3SOF

AP
Smith & Wesson Up on New Coverage
Friday May 26, 12:19 pm ET 
Smith & Wesson Flirts With 52-Week High As Cowen Analyst Opens Coverage With "Outperform"


NEW YORK (AP) -- Shares of firearms maker Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. shot up Friday after Cowen & Co. began coverage with a bullish rating.
Smith & Wesson rose 39 cents, or 6 percent, to $6.87 in afternoon trading on the American Stock Exchange. That leaves it just off its 52-week high of $6.95.


Smith & Wesson "is a turnaround (story) with new management leveraging a strong brand to gain share in its fragmented market," Cowen analyst Cai von Rumohr said in a note to investors Friday. He rated the stock "Outperform."

The 153-year-old company booked 20 percent sales growth so far in fiscal 2006, the analyst said. "There's further expansion potential in long guns and defense/security areas," he added.

Last week, the No. 1 gun maker in the U.S. got an order from the California Highway Patrol for 9,700 model 4006TSW pistols for an undisclosed amount. The company expects to book revenue from the order in 2007 and 2008.

Von Rumohr expects orders like that to boost per-share earnings from an estimated 19 cents in the current fiscal year to 30 cents in 2007 and 40 cents in 2008.

Cowen & Co initiates Outperform. Firm initiates with an outperform saying the #1 handgun producer Smith & Wesson is a turnaround with new mgmt leveraging a strong brand to gain share in its fragmented market. The firm notes it's achieved 20%+ sales growth so far in FY06 from revamped marketing, new products, new customers, & productivity gains. They look for EPS to lift from FY06's 19c to 30c in FY07 and 40 in FY08 on 17-20% sales growth from new product ramp & new customer penetration; and cash flow conversion should lift to 80-100%. The firm says there's further expansion potential in long guns & defense/security areas, including M&A. They think SWB looks attractive at a 17x C07 P/E given healthy FY07-08 momentum.


Technicals
Gap Up
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
3.86%above 13-day EMA
8.71%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 96 

Fundamentals
Coverage Initiated: Outperform

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $77.82 
P/E Ratio: 15.63 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: N/A
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

Some more good news................

ess Release   Source: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

North Carolina Department of Correction Converts to Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols
Tuesday May 30, 3:00 pm ET

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Amex: SWB - News), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 154-year old global provider of products and services for safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that it has reached an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Correction for 5,700 of the company's new Military & Police (M&P) Series of advanced-design polymer pistols.

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Officials at the North Carolina Department of Correction, who were involved in the testing and decision-making process, indicated that the M&P pistol incorporates the key features that are valuable in the day-to-day duties of their officers. Max Mathews, Lead Firearms Instructor for the Office of Staff Development and Training with the North Carolina Department of Correction provided the following comments, "The North Carolina Department of Correction has been using Smith & Wesson revolvers for 30 years. We currently employ over 10,000 officers and need to accommodate many different hand sizes and shapes. The M&P40's interchangeable grip panels have enabled us to select one pistol that will fit every officer. Overall, we believe the M&P40 will give our officers a safe, effective and reliable firearm."

The M&P Pistol Series offers a number of distinctive features that provide durability, safety and versatility. These features include a Zytel polymer reinforced frame with a ridged stainless steel chassis and a thru-hardened black melonite stainless steel barrel and slide for durability; a passive trigger safety to prevent the pistol from firing if dropped; and a sear lever release that eliminates the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm. A loaded chamber indicator is located on top of the slide, and an internal lock system is optional for military and law enforcement users. The pistol's innovative ergonomic design is enhanced with three interchangeable grip sizes, allowing the user to customize grips in a matter of seconds. The firearm also features an ambidextrous slide stop and a reversible magazine release, as well as an enlarged trigger guard designed to accommodate gloves. A universal Picatinny style equipment rail allows the addition of tactical lights and lasers.

Michael Golden, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson, said, "This agreement is a tremendous endorsement of our new M&P polymer pistol, and it signals an exciting new chapter in the 30-year relationship between Smith & Wesson and the North Carolina Department of Correction. Introduced just six months ago, the M&P is already in use by several law enforcement agencies across the nation, and is currently under evaluation with several others. We worked with a number of law enforcement agencies to develop the M&P series, and we believe the key features we have designed into the M&P40 are beginning to change the performance expectations that officers have for their duty firearms. We remain dedicated to developing and building innovative products that meet the needs of law enforcement and military personnel. Smith & Wesson is especially pleased to continue our long partnership with the North Carolina Department of Correction with our agreement to support their conversion to the M&P40."

A stock with firepower: Smith & Wesson
The maker of Dirty Harry's gun is hitting tougher targets lately, and its share price has been shooting up.
By Corey Hajim, FORTUNE reporter
June 2, 2006: 9:33 AM EDT


Looking for a small-cap stock that could "make your day"? Smith & Wesson, the 154-year-old gun maker, could add firepower to your portfolio.

