CHICAGO, Jan. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (Nasdaq:GIII), GildanActivewear Inc. (NYSE:GIL), Joe's Jeans Inc. (Nasdaq:JOEZ ), Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:KORS) and Lindsay Corporation (NYSE:LNN).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:

G-III Apparel Upgraded to Strong Buy

On January 9, 2013, Zacks Investment Research upgraded G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. (Nasdaq:GIII

) to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The company has amassed a solid return of roughly 50% over the past year.

Why the Upgrade?

G-III Apparel has been witnessing rising earnings estimates on the back of robust third-quarter fiscal 2013 results and an upbeat guidance for fiscal 2013. Moreover, this apparel manufacturer and distributor outperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimates in 3 of the last 5 quarters with an average beat of 15.6%.

G-III Apparel declared impressive third-quarter fiscal 2013 results on December 5, wherein earnings of $2.43 per share surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.31 by 5.2% and increased 12.5% from $2.16 earned in the prior-year quarter buoyed by top-line growth. Net sales rose 6.6% year over year to $543.5 million, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $573 million.

The solid demand for its brands and assortments, new business opportunities and increased penetration provide upside potential. Management also expects to reinvigorate growth through acquisitions, the latest in this league being the acquisition of the leading luxury resort brand – Vilebrequin.

Based on its strong fundamentals, management now projects fiscal 2013 earnings between $2.82 and $2.92 per share, up from the previous forecast of $2.74 to $2.84.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2013 rose 3.5% to $2.93 per share over the last 60 days, and remains a penny above the upper end of the company's guidance range. For fiscal 2014, the Zacks Consensus Estimate advanced 3.1% over the same timeframe to $3.32 per share.

Other Stocks to Consider

Other stocks in the textile-apparel sector that you could consider are GildanActivewear Inc. (NYSE:GIL), Joe's Jeans Inc. (Nasdaq:JOEZ) and Michael Kors Holdings Ltd. (NYSE:KORS), which also hold a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Lindsay Corp Upped to Strong Buy

On January 9, Zacks Equity Research upgraded Lindsay Corporation (NYSE:LNN) to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

Why the Upgrade? 

On Jan 8, Lindsay Corporation reported impressive first-quarter fiscal 2013 results with a 53.33% earnings surprise and strong outlook for the quarter as well as the year ahead. This helped this manufacturer of irrigation equipment attain its 52-week high on Jan 9. The long-term expected earnings growth rate for this stock is 13.5%    

Lindsay reported first-quarter 2013 (ended Nov 30) earnings per share of $1.15, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 75 cents and up 92% from the year-ago quarter. Higher demand for domestic irrigation systems, expansion in irrigation margins helped by lower input costs, strong pricing environment and fixed cost leverage on higher sales led to the increase in earnings.

Lindsay expects positive farmer sentiment, increased farm incomes and commodity prices affected by dry weather prevailing in the U.S. to have a positive impact in fiscal 2013. Lindsay also expects long-term demand to remain high, driven by increased food production and efficient water use. Even though infrastructure sales declined during the quarter, it is expected to pick up through the remainder of the year.

For fiscal 2014, 1 of the 5 estimates was revised higher during last 7 days, lifting the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1% to $4.44 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimates for 2013 and 2014 suggests a year-over-year climb of 21.9% and 7.8%, respectively.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leon Zacks. As a PhD from MIT Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.

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

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

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.

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com

http://www.zacks.com

SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.