CHICAGO -- 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: Manugistics (Nasdaq:MANU), JDA Software (Nasdaq:JDAS) and Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA).

See the latest posts to the Analyst Blog by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2673

Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:

JDAS Buys Manugistics

Manugistics (Nasdaq:MANU) has agreed to be acquired by JDA Software (Nasdaq:JDAS) for $2.50 per share in cash. This deal is expected to close sometime during the second or third quarter of 2006, following approval by shareholders and regulators, which we expect it to receive. We therefore expect the shares to trade at a small discount to the $2.50 purchase price between now and the close, and therefore raise our rating to Hold with a price-target of $2.50.

The deal is reportedly for $211 million in cash, or $2.50 per share, and the assumption of $38 million in debt. The acquisition is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2006 following approval by shareholders and regulators. We do not see any potentially significant roadblocks and expect the deal to close on schedule. For more details on JDA Software, please see the Zacks report dated May 11, 2006. Leading up the acquisition, MANU shares will trade at a slight discount to the $2.50 in order to account for transaction costs and interest.

MAA Target $56

We are reiterating our Buy recommendation on shares of Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA). The company again had an impressive quarter, and continues to have an attractive valuation compared to peers. MAA again reported record FFO in the 1st quarter of 2006. The company also reported high same store growth in several key operating statistics and we believe strong operations will continue throughout 2006. MAA recently raised its dividend, and we believe there will be more increases in the future. Additionally, MAA's multiple is currently at the lower end of its peer group, and we believe the valuation gap will narrow in the near term.

The company has a healthy balance sheet with debt to market cap of 44%, which gives the company ample room to make strategic acquisitions when the opportunity arises. The company's fixed charge coverage increased to 2.12x at the end of the 1st quarter, and is now above sector averages. The company's floating rate debt exposure is low, at about 15%, with the balance being fixed or hedged. We prefer fixed rate debt in a rising interest rate environment and it also makes for a more predictable earnings stream.

See the latest posts to the Analyst Blog by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=2645

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