All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Global Industries, GlobalSantaFe, PPD and Schlumberger.

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include Global Industries, Ltd. (NASDAQ: GLBL), GlobalSantaFe Corporation (NYSE: GSF), PPD, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPDI) and Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB). 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 7.53%. Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are in the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Global Industries, Ltd. (NASDAQ: GLBL) is a Zacks #1 Rank company as earnings estimates for this year have improved 8.7% over the past month. In early March, the company reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of 47 cents, jumping from nine cents a year earlier and eclipsing the consensus by about 30.6%. Revenues soared 75% to $304.1 million. Global Industries attributed its year-over-year improvement in net income to an 'outstanding' performance in its Latin America and Gulf of Mexico Diving segments. Furthermore, the company said that its operational and financial successes of 2006 have positioned it strategically to take advantage of opportunities in 2007 and beyond.

GlobalSantaFe Corporation (NYSE: GSF) announced in late-February fourth-quarter earnings per share that topped the consensus by approximately 10.7%. In addition, the offshore oil and gas drilling contractor posted revenue of $950.6 million, compared to $603.5 million a year earlier. The quarter's performance finished off a strong year for GlobalSantaFe, which included the highest net income in its history. Despite some softness in the Gulf of Mexico jackup market, GlobalSantaFe continues to benefit from strength in international offshore drilling markets. The company remains one of the All Stars' favorite names in the industry.

PPD, Inc. (NASDAQ: PPDI) reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of 35 cents on net revenue of $327 million. Earnings improved year over year and beat the consensus by 6%, while revenue jumped 19.1% from $274.6 million. For the full year, net revenue increased 20.4% to $1.25 billion, versus $1.04 billion in 2005. Earnings per share also beat year-ago results for the full year. PPD remains a fixture on the All Star Analysts Portfolio.

Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB) is scheduled to report first-quarter results on Apr 20. The oil services giant, which remains a favorite with the All Stars, finished off last year on a solid note. Fourth-quarter earnings per share of 92 cents improved year over year from 52 cents and bettered the consensus by approximately 9.5%. Revenue jumped 33% to $5.35 billion. Looking forward, Schlumberger stated that it expects to continue seeing significant growth in 2007.

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

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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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