Chicago, IL – November 25, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: DeVry Inc. (DV), Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP), MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR) and Jinpan International Limited (JST).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – DeVry Inc. (DV)
DeVry Inc. continues to top estimates and the Zacks Consensus Estimate is on the rise.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Tupperware Brands Corporation (TUP)
Tupperware Brands Corporation stacks up well against the market, outpacing the S&P 500 by more than 150% over the past year. The company also continues to see a bullish Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – MicroStrategy Inc. (MSTR)
MicroStrategy Inc. recently jumped higher after the company reported better than expected Q3 earnings. Estimates are also on the rise, with the next-year estimate projecting 13% earnings growth.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – Jinpan International Limited (JST)
Jinpan International Limited is taking advantage of worldwide interest in wind energy as international sales rose 40% in the third quarter. The company is trading with a forward P/E of 11.67.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

Company Description

Tupperware Brands Corporation is a global direct seller of premium, innovative products across multiple brands and categories through an independent sales force of over 2 million.

Product brands and categories include design-centric preparation, storage and serving solutions for the kitchen and home through the Tupperware brand as well as beauty and personal care products through its Avroy Shlain, BeautiControl, Fulller, NaturCare, Nutrimetrics, and Nuvo brands.

Bullish Forecasts and Strong Momentum

Analysts polled by Zacks are upbeat on TUP's earnings. The full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.90 per share is up from $2.66 over the past 60 days. For 2010, analysts are calling for earnings of $3.42, versus the 2 months-ago level of $3.05.

TUP stacks up well against the market, outpacing the S&P 500 by more than 150% over the past year. The company also saw a share price boost on strong third-quarter results, beating the market by about 8% since reporting.

A Stellar Third Quarter

The company reported third-quarter earnings of 54 cents per share, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 29% and surpassing the previous year's 47 cents. Sales were up 9% in local currency.

The company also declared a dividend of 25 cents, representing a 14% hike. Tupperware stated that the dividend is payable on January 4 to shareholders of record on December 4.

The company pays an industry-leading dividend yield of 2%.

Favorable Industry Comparisons

The company offers a return on equity of 33%, well above the industry average of 19%. TUP's net profit margin of 8% doubles the industry average of 4%. The aforementioned dividend yield of 2% exceeds the industry average of 0.7%.

Alex Kolb is the Growth & Income Stock Strategist for Zacks.com. He also writes the popular daily commentary column for the ZacksElite.com service. Zacks Investment Research

Chicago, IL – November 24, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Encore Capital Group, Inc. (ECPG), American Express Company (AXP), Arena Resources Inc. (ARD) and Avnet, Inc. (AVT).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Encore Capital Group, Inc. (ECPG)
Encore Capital Group, Inc. just set a new 52-week high following the recent earnings report, which topped expectations.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – American Express Company (AXP)
American Express Company has seen recent upward revisions of the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings. Shares staged a nice advance lately, outpacing the market by about 20% over the past 3 months.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – Arena Resources Inc. (ARD)
Arena Resources Inc. has posted big gains over the last 8 months on strong earnings and elevated energy prices.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – Avnet, Inc. (AVT)
Avnet, Inc. recently saw quarter over quarter growth as the global recession eased. The company is trading with a forward P/E of 13.2.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

On Monday, the 30-stock Dow Jones industrial average surged 132.79 points, or 1.29%, to 10,450.95.  The broad Standard & Poor's 500-stock index rose 14.86 points, or 1.36%, at 1,106.24 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index jumped 29.97 points, or 1.40%, to 2,176.01. Trading volume was light, with NYSE volume less than 1 billion shares, as advancing shares outran decliners by a four-to-one margin.  Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Vix, plummeted 4.6% to 21.16.

Treasuries lost ground as investors’ risk appetite grew.  A number of analyst upgrades also helped shares yesterday and after the close Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ) came out with strong numbers and also announced plans to triple its repurchase plan.

Among the DJIA components, all but two gained, led by Verizon (NYSE:VZ), up 3.0%, AT&T (NYSE:T), up 2.9%, General Electric (NYSE:GE), up 2.9%, and Chevron (NYSE:CVX), up 2.6%.  A Barron's article suggested AT&T (NYSE:T) shares undervalued due to concerns its exclusive iPhone contract with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) might not be extended next year; Verizon (NYSE:VZ) shares jumped shot up on hopes the exclusivity agreement might not be extended.  And Chevron (NYSE:CVX) shares gained from the dollar’s retreat.

All ten S&P 500 industry groups advanced, led by consumer services and telecommunications, both up 2.7%, oil and gas, up 1.6%, and industrial and tech shares, both up 1.5%.

Gold prices jumped to fresh highs yesterday, before giving up some ground to settle at $1164.70, up $17.90.  Meanwhile, the greenback dropped 0.7% to 75.13 against a basket of currencies.  This afternoon's FOMC meeting minutes will be scrutinised by investors for any evidence of a timing change for its asset purchase programs.  Such considerations are also key to the trajectory for gold pricing, viewed as an inflation hedge.

Earnings reports are due from Barnes and Noble (NYSE:BKS), Borders (NYSE:BGP), Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:DLTR), Heinz (NYSE:HNZ) and Hormel (NYSE:HRL).

Chicago, IL – November 24, 2009 - Zacks Research Equity Strategist Dirk Van Dijk says that S&P 500 earnings are continuing to show red ink. He tracks companies on the Zacks.com web site, naming names, while forecasting trends for the months ahead.

Be Thankful for a Strong Earnings Season

The broad increases in earnings estimates seems to reflect a much better short-term outlook for the economy. Note that some of the most cyclical areas such as Retailers, Materials and Autos are seeing a large preponderance of upward over downward earnings revisions, and that most of the firms in those sectors are seeing their consensus estimates increase.

On the other hand, the defensive Staples sector has a very high revisions ratio of 8.55, so it’s not just the cyclicals. Then again, given the great performance by the Staples on the surprise front, a strong estimate revisions performance is not surprising.

One industry that has seen some remarkable increases in their estimates for both this year and next is the Semiconductor Equipment industry, with firms like Applied Materials (AMAT), KLA-Tencor (KLAC) and Novellus (NVLS) all seeing no estimates cut and double-digit numbers of increases leading to very large percentage gains in their mean estimates. Those are what one might term new economy cyclicals. Many of the old economy cyclicals like Ford (F) and Cummins Engine (CMI) have also seen large estimate increases.

Want stock picks from Zacks Equity Research that are based on earnings estimates? Subscribe to the free "Profit from the Pros" newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5617.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5618.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms. It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

The best way to unlock profitable Zacks' stock recommendations and market insights is through the free daily email newsletter: "Profit from the Pros." It provides a steady flow of profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time. Register for your free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5616

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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.

