CITIGROUP Analyst Terrence Whalen rates SYNOPSYS a SELL:

Track Terence’s picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/categories.php?category_id=1509

Citigroup analyst Terence Whelan says Synopsys is a high quality stock and was his favorite electronic design automation stock from December 2006 until February 2008 based on consistent growth, margin expansion, and cash flow. But he says SNPS’s revised fiscal year 2009 (October) outlook softens all three merits.

Whelan says SNPS on its third quarter conference call issued preliminary fiscal year 2009 EPS guidance of $1.70-$1.80, vs. Street’s $1.90, implying 1%-9% growth on 6%-7% higher sales. He says the move is particularly surprising because SNPS indicated last quarter that fiscal year 2009 sales would grow 10%+, suggesting risk that this may be one of several downward revisions.

He cuts $1.90 fiscal year 2009 EPS estimate to $1.77, and $34 price target to $20. He prefers Cadence Design Systems and Mentor Graphics.

Standard & Poors PICKS:

1. S&P Analyst Micheal Souers rates LOWE’S  a BUY:

a. July-quarter driven by the government’s fiscal stimulus plan and marketshare gains.

b.  Lowe’s continues to execute well in a challenging macro environment; he anticipates continued near-term pressure in housing, but he thinks the shares remain attractive

Track Michael’s picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/categories.php?category_id=1019

2. S&P Analyst Tuna Amobi rates DISH NETWORK a SELL:

a. regulatory hurdles for a potentially renewed DISH/DTV merger.

b. DISH’s relationship with recently spun off Echostar raises some concern about governance and related party transactions.

c. target price is $25

Track Tuna’s picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/categories.php?category_id=621

3. S&P Analyst Thomas Graves rates HERSHEY a STRONG SELL:

a.  wholesale price increases and lower sales growth guidance for 2009

b. higher prices to inhibit 2009 volume.

c.  wary of the prospects for consumer spending, commodity costs, and potential competitive pressure uptick.

d. 12-month target price of $33. The stock has an indicated dividend