Zacks Brokerage Buy List: Automatic Data Processing, Allstate, General Electric and Medtronic.

CHICAGO -- Today Zacks.com releases the names of four 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 four stocks that are currently members of this prestigious list: Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP), The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL), General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT). 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:

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (NYSE:ADP) is considered one of the best large-cap stocks to own for the long-term by three of the top brokerage firms. The company will report its fiscal fourth quarter results on July 26th. Automatic Data's fiscal third quarter report from late April was solid, as earnings per share reached 57 cents on revenue of $2.3 billion. Earnings were seven cents better than the same period in the prior year and revenues grew 11%. Automatic Data Processing said confidence is high that it will end the year toward the high end of its guidance for 7% to 9% revenue growth and 12% to 15% earnings per share growth.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) had a strong start to 2005 and will report its second quarter results on July 20. Allstate reported first quarter earnings per share in April that beat both the consensus estimate and year-ago total. The company reported that Property-Liability underwriting income advanced 13.4% year-over-year to $981 million, which was attributed to increased premiums earned and continued favorable auto and homeowners loss frequencies. Also, Property-Liability premiums written moved forward 3.9%, helped by an increase in Allstate brand standard auto and homeowners premiums written. Allstate remains very optimistic about the rest of the year and continues to be recommended by three of the leading brokerage firms.

General Electric (NYSE:GE) remains one of the best large-cap stocks to own for the long-term by as many as seven of the leading brokerages. On April 15th, the company starting 2005 on a high note with nine of its 11 businesses putting together double-digit earnings growth. Earnings per share in the quarter jumped 25% year-over-year to $4 billion from $3.2 billion, while earnings per share of 38 cents edged past the consensus estimate. Also, revenue grew 19% to $39.8 billion. General Electric said it exceeded the high end of its expectations in the quarter and build solid momentum for the full year. The company further stated that its portfolio changes created a faster-growth company and the moves made in the past two years are paying off. The market is now gearing up for General Electric's second quarter report on July 15th.

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) is the world's leading medical technology company, pioneering device-based therapies that restore health, extend life and alleviate pain. Medtronic announced late last month that it agreed to acquire privately-held Transneuronix, Inc., which is focused on the treatment of obesity by stimulation of the stomach with an implantable pacemaker-like device. Medtronic will make an initial payment of about $260 million and will make additional payments to Transneuronix shareholders if significant revenue objectives are achieved. The company said that the acquisition plays a key part in its strategy to deliver therapeutic solutions for the challenges of obesity. Medtronic remains a favorite with three of the top brokerage firms.

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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