Zacks Industry Outlook Highlights: AmerisourceBergen, Alcon, Gilead Sciences, Biogen Idec and Acorda Therapeutics

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – July 21, 2010 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses the Pharmaceutical Industry, including AmerisourceBergen (ABC - Analyst Report), Alcon (ACL), Gilead Sciences (GILD - Analyst Report), Biogen Idec (BIIB - Analyst Report) and Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR - Snapshot Report).

A synopsis of today’s Industry Outlook is presented below. The full article can be read at http://www.zacks.com/stock/news/37221/Pharma+and+Biotech+Industry+Outlook+-+July+2010

We are positive on AmerisourceBergen (ABC - Analyst Report) on which we have an Outperform rating. We believe the company, which posted strong second quarter fiscal 2010 results, is well-positioned for growth given the strong performance of its generics and specialty business. Furthermore, AmerisourceBergen boasts of a robust plasma and vaccine business with strong revenues expected to flow from it in the coming quarters as well.

In the pharma space, we have a positive outlook on Alcon (ACL). We believe Alcon will continue witnessing revenue growth based on continued international penetration, new product launches and market share expansion. Pipeline expansion through in-licensing deals and acquisitions should also add to growth.

Although we have Neutral ratings on names like Johnson & Johnson and Abbott, we maintain a positive outlook on these stocks given their diversified revenue base, strong business segments, contributions from recent acquisitions and impressive late-stage pipeline. We also have a positive outlook on Bristol-Myers, which has a strong presence in attractive areas like biologics, cancer and cardiovascular drugs.

In the biotech space, we are positive on names like Gilead Sciences (GILD - Analyst Report) and Biogen Idec (BIIB - Analyst Report) even though we have Neutral recommendations on these stocks. Gilead’s HIV franchise has been helping the company post better-than-expected earnings over the past few quarters, and we expect this trend to continue. Gilead is looking at increasing its presence in the Asian market for hepatitis B virus (HBV), where the infection is quite prevalent. We are encouraged by progress made by the company with its pipeline.

Biotech companies that could be acquisition targets provide opportunities for significant returns. Here, we would like to mention two companies that could be potential take-out targets -- Biogen Idec and Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR - Snapshot Report). In addition to holding a leading position in the multiple sclerosis market, we believe Biogen has the best pipeline in all of biotech and could be an attractive takeover candidate for pharma companies interested in biologics.

 

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5510.

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=5511.

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.

Contact:
Mark Vickery
Web Content Editor
312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com

 

 

Read the full analyst report on ABC

Read the full analyst report on ACL

Read the full analyst report on GILD

Read the full analyst report on BIIB

Read the full analyst report on ACOR