The company has been hitting its targets lately thanks to new product lines, new management, and a return to profitable market segments. Over the past three quarters alone, revenues have grown 20%. Analysts estimate that earnings will rise 60% next year.


Already, Smith & Wesson's (Research) stock has shot up from under $2 at the beginning of 2005 to more than $7 recently. (Yet its valuation, 24 times next year's earnings, seems reasonable given that the S&P specialty retail index currently averages 22.)

Legislative changes have helped - specifically, the lapse of the 1994 assault rifle ban and the passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. While the assault rifle ban didn't affect Smith & Wesson's product line directly, it signals a more gun-friendly environment. The Commerce in Arms Act, approved by Congress in 2005, prohibits civil lawsuits against gun makers, distributors and dealers when its guns are misused. Smith & Wesson has been relieved of several legal proceedings as a result.

The military market is also more friendly these days. Merriman Curhan Ford analyst Eric Wold sees potential for growth in this segment. "There is a big push [in the military] towards buying American guns," says Wold. "They don't want our troops carrying foreign weapons when they can buy something from a domestic manufacturer."

Smith & Wesson will be vying for a military handgun contract currently held by Beretta that expires in 2007. Wold thinks Smith & Wesson has a very good chance of winning the deal, estimated to be worth $300 million to $500 million. Given that sales were just under $126 million in fiscal 2005, such a contract could have a huge impact on the bottom line.

Things haven't always been so rosy. Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson dominated the handgun business in the consumer, military and law-enforcement markets for almost a century. But in the early 1980s, it lost market share, partly because Austrian gun maker Glock introduced a polymer pistol to U.S. police and military. Lighter and easy firing, the new pistol took off. After that, Smith & Wesson went from supplying the majority of guns to law enforcement agencies to close to zero. Similar declines hit the company in the military market and over the following decades Smith & Wesson, while still one of the biggest brands in consumer handguns, suffered. By the end of fiscal 2002, Smith & Wesson had a net loss of over $5 million.

Michael Golden, one of the executives responsible for the huge success of the DeWalt line at Black & Decker (Research), became CEO in November of 2004 and began developing a turnaround plan. Golden, who had never shot a firearm prior to taking the job, said the strength of the brand was very appealing.

"I realized that this was a company that had been under-managed and under-marketed for at least 15 years, with a terrific legacy brand that I thought had a lot of power," he says.

A study commissioned by Smith & Wesson confirmed Golden's feelings. The inquiry found brand awareness so strong that consumers said they would consider Smith & Wesson not only for handguns, but for products it didn't produce - like shotguns, hunting rifles, and even security systems.

"This told us that the brand can be much, much more than just handguns," says Golden. "We've changed our focus from being a handgun company in the sporting-goods channel in the U.S., to a company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport."

Golden made some key hires to implement his plan - salespeople with expertise in the military and law-enforcement markets, a licensing executive who spent much of her career at Harley-Davidson (Research), and a marketing VP from Coke (Research).

The people and the plan have paid off. After introducing a new polymer pistol designed specifically for the police and military market, Smith & Wesson has regained share. Just in the past month, Smith & Wesson received orders from the California highway patrol and North Carolina's department of correction, an estimated $9 million in sales. In 2005, it received its first military contracts in 15 years and in 2006 has secured a $15 million contract to supply the Afghanistan national army with 9mm pistols.

After 154 years, it feels like Smith & Wesson is just getting started. The company has made inroads in law enforcement and military markets, is introducing new product lines, has a powerful brand, a strong management team, and growing sales and income. Smith & Wesson looks like a good shot.

Ascending Triangle (continuation) Pattern.......Breakout !
Institutional buying into this one.

Technicals
Record Price High
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
10.01%above 13-day EMA
18.94%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 97 

Fundamentals
Coverage Initiated: Outperform

Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $77.82 
P/E Ratio: 15.63 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 08/14/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

time for another breakout?? chart looks ripe for a break of recent high of $7.85

earnings reported AH today...stellar growth and earnings & revenue guidance for 2007 is raised. new mgmt. seems to be doing one helluva job.

http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/060615/earns_smith_wesson.html?.v=2

on the chart, indicators are pointing to an upwards motion...might it score double digits?? we'll see.

might I also add, nice support at 50 MA thru' the recent runs and pullbacks.

Breakout.....to a record price high.
Took another nice bounce to the upside off the 50-day MA.
See you in the teens !

