All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Activision, Capital One Financial, Danaher Corporation and Rowan Companies.

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF), Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) and Rowan Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RDC). View the entire list of stocks on the All Star Analyst portfolio at http://at.zacks.com/?id=510

This exclusive portfolio represents all stocks with a Strong Buy rating from at least four analysts with a 5-Star All Star ranking. These are the brokerage analysts whose stock recommendations proved to be the most profitable for investors. Since July 2002, this portfolio has generated an annualized return of 9.34%, exceeding the S&P 500. Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are in the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI) remains on the All Star Analyst list. Analysts highlight several positive arguments for the video game company, including its major product releases. They also like its plans to increase direct selling in European countries; its strong franchises and long-term licensing agreements; and its healthy balance sheet. For its fiscal first quarter, Activision's loss per share of six cents was much narrower than the consensus while revenue of $188 million was better than expected.

Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE: COF) recently reported third-quarter earnings per share of $1.89, which bettered the consensus by approximately 4.4%. Managed loans were up 32%. The financial holding company attributed solid profit and loan growth in the quarter to a strong performance across its business segments, a continuing favorable credit environment and expected seasonal patterns. For the full year, Capital One expects earnings per share at the higher end of its $7.40 to $7.80 range. Analysts like several things about the company, including its positive business model and diverse geographical presence.

Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) is a Zacks #2 Rank company, as analysts' earnings estimates for this year and next inched higher in the past seven days. Last week, the company announced earnings per share of 83 cents for the third quarter, which advanced year over year from 70 cents while topping the consensus by about 1.2%. Sales improved 24% to $2.4 billion. Danaher also raised its full-year earnings guidance. Analysts generally believe that Danaher has a portfolio of businesses capable of generating upper-tier sales and earnings growth, as well as robust free cash flow that could allow for further acquisitions.

Rowan Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RDC) is scheduled to report its third-quarter results on Oct 31. For its second quarter, the contract drilling services company announced earnings per share that surged year over year to 84 cents, excluding items. Revenues jumped to $382.9 million from $244.6 million. Rowan Companies, which was awarded term drilling contracts by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company for two Tarzan Class jack-up drilling rigs in August, remains a favorite with the All Stars.

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

About Zacks All Star Analyst Survey

To learn which brokerage analysts are the best in their field and what stocks they're recommending today, see the Zacks All Star Analyst survey. This exclusive survey, created with Fortune Magazine, reveals the "Best-of-Breed" brokerage analysts. They are the select group of winners from the universe of brokerage analysts - the ones who consistently beat the street - the few you should be following now. Visit the Zacks All Star Survey to find the best analysts and their top stock recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=512

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