Why Manhattan Associates Shares Surged

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of supply chain software company Manhattan Associates popped 11% today after its quarterly results and outlook impressed Wall Street.

So what: The stock has soared in 2013 on better-than-expected growth, and today's Q2 results -- adjusted EPS jumped 40% on a revenue increase of 12% -- coupled with upbeat guidance only reinforce that trend. In fact, operating margins for the quarter increased 590 basis points to 28.5%, suggesting that its competitive position is strengthening rather rapidly.

Now what: Management now sees full-year adjusted EPS of $3.61-$3.66 on revenue of $407 million-$412 million, above its prior view of $3.37-$3.45 and $407 million-$415 million, respectively. "[G]etting closer to customers and customer loyalty is the centerpiece challenge for industry leaders and we continue to make substantial investments in our people and technology to deliver innovation to meet the demands of this emerging market," Chairman and CEO Eddie Capel said. "Our outlook for the balance of 2013 and beyond remains quite positive." Of course, with Manhattan's stock now up about 95% from its 52-week lows and trading at a forward P/E near 30, much of that optimism might already be baked into the valuation.

Tired of watching your stocks creep up at a glacial pace?
Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, founder of the No. 1 growth stock newsletter in the world, has developed a unique strategy for uncovering truly wealth-changing stock picks. And he wants to share it, along with a few of his favorite growth stock superstars, WITH YOU! It's a special 100% FREE report called "6 Picks for Ultimate Growth." So stop settling for index-hugging gains... and click HERE for instant access to a whole new game plan of stock picks to help power your portfolio.

The article Why Manhattan Associates Shares Surged originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Brian Pacampara has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.