Contact: Dirk Van Dijk, CFA
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9211
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Before we begin, let's explain the contrarian stance that makes Schaeffer's so unique. When searching for a bullish pick, we like to see heavy skepticism toward an outperforming stock, as this leaves ample room for upgrades or other positive catalysts to fuel the stock higher. When searching for a bearish pick, on the other hand, contrarians are looking for significant bullish sentiment toward an underperforming stock, as we believe an excess of optimism is a sign that everyone has already bought into the stock and sideline money is virtually tapped out.

However, keep in mind that some optimism and pessimism is genuinely warranted and isn't always a contrarian indicator - like an outperforming stock with many "buy" ratings or an underperforming stock with a plethora of "sell" ratings.

Climbing the long put ladder

On Thursday, BBY saw roughly 20,700 puts change hands - almost quintupling its average single-session volume of about 4,300 puts, and nearly three times the number of BBY calls traded. Most of the volume transpired along three strikes in the December series of options, as the 38-, 40-, and 42-strike puts each saw more than 5,000 contracts cross the tape.

Digging deeper into the data reveals that the majority of the aforementioned put activity was related. In fact, it seems one gutsy investor may have initiated a three-tiered put spread on BBY, which makes money if the stock finishes in a narrow window before options expiration.

More specifically, around noon on Thursday, BBY saw several blocks totaling 5,000 Dec 38 puts change hands for the bid price of $0.48, suggesting they were sold. At the same time, an equal amount of Dec 40 puts crossed the tape for the bid price of $0.88, indicating they were also sold. Meanwhile, a block of 5,000 Dec 42 puts traded for $1.58; assuming these higher-strike puts were purchased, we may have uncovered a long put ladder on BBY.

Since the premium paid for the in-the-money Dec 42 put exceeds the combined premium received for the two short puts, the play was established for a net debit of $0.22 ($1.58 - [$0.48 + $0.88]).

The objective of the long put ladder is for the shares of BBY to finish between the sold 38 and 40 strikes by the time December-dated options expire. While both the trader's bought 42-strike put and sold 40-strike put would finish in the money, the intrinsic value of the long put would outweigh the cost of buying back the short put, resulting in a profit.

However, the long put ladder isn't for the weak-stomached investor, as the maximum profit on the play is limited, while potential losses can get ugly in the wake of a significant downside move. In this instance, the spread strategist's maximum gain is capped at $1.78 (bought put strike - higher-strike sold put - net debit), while the maximum loss stands at $36.22 ([sold put strikes - bought put strike] + net debit), assuming the shares tumble to zero.

On the charts

Technically speaking, the shares of BBY have advanced nearly 53% since the start of the year, and have outperformed the broader S&P 500 Index (SPX) by 10% during the past 40 sessions. Supporting the stock has been its ascending 10-month trendline, which has contained the equity's pullbacks since March. What's more, this moving average recently made a bullish cross with its 20-month cohort, which often signals additional strength on the charts.

However, it's not difficult to see why the aforementioned ladder strategist is anticipating a rejection in the short-to-intermediate term. Shares of BBY touched a new 52-week high of $43.50 recently, but are now facing a possible speed bump in the overhead $44-$45 neighborhood. This region played the part of support from mid-2005 to early 2008, and could now switch roles and act as a technical ceiling for the shares.

Word on the Street

On the flip side, shares of BBY could get a boost from an unwinding of skepticism on the Street. Despite the stock's quest for new highs, 11 out of 20 ranking analysts still issue lukewarm "hold" or worse ratings, according to Zacks.

Near-term option traders are skeptical of BBY, too. The stock's Schaeffer's put/call open interest ratio (SOIR) has been creeping higher during the past couple of months, and currently rests at 1.30, in the 60th annual percentile. In other words, short-term option speculators are more bearishly biased than usual toward BBY.

Furthermore, short sellers continue to swarm the stock, regardless of its journey into the black. Short interest on the equity advanced 18% during just the past month, and now represents 21.6 million BBY shares, or 6.3% of the stock's total available float. At the security's average daily trading volume, it would take nearly a week for all of these pessimistic positions to unwind.

In conclusion...

BBY's steady trek higher on the charts, juxtaposed with the wide-spread skepticism on the Street, makes for a potential contrarian bullish play. Should the stock perforate potential resistance in the $45 neighborhood, the lingering bears could abandon ship. A wave of upgrades and/or price-target boosts, a reversal in sentiment in the options pits, or a short-squeeze situation, could all act as potential catalysts to the upside for BBY.

Zacks Investment Research

On Friday, the 30-share Dow Jones industrial average fell 14 points, or 0.1%, to close at 10,318.16.  The broader S&P 500 index closed 0.3% lower at 1091.38 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq finished the day at 2146.04, off 0.5%.  On the week, the Dow average managed to hang on to gains, registering a paltry 0.5% advance.  The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq fell 0.2% and 1%, respectively.  On the New York Stock Exchange, 1.1 billion shares exchanged hands, with declining issues ahead of those that advanced in price by a three-to-two margin.

Last week’s disappointing reports on housing and weak forecasts from technology companies had antsy investors swooping up safe haven investments like Treasury bonds and dollar.  The demand for safe havens also spiked after European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet remarked that the bank is planning to unwind some of its stimulus measures.  A higher dollar pushed crude prices lower and pressured stocks.

Nevertheless, at the center of the activity on the Wall Street is the ascending price of such physical assets as gold, which touched its fresh highs of $1146.80 on Friday, and a declining dollar.  The metal, although lacking fundamental valuation measures, has surged 29.7% so far this year.  Since India's central bank bought 200 tons from the IMF, the metal has jumped 11.5% on its dollar-alternative, safe-haven, inflation-resistant appeal.

Meanwhile, the decline in the US dollar has raised valuation expectations for the major industrial companies, with offshore sales expected to boost revenues.  Nevertheless, this week’s highlight remains today’s after-market-close earnings from Hewlett-Packard (NYSE:HPQ).  Last week the company preannounced strong quarterly numbers, anticipating record sales results of $30.36 billion, and earnings of $1.13, and also lifted its 2010 guidance.

Last week, the 1% decline in the technology shares came after weaker-than-expected guidance from two software companies, Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) and Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM), was compounded by disappointing numbers from Dell (NASDAQ:DELL).  Technology companies felt the heat after Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) reported quarterly earnings that were well below analysts’ expectations.  The company said sales of its computers to big businesses remain weak.  Shares in the company plunged 10% to $14.29.  So far in November, the NASDAQ has advanced 5%, and is up 36.1% year-to-date. 

The 0.2% pullback in S&P500 was caused by declines in oil and gas (-1.4%) and tech (-1.3%) sector shares that offset gains in health care issues (+1.5%) and basic materials (+1.2%).

