All Star Analysts Portfolio Highlights: Bank of America, Cost Plus, General Electric and Jabil Circuit.

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to the coveted All Star Analyst portfolio. This exclusive portfolio represents all stocks with a Strong Buy rating from at least five analysts with a 5 Star All Star ranking. These are the brokerage analysts whose stock recommendations proved to be the most profitable for investors. In 2003 this portfolio gained +46.6% nearly doubling the rise of the S&P 500. The members on the exclusive list are Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), Cost Plus, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPWM), General Electric Corp. (NYSE:GE) and Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE:JBL). View the entire list of stocks on the All Star Analyst portfolio at http://at.zacks.com/?id=510

Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are on the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is the second largest banking company in the United States by market capitalization. Bank of America will release third quarter numbers on October 14, 2004. In July, BAC reported second quarter earnings of $3.85 billion, or $1.86 per share (diluted), compared to earnings of $2.74 billion, or $1.80 per share, a year ago. Current results reflect the addition of FleetBoston Financial Corporation, which the company acquired on April 1, 2004. In addition to the impact of the merger, the company's results were driven by continued strong performance in consumer banking and improved results in the commercial banking sector. The company also achieved record investment banking income and higher trading results, strong control of core expenses and increased securities gains. "Our results indicate the power and potential of the franchise we have built, as well as our customers' desire to do more business with us," said Kenneth D. Lewis, president and chief executive officer. With such strong post merger results, several top brokerage firms are recommending BAC as a Core Holding.

Cost Plus, Inc. (Nasdaq:CPWM) is a leading specialty retailer of casual home living and entertaining products. In August the company announced record financial results for its second quarter ended July 31, 2004. Net income for the second quarter of fiscal 2004 was $3.4 million, a +17.7% increase over last year's $2.9 million. Earnings per diluted share were 15 cents for the quarter compared to prior year's second quarter earnings of 13 cents. Year-to-date financial results also set a record with net income of $6.7 million compared with net income of $5.4 million in the prior fiscal year. During the second quarter, net sales increased +18.6% to $189.5 million from $159.8 million last year. Same store sales increased +3.2%. The company stated, "During the quarter we executed to a plan designed to maintain inventory velocity and sales momentum in a challenging economic climate, while achieving leverage through effective expense control. Inventories for the quarter were up just 18.2% from last year and that limited rate of increase represents a substantial improvement from the inventory growth rate of the recent past. The markdowns taken in the second quarter helped to clear aging merchandise and also to reduce inventory levels." With smart leadership and growing sales, this might be a good time to shop Cost Plus.

General Electric Corp. (NYSE:GE) is one of the largest conglomerates in the world. The company recently announced a regular quarterly dividend of 20 cents per outstanding share of common stock. The dividend is payable Oct. 25, 2004 to shareowners of record at the close of business on Sept. 27. The ex-dividend date is Sept. 23. In July the company announced that its second quarter 2004 earnings were $3.9 billion, or +3% higher than second quarter 2003. Excluding non-cash earnings from GE's principal pension plans, earnings increased +9%. Earnings per share for the second quarter of 38 cents exceeded their previous guidance of 37 cents, as 9 of 11 businesses contributed double-digit improvements to earnings and first-half cash from operating activities grew +61% over last year. GE completed major portfolio moves during the second quarter, closing the Amersham acquisition, the NBC Universal merger and the successful initial public offering of Genworth Financial. These changes, along with the continued build-out of their growth platforms, gives GE a great set of businesses for the future. GE looks to be a company that is very popular with the All Stars and brings good things to investors through its dependable dividend and stock strength.

Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE:JBL) is a worldwide independent provider of electronic manufacturing services. Revenue for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2004 increased +25% to $1.6 billion compared to $1.3 billion for the same period of fiscal 2003. Jabil's fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 core earnings increased +32% to $54.7 million, compared to $41.4 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003. The company was very pleased with the results and plans to grow their business with the steady trend to outsourcing and believe 2005 will be another strong year. Jabil management also reiterated guidance for its first fiscal quarter of 2005, indicating they currently expect revenue to range from $1.75 to $1.85 billion and core earnings per share to be in a range of 30 and 32 cents per diluted share, depending upon levels of production. With growth across the board and solid prospects heading into fiscal 2005, it is no wonder several top All Star analysts are recommending JBL.

Discover all the current All Star Analyst rankings and top analyst recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=511

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