• 3Com Corp (COMS)
• 51job Inc (JOBS)
• Actions Semiconductor Co Ltd (ACTS)
• Aeropostale Inc (ARO)
• Companhia de Bebidas das Americas (ABV)
• American Italian Pasta Co (AIPC)
• American States Water Co (AWR)
• Amkor Technology Inc (AMKR)
• Anworth Mortgage Asset Corp (ANH)
• Asbury Automotive Group Inc (ABG)
• Ashland Inc (ASH)
• Associated British Foods Plc (ASBFY)
• AudioCodes Ltd (AUDC)
• Baidu Inc (BIDU)
• Banco Santander SA (STD)
• Bank of Montreal (BMO)
• Barnes & Noble Inc (BKS)
• BG Group Plc (BRGYY)
• British American Tobacco (BTI)
• Bway Holding Co (BWY)
• Cadbury Plc (CBY)
• Cambrex Corp (CBM)
• Capella Education Co (CPLA)
• Capital Bank Corp (CBKN)
• Cardtronics Inc (CATM)
• Casey's General Stores Inc (CASY)
• CDC Corp (CHINA)
• Churchill Downs Inc (CHDN)
• CNOOC Ltd (CEO)
• Computer Sciences Corp (CSC)
• CSG Systems International Inc (CSGS)
• DealerTrack Holdings Inc (TRAK)
• Diageo Plc (DEO)
• Digi International Inc (DGII)
• Dime Community Bancshares Inc (DCOM)
• Dolan Media Co (DM)
• E.ON AG (EONGY)
• Ecopetrol SA (EC)
• Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc (BAGL)
• F5 Networks Inc (FFIV)
• Fairfax Financial Holdings Ltd (FFH)
• FBL Financial Group (FFG)
• Fidelity National Information Services (FIS)
• First Bancorp (FBNC)
• FirstService Corp (FSRV)
• Fuel Systems Solutions Inc (FSYS)
• Fuqi International Inc (FUQI)
• Fushi Copperweld Inc (FSIN)
• Gentex Corp (GNTX)
• GeoEye Inc (GEOY)
• Gibraltar Industries Inc (ROCK)
• Hanesbrands Inc (HBI)
• Harbin Electric Inc (HRBN)
• Herley Industries Inc (HRLY)
• Hershey Co (HSY)
• i2 Technologies Inc (ITWO)
• ICICI Bank Ltd (IBN)
• IHS Inc (IHS)
• InfoSpace Inc (INSP)
• International Business Machines Corp (IBM)
• Investors Title Co (ITIC)
• JDA Software Group Inc. (JDAS)
• JMP Group Inc (JMP)
• Jones Apparel Group Inc (JNY)
• KB Financial Group Inc (KB)
• Kohl's Corp (KSS)
• L'Oreal SA (LRLCY)
• Lafarge SA (LFRGY)
• Lifetime Brands Inc (LCUT)
• Linn Energy LLC (LINE)
• Lumber Liquidators Inc (LL)
• Magyar Telekom Plc (MTA)
• Mead Johnson Nutrition Co (MJN)
• Medical Action Industries (MDCI)
• Mednax Inc (MD)
• MicroStrategy Inc (MSTR)
• Move Inc (MOVE)
• MSCI Inc (MXB)
• Multi-Fineline Electronix Inc (MFLX)
• MV Oil Trust (MVO)
• Nestle SA (NSRGY)
• NetApp Inc (NTAP)
• Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO)
• NVR Inc (NVR)
• OMNOVA Solutions Inc (OMN)
• Orbitz Worldwide Inc (OWW)
• Otelco Inc (OTT)
• Packaging Corporation of America (PKG)
• Partner Communications Company Ltd (PTNR)
• Penn Virginia GP Holdings LP (PVG)
• Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PBR.A)
• PetroChina Company Ltd (PTR)
• PNM Resources Inc (PNM)
• Pool Corp (POOL)
• Power Integrations Inc (POWI)
• RAM Energy Resources Inc (RAME)
• Raymond James Financial Inc (RJF)
• Renasant Corp (RNST)
• Reynolds American Inc (RAI)
• RINO International Corp (RINO)
• Ross Stores Inc (ROST)
• Ruth's Hospitality Group Inc (RUTH)
• Selective Insurance Group (SIGI)
• Solta Medical Inc (SLTM)
• Somerset Hills Bancorp (SOMH)
• Sonic Foundry Inc (SOFO)
• Southwest Bancorp Inc (OKSB)
• Spectra Energy Corp (SE)
• StatoilHydro ASA (STO)
• Steiner Leisure Ltd (STNR)
• SunOpta Inc (STKL)
• SureWest Communications (SURW)
• Symmetricom Inc (SYMM)
• Telecom Italia SpA (TI)
• Temple-Inland Inc (TIN)
• Tesco Plc (TSCDY)
• Tessera Technologies Inc (TSRA)
• Tim Hortons Inc (THI)
• Trailer Bridge Inc (TRBR)
• Transatlantic Holdings Inc (TRH)
• Transcend Services Inc (TRCR)
• TreeHouse Foods Inc (THS)
• Unilever Plc (UL)
• Vimpel-Communications (VIP)
• Virco Mfg Corp (VIRC)
• Waddell & Reed Financial Inc (WDR)
• Weight Watchers International Inc (WTW)
• Westpac Banking Corp (WBK)
• Whirlpool Corp (WHR)
• World Acceptance Corp (WRLD)

Forest Oil Corporation (FST) is a North American oil and natural gas exploration and production company with properties in the Southern and Western United States and in Canada.

