Top Five Mid-Cap Stocks

Its price level is now somewhat expensive compared with the rest of its industry, but given the company's strengths, the higher price is justified.

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Rated a buy since July 2005, Acuity Brands(AYI Quote) manufactures lighting fixtures and specialty chemicals. The stock has surged by 51.70% in the 12 months prior to July 13, and it should continue to move higher even though it has enjoyed a nice gain in the past year. It has demonstrated a pattern of EPS growth over the past two years, a trend that should continue. Acuity's net income increased by 67.9% in the second quarter compared with the same period in 2006, rising from $14.51 million to $24.36 million. While the company may harbor some minor weaknesses, they are unlikely to have a significant impact on results.

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Greif(GEF Quote) manufactures and distributes industrial packaging products. It has been rated a buy since July 2005. In June, the company said second-quarter revenue rose by 31.4% compared with the same period last year. Greif also increased its fiscal 2007 earnings outlook, excluding items, to $3.08 a share. However, the company's EPS declined by 36.6% in the quarter compared with the year-ago period, and it has displayed somewhat volatile earnings of late. Still, TheStreet.com Ratings believes it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year.