All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Activision, Danaher Corporation, Patterson-UTI Energy and Smithfield Foods.

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI), Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR), Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) and Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD). View the entire list of stocks on the All Star Analyst portfolio at http://at.zacks.com/?id=510.

This exclusive portfolio represents all stocks with a Strong Buy rating from at least four analysts with a 5-Star All Star ranking. These are the brokerage analysts whose stock recommendations proved to be the most profitable for investors. Since July 2002, this portfolio has generated an annualized return of 9.34%, exceeding the S&P 500. Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are in the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Activision, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) reported a fiscal first quarter loss of six cents per share on revenue of $188 million. Both of those results declined on a year-over-year basis, but nevertheless beat Wall Street expectations. In fact, the earnings result was more than 45% better than forecasts. Some analysts expect revenue weakness to continue in the fiscal second quarter, but Activision is expected to launch three PS3 launch titles and three Wii launch titles later this year. Analysts are also optimistic of future major releases in fiscal year 2008.

Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) raised its earnings per share guidance for the full year during its second quarter announcement in late July. The company is experiencing strength across its businesses and posted earnings of 80 cents per share, excluding items, in the quarter, which beat the consensus by more than 2.5%. Sales advanced 21.5% to $2.35 billion. Analysts generally believe that Danaher has a portfolio of businesses capable of generating upper-tier sales and earnings growth, as well as robust free cash flow that could allow for further acquisitions.

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) reported second quarter earnings per share of $1 on revenue of $637 million. Earnings more than doubled year over year and bettered the consensus by approximately 5.3%. Meanwhile revenues jumped 63% from $390 million. The onshore contract drilling services provider also announced an increase in its stock buyback program. Patterson-UTI Energy stated that the pricing of its drilling rigs continued to improve, but the current gas storage overhand has moderated the rate of increase. Analysts like this company's growth opportunities, which include better-than-expected day rate growth; strong demand and pricing; an increased number of rig reactivations; and revenue and earnings growth that is expected to remain strong through at least 2007.

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (NYSE:SFD) is the leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the U.S., as well as the largest producer of hogs. Earlier this week, the company announced plans to acquire Premium Standard Farms, which is the nation's second largest pork producer and sixth largest pork processor. The agreement has a total transaction value of about $810 million, including the assumption of Premium Standard Farm's approximately $117 million of net debt. Smithfield Foods said this is strategically a very good long-term fit and near term, this combination should generate benefits for both organizations and its customers.

Discover all the current All Star Analyst rankings and top analyst recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=511.

About Zacks All Star Analyst Survey

To learn which brokerage analysts are the best in their field and what stocks they're recommending today, see the Zacks All Star Analyst survey. This exclusive survey, created with Fortune Magazine, reveals the "Best-of-Breed" brokerage analysts. They are the select group of winners from the universe of brokerage analysts - the ones who consistently beat the street - the few you should be following now. Visit the Zacks All Star Survey to find the best analysts and their top stock recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=512.

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