Top Performer for Tuesday: Career Education Corp. (CECO)

The Schools industry continues to be well represented on the Zacks #1 Rank List. The space benefits during tough economic times as workers look to improve their qualifications.

Excluding CECO, there are 4 other Schools companies on today's list, including Capella Education Co. (CPLA - Analyst Report), Corinthian Colleges Inc. (COCO - Snapshot Report), Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE - Snapshot Report) and ITT Educational Services, Inc. (ITT - Analyst Report). There are 205 stocks on today's list.

Earnings estimates for CECO continue to move in the right direction. Analysts have boosted expectations for this year by 49% over the past 2 months, including a gain of 7.9% in 30 days.

Estimates for next year have advanced 31% in 2 months, putting the outlook at a level that would improve upon this year's current profit expectation by 43%.

CECO could be poised for further appreciation if its first-quarter report on May 6 cooperates. Analysts currently expect 32 cents for the quarter, which is up 39% from 2 months ago.

In its fourth quarter, CECO reported earnings per share, excluding items, of 43 cents, which was almost 105% better than the consensus.