this month potentially drive it higher.
