Chicago, IL – August 11, 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: JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), Zions Bancorp (ZION), BB&T Corp. (BBT) and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB).

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Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

Bank Shutdowns Continue

In the first quarter of 2009, the number of banks on the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) list of problem institutions jumped to 305. This is the maximum number since the savings and loan crisis in 1994.

Out of the 3 banks, 2 were Florida based and the other one was Oregon based. The FDIC has appointed receivers of the banks. According to the FDIC, the cost to the deposit insurance fund from the failure of the three banks will be around $185 million.

The First State Bank, of Sarasota, Fla. and the Community National Bank of Sarasota County of Venice, Fla. were sold to Stearns Bank of St. Cloud, Minnesota. The Community First Bank of Prineville, Oregon was sold to Home Federal Bancorp of Nampa, Idaho.

Total assets and deposits of First State Bank, Community National Bank and Community First Bank were $463 million and $387 million, $97 million and $93 million, and $209 million and $182 million, respectively.

The largest acquirers of failed U.S. banks during 2008 and 2009 include JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), Zions Bancorp (ZION), BB&T Corp. (BBT) and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB).

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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.

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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=5518.

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Chicago, IL – July 27, 2009 – Zacks.com releases the list of companies likely to issue earnings surprises. This week’s list includes Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Travelers Companies (TRV), Verizon (VZ), Walt Disney (DIS), Apache (APA), Corning (GLW), Life Technologies (LIFE) and Western Digital (WDC). To see more earnings analysis, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=3207.

Every day, Zacks.com makes 4 stock picks available, free of charge. To see them, go to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5612.

This Week's Events

Nearly 750 companies will report, of which 144 are in the S&P 500. Dow components include Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), Travelers Companies (TRV), Verizon (VZ) and Walt Disney (DIS).

The energy sector will be prominent with 57 oil and gas firms releasing results.

Competing for investor dollars will be the U.S. government. A record $115 billion in 2-, 5- and 7-year bonds plus index-adjusted treasuries (TIPS) will be auctioned this week. In addition, there will be several auctions of short-term bills. June's large auctions were met with strong demand, but at some point, the new supply is going to drive up yields.

We'll get our first look at second-quarter GDP on Friday. The consensus estimate calls for a 1.5% contraction, though Zacks Equity Research is predicting a 1.4% decline.

The Fed's periodic Beige Book will be published on Wednesday afternoon.

• Monday: New home sales
• Tuesday: July Conference Board Consumer Confidence, S&P/Case-Schiller Home Price Index
• Wednesday: June durable goods orders, Federal Reserve Beige Book, weekly crude inventories
• Thursday: weekly initial jobless claims
• Friday: Advance Q2 GDP, July Chicago PMI

San Francisco Fed President Janet Yellen will discuss her economic outlook with the Idaho/Oregon Bankers Association on Tuesday morning. New York Fed President William Dudley is scheduled to speak to the Association for a Better New York on Wednesday. He will also discuss the economy.

The big question is whether the market can sustain its upward momentum. Though volume has largely remained below average - and continues be significantly less than what we saw in April - stocks are in a bullish mode. Plus, 4.6 companies have topped expectations for every one that has missed - a high proportion.

Understand, however, that what we're seeing is mostly a game of hot potato. Fast money is moving the markets and can change direction without warning.

Companies That Could Issue Positive Earnings Surprises

Four brokerage analysts raised their second-quarter forecasts on Apache (APA) within the past 7 days. The revisions bring the total number of positive changes made over the past 30 days to 9. Combined, the new forecasts have pushed the consensus earnings estimate 16 cents higher to $1.00 per share. The most accurate estimate is more bullish at $1.07 per share.

APA has beat twice and missed twice during the past 4 quarters, so there is some risk to this call, but you have to like the rising forecasts. Apache is scheduled to report on Thursday, Jul 30, before the start of trading.

Corning (GLW) twice raised its guidance for second-quarter LCD glass volume. The revisions have led to a steady increase in the average forecast. The consensus earnings estimate of 30 cents per share is 5 cents above the average forecast of a month ago. The most accurate estimate is even more bullish at 32 cents per share. GLW has topped expectations during 2 out of the last 3 quarters, though its fourth-quarter results were disappointing. Corning is scheduled to report on Monday, Jul 27, before the start of trading.

Life Technologies (LIFE) has topped expectations for 10 consecutive quarters. Recent, positive revisions by 3 covering brokerage analysts suggest the company could beat again. The second-quarter consensus earnings estimate of 66 cents per share is a penny above the average forecast of a week ago. The most accurate estimate is more bullish at 68 cents per share. Life Technologies is scheduled to report on Tuesday, July 28, after the close of trading.

