CHICAGO, Jun 26, 2008 (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: UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA), Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL), Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL), Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA) and Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:

United Ests Slashed on Fuel Costs

We are maintaining our Hold on UAL Corporation (Nasdaq: UAUA) but reducing our target price to $6.50. UAL is expected to report second quarter results on July 22. We are slashing our estimates due to rising fuel costs -- our 2008 estimate drops to a loss of $12.00 per share from a loss of $6.00 per share and our 2009 estimate falls to a loss of $5.00 per share from $0.90 earnings per share.

Results should reflect moderate revenue growth, based upon higher domestic airfares, reduced domestic capacity and an increased international presence, offset by substantially higher fuel costs and larger materials, maintenance, and purchased services expense.

UAL's cost-reduction initiatives are expected to shave about $400 million from the company's cost structure in 2008. The company will lay off 950 of its pilots. It recently announced a 0.5% increase in international capacity. On June 19, United Airlines and Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) announced an agreement to cooperate extensively, creating revenue opportunities, cost savings and other efficiencies.

However, competition remains brutal as air fares continue to be under pressure due to excess capacity and UAL's cost structure. The merger between Delta Airlines (NYSE: DAL) and Northwest Airlines (NYSE: NWA) could cause tougher competition. The company is also involved in several lawsuits, most of which relate to unresolved matters from bankruptcy.

Kroger Outperforms, Stays a Hold

Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) reported better-than-expected results for the first quarter but maintained the high end of its fiscal 2008 EPS guidance. We are increasing our sales and earnings estimates to reflect the upside in the first quarter.

The combination of company's low prices and private-label brands are leading to market share gains and driving the company's results. Still, we remain concerned with Kroger's contracting gross margins and rising food and energy prices that could cause consumers to trade down from Kroger stores. The stock looks fairly valued at current levels. We maintain our Hold rating.

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Zacks.com Mark Vickery
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Copyright Business Wire 2008 **********************************************************************
   As of Sunday, 06-22-2008 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend� Alert, an automated pattern recognition system, indicated a DOWNTREND
   on 02-28-2008 for CAL @ $26.22. As of Sunday, 06-22-2008 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend Alert, an automated pattern recognition
   system, indicated a DOWNTREND on 02-27-2008 for DAL @ $14.95. As of Sunday, 06-22-2008 23:59, the latest Comtex SmarTrend
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