Zacks Buy List Highlights: Alliance Data Systems, Brunswick, Jabil Circuit, and Kimberly-Clark.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 3, 2004

Zacks.com releases another list of stocks that are currently members of the coveted Zacks #1 Ranked list which has produced an average annual return of +33.7% since inception in 1988 and has gained +100.3% since January 2000 when the market was in the grips of the worst bear market in 60 years. Among the #1 ranked stocks today we highlight the following companies: Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE:ADS) and Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC). Further they announced #2 Rankings (Buy) on two other widely held stocks: Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE:JBL) and Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB). To see the full Zacks #1 Ranked list or the rank for any other stock then visit. http://at.zacks.com/?id=88

Here is a synopsis of why these stocks have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy). Note that a #1 Strong Buy rating is applied to 5% of all the stocks we rank:

Alliance Data Systems Corporation (NYSE:ADS) is a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services to retail companies in North America. Alliance Data Systems has enjoyed several upward revisions from analysts recently for the year ending December 2004, helping its earnings estimates for that period rise by about 13 cents, or +12%, over the past seven trading days. The company recently reported cash earnings per diluted share of 30 cents for the fourth quarter, which was 6 cents, or +25%, better than the consensus. Furthermore, revenue for the quarter jumped +27% to $298.3 million. Alliance Data Systems stated that all three of its growth engines posted double-digit increases and that it continues to benefit from new client signings over the past year and strong core growth across its business lines. The company appears to have good momentum heading forward, and might make a good transaction for your portfolio.

Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC) is a manufacturer and marketer of consumer brands. Brunswick recently reported that fourth quarter 2003 net earnings jumped to 43 cents per diluted share, which almost doubled the year-ago result. Net sales for the quarter improved by +10%. The company stated that each of its operating segments - namely Marine Engine, Boat, Fitness and Bowling & Billiards - posted double -digit sales growth. Brunswick said its results reflect the success of its strategy to develop and introduce new products and technologies that inspire and excite customers. For the year ending December 2004, earnings estimates have improved by about 10 cents, or +5%, from one month ago, which includes a rise of 5 cents, or +3% over the past seven trading days. Brunswick went on to say that it enters 2004 with a solid balance sheet thanks to its ability to generate significant free cash flow. Its strategic initiatives and the improving economy have Brunswick expecting marine retail market growth in the mid-single digits for the year. Brunswick appears to have the wind at its back and might make a sporting addition to investors' portfolios.

Here is a synopsis of why these stocks have a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). Note that a #2 Buy rating is applied to 15% of all the stocks we rank:

Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE:JBL) is a worldwide independent provider of electronic manufacturing services. In its fiscal first quarter report from mid-December, Jabil Circuit said that its efforts over the past few years to position itself in new and growing markets in desirable manufacturing locations is now paying dividends. For that quarter, the company posted core earnings per share of 25 cents, which was +67% better than the year-ago performance and almost +9% better than the consensus. In addition, revenue advanced +41% to $1.51 billion from $1.07 billion last year. Earnings estimates for the year ending August 2004 are up by 3 cents, or about +3%, from two months ago. Furthermore, expectations for the following year, ending August 2005, have advanced by +3% in that timeframe as well. Jabil Circuit started fiscal 2004 on the right foot and the company said it continues to gain confidence in the full fiscal year outlook. With an improving environment backing up its strong numbers, investors may want to manufacture higher returns with a position in Jabil Circuit.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE:KMB) is one of the leading consumer products companies. Kimberly-Clark had enjoyed several recent upward revisions from analysts for the year ending December 2004, and its earnings estimates for that period have advanced by about 2 cents over the past seven trading days. Despite an extremely competitive environment, the company reported a solid fourth quarter last week that included diluted net income of 91 cents per share on sales of $3.7 billion. Those results marked advances of +26% and +11% respectively from year-ago totals, while the earnings result also exceeded the consensus by more than +3%. The company stated that sales volumes rose in all three of the company's global businesses, helped by the strength of its brand franchises and product innovation. Kimberly-Clark also announced plans to increase its dividend in 2004 by +17.6%, bringing the quarterly dividend to 40 cents per share from 34 cents in 2003. If the company can continue to put together strong quarters, then its earnings estimates could rise even further moving forward.

To truly take advantage of the Zacks Rank, you need to first understand how it works. That's why we created the free special report; "Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions." Download your free copy now to prosper in the years to come. http://at.zacks.com/?id=89

About the Zacks Rank

For over 15 years the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988 the #1 Ranked stocks have generated an average annual return of +33.7% compared to the (a)S&P 500 return of only +12.1%. Plus this exclusive stock list has generated total gains of +100.3% since January 2000 as the market suffered its worst downturn in 60 years. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). And since 1988 the S&P 500 has outperformed the Zacks #5 Ranked Strong Sells by 170.3% annually (12.1% vs. 4.5% respectively). Thus, the Zacks Rank system can truly be used to effectively manage the trading in your portfolio.

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