OM Group Inc.

Since we last reviewed OMG, the company closed on its acquisition of Rockwood Holdings, which expands OMG's electronics chemical division. Rockwood specialized in chemicals used in the manufacturing of semi-conductors and printed circuit boards.

OMG was a Zacks #1 Rank stock (Strong Buy) when last featured on Nov 30 but has since moved to a Zacks #2 Rank stock (Buy).

Analysts continue to be bullish on the company. In the last 30 days, one analyst out of three raised estimates by seven cents for the current quarter to $1.33 from $1.26.

Covering analysts expect great things for the full year as well. In the last 30 days, one analyst out of three raised full year estimates by 26 cents to $5.72 from $5.46. The company has a P/E of 9.62. Read the Nov 30, 2007 analysis.

Update to Previous Value Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

Expedia Inc. (EXPE) is taking advantage of its growing worldwide dominance in on-line travel to continue its expansion into new travel markets. On Nov 15, 2007 the company announced a multi-year contract with InterContinental Hotels that will add 3,700 hotels to its sites.

Additionally, EXPE is expanding into the Asia-Pacific market. On Nov 27, 2007 the company announced a plan to launch a call center for businesses operating in China, which would allow access to agents who speak both English and Mandarin. Customers will have access to over 4,700 hotels in 330 cities across China.

EXPE was a Zacks #1 Rank stock (Strong Buy) when we last featured it on Nov 13 but has since moved to a Zacks #2 Rank stock (Buy).

EXPE has a P/B of 1.38 and a PEG of 1.27. Fourth quarter earnings are due on Feb 7. Read the Nov 13, 2007 analysis.

Last Week's Value Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

Yamana Gold Inc. (AUY) continues to benefit from strong gold prices. Since we featured AUY early last week, gold has hit new record highs. Energy shortages have shut gold mines in South Africa which should benefit Yamana in a couple of ways.

Firstly, gold prices are likely to increase as the shutdown slows worldwide production. Secondly, Yamana has no exposure to the shutdown as it mines only in North America. Read the Jan 22 analysis.

Ico Inc. (ICOC), a custom polymer powder manufacturer with worldwide operations, is taking advantage of its global reach. ICOC saw record fourth quarter revenues and expects its growth to continue into 2008. ICOC's earnings have surprised to the upside for the last three quarters by an average of 20.24%. Read the Jan 23 analysis.

UniFirst Corp. (UNF) specializes in renting, leasing and selling work clothes to businesses. Volume in the uniform industry is growing twice as fast as GNP; and UniFirst is taking advantage. The company surprised to the upside by 18.42% in the first-quarter 2008, reporting record revenues and earnings. Read the Jan 24 analysis.

Unilever NV, (UN) the Netherlands consumer goods giant, manufactures some of the most famous brands in the world. The company is reaping big rewards from its global reach and its solid fundamentals. With a P/E of 12.61, the company is an attractive defensive play in the consumer goods sector. Read the Jan 25 analysis.