Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Apple Inc., Investors Real Estate Trust, Sepracor, Inc., Moody's Corporation and Satyam Computer Services Ltd.

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: Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), Investors Real Estate Trust (NASDAQ: IRET), Sepracor, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEPR), Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO) and Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (NYSE: SAY).

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Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Apple Will Live, But MacWorld...

MacWorld started as a trade show for the MacIntosh computer and remained a computer show for many years. It is not run by Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) -- it is just about Apple.

Apple has moved away from computers as its only business, and MacWorld has been declining in importance for many years.

IRET Positives Priced In

Investors Real Estate Trust (NASDAQ: IRET) has been the best performing REIT in our coverage universe in 2008. The company has manageable near-term debt maturities, a stable dividend, and relatively conservative investment strategy.

As such, in the midst of a REIT meltdown, shares of IRET have actually increased in 2008. Although, the company is not immune to macroeconomic problems; operations in the company's commercial portfolio will get worse over the next few quarters. The company will have a more difficult time leasing commercial space, and we expect rental rate growth and occupancy to suffer.

Sepracor Dragged by Lunesta

Sepracor, Inc. (NASDAQ: SEPR) engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of products primarily for the treatment of respiratory and central nervous system disorders.

Lunesta sales remain weak, post growth negative 4% in the third quarter. We see little that can be done to re-accelerate trends in the U.S. Thankfully, we are pleased to see management looking to move beyond Lunesta and expanding its respiratory franchise with the recent additions or two new products and several technology licensing deals.

Moody's Comps More Favorable

Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO) has a solid franchise in the rating of debt instruments and has diversified with credit research and international growth.

Moody's third quarter results were affected as revenues from assessing bond issuances declined more than 40% due to the freezing up of the credit markets. Moody's slashed its 2008 profit and revenue forecasts amid difficult credit market conditions.

Satyam Outlook Gets Murky

On December 16th, 2008, Satyam Computer Services Ltd. (NYSE: SAY) announced a decision to acquire 100% shareholding in Maytas Properties and a 51% controlling stake in Maytas Infra. Investors have, however, given thumbs down and got the $1.6 billion deal scrapped.

Regarding the acquisition bid, concerns surrounding corporate governance and the decision-making capabilities of the management of Satyam Computer Services could adversely affect the way the company is viewed by potential customers. We anticipate collateral damage as Satyam defends its customer base from predatory attacks from competition, and perhaps pricing may get even weaker.

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