Zacks Buy List Highlights: ATMI, Inc., Men's Wearhouse, Cree, and Linear Technology

Business Wire, July 9, 2004

CHICAGO -- 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 34.2% since inception in 1988 and has gained 139.7% 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: ATMI, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATMI) and The Men's Wearhouse (NYSE:MW). Further they announced #2 Rankings (Buy) on two other widely held stocks: Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREE) and Linear Technology Corporation (NASDAQ:LLTC). 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:

ATMI, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATMI) provides specialty materials and materials packaging to the worldwide semiconductor industry. ATMI will report its second quarter results on July 21st. In late April, the company demonstrated broad-based strength for its first quarter as income of 12 cents per diluted share from continuing operations topped the consensus at the time by 20%. Also, the company reported revenues of $56 million, which was 51% better than the year-ago result. According to ATMI, the semiconductor industry continued to grow strongly in the quarter. Earnings estimates for the year ending December 2004 are above levels from three months ago by 11 cents, or approximately 18%. ATMI appears to have momentum for the future, and its earnings estimates could be poised to continue rising if it can put together another successful quarter later this month.

The Men's Wearhouse (NYSE:MW) is one of North America's largest specialty retailers of men's apparel. The stores carry a full selection of designer, brand name and private label suits, sport coats, furnishings and accessories. Earlier this month, Men's Wearhouse reported consolidated net sales for June of $151.8 million, which marked a year-over-year increase of 9.9% from $138.1 million. In addition, U.S. same-store sales advanced 6.7%. In May, the company posted fiscal first quarter net earnings of 41 cents per diluted share, which surpassed the consensus by more than 17% and compared favorably to the year-ago result of 28 cents. It was the sixth straight quarter of earnings per share that either matched or exceeded Wall Street's expectations. Earnings estimates for the year ending January 2005 remain above levels from two months ago by 9 cents, or approximately 5%. Men's Wearhouse is one of the more popular companies in its retail niche, and such strong results suggest that the company may be able to add some style to your portfolio.

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:

Cree, Inc. (NASDAQ:CREE) is one of the world leaders in development and manufacturing semiconductor materials and electronic devices made from silicon carbide. Cree will report its fiscal fourth quarter results on July 27th. In June, the company raised its revenue target for the quarter to between $85 million and $87 million, compared to its previous range of $83 million to $85 million. The company made the positive adjustment due to increased demand in the LED business. Cree went on to say better than expected LED demand and improved price stability should result in earnings above the previous target range. In mid-April, Cree reported fiscal third quarter net income of 20 cents per diluted share, compared to 14 cents in the year-ago period. That result also beat the consensus by more than 11%. Earnings estimates for the year ended June 2004 moved forward 5 cents, or approximately 8%, over the past three months, including a rise of 2 cents, or about 3% in the past 30 trading days. In addition, earnings estimates for the year ending June 2005 advanced 11% and 4% respectively in those two periods of time. With a strong performance in the past, and expectations for more in the second quarter, Cree appears to be moving in the right direction.

Linear Technology Corporation (NASDAQ:LLTC) is a leading manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits. Earnings estimates for the year ended June 2004 and the year ending June 2005 remain above levels from three months ago 4 cents and 12 cents respectively. That marks advances of 4% and 10%. Linear Technology will report its fiscal fourth quarter results on July 20th. In April, the company put together a robust fiscal third quarter, which included diluted earnings per share of 27 cents that beat the consensus by about 8%. Net sales improved 36% to about $209 million. Demand for the company's products increased in each end-market and in every major geographical area. Linear Technology is an innovative company that's experiencing broad-based strength in its marketplace, which is a good combination for shareholders moving forward.