Zacks Buy List Highlights: eBay, Inc., American Standard Companies, Inc., Monsanto Company and Whirlpool Corporation

Business Wire, May 1, 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 eBay, Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY), American Standard Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ASD), Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON), and Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR).

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 - eBay, Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY)

On Apr 18, eBay, Inc. reported first-quarter earnings of 27 cents per share, up from 24 cents in the prior-year quarter and one cent above expectations. Continued focus on global expansion, particularly Asia, should bode well for EBAY going forward. Looking ahead, analysts expect earnings growth of 23% for the next five years. As a result of the company's earnings momentum, analysts recently raised their full-year 2007 estimates by five cents to $1.17.

Growth & Income - American Standard Companies, Inc. (NYSE: ASD)

American Standard Companies, Inc., a Zacks #1 Rank stock, recently reported solid first-quarter results. As a result, the company raised its full-year profit guidance. Analysts responded to ASD's bullish outlook by upping their earnings forecasts. On Feb 2, the company announced that it will split its three businesses, enabling it to focus on its biggest business--air-conditioning systems and services. ASD is currently yielding 1.3%, with a five-year average dividend yield of 0.59%.

Momentum - Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON)

On Apr 4, Monsanto Company reported first-quarter earnings of 98 cents per share, up from 80 cents in the prior-year quarter and four cents above expectations. Monsanto also increased its full-year earnings estimates to between $1.60 and $1.65 per share, up from its previous guidance of $1.50 to $1.57. The ethanol induced agriculture boom should continue to support Monsanto's earnings momentum and drive the stock to new highs.

Value - Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR)

Whirlpool Corporation exceeded analysts' earnings expectations for 10 consecutive quarters and in 14 out of the past 16. Consensus earnings estimates for this year and next have risen over the past week. The Board of Directors recently declared a 43-cent quarterly dividend and announced that it will resume its previously authorized $500 million share repurchase program. This Zacks #1 Rank stock has a price-to-book ratio of 2.4, compared to 4.6 for the market. It has a PEG ratio of 0.86.

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

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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