Zacks Buy List Highlights: JDA Software, SeaChange, Activision, and Estee Lauder

Business Wire, Oct 30, 2003

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 30, 2003

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 +33.6% since 1988 and has gained +13.3% annually since 2000 as the markets have been tumbling down. Among the #1 ranked stocks today we highlight the following companies: JDA Software Group Inc. (NASDAQ:JDAS) and SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEAC). Further they announced #2 Rankings (Buy) on two other widely held stocks: Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) and The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:EL). To see the full Zacks #1 Ranked list or the rank for any other stock then visit. http://www.zacksrank1bw.zacks.com

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:

JDA Software Group Inc. (NASDAQ:JDAS) is a global leader in delivering integrated software and professional services for the retail demand chain. Last week the company announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended Sept. 30, 2003. The company reported $58 million in total revenues for third quarter 2003, representing a +17% increase over the prior year's quarter. Product revenues for third quarter 2003 were $37.8 million, including software licenses of $19.1 million and maintenance revenues of $18.6 million. This represented an increase of +77% and 25% respectively over third quarter 2002. JDA reported a whopping +345% increase in GAAP net income of $3.4 million, or 11 cents per share in third quarter 2003 compared with GAAP net income of $758,000, or 3 cents per share in third quarter 2002. The quarter was characterized by a number of significant competitive wins, especially in the Americas region, which achieved a year-over-year increase of 104%. The company has a strong pipeline and growth in license and maintenance revenues looking forward. The company's stock has taken off in 2003 and if the company's financials remain strong there may be further room to run.

SeaChange International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SEAC) is a world leader in digital video systems, spanning broadcast and broadband. The Company creates powerful server and software systems that manage, store and distribute professional quality digital video. SeaChange's innovative products are based on a scalable, distributed software architecture and standard technology components to continually deliver exponential improvements in digital video cost-performance. In August the company announced financial results for its 2004- second fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2003. Revenues for the quarter were a record $36.0 million compared to revenues of $33.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2003, an +8% increase. The company recorded net income of $942,000, or 3 cents per share, which met analyst's expectations. However, over the past month analysts have raised this year's estimate by a penny and next year's by 3 cents. For the quarter ending October 31, 2003, SEAC expects total revenues of approximately $36.0 million and net income of 5 cents per share. The company continues to push hard to improve the VOD experience. In addition to its channel overlay capabilities, it is the first and only DVD on Demand software available in the industry. SeaChange is well positioned to help drive the realization of personal television, which is advancing on different fronts and in different ways around the world. Analysts have jumped on board and look for even better things from this company as the market tide rises.

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:

Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products. Recently, ATVI announced that it intends to release its second quarter fiscal year 2004 results on Thursday, November 6, 2003. Net income for the first fiscal quarter was $4.2 million or 4 cents per share. Activision's results were driven by strong global consumer response to its products, and during the quarter the company released several game titles including: X2 Wolverine's Revenge(TM), Soldier of Fortune II: Double Helix(TM). Looking ahead, the company is excited by the upcoming holiday season. Releases this fall include Tony Hawk's Underground(TM), Disney's Extreme Skate Adventure(TM), Cabela's Deer Hunt(TM) and LucasArts Entertainment's Star Wars(R) Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy(TM). Activision also retained legendary comic book writer Stan Lee as a consultant for the development of future video games based on Marvel characters. Lee will work closely with Activision's studio divisions during the production process and consult on game design, as well as story and character development. Games aren't just for kids and it looks like Activision is well positioned in the market along with rivals like Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) for serious profits.