Western Digital (WDC) has topped expectations by an average margin of 16 cents per share during the past 4 quarters. Brokerage analysts are anticipating another comparatively good report, as 5 have raised their second-quarter forecasts within the past 30 days. The revisions have resulted in a 5-cent increase in the consensus earnings estimate, pushing it up to 27 cents per share. The most accurate estimate is more bullish at 33 cents per share. Western Digital is scheduled to report on Tuesday, Jul 28, after the close of trading.

Companies That Could Issue Negative Earnings Surprises

Eight analysts have cut their second-quarter projections on Chevron (CVX) within the past month, including 3 during the past week. The negative revisions caused the consensus earnings estimate to fall 20 cents to 97 cents per share. The most accurate estimate is more bearish at 94 cents per share. CVX has missed twice during the past 4 quarters. Chevron is scheduled to report on Friday, Jul 31, before the start of trading.

Charles Rotblut, CFA, is the senior market analyst for Zacks.com.

About the Zacks Rank

Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988, #1 Rank Stocks have generated an average annual return of +26%. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled -37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 by 111% annually (-0.8% versus +8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

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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 by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5615.

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As a result, the Hawaii-based solar energy company made public its intention to find a buyer for the subsidiary on Friday, July 10, and retained Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. (DB) as financial advisor for the purpose.

With approximately $200 million already invested in the 4,000 metric ton polysilicon plant in Pocatello, Idaho, Hoku Scientific has reasons to be worried. Of the total estimated cost of $390 million for the project, the company has been able to secure only $243 million in customer prepayments to date, apart from an additional $41 million in equity.

This still leaves a gaping hole of $106 million to complete the plant which has till now accumulated an order backlog of $1.9 billion spread over the next ten years. However, Hoku’s dismal performance on the bourses following the global economic slowdown rules out the equity-dilution option to plug the shortfall.

Separately, with the fate of its plant hanging in balance, Hoku amended a supply agreement with China-based Suntech Power Holdings (STP). This is Hoku’s fifth consecutive amendment in fiscal 2009. Suntech Power postponed the deadlines for Hoku to achieve three polysilicon plant operation milestones while Hoku lowered Suntech’s aggregate prepayment obligation.

The amendment will give Hoku some leeway to make a last ditch effort to salvage the plant. We reaffirm the Hold recommendation and will keep a watchful eye on Hoku.

STATES WITH PROJECTED FY2010 BUDGET GAPS
State	FY2010 pre-budget	FY2010 mid-year gap	FY2010 Total	FY2010 Total % of Budget
Alabama	$1.2 billion	0	$1.2 billion	16.70%
Alaska	$1.3 billion	0	$1.3 billion	30.00%
Arizona	$4.0 billion	0	$4.0 billion	41.10%
Arkansas	$146 million	0	$146 million	3.20%
California*	$34.2 billion	$19.5 billion	$53.7 billion	58.20%
Colorado	$1.0 billion	$384 million	$1.4 billion	18.60%
Connecticut	$4.1 billion	0	$4.1 billion	23.20%
Delaware	$557 million	0	$557 million	17.60%
District of Columbia	$650 million	$150 million	$800 million	12.70%
Florida	$5.9 billion	0	$5.9 billion	22.80%
Georgia	$3.1 billion	$750 million	$3.9 billion	22.30%
Hawaii	$682 million	$297 million	$978 million	19.10%
Idaho	$411 million	0	$411 million	16.40%
Illinois	$9.2 billion	0	$9.2 billion	33.00%
Indiana	$1.1 billion	0	$1.1 billion	7.50%
Iowa	$779 million	0	$779 million	13.20%
Kansas	$1.4 billion	Yes, DK size	$1.4 billion	22.60%
Kentucky	0	$1.1 billion	$1.1 billion	11.30%
Louisiana	$1.8 billion	0	$1.8 billion	21.60%
Maine	$640 million	0	$640 million	21.40%
Maryland	$1.9 billion	Yes, DK size	$1.9 billion	13.60%
Massachusetts	$5.0 billion	0	$5.0 billion	17.90%
Michigan	$2.4 billion	0	$2.4 billion	12.00%
Minnesota	$3.2 billion	0	$3.2 billion	21.00%
Mississippi	$480 million	0	$480 million	9.60%
Missouri	$923 million	0	$923 million	10.30%
Nebraska	$150 million	0	$150 million	4.30%
Nevada	$1.2 billion	0	$1.2 billion	37.80%
New Hampshire	$250 million	0	$250 million	16.20%
New Jersey	$8.8 billion	0	$8.8 billion	29.90%
New Mexico	$345 million	0	$345 million	6.30%
New York	$17.9 billion	0	$17.9 billion	32.30%
North Carolina	$4.6 billion	0	$4.6 billion	21.90%
Ohio	$3.3 billion	0	$3.3 billion	12.30%
Oklahoma	$600 million	0	$600 million	10.50%
Oregon*	0	0	0	0.00%
Pennsylvania	$4.8 billion	0	$4.8 billion	18.00%
Rhode Island	$590 million	0	$590 million	19.20%
South Carolina	$725 million	0	$725 million	12.50%
South Dakota	$32 million	0	$32 million	2.90%
Tennessee	$1.0 billion	0	$1.0 billion	9.70%
Texas	$3.5 billion	0	$3.5 billion	9.50%
Utah	$721 million	$279 million	$1.0 billion	19.80%
Vermont	$278 million	0	$278 million	24.80%
Virginia	$1.8 billion	Yes, DK size	$1.8 billion	10.90%
Washington	$3.4 billion	$195 million	$3.6 billion	23.30%
West Virginia	$200 million	0	$200 million	5.30%
Wisconsin	$3.2 billion	0	$3.2 billion	23.20%
Wyoming	0	$32 million	$32 million	1.70%
Total	$143.2 billion	$22.7 billion	$165.9 billion	24.40%

