For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL - May 27, 2009 - Zacks Equity Research highlights First Solar Inc. (FSLR) as the Bull of the Day and Wendy's/Arby's Group (WEN) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Equity Residential (EQR), Mid-America Apartments (MAA) and Apartment Investors (AIV).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2676.

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

First Solar's (FSLR) growth story will continue with its order backlog surpassing $6 billion, higher capacity online in the Malaysia and Ohio facilities, higher volumes in the German market, declining cost per watt, a recent all-stock acquisition of OptiSolar, and the new utility scale PV system deployments in the United States.

However, a weak Euro in light of its

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Wendy's (WEN) new management team, led by Arby's CEO, have outlined what we think is a viable, albeit multi-year turnaround plan that includes improving margins, reinvigorating the brand, revitalizing comps, and expanding internationally.

However, Wendy's turnaround efforts come at a difficult time for the industry, which faces rising input costs and a deepening recession. Arby's, which serves pricier food, is being particularly hard hit, with comps falling 8.7% in 1Q09.

While we think there is a lot of low-hanging fruit for initial margin improvement, management's $100 million annual incremental store-level operating profit target will in our opinion take at least two years and necessitate executing on many levels. Zacks Investment Research

Wendy's Adapts with Value Offerings, Arby's Lags Lean TimesThe sinking economy necessitates that restaurants adapt to survive. First quarter financial results at Wendy's/Arby's Group Inc. (WEN) indicate Wendy's is adapting well to the lean times, attracting cash-squeezed consumers with a "Value Trio" of 99-cent sandwiches, while Arby's $5.95 bundling value packages is driving them to cheaper fare at McDonald's (MCD), Taco Bell -- a Yum Brands Inc. (YUM) concept, and Jack in the Box Inc. (JACK).Wendy's/Arby's Group, formed in September through the merger of Arby's parent, Triarc, and Wendy's, reported that 1Q09 system-wide same-store sales at its Wendy's fast-food hamburger chain rose 1.0%, but fell 8.7% at the pricier Arby's roast beef take-out chain. Wendy's comps would have been stronger, but 300 of its units stopped serving breakfast.Excluding one-time charges, 1Q09 EPS was $0.01, missing our estimate of $0.04 ...

It is the best of times and worst of times for Wendy's/Arby's (WEN). Fourth quarter financial results indicate the sinking economy is driving value-seeking consumers to Wendy's and away from Arby's. Wendy's/Arby's, formed in September through the merger of Arby's parent, Triarc, and Wendy's, reported that 4Q08 same-store sales at its Wendy's fast-food hamburger chain rose 3.7%, but fell 8.5% at the pricier Arby's roast beef take-out chain.Excluding one-time charges, 4Q08 EPS was $0.05. Massive impairment charges at Arby's and other non-recurring charges totaling $0.89 per share after-tax pushed EPS to a loss of $0.84 for 4Q08.Adjusted EBITDA grew 30% year-over-year to $74 million, and EBITDA margin expanded by 270 basis points to 12.3% from 9.6% in 4Q07, as management began to wring G&A overlap from the system post-merger and squeeze labor savings at Wendy's through a new scheduling system.Management expects positive ...

Nelson Peltz, Chairman of Triarc (TRY), the franchisor of Arby’s restaurant chain, was able to strike a buyout deal with Wendy’s (WEN). Under the merger agreement, expected to close in the second half of the year, WEN shareholders will receive 4.25 shares of Triarc for each share of Wendy’s they own. This equates to $25.29 per share at Triarc A shares’ current price ($5.95).

Wendy’s incoming management team, led by Arby’s CEO, have outlined what we think is a viable, albeit multi-year turnaround plan that includes improving margins, reinvigorating the brand, revitalizing comps, and expanding internationally. However, Wendy’s turnaround efforts come at a difficult time for the industry, which faces rising input costs and consumer spending pressures.

While we think there is a lot of low-hanging fruit for initial margin improvement, the management’s 500 basis point target will in our opinion take at least two years and necessitate

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