Wednesday - September 6, 2006
 Want to view the archive of past issues? Go to: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2319. Manage Profit from the Pros subscription: 1. ZACKS RANK BUY STOCKS Zacks #1 Ranked stocks average a 32.4% annual return. Every day on Zacks.com we highlight four new Zacks Rank Buy stocks. Each individual stock is chosen based on how well they match the criteria for the four main schools of investing: Aggressive Growth, Momentum, Growth & Income and Value. Aggressive Growth – Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ) Zumiez Inc. (ZUMZ) reported that same-store sales for the month of August rose 4.7 percent. Total sales for the four weeks ended Aug. 26 increased 36.4 percent to $33.7 million from $24.7 million last year. The stock still looks attractive at about 22x next year's earnings estimate. Read the full analysis on ZUMZ at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2498. Growth & Income – AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) AstraZeneca PLC (AZN), first highlighted as a Growth and Income pick on Dec 19, is up 34%. The company ranks among the top pharmaceutical companies in the world based on revenues and global sales force. The company is currently yielding 2.2%. Read the full analysis on AZN at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2499. More...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Momentum – Mother’s Work (MWRK) Thursday Mother’s Work (MWRK), a maternity fashion retailer, announced that August comparable stores revenues rose 5%. As a result the company raised forward guidance for Q4. As a result, on Friday the stock set a new 52-week high on heavier than normal volume, a very positive sign. Mother’s Work is up over 34% since we first featured it as a Momentum Stock of the Day on May 3. We also featured MWRK as a Momentum Stock of the Day on Jun 23. Read the analysis of MWRK at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2500. Value – Valley National Gases Inc. (VLG) Since we first featured Valley National Gases Inc. (VLG) back on Jan 11, the company is up 51%. The company's fourth-quarter earnings per share soared 50.0% when compared to the prior-year period. Read the full analysis on VLG at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2501.
2. SCREEN OF THE WEEK Zacks.com offers three unique weekly commentaries that all
further our mission to help you Profit from the Pros. Today is
the latest installment of Screen of the Week from Kevin Matras.
Each week, Kevin shares with you another winning screen he has
discovered using the Research Wizard software from Zacks
Investment Research. Learn more about the Research Wizard at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2335. ”Creating a Custom Consensus of your Winningest Screens” Every week in this article, I either go over a unique way to screen for stocks or publish a proven profitable screening strategy. If you’re a regular reader of this feature, you know that most of our strategies have done fantastic. The only real decision is in choosing which one(s) you want to start using. Well instead of choosing just one, why not look at them all and create a Custom Consensus of some of our winningest strategies. This too is a great strategy for picking winning stocks from many diversified approaches. Aside from using the Zacks Rank for many of the screens, there are many other filters layered on top of it to find the best stocks from different styles. The screens I’m currently using in my Custom Consensus strategy come loaded with the Research Wizard program.
(I should probably add that they are all my ‘favorite’ strategies, which is why they’re included in the program.) Simply run each screen, generate a list of qualified tickers for each one and then count how many times a stock appears in all of those screens. If they appear in two or more screens, they qualify for the Consensus portfolio. Here are three stocks from this week’s (9/5/06) Consensus list: This leaves me with a nicely diversified 10-stock portfolio every time I run the screen.
Sign up now for your two-week free trial to the Research Wizard and get this Custom Consensus list week after week along with all of the individual strategies as well. And learn how easy it is to build and test your own winning strategies. You can do it. Click here and see how. Discover all the Free Screening Tools on Zacks.com at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2336. 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. 3. ZACKS EQUITY RESEARCH There was a wholesale drop in the number of earnings estimate revisions last week. Using a trailing four-week period, the number of positive revisions fell to 2345 from 5144. The number of negative revisions dropped to 2608 from 4560. Seasonality is definitely playing a role as second-quarter earnings season has ended and the latter part of August is typically a slow period for the financial services industry. The ratio of positive earnings revisions to negative earnings revisions for stocks within the Zacks Rank universe2 declined to 0.90 last week. This is the first time the ratio has been below 1.0 (indicating a greater number of negative revisions than positive revisions) since July 24. Since the beginning of the year, the ratio has fluctuated in a range of 0.81 to 1.26, so the recent drop, by itself, is not cause for concern. More. . .
