Zacks.com Releases Brokerage Buy List Portfolio, Outperforms S&P 500 in 2003

Strategic Insights -

According to Zacks.com, a leading provider of investment research and analysis, the Brokerage Buy List portfolio outperformed the S&P 500 in 2003, gaining an impressive +28.5% against the benchmark's +21.2%. This portfolio consists of large-cap stocks that are highly recommended by at least three top brokerage firms. In this report, Zacks.com highlights four stocks that are currently part of this prestigious list: Anheuser Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE:BUD), Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE:C), Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA), and Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC). Each of these companies has demonstrated exceptional financial performance and growth potential, making them attractive investments for long-term investors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Anheuser Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE:BUD) reported record sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and full year 2003, with a +12.5% increase in fourth quarter and +12.7% increase in full year earnings per share compared to the same periods in 2002. The company has achieved its 21st consecutive quarter of solid double-digit earnings per share growth and is expected to benefit from a favorable beer pricing environment.
  • Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE:C) announced record net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2003, with a +17% increase to $17.85 billion. The company's customer deposits through the retail bank reached $241 billion globally, and total client assets in their Private Client business passed the $1 trillion mark. Citigroup is expected to continue to benefit from the recovery of the financial industry.
  • Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) generated revenue of $17.491 billion in 2003, a +9.1% pro forma increase from 2002. The company added 1.664 million high-speed Internet subscribers in 2003, a pro forma increase in net additions of +38.7% over the same period last year. Comcast is expected to continue to deliver superior growth and value to its customers and shareholders.
  • Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) announced a 4-cent per share quarterly dividend and trimmed its first-quarter sales goals to the lower end of its target range. The company's fourth-quarter revenue was $8.74 billion, a +12% sequential increase and +22% year-over-year increase. Intel's product and technology leadership makes it well-positioned to take advantage of improving demand.

Statistics:

  • S&P 500 index gained +21.2% in 2003
  • Brokerage Buy List portfolio gained +28.5% in 2003, outperforming the S&P 500 by +7.3%
  • Anheuser Busch Companies Inc. (NYSE:BUD) achieved its 21st consecutive quarter of solid double-digit earnings per share growth
  • Citigroup, Inc. (NYSE:C) reported record net income of $17.85 billion in 2003, a +17% increase from 2002
  • Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) generated revenue of $17.491 billion in 2003, a +9.1% pro forma increase from 2002
  • Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) reported fourth-quarter revenue of $8.74 billion, a +12% sequential increase and +22% year-over-year increase

Sources:

  • Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
  • FORTUNE magazine's 2004 America's Most Admired Companies
  • Business Wire
  • Standard and Poor's
  • Zacks.com
  • Brokerage firms (names not specified)