What's in a number? Plenty, if we're talking about quarterly earnings. Wall Street thumps its chest over its master estimators, and when a company is over or under the analysts' prognosticated amount, it's a big deal. Companies that miss are in a deeper funk than analysts expected. But for the companies who exceed those targets, it's a sign that things are going even better for them than the market thought. Follow those companies, because one welcome surprise often begets another.
Let's take a closer look at a few of the companies that humbled the Wall Street Wise this past week.
We'll start with World Wrestling Entertainment
Until recently, the WWE looked like it was up against the ropes. However, even video sales are picking up at the moment. It's a great sign that the medium's popularity is on the rise again.
Motley Fool Hidden Gems
pick HouseValues
HouseValues, a company that generates leads for Realtors from folks who fill out the online forms at its namesake site, is in the process of promoting its less intrusive and more consumer-friendly HomePages.com site to help offset weakness at its flagship site. Other online real estate specialists, such as Homestore.com
Men's Wearhouse
Keep watching the companies that lap expectations. Over time, it can be a rewarding experience for investors. It's the kind of surprise that market watchers relish in the Rule Breakers newsletter service, where the average selection has trounced the S&P 500's market return. Want in? Check out a 30-day trial subscription.
Either way, come back next Monday to learn about more stocks that blew the market away.
Longtime Fool contributor Rick Munarriz is a fan of toppers. He does not own shares in any of the companies in this story. The Foo l has a disclosure policy. Rick is also part of the Rule Breakers newsletter research team, seeking out tomorrow's ultimate growth stocks a day early.