Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day Highlights: Sangamo Biosciences, Inc., Conmed, Intel Corp., JPMorgan Chase & Company and CSX Corp.

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 15, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Sangamo Biosciences, Inc. (SGMO - Analyst Report) as the Bull of the Day and Conmed (CNMD - Analyst Report) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Intel Corp. (INTC - Analyst Report), JPMorgan Chase & Company (JPM - Analyst Report) and CSX Corp. (CSX - Snapshot Report).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2676

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

Sangamo Biosciences, Inc. (SGMO - Analyst Report) uses a proprietary ZFP gene regulation technology to discover and develop a new class of therapeutic candidates for diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, cancer and immune diseases.

We are optimistic about this novel technology. SB-509 has shown some positive results for the treatment of moderate to severe DN. We are also optimistic about other clinical programs. Further, we are impressed by the company's strategy to monetize this ZFP technology.

We maintain our Outperform rating on shares of Sangamo based on the platform technology and the progress the company has made for both its clinical and preclinical programs. Our target price is $10.00.

Bear of the Day:

Conmed (CNMD - Analyst Report) operates in highly competitive markets against competitors that are much larger, technically competent and possess substantially more assets.

Additionally, many of these competitors offer a range of products not matched by Conmed, which may make Conmed's offerings less attractive to surgeons, hospitals and group purchasing organizations that are trying to reduce the number of vendors they do business with. In the second quarter, earnings per share were 17 cents, compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 16 cents and the year-ago earnings of 43 cents.

We have an Underperform rating on Conmed with a target price of $18.

Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:

Intel Looking Stronger than Ever

Intel Corp. (INTC - Analyst Report) reported very strong earnings in the third quarter, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6 cents. Revenue beat the consensus by 3.9%.

Revenue of $9.4 billion was up 17.0% sequentially and down 8.1% year over year. This was higher than management’s expectation of around $8.5 billion, or up 5.9% sequentially. Management stated that this was the strongest third quarter sequential growth the company has seen in 30 years.

JPMorgan Beats, Profit Surges

JPMorgan Chase & Company’s (JPM - Analyst Report) third quarter earnings came in at 82 cents per share, substantially ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 49 cents. This compares favorably with 9 cents in the prior-year quarter.

Better-than-expected results were primarily aided by continued strong performance by the Investment Bank group. All the other segments except Consumer Lending and Card Services also delivered solid results during the quarter. However, a continuation of high levels of credit costs in Consumer Lending and Card Services loan portfolios and an increased provision for credit losses were the primary factors that negatively impacted the results.

CSX Ahead of Expectations

CSX Corp. (CSX - Snapshot Report) reported earnings from continuing operations of $293 million or 74 cents per share, ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents per share.

Earnings were down $380 million or 93 cents per share in the prior year period. The decline was brought about by lower revenues, partially offset by reduced expenses.

Revenue for the period fell 23% to $2.3 billion due to significant declines in both volume and fuel recovery. However, management said that core pricing momentum has remained intact. CSX Corp. witnessed a 15% decline in volume during the quarter, led by a decline in shipments of coal, cars, construction and consumer goods.

Get the full analysis of all these stocks by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5507.

About the Bull and Bear of the Day

Every day, the analysts at Zacks Equity Research select two stocks that are likely to outperform (Bull) or underperform (Bear) the markets over the next 3-6 months.

About the Analyst Blog

Updated throughout every trading day, the Analyst Blog provides analysis from Zacks Equity Research about the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets.

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 analyst 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 by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=5508.

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=5509.

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