News Details

Zacks Buy List Highlights: SimpleTech, Inc., Sotheby's, Herman Miller, Inc. and ProAssurance Corporation

September 28, 2006

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Zacks.com releases the latest list of Zacks Rank Buy Stocks. Everyday on Zacks.com, four stocks are selected based on how well they match the criteria for the four main schools of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum and Value. The four Zacks Rank Buy stocks highlighted today are SimpleTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: STEC), Sotheby's (NYSE: BID), Herman Miller, Inc. (Nasdaq: MLHR), and ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA).

Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of +32.4% since inception in 1988. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8% while the S&P 500 tumbled 37.6%. To see the full Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) List, or the rank for any other stock, visit: http://at.zacks.com/?id=88

    Here is a synopsis of today's Zacks Rank Buy Stocks:

    Aggressive Growth - SimpleTech, Inc. (Nasdaq: STEC)

SimpleTech, Inc. has met or exceeded analyst estimates in five out of the past six quarters. Year-over-year growth was 150% in the latest quarter. Two analysts have raised their estimates for both this year and next. Over the past 60 days, this year's estimates have increased 13.8%, while next year's numbers have jumped almost 29% to 45 cents per share.

Growth & Income - Sotheby's (NYSE: BID)

Sotheby's, a Zacks #1 Rank stock, exceeded analysts' earnings expectations for the past six quarters by an average margin of 19.5%. The company recently reported record revenues and income from continuing operations in the second quarter. Consensus estimates for both this year and next year have been on the rise. Earnings per share are projected to grow 18% over the next 3-5 years. BID has a current dividend yield of 1.3%.

Momentum - Herman Miller, Inc. (Nasdaq: MLHR)

Herman Miller, Inc. delivered a 7.5% positive earnings surprise on Sep 20 by reporting EPS of 43 cents per share. This amounted to a 26.5% improvement over the prior-period's 34 cents. MLHR reported after the close on Sep 20, and gapped open the next day, closing 14% higher at $33.40. That opening on heavy volume propelled MLHR into six-year highs.

Value - ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA)

ProAssurance Corporation, a Zacks #1 Rank stock, beat analysts' earnings expectations in seven out of the past nine quarters by an average margin of 13.4%. The company completed its merger with Physicians Insurance Company of Wisconsin, Inc. on Jul 31 and it is expected to fuel premium growth going forward. Profit forecasts have been on the rise. PRA has a price-to-book ratio of 1.7, compared to 5.2 for the market.

Truly taking advantage of the Zacks Rank requires the understanding of how it works.

The free special report, "Zacks Rank Guide: Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate Revisions," provides an insightful background about this wealth-building tool. Download your free copy of the report now to prosper in the years to come by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=93.

About the Zacks Rank

Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." A $10,000 investment in the Zacks Rank list made in 1988 would now be worth $1.80 million - equivalent to a 32.4% annualized return! During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained 43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled 37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 by 145.9% annually (+4.7% vs. +11.6%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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(a) The S&P 500 Index ("S&P 500") is a well-known, unmanaged index of the prices of 500 large-company common stocks selected by Standard & Poor's. The S&P 500 includes the reinvestment of all dividends, no transaction costs, and represents the gross returns before management fees.

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.

Source: Zacks.com

Contact: Zacks.com Aggressive Growth Stocks: Roopak Chakravarty, 312-630-9880 x 188 or Growth & Income Stocks: Jim Licato, 312-630-9880 x 226 or Momentum Stocks: Stephen Rawls, 312-630-9880 x 236 or Value Stocks: Jim Licato, 312-630-9880 x 226 pr@zacks.com www.zacks.com