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Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Smith Micro Software, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Inc., Campbell Soup Company, Sanofi-Aventis SA and Gannett Co.
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Chicago, IL – April 15, 2009 - 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: Smith Micro Software, Inc. (SMSI), Johnson & Johnson, Inc. (JNJ), Campbell Soup Company (CPB), Sanofi-Aventis SA (SNY) and Gannett Co. (GCI).
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Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:
Smith Micro Still Worthy
Smith Micro Software, Inc. (SMSI) is a developer of wireless communications software and utility software for multiple OS platforms. It has significant relationships with several large cellular providers and OEM cell phone manufacturers.
We remain encouraged by the company's recent results, strong brand recognition, and robust customer pipeline for 2009. However, we believe the weakening macro environment and declining consumer spending is likely to be challenging for its consumer business.
J&J Beats on Light Revenues
This morning Johnson & Johnson, Inc. (JNJ) reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2009.
Revenue for the quarter came in at $15.0 billion, about $521 million below our forecast and down 7.2% from the same period in 2008. Revenue was negatively impacted by 6% due to foreign exchange, while operational results fell by 1.2%. Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices sales contracted by 8.7%, 10.1% and 2.9%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2008.
Campbell Soup a Hold on Costs
Campbell Soup Company’s (CPB) Transformation and Driving Quality Growth Plans are improving the topline through a combination of improved products, attractive packaging, a new retail shelving system, and more effective marketing. Price increases and a line of lower sodium soups helped Campbell accomplish management's financial goals in the last two fiscal years.
Management continues to optimize the portfolio with the introduction and reformulation of lower sodium soups. However, cost inflation remains a concern. The Hold recommendation is maintained.
Sanofi-Aventis Rated Hold
Sanofi-Aventis SA (SNY) posted EPS of EUR5.36 in 2008, an increase of just 2% from 2007. Revenue fell 1% in 2008 as a number of products experienced significantly declining sales including Ambien, Tritace and Copaxone.
For 2009 we expect revenue growth to return as generic erosion is more than offset by strong growth of Taxotere, Lantus, Avapro and the vaccines business. We expect revenue growth of 4% in 2009 and EPS of EUR5.81 ($3.82), up 8% from 2008. EPS should continue to benefit from continued strong contribution to royalty income from U.S. Plavix sales and operating margin improvement as a result of cost-cutting.
Gannett Gets Boost from Investor
Shares of Gannett Co. (GCI), the publisher of USA Today, jumped 8.3% Monday following an announcement last week that a major shareholder had more than doubled it stake the company.
The investment echoes our thesis that publishers with strong national brands, an aggressive online strategy and a manageable debt load are more likely to withstand the recession and adapt their business models for future profitability.
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