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Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: DaVita, Inc., Cousins Properties Inc., Fifth Third Bancorp, ProLogis and AutoNation, Inc.

Mon. November 10, 2008; Posted: 06:00 AM
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CHICAGO, Nov 10, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- PLD | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: DaVita, Inc. (NYSE: DVA), Cousins Properties Inc. (NYSE: CUZ), Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq: FITB), ProLogis (NYSE: PLD | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) and AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN).

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Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog:

DaVita Results Dented by Costs

DaVita, Inc. (NYSE: DVA | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) is the largest provider of dialysis services to patients suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and a major operator of integrated dialysis centers.

The company reported in line with consensus with 3Q08 net income of $93.9M, or EPS of $0.89, compared with net income and EPS of $94.5M and $0.88 in 3Q07. Excluding after-tax gains from insurance settlements and after-tax gains on the sale of investment securities net income for 3Q07 was $89.3M, or EPS of $0.83.

Cousins Ppys a Sell After Report

Cousins Properties Inc. (NYSE: CUZ | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) reported 3rd quarter results on November 5. The company reported total revenue of $46.7 million, up from $37.7 million in the year-earlier quarter.

Job growth and consumer spending continue to plummet along with the US economy. CUZ has a concentration of assets in Atlanta and Dallas, two markets with increasing downtown and suburban office vacancies. The company exceeded our 3Q FFO estimates by $0.16 per share, mainly due to a large development fee ($0.19 per share).

Fifth Third Target Lowered

With assets over $116.0 billion and around 21,500 employees, Fifth Third Bancorp (Nasdaq: FITB | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) has been consistently ranked among the top 20 banks in the country on numerous metrics. The Cincinnati-based company operates 18 affiliates, with 1,298 full-service banking centers, including 93 bank Mart locations and 2,329 ATMs in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Georgia.

Fifth Third reported a loss of $0.04 per share on a core basis on account of higher credit costs. Results were significantly below our expectations. Deteriorating credit quality and significant exposure in the Florida market resulted in rating downgrades, as well. We expect nonperforming assets and delinquencies to continue to trend upward, as well as loan loss provisions.

ProLogis Remains a Buy

ProLogis (NYSE: PLD | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) owns and manages interests in 2,898 distribution facilities, service offices and properties, spanning about 548 million square feet (including under development properties) of space in 136 markets, including North America (68% of operating portfolio square footage as of September 30, 2008), Europe (22%) and Asia/Pacific (10%).

In 3Q08, PLD reported FFO [funds from operations] of $0.63 per share, versus $1.41 in 3Q07, primarily due to lower CDFS [Corporate Distribution Facilities Services] gains, and reduced income from property operations. Operationally, the company's portfolio continues to perform relatively well with stable occupancies and slightly increasing rents.

AutoNation Down in Current Market

We expect AutoNation (NYSE: AN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating) to be hurt by a continuing weak new car market. The company is disproportionately exposed to Florida and California, states that will be hit the most by a slowing car market.

Moreover, the credit crisis in the U.S. led to a 22% decline in AutoNation's sales followed by a 32% decline in net profits in the third quarter of 2008. AutoNation's higher debts and interest charges are also a major cause of concern.

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Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

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Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4580.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

SOURCE: Zacks.com

Zacks.com Mark Vickery Web Content Editor 312-265-9380 Visit: www.zacks.com

For full details on Autonation Inc (AN) click here. Autonation Inc (AN) has Short Term PowerRatings of 6. Details on Autonation Inc (AN) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.

    


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