The earnings calendar has slowed, but companies still due to report include: Campbell Soup (NYSE:CPB) on Monday; American Eagle (NYSE:AEO), Barnes and Noble (NYSE:BKS), Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:DLTR) on Tuesday, with Deere (NYSE:DE), J Crew (NYSE:JCG) and Tiffany (NYSE:TIF) on Wednesday.

Chicago, IL – November 23, 2009 – Zacks.com releases the list of companies likely to issue earnings surprises. This week’s list includes Deere (DE), Tyson (TSN) and BJ Services (BJS). To see more earnings analysis, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=3207.

Every day, Zacks.com makes 4 stock picks available, free of charge. To see them, go to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5612.

Give Thanks for a Great 3Q

Historically the best indicators of firms which are likely to report positive surprises are a recent history of positive surprises and rising estimates going into the report. The Zacks Rank is also a good indicator of potential surprises. Some of the companies that have these characteristics include:

Deere (DE) is expected to post EPS of just $0.05, down from $0.81 last year. That low expectation sets it up for a positive surprise. Last time out they beat by 73.7%. However there has been no change in the estimate over the last month, and the stock has a neutral Zacks Rank of 3

Tyson (TSN), the poultry producer, might just make its investors thankful. It is expected to earn $0.26, up from $0.14 last year. Last time out it beat by 83.3%. However, analysts have slightly shaved the mean estimate by 0.6% over the last month.

In keeping with the overall very positive tone of this earnings season, the potential negative firms are less clear cut. However:

BJ Services (BJS) is expected to post EPS of just $0.03, down from $0.57 last year. It badly missed estimates last time, reporting a loss instead of income and analysts have cut the estimates for this year’s quarter by 11.1% over the last month.

Dirk Van Dijk, CFA, is the Chief Equity Strategist for Zacks.com.

About the Zacks Rank

Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988, #1 Rank Stocks have generated an average annual return of +26%. 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 111% annually (-0.8% versus +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 the industries and the stocks poised to outperform the market. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=5614.

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 by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5615.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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.

Contact: Dirk Van Dijk, CFA
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9211
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.Zacks.com

Chicago, IL – November 20, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Universal Health Services, Inc (UHS), Crane Co. (CR), Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) and Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (CTB).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Universal Health Services, Inc (UHS)
Universal Health Services, Inc remains a good value as the Zacks Consensus Estimate continues to climb.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Crane Co. (CR)
Crane Co., which boasts an industry-leading yield of 2.7%, recently declared a quarterly dividend of 20 cents per share. The company also posted solid results for the third quarter, raising the lower end of its earnings outlook.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – Nordstrom Inc. (JWN)
Nordstrom Inc. continues to trade near its 52-week high on the heels of better than expected Q3 results.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (CTB)
Cooper Tire & Rubber Company has surprised on estimates 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 330.99%. The company trades is attractively valued with a forward P/E of 10.6.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

The spike in bond prices came even as the Treasury announced plans to auction a record $118 billion in new notes next week – an auction schedule of $44 billion 2-year notes on Monday, $42 billion 5-year notes Tuesday, and $32 billion 7-year notes on Wednesday.

The Dow, which had plunged as much as 170 points during the session, ended down 93.87 points, or 0.9%, to 10,332.44.  The broader Standard & Poor's 500 index fell 14.90 points, or 1.3%, to 1,094.90, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index dropped 36.32 points, or 1.7%, to 2,156.82.  Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Vix, jumped more than 4%.  Crude prices dropped $1.93 to $77.46. Gold prices rose to their fifth straight record close, up 70 cents to $1141.90.

As glimmers of a full-blown economic recovery fade, investors have increasingly become intolerant, locking in profits at every opportunity.  Also, a lack of conviction on part of the market to push beyond the current rally has been a dampener and concerns of an asset bubble build-up due to accommodative monetary policies have diminished risk appetites, sending daily average volume to levels of only about 1 billion.   

Nevertheless, to show not all is bad, the OECD raised its growth estimates for its 30-country members to 1.9% in 2010 from June's estimate of a 0.7% growth, and to a 2.5% GDP expansion in 2011.

Tech shares, already up 54.3% year-to-date, fell 1.7% Thursday, after Merrill's analyst slashed 2010 global growth targets, and downgraded ten companies in the semiconductor sector.  Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) shares fell 4.1%, and Texas Instruments (NYSE:TXN) retreated 3.4% after the downgrade.  Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) shares plunged 6.1% in premarket trading, after the company reported earnings that missed analysts’ projections.

Among the S&P 500 industry groups, energy producers, off 2.1%, were the biggest decliners.  ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) fell 1.9% and Chevron Corp. (NYSE:CVX) dropped 2% as crude prices fell for the first time in four days. Schlumberger Ltd. (NYSE:SLB) shares fell 3.3%.

Chicago, IL – November 19, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: OPNET Technologies, Inc. (OPNT), Gap Inc. (GPS), Fossil Inc. (FOSL) and Ameriprise Financial Inc. (AMP).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – OPNET Technologies, Inc. (OPNT)
OPNET Technologies, Inc. analysts are raising estimates after the company showed strong growth in a recent quarterly report.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Gap Inc. (GPS)
Gap Inc., which announces third-quarter results after today's closing bell, just declared a quarterly dividend of $0.085 per share, which translates into an industry-leading dividend yield of 1.5%. The company also reported sales growth for the month of October.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – Fossil Inc. (FOSL)
Fossil Inc. recently gapped higher and hit a new 52-week high on a strong Q3 earnings surprise.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – Ameriprise Financial Inc. (AMP)
Ameriprise Financial Inc. has seen revenue rise as the financial markets have rallied. The company has surprised on estimates 3 out of 4 quarters by an average of 50.73%. Ameriprise is trading with a forward P/E of 14.25.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

The Dow, which had slid as much as 77 points in the morning trading, closed down 11.11 points, or 0.1%, to 10,426.31.  The broader S&P 500 index slipped 0.52, or 0.1%, to 1,109.80, while the Nasdaq, hurt by the weakness in tech shares, fell 10.64, or 0.5%, to 2,193.14.  Bond prices fell, pushing yields higher. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose to 3.37% from 3.33% late Tuesday.  Crude prices advanced 44 cents to settle at $79.58 per barrel.  Volume remained light, with only 1.063 billion shares trading on the NYSE, and declining issues ahead of advancers by an 8 to 7 margin.

Technology shares were under pressure after Autodesk Inc. (NASDAQ:ADSK) and Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM) gave grim forecasts and BMO Capital Markets noted Research in Motion (NASDAQ:RIMM), the maker of Blackberry phones, faces increased pressure as consumers opt for cheaper phones.  However, shares in Sprint Nextel(NYSE:S) continued their forward run, jumping 6.7% after the previous session's 13% surge, on reports the company had paid off $1 billion in debt.

