Zacks.com releases the latest list of Zacks Rank Buy Stocks. Everyday on Zacks.com, four stocks are selected based on how well they match the criteria for the four main schools of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum and Value. The four Zacks Rank Buy stocks highlighted today are Bare Escentuals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BARE), IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX), GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME), and ICF International, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICFI).
Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of +31.8% since inception in 1988. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8% while the S&P 500 tumbled 37.6%. To see the full Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) List, or the rank for any other stock, visit: http://at.zacks.com/?id=88
Here is a synopsis of today’s Zacks Rank Buy Stocks:
Aggressive Growth – Bare Escentuals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BARE)
Bare Escentuals, Inc. is a small company that is enjoying huge momentum. The company reported a huge quarter in late-February and raised guidance. Earnings estimates have been on the rise as well. Over the past week, this year's numbers have risen five cents to 91 cents per share. Next year's estimates have risen a dime over that time period.
Growth & Income – IDEX Corporation (NYSE: IEX)
IDEX Corporation exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations in 12 out of the past 15 quarters. On Apr 4, the Board of Directors declared a 20% boost in its quarterly cash dividend to 18 cents per share, marking its 50th consecutive quarterly dividend payment. IEX is currently yielding 1.4%. The company’s return on equity betters that of the industry average—14% compared to 9%.
Momentum – GameStop Corp. (NYSE: GME)
On Mar 27, GameStop Corp. reported fourth-quarter earnings of 82 cents per share, up from 56 cents per share in the prior year period and two cents above expectations. Revenues rose 38% to $2.3 billion. In particularly bullish fashion, the stock remains near 52-week highs after the earnings induced upward gap. In fact, prior support appears to have reestablished itself.
Value – ICF International, Inc. (Nasdaq: ICFI)
Consensus earnings estimates have shot upward for ICF International, Inc. over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 15% over the next 3-5 years. The company announced two strategic acquisitions in January. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 2.7, compared to 4.4 for the market. Its PEG ratio currently resides at 0.96.
Truly taking advantage of the Zacks Rank requires the understanding of how it works.
The free special report, “Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions,” provides an insightful background about this wealth-building tool. Download your free copy of the report now to prosper in the years to come by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=93.
About the Zacks Rank
Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that “Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices.” A $10,000 investment in the Zacks Rank list made in 1988 would now be worth $1.77 million – equivalent to a 31.8% annualized return! During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled 37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 by 143.6% annually (+4.8% vs. +11.8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.
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About Zacks
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(a) The S&P 500 Index ("S&P 500") is a well-known, unmanaged index of the prices of 500 large-company common stocks selected by Standard & Poor's. The S&P 500 includes the reinvestment of all dividends, no transaction costs, and represents the gross returns before management fees.
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