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Metal Products-Distributor moved higher on the Industry Rank list thanks to Reliance Steel & Aluminum (RS). One of the five analysts to cover the stock raised his forecast for full-year earnings last week. This revision caused the consensus estimate to rise three cents to $4.82 per share. Investors should note that over the past 60 days, the consensus estimate has risen by a cumulative 35 cents. Furthermore, expectations for 2007 earnings are rising, though analysts are still predicting a small decline to $4.75 per share. Mitsui & Co. (MITSY) is also in the Metal Products-Distributor group. This is a thinly traded stock, but is worthy of a mention because the full-year estimates for both fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008 were raised last week. There are a total of three metal groups in the top of the Industry Rank List. The other two groups are Mining-Iron and Steel-Specialty Alloys, which encompass the following Zacks #1 Rank stocks: Allegheny Technologies (ATI), Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF), and Steel Technologies (STTX). ATI has the most bullish trend in estimate revisions, with the consensus estimate for 2006 and 2007 earnings rising several times over the past two months. Within just the past 30 days, expectations for 2006 earnings have been increased to $4.95 per share from $4.77 per share. Strong growth is projected for next year as well, with analysts now anticipating profits of $5.90 per share, versus $5.74 a month ago. The big picture is that analysts are expecting demand for metals to remain strong throughout next year. Even for companies, such as Reliance Steel, where earnings are projected to essentially stabilize, the trend points to a healthy worldwide economy and, in particular, sustained consumption in the U.S. To read the complete Analysts Interview, click http://at.zacks.com/?id=2327. Charles Rotblut, CFA is a senior market analyst for Zacks.com. He can be reached at crotblut@zacks.com. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Analyst Blog Real-time market insights from Zacks Equity Research Analysts. Stocks featured recently include American Electric Power Company (AEP), Chalco (ACH), ACE Limited (ACE) and Yahoo! (YHOO). To see their latest posts, click here. AtheroGenics (AGIX) - Playing a Potential Blockbuster. For full Zacks research report, click here. ProQuest Company (PQE) - Poor Earnings Visibility. For full Zacks research report, click here. Turbulent Times Ahead for Telecom Estimate Revisions Continue Cooling Down Find out which stocks have been recently upgraded by Zacks Equity Research: click here. Read the reports on all of the stocks on the Zacks Equity Research Buy List: click here.
4. ZACKS WEALTH MANAGEMENT Every week, Zacks Wealth Management provides informative articles on how to build and protect wealth. Today’s topic is:
Whether you are recently retired or just completed a job transition, an important decision you must make is what to do with your 401(k) from your former employer. Do you know your options? Our retirement plans always seem to take a backseat in our lives, but doing the right thing today will pay huge dividends in the future. Below we discuss the four options you have. 1. Take the money out Not so fast. By taking the money and running, you lose out on continued tax deferral and compounded growth. Let’s say there is $100,000 in the plan. For someone that is 35 years old today, 7% annual returns would turn that $100,000 into $$761,225.50 in the next 30 years. If you withdraw the assets for a near term financial goal, you better save some for the money for the tax bill – not only will you owe regular taxes, you will owe an additional 10% penalty tax if you are under 59 ½ years old. 2. Do Nothing Doing nothing will put the burden on you to maintain multiple retirement plans on your own, and ensure each is working according to a coordinated plan. What if you own company stock? In most cases, the risk you take in one stock far outweighs the return you achieve. Your probability of success is higher through diversification. By rolling over your 401(k) plan and working with a professional you will be able to take some of this burden off of your shoulders.However, if you are in the situation where you have a loan outstanding in the plan, you must pay it back in order to transfer into another plan or an IRA. 3. Transfer Your Account to Your New Employer’s 401(k) plan This may be the simplest thing to do – roll the entire 401(k) into your new employer’s plan. There are a few advantages to doing this. First, depending on the plan sponsor, you may have the ability to take out loans on the account. Second, you may take penalty free distributions if you are retired and you are 55 years of age or older. However, you must look at the investment options you have available in your new company 401(k) program. Take the time, to do the research and find out about the fund managers that will be in charge of your retirement future. Figure out whether the new employer’s plan is better than where you came from. Remember that your investment menu within a 401(k) plan will always be somewhat limited compared to the flexibility and perhaps solid counsel that comes if you roll your 401(k) to an IRA. 4. Rollover into a Traditional IRA/IRA rollover By choosing an IRA, you have the most freedom and flexibility. You may choose from an array of investments outside of mutual funds like exchange traded funds (ETFs), individual stocks and bonds or more customized Separately Managed Accounts (SMAs). You’ll need to set up a traditional IRA or an IRA rollover. The IRA rollover account acts as a conduit to your new employer’s plan if you decide to change gears later. Keep in mind that these assets must not be commingled with other IRA assets or it will lose that portability. IRAs also allow for more flexible tax and estate planning strategies. This is