A weak housing report fuelled recovery concerns but shares in the sector managed to move higher after Citigroup (NYSE:C) raised Pulte Homes (NYSE:PHM) to “buy," saying the shares are "undeservedly out of favor." Citigroup raised its price target on the firm to to $12 from $11.  DR Horton (NYSE:DHI) rose 1.9% and Ryland (NYSE:RYL) advanced 0.8%, while Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL) fell 0.9%. 

Financials also helped stem the retreat as hedge fund operator John Paulson noted in a quarterly post to shareholders that Bank of America shares will reach $29.81 by the end of 2011.

Seven of the ten S&P500 industry sectors moved lower Wednesday.  Tech shares slipped 0.6%, followed by 0.5% declines in basic materials, industrials, and utilities, 0.4% drops in oil and gas, 0.2% retreat in consumer services, and a 0.01% fall in consumer goods.  Stemming the retreat in the sector were financials, up 0.8%, and telecommunications, up 0.2%.  In a quarterly post to shareholders, hedge fund operator John Paulson said he expects Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) shares to double over the next few years.

Chicago, IL – November 18, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Cantel Medical Corp (CMN), Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST), China Green Agriculture, Inc. (CGA) and DryShips Inc. (DRYS).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Cantel Medical Corp (CMN)
Cantel Medical Corp posted yet another earnings surprise with a 65% increase in net income.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)
Costco Wholesale Corporation recently posted October net sales of $5.68 billion, a 7% increase over last year’s $5.30 billion. Comparable sales spiked 5% year-over-year.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – China Green Agriculture, Inc. (CGA)
China Green Agriculture, Inc. is once again pressuring its 52-week high after jumping higher on a recent third-quarter earnings surprise.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – DryShips Inc. (DRYS)
DryShips Inc. is now a Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy) stock as estimates rise after a tough year where earnings per share dropped by 90%. The stock is now cheap, trading at just 6.6x forward earnings.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

Waning risk appetites sent gold prices up 20 cents to a fresh all-time high of $1,139.40.  Treasuries rose, pushing corresponding yields lower.  The yield on the benchmark 10-year note slipped to 3.33% from 3.34% late Monday.  Crude prices closed above $79 per barrel.  Copper prices rose to 14-months highs on expectations that China demand will remain robust.

A perpetual decline in the value of the dollar and record low interest rates in the US have driven stocks higher as investors, seeking higher return on their investments, have sought refuge in equities.  A subdued inflation has also proved welcome for the economy. 

This morning’s stock futures show a mixed opening on the Street.  Dow Jones industrial average futures are down 2 points, or about 0.1%, at 10,396.  Standard & Poor's 500 index futures are up 0.10, or nearly 0.1%, at 1,107.50, while Nasdaq 100 index futures are down 5.50, or 0.3%, at 1.803.25.

On Tuesday, the 30-share Dow Jones industrial average rose 30.46 points, or 0.3%, to 10,437.42, its highest close since October 2, 2008.  The Dow had jumped 136 points Monday after the retail sales report.  The broad Standard & Poor's 500-stock index inched up 1.02 points, or 0.09%, at 1,110.32 and the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index gained 5.93 points, or 0.27%, to 2,203.78.  Meanwhile, the price of US Treasuries continued to gain, with the 10-year up 7/32 as its yield eased to 3.323%.  On the New York Stock Exchange, volume slowed to 972,000 shares with declining shares ahead of advancing issues by an 8 to 7 margin. The Vix volatility measure fell 2.1% to 22.41.

Six of the ten S&P500 industry sectors managed gains yesterday, led by gains in basic material shares (+1.1%), technology (+0.5%), and telecommunications (+0.5%).  Consumer service shares (-0.4%), oil and gas (-0.2%), utilities (-0.2%) led on the downside, with industrials shedding 0.04%.

The US dollar gained against a basket of currencies yesterday in a delayed reaction to Fed Chairman Bernanke's remarks that the Fed is "attentive to implications of changes in the value of the dollar," as well as indications the Fed may be inching toward more restrictive policy measures as financial markets show signs of improvement.

A cautious holiday season guidance from major retailers such as Target (NYSE:TGT) and Home Depot (NYSE:HD) weighed on retail shares. Target (NYSE:TGT), down 3.0% on Tuesday, said average transaction size has dwindled in November, adding it sees lower fourth quarter same-store-sales.  Home Depot (NYSE:HD), off 2.4%, provided below-consensus fourth quarter guidance, saying its markets remain under pressure.  Ford (NYSE:F) shares, meanwhile, rose to their two-year high on news its Fusion hybrid was named Motor Trend's 2010 Car of the Year.

Chicago, IL – November 17, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Ctrip.com International Ltd. (CTRP), Casey's General Stores Inc. (CASY), Skechers USA Inc. (SKX) and Bristow Group Inc. (BRS).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Ctrip.com International Ltd. (CTRP)
Ctrip.com International Ltd. has been taking advantage of the rebound in the Chinese economy. The company is expected grow 2009 earnings by 35.79%.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Casey's General Stores Inc. (CASY)
Casey's General Stores Inc. is watching analysts boost estimates ahead of reporting fiscal second quarter results in early December. For the year ending April 2010, the Zacks Consensus Estimate jumped from $2.19 to $2.21 per share in 1 month’s time.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – Skechers USA Inc. (SKX)
Skechers USA Inc. reported third-quarter results on Oct 21 that came in far ahead of expectations on strong international sales and margin expansion.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – Bristow Group Inc. (BRS)
Bristow Group Inc. has surprised on estimates 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 10.50%. The company is trading at 11.7x forward earnings.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

Gold advanced 2% to fresh record highs; and the price of silver jumped 5.9%.  The initial gains in the equity prices followed strength in Asian markets yesterday.  Strength in Asia was partly helped by reports that said Japanese economy grew at its fastest pace in over two years, up 1.2% during the third quarter.  To add to the bullish mood in the region, leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation promised to keep the stimulus measures in place.

On Monday, the 30-stock Dow Jones industrial average rose 136.49 points, or 1.33%, to 10,406.96. The broad Standard & Poor's 500-stock index was up 15.82 points, or 1.45%, at 1,109.30. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index gained 29.97 points, or 1.38%, to 2,197.85.  On the New York Stock Exchange, 25 stocks were higher in price for every six that declined.

Bernanke warned of threatening headwinds from rising unemployment and tight credit but added comments supporting the government’s stimulus measures.  Yields on US Treasuries declined, with the yield on the 2-years touching its lowest since last January.  At session's end, Meredith Whitney questioned the fundamentals of the current stock market rally, and said she expected a double-dip recession next year.

