November 26, 2003 06:01 AM US Eastern Timezone
Zacks Brokerage Buy List: Coca-Cola, Dell Computer, Nokia and Rockwell Collins
CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 26, 2003--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 15 brokerage firms. These stocks are considered the best large cap stocks to own for the long term according the Wall Streets top players. In 2003 this portfolio has gained +17.1% outpacing the +13.2% rise of S&P 500. Here are 4 stocks that are currently members of this prestigious list The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO), Dell Computer Corp. (NASDAQ:DELL), Nokia Corp. (NYSE:NOK) and Rockwell Collins (NYSE:COL). View the entire list of stocks on the Brokerage Buy List at buylist1bw.zacks.com
Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are on the Brokerage Buy List:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) is the world's largest beverage company. The Coca-Cola Company reported third quarter earnings per share of 50 cents, as compared with prior year third quarter earnings of 44 cents per share. Current quarter results include a reduction of 1-cent per share related to the previously announced streamlining initiatives and a 4-cent per share non-cash charge related to the write down of assets in Latin America by an equity investee. Earnings in the quarter were favorably impacted by positive currency trends and a lower effective tax rate, and were reduced by increased stock option expense. During the third quarter, unit case volumes were driven by 3 percent growth in carbonated beverages and 9 percent growth in noncarbonated beverages. Strong financials and a solid dividend are two reasons why four top brokerage firms are recommending Coca-Cola as a Core Holding.
Dell Computer Corp. (NASDAQ:DELL) is a leading computer manufacturer. Last week the company announced a new Enterprise Command Center to provide high-level, 7x24x365 support for server and storage customers in the Americas. Based on crisis management best practices of 911 and related crisis centers, Dell's ECC relies on industry-leading technologies to provide real-time tracking of customer issues, technicians and service parts. The attention to customer support has further separated this company from its competitors. For the three months ended Oct. 31, Dell's net revenue was $10.6 billion, which was +16% higher than in the year-ago quarter. Company revenue was more than +40% higher than two years ago, while sales by the rest of the industry are essentially flat over the same period. Third-quarter Dell earnings were 26 cents per share, which was a healthy +24% increase over the same period last year. The company's ability to simultaneously deliver high customer value, solid worldwide share gains and leading profitability have lead three top brokerage firms to put DELL on their Focus Lists.
Nokia Corp. (NYSE:NOK) is the world's largest cell phone maker. Based on 2003 market value estimates, Nokia believes that the combined markets of voice-optimized devices, imaging, games, media, and enterprise mobility and mobile networks represent a EUR 200 billion addressable market for the company. Nokia will pursue this market opportunity by further leveraging its core competitive advantages of superior products, brand, demand supply network, technology leadership and cost efficiency. For the fourth quarter 2003, Nokia sees that the mobile phone market has continued to develop well, based on indications of strong industry demand and healthy channel inventories. The company's own mobile phone volumes are progressing according to plan. In a mid-quarter update based on the progress so far this quarter, Nokia believes it will achieve its previous guidance given in conjunction with the company's third quarter results announcement on October 16, 2003, including the sales guidance (Nokia Mobile Phones flat or slightly up year-on-year, Nokia Networks approximately EUR 1.4 billion) and pro forma EPS (diluted) guidance (EUR 0.21-EUR 0.23). A full one-third of the top brokerage firms list NOK as a core holding for their investors. It looks like NOK will be king of the hill for a while.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE:COL) is a world leader in the design, production and support of communications and aviation electronics solutions for commercial and government customers worldwide. Earlier this month, COL net income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 was $258 million. This represents an increase of $22 million, which is +9% greater than the $236 million reported for fiscal year 2002. Earnings per share for fiscal year 2003 were $1.43, an increase of 15 cents or +12% from the $1.28 reported last year. Sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2003 were $743 million versus $698 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2002. The strength of their Government Systems business and continued focus on controlling costs offset the weakness experienced in their Commercial Systems business this year. Government contracts and strong current financials are just a couple of reasons why three out of the top 15 brokerage firms have COL on their premier Focus List.
To discover all the other profitable stock portfolios at Zacks.com then follow this link stockportfoliosbw.zacks.com
HAPPY THANKSGIVING,
Gary |
