MATTEL INC MAT

Mar 12, 2007

Diana Shipping Inc. (DSX), announced the purchase of a dry bulk carrier for $110 million on Mar 6. The company also entered into a time charter contract with Cargill International SA for the carrier. The contract is expected to deliver gross revenues of $37 million for the first 2 years and $32 million for years 3 and 4. After retreating from a new 52-week high on Feb 26, DSX has found support in the 21-day moving average. Look for a close above recent highs to confirm the underlying trend. Read our Jan 27 analysis.

Mattel Inc. (MAT) was upgraded by Matrix Research from a Hold to a Buy on Mar 5. Since we last covered MAT on Feb 28, the stock has returned 4.0% and is up 21% for the year. In fact, on Mar 8 MAT broke through technical resistance and closed at a record high. Three consecutive positive earnings surprises are reinforcing the upward trend. Read our Jan 17 analysis.

Sun Microsystems Inc. (SUNW) was upgraded by Goldman Sachs on Feb 28 from Neutral to Buy. Since the upgrade, the stock has reversed its recent slide and appears to resume the upward trend that began in late July. Two consecutive earnings surprises and the recent upgrade should support the recent reversal and keep the stock above old resistance; however, significant moves below the 50-day moving average should be watched closely. Read our Jan 26 analysis.

Last Week?s Momentum Zacks Rank Buy Stocks

Anixter International Inc. (AXE) is beating the market by 14.3% and the best may be yet to come. The Zacks #1 Rank stock has consistently delivered positive quarterly earnings surprises and the company has reaffirmed its ability to generate solid sales growth in the face of fluctuating commodity prices. Read our Mar 9 analysis.

Belden CDT Inc. (BDC) has returned 135% since it was first featured as a Zacks Momentum Stock of the Day on Jun 6, 2006. The stock is currently up 26.0% for 2007 and set a new six-and-one-half year high on strong volume last Tuesday. So long as BDC can continue to increase earnings, the stock should continue to move higher. Read our Mar 8 analysis.

CDI Corporation (CDI) reported earnings of 30 cents-per-share on Feb 27, an increase of 30.4% from last year and 11% above expectations. With this report, CDI has met or exceeded analyst expectations for the last five quarters. The stock has recovered from 2006 lows and is up 14.3% for the year. In fact, on Monday the stock set a six-month high on heavy volume. Read our Mar 7 analysis.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company (CTB) reported fourth quarter earnings at 33 cents per share, a 1,200% positive surprise above analysts? expectations. Also, net sales increased 29% to a new quarterly record. On the chart there is a clear example of a ?V? formation bottom, visual evidence of a dramatic turnaround in the company?s fortunes. Read our Mar 6 analysis.