This will lead to very drastic cuts in state budgets. Access to medical care by the poor will likely be one of the first things to be cut.

Education budgets will also probably be pared. This could be decreased spending on new textbooks, which would not be good news for publishers like McGraw-Hill (MHP) and Scholastic (SCHL).

Another area that is likely to be hit is new equipment at the municipal level. For example, I would not expect Oshkosh (OSK) to have a very good year selling new fire engines and snow removal equipment to municipalities.

Layoffs of state and municipal workers will simply add to the already high and rising unemployment rate. In short, a big part of the federal stimulus spending is being offset by (legally mandated) anti-stimulus actions at the state level.

As the graph shows, state fiscal problems tend to persist well after the recession is officially over. Indeed the problem is usually worse in the second or third year since by then the "rainy day funds" have already been used up.

Following the last recession, states collectively had their worst year in 2004 with a shortfall of $80 billion (or less than half what they face for fiscal 2010), which was well after the recession officially ended. Thus 2011, and possibly even 2012, will be a very lean year at the state level as well.

Company Description

Corrections Corporation of America ("CCA") is the largest operator of correctional and detention facilities in the United States. Only the federal government and three states are larger prison operators.

The company operates 64 facilities, with 44 of those being company owned. It has a total design capacity of about 86,000 beds in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

CCA also operates educational and rehabilitation programs as well as providing health care and food services within the correctional facilities.

Revenue Climbed 6.5% in the First Quarter

On May 7, CCA reported first quarter 2009 results that surprised on analysts' estimates by 11.54%. Earnings per share were 29 cents compared to Wall Street estimates of 26 cents per share.

Revenue rose 6.5% to $404.2 million from $379.4 million during the year ago quarter. Total compensated man-days increased 3%. The average inmate population gained 4.2% during the quarter.

Revenue from federal customers rose 5.5% to $160.1 million from $151.8 million fueled by per diem increases during 2008.

Revenue for managing state customers increased 9.5% to $211.8 million from $193.5 million in the year ago time frame.

State revenue growth was primarily due to increased inmate populations in the states of California, Colorado and Idaho, which offset declining inmate populations in Minnesota, Washington, New Mexico, and Kentucky, as well as per diem increases during 2008.

"We are pleased that we were able to capitalize on our bed developments in 2008 through the award of three new contracts during the first quarter of 2009 for nearly 4,000 additional inmates," said John Ferguson, Chief Executive Officer.

"The remaining 6,700 beds in inventory positions us for additional growth in the future," he added.

Share Repurchase Program

In Nov 2008, the company announced a $150 million share repurchase program. Through May 1, 2009, CCA repurchased 10.7 million shares for a cost of $125 million. The company accelerated share repurchases in the first quarter, spending $108.4 million on 9.6 million shares.

Guidance Clouded by State Budget Concerns

CCA provided second quarter earnings per share guidance in the range of 26 cents to 28 cents. Full year 2009 EPS is expected to be between $1.17 to $1.25 per share.

