About Zacks Equity Research

Philosophy
Our firm has long believed that that quantitative models (like the Zacks Rank) can predict stock prices more accurately than individual analysts. However we also recognize that models are most effective when they are employed by analysts who have deep fundamental knowledge of the company and its industry. Consequently Zacks Equity Research combines Zacks quantitative models with the insight provided by experienced equity analysts to create superior long term stock recommendations.

Our Recommendations
Zacks Equity Analysts issue recommendations and target prices for each company in their coverage universe based on a six-month time horizon. These are known as the "Zacks Recommendations" as to be differentiated from the Zacks Rank.

Buy Recommendations: We expect these stocks to outperform the broad market indexes over the next six-months.

Hold Recommendations: We expect these stocks to perform in-line with the broad market indexes over the next six-months.

Sell recommendations: We expect these stocks to under-perform the broad market indexes over the next six-months.

What is the Difference Between the Zacks Recommendation and Zacks Rank?
This is the most frequently asked question about Zacks Equity Research. This can explained on a couple of levels.

1) What is the Purpose of Each Rating?
The Zacks Rank is a short term indicator of stock performance that is effective for 1-3 months. The Zacks Recommendation is meant to be a longer term rating of 6+ months. Which is more valuable? They are both excellent predictors of future performance. Use the one that best fits your investment time horizon.

2) How are they created?
The Zacks Rank is a 100% quantitative model based on four factors such as earnings estimate revisions and earnings surprises. (Learn more about the Zacks Rank in our free guide).

The Zacks Recommendation process starts with a new quantitative model that employs the Zacks Rank. Then our Equity Analysts overlay their own qualitative insights to create a unique recommendation based on a 6 month time horizon.

The best way to judge the value of the Zacks Recommendations is through their performance. On the following page we provide you insight into the performance of both our Buy and Sell recommendations versus the S&P 500. We also break it down our recommendations by industry to show our expertise in each field. View Zacks Equity Research Performance.

The above is an overview of the difference between these two powerful stock ratings systems. Learn more here.

Company Research Reports
We have research reports for over 4000 companies. Some are in-depth Analyst reports and some are 1-page Snapshot reports. What's the difference? Learn more here.

Zacks Research Resources

Zacks Equity Research Home: All the articles, recommendations and reports from Zacks Equity Research can be found here. Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference.

Quote Page: Premium members to our site can get the Zacks Recommendation along with the Zacks Rank for stocks on the quote pages of Zacks.com

Portfolio Tracker and Daily Email Updates: Zacks Premium members who track their portfolios on Zacks.com get a daily email update which provides vital updates such as changes in the Zacks Rank and Zacks Recommendation for the stocks you are following.