We reiterate our Underperform rating for Valero Energy (VLO) shares as a combination of weak demand, excess production capacity and narrowing crude quality spreads are expected to weigh on near-term margins.

In addition to the near-term margin issues, commissioning of new refineries and extension projects indicate future struggle as global demand for almost all fuel products (except gasoline) is trending down.

The medium- to long-term outlook also remains cloudy, with unfavorable regulatory changes (growing biofuel mandates) weighing on demand growth and limiting margin gains. Being the largest independent refiner, Valero remains particularly exposed to this unfavorable macro backdrop.Zacks Investment Research

We reiterate our Underperform rating for Valero (VLO) shares as a combination of weak demand, excess production capacity and narrowing crude quality spreads are expected to weigh on near-term margins.

In addition to the near-term margin issues, commissioning of new refineries and extension projects indicate future struggle as global demand for almost all fuel products (except gasoline) is trending down.

The medium to long-term outlook also remains cloudy, with unfavorable regulatory changes (growing biofuel mandates) weighing on demand growth and limiting margin gains. Being the largest independent refiner, Valero remains particularly exposed to this unfavorable macro backdrop. Zacks Investment Research

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – September 14, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Tyco International (TYC) as the Bull of the Day and Valero (VLO) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Textron (TXT), Outboard Marine (OM) and Walmart (WMT).

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:

We are initiating coverage on Tyco International (TYC) shares with an Outperform rating and $36 target price.

The company's third-quarter results benefited from the improvement in key metrics like account growth, average revenue per user and the disconnect rate, which helped sustain recurring revenues.

Tyco is increasing capital expenditure on Research & Development at its two new centers in Shanghai and Bangalore, which are focused on developing products tailored to respective local

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We reiterate our Underperform rating for Valero (VLO) shares as a combination of weak demand, excess production capacity and narrowing crude quality spreads are expected to weigh on near-term margins.

In addition to the near-term margin issues, commissioning of new refineries and extension projects indicate future struggle as global demand for almost all fuel products (except gasoline) is trending down.

The medium to long-term outlook also remains cloudy, with unfavorable regulatory changes (growing biofuel mandates) weighing on demand growth and limiting margin gains. Being the largest independent refiner, Valero remains particularly exposed to this unfavorable macro backdrop.Zacks Investment Research

Tesoro Corporation (TSO) reported a weaker-than-expected second-quarter 2009 loss, reflecting lower gross margins and decreased throughput on the back of weak fuel demand and high inventories. This was partially offset by lower operating costs. Loss per share came in at $0.33, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.30. In the year-ago period, the Texas-based marketer of petroleum products earned $0.03 per share. Revenue was down 53.0% year-over-year to $4.2 billion. Refining Segment Results Tesoro’s refining segment experienced a significant decline in operating income (operating income of just $7 million vs. $85 million in the year-earlier quarter) due to struggling profit margins for the production of distillate fuels (like heating oil and diesel), as well as narrowing of the sweet/sour crude spread. The company’s throughputs also suffered from the maintenance at its Alaska and Golden Eagle, California refineries. Throughput Total refining throughput averaged 565 ...

Our outlook for independent refiners in the U.S. remains bearish. After experiencing a very favorable macro environment over the last few years, the independent refining companies have been under pressure since the start of the second half of 2007 due to continued margin contraction, resulting from unusually high feedstock costs (peak-cycle oil prices) and relatively modest product demand.The subsequent bottoming-out of oil prices has been beneficial to feedstock costs, and as a result refining margins started the year in robust condition, thereby bringing a much-needed reprieve to the refiners. However, this recovery is unlikely to be sustained for much longer as the ongoing long-term fundamental changes to the industry suggest future struggles.The major factors that could have a sobering influence on refining profitability include weakening demand for petroleum products in major markets, commissioning of new refineries and conversion projects, and a decline in the price ...

Alkane Inc. (Pink Sheets: ALKN) has been rated Speculative Buy with a price target of $0.15 by Beacon Analyst, Lisa Springer, CFA.

The full report is available at http://www.beaconequity.com.

Anyone interested in receiving alerts regarding ALKN research should e-mail members@beaconequity.com with “ALKN” in the subject line.

In the report, the analyst writes, “The Company introduced its first commercial product, Monster Diesel™ in April 2009. Monster Diesel is a patent-pending total fuel additive that boosts diesel fuel to premium levels and improves power and fuel efficiency, thereby reducing overall fuel costs for truckers, boaters, farmers, fleet operators and residential heating applications.”

Beacon analysts note ALKN’s recent partnerships, boosting the company’s presence in the marketplace, “The Company is creating visibility for its product by partnering with the Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA) as the Title Sponsor of the 2009 Maryland State Truck Driving Championships. ALKN also exhibited at the 2009 National Biodiesel

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ZAGG Up 662%, LLFH Up 243%, LPIH Up 423%, and WEMU Up 61%

ORLANDO, Fla., June 17, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RedChip Companies, Inc. (http://www.RedChip.com) announced today the top-performing stocks listed under RedChip coverage. RedChip’s “Top Picks” — stocks rated Buy or Strong Buy — which have the highest returns over the last three to six months include ZAGG Inc.; L & L International, Inc.; Longwei Petroleum Investment Holding, Inc.; and Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing USA, Inc.

ZAGG is up 662% since March 2, 2009; L & L is up 243% since April 15, 2009; Longwei Petroleum is up 423% since January 2, 2009; and Worldwide Energy and Manufacturing is up 61% since March 2, 2009. (Based on prices at market close on June 10, 2009.)

Profiles of RedChip’s top-performing stocks are as follows:

ZAGG Inc. (OTCBB:ZAGG) has reported double-digit revenue and earnings growth for the first quarter 2009. The

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EV Innovations, Inc. is an active player in the field of alternative fuel products, focused on marketing all sorts of lithium-powered products for consumers and business. The company has successfully converted numerous products into zero-emissions, lithium-powered vehicles and facilities including: cars, motorcycles, mopeds, work vehicles and homes. Perhaps the company’s most well-known products are their INIZIO-EVS super car and their line of WAVE vehicles. These vehicles have made quite a splash recently in many major media outlets.

EV Innovations WAVE vehicles, as displayed at the New York International Auto Show, have a unique aerodynamic design and high performance expectations. Due to the very positive response to the WAVE vehicles, the company has decided to expand their line and offer an all-electric truck, the WAVE-TRX.

EV Innovations also has a number of LiV (lithium vehicles) cars: LiV Dash, LiV Wise, LiV Surge, and LiV Flash. All

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Alkane, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: ALKN) and Tilghman Oil, Inc. announced today they will partner to offer businesses and consumers an environmentally friendly, affordable premium grade diesel fuel and home heating oil.

The family owned and operated Tilghman Oil, Inc. will begin blending diesel fuel additive, Monster DieselTM, into its oil and fuel products. The addition of Monster DieselTM will effectively decrease harmful emissions and corrosion, while increasing Cetane Number, engine and system efficiency. This will benefit commercial trucking, farming, marine and residential heating customers.

Monster DieselTM is a crude oil free diesel fuel additive which reduces emissions and increases mileage per gallon by as much as 15% when added to regular diesel fuel. The result: lessened environmental impact and cost of operating diesel powered vehicles, boats, and machinery. Monster DieselTM effectively offers users a premium grade of diesel in a concentrate so powerful, it is portable. A quart of Monster

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