Zacks Buy List Highlights: Schering-Plough Corporation, Acuity Brands, Inc., AptarGroup, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co

Business Wire, April 24, 2007

CHICAGO -- 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 Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP), Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI), AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR), and JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM).

Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of 31.8% 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 - Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP)

Schering-Plough Corporation has engineered an excellent turnaround that shows no signs of abating. The company crushed estimates by almost 45% in its most recent quarter and raised guidance. Over the past month, this year's estimates have increased seven cents to $1.16 per share. The stock is still attractive at about 22x next year's earnings, below its long-term growth rate of 26.56%.

Growth & Income - Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI)

Acuity Brands, Inc., which was last highlighted as a Growth and Income pick on Nov 1, is up nearly 26%. The company recently reported record earnings per share, net income and net sales for both the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2007. Consensus estimates have risen over the past 30 days. Earnings per share are projected to grow 23% over the next 3-5 years. AYI is currently yielding 0.97%.

Momentum - AptarGroup, Inc. (NYSE: ATR)

On Apr 18, AptarGroup, Inc. reported first-quarter earnings of 82 cents per share, up from 57 cents per share in the prior-year period and nine cents above expectations. Also announced, the Board of Directors increased the quarterly dividend by 18% to 26 cents per share. As testament to the company's earnings momentum, AptarGroup has exceeded analysts' expectations for six consecutive quarters. The stock's momentum should continue to be positive.

Value - JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM)

JPMorgan Chase & Co. topped the Street's earnings estimate in nine consecutive quarters. The company recently released solid results for the first quarter of 2007. The Board of Directors announced an increase in its quarterly cash dividend and authorized a new $10 billion common stock repurchase program. Consensus estimates for both this year and next are up over the past week. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 1.6 compared to 4.5 for the market.

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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 $1.77 million - equivalent to a 31.8% 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 143.6% annually ( 4.8% vs. 11.8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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