Zacks Brokerage Buy List: Abbot Labs, Automatic Data Processing, Dell, and Microsoft.

CHICAGO -- Today Zacks.com releases the names of 4 more stocks that are on their coveted Brokerage Buy List portfolio. This portfolio includes just those stocks that currently appear on the core recommended lists of at least three of the top 14 brokerage firms. These stocks are considered the best large cap stocks to own for the long term according to Wall Street's top players. In 2003 this portfolio gained +28.5% outpacing the S&P 500. Here are 4 stocks that are currently members of this prestigious list: Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP), Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT). View the entire list of stocks on the Brokerage Buy List at http://at.zacks.com/?id=139

Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are on the Brokerage Buy List:

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) remains a top holding with six of the leading brokerage firms. Earlier this week, the company said that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a new patent for BIAXIN XL, which delays rivals from developing a generic version. BIAXIN XL is a once-daily antibiotic therapy indicated for the treatment of common bacterial respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. The patent covers the pharmacokinetic profile of BIAXIN XL, which is associated with a variety of clinical benefits over previous dosage forms.

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP) experienced positive momentum in each of its businesses during its fiscal second quarter. In late January, the company posted earnings per share of 42 cents, matching the consensus, on revenue growth of +9%. The company said the quarter was the first in more than three years in which the yield on its investment portfolio exceeded the same quarter in the previous year. Automatic Data Processing is optimistic for its market opportunities, and decided to enhance its revenue growth guidance to between +7% and +9% while refining its earnings per share growth estimate to between +12% and +15%. Automatic Data Processing's future prospects are one of the main reasons why three of the top brokerage firms continue to recommend the company.

Dell (NASDAQ:DELL) is the world's #1 supplier of notebook computers, and it recently introduced its latest product directed toward traveling professionals. The Latitude(TM) X1 is the smallest and lightest notebook released by Dell. At 2.5 pounds, the Latitude X1 is built for life on the road, and uses the latest mobile processors and a 12.1-inch, wide-aspect display, among many other features. With business travel getting back on track, the Latitude X1 is likely to be a popular product, especially when work needs to be done in tight spaces such as airplanes. Dell remains a core holding for three of the leading brokerage firms, thanks in part to innovative products such as this.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), which remains a recommendation for three of the top brokerages, recently announced its latest move to keep its customers secure. The company released to manufacturing Microsoft Windows Server(TM) 2003 Pack 1, which addresses additional core security issues by providing customers with a reduced attack surface, better protected system services with stronger default setting, and reduced privileges. Meanwhile, Microsoft also announced the launch of MSN(R) Video Downloads, an online video download service dedicated to portable entertainment that will provide daily television programming. "The launch of Portable Media Centers in 2004 began a new era of portable entertainment, and today's announcement solidifies the continued momentum we've seen for portable video," said John Pollard, director of Windows Mobile Application and Services Marketing at Microsoft.

To discover all the other profitable stock portfolios at Zacks.com then follow this link http://at.zacks.com/?id=140

About Zacks Brokerage Buy List

Zacks has developed many successful ways for individual investors to profit from the stock picking prowess of Wall Street professionals. The Brokerage Buy List is yet another powerful tool that investors can wield in order to improve their investment results. This portfolio is comprised of the core stocks recommended by at least three of the Top 14 brokerage firms. These are the kind of large cap stocks that are best for long- term investors. In 2003 this portfolio gained +28.5% outpacing the S&P 500. To learn more about the Brokerage Buy List then visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=141

About Zacks

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