CHICAGO, Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Stocks featured in this week's Zacks Industry Rank analysis include Knightsbridge Tankers Ltd. (Nasdaq:VLCCF-Free Report) and Teekay Tankers Ltd. (NYSE:TNK-Free Report).

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

Zacks Industry Rank Analysis is written by John Blank, PhD, Chief Equity Strategist, Zacks.com.

Black Gold + Open Blue = Mint Green

The transport of crude oil over oceans, for many, brings up images of the Exxon Valdez and the ensuing environmental calamity. Nevertheless, so long as fossil fuels power our economy, tankers of unimaginable scale and capacity will continue to ship fuels across the globe. With continuing increases in oil production, demand for these shipping resources continues, bringing new profits to those in this specialized field.

The 43 companies which represent the Transportation/Shipping sector of the Zacks Industry Rank has benefitted from this, especially in the last week, gaining +108 positions. The industry now enjoys a rank of #32 out of 260 ranked industries. With 21 positive earnings revisions compared with 12 negative, this industry, as a whole, is seeing rising tides. Averaging positive Earnings per Share (EPS) surprises of +15%, which is notable for a group this large, means this industry warrants a refined look closer.

Below are two companies which have moved into the prime position of a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) from a #3 "Hold" rating. Anticipated stock prices are well above current market value. Now may be a good time to increase the octane of your portfolio with these shares. EPS surprises are expected to continue. And remember this: an industry's strength is beneficial in determining an investment strategy.

With earnings like these, perhaps oil and water really do mix.

Knightsbridge Tankers Ltd. (Nasdaq:VLCCF-Free Report)

VLCCF was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) last week from #3 (Hold).

Knightsbridge is in the business of acquisition, disposition, ownership, leasing and chartering of five very large crude oil carriers and certain related activities.\

VLCCF pays a juicy dividend of 7.52%. Its last earnings beat was +300%, while the next quarter looks to hold an expected EPS surprise of +16.67%. It reports earnings on February 5th, 2014.

Teekay Tankers Ltd. (NYSE:TNK-Free Report)

TNK is a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). It moved up from a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) last week. This company reports quarterly earnings on February 20, 2014.

Teekay Tankers Ltd. is a Marshall Islands corporation recently formed to provide international marine transportation of crude oil. Teekay Tankers Ltd. owns a fleet of nine double-hull Aframax-class oil tankers, which an affiliate of Teekay Corporation manages.

TNK pays a dividend of 3.17%. The last earnings beat was +38%. It reports earnings on Feb. 20th, 2014.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter offers continuous coverage of the industries and the stocks poised to outperform the market. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2564.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len 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 3:1 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 by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=2565.

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

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZacksInvestmentResearch

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

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Contact: Terry Ruffolo
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9213
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.Zacks.com

SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.