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Bebe Stores Inc. (BEBE: Summary, Messages, Articles) Trade Alert – Brean Murray Upgrades BEBE on Attractive Price Level and Signs of Improvement

Bebe Stores Inc. (BEBE: Summary, Messages, Articles) shares declined 4.72% to $6.50 Thursday morning, as broader markets plunged, even after an analyst upgraded the stock. Bebe Stores engages in the design, development and production of women's apparel and accessories.

Brean Murray & Co. recently upgraded Bebe Stores to Buy, with a target price of $10, following a sustained stock-price drop and signs the company's results are improving. This new rating expects the stock to outperform the market over the next 12 months, with moderate risk to fundamentals or valuation.

Brean Murray analysts stated, ”We believe with the stock trading at a price not seen since December 2003, cash per share of almost $4.00, Street expectations probably as low as they ever been and with the company showing signs of gaining some level of normalcy and returning as a fashion leader, that now is the time for deep value-oriented investors to weather the short-term storm and become more aggressive in the name. With BEBE now trading at 1.7x net cash and 1.3x book value, we believe the risk/reward in the stock for patient investors is compelling."

Bebe Stores also recently reported net sales increased to $687.6 million during the year ended July 5, 2008, from $670.9 million in fiscal 2007, an increase of $16.7 million, or 2.5%. The increase in sales is primarily attributable to an increase in sales of $54.4 million, partially offset by a 7.6% decrease in comparable store sales and an additional $10 million in sales in fiscal 2007 due to the extra week for the year.

The company also generated $16.4 million of interest and other income, net of other expenses, during fiscal 2008 as compared to $13.1 million in fiscal 2007. The increase in interest and other income resulted from an increase in interest rates primarily on auction rate securities and additions to marketable securities balances due to positive operating results.

Bebe Stores' products include a range of separates, tops, dresses, active wear and accessories in career, evening, casual and active lifestyle categories.

The company markets its products under the bebe, COLLECTION bebe, BEBE SPORT, bbsp, bebe O, and 2b bebe brand names primarily through retail stores.

As of July 5, 2008, Bebe Stores operated 303 specialty retail stores, including 212 bebe stores, 63 BEBE SPORT stores, 20 bebe outlet stores, seven 2b bebe stores, and an on-line store at www.bebe.com in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

It also markets its products through its online store at bebe.com, and through its 21 international licensee operated stores.

In today's daily chart, BEBE's Bollinger Bands indicate greater than normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD reflects a strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock's 13-day moving average, the bearish signal is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.

The Home Depot Inc. (HD: Summary, Messages, Articles) Trade Alert – Credit Suisse Upgrades HD from Neutral to Outperform

The Home Depot Inc. (HD: Summary, Messages, Articles) shares fell 5.70% to trade at $18.64 Thursday mid-morning. Home Depot operates as a home improvement retailer primarily in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Credit Suisse recently upgraded Home Depot from Neutral to Outperform. This new rating expects the stock's total return to exceed the industry average by at least 10% to 15% (or more depending on perceived risk) over the next 12 months.

According to the analyst firm, competitive pressures will lessen for the home-improvement retailers as the industry consolidates, and that the downturn will separate the winners from the losers.

After replacing Robert Nardelli last year, Home Depot CEO Frank Blake found a pyramid of riding lawn mowers outside a store in Arizona, and discovered the store had sold only one such mower in two years. He learned that the company was chronically short of Makita power tools on the West Coast, where they sell particularly well.

When Blake took command of Home Depot in early 2007, he ordered changes in Home Depot's purchasing system, which had favored national uniformity at the expense of local customer preferences. The company's inventory problems stemmed from a 2001 decision by then-CEO Nardelli to consolidate nine regional purchasing offices into a centralized buying operation at its Atlanta headquarters. However, with the shift in purchasing system, Blake got a glimpse of the results on a recent trip to Detroit, where stores in some neighborhoods favored charcoal barbecue grills, while others featured gas grills.

Home Depot stores offer building materials, home improvement supplies and lawn and garden products that are sold to do-it-yourself customers, do-it-for-me customers, home improvement contractors, tradespeople and building maintenance professionals.

The company also operates EXPO Design Center stores that provide products and services primarily related to design and renovation projects.

As of February 3, 2008, it operated 2,234 stores comprising 1,950 The Home Depot stores, 34 EXPO stores, five Yardbirds stores, and two THD Design Center stores in the United States, as well as 165, 66, and 12 The Home Depot stores in Canada, Mexico and China.

