(Source: 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: The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY), MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR), Smith International, Inc. (NYSE: SII), CastlePoint Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: CPHL) and Tower Group (NASDAQ: TWGP).
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Here are highlights from Tuesday's Analyst Blog:
Hershey's Looks Really Sweet
The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the leading U.S. producer of confectionery products with a domestic market share of approximately 28%. Hershey is well known for chocolate products (Hershey's, Reese's and Kisses), where the company enjoys a domestic market share of approximately 45%.
The Hershey Trust was not satisfied with the company's results and replaced eight Directors and the CEO in late 2007. The new management team, led by David West, is expected to recharge growth at Hershey's in addition to continuing with the three-year Global Supply Chain transformation plan. The share repurchase plan continues with the incremental $250 million authorized by the Board in December 2006.
WFR a Strong Semiconductor Play
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (NYSE: WFR) produces the raw material wafers used by semiconductor manufacturers in the production of integrated circuits (ICs).
The decision to supply wafers to the solar industry is paying huge rewards as demand for polysilicon has raced ahead of supply. The Solar business and the 300mm business are both high-margin products. The price of polysilicon has been cut in half over the past quarter, yet the firm can still earn $3.50 per share in 2009.
Smith Int'l at Compelling Levels
Houston-based Smith International, Inc. (NYSE: SII) is a major oilfield services company, engaged in providing a comprehensive line of products and engineering services to the oil and gas exploration and production industry, as well as to the petrochemical and other related industries.
Our continued Buy recommendation on Smith International shares reflects our view that the company's growing Eastern Hemisphere revenue mix and investment-grade credit profile position it to better navigate the expected downturn in onshore North American activity levels.
CastlePoint Taller with Tower Grp
CastlePoint Holdings Ltd.
