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: Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT), Hologic Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX), Hana Bioscience Inc. (NASDAQ: HNAB), and Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN).

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Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:

Ford: What Should Happen

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. We believe that the company should file for bankruptcy to rid itself of unions, pension and healthcare issues, and separate dealerships from the rest of the company.

The U.S. government should provide $25-$50B in aid, which will act as DIP [debtor-in-possession] financing. Any aid should force the company to only make 35MPG+ vehicles. Management should be purged and outsiders brought in. Tariffs and quotas should be implemented for imported vehicles from overseas. Consumers should be allowed to deduct their automotive interest.

Conexant Works to Deleverage

Conexant Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CNXT) designs and develops semiconductor solutions that enable consumers to access the digital world. The company's products enable set-top boxes (STBs), personal computers (PCs), and game terminals to share voice, video, and data over broadband networks including asynchronous digital subscriber line (ASDL), cable, and direct broadcast satellite systems.

Recently, Conexant closed the deal for SigmaTel's Multi-Function Printer unit, which it purchased for $16 million and divested its broadband media processing segment. The company is in the process of deleveraging its balance sheet and retired almost $133 million of debt in fiscal 2008.

Hologic Looking Down the Road

Hologic Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX) is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of medical imaging systems and diagnostic and surgical products focused on the healthcare needs of women. Historically, the company has developed, manufactured, and marketed products focused on mammography, breast care and osteoporosis assessment.

HOLX reported Q4 EPS that were in-line to our estimate on revenue that exceeded our forecast. We lowered our FY09 revenue and EPS estimates to within the initial management guidance. We initiated our FY10 revenue and EPS estimates. Our price target is based on a P/E multiple of roughly 11x 2009 EPS estimate.

Hana Bio Shares Stay Submerged

Hana Bioscience Inc. (NASDAQ: HNAB) is a development-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on cancer and cancer supportive care. The company has a relatively diversified portfolio, but all candidates are in either the early stage or middle stage of development.

We are concerned about the competition the company will face in the cancer and cancer supportive-care areas. Cash position is also a matter of great concern.

Ciena Target Lowered, Still a Hold

Maryland-based Ciena Corp. (NASDAQ: CIEN) is an original equipment manufacturer [OEM] of optical networking equipment, software and services. The company’s FlexSelect platform has been gaining momentum and we believe the acquisition of World Wide Packets will further strengthen its base.

However, Ciena’s sales cycle is lengthening as Tier 1 carriers proceed with caution, given the economic uncertainty. With the disappointing fourth-quarter results, we believe it would be difficult for the company to improve or maintain its growth rate given weak economic conditions. Ciena has provided a bleak outlook for the first quarter of 2009. As such, we are reducing our estimates for fiscal 2009 and 2010.

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