Zacks Buy List Highlights: Komag Inc., Swift Transportation Company, Coach, Inc. and Legg Mason, Inc

Business Wire, March 16, 2005

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com releases another list of stocks that are currently members of the coveted Zacks #1 Ranked list. The #1 ranked stocks highlighted today include the following companies: Komag Inc. (NASDAQ:KOMG) and Swift Transportation Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:SWFT). Further they announced #2 Rankings (Buy) on two other widely held stocks: Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) and Legg Mason, Inc. (NYSE:LM). To see the full Zacks #1 Ranked list or the rank for any other stock then visit. http://at.zacks.com/?id=88

Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buys) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of 33.4% since inception in 1988. During the recent Bear market from 2000 through 2002, the Zacks #1 Ranked stocks gained 43.8% while the S&P 500 tumbled -37.6%.

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 Zacks ranks:

Komag Inc. (NASDAQ:KOMG) earnings estimates for the year ending December 2005 climbed 8 cents, or almost 4%, from one month ago, including a rise of 5 cents, or about 2%, over the past seven trading days. In early February, the company reported fourth quarter earnings per diluted share that surpassed the consensus by almost 9%. Komag noted that fourth quarter 2004 finished unit shipments were a record 19.8 million and its revenue increased 28% to $131.2 million compared to the prior quarter. The company said its performance in 2004 reflects the validity and strength of the Komag business model.

Swift Transportation Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:SWFT) posted fourth quarter earnings of 50 cents per share in late January, beating last year's 31 cents and surpassing the consensus by almost 22%. Revenues improved by 23.2% in relation to last year's fourth quarter. The company said that fourth quarter results reflect the continuing efforts of its drivers and support personnel, a strong freight environment and customers' acceptance of its revised fuel surcharge program. Full year 2005 earnings estimates advanced 10 cents, or approximately 7%, from two months ago.

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 ranked by Zacks:

Coach, Inc. (NYSE:COH) recently raised its earnings forecast for its second fiscal half of the year due to its spring season results trending above plan. Analysts have increased earnings estimates for the year ending June 2005 by 9 cents, or almost 5%, from two months ago, including a rise of 2 cents, or about 1%, over the past 30 trading days. The company mentioned that the vitality of its business reflects the continued vibrancy of the Coach brand, with robust sales trends across all channels and major markets.

Legg Mason, Inc. (NYSE:LM) earnings estimates for the year ending this month remain above levels from two months ago by 20 cents, or about 6%. Late January saw the company post 98 cents per diluted share for its fiscal third quarter, which topped the consensus by almost 14%. Furthermore, net revenues reached $636.8 million, or 26% better than the year-ago performance. Legg Mason said the most significant impact of the quarter's results were record net inflows into its assets under management.

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About the Zacks Rank

For over 15 years, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988 the #1 Ranked stocks have generated an average annual return of 33.4%. During the recent Bear market from 2000 through 2002, the Zacks #1 Ranked 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). And since 1988 the S&P 500 has outperformed the Zacks #5 Ranked Strong Sells by 133.5% annually (12.21% vs. 5.23% respectively). Thus, the Zacks Rank system can truly be used to effectively manage the portfolio trading.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter offers continuous coverage of Zacks #1 Ranked stocks highlighting those stocks poised to outperform the market. http://at.zacks.com/?id=90

The Zacks Rank, and all of its recommendations, is created by Zacks & Co., member NASD. Zacks.com displays the Zacks Rank with permission from Zacks & Co. on its web site for individual investors.

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