Analysts, meanwhile, raised their ratings on number of firms.  Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) raised its rating on Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN) from "neutral" to "buy," saying the firm would be a "key beneficiary of a recovery in high-end consumer" demand.  Goldman's analysts also started their coverage on Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) with a "buy" rating, saying the company would benefit from the PC upgrade cycle.  JP Morgan's (NYSE:JPM) added US Steel (NYSE:X) and AK Steel (NYSE:AKS) to its focus list.

A number of key retailer results are slated for today's release, looked to for guidance on current consumer demand. Among companies reporting today are: Home Depot (NYSE:HD), Target (NYSE:TGT), TJ Maxx (NYSE:TJX), Saks (NYSE:SKS), Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK), and Salesforce.com (NYSE:CRM).

Chicago, IL – November 17, 2009 - Zacks Research Equity Strategist, Dirk Van Dijk says that S&P 500 earnings are continuing to show red ink. He tracks companies on the Zacks.com web site, naming names, while forecasting trends for the months ahead.

Great Earnings Season Coming to an End

It’s almost time to close the books on a fantastic earnings season. With over 90% of reports in, there have been 353 which have exceeded expectations while only 66 have fallen short, a ratio of 5.35. While it is true that most companies will normally try to under-promise and over-deliver, this quarter the beats are beating the misses by about twice the normal margin of 3:1.

Nor have all the surprises only been by a penny or two, but there have been lots of companies that simply crushed the earnings estimates. The median surprise is a very high 7.11%. Over the last five years, a median surprise of about 3.0% has been normal.

Part of the reason is that expectations were set very low going into the earnings season. For most companies, their earnings are still below year-ago levels, just not as far down as people thought they would be. Only 202 firms have posted positive year-over-year growth versus 259 which have fallen short of year-ago levels -- a ratio of 0.78.

The disparity between firms beating estimates but having negative year-over-year earnings growth is particularly noticeable in Tech, where the earnings surprise ratio is an awesome 8.50. However, the growth ratio (# of firms with positive growth/# of firms with negative growth) is just 0.60. Energy’s surprise ratio is not quite as high, at 3.38, but the disparity to its growth ratio, at just 0.05, is extreme. Staples and Medical have been both growing earnings and beating expectations.

For Industrials, some of the firms in this sector that have seen double-digit increases in both their mean estimate, and double digit numbers of estimate increases and had no cuts over the last month include Caterpillar (CAT), Eaton (ETN) and Illinois Tool Works (ITW).

Want stock picks from Zacks Equity Research that are based on earnings estimates? Subscribe to the free "Profit from the Pros" newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5617.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5618.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms. It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

The best way to unlock profitable Zacks' stock recommendations and market insights is through the free daily email newsletter: "Profit from the Pros." It provides a steady flow of profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time. Register for your free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5616

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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.

Contact: Dirk Van Dijk, CFA
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9211
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

On Friday, the 30-stock Dow Jones industrial average rose 73 points, or 0.72%, to 10,270.47. The broad Standard & Poor's 500-stock index was up 6.24 points, or 0.57%, at 1,093.48. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index advanced 18.86 points, or 0.88%, to 2,167.88.  For the week the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index jumped 2.3% to 1,093.48.  The Dow average rose 247.05 points, or 2.5%, to 10,270.47, following its 3.2% advance the prior week.

The spike in commodities came after the greenback fell Friday on news that the trade deficit widened more than expected in September.  Commodities, which are priced in US dollar, benefit from a decline in the currency.

Nevertheless, the greenback's weakened status remains a foreign policy issue of contention, and is likely to weigh on President Obama’s tone in China.  Meanwhile, brushing aside concerns of potential asset bubbles in China, the Chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, instead, cautioned the weak dollar "is boosting speculative investment in stock and property markets and will pose new, real and insurmountable risks to the global recovery and particularly to the recovery in emerging markets."

Treasury Secretary Geithner last week repeated the Administration's commitment towards a strong dollar; nevertheless, the impact of a weak dollar on improving American products' competitive positioning overseas markets is widely expected to help the sustainability of a fragile recovery in the US.

On Friday, the Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS) said quarterly profit rose 18%, helped by higher revenue at its cable, broadcast and movie studio divisions.  Abercrombie (NYSE:ANF) reported better-than-estimated results, while J.C. Penney (NYSE:JCP) raised its earnings and revenue outlook, offsetting a lower-than-expected consumer sentiment post from the University of Michigan.

Among retailers reporting during the week are: Lowe's (NYSE:LOW) and Pacific Sunwear of California (NASDAQ:PSUN) today; Home Depot (NYSE:HD), Target (NYSE:TGT) and TJ Maxx (NYSE:TJX) on Tuesday; BJ's Wholesale (NYSE:BJ) and the Limited (NYSE:LTD) on Wednesday; Sears Holding (NYSE:SHLD), Gap (NYSE:GPS) on Thursday.

A busy Fed calendar includes today's comments from Bernanke; on Tuesday from Lacker, and Pianalto; on Thursday from Plosser, Fisher, Ghosn and Rattner; and on Friday from Plosser. Treasury Secretary Geithner speaks on Tuesday and Thursday.

Granted these stocks have always been available on our website by sifting through the Zacks #1 Rank list. Unfortunately it's been difficult to provide these recommendations in any of our subscription services because each one had too many members on board. If they all bought or sold the same stock at the same time, then the price would move too much and the potential for great returns would be eroded. So for years we stewed over this problem, wondering what to do with all of these profitable picks.

The "Ah Ha!" Moment

Sometimes the answer is right in front of your face. Such was the case here. In fact the answer is so simple that it's almost embarrassing to mention it now.

If the problem is that these small cap picks can't be shared with too many investors at the same time, then the solution is to have an exclusive service with fewer subscribers on board. This solution got the wheels turning on what we believe will be our most profitable service yet, the Zacks Small Cap Trader.

Below I will share with you some of the findings from the research study that went into the creation of this new service. This information will help you pick more profitable stocks even if you never subscribe to the Small Cap Trader.

4 Factors All in Your Favor

Hopefully by now you know that our Zacks Rank stock picking system is based upon 4 factors. Let's quickly run down the 4 factors and explain how small caps garner the lion's share of the benefit.

1. Agreement: This is about the percentage of analysts who are in "agreement" that the earnings outlook for the company has improved. The greater the agreement of the analysts that future earnings will be moving higher, the more comfortable investors feel about getting on board. Small caps have fewer analysts covering the stocks. Thus, it's much easier to get 100% agreement from 2 to 4 analysts than 10+ analysts who would normally cover larger stocks. This leads to more investors buying up shares pushing prices higher.

2. Magnitude: Here we are talking about the size of the percentage change in earnings estimates. If estimates increase from $1.00 to $1.02 that's nice. If they increase to $1.20 that is a whole lot better and will attract more investor attention. As you might imagine small cap stocks can grow much faster than their larger counter parts. Thus, much more likely to have significant changes in their earnings outlook which is a sirens song that attracts growth investors to the shares.

