Mueller Co. sees black in first quarter

Net sales were up 79 percent from a year ago: $18.3 million in first-quarter 2004 to $32.8 million this year.

The company suffered a net loss of $8.61 million the year ended Dec. 31.

Paul Mueller Co. shares (OTC: MUEL.PK) closed April 27 at $28.

Jack Henry

Monett-based Jack Henry & Associates Inc. reported 12 percent revenue growth to $134.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2005, which ended March 31. Year-to-date revenue is up 16 percent over last year.

Quarterly net income rose 19 percent over last year, to $19.4 million, or 21 cents per share. For FY 2005 year-to-date, net income is up 20 percent to $53.8 million, or 58 cents per share.

“We believe that the increase in our recurring revenue is directly attributable to the quality of our products we provide and the commitment of our employees to service our customers,” said Tony L. Wormington, Jack Henry president, in a news release.

Jack Henry & Associates shares (Nasdaq: JKHY) closed April 27 at $17.54.

Leggett & Platt

Carthage-based Leggett & Platt Inc.’s net income increased 16 percent to $72.8 million in the first quarter, compared with first-quarter 2004. Net income per share increased from 32 cents in first-quarter 2004 to 37 cents this quarter.

Company officials attributed the increase to higher sales, solid steel rod mill performance and improved operating efficiency.

The company’s first-quarter sales were up 9.6 percent over first-quarter 2004 to $1.3 billion. The fastest-growing sector for the company was industrial materials, where sales jumped 30 percent from the same period last year.

The company is projecting earnings per share this year between $1.50 and $1.70 per share; second quarter EPS guidance is 40 cents to 45 cents per share.

Leggett & Platt shares (NYSE: LEG) closed April 27 at $26.97.

O’Reilly Automotive

Springfield-based O’Reilly Automotive Inc. experienced record revenue and earnings in the first quarter.

Net income for the quarter ended March 31 topped $33.2 million, up 21.7 percent from the same period in 2004. Diluted earnings per common share for the quarter increased 20.4 percent from the same time last year, to 59 cents per share.

Additionally, comparable store product sales for stores open at least one year increased 7.1 percent over first quarter 2004 figures.

O’Reilly Automotive shares (Nasdaq: ORLY) closed April 27 at $51.92, slightly under the 52-week high of $52.48

UMB

Kansas City-based UMB Financial Corp. announced first-quarter earnings of $11.6 million, or 54 cents per share. The figure is a 7.6 percent increase over the first three months of 2004.

Net interest income for first quarter 2005 decreased $700,000 compared to the same period in 2004. Average loans for the three-month period totaled $2.86 billion, compared with $2.70 billion in first quarter 2004.

The company also reported a quarterly dividend of 22 cents per share, payable July 1 to shareholders of record as of June 10.

Company assets as of March 31, 2005, totaled $6.91 billion, up 0.8 percent from the same period a year ago. Deposits totaled $4.99 billion, up from $4.96 billion last year.

UMB Financial Corp. operates six banks in the Springfield area.

Company shares (Nasdaq: UMBF) closed April 27 at $54.74.