Charles Carlson Recommends the Following Stocks: Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Sysco.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 1, 2003

Use DRIPs to bulk up the long-term strength of your investments. Charles Carlson can show you how to use this technique through a pair of recommendations with solid potential for the long haul. Get information on Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) and Sysco (NYSE:SYY). Click here for the full story exclusively on Zacks.com: http://featuredexpert2bw.zacks.com/

Here are the highlights from the Featured Expert column:

One of the more troubled stocks in the Editor's Portfolio has been Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY). This major pharmaceutical concern has been plagued by problems related to the firm's admitted "channel stuffing." Bristol-Myers has gone back and restated results to reflect its inventory problems.

Obviously, the big issue now with Bristol-Myers is whether all the bad news is out on the stock. Another problem for the firm is that it has a number of patent expirations over the next two years. These patent expirations will surely impact revenue.

On the positive side, Bristol-Myers seems rather cheap at these depressed levels. One reason these shares seem cheap is that Wall Street seems to be giving short shrift to the potential of some of the firm's newer drugs, including the company's new schizophrenia drug, Abilify.

Carlson's take on Bristol-Myers Squibb is pretty simple. Bristol-Myers' previous low of just under $20 needs to hold. Should the stock break below that point, all bets are off. However, if the stock holds the $20 level and can meet earnings estimates in the next two quarters, these shares will have weathered the storm. While he generally doesn't try to trade stocks, Bristol-Myers Squibb is offering a good opportunity for investors who like to buy cheap stocks with a clear-cut exit point.

Sysco Suffers From Guilt By Association 

Wall Street has the habit of taking the sins of one company and applying them to every company in that industry sector. A perfect example of this is the recent sell-off in Sysco (NYSE:SYY). The company, the leading foodservices distribution company, fell on news that one of its competitors, Royal Ahold, had overstated earnings for 2001 and 2002 by at least $500 million due to promotional allowances and other programs for vendors. Investors would be hard-pressed to come up with a company with as consistent a growth record as Sysco. The firm has posted record revenue and profits for more than two decades, and fiscal 2003 should be no exception. While the stock could be volatile in the near term, the price pullback is providing a rare buying opportunity in these quality shares.

Sysco's 52-week low is just over $21 per share. Carlson would not expect the stock to retest that level, although you might see these shares dip to around the $23 level on market weakness or additional accounting irregularities at Ahold and other foodservice companies. He would feel comfortable buying the stock at current prices and stepping up purchases on pullbacks.

Get more information on the above-mentioned companies, along with all of Charles Carlson's stocks in the Editor's Portfolio by clicking: http://featuredexpert3bw.zacks.com/

About Zacks Featured Experts

To be a successful investor you need professional advice. Experts who know what they're talking about and can help you achieve your financial goals in good markets...and especially in bad ones will help you improve your portfolio. That is why Zacks Investment Research has assembled the best investment experts in the business to offer their powerful advisory newsletters to you on all the major investment topics: Stocks, Mutual Funds, Bonds, Options, Futures etc.

Recommendations from Featured Experts Highlighted in FREE Investment Newsletter

The best way to tap into the powerful advice from these experts is through our free weekly e-mail newsletter, "Profit from the Pros". Each week we highlight several Featured Experts in this free e-mail newsletter. Get your free subscription to "Profit from the Pros" at: http://www.freeprofit1bw.zacks.com

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1981 to compile, analyze, and distribute investment research to both institutional and individual investors. The guiding principle behind our work is the belief that investment experts, such as brokerage analysts and investment newsletter writers, have superior knowledge about how to invest successfully. Our goal is to unlock their profitable insights for our customers. And there is no better way to enjoy this investment success, than with a FREE subscription to "Profit from the Pros" weekly e-mail newsletter. For your free newsletter, visit http://www.freeprofitbw.zacks.com

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.