Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers: Telephone and Data Systems, RockTenn, Sykes Enterprises, Compass Minerals and Odyssey HealthCare

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zacks.com announces the latest list of top performing Zacks #1 Rank (“strong buy”) stocks. The stocks on the prestigious list with the highest returns last week were Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS), RockTenn (NYSE: RKT), Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: SYKE), Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) and Odyssey HealthCare (NASDAQ: ODSY). Each of these stocks easily outperformed the S&P 500.

Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of +30% 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 learn more about the Zacks Rank, go to http://at.zacks.com/?id=3172.

Here is a synopsis of the last week’s best performing Zacks #1 Rank stocks.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE: TDS) fought through a very difficult environment and announced solid third-quarter numbers on Nov 5. For the quarter, TDS announced that operating revenues increased 5.5% from last year to approximately $1.3 billion, while earnings per share surpassed the consensus. TDS also announced a new $250 million stock repurchase program that will expire in November 2011. The company’s previous $250 million stock repurchase program was completed.

TDS made the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List for last week as shares gained 8.9%. Earnings estimates for this year have improved 2.5% over the past 7 days. Expectations for next year have also moved higher in that timeframe. TDS’ business units include U.S. Cellular (wireless) and TDS Telecom (wireline).

RockTenn (NYSE: RKT) was able to more than offset high commodity input costs in its fiscal fourth quarter, thanks to higher pricing and continued increases in productivity. On Nov 3, the paper and packaging company announced earnings per share for the quarter that easily improved upon year-ago results. Furthermore, net sales jumped 30% to $785.7 million, due to higher net sales in each of its segments along with the Southern Container acquisition.

Over the past 7 days, earnings estimates for this fiscal year, ending September 2009, are up 11.9%. RKT was a top-performing Zacks #1 Rank company for the week ended Nov 7 as shares increased 7.6%.

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (NASDAQ: SYKE) gained 7% last week, which was enough to make the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List. In the past 7 days, analysts have lifted earnings estimates for this year by more than 14% after a strong third-quarter report. SYKE is a global leader in providing outsourced customer contact management solutions and services in the business process outsourcing arena.

In the quarter, SYKE announced revenues of $207.1 million, which was up 17.6% from last year’s $176.1 million. Earnings per share of 47 cents bettered the year-ago result of 30 cents while also exceeding the consensus by almost 68%. Cash and cash equivalents were about $220.1 million at the end of the quarter, while SYKE remained debt free.

Shares of Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) increased 5.9% for the week ended Nov 7. Over the past month, earnings estimates for this year improved 3%. Meanwhile, expectations for next year moved higher 1.3% in the past 7 days, and, at the moment, are approximately 73% better than this year. CMP was featured as a Momentum Stock of the Day at Zacks.com on Nov 4.

Continued strong demand for its products led to excellent third-quarter results, which Compass Minerals announced in late October. Earnings per share of 87 cents soared past the year-ago result of 8 cents, excluding items, while also topping the consensus by more than 64%. Sales of $237.4 million jumped 70% due to pricing and sales volume gains in both salt and sulfate of potash specialty fertilizer segments. CMP expects its business to remain strong moving forward, as evidenced by the above-mentioned rise in earnings estimates.

Odyssey HealthCare, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ODSY) earnings estimates for this year and next have advanced 13% and 9.2%, respectively, over the past month. Presently, analysts expect profit growth of more than 16% for next year over this year. Shares of the company gained 4.2% last week, which was enough to secure a spot on the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List.

For its third quarter, announced in late October, Odyssey Healthcare announced earnings per share from continuing operations of 19 cents, which eclipsed the consensus by almost 36%. It also improved upon the year-earlier result. Net patient service revenue jumped 65.5% to $165.2 million. In addition to the results, the company’s president and CEO stated that he was pleased with the progress in integrating VistaCare and in implementing its 2008 operating initiatives. ODSY is one of the largest providers of hospice care in the U.S.

About the Zacks Rank

Since 1988, 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 +30%. 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 81% annually (+2 % vs. +11%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.