CHICAGO, Jul 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst
Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest
news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks
recently featured in the blog include: eBay, Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY), CSX
Corp. (NYSE: CSX), Transcontinental Realty Investors Inc. (NYSE: TCI),
Altera Corp. (Nasdaq: ALTR) and Logitech International S.A. (Nasdaq:
LOGI).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the
free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579

Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog:

EBAY Growth Decent But Declining

eBay, Inc.'s (Nasdaq: EBAY) second quarter EPS were $0.02 above
our estimate. Those results were overshadowed by weak growth in the
company's gross merchandise volume, which increased just 8.3%
year-over-year, and disappointing guidance for the second half of
2008. Macro headwinds, competitive pressures, and a slowing in its
core business continue to weigh on the company's stock price.

The company's powerful business model, which requires no inventory
and little capital investment, continues to produce solid growth,
hefty profit margins, and substantial free cash flow. These positive
attributes helped the company deliver solid results in the second
quarter of 2008. The company's continued growth has enabled eBay to
invest in or acquire businesses outside its core U.S. auction
business.

CSX Corp. Upgraded from Sell

We are raising our rating on CSX Corp. (NYSE: CSX) to Hold from
Sell, due to expectations of improved earnings. CSX reported second
quarter EPS of $0.89 before non-recurring items, up 26% year over
year. This matched consensus, but was below our $0.91 estimate due to
a higher number of shares outstanding. Despite this, we are
maintaining our 2008 EPS estimate at $3.55, near the top of CSX
guidance of $3.40-3.60, while increasing our 2009 estimate to $4.20
from $4.00 due to higher revenue growth than previously expected.

Improved efficiency, strong yields, and share buybacks should
offset weakening volumes from a slowing economy and higher fuel costs.
Dissidents nominated by activist hedge fund shareholders
Transcontinental Realty Investors Inc. (NYSE: TCI) and 3G Capital won
four of the five board seats sought. CSX recently increased the
dividend 22%.

Altera Improves, Stays a Buy

Altera Corporation (Nasdaq: ALTR) reported revenues of $360
million in Q2:FY2008, exceeding our estimate of $347 million, mainly
due to growth in sales of new products. EPS of $0.32 beat our estimate
of $0.26 and street consensus of $0.27.

Gross margin improved to 67.1% from 65.1% generated in the
previous quarter, mainly due to a reduction in material and logistics
costs as well as sales strength from the Communication and Industrial
end markets, which usually carry higher margins. Going forward, third
quarter is a seasonally slow quarter for the company and management
expects total revenue to remain flat or decline by 3% on a sequential
basis. We have adjusted our FY2008 estimates and maintain our Buy
rating.

Logitech Demand Keeps It a Buy

Logitech International S.A. (Nasdaq: LOGI) reported revenues for
the fourth quarter of 2008, which were better than expected although
earnings were below our estimates due to write-down of value of
remaining CDOs. The company delivered good quarter in terms of
revenues despite weaknesses in its Cordless Keyboard and Gaming
segments.

There was strong demand for Harmony remotes and pointing devices
combined with good traction in original equipment manufacturer. Gross
margins remained at a high level for the company reflecting ongoing
product cost reductions and supply chain efficiencies. We now estimate
that the company will continue to grow revenues and GAAP EPS by 15.0%
and 10.1% respectively in 2009 over 2008 figures.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit
from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and
qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and
which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly
traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them
keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock
performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time
horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights
of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this
free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2677

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which
was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics 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 to 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 at
http://at.zacks.com/?id=4580.

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

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.

SOURCE: Zacks.com

Zacks.com
Mark Vickery
Web Content Editor
312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008