3. Upside: This factor concentrates on the most accurate estimates versus the consensus which shows the upside potential going into the next earnings announcement. Meaning it's a leading indicator of potential earnings surprises. Small caps quite often have the biggest potential for earnings surprises. And this factor allows you to get on board these stocks BEFORE the announcement and before the stock jumps on the news.

4. Surprise: Stocks that had a positive surprise in the past are more likely to do it again in the future. Further, the bigger the surprise in the past, the bigger the potential surprise the next time around. By now it's getting kind of obvious. If you guessed that small caps generate the biggest earnings surprises and subsequent gains…then you are correct.

The data for each of these 4 factors is available for free on Zacks.com. Just go to the Estimates page for your stocks and you will discover the information there. Note that each of these factors individually helps investors pick better stocks. But when you blend them together in the Zacks Rank it puts an almost unfair advantage in the hands of investors…apply it to small cap stocks and the advantage could be called "obscene".

Good. Better. Best

Our research study covers the period from January 2000 through end of September 2009. That means we have two bear markets and only one bull market in that time frame. Certainly not the most lucrative time for stock investors as the S&P 500 actually fell on average of -2.8% per year over that stretch.

Things got going in the right direction when we narrowed our focus to just Zacks #1 Ranked stocks which rose +17.6% during that same time. When we turned our gaze to just the small cap #1 Ranked stocks the returns came up a bit more. Then with more fine tuning on parameters we ended up with a group of #1 Ranked small caps with a +32.7% average annual return.

To be honest, the above paragraph does not do justice to the outperformance in play here. If you put $100,000 into these prime stocks then, you'd now be sitting on portfolio worth $1,473,400. Compare that to the losses most everyone endured in those trying years.

But it's important to note that not all small caps are created equal. However, through our rigorous testing, we believe we've come up with the right blend of metrics to help us pick the best of the best from the small cap universe.

How to Find the Best Small Cap Stocks

As noted earlier, we need to limit the number of subscribers who will receive these potent small cap picks. So we have created a Priority Waiting List for folks to join. There is no cost or obligation. Joining this list simply entitles you to receive further insight on this small cap trading strategy and how the stock picks it produces could help you greatly outperform the market in the years ahead. Note the Priority List closes Saturday November 14th @ midnight. So if you are interested, then follow the link below.

Just click here to learn more.

Best,

Steve Reitmeister

Steve is the Executive Vice President in charge of Zacks.com and all of its subscription services. He helped create the new Zacks Small Cap Trader service to help investors capture the biggest profits available from the proven Zacks Rank stock rating system. About Zacks Small Cap Trader.

Chicago, IL – November 13, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN), Polaris Industries Inc. (PII), Herbalife Ltd. (HLF) and Healthspring, Inc. (HS).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Priceline.com Inc. (PCLN)
Priceline.com Inc. recently reported third quarter results that beat big for the fourth consecutive quarter. Analysts expect earnings growth of 35.34% in 2009.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Polaris Industries Inc. (PII)
Polaris Industries Inc. recently declared a quarterly dividend of 39 cents per share, which translates into an industry-leading yield of 3.4%. In mid-October, the company announced third-quarter earnings of 94 cents per share, which was below the previous year’s $1.13 but 12% ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – Herbalife Ltd. (HLF)
Herbalife Ltd. recently spike higher after reporting better than expected third-quarter results.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – Healthspring, Inc. (HS)
Healthspring, Inc. has surprised on estimates 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 6.45%. The stock is cheap. It trades at just 6.7x forward earnings and has a PEG ratio of 0.67.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

The strength in US dollar, based upon its safe-haven appeal, undermined investors' appetites for riskier, high-yielding assets such as equities as upside guidance from DJIA components Wal-Mart and Hewlett-Packard failed to stem the retreat.

The Dow Jones industrial average fell 94 points, or 0.9%, to close at 10,197.47.  The S&P 500 retreated 11 points, or 1%, to close at 1,087.24, after climbing to an intraday high of 1,101.97.  The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index retreated 18 points, or 0.8%, to settle at 2,149.02.  On the New York Stock Exchange, declining issues outpaced those that advanced in price by a four-to-one margin as volume slowed to 828 million shares.

Twenty-six of the thirty Dow average components ended lower, with energy and financial shares leading the decliners.  The CBOE Vix volatility gauge jumped 5.21% to 24.24.  Gold prices fell $8 to $1106.60. 

On the S&P 500, shares of financial companies were the second-steepest decliners among the 10 industry groups, falling 1.8%.  Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) dropped 2.3% to $16.06 and JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) fell 2.3% to $43.30.  Energy shares slumped 2% and led the decliners among 10 groups.  The falling shares wiped off an earlier advance in tech shares that was fueled by Hewlett-Packard Co.’s (NYSE:HPQ) takeover of 3Com Corp. (NASDAQ:COMS).

Meanwhile, the US Treasury said budget deficit widened to $176.4 billion in October, the largest October shortfall on record and the fifth largest monthly deficit ever.  Economists had expected a $150 billion shortfall.

I’m going to ignore Matt’s twitter-length rebuttal of my last post, and instead point to an excellent set of data that just appeared in my inbox. State Street Global Advisors publishes (as many firms do) a monthly report on the ETF industry. What grabbed me this time was the short-interest report.

It should come as no surprise that ETFs are heavily shorted. After all, one of the great things about ETFs is that phrase “exchange-traded.” It means you can fold, twist and mutilate an ETF just like you can any other stock, and that means that if you can find it to borrow, you can short it. And since many ETFs are phenomenally liquid, they can be pretty easy to locate for shorting.

Overall, short interest in ETFs as reported on Oct. 15 was 11.84 percent. This is substantially higher than the number for the market as a whole; NYSE short interest was 3.51 percent overall. It’s worth nothing that this is a fairly high historical level for the NYSE—it hovers a bit above 2 percent over the last 10 or so years. Given the recent rally in many segments of the market, I’d actually expect it to be high. But what I wasn’t expecting was the extraordinary short-interest levels in certain sectors of the market:

Let’s cut through the haze here a bit. The “Size: Large-Cap” means the S&P 500 SPDR (NYSEArca: SPY). It is—as of the end of October—the most heavily shorted issue on the NYSE, with some 287 million shares short at the end of October. With some 700 million shares outstanding, this explains the lion’s share of that line item. I was equally unsurprised to see the heavy short position in financials, a figure dominated by the sizable short interest in the Financial Select Sector SPDF (NYSEArca: XLF), or small-cap stocks (explained primarily by a huge short interest in iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSEArca: IWM), as they’re up nearly 75 percent from the March lows.

