MHProNews has learned from nasdaq that Zacks Investment Research has issued a strong buy on Universal Forest Products, Inc. (UFPI) stock–“Rank#1” in their rating system–due to its strong performance in Q1 2013. A component supplier to the manufactured housing industry, net income for UFPI grew 25.7 percent year-over-year and earnings per share were 24 percent higher than last year. Net sales increased 21.3 percent to $554.5 million Q1 2012 to Q1 2013, due to the growth in the lumber market. UFPI stock closed up 2.34 percent to 38.88 May 14.

(Photo credit: Universal Forest Products, Inc.)