Health & Fitness
Health and Fitness
Health and Fitness
Fri, June 25, 2010
Thu, June 24, 2010
Wed, June 23, 2010 Neurocrine Bio, Interactive Brokers, Hess, Total SA, BP and Royal Dutch Shell
CHICAGO--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ Zacks Equity Research ] highlights Neurocrine Bio (Nasdaq: [ NBIX ]) as the Bull of the Day and Interactive Brokers Group (Nasdaq: [ IBKR ]) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Hess Corporation (NYSE: [ HES ]), Total SA (NYSE: [ TOT ]), BP plc (NYSE: [ BP ]) and Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: [ RDS.A ]).
Full analysis of all these stocks is available at [ http://at.zacks.com/?id=2678 ].
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:
[ Bull of the Day ]:
Neurocrine Bio (Nasdaq: [ NBIX ]) recently entered a deal with Abbott, which paid Neurocrine $75 million upfront, with the potential for another $500 million plus royalties still to come.
The partnership is a homerun in our view. Abbott is the ideal partner for Neurocrine with elagolix. The news comes less than a month after the phase II DAISY-901 program offered up positive data on all primary and secondary endpoints for the treatment of endometriosis.
We expect Abbott to be in position to initiate the phase III program on elagolix in endometriosis by the end of the year.
[ Bear of the Day ]:
Interactive Brokers Group's (Nasdaq: [ IBKR ]) first quarter 2010 earnings were substantially short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Earnings were also down from the prior-year quarter.
The results declined due primarily to competitive pressure on spreads as a result of constrained liquidity and other market challenges. Dwindling equity market volatility in the past quarters continues to negatively impact the results of its Market Making segment.
Though Interactive's fundamentals remain strong with a highly liquid balance sheet, strong capital position and high barriers to entry, significant international exposure and increased market risk could impact profitability in the upcoming quarters. Hence, we are maintaining an Underperform rating on the stock.
Latest Posts on the Zacks [ Analyst Blog ]:
Hess Gains Momentum in Norway
The U.S. oil integrated companyHess Corporation (NYSE: [ HES ]) beefed up its interest in two offshore fields in Norway a" Valhall and Hod a" by exercising its right to pre-empt Total SAa™s (NYSE: [ TOT ]) sale of interests to BP plc (NYSE: [ BP ]). Hess will assume 7.85% and 12.5% interest in Valhall and Hod fields, respectively, for a total consideration of $496 million. The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2010.
The transaction will bring Hessa™ interests in Valhall and Hod to 64.05% and 62.5%, respectively. In December, Hess joined with Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: [ RDS.A ]) for a strategic asset swap deal. The deal had doubled Hessa™ interest in these two fields to 56.2% and 50%, respectively.
The increasing stake in the offshore Norway fields has a favorable impact on Hess. This will support Hessa™ long-term objective of profitably increasing its reserves and production.
The companya™s improving fundamentals, commodity price leverage and exposure to areas with high resource potential (such as Brazil, Ghana, Indonesia and offshore Australia) position the stock to outperform its peers. We continue to see upstream momentum on the back of the company's large inventory of exploration and development projects.
Management pointed out that the drilling moratorium on offshore Gulf of Mexico would have no material impact on the companya™s operations considering that Hess currently has no exposure in this region. Hess is optimistic with its international operations. While the stake increase in the off-Norway fields is a notable development, the companya™s plan to invest in the Paris Basin and Bakken shale play later this year will act as catalysts in the near to medium term, in our view.
Get the full analysis of all these stocks by going to [ http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649 ].
About the Bull and Bear of the Day
Every day, the analysts at Zacks Equity Research select two stocks that are likely to outperform (Bull) or underperform (Bear) the markets over the next 3-6 months.
About the Analyst Blog
Updated throughout every trading day, the [ Analyst Blog ] provides analysis from Zacks Equity Research about the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous analyst coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks [ "Profit from the Pros" ] e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting [ http://at.zacks.com/?id=7158 ].
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of [ Zacks Investment Research ], Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the [ Zacks Rank ], which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at [ http://at.zacks.com/?id=4582 ].
Visit [ http://www.zacks.com/performance ] for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Follow us on Twitter: [ http://twitter.com/zacksresearch ]
Join us on Facebook: [ http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts ]
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
