Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers: Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Vectren, New Jersey Resources, Axsys Technologies and California Water Service

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 Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC), New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR), Axsys Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXYS) and California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT). Each of these stocks easily outperformed the S&P 500.

“Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices.”

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.

Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) gained 11.9% for the week ended Nov 21, which was enough to make the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List during a very difficult period. The company has been featured as an Aggressive Growth Stock of the Day at Zacks.com on more than one occasion; most recently on Nov 24.

Earlier this month, GMCR announced solid fiscal fourth-quarter results, which included a surprise of more than 33% as earnings per share of 28 cents surpassed the consensus of 21 cents. That outcome continues this company’s excellent record of meeting or beating Wall Street’s quarterly earnings expectations. In the past 4 quarters, GMCR has amassed an average surprise of more than 15%. Its earnings per share also improved handily from the year-earlier result. Net sales jumped 45% in the quarter to $134.8 million from $93 million.

Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) was a top-performing Zacks #1 Rank company last week as shares advanced by almost 9.3%. Earnings estimates for this year are up 1.8% from 2 months ago. Furthermore, analysts currently expect profit growth of approximately 23% for next year over this year. VVC is an energy holding company with subsidiaries that provide gas and/or electricity to over 1 million customers.

Late last month, the company announced third-quarter earnings per share of 36 cents, excluding a charge, which topped the consensus by 100%. The result also easily improved upon the year-earlier result of 18 cents. Both its Utility Group and Nonutility Group reported earnings that improved upon the year-earlier result. Despite the difficult economic landscape, VVC decided to raise its common stock dividend as it remains confident in its long-term outlook.

Shares of New Jersey Resources (NYSE: NJR) pushed forward by 8.6% during a tough week, which was enough to place it on the Zacks #1 Rank Top Performers List. Over the past month, earnings estimates for this fiscal year, ending September 2009, are up 4%. NJR provides natural gas and clean energy services to customers in New Jersey and in states from the Gulf Coast to New England, as well as Canada.

The company reported a basic net financial loss per share of 39 cents for its fiscal fourth quarter, which was a narrower loss than the consensus was expecting. In addition, NJR’s Board approved a 10.7% increase in its quarterly dividend rate to 31 cents per share from 28 cents. For fiscal 2009, the company established a net financial earnings guidance between $2.30 and $2.40 per share.

Axsys Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AXYS) is a Focus List stock that is enjoying rising earnings estimates. Analysts have boosted expectations for this year and next by 12.7% and 2.6%, respectively, over the past 2 months. Furthermore, next year’s EPS is currently expected to advance more than 18% from this year. The company was a top-performing Zacks #1 Rank for the week ended Nov 21 as shares increased 7.9%.

AXYS raised its full-year 2008 guidance and established a 2009 guidance when announcing its third-quarter results on Oct 22. Results for the quarter were solid, as earnings per share from continuing operations of 71 cents beat the consensus by almost 27%. Also, sales improved year over year to $64.8 million from $45.2 million, driven primarily by continued strong demand for infrared cameras and lenses. AXYS is a global leader in the design and development of high-performance surveillance cameras, imaging systems and related motion control technologies.

California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT) was a top-performing Zacks #1 Rank company last week with shares that gained 4.8%. In late October, the company reported third-quarter earnings per share of $1.06, marking a solid year-over-year advance from 67 cents. The result also eclipsed the consensus by more than 34%. Revenues jumped 16% to $131.7 million. CWT also announced that its Board declared the company’s 256^th consecutive quarterly dividend.

Over the past month, earnings estimates for this year are up 15% while expectations for next year rose 3.5%. At the moment, analysts expect a 7.3% rise in profit for next year over this year.

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.

To view the current Zacks #1 Rank List and to see additional Zacks Rank resources, go to http://at.zacks.com/?id=3173.

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Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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.