Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: United Parcel Service, Inc., Dell, Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., Hershey Co., and The Andersons, Inc.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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: United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS), Dell, Inc. (Nasdaq: DELL), Hewlett-Packard Co. (NYSE: HPQ), Hershey Co. (NYSE: HSY) and The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANDE).

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Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:

UPS a Buy at Current Levels

We are retaining our Buy on United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE: UPS), as the stock continues undervalued, as well as our $75 target price. UPS will report third quarter results on October 23. We are maintaining our EPS estimates for 2008 at $3.60, the midpoint of company EPS guidance of $3.50-3.70 and at $4.15 for 2009.

UPS reported second quarter diluted EPS of $0.85, in line with earnings guidance provided on June 23. While the weaker U.S. economy, slowing U.S. volume growth, the shift away from premium products, increased fuel costs and higher interest expense related to a $6.1 billion pension payment will be earnings drags, rate hikes, expansion into China, recent acquisitions and share repurchases should propel EPS growth. In January, UPS instituted a two-year, $10 billion share repurchase plan and announced a 7% increase in the dividend.

DELL Share Gains Over Profits

Dell, Inc. (Nasdaq: DELL) posted better-than-expected revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 as aggressive pricing that helped drive unit sales. On a positive note, it does appear that price cuts were successful in taking some share, and operating expense reductions are ahead of expectations.

At the beginning of fiscal year 2008, Dell announced five growth priorities, which include; Consumer, Emerging Countries, Enterprise, Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), and Notebooks. Dell has struggled in the consumer market, losing share to Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ) over the past few years.

Hershey's a Sweet Value Play

Hershey Co.’s (NYSE: HSY) new management team, led by David West, is expected to recharge growth at in addition to continuing with the three-year Global Supply Chain transformation plan. Since the stock is at the low end of its historical valuation range, Hershey‘s stock is attractive and remains rated a Buy.

Hershey’s stock has traded in a wide P/E multiple range of 15 to 32 over the last 15 years. Over the past five years, the stock has traded in the P/E multiple range of 18 to 32. The stock is currently trading at the lower end of the five year P/E range at 20.5. In 2008, Hershey’s EPS should experience a modest decline due to the impact of commodity cost inflation and increased promotional expenses.

The Andersons No Longer a Secret

The Andersons, Inc. (Nasdaq: ANDE) reported second quarter 2008 EPS of $2.48, above our estimate of $2.36 and up 77.1% year-over-year, primarily due to the contribution from the Grain & Ethanol and the Plant Nutrient Groups. Revenue was up a strong 73.6% year-over-year.

Over the long-term, the company plans to capitalize on the ethanol boom by selling ethanol producers its general management, marketing and risk management services. We expect the Plant Nutrient group to post strong growth going forward.

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