Zacks Buy List Highlights: Celadon Group, Florida Rock Industries, M Systems, and Amcol International

Business Wire, Dec 21, 2005

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com releases another list 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 Celadon Group (NASDAQ:CLDN), Florida Rock Industries Inc. (NYSE:FRK), M Systems (NASDAQ:FLSH), and Amcol International Corp. (NYSE:ACO).

Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of 33% 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 Zack Rank Buy Stocks:

Aggressive Growth - Celadon Group (NASDAQ:CLDN)

Earnings at Celadon have been growing strongly and have routinely been beating estimates. The company has surpassed the consensus estimate in 12 out of the last 13 quarters. All three analysts covering the stock increased their numbers as a result of the outperformance. Over the past 90 days, estimates for the current year ending June 2006 have increased 12.6% to $1.79 per share.

Growth & Income - Florida Rock Industries Inc. (NYSE:FRK)

Florida Rock Industries, a Zacks #1 Rank stock, has a history of exceeding estimates, topping expectations in the last four quarters. The company has increased revenues and expanded gross margins each year for the past 10 years. Analysts are projecting earnings growth of 15.0% over the next 3-5 years. FRK has a current dividend yield of 1.2%.

Momentum - M Systems (NASDAQ:FLSH)

With the holidays upon us, you might be facing buying flash storage devices for that new camera or computer that you're giving. At least that's what M Systems hopes. Driven by excellent earnings, broker upgrades and revisions, this Zacks #1 Rank stock is making new 52-week highs.

Value - Amcol International Corp. (NYSE:ACO)

Amcol International, a Zacks #1 Rank stock, reported strong third quarter results prompting positive earnings forecasts for both this year and next. Despite impressive year-to-date results, the stock continues to trade at a discounted valuation of just 2.43x book value. ACO currently yields 2.0% and has a favorable ROE of 11.4%.

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

For over 17 years, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988, #1 Rank stocks have generated an average annual return of 33%. 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 155.5% annually ( 4.6% vs. 11.8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter offers continuous coverage of Zacks Rank Buy stocks and highlights those stocks poised to outperform the market. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=90.

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