especially important if you are planning on designating non-spouse beneficiaries such as trusts. IRA rollovers also generally have lower expenses than do 401(k) plans. You need to be careful though in how you decide to transfer from your 401(k) plan to an IRA. This is critical. If you take a distribution and open an IRA account, your former employer must withhold 20% of the proceeds. You then have to make up that amount and deposit the withholding along with the net distribution into an IRA in order to avoid taxes and penalties. To avoid these issues, open an IRA account first then request a trustee-to-trustee transfer. The great thing about this is you avoid withholding so the full amount will transfer. This is the easiest most hassle free transfer for your retirement money. Which is Right for You? Your current situation will dictate which of these options is most appropriate. Most importantly, before making any changes, you should seek the advice of a professional investment consultant to guide you through this process. This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Zacks Investment Management, Inc. is not engaged in rendering legal, tax, accounting or other professional services. Publication and distribution of this article is not intended to create, and the information contained herein does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or rely upon the information and advice given in this publication without seeking the services of competent and professional legal, tax, or accounting counsel. CFP Board, a nonprofit regulatory organization, fosters professional standards in personal financial planning so that the public values, has access to and benefits from competent and ethical financial planning. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™ and federally registered CFP (with flame logo), which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board currently authorizes more than 50,000 individuals to use these marks in the United States. For more about CFP Board, visit www.CFP.net. Learn more about Zacks Wealth Management at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2994. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MITCH ZACKS ON THE MARKETS Maintaining Target for the S&P 500 Relatively strong earnings should push the market higher: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2995. 5. FEATURED EXPERTS Here we cast the spotlight on a timely Featured Expert commentaries that recently appeared on Zacks.com. Charles Norton and Allen Gillespie discuss two investment precedents and spotlight a diamond in the rough. http://at.zacks.com/?id=2348. Mutual fund expert Ron Rowland is seeing some strong market leadership. Read about his post-summer strategies. http://at.zacks.com/?id=2970. OTHER TOOLS FROM ZACKS At the heart of Zacks Investment Research is the Zacks Rank investment philosophy that continues to vastly outperform the market. Our Zacks #1 Ranked (Strong Buys) have produced the following results for investors:
And just as importantly, the Zacks #5 Rank (Strong Sell) List has alerted investors as to which stocks to dump from their portfolios to avoid unnecessary losses. To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That's why we created the free special report: "Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions". Download a free copy now to prosper in the years to come, by visiting: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2332. Or view the full list of Zacks #1 Ranked stocks at: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2279. FREE PORTFOLIO TRACKER Do you believe that these events affect stock prices?
If you answered yes, then how are you staying on top of these changes for your stocks? If you are one of the 45,000 investors who wake up every morning to the Daily Portfolio Updates emails from Zacks.com, then you are all set. If not, then sign up now to get this vital information sent to you daily to help take definitive action to improve your portfolio's performance. Did we mention it's free? Get started now! We hope you enjoyed this issue of "Profit from the Pros", And we look forward to visiting with you again next week. REFER-A-FRIEND If you enjoy this e-mail newsletter, then please pass it along to a friend. Simply forward them the link below to sign up for their own free subscription. If you're reading a forwarded copy, sign up for your own, so you get this wealth of information every week. Just click here. THANKS! Regards and Happy Investing, Charles Rotblut, CFA p.s. What is the mission for Zacks Profit from the Pros? Click here to find out how we will help you become a more successful investor. The Zacks Performance Rank performance is the total return of equal weighted simulated portfolios consisting of those stocks with the indicated Zacks Rank net of fees. Results reflect the reinvestment of dividends and other earnings. Simulated results do not represent actual trading and may not reflect the impact that economic and market factors might have had on decision-making if an adviser were actually managing a client's money. The S&P 500 Index is a well-known, unmanaged index of the prices of 500 large-company common stocks, mainly blue-chip stocks, selected by Standard & Poor's. The S&P 500 Index assumes reinvestment of dividends but does not reflect advisory fees. An investor cannot invest directly in an index. 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. To contact us by mail: Zacks Investment Research To unsubscribe from receiving "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter, click here. | |||||||||||||||
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Zacks #1 Stocks on the Move 05/17/2013
| Company Name | Symbol | %Change |
|---|---|---|
| VIASAT INC | VSAT | 19.35% |
| OLD SECOND B | OSBC | 5.76% |
| GAMCO INVEST | GBL | 4.61% |
| CORNING INC | GLW | 4.47% |
| SYNCHRONOSS | SNCR | 4.23% |
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