Technicals
Record Price High
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
10.00%above 13-day EMA
21.37%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 97 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $77.82 
P/E Ratio: 15.63 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 09/13/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

Press Release Source: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation


Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Moves Listing to the Nasdaq Global Select Market
Monday July 10, 8:00 am ET 
New Ticker Symbol NASDAQ: SWHC


SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Amex: SWB - News), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 154-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that its common stock has been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Following the decision of its board of directors, the Company's common stock will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on Thursday, July 20, 2006 under the ticker symbol SWHC. Until that date, the stock will continue to trade on the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol SWB.


Michael F. Golden, President and Chief Executive Officer of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, said, "I am extremely pleased to announce our move to the NASDAQ, and specifically to the newly established Nasdaq Global Select Market with its higher listing standards. We believe that this trading environment will provide greater recognition for Smith & Wesson, as well as increased liquidity and value for our stockholders."

About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, through its subsidiary Smith & Wesson Corp., is one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety/security products. The Company also licenses shooter protection, knives, apparel, footwear and other accessory lines. The Company is based in Springfield, Mass., with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America's longest-running firearms training facility for America's public servants. For more information, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

    Contacts:
    John Kelly, Chief Financial Officer
    Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.
    (413) 747-3305

    Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations
    Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.
    (480) 949-9700 x. 115
    [email protected]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation

AP
Smith & Wesson Moves Listing to Nasdaq
Monday July 10, 11:51 am ET 
Smith & Wesson Moves Stock Listing to Nasdaq From American Stock Exchange


SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corp., a maker of handguns and other security products, said Monday it is moving its stock listing to the Nasdaq Global Select Market from the American Stock Exchange.
The move is effective July 20.

In addition, the company's ticker symbol change to "SWHC" from "SWB" on that date.

The company expects the move to provide benefits including increased liquidity and value.

Shares of Smith & Wesson rose 16 cents, or 2 percent, to $8.31. The stock has more than doubled in the year to date and has traded in a 52-week range of $3.50 to $9.10.

Form 8-K for SMITH & WESSON HOLDING CORP


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10-Jul-2006

Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or



Item 3.01 Notice of Delisting or Failure to Satisfy a Continued Listing Rule or
Standard; Transfer of Listing.
On July 7, 2006, the board of directors of Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, through its Nominations and Corporate Governance Committee, approved a resolution to transfer the listing of the company's common stock from the American Stock Exchange to the Nasdaq Global Select Market after receiving approval from Nasdaq of the company's application for listing. On July 10, 2006, the company announced that its common stock had been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The company's common stock is expected to begin trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market at the opening of trading on Thursday, July 20, 2006, under the new ticker symbol "SWHC." Until that date, the company's common stock will continue to trade on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol "SWB." A copy of the press release announcing the company's approval for listing on the Nasdaq Global Select Market is filed herewith as Exhibit 99.1.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements of Business Acquired.
Not applicable.

(b) Pro Forma Financial Information.

Not applicable.

(c) Shell Company Transactions.

Not applicable.

(d) Exhibits.


Exhibit
Number    Exhibits

99.1      Press release from Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, dated July 10,
          2006, entitled "Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Moves Listing to the
          Nasdaq Global Select Market"

Technicals
Percentage Gainer

Last Price Quote is:
4.11%above 13-day EMA
14.46%above 50-day EMA
RS Rating: 97 

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $77.82 
P/E Ratio: 15.63 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 09/13/2006
Last Analyst Rating: Outperform

Press Release Source: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation


Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Commences Trading on Nasdaq Under Symbol: SWHC
Thursday July 20, 8:00 am ET 
Switch to Nasdaq Global Select Market Complete


SPRINGFIELD, Mass., July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: SWHC - News), parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., the legendary 154-year old company in the global business of safety, security, protection and sport, today announced that its common stock began trading today on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol: SWHC. The Company's stock previously was traded on the American Stock Exchange.
About Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation, through its subsidiary Smith & Wesson Corp., is one of the world's largest manufacturers of quality handguns, law enforcement products and firearm safety/security products. The Company also licenses shooter protection, knives, apparel, footwear and other accessory lines. The Company is based in Springfield, Mass., with manufacturing facilities in Springfield and Houlton, Maine. The Smith & Wesson Academy is America's longest-running firearms training facility for America's public servants. For more information, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.


    Liz Sharp, VP Investor Relations
    Smith & Wesson Holding Corp.
    (480) 949-9700 x. 115
    [email protected]

Take Your Best Shot !   


Technicals
Record Price High

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $349.82 
P/E Ratio: 40.67 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 09/13/2006
Last Analyst Rating: N/A

Wow this stock is strong, it continued to make new highs even in the bear market ...applause

 

52wk Range: 3.50 - 9.45

Volume: 567,157
Avg Vol (3m): 425,415

Technicals
Record Price High

Fundamentals
Key Data:
Market Cap (M): $349.82 
P/E Ratio: 40.67 
PEG Ratio: N/A 
Next Earnings: 09/13/2006
Last Analyst Rating: N/A