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: Procter & Gamble (PG), Theravance, Inc. (THRX), GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK), Alcon Pharmaceuticals (ACL) and Atheros Communcations (ATHR).

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:

P&G Gets a Charge Out of Duracell

A major growth driver for Procter & Gamble (PG) has been the continual expansion of the portfolio of brand-name products, both through internal development and acquisition. Product innovation is strongly supported by management, and the company has had a strong tradition of not only introducing blockbuster new products but also creating entire new categories.

Duracell, a division of Procter & Gamble, just announced the availability of the Duracell USB Charger, a USB charging port that plugs right into the car’s DC socket, aka lighter socket. In addition, the company announced three different connectors (for mini USB, micro USB and iPhone ports) for the Duracell My Pocket Charger.

Theravance Loss Narrows

Theravance, Inc. (THRX) reported 1Q09 results on April 22, 2009.

Revenue increased 70% to $9.5 million for the quarter compared to $5.6 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the recognition of the remaining deferred revenue of the LAMA program since the program has been returned to the company from GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK). In our model we had projected higher revenue with the expectation of FDA approval of Telavancin, which now seems to be possible during 2Q or 3Q 2009.

Alcon Dealing with Challenges

Alcon Pharmaceuticals (ACL) faces some challenges in the near future: patent expirations, patent challenges, generic threats and softer pricing on certain of its products as a result of Medicare rebates. Additional near-term challenges come from slower top-line growth due to a weakening economy and negative foreign currency affects as the U.S. dollar strengthens against other currencies.

The company also took significant losses on its investment portfolio which, by our calculations, negatively impacted EPS by as much as $0.24 in the fourth quarter and $1.22 for all of 2008. The company has subsequently begun redeeming all investments and expects to be 90% invested in cash-equivalents by mid-2009. This should help reduce or eliminate any further investment losses.

Atheros Results Beat Guidance

Atheros Communcations (ATHR, Hold), a major provider of communication solutions for the personal computer, residential gateway and mobile device markets, released its fiscal Q1 results yesterday. Both revenue and non-GAAP EPS came ahead of our and consensus estimates and exceeded guidance. Revenues of $87.9 million and proforma EPS of $0.06 exceeded our estimates of $80.0 million and $0.03, respectively.

Forward guidance also came ahead of our current expectation by a wide margin: Revenues are expected to increase by 15%-20% sequentially, or $101.1 million – $105.5 million (versus our $85.2 million) and non-GAAP EPS are expected in the range of $0.12 – $0.14 (versus our estimate of $0.05.

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

Zacks Investment Research

Last 5 posts by Zacks Market Commentaries

• CNP & FPL Ink Pipeline Deal - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Buffett Borrows for Rail Acquisition - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Stone Energy Outdoes Estimates - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• Smucker's Beats, Raises Guidance - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009
• GameStop Meets Expectations - Analyst Blog - November 20th, 2009