Stocks ranked #1 (Strong Buy) by Zacks have produced an average annual return of +33% 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 - National Telephone Company of Venezuela (NYSE:VNT)

National Telephone Company of Venezuela has been performing admirably, largely on the strength of its wireless and Internet service businesses. 2006 estimates have been on the rise. Over the past 60 days, the consensus estimate has increased 23% to $2.35 per share. One analyst has increased his number.

Growth & Income - Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE:NSC)

Norfolk Southern Corporation has topped analysts' earnings estimates in nine out of the last 10 years. Earnings per share grew an impressive 32.1% over the past five years. The company recently posted record quarterly operating revenues. Analysts have been revising their estimates upward. NSC has a current dividend yield of 1.2% and a five-year average dividend yield of 1.3%.

Momentum - UIL Holdings Corporation (NYSE:UIL)

Even utilities can be Momentum stocks. Heavy trading volume on Wednesday propelled UIL Holdings Corporation to its highest close in more than six months at $52.65. In the process, UIL has broken out to the upside of a six-month trading range. For technical traders looking for reversal patterns there is a very nice inverted head and shoulders formation contained within this trading range, providing alert traders to the potential for a breakout to the upside.

Value - Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc. (Nasdaq:PEBK)

Peoples Bancorp of North Carolina, Inc., a Zacks #1 Rank stock, has topped analysts' earnings expectations in four out of the past five quarters by an average margin of 28.9%. The company's financial results for the first quarter of 2006 were rather strong. Analysts' estimates have been trending higher. The Board of Directors at PEBK recently issued both a cash and a stock dividend. The company has a price-to-book (P/B) multiple of 1.8.

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

For over 18 years, 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 +33%. 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 155.5% annually (+4.6% vs. +11.8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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(a) The S&P 500 Index ("S&P 500") is a well-known, unmanaged index of the prices of 500 large-company common stocks selected by Standard & Poor's. The S&P 500 includes the reinvestment of all dividends, no transaction costs, and represents the gross returns before management fees.

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.