The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights:Boeing, Avery Dennison, United Stationers, ACCO Brands and Standard Register Co.

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Mar 06, 2013, 09:30 ET

CHICAGO, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA), Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY), United Stationers Inc. (Nasdaq:USTR), ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO) and The Standard Register Company (NYSE:SR).

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Here are highlights from Tuesday's Analyst Blog:

Boeing Wins Billion-Dollar Deal

The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) has received an order worth $1 billion from Cathay Pacific Airways for three 747-8 Freighter airplanes. The order also includes options for five additional 777 Freighters.

Besides strengthening its position as a market leader in the air cargo business, Cathay Pacific Airways seems to be renewing its freighter fleet with newer, more efficient airplanes. Cathay Pacific currently operates six 747-400 Freighters, eight 747-8 Freighters, six 747-400ER Freighters and one 747-400 BCF. The new 747-8 Freighters fleet will gradually replace the older fleet.

The Boeing 747-8 is a wide-body jet airliner developed by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the fourth-generation Boeing 747 version, with lengthened fuselage, redesigned wings, and improved efficiency. The 747-8 has two main variants: the 747-8 Intercontinental (747-8I) for passengers and the 747-8 Freighter (747-8F) for cargo.

The 747-8 Freighter gives customers 16% more revenue cargo volume in comparison to its predecessor like 747-400 Freighter with comparable trip costs and lower ton-mile costs. Besides providing enhanced environmental performance, the 747-8 Freighter benefits cargo operators with the lowest operating costs and best economics of any large freighter airplane. After 100,000 hours of service, the 747-8 Freighters have reported a 1% improvement in fuel burn than expected by customers.

Boeing is the largest aircraft manufacturer in the world in terms of revenue, orders and deliveries, and one of the largest aerospace and defense contractors. In fourth quarter of 2012, Boeing's Commercial Airplanes made 165 deliveries in comparison to 128 in the year-ago quarter. In 2012, the company delivered the first 747-8 Intercontinental. Recently, Boeing also received an order for two Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental from Air China.

Due to the continuing recovery of the global economy, demand for Boeing's Commercial Airplanes is benefiting from a steady improvement in passenger and freight traffic. To catch up with the expected rise in air traffic and to check fuel bills, airliners will need to replace older airplanes with new ones.

Also, the U.S. defense budget is skewed towards a number of prominent Boeing programs. Overall, the growth momentum is expected to be maintained by its order backlog, planned production rate increases and a globally diversified customer base. The company presently retains a short-term Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Avery Dennison's New Paper Policy

Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY), in association with Rainforest Alliance, has formulated a policy to promote sourcing of materials responsibly and using them in an efficient manner. It includes responsible paper sourcing, procurement and developing greener products from them.

As per the policy, Avery will be bound by certain commitments like identifying the sources of the pulp, natural fiber and paper to aid the customers and industry. It will also have the onus to ensure that its suppliers are pursuing sustainable forest management practices and reward sound environmental performance to its supply chain partners.

Avery, which is among the top players in labeling and packaging materials and solutions along with United Stationers Inc. (Nasdaq:USTR), ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO) and The Standard Register Company (NYSE:SR), will work to avoid controversial fiber sources and maximize the use of recycled content and fiber.

The company together with external certification experts will evaluate the risks involved in its supply chain of illegal timber and irresponsibly harvested fiber. The strategy aims at the development of procedures for documenting, verifying and reporting supplier performance.

Avery will review the policy and commitments on a regular basis that are based on the best scientific evidence to ensure state of the industry. It intends to minimize the environmental and social impacts of sourcing decisions across the entire paper lifecycle.

Pasadena, Calif.-based Avery manufactures pressure-sensitive materials, and tickets, tags, labels and other converted products. Avery has over 200 manufacturing and distribution facilities encompassing more than 60 countries. Its clientele is spread across the U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America and other regions.

Avery's restructuring initiatives will help it focus on its market-leading, pressure-sensitive materials business and Retail Branding and Information Solutions segment.

Avery currently retains a short-term Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

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