But consumer staples? Consumer staples, most easily tracked by the Select Sector SPDR of the same name (NYSEArca: XLP) or the competitive iShares product (NYSEArca: KXI), has been a laggard in the recent stock market rally. While consumer discretionary stocks have been on a tear, putting that sector up 43 percent in the last year, consumer staples—which includes stocks like Procter & Gamble and Wal-Mart—are up just over 10 percent. From the March lows, of course, all did better, but no matter how you slice it, staples have been a laggard, not a leader.

Granted, you can only call something that has rallied 40 percent a “laggard” with a bit of a wink, but compared with the near-double of consumer discretionary stocks? This surprising bearishness is completely borne out in the options market, where there are 12,611 puts outstanding for November, vs. just 2,759 calls (for a 4.5:1 put/call ratio). By contrast, in XLY, there are 19,471 November puts outstanding to 7,264 calls (or 2.7:1).

Personally, I don’t generally play around with rotating sectors, but this did come as a shock to me. Since ETF shares are destroyed and created based on trading and investment demand, the implication here is that three out of every four shares of XLP exist at the whim of people making negative bets on the sector (of course, those three shares also represent someone else’s long bet, since every short position has an offsetting long somewhere out there.

With all the daily blather about moving averages, double-tops and candlestick formations, this is one indicator I can put some faith in, because it’s a reasonable representation of real traders’ sentiment, and a substantial amount of pent-up purchasing should those shorts decide to cover.

Chicago, IL – November 12, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Jo-Ann Stores Inc. (JAS), Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. (PVH), Group 1 Automotive Inc. (GPI) and NBTY Inc. (NTY).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Jo-Ann Stores Inc. (JAS)
Jo-Ann Stores Inc. is hiring for the holidays and saw a jump in third quarter same-store sales. Analysts expect earnings per share growth in 2010 of 170.26%. Even with the massive growth, the company is trading with a PEG ratio of just 0.99.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. (PVH)
Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. is seeing higher forecasts ahead of reporting third-quarter results next week. The full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.49 per share was increased from last month’s $2.46.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – Group 1 Automotive Inc. (GPI)
Group 1 Automotive Inc. is up more than 200% in the last 8 months, but analysts see more upside, with the next-year estimate projecting 35% earnings growth.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – NBTY Inc. (NTY)
NBTY Inc. just posted record results for the fiscal fourth quarter as sales jumped 12%. The company is not only a value stock but analysts expect earnings to grow at 13.75% over the next 5 years. NBTY has a PEG ratio of just 0.90.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

The Dow Jones industrial average, which hit an intraday high of 10,341, advanced 44 points, or 0.4%, to close at 10,291.26. The S&P 500 added 6 points, or 0.5%, to close at 1,098.51, and the tech-laden Nasdaq composite rose 16 points, or 0.7%, to end the day at 2,166.90.  On the New York Stock Exchange, 19 stocks were higher in price for every 11 that declined

Nine of the ten S&P500 industry groups ended in the green, with financials (+1.3%), basic materials (+1.0%) and technology (+0.7%) leading the gainers.  Utilities fell 0.2%.  On the DJIA, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) led the advancing issues as the firm’s CEO noted the integration of Merrill was running ahead of schedule, and will result in greater-than-anticipated cost savings in 2009.  Wal-Mart (NYSE:WMT) advanced 1.3% ahead of this morning's results.

Shares in home building companies rose after Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL) said late Tuesday that signed contracts for new homes in its latest quarter jumped 42%.  Toll rose $3.02, or 16.4%, to $21.41.  Pulte Homes Inc. (NYSE:PHM) advanced 77 cents, or 8.1%, to $10.23, while Beazer Homes (NYSE:BZH) advanced 63 cents, or 12.4%, to $5.73.

Meanwhile, the greenback plunged to its lowest level since 2008 and ended the day just below $1.50 against the euro.  The steady decline in the greenback has been precipitated by continuing suggestions from the Fed that interest rates will remain low for an extended period as the recovery strengthens.  Across the globe, markets have interpreted this language as suggesting a mid-2010 timetable for raising rates. 

However, gold prices steered clear of wavering sentiment and hit an all-time high Wednesday at $1114.60 per troy ounce, up $12.10.  China reported greater-than-expected industrial output and retail sales, sending resource-related shares higher. Commodity prices also rose, with the broad-based, DJ-UBS index up 0.6% to 133.408. Crude prices gained, up 0.3% to $79.28.

Today's retailers' results will be an indication of consumers' appetites for goods.  Although the third quarter is seasonally slow, the current quarter numbers will be closely watched as the holiday season approaches.  Yesterday's reported loss at Macy's (NYSE:M) was less than anticipated; however, its raised fourth quarter guidance failed to meet expectations. Companies reporting results today include: Kohl's (NYSE:KSS), Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN), Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ:URBN) and another key consumer-driven firm, Disney (NYSE:DIS).
 

Chicago, IL – November 11, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Starbucks Corporation (SBUX), Harris Corporation (HRS), World Fuel Services Corp. (INT) and United Stationers Inc. (USTR).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)
Starbucks Corporation has been in a turnaround mode the last few quarters. Last week it posted its third earnings surprise in a row. Its turnaround strategy appears to be paying off for shareholders as the stock is now trading at new 52-week highs.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Harris Corporation (HRS)
Harris Corporation recently posted fiscal first-quarter earnings of 83 cents per share, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9%. The company also hiked its earnings guidance and analysts followed suit.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – World Fuel Services Corp. (INT)
World Fuel Services Corp. just reported better than expected Q3 results, making it four out of the last four quarters that the company has beat the Street.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – United Stationers Inc. (USTR)
United Stationers Inc. has surprised on the Zacks Consensus Estimate 4 consecutive quarters by an average of 28.24% as inventory reduction has boosted the bottom line. The company is trading with a forward P/E of 13.32.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
 

Chicago, IL – November 11, 2009 - Zacks Research Equity Strategist, Dirk Van Dijk says that S&P 500 earnings are continuing to show red ink. He tracks companies on the Zacks.com web site, naming names, while forecasting trends for the months ahead.

Earnings Season in Home Stretch

For a large sector, the revisions ratio of 9.07 for the Industrials is extremely impressive, and would seem to support the idea that the economy is gaining some real traction. More than five times as many firms in the sector saw their mean estimate for 2010 rise over the last month than suffered a decline in their expectations.

Some of the firms in the sector that have seen double-digit increases in both their mean estimate and double-digit numbers of estimate increases and have had no cuts over the last month include Caterpillar (CAT), Eaton (ETN) and Illinois Tool Works (ITW).

Want stock picks from Zacks Equity Research that are based on earnings estimates? Subscribe to the free "Profit from the Pros" newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5617.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5618.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms. It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin.

