For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 21, 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: Nucor (NUE), Dow Chemical (DOW), Freeport McMoran (FCX), Mobile TeleSystems (MBT) and VimpelCom (VIP).

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Here are highlights from Tuesday’s AnalystBlog:

Inflation? What Inflation?

On a year-over-year basis, Crude goods are down 31.5%. However, the year-over-year numbers at the Intermediate -- and especially the Crude -- levels are going to show much slower declines in the next few months.

In October of last year, Intermediate goods prices fell 4.2% while prices fo Crude

...

Russia’s incumbent telecom carrier Mobile TeleSystems (MBT) released its 2009 outlook yesterday. The company has lifted its capital expenditure (CapEx) guidance to $1.8 billion from $1.5 billion as per the previous guidance.   This increase is primarily due to the expected growth in capital spending in Central Asian markets and appreciation of the ruble against the US dollar. While the revised CapEx for 2009 is lower than $2.2 billion spent in 2008, as a percentage of sales it still remains at 22%. In contrast, the company’s archrival VimpelCom (VIP) is expected to spend 12%-15% of sales in 2009.   Mobile TeleSystems plans to invest approximately $450 million in 2009 in 3G network infrastructure and expansion of its proprietary distribution network. Moreover, the company has earmarked $350 million for the maintenance of its existing network. To fund its investments in 3G network, the company has secured a loan ...

Spain’s incumbent telecom carrier Telefonica SA (TEF) has reportedly made an all-cash bid to acquire Brazilian telecom operator GVT Holding SA in an effort to expand its presence in the lucrative Brazilian telecom market. The Spanish operator’s Brazilian fixed-line subsidiary Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo (Telesp) has offered BRL48 (US$27.2) per share of GVT to acquire atleast 51% of the company, equating to a total investment of €2.55 billion (US$3.75 billion). This offer, which is subject to regulatory and shareholders approvals, has outbid the BRL42 (US$23.8) per share offer made by France-based media company Vivendi SA in September 2009. Telefonica targets to eventually acquire 100% stake in GVT. Large telecom carriers across the US and Europe are increasingly focused on expanding their foothold in under-penetrated markets given the limited growth prospects in their matured domestic markets. With its vast population and relatively low wireless and broadband penetration, ...