Since I last reviewed Forest Oil in July 2008, crude and natural gas prices have plunged. The stock is now a Zacks #2 Rank (buy) stock instead of a Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy). After a rough couple of quarters, estimates are once again on the rise as crude prices rebound.

On May 19, the company announced it was offering 12.5 million shares of common stock with the intent to use the proceeds to pay off debt under its current bank credit facilities.

On May 19, Forest Oil reported first quarter results that surprised on estimates by 70.59%. Adjusted earnings per share were $27.9 million, or 29 cents. Analysts' expected 12 cents. However, this was well under the year ago period, which was $1.06 per share.

Due to the drop in crude price, the company has been cutting production. Rig count fell to 8 from 15 at the start of 2009. Despite this drop, volume was flat from the fourth quarter of 2008.

Covering analysts have turned bullish. Consensus estimates for the second quarter and 2009 have been rising in the last month. Second-quarter estimates jumped 8 cents to 42 cents per share.

2009 consensus estimates are up 15.5% to $1.71 from $1.48 in the last 30 days.

Value Fundamentals Still Hold

Forest Oil is still attractively valued. It is trading at 8.9x forward earnings. Its price to book ratio is 3.03. The company has a solid 1-year return on equity (ROE) of 16.08%.

Read the July 31, 2008 analysis.

Update to Previous Value Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

The J.M. Smucker Company (SJM) is seeing big profits from its iconic brands, especially the Folgers coffee line, which was acquired in late 2008. Smucker recently reported a record fourth quarter and raised fiscal 2010 guidance. The company has surprised on estimates 4 quarters in a row by an average of 20.38%. Read the full article.

Ashland Inc. (ASH), the chemical manufacturer, posted a big second quarter surprise as cost cutting helped the bottom line. The company has surprised on estimates 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 15.32%. Read the full article.

Wonder Auto Technologies, Inc. (WATG), the Chinese auto parts manufacturer, is one of those unique stocks that has both value and growth characteristics and a crazy stock chart as well. Despite the recent surge in the stock, it still trades with a PEG ratio of just 0.6. Read the full article.

Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR), which operates discount stores, has strong growth but also value characteristics. Consumers are flocking to companies that offer "value" for the dollar. In the case of Dollar Tree, that means literally. Read the full article.

Zacks Investment Research

Chicago, IL - June 24, 2009 - Four free stock picks are being made available today on Zacks.com. The industry's leading independent research firm highlights one Zacks #1 Rank Strong Buy or a Zacks #2 Rank Buy stock for each of the four main styles of investing: Aggressive Growth, Growth & Income, Momentum, and Value.

The four highlighted picks are: Knology, Inc. (KNOL), United Online, Inc. (UNTD), Visa, Inc. (V) and Ashland Inc. (ASH).
    
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Four daily picks are offered free at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607

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Here is a summary of today's selected stocks that are now highly rated by Zacks:          
       
Aggressive Growth - Knology, Inc. (KNOL)
Knology, Inc. recently posted a great quarter and analysts are projecting over 100% growth for the next 2 years.

Zacks Guide to Aggressive Growth Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4309

Growth & Income - United Online, Inc. (UNTD)
United Online, Inc. watched its shares spike on a stellar first quarter. The Growth and Income pick also offers momentum, outperforming the market by more than 20% over the past 3 months.

Zacks Guide to Growth & Income Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4310
  
Momentum - Visa, Inc. (V)
Visa, Inc. is fresh off the heels of an impressive 6-month run in which its share price advanced from just above $41 to a recent high-water mark above $71. Estimates have risen in tandem, keeping valuations in check.

Zacks Guide to Momentum Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4311

Value - Ashland Inc. (ASH)
Ashland Inc., the chemical manufacturer, posted a big second quarter surprise as cost cutting helped the bottom line. The company has surprised on estimates 3 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 15.32%.

Zacks Guide to Value Investing (free!): http://at.zacks.com/?id=4312

How to Regularly Access Picks from the Zacks Rank Discovery for Free:  http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607
 
Underlying the four free stock picks is a simple truth that first appeared in a Financial Analysts Journal article published in 1979. Leonard Zacks, a Ph.D. in Mathematics from M.I.T. found that "earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices."  Zacks #1 Rank is awarded to a stock when analysts sharply upgrade their estimates of what the company will earn.

Today, Zacks is promoting its stock recommendations by offering four daily picks free to those who register at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5607 

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they're applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell. This proprietary stock-picking system continues to outperform the market by a nearly 3-to-1 margin. 
  