In today's daily chart, HD's Bollinger Bands indicate above normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD reflects a strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock's 13-day moving average, the bearish signal is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS: Summary, Messages, Articles) Trade Alert – DKS Receives Analyst Upgrade, Announces New President Effective February 1, 2009

Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS: Summary, Messages, Articles) shares slipped 1.72% to $15.98 Thursday mid-morning. Dick's Sporting Goods, a sporting goods retailer, together with its subsidiaries, offers sporting goods equipment, apparel, and footwear for men, women and children.

Credit Suisse recently upgraded Dick's Sporting Goods from Neutral to Outperform. This new rating expects the stock's total return to exceed the industry average by at least 10% to 15% (or more depending on perceived risk) over the next 12 months.

Dick's Sporting Goods recently announced that effective February 1, 2009, which is the beginning of the company's 2009 fiscal year, Joseph M. Schmidt, currently the company's executive vice president of operations and CEO, will assume the role of president and CEO. Schmidt served as company senior vice president and vice president of store operations prior to serving as executive vice president of operations and CEO, positions he has held since February 2008.

Dick's Sporting Goods offers athletic apparel, outerwear, sportswear, including t-shirts, shorts, sweats and warm-ups; specialty footwear, such as casual footwear, cleated shoes, athletic shoes, boots and socks; and fitness equipment, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, stationary bicycles, home gyms, free weights and weight benches.

It offers its products for team sports, such as football, baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, bowling and lacrosse; and golf, tennis, running, swimming, hiking, fitness and cross training and cycling.

The company also offers family recreation products, including lawn games and table games, such as ping-pong, foosball, and air hockey; and hunting products, including rifles, shotguns, ammunition, global positioning systems, hunting apparel, knives and cutlery, and archery equipment, as well as optics, such as binoculars and scopes.

In addition, it offers fishing gear, including rods, reels and tackle with camping equipment, such as tents and sleeping bags; marine and water sports equipment, including navigational electronics, water skis, rafts, kayaks and canoes; and golf clubs and club sets, bags, balls and teaching aids.

The company also sells and services BMX, all-terrain, freestyle, touring bicycles, scooters, and skateboards, as well as offers cycling accessories, including helmets, bicycle carrier racks, gloves, water bottles and repair and maintenance parts.

As of February 2, 2008, the company operated 340 Dick's Sporting Goods stores in 36 states, 79 Golf Galaxy stores in 29 states, and 15 Chick's Sporting Goods stores in California.

In today's daily chart, DKS's MACD reflects a strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price action. With share prices currently below the stock's 13-day moving average, a bearish trend is generally indicated.

Delta Natural Gas Company Inc. (DGAS: Summary, Messages, Articles) Trade Alert – DGAS Remains Confident for 2009, Receives Analyst Upgrade to Buy

Delta Natural Gas Company Inc. (DGAS: Summary, Messages, Articles) shares climbed 4.45% Thursday mid-morning, trading at $22.95. Delta Natural Gas sells and distributes or transports natural gas to customers in central and southeastern Kentucky.

Hilliard Lyons recently upgraded Delta Natural Gas from Neutral to Buy. This new rating suggests stocks deemed to have potential to achieve minimum 15% upside to current price.

In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing statement, Delta Natural Gas expressed its confidence on its non-regulated segment to continue to contribute to consolidated net income in 2009. However, the company said its success in 2009 and beyond will depend, in part, on its ability to maintain a reasonable rate of return in its regulated segment in light of higher gas prices and the resultant conservation by its customers and additional loss of customers switching to alternate energy sources.

Delta Natural Gas said it will be implementing in 2009 a conservation and efficiency program that is designed to encourage its residential customers to more efficiently use natural gas and to lessen the impact on the company from such conservation.

Delta Natural Gas operates through two segments, Regulated and Non-Regulated. The Regulated segment sells and distributes natural gas to its retail customers primarily in 23 rural counties. This segment also transports gas to industrial customers on its system who purchase gas in the open market, as well as transports gas on behalf of local producers and other customers not on its distribution system.

The Non-Regulated segment purchases natural gas on the national market and from Kentucky producers, and resells this gas to industrial customers on its distribution system and to others not on its system. This segment also produces natural gas that is sold on the non-regulated market.

