Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Triumph Group, Inc., SurModics, Abbott Labs, Strayer Education and BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – May 5, 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: Triumph Group, Inc. (TGI - Analyst Report), SurModics (SRDX - Analyst Report), Abbott Labs (ABT - Analyst Report), Strayer Education (STRA - Analyst Report) and BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN - 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 Monday’s Analyst Blog:

TGI Triumphs Over Adversity!

Triumph Group, Inc. (TGI - Analyst Report) reported mixed Q4-09 results. While Sales of $311.2 million (we had been looking for $322 million) were down by 3.1%, EPS from Continuing Operations of $1.43 (our estimate was $1.41) were up by 13.5% on a 5.5% drop in the number of shares.

The Operating Margin rose from 11.1% to 11.4%, while the Tax Rate declined from 33.8% to 32.0%. EBITDA of $47.8 million rose by 1.2% and, as a percent of Sales, went from 14.6% to 15.3%. The Quarter was helped by a $0.8 million pre-tax gain from the retirement of $8.0 million of convertible notes at a discount.

SurModics Sell Rating Maintained

SurModics (SRDX - Analyst Report) reported fiscal 2Q09 financial results on April 29, 2009.

Total revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2009 was $20.9 million, down 19% compared with $25.7 million in the year earlier period. Operating income was $6.2 million, compared with $7.2 million in the prior-year period. Net income was $4.2 million, compared with $5.1 million in the same period last year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.24, compared with $0.28 in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

On a revenue component basis, royalty/license revenue declined by 27% to $10.1 million in 2Q09, compared to $13.8 million in 2Q08. The royalty was also lower than our estimate of $12.5 million. SurModics licensed several patents for lateral flow immunoassay technology to Abbott Labs (ABT - Analyst Report), which expired in December 2008. We expect royalty revenue to continue to decline in the coming quarters.

Strayer a Buy, Post-Report

Strayer Education (STRA - Analyst Report), which offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs through Strayer University and Strayer University Online, reported financial results for the first quarter ending March 31, 2009. Quarterly earnings of $2.07 per diluted share were $0.10 above expectations due to a lower number of students dropping out after the start of the term.

Given the strength of the first quarter's result and management's guidance of 1.95 to $1.95 per diluted share for the second quarter, we have raised our 2009 earnings estimate 5.5% to $7.27. We reiterate our Buy rating on Strayer Education.

BioMarin Top-Line Diminishing

On April 30, 2009, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (BMRN - Analyst Report) reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2009.

Total revenue in 1Q09 came in at $74 million, up 22.5% from $60.4 million in the same quarter of 2008. Total revenue of $74 million was in line with our estimate of $74.9 million.

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