All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Kohl's Corporation, LaSalle Hotel Properties, SI Int'l and Wachovia Corporation.

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS), LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO), SI International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SINT) and Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB). 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 five 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 12.92%, exceeding the S&P 500 by a margin of more than 50%. Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are in the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS) reported earlier this month that same-store sales for September declined 0.2% as sales for cold-weather merchandise was soft; but the company nevertheless remains one of the All Stars' favorite retail names. Total sales for the month advanced 9.8% while total sales for the 35 weeks ended October 1, 2005 advanced 14.5%. Kohl's Corporation expects a shift in weather-related demand into October and remains comfortable with its previous third quarter earnings outlook of between 43 cents and 46 cents per diluted share.

LaSalle Hotel Properties (NYSE:LHO) is a leading multi-tenant, multi-operator real estate investment trust. LaSalle Hotel Properties recently reported third-quarter funds from operations per share of 79 cents, which was a year-over-year improvement from 62 cents. The result also bettered the consensus by almost 7%. Room revenue per available room increased 9.5%. Looking forward, LaSalle Hotel Properties said strength in fundamentals should allow the lodging industry and this company to experience robust growth in RevPAR and EBITDA for the rest of 2005 and 2006. Furthermore, the company increased its FFO per diluted share/unit outlook for 2005 to between $2.13 and $2.16. The All Stars also believe that this company will be able to take advantage of favorable industry conditions.

SI International, Inc. (NASDAQ:SINT) is a provider of information technology and network solutions (IT) primarily to the Federal government. SI International recently reported revenues of $101.8 million for the third quarter, marking a year-over-year jump of 40%. Federal government contract revenue advanced 43% to $100.1 million. Furthermore, earnings per share increased from the previous year. SI International stated that its results were driven by strong organic growth in the Federal government IT business and the acquisitions of Bridge Technology Corporation and Shenandoah Electronic Intelligence, Inc. As for the future, SI International continues to expect a positive demand environment for the mission-critical programs and initiatives that the company supports.

Wachovia Corporation (NYSE:WB) remains a favorite with several of the All Star Analysts. Wachovia recently posted third-quarter earnings per share of $1.09, excluding items, which improved from $1 a year-earlier. The result also edged past the consensus. Revenue advanced by 19% thanks to across-the-board core growth in fee income and the effect of acquisitions. Wachovia stated that its results reflect solid execution on its revenue strategies and merger integration savings, as well as improving efficiency.

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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