Comverse Technology tops 1Q estimates

Comverse Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: CMVT) hustled past analysts' estimates in its first quarter Tuesday, raking in $36.5 million, or 48 cents a share, on sales of $160.4 million.

First Call consensus expected the Woodbury, N.Y. company to earn 45 cents a share in the quarter.

Comverse Technology shares closed off 9/16 to 67 ahead of the earnings report.

In the year-ago period, Comverse earned $23.9 million, or 34 cents a share, on sales of $200.5 million.

The first-quarter earnings exclude a one-time charge of $934,000, or 1 cent a share, related to acquisition of Amarex Technology.

"Our products continue to be selected by a growing number of customers," said CEO Kobi Alexander in a prepared release.

Last quarter, Comverse easily topped analysts' estimates, earning $32.3 million, or 66 cents a share, on sales of $190 million.

Comverse shares rallied up to a 52-week high of 74 3/8 shortly after its stock split 3-for-2 in late April. Way back in October, the stock was trading at a low of 19 9/16.

All 10 analysts following the stock rate it either a "buy" or "strong buy."

First Call consensus expects Comverse to earn $1.88 a share in the fiscal year.