The company serves approximately 38,000 customers on its distribution system. It owns approximately 2,500 miles of natural gas gathering, transmission, distribution, storage and service lines, as well as has interests in oil and gas leases on 10,300 acres located in Bell, Knox and Whitley counties.

In today's daily chart, DGAS' Bollinger Bands indicate above normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD reflects a strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock's 13-day moving average, a bearish trend is generally reflected.

Marriott International Inc. (MAR: Summary, Messages, Articles) Trade Alert – MAR Obtains Analyst Upgrade, Reports Q3 Revenue Increase

Marriott International Inc. (MAR: Summary, Messages, Articles) shares fell 3.54% to $17.17 Thursday mid-morning. Marriott, a hospitality company, operates and franchises hotels and related lodging facilities worldwide.

Thomas Weisel recently upgraded Marriott from Market Weight to Overweight with a price target of $33. This new rating expects the stock to outperform the unweighted expected total return of the analyst's universe over a 12-month investment horizon.

Marriott recently reported revenues in the first three quarters of 2008 increased by $194 million, or 2%, to $9,095 million from $8,901 million in the first three quarters of 2007, as a result of growth across the system and increased room rates.

For the third quarter of 2008, revenues increased by $20 million, or 1%, to $2,963 million from $2,943 million in the third quarter of 2007, primarily related to reimbursed costs as a small increase in base management fee growth was offset by small decreases in franchise and incentive management fees.

As football and hockey are back in downtown Detroit, hometown fans as well as visitors can enjoy a winning hotel deal offered by Marriott. The company recently introduced "Fan-tastic" rates for as low as $149 per room, per night, with two different Detroit hotel deals to choose from.

Hotels participating include Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown. Each hotel offers the best of amenities and both are in the heart of downtown where you will find in addition to Ford Field and Joe Louis Arena, the Fox Theatre, the Detroit Institute of Arts, restaurants, casinos and nightclubs.

Marriott develops, operates and franchises hotels and corporate housing properties under 15 brand names.

The company also develops, operates, markets and sells timeshare interval, fractional ownership and residential properties under four brand names.

As of June 30, 2008, Marriott operated or franchised 3,069 lodging properties with 544,811 rooms, and provided 2,332 furnished corporate housing rental units.

In addition, the company provides services to home/condominium owner associations for projects associated with its brands.

In today's daily chart, MAR's Bollinger Bands indicate greater than normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price trend. MACD reflects a strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock's 13-day moving average, the bearish signal is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT: Summary, Messages, Articles) Trade Alert – HOT Launches 'Better Tomorrows', Receives Analyst Upgrade

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. (HOT: Summary, Messages, Articles) shares dropped 5.11% to $19.31 Thursday mid-morning, as the broader market declined on concerns about economic deterioration. Starwood, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a hotel and leisure company worldwide. It primarily operates luxury and upscale full service hotels, retreats, and residences.

Thomas Weisel recently upgraded Starwood from Market Weight to Overweight with a price target of $40. This new rating expects the stock to outperform the unweighted expected total return of the analyst's universe over a 12-month investment horizon.

Starwood recently announced the launch of its promise for 'Better Tomorrows', which provides travelers access to these and other top destinations like San Diego, Scottsdale, San Antonio and Sunny Isles, Florida. With the new on-going promotion that ends March 31, 2009, every night stay entitles guests with 50% off the price of the next night's stay.

The industry leading promotion offers straightforward and significant savings at nearly 500 W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, AloftSM, ElementSM and The Luxury Collection hotels in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.

The company also engages in the development, ownership, and operation of vacation ownership resorts; marketing and selling vacation ownership interests in the resorts; and provision of financing to customers who purchase such interests. In addition, it develops, markets and sells residential units at mixed use hotel projects.

As of December 31, 2007, the company's hotel portfolio includes 897 owned, leased, managed and franchised hotels with approximately 275,000 rooms.

It also had 28 vacation ownership resorts and residential properties in the United States, Mexico and the Bahamas.

Starwood operates hotels and resorts under various brand names comprising St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points, aloft and Element.

In today's daily chart, HOT's Bollinger Bands indicate greater than normal volatility as reflected by an increase in distance between the upper and lower bands. Trading within its Bollinger Bands, the stock reflects neither an overbought nor oversold condition relative to its recent price action. MACD reflects a strong bearish signal, with the indicator below the 9-day moving average signal line, and also below the critical 0 level, indicating that moving averages are trending lower. With share prices currently below the stock's 13-day moving average, the bearish signal is more pronounced with decreasing moving averages.