Zacks Broker Upgrades: Moody's, Fluor Corporation, Avon Products and Office Depot

Studies have shown that broker upgrades lead to short-term outperformance. Stocks recently upgraded by brokerage analysts include Moodys Corporation (NYSE: MCO), Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR), Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) and Office Depot (NYSE: ODP). To learn more about how you can profit from broker upgrades, visit: http://at.zacks.com/?id=139.

Here is a synopsis of stocks with recent broker upgrades:

Moodys Corporation (NYSE: MCO) is a Zacks #2 Rank company with an Average Broker Recommendation that has risen to 2.33. According to Zacks Research Digest, the companys positive factors include its dominant position in credit rating services; its highly profitable, self-funding, conservatively financed enterprise; and its attractive growth prospects. Other encouraging aspects include its experienced management team and its consistent performance.

Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) is a Zacks #2 Rank company that has watched its Average Broker Recommendation rise to 1.88 of late. Earnings estimates for this year are up approximately 2.6% over the past month, including a rise of 1.6% in the past seven days. Analysts appreciate the companys compelling fundamentals, especially its leadership position in providing engineering, procurement, construction and maintenance services to clients. Zacks Research Digest also highlights Fluors steps to improve its risk management processes and procedures, and its growth opportunities.

Avon Products, Inc. (NYSE: AVP) was highlighted in the broker upgrades commentary on Feb 22 when its Average Broker Recommendation rose to 2.1. Its ABR has increased even further since and now rests at 1.9. According to Zacks Research Digest, analysts like Avon Products international growth, its tradition of continuous innovation and its robust new product pipeline. Furthermore, the companys sales representative motivation includes new incentives, reward programs and emphasis on sales leadership.

Office Depots (NYSE: ODP) Average Broker Recommendation is up to 2.60. Zacks Research Digest highlights several positive factors for the office products and supplies giant, including higher-than-expected operating profits at both the North American Retail (NAR) and the Business Services Group (BSG) segments. Other positive aspects include its major cost-cutting initiative and its strong free cash flow.

About Broker Upgrades

Zacks is the leader in helping investors profit from brokerage research. On any given day we compile and analyze thousands of brokerage research reports released by over 200 brokerage firms. We have conclusively proven over the years that stocks recently upgraded by brokerage firms are likely to outperform the market.

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