The week ended with a buying spree from the editors, as seven different portfolios bought or added to 11 positions. A good amount of this activity can be attributed to preparing for next week, which is shaping up to be eventful on a number of fronts. Politically-speaking, we’ll all be watching results from the first round of the French Presidential Election and we might (fingers crossed) actually get some specifics on President Trump’s tax reform plan. But perhaps the biggest factor will be the ramping up of earnings season. But let’s not overlook this week…because it was pretty good. It may not have felt much different than the past few, but the major indices ended the week on the positive side again. The S&P was up nearly 1% and the Dow advanced by about half a percent. The NASDAQ showed off the most, though, with a jump of 1.8%. Rallies on Monday and Thursday accounted for all the upside. Friday’s session was nothing to brag about, but the major indices did come off their lows after the President stated more details were on the way for his “massive tax cut”. The S&P was down 0.30% to 2348.7, the Dow was off 0.15% to 20,547.8 and the NASDAQ slipped 0.11% to 5910.5. OK, enough of this. Let’s get to all of today’s moves: Today's Portfolio Highlights: Zacks Counterstrike: When Dycom (DY) was bought back in late March, the company was an approximately $90 stock. Today, it is over $105 and has blown past the portfolio’s targets. Jeremy decided to sell two-thirds of it on Friday and bank an 18% return, leaving the rest behind just in case the momentum continues. Jeremy does not think $120 is out of the question. On the other hand, the editor also brought Square (SQ) to a full position by adding 7% more to its allocation. In other words, he doubled the existing position that was first bought on March 17. Jeremy smells a big winner with this provider of financial and marketing services. The stock is close to breaking out and will report on May 3. Get more specifics on both of these moves in the complete write-up. Surprise Trader: Next week will be a busy one for earnings, so Eric got prepared today with four more buys in the portfolio (bringing the weekly total up to 10 buys). The editor took the portfolio’s remaining cash (including the sale of DHR) and invested it evenly in Regal Entertainment (RGC), Western Digital (WDC), Visteon (VC) and Lockheed Martin (LMT). All of these companies report next week and have a good chance to beat expectations based on a positive Earnings ESP, rising earnings estimates, a great history at earnings season and/or a high Zacks Industry Rank. Get specifics on each new buy in the complete commentary. Value Investor: Tracey found a way to get into the lucrative cloud area without buying pricey names like Amazon or Microsoft. The editor picked up Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI), which makes optical components for data centers. The company pre-announced better-than-expected earnings earlier this month thanks to “continued robust demand for data center products”. This cheap stock is expected to grow earnings by 220% this year, which means it’s one of those rare companies with both value AND growth. Plus, with shares down 12% in the past month, the portfolio is getting in at a good price. Read the full write-up for more on this move. Stocks Under $10: President Trump’s recent steel probe will not only help steel stocks, but also iron ore companies like Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF). Brian Bolan thinks this company is getting a “long-term tailwind”, so he picked it up for the portfolio on Friday ahead of its April 27th report. The stock has straight As for its Zacks Style Scores and a “stunning” valuation. But that wasn’t all. Brian also bought PC Tel Inc. (PCTI), a provider of performance critical telecom solutions. This company should benefit as major mobile carriers invest in their infrastructure. PCTI has topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the past three quarters and is expected to grow earnings by 80% next year. Read the complete commentary for more on both of these moves, including the limit for PCTI. Options Trader: Shares of Wabco (WBC) slumped today despite this company’s solid report with positive earnings and sales surprises. Kevin thinks this stock will be moving higher soon, so today’s pullback is nothing but an opportunity to buy another option. The editor bought to open an additional June 120.00 Call on Friday to go along with the original option he bought back in February. Get more specifics in the complete commentary. Home Run Investor: Gold stocks are pretty mean and lean these days, since they had to get more efficient in their mining operations during the gold slump. Now, a company like Alamos Gold (AGI) is expected to generate EPS growth of 390% this year and 93% next year. Usually Dave isn’t a big fan of the volatile gold miners, but there’s just too much opportunity here. The editor added AGI on Friday. Read more in the full write-up. Income Investor: The summer blockbuster movie season has already started, which is great news for the world’s largest movie-theater chain AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC). This Zacks Rank #1 beat on both the top and bottom lines in its most recent report, and upgraded their guidance for Q1 earlier this week. The company also has a VGM Score of “B” and a dividend yield of 2.63%. As announced yesterday, Neena added AMC on Friday. Have a Great Weekend, Jim Giaquinto Recommendations from Zacks' Private Portfolios: Believe it or not, this article is not available on the Zacks.com website. The commentary is a partial overview of the daily activity from Zacks' private recommendation services. 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