The best way to unlock profitable Zacks' stock recommendations and market insights is through the free daily email newsletter: "Profit from the Pros." It provides a steady flow of profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time. Register for your free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5616

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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.

Contact:
Dirk Van Dijk
Director of Research
312-265-9211
Visit: www.zacks.com

The Standard & Poor's 500 Index shed 0.01%, to 1,093.01 and the technology-laden Nasdaq Composite Index slipped 2.98 points, or 0.14%, to close at 2,151.08.  On the New York Stock Exchange, three stocks declined in price for every two that rose.  Volume was light as only 990 million shares exchanged hands.

Record low interest rates and a sliding dollar have helped stocks in recent months as investors have taken their focus away from some of the persistent worries of the economy.  Also, with the Federal Reserve continuing its highly accommodative monetary stance and the G20 finance ministers pledging to keep economic stimulus in place, risk appetites have received a boost lately. 

Of the $81 billion in Treasury auction scheduled for this week, yesterday’s $25 billion sale of 10-year notes witnessed decent demand, following robust demand for the $40 billion in 3-year notes on Monday. Bond markets are closed today for Veterans Day.

Shipping company FedEx Corp. (FDX) yesterday said it expects to ship more than 13 million packages on December 14, its busiest shipping day of the year.  United Parcel Service Inc (NYSE:UPS) said it sees growth in its volumes next year as the global economy recovers.  American Express (NYSE:AXP) said cardholder spending grew in October, with billing up 3%.

Meanwhile, Bank of America's (NYSE:BAC) Ken Lewis noted his firm is "keeping its head above water" this year.  Bob Toll of Toll Brothers (NYSE:TOL) noted, "Home buyers began to emerge from their bunkers in late March 2009 and the market continued to gain momentum up to Labor Day.  Since then demand has been volatile. This may be due in part to typical seasonality, but the more likely cause is concern about unemployment and the overall economy."

A number of Fed speakers yesterday sung the tone of caution, while mostly agreeing on the fragility of the economic recovery.  Both Lockhart and Yellen warned unemployment rate may remain high for the next several years.  Rosengren warned that with high unemployment levels, the US economy is not yet in a position to warrant exit strategies.  This morning Treasury Secretary Geithner reiterated the importance of the dollar strength for the health of the US economy.

1. MAKING SENSE OF THE STOCK MARKET
2. THE SECRET TO TIGER WOODS SUCCESS…AND OURS
3. DEVELOPING STOCK TRADING INTUITION

Screen of the Week written by Kevin Matras of Zacks Investment Research:

The Price to Earnings ratio (or P/E) is probably the most common ratio in determining whether a company is under or overvalued.

However, the Price to Cash Flow (or P/CF) is another great ratio to do just that.

Cash of course is vital to a company's financial health, especially nowadays, in order to finance operations, invest in the business, etc.

And cash can't really be manipulated on the Income Statement like earnings can.

The reason why some people like this measurement better than the P/E ratio is that the net income of the Cash Flow portion rightly adds back in depreciation and amortization, since these are not cash expenditures.

Whereas the net income that goes into the Earnings portion of the P/E ratio does not add these in, thus artificially reducing the income and skewing the P/E ratio.

So many analysts prefer using the Price to Cash Flow metric to judge a stock's value.

And just like the P/E ratio is calculated by dividing the Price by its Earnings per share -- the Price to Cash Flow ratio is calculated by dividing the Price by its Cash Flow per share.

Also like a P/E ratio, the lower the number, the better.

Currently, the average Price to Cash Flow (P/CF) for the stocks in the S&P 500 is 9.6. For the 12-month forward P/E ratio, it’s 15.3.

But just like the P/E ratio, a value of less than 15 to 20 is generally considered good.

But make sure you compare the stock's P/CF to its Industry, since different Industries will have different numbers that are considered normal.

For example: the average Price/Cash Flow for Gold Mining companies is about 30, whereas it’s about 3 for Telecom.

Screen

The screen I'm running today is relatively simple:

• Zacks Rank = 1
  (Only Strong Buys get thru.)
• One Year Projected Growth Rate >= Average for the S&P 500
  (Looking for above-market growth rates.)
• Current Cash Flow >= 5 Year Average Cash Flow
  (I want to see the Company's cash position improving.)
• Price to Cash Flow less than or equal to Median for its Industry
  (I want to see Companies with valuations lower than the median for their respective groups.)

There were 30 stocks that came thru this week's screen. Here are 5 of them:

BARE Bare Escentuals, Inc.
CMN Cantel Medical Corp.
HS HealthSpring, Inc.
TTC Toro Company
VIA.B Viacom Inc.

Start looking for value stocks in new ways with this week's screen. Sign up now for your free trial today and start picking better stocks immediately. And with the backtesting feature, you can test your ideas to see how you can improve your trading in both up markets and down markets. Don't wait for the market to get better before you decide to do better. Start learning how to be a better trader today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5529

Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.

About Screen of the Week

Zacks.com created the first and best screening system on the web earning the distinction as the "#1 site for screening stocks" by Money Magazine. But powerful screening tools is just the start. That is why Zacks created the Screen of the Week to highlight profitable stock picking strategies that investors can actively use. Each week, Zacks Profit from the Pros free email newsletter shares a new screening strategy. Learn more about it here http://at.zacks.com/?id=5530

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=5531

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Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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.

Contact: Jim Giaquinto
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9268
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.Zacks.com

Chicago, IL – November 10, 2009 – Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry’s leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Lumber Liquidators, Inc. (LL), Syntel (SYNT), J. Crew Group Inc. (JCG) and RPM International Inc. (RPM).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

Zacks #1 Rank Stocks have nearly tripled the S&P 500 since 1988, producing an average annual return of +26%. Performance has been notable even during volatile and down times. For example, during the last bear market, 2000-2002, the market tumbled -37.6% – but Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%.

Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth – Lumber Liquidators, Inc. (LL)
Lumber Liquidators, Inc. expects to open an additional 34 to 36 stores in 2009 despite the challenging retail environment. Analysts expect year over year earnings growth in 2009 of 15.37%.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income – Syntel (SYNT)
Syntel recently declared a regular quarterly dividend of 6 cents per share, which translates into an industry-leading yield of 0.6%. The company also reported third-quarter earnings of 73 cents per share, eclipsing last year’s 54 cents and topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 24%.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum – J. Crew Group Inc. (JCG)
J. Crew Group Inc. is trading higher ahead of its Nov 24 Q3 earnings announcement, keeping the momentum from the company's strong Q2 results in tact.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value – RPM International Inc. (RPM)
RPM International Inc. recently raised its dividend for the 36th consecutive year. Analysts expect earnings growth of 20.41% in fiscal 2010.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Follow us on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.