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: Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB) and Host Hotels (NYSE: HST).

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

Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:

Halliburton Showing Strength

Halliburton's (NYSE: HAL) recent KBR spin-off and an increased push in the Eastern Hemisphere through a headquarters in Dubai are both positive developments. The spin-off of the high-volume, low-margin KBR business removes distractions, improves operational focus, and makes Halliburton a pure-play on the oilfield service market. We believe this will aid valuation by narrowing down, if not altogether eliminating, its valuation discount relative to Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB).

Our Buy recommendation remains unchanged, as we continue to view Halliburton as a core oilfield service holding. We have raised our earnings estimates to reflect an improving domestic operating outlook and reduced share count.

Despite some gains in the recent past, Halliburton shares continue to trade at a valuation discount to its peer group. While the company no doubt has substantial exposure to North American natural gas through its market leading pressure-pumping business, its international leverage and presence appears to be under-appreciated. The recent award of a major multi-year Saudi Aramco project highlights the strength of its international relationships, which we believe will get greater attention.

Host Hotels Attractively Priced

Host Hotels (NYSE: HST) reported another strong quarter, as trends in the hospitality sector are encouraging. Improved demand resulted in increased average room rates in most of the company's markets. 1st quarter FFO [funds from operations] came in $0.01 above our estimates and $0.02 above consensus. We expect HST's upscale portfolio in major urban centers to see continued growth in 2007, as the company continues to benefit from increased business and leisure spending.

We expect the rest of 2007 to be good for lodging companies; the economy remains strong and people continue to travel. The stock is attractively valued compared to other REIT sectors, and after a recent sell off, now is an attractive entry point for HST.

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

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