Here are details on the stocks featured in the latest Industry Outlook.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) reported first quarter earnings from continuing operations of 70 cents, which beat the consensus by 40% and also improved significantly on a year-over-year basis. Meanwhile, revenues rose to $7.24 billion as five of its six business segments achieved higher volumes. Alcoa said its aerospace and commercial transportation markets are particularly robust this year.

Alcan Inc. (NYSE:AL) recently reported impressive first quarter numbers, bolstered by high prices for aluminum and solid operating performances for most of its businesses. Income from continuing operations eclipsed the consensus and more than doubling the year-earlier performance. Sales and operating revenues rose by $372 million to $5.55 billion.

Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:PCU) reported first quarter earnings per share of $2.86 on net sales of $1.121 billion. The earnings result marked a solid year-over-year improvement due mainly to the continued robust prices for most of its metals. Net sales increased by 18.5% from the first quarter of 2005.

Falconbridge Ltd. (NYSE:FAL) posted first quarter revenues that reached $2.9 billion, which surged 51% from $1.9 billion a year ago. Net income came in at $1.21 per diluted common share, which more than doubled the prior year's 57 cents. The result also eclipsed the consensus by approximately 21%.

About Zacks Industry Outlook

These stocks featured above have a Zacks Rank of #1 ("Strong Buy") or #2 ("Buy") and a Zacks Equity Research rating of "Buy". The Zacks Rank is a quantitative indicator designed to cover periods of 1-3 months. Zacks Equity Research recommendations are based on both quantitative and qualitative factors and are intended to cover periods of 3-6 quarters.

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 129.7% annually (+5.2% vs. +11.9%)). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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