The magnitude of the economic crisis on state budgets is a not yet apparent as fiscal year 2010 budgets are due by July 1. The company cautioned that the earnings guidance included its best estimate of potential outcomes in states that are customers.

However, the company believes it will see long-term benefits from the supply and demand imbalance in the number of beds that continues in the industry.

Consensus Estimates Rise

Covering analysts appear to be cautious despite the company's guidance. Second quarter estimates are at the high end of the forecast range, at 28 cents per share, but they've been there for the last 60 days.

Full-year estimates are up 5 cents to $1.21 per share in the last 2 months but 2 have lowered and 1 has raised within the last 30 days.

Value Fundamentals

Corrections Corporation of America is a Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy) stock. It has a forward P/E of 13.33. Its price-to-book ratio is 1.48. The company has a 5-year average return on equity (ROE) of 10.15%.

Zacks Investment Research

Family Dollar Stores, Inc. (FDO), the discount store chain with more than 6,600 stores in 44 states, continues to buck dreary retail conditions as the company recently increased 2009 guidance.

Given the economic environment, the company is operating on all cylinders. On Jan 15, Family Dollar announced an 8% increase in its quarterly dividend, payable to shareholders of record as of Mar 13. It is the 33rd consecutive year Family Dollar has increased its dividend.

The company also reported better than expected first quarter 2009 earnings on Jan 7, beating Wall Street estimates by 5%, or 2 cents a share. Earnings per share rose 13.5% to 42 cents from 37 cents in the year ago period. Analysts expected 40 cents per share.

Net income rose 14.1% to $59.3 million compared with $51.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. During the quarter, the company opened 65 new stores and closed 19 stores.

Sales jumped 4.2% to $1.754 billion. Comparable store sales increased 2.1%. The rise in comparable store sales was primarily due to an increase in the average customer transaction value and higher customer traffic. Sales were driven mainly by sales of food.

The company also saw strong holiday sales. In December, net sales rose 8% with comparable store sales jumping 6%. Just like the rest of the quarter, food and other consumable items were most popular, but toys also were big sellers.

2009 Guidance

Given the strength in the food category in the last quarter, the company expects the strong sales to continue for fiscal 2009 which ends Aug 29, 2009. 2009 earnings per share are expected to be between $1.63 and $1.81.

Second quarter sales are forecast to increase 3% to 5%. Family Dollar also expects EPS in the range of 48 cents to 52 cents.

Solid Fundamentals

When we last reviewed Family Dollar on July 9, it was a Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy) stock. It is now a Zacks #2 Rank (buy) stock.

FDO has a forward P/E of 14.99. Its price-to-book is 3.01. The company has an outstanding 1-year return on equity (ROE) of 19.5%. Family Dollar has surprised on earnings 4 quarters in a row by an average of 9.03%.

Read the July 9, 2008 analysis.

Update to Previous Value Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

IDACORP, Inc. (IDA), the western holding company, beat Wall Street estimates by 28.09% in the third quarter as a merciful mother nature helped the bottom line in the company's key electric markets of Idaho and Oregon. IDA is trading at 12.5x forward earnings. Read the Jan 20 analysis.

Progress Software Corporation (PRGS), the application infrastructure software company, surprised on fourth-quarter estimates by 77.78%. PRGS is trading at 10.3x forward earnings. Read the Jan 21 analysis.

IPC The Hospitalist Company, Inc. (IPCM), which manages hospitalist group practices, saw record third quarter results in November as revenue climbed 32% on the strength of the company's acquisition strategy. IPCM has a PEG of only 0.6. Read the Jan 22 analysis.

Inverness Medical Innovations, Inc. (IMA), the manufacturer of consumer and professional medical diagnostic products, is finding that the health care sector is the place to be during this global slowdown. The stock is cheap. IMA trades with a PEG of only 0.44. Read the Jan 23 analysis.

"FDO" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

Company Description

IDACORP, Inc. is a holding company with three companies: Idaho Power, IDACORP Financial Services ("IFS") and Ida-West Energy Company. Idaho Power generates electricity in a 24,000 square mile area in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon to a population of about 982,000. The company operates 17 hydroelectric power plants, 2 gas-fired plants and shares ownership in 3 coal-fired generating plants.

Ida-West Energy, an affiliate of Idaho Power, operates and has an ownership interest in 9 Qualifying Facilities in Idaho and California.

IFS was formed in 1986 as an investing vehicle for the unregulated capital of Idaho Power. It currently holds a $200 million portfolio of tax credit real estate properties, including historic properties, throughout the United States.

