All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Walt Disney Company, Patterson-UTI Energy, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and UTi Worldwide

Business Wire, April 6, 2006

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS), Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN), Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and UTi Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:UTIW). 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 four 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:

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) will report its fiscal second quarter results next month. In early February, the entertainment giant posted fiscal first quarter earnings per share of 35 cents, excluding items, which topped the consensus by almost 13%. The result also advanced on a year-over-year basis. Furthermore, revenue increased 2% to $8.85 billion from $8.67 billion. Disney experienced operating income growth at its Parks and Resorts, Media Networks and Consumer Products segments, which was offset by lower results at the Studio Entertainment segment. Looking forward, the company is confident that it can deliver long-term success across each of its businesses, and several All Stars Analysts agree.

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) provides onshore contract drilling services to exploration and production companies in North America. Late last month, Patterson-UTI announced a record fourth quarter performance, which included earnings per share of 80 cents, excluding items, on revenues of approximately $531 million. That earnings result surged on a year-over-year basis while topping the consensus by more than 11%. Revenues jumped 84% from $288 million in the fourth quarter 2004. The quarter capped off a strong performance for 2005 as well, reflecting strong performances from all of its operating segments. Looking forward, Patterson-UTI Energy, whose Board approved an increased in its stock buyback program, expects continued strong demand for its rigs and an ongoing scarcity of rigs in the overall market.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) beat its top and bottom line expectations in the fourth quarter, and also increased its market share for the thirteenth consecutive quarter. Earnings per share from continuing operations, excluding items, reached 71 cents, marking a 25% advance from the year-earlier performance of 57 cents. It also marked a positive earnings surprise of more than 9%. Revenue per available room at same-store owned hotels increased 12.2% in North America and 9.4% worldwide. As for 2006, Starwood said it has significant opportunities in the future. The company is one of the All Stars' favorite names in the hotels industry.

UTi Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:UTIW) is an international, non-asset based global integrated logistics company. The company reported fiscal fourth quarter earnings of 23 cents per share, which was in-line with analysts' expectations and above the year-earlier result. Gross and net revenues advanced 16% and 18% respectively, thanks primarily to organic growth. After adjusting for the impact of the generally strengthening U.S. dollar and acquisitions, gross and net revenues advanced 19% and 20% respectively. UTi Worldwide knows its initiatives and investments are expected to impact its financial performance in the near-term, but believes it is taking the appropriate steps to achieve its future growth objectives.

Discover all the current All Star Analyst rankings and top analyst recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=511

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