MEMC Electronics (WFR)By Ken Nagy
Nov 25, 2009
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. (WFR) produces the raw material wafers used by semiconductor manufacturers in the production of integrated circuits (ICs).
The decision to supply wafers to the solar industry paid huge rewards in 2007 and 2008, as demand for polysilicon raced ahead of supply. The Solar business and the 300mm business are both high-margin products. The spot price of polysilicon has been slashed from a peak of $400 per/kg to the $60-$70 per/kg range.
The stock is significantly undervalued. We are reiterating our Buy rating on the shares of WFR.
Petrobras Brasileiro SA (PBR)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 24, 2009
Petrobras (PBR), the largest integrated energy firm in Brazil, stands to benefit from its country's economic growth and huge pre-salt oil reserves. The company recently reported a better-than-expected third-quarter, helped by strong downstream results that more than offset the sharp decline in commodity prices.
Near- to medium-term concerns include the uncertain commodity-price scenario, significant capital investment requirements, and Brazil's proposed new oil and gas regulatory framework. However, given its strong pipeline of development projects and impressive recent exploration successes, the company's long-term outlook looks compelling.
As such, we recommend an Outperform rating for Petrobras ADRs. Our six-month target price is $55 per share.
Caterpillar, Inc. (CAT)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 23, 2009
Caterpillar (CAT) is a market leader in construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines. With its strong brand name, pricing power and global dealer network, we believe Caterpillar is well positioned to take advantage of the growing need for infrastructure development globally.
Though the company expects 2009 sales to decline more than 35% year-over-year, it anticipates an improvement in its top-line in 2010. The company forecasts a 10% to 25% increase in sales for 2010, compared to the midpoint of the 2009 outlook range.
Asserting its optimistic outlook, the company recently announced plans to increase its
machinery prices by 2% effective January 2010. We are upgrading the stock to Outperform.
Principal Financial Group (PFG)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 20, 2009
We are upgrading our recommendation on the shares of Principal Financial (PFG) to Outperform. The company's third quarter operating earnings were much ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, driven primarily by the sequential improvement in domestic as well as global equity markets.
We
believe that Principal's strong franchise within the pension sector, which is aided by its diversification both in terms of products and geography, positions it well to benefit from the gradual recovery of the credit market. However, rising unemployment is reducing the number of participants in existing employee benefit plans.
Though we are concerned about higher delinquencies in its commercial mortgage portfolio, we expect the company to benefit from its decent capital level and cost containment measures.
CPFL Energia (CPL)By Claudio Freitas
Nov 19, 2009
We are maintaining our Outperform rating on CPFL Energia (CPL). The company posted in-line results for the third quarter of 2009, despite non-recurring items.
The company's outlook for the medium-term remains positive, mainly considering the more relaxed monetary policy in Brazil and the growing demand for electricity, even though there is the still-difficult business environment around the world.
Finally, CPL has a solid dividend payout and its valuation appears to be highly attractive, mainly considering the noncyclical nature of the company.
NeurogesX (NGSX)By Jason Napodano
Nov 18, 2009
NeurogesX (NGSX) received some very good news this week when the U.S. FDA approved Qutenza for the management of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Management will now move forward with preparing for the commercial launch during the first half of 2010.
Securing reimbursement and hiring the sales force remain the next biggest hurdles for the company. However, with approval now complete and the financial position solid ($57 million in cash on hand), we remain very position on the NeurogesX story.
We recommend accumulating the stock at today's level up to $12 per share. Our rating is Outperform.
Sealed Air Corp. (SEE)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 17, 2009
Sealed Air Corporation (SEE) reported third quarter 2009 EPS of 38 cents, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 33 cents and the prior-year EPS of 28 cents. The company raised its full-year 2009 EPS guidance to a range between $1.37-$1.45.
The company expects to continue to realize benefits from its cost reduction and productivity programs in the fourth quarter. Also, the company is witnessing improved market conditions in developing nations. Sealed Air posted double-digit sales increases in some of these markets.
Based on the improved outlook, as well as the company's efforts to revitalize its bottom-line, we are upgrading the rating on the stock to Outperform.
Infosys Technologies (INFY)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 16, 2009
We are upgrading Infosys (INFY) to an Outperform rating with a target price of $57. Through the ongoing economic downturn, the company has invested in Research & Development as well as intellectual property-based solutions. It continues to focus on large deals targeted at organizational transformation where there is a dearth of vendor talent.
The company continues to win new customers and manages to keep its order book healthy. It is increasing its presence in the emerging markets of Mexico, Brazil, China and India from where an increasing proportion of revenue can be sourced in the coming years.
Finally, its solid balance sheet and cash flow generation provides support to our estimates.
Expedia, Inc. (EXPE)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 13, 2009
Expedia Inc. (EXPE) is one of the leading online travel companies in the world. The company reported strong results in the last quarter, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Promotional activity continues to have a positive impact on the conversion rate, and spending is expected to strengthen in the next few quarters.
We are also positive about international initiatives, which we think will be the key to future growth. Cost management, a favorable online advertising environment and solid financials are other encouraging factors.
By comparison, the possibility of increased occupancy taxes and low growth in Egencia (the smallest segment) seem less significant. However, the declining average daily rates could be something to watch. We are reiterating our Outperform rating on EXPE shares.
Cisco Systems (CSCO)By Zacks Equity Research
Nov 12, 2009
Cisco Systems (CSCO) is a leading provider of IP-based networking and other products. The company's first quarter results were a significant improvement over prior quarters, with both revenue and earnings exceeding our expectations.
Of particular note is the growth in orders, which indicates continued business momentum. Improving operating performance, solid financials, a sound restructuring policy and new growth initiatives are the drivers behind our Outperform rating.
However, we caution investors about the increasing competition, market share losses, complicated decision-making process and integration risks.
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