CareFusion Corp. (CFN) entered into a multi-year technology licensing agreement with Masimo Corp. (MASI) regarding the use of Masimo Rainbow SET Pulse CO-Oximetry technology in CareFusion infusion and respiratory products, which are presently under development.    The agreement enables CareFusion’s future infusion and respiratory products to non-invasively and continuously measure multiple blood constituents to more accurately assess dyshemoglobins affecting oxygenation, predict fluid responsiveness, and provide earlier identification of respiratory compromise.   CareFusion’s ventilators and infusion pumps facilitate earlier detection, diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening conditions by accessing total hemoglobin (SpHb), oxygen content (SpOC), carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO), methemoglobin (SpMet), and PVI for fluid responsiveness, in addition to oxyhemoglobin (SpO2), perfusion index (PI), and pulse rate.   CareFusion is a medical technology company formed recently by the spin-off of the Clinical and Medical Products business of Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH). The spin-off was completed in September ...

Baxter International Inc. (BAX) announced that it sees multiyear opportunity in H1N1 vaccines, commonly known as Swine Flu vaccines. The company expects to recognize $30 million to $40 million in revenues from swine flu vaccines in the fourth quarter. Baxter has not speculated on H1N1 vaccine sales beyond the fourth quarter. However, increasing demand has raised hopes for a multiyear opportunity. Baxter started shipping the product from August 2009.   Baxter and four other companies Sanofi-Aventis (SNY); MedImmune, a subsidiary of AstraZeneca plc (AZN); GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK); and Novartis have received authorization to market H1N1 vaccines. Baxter has received approval only for a two-dose vaccine and not a single-dose. Baxter uses its cell culture-based technology instead of the traditional one to produce these vaccines.   Baxter recently announced strong third quarter results. Earnings per share stood at 98 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of ...

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 13, 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: TriQuint (TQNT), Skyworks Solutions (SWKS), ANADIGICS Inc. (ANAD), RF Micro Devices (RFMD) and Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

TriQuint Launches New Solutions

TriQuint (TQNT) recently announced that it would launch new solutions for cable systems, microwave radio and optical networks to enable network operators meet the growing demand for broadband services more efficiently and economically.

Management stated that network operators expect to see

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Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BDX) announced that it received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to market its blood collection device, BD Vacutainer Rapid Serum Tube, in the U.S. Unlike standard tubes, the Serum tubes are ready for analysis in five minutes.

The Serum tube contains a gel additive that speeds up the clotting process, thereby enabling the tube to be put in a centrifuge for analysis five minutes after it is filled. On the other hand, standard tubes require 30 minutes of clotting before they are ready for use. 

The new approval would boost demand for Serum tubes that will eventually drive revenues for the BD Diagnostics segment. BD Diagnostics is one of the three Becton’s operating segments that manufacture Serum tubes. Becton’s other two operating segments are: BD Medical and BD Biosciences.

Becton develops, manufactures and markets medical devices, supplies, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products globally. The company is a

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Baxter International Inc. (BAX) recently received marketing authorization for CELVAPAN H1N1 vaccine, commonly known as the Swine Flu vaccine, in the European Union. The company has already delivered limited quantities of H1N1 vaccine to a few countries, such as the UK and Ireland, as part of their national vaccination programs. Presently, Baxter is conducting two clinical trials to confirm the safety and immunogenicity of CELVAPAN H1N1. These trials encompass 400 healthy adults who are 18 years and above, besides 400 children and adolescents. The safety and immunogenicity of CELVAPAN H1N1 in these trials are conducted at dose levels of 7.5µg and 3.75µg, respectively. Baxter also plans to conduct a large-scale study of CELVAPAN in 9,000 people of different age groups including children. Preliminary safety data in adults for 7.5µg doses of vaccine indicated that the vaccine was well tolerated in these age groups. The reactions were ...

Baxter International Inc. (BAX) discussed its long-term financial objectives, growth opportunities and various research and development (R&D) programs at its recently concluded Investor Conference in Chicago.

The long-term (5-year) financial objectives are as follows:

Increase sales roughly 7% to 8% per annum, excluding foreign exchange translation effect Grow earnings per share in the range of 11% to 13% per annum Generate annual cash flow of approximately $4 billion by 2014 Baxter also plans to expand its strong existing product portfolio by enhancing R&D investments at a compound annual rate of a minimum 8% to 10% from 7% at the end of fiscal 2008. The company will continue to hunt for business development opportunities through its disciplined acquisition strategy.    

We are confident that Baxter will be able to deliver on its commitments. The company has achieved record sales, earnings and strong cash flows

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Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) received an order from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for the purchase of syringes and needles, sharps collectors and alcohol swabs for use in national flu pandemic preparedness efforts. The order, worth approximately $52 million, is effective through March 2010. The new contract is part of the company’s effort to protect Americans from the H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as "swine flu." Becton is also in constant touch with governments and vaccine companies across the globe to meet their needs during the flu season. We think that the new contract will boost Becton’s top-line. This will also add to the company’s contribution to social welfare. Becton, Dickinson and Co. develops, manufactures and markets medical devices, supplies, laboratory equipment and diagnostic products globally. The company is a world leader ...

Baxter International Inc. (BAX) recently completed production of first commercial batches of A/H1N1 Pandemic Vaccine, CELVAPAN, for the treatment of Swine Flu. The company is now planning for distribution of the vaccine with the national health authorities.   CELVAPAN is made using the company’s proprietary Vero cell culture technology. WHO (World Health Organization) has already raised a global pandemic alert (phase 6) for the influenza. Baxter is in constant touch with WHO and other global public health authorities with whom it has pandemic agreements. Under the agreement, these public health authorities can place orders with Baxter for a vaccine once WHO declares the disease as a pandemic.   The production of batches of CELVAPAN is a shot in the arm for Baxter. Furthermore, it will add to the company’s