Message #1 From:
NewsBot Date: February 15, 2007 07:01:00 AM
EMS News Zacks Buy List Highlights: Emergency Medical Services Corporation, AptarGroup, Inc., General Cable Corporation and SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc.
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zacks.com releases the latest list of Zacks Rank Buy Stocks. Everyday on Zacks.com, four stocks are selected based on how well they match the criteria for the four main schools of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum and Value. The four Zacks Rank Buy stocks highlighted today are Emergency Medical Services Corporation (NYSE: EMS), AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR), General Cable Corporation (NYSE: BGC), and SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (Nasdaq: SMOD).
Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of +31.8% since inception in 1988. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8% while the S&P 500 tumbled 37.6%. To see the full Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) List, or the rank for any other stock, visit: http://at.zacks.com/?id=88
Here is a synopsis of today’s Zacks Rank Buy Stocks:
Aggressive Growth –Emergency Medical Services Corporation (NYSE: EMS)
Emergency Medical Services Corporation has demographics on its side and should continue to grow earnings at a strong pace for years to come. The company has handily exceeded earnings estimates in four straight quarters, with three of them posting double-digit surprises. Over the past month, this year’s estimates have risen eight cents to $1.16 per share. The shares trade at a reasonable 19x next year’s estimates of $1.33 per share.
Growth & Income –AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR)
AptarGroup, Inc. beat the consensus earnings estimate for the past five quarters. The company recently reported record results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2006. Consensus estimates are up for both this year and next. ATR has a current dividend yield of 1.3% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.0%. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has also returned value to shareholders in the form of share buybacks.
Momentum –General Cable Corporation (NYSE: BGC)
On Feb 7, General Cable Corporation announced fourth-quarter 2006 profits of 67 cents per share. The result marked a 131% year-over-year improvement and a 14% positive surprise above analysts’ expectations. The fourth quarter was the eighth straight quarter in which BGC exceeded analysts’ expectations. On Tuesday, BGC set a new 52-week high on heavy trading volume.
Value –SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc. (Nasdaq: SMOD)
SMART Modular Technologies (WWH), Inc., a Zacks #1 Rank stock, topped analysts’ earnings expectations for the past four quarters by an average margin of 14.5%. Analysts have upped their profit forecasts for both this year and next. Earnings per share are projected to grow 15% over the next 3-5 years. SMOD’s return on equity quadruples that of the industry average—32% compared to 8%. Its PEG ratio currently sits at 0.87.
Truly taking advantage of the Zacks Rank requires the understanding of how it works.
The free special report, “Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions,” provides an insightful background about this wealth-building tool. Download your free copy of the report now to prosper in the years to come by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=93.
About the Zacks Rank
Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that “Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices.” A $10,000 investment in the Zacks Rank list made in 1988 would now be worth $1.77 million – equivalent to a 31.8% annualized return! During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled 37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 by 143.6% annually (+4.8% vs. +11.8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.
Zacks “Profit from the Pros” e-mail newsletter offers continuous coverage of Zacks Rank Buy stocks and highlights those stocks poised to outperform the market. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=90.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros http://at.zacks.com/?id=91
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(a) The S&P 500 Index ("S&P 500") is a well-known, unmanaged index of the prices of 500 large-company common stocks selected by Standard & Poor's. The S&P 500 includes the reinvestment of all dividends, no transaction costs, and represents the gross returns before management fees.
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