More Free Stock Picks

Each weekday, new Zacks #1 Rank or Zacks #2 Rank stock picks are released on the free email newsletter, Profit from the Pros. Investors are invited to register for their free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5642

Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

Zacks.com

Aggressive Growth Stocks:
Contact: Bill Wilton
Phone: 312-265-9277

or

Growth & Income Stocks:
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

or

Momentum Stocks:
Contact: Michael Vodicka
Phone: 312-265-9226

or

Value Stocks:
Contact: Tracey Ryniec
Phone: 312-265-9232

Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

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

• Aluminum Corp of China Ltd (ACH)
• American Financial Group (AFG)
• American Superconductor Corp (AMSC)
• Ashland Inc (ASH)
• Flamel Technologies SA (FLML)
• Johnson Outdoors Inc (JOUT)
• KongZhong Corp (KONG)
• Maidenform Brands Inc (MFB)
• Mediacom Communications Corp (MCCC)
• Neenah Paper Inc (NP)
• O'Charley's Inc (CHUX)
• Parke Bancorp Inc (PKBK)
• priceline.com Inc (PCLN)
• Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc (SBGI)
• Starlims Technologies Ltd (LIMS)
• TravelCenters of America LLC (TA)
• Trinity Biotech Plc (TRIB)
• Winn-Dixie Stores Inc (WINN)

• 3PAR Inc (PAR)
• American Medical Systems Holdings Inc (AMMD)
• Ameristar Casinos Inc (ASCA)
• Ashland Inc (ASH)
• Bank Mutual Corp (BKMU)
• BigBand Networks Inc (BBND)
• Capitol Federal Financial (CFFN)
• Central Garden & Pet Co (CENT)
• CGI Group Inc (GIB)
• Conexant Systems Inc (CNXT)
• CPEX Pharmaceuticals Inc (CPEX)
• CVR Energy Inc (CVI)
• Del Monte Foods Co (DLM)
• Diamond Foods Inc (DMND)
• Dorman Products Inc (DORM)
• Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Inc (BAGL)
• First Mariner Bancorp (FMAR)
• Flanders Corp (FLDR)
• Inspire Pharmaceuticals Inc (ISPH)
• Internet Brands Inc (INET)
• Intersil Corp (ISIL)
• Kirkland's Inc (KIRK)
• Kubota Corp (KUB)
• LIN TV Corp (TVL)
• MarketAxess Holdings Inc (MKTX)
• MarkWest Energy Partners LP (MWE)
• Medifast Inc (MED)
• Mellanox Technologies Ltd (MLNX)
• Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc (TYPE)
• Orion Marine Group Inc (OMGI)
• Renaissance Learning Inc (RLRN)
• RiskMetrics Group Inc (RMG)
• Ruth's Hospitality Group Inc (RUTH)
• S1 Corp (SONE)
• SonicWall Inc (SNWL)
• Spartan Motors Inc (SPAR)
• Texas Roadhouse Inc (TXRH)
• Thomas Group Inc (TGIS)
• UIL Holdings Corp (UIL)
• Volterra Semiconductor Corp (VLTR)
• Wonder Auto Technology Inc (WATG)

• Alexza Pharmaceuticals Inc (ALXA)
• Anesiva Inc (ANSV)
• Ashland Inc (ASH)
• Caliper Life Sciences Inc (CALP)
• Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (CCLAY)
• Grand Canyon Education Inc (LOPE)
• Majesco Entertainment Co (COOL)
• NaviSite Inc (NAVI)
• New Jersey Resources Corp (NJR)
• Owens & Minor Inc (OMI)
• Papa John's Int'l Inc (PZZA)
• Pearson Plc (PSO)
• Provident Energy Trust (PVX)
• Radvision Ltd (RVSN)
• Silgan Holdings Inc (SLGN)
• TAM SA (TAM)
• Tecumseh Products Co (TECUA)
• PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (TLK)
• Ziopharm Oncology Inc (ZIOP)

View the entire Zacks #1 Rank List.

But they threw off their shackles on Friday. Dupont (DD), which fell 46 cents to $45.24 a day earlier, was up by 3.77% to $47.67. Keeping it company was Dow Chemical (DOW), the only one to have bucked the pullback on Thursday, with a surge of 4.16% to trade at $37.31.

But the stock to really watch out for is Olin Corp. (OLN) that climbed by 10.39% to $23.17 in spite of the announcement that caustic soda shipments from its plant in McIntosh, Ala., will be halted until further notice. Praxair, Inc. (PX) too scaled $85.98, up by 4.65%. Dow and Praxair are trading near their 200-Day Moving Average.

Also on the upswing were PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG), Ashland Inc. (ASH) and Air Products & Chemicals, Inc. (APD), all stocks that had tanked on Thursday. However, the biggest chemical maker, BASF (BASFY) was not so lucky, as it was down to $46.83 following a Bloomberg news that the company will cut down polystyrene production in Europe by 25% because of a fall in demand. Dow Chemical too had announced a 15% reduction in polystyrene production in Europe in June.