NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Sep 26, 2012) - The Pharmaceutical Industry has faced significant headwinds in 2012 as patent cliffs and the emergence of generic drug makers have threatened billions in revenue for top selling drugs. Pharmaceutical stocks received a boost Monday after Moody's Investors Service upgraded their outlook for to "stable" for the industry. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Pharmaceuticals Industry and provides equity research on Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE: [ BMY ]) and Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: [ MRK ]).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

[ www.FiveStarEquities.com/BMY ]

[ www.FiveStarEquities.com/MRK ]

The global pharmaceutical industry was given a "negative" outlook in 2007. Moody's predicts major pharmaceuticals earnings to bounce back next year, as losses from patent expiration aren't expected to be as severe as those in the past year. Lipitor and Plavix, two of the best selling drugs of all time, are among those who have lost patent protection in the last year.

"The stable outlook reflects our view that the worst of the industry's blockbuster patent expirations has passed," said Michael Levesque, a Moody's Senior Vice President. "Although industry earnings will still be affected by very recent patent expirations, earnings for large, branded players will reach a trough point in late 2012 and rebound in 2013."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Pharmaceuticals Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at [ www.FiveStarEquities.com ] and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer recently reported that European regulators have recommended approval for ELIQUIS, an anti-clotting drug, for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in adult patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and one or more risk factors for stroke. ELIQUIS is also being investigated in Phase 3 trials for the treatment of venous thromboembolic events.

Merck currently offers investors an annual dividend of $1.68 per share for a yield of around 3.8 percent. The company recently reported worldwide sales were $12.3 billion for the second quarter of 2012, an increase of 1 percent, or 5 percent excluding foreign exchange, compared with the second quarter of 2011.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:

[ www.FiveStarEquities.com/disclaimer ]