For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – May 5, 2009 – 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: Palm (PALM), Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (HIG), Callidus Software, Inc. (CALD), Consolidated Edison (ED) and Washington Post Company (WPO).

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 Monday’s Analyst Blog:

PALM: Hype & A Hot Stock

One of this year’s hottest stocks has been Palm (PALM). Yes, the Palm that made PDA famous.

Last fall, shares of the company could have purchased for about $1.50 per share. On Friday, the stock closed at over $10. Year-to-date, PALM’s return puts it within the top 1% of all stocks within the entire Zacks Rank universe.

A very impressive run. Unfortunately, the strong upward move is based on hype.

Hartford Loss Worse than Expected

Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (HIG) reported its results after market close yesterday, with a conference call held this morning. 1Q09 net loss came in at $1.2 billion, or $3.77 per diluted share, compared with 1Q08 net income of $145 million, or $0.46 per diluted share. Excluding investment results, operating loss was $3.66 per share, far worse than the consensus estimate of a loss of $3.05 per share.

Written premiums for P&C operations were approximately $2.5 billion, down 5% from the year-ago quarter. Net income from ongoing operations was $111 million, including the effect of a $188 million net realized capital loss, compared with net income of $312 million, including the effect of an $87 million net realized capital loss, for 1Q08. The decrease in net income was primarily due to higher net realized capital losses and lower net investment income.

Callidus Software Losses Mount

Shares of Callidus Software, Inc. (CALD, Hold) are off over 6% in trading today following the company’s Q1 earnings release yesterday. Q1 revenues of $25.9 million was higher than our estimate of $25.2 million and consensus of $24.9 million, while non-GAAP EPS came in lower than expected. Q1 loss of $(0.05) per share was significantly lower than our and consensus estimate of a loss of $(0.02) per share.

Callidus is one of the major providers of Enterprise Incentive Management (EIM) software systems. EIM software helps large enterprises across many industries determine and automate total compensation packages. Q1 revenue upside came mainly from the Services & Other segment, while recurring revenues came in line with expectation.

Consolidated Edison In-Line

Consolidated Edison (ED) reported 1st quarter 2009 earnings of $180 million, or $0.66 per share, down 41% compared to $303 million, or $1.11 a share, in the 1st quarter of 2008. Excluding extraordinary non-recurring items, earnings from ongoing operations were $214 million, or $0.78 per share, down 10% from $237 million, or $0.87 per share, in the comparable period of 2008.

ConEd’s reported operating earnings results for the 1st quarter beat our estimate of $0.77 per share by a penny per share.

Washington Post Misses Ests

Washington Post Company (WPO) posted 1Q09 results that proves even the higher education business isn’t impervious to a recession.

The publisher of its namesake newspaper and Newsweek magazine reported that 1Q09 EPS from continuing operations excluding one-time charges plunged to $0.41, grossly missing our estimate of $3.37 and the consensus of $3.48. EPS in 1Q08 was $5.68. Including the myriad charges, the company lost $2.04 in 1Q09, after earning $4.08 for 1Q08.

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.

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

Zacks Investment Research

Last 5 posts by Zacks Market Commentaries

• CNP & FPL Ink Pipeline Deal - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Buffett Borrows for Rail Acquisition - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Stone Energy Outdoes Estimates - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Smucker's Beats, Raises Guidance - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• GameStop Meets Expectations - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009