Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Lockheed Martin Corp., Schlumberger, Ltd. and Halliburton, deCODE genetics, Inc. and Celera Corp.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – April 27, 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: Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT - Analyst Report), Schlumberger, Ltd. (SLB - Analyst Report), Halliburton's (HAL - Analyst Report), deCODE genetics, Inc. (DCGN - Analyst Report) and Celera Corp. (CRA - Analyst Report).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579.

Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Lockheed Beats & Ups Guidance

Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT - Analyst Report) reported a 1st quarter 2009 profit of $666 million, down 9% from $730 million in the 1st quarter of 2008.

On a per-share basis, the reported result was $1.68 per diluted share, down 4% from $1.75 per diluted share in the year ago period. The bottom-line EPS, however, beat by 2% analysts' consensus estimate of $1.64 per share.

SLB Beats on Overseas Strength

Oilfield service giant Schlumberger, Ltd. (SLB - Analyst Report) reported first-quarter earnings this morning that were inline with our above-consensus estimate and provided an overall outlook of continued weakness through the rest of 2009.

Margins help up better than expected, with international resilience offsetting North American softness. Given its benchmark status, Schlumberger's results and its dour outlook sets the stage for the rest of the oilfield service group. Contrary to Halliburton's (HAL - Analyst Report) view of a near-term stabilization in the onshore U.S. drilling scene, Schlumberger does not expect a recovery before the middle of 2010.

deCODE genetics Gets 1st Lifeline

Yesterday (Thursday), deCODE genetics, Inc. (DCGN - Analyst Report) announced that the company signed an agreement with Celera Corp. (CRA - Analyst Report). Pursuant to the agreement, deCODE granted Celera non-exclusive worldwide licenses to deCODE's genetic markers for increased risk of major cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, including heart attack, stroke, atrial fibrillation (AF) and type II diabetes. These markers can be incorporated into laboratory tests for assessing and managing individual risk of these diseases.

The deCODE markers include single letter variations in the human genome (SNPs) on chromosome 9p21 linked to increased risk of heart attack and aortic aneurysm, SNPs on chromosome 4q25 conferring risk of AF and stroke, and SNPs in the TCF7L2 gene linked to increased risk of type II diabetes. Studies by deCODE and independent academic groups have demonstrated the utility of testing for these markers to better understand individual risk and to inform more effective and personalized prevention and therapy.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.

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 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: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2677

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=4580.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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