Mark Vickery

Web Content Editor

312-265-9380

Visit: www.zacks.com

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: Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM), Research in Motion Ltd. (Nasdaq: RIMM), Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK), DryShips, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRYS) and Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc. (NYSE: JLL).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579

Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:

PALM Continues Trailing RIMM

Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq: PALM) has been growing unit volume as a result of continued popularity of its Centro smartphones, and the launch of its Treo 800W gives it a more competitive offering at the high-end of the market. Although Palm has surprised us by posting better-than expected results for the second quarter, the maturing lifecycle of Centro and product transition issues led the company to lower expectations for the second quarter.

We continue to believe that Palm badly trails Research in Motion (Nasdaq: RIMM) in the smartphone market and will not be able to effectively compete as an independent company. We therefore reiterate our Sell rating with our six-month price target of $4.

Merck Growth Outlook Flattening

New Jersey-based Merck (NYSE: MRK) discovers, develops, manufactures and markets a broad range of innovative products to improve human health, both directly and through its joint ventures. Key products that contribute to sales growth are Singulair for asthma and seasonal allergic rinitis, Gardasil, a cervical cancer vaccine, Cozaar/Hyzaar for high blood pressure, and Januvia/Janumet for type-II diabetes.

Merck's vaccine business, propelled by Gardasil, and other products such as Januvia, have been the catalysts for revenue growth. Mega-blockbuster Singulair has recently experienced a significant flattening in sales but will continue to be a huge contributor to Merck's top-line.

DryShips Initiated at a Hold

DryShips, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRYS) is a shipping company that specializes in carrying drybulk commodities, including major bulks such as coal, iron ore, and grains, and minor bulks such as bauxite, phosphate, fertilizers, and steel products. DRYS was formed in September 2004, completing its initial public offering in February 2005 by issuing 14.95 million common shares at $18.00 per share.

We are initiating coverage on DryShips with a Hold recommendation and a $59 target price.