Zacks Boosting New Century

Zacks.com, the online unit of Zacks Investment Research Inc., Chicago, has reiterated its #1 Strong Buy ranking of New Century Financial Corp., Irvine, Calif.In its note on the subprime mortgage originator, Zacks said earnings estimates for the company "have been trending higher for several quarters now, and it has been able to meet or exceed predictions each time." Earnings for the company "have been anything but subprime, which has analysts and investors alike taking notice," Zacks said. The ranking was issued in advance of the New Century earnings announcement scheduled for April 17. New Century has already said it will exceed its first-quarter projection of $1.62 per share and meet its full-year 2003 estimate of $7.25 per share. Zacks can be found online at http://www.zacks.com.