All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Bank of America, C-COR, Dollar Tree and Tiffany & Co.

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), C-COR (NASDAQ:CCBL), Dollar Tree Stores Inc. (NASDAQ:DLTR) and Tiffany & Co. (NASDAQ:TIF). 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. Last week 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 All Star analysts are currently recommending BAC as a solid investment.

C-COR (NASDAQ: CCBL) is a top-tier global provider of optical packet and digital video transport communications products; end-to-end fiber-to-the-premise systems; comprehensive OSS solutions; and high-end technical outsourced field services--all supporting cost-effective delivery of voice, video, and high-speed data over advanced broadband networks. C-COR will announce fiscal year 2004 fourth quarter and year-end results on Thursday, August 19, 2004. In April, the company announced net sales for the third quarter of fiscal year 2004 were $58.4 million compared to $50.1 million for the same period last year, an increase of +17%. Bookings in the second quarter were $64.8 million for a book-to-bill ratio of 1.11. Net income for the third quarter of fiscal year 2004 was $5.0 million, compared to a net loss of ($114.6 million) for the same period last year. Earnings per share on a diluted basis for the third quarter of fiscal year 2004 were 12 cents, compared to a net loss per share of ($3.15) for the same period last year. The current year third quarter results reflect the sale of approximately $743,000 of inventory that was previously fully reserved, which had a positive impact on gross margin. With several acquisitions now completed, CCBL has landed on many All Star analysts' radars.

Dollar Tree Stores Inc. (NASDAQ: DLTR) is a deep discount retailer. Earlier this month the company announced that they had found their new CFO after an extensive search. Several top All Star analysts are looking at the move as a positive step and continue to recommend the company as a "buy". Previously, Dollar Tree reported record first-quarter earnings per share of 31 cents for the period ended May 1, 2004. Sales for the quarter were $710.3 million, a 15.4% year-over-year increase. The company stated that inventory controls are better, and the flow of product into the distribution centers and stores is much improved over last year. Point-of-sale data is allowing them to put more of the right product into the stores, and replenish basic and seasonal goods in a timely manner. Lower markdowns, improved shrinkage, and better inventory management are also tangible benefits that the company has realized.

Tiffany & Co. (NASDAQ: TIF) is the internationally renowned jeweler and specialty retailer. Earlier this month Tiffany announced its store opening plans for two new locations in Tokyo and Osaka Japan. This builds on a very positive first quarter where Tiffany & Co. declared a 20% increase in its quarterly dividend on its Common Stock. This will increase the dividend from 5 cents to 6 cents. Before that, the company announced that net sales in its first quarter ended April 30, 2004 increased +15%, driven by strong growth in the U.S., as well as in most international markets. Net earnings in the quarter increased +12% to 27 cents per diluted share, compared with 24 cents per diluted share, in the prior year. The company stated that its institutional presence built over 167 years, its standards of excellence and its financial strength position the company well for continued success. Several top All Star analysts also seem to agree with the company's position. The strength of their sales in the U.S. and many international markets is a key component in the company's continued success.

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

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