Third Quarter Earnings Jump 75.4%

On Nov 6, IDACORP announced third quarter earnings that beat Wall Street estimates by 28.09%, or 25 cents per share. Net income climbed 79% to $51.7 million from $28.9 million in the third quarter of 2007. Earnings per share rose 75.4% to $1.14 from 65 cents. Analysts expected 89 cents.

Idaho Power, IDACORP's largest subsidiary, saw net income grow 97% to $47.4 million from $24.1 million in the year ago period. The company attributed part of the growth to assistance from mother nature, which gave Idaho and Oregon near-normal temperatures and better water conditions compared to the drought and extreme temperatures of prior years.

Consensus Estimates Rise for 2008 and 2009

Covering analysts are optimistic about full-year 2008 and 2009 earnings. 2008 estimates are up 17 cents to $2.28 in the last 3 months.

2009 consensus estimates also climbed 6 cents to $2.35 in the last 90 days.

Solid Fundamentals

IDACORP, Inc. is a Zacks #1 Rank (strong buy) stock. It has surprised on estimates 2 out of the last 4 quarters by an average of 4.22%.

IDA has a forward P/E of 12.54. Its price-to-book is 1.05. The company also pays a dividend, with a current yield of 4.07%.

"IDA" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?
Zacks Investment Research

Shares of Pacific Iron Ore (POC) dropped C$0.20 to close at C$0.29. The junior recently tabled the results from seven diamond drill holes from its Pearson project on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Formation Capital (FCO) reported that the record of decision on its Idaho cobalt project has been remanded by the U.S. Forest Service. Formation closed down C$0.125 at C$0.24.

On a rare positive note, Oro Gold Resources (OGR) cut 61.1 metres running 8.5 grams gold per tonne at its Trinidad property some 110 kilometre east of Mazatlan, Mexico. Oro ended the day up C$0.09 at C$0.38.

ATW Venture (ATW) hit 23.7 metres grading 16 grams gold at its Burnakura gold mine in Western Australia. ATW ended the day up C$0.01 at C$0.445.

The market meltdown is continuing, with the junior bourse marking the hardest hit. The TSX Ventures is now within striking distance of its 2002 low of 890. We will see what Tuesday trading has in store.

Source: Resource Stock Roundup Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The wild instability in current markets has me thinking...

"Washington Mutual Becomes the Biggest Bank to Fail in U.S. History," blares a headline.

"Bailout Talks Implode During Day of Chaos," screams another.

That can't possibly be good for the markets, right?  You'd have to think that the Dow and the Select Sector SPDRS Financials ETF (XLF) will be taking another nosedive today unless the government gets it together. In a major league show of brinksmanship, Paulson et al announced the big bailout assuming (correctly) that if you don't follow through and actually fund the plan, that it could exacerbate the situation.  I mean if you make the announcement, at that point, you can hardly NOT fund the bailout, right?

Crazy times.

And our job is to tell you what it means for you as an index and ETF investor.  Does it mean get ready to buy the crap out of the panicked bottom of this market (risking trying to catch a sky full of falling knives)?  Or should we sell ALL our ETFs NOW while there's still liquidity in the market and go buy a plot, a bunker and maybe some physical gold and plant a bit potato field somewhere in Idaho or North Dakota?"

I'm leaning slightly toward the "buy the crap out of the market" camp but not by much.  Frankly, it feels like a bit of an Alice in Wonderland fantasy scenario where you've got John McCain "suspending" his campaign, the VP frankly looking, uh, ditsy - when they allow her to talk - and really just a sense that maybe no one really knows what they're doing.  I mean, really, how much confidence does Paulson inspire?

But SOMEHOW I think the world will survive all of this drama...even if it takes us 10 years and a lot of potato eating to wade our way out of it.

And honestly, I'm not doing much with the portfolio.  I definitely feel like there are a very likely a few more shoes to drop, Khrushchev-style, on to the financial table.  Don't get me wrong. These ARE important times...and you do get the feeling that we are at an inflection point in history.  But panicking and making wild moves nearly always turn out to be the wrong things to do, whether they're driven by greed or fear.

I wanted to follow up a bit on the Lehman story and the Opta ETNs. It turns out (and we're still digging around this a bit) that those funds were almost entirely drawn down to nothing before they shut down...with only a million bucks or something left in them. We're working on the post mortem of that story (and looking at their much more significant structured products as well).

The ETF/ETN industry (and U.S. finance frankly) will never be the same after this latest round.  That much you can count on. By and large I think it's healthy...or at least it is as long as I'm not forced to actually move to that bunker and grow potatoes.