Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: AutoZone, Inc., ArvinMeritor, Inc., BJ's Restaurants, Inc., ValueClick Inc. and Kongzhong Corp.

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: AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO), ArvinMeritor, Inc. (NYSE: ARM), BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: BJ), ValueClick Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK) and Kongzhong Corp. (Nasdaq: KONG).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

AutoZone Outlook a BattleZone

AutoZone, Inc. (NYSE: AZO) is one of the nation's leading specialty retailers of automotive replacement parts and accessories, operating in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) retail, Do-It-for-Me (DIFM) commercial and other customer markets.

Currently, shares of AutoZone, Inc. are trading at 10.2x our 2009 EPS estimate of $10.94. Management has undertaken category guidance efforts and supply chain initiatives, steps that make us optimistic about the stock. However, rising debt levels, competition and high gas prices raise concerns.

ArvinMeritor Steady in Downshift

ArvinMeritor, Inc. (NYSE: ARM) has developed a leading position in most of the markets it serves. Presently, the company is planning to spin off its Light Vehicle Systems (LVS) business.

The company is undergoing dramatic cost reductions through its profit improvement initiative Performance Plus. The company is also expanding geographically and outsourcing to low-cost countries.

BJ's Restaurants Seeks Growth

BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE: BJ) has grown rapidly with its unique concept and high-quality food offered at various price points, while maintaining some of the best unit economics in the industry.

Despite the tough macro environment, the chain's current comps are outperforming its peer group. In turn, we think it is well positioned to achieve 20%+ EPS growth over the next several years by growing capacity at 20% long-term and generating 3% same-store sales growth.

ValueClick Feels the Slowdown

We maintain a Hold rating on the shares of ValueClick Inc. (Nasdaq: VCLK), an online marketing services company.

VCLK is currently trading at a P/E multiple of 9.0x our 2008 earnings per share estimate of $0.68, a discount to the industry median. Although over the long-term we are very positive on online advertising growth, current economic conditions are creating significant headwinds for ValueClick and others in the industry. Rising energy prices and falling housing prices have caused consumer confidence to drop, and consumer spending has fallen considerably as a result.

KONG Not Yet Scaling Heights

We maintain our Hold recommendation and the same valuation target for Kongzhong Corporation (ADS) (Nasdaq: KONG), a leading provider of wireless value-added services (WVAS) in China, ahead of third quarter financial results.

Kongzhong's revenue for the second quarter exceeded the market consensus, while earnings were in line with market expectations. Revenue has increased sequentially for the past four quarters. Although we remain concerned about KONG's prospects due to the unfavorable the WVAS operating environment, the company still has sufficient cash to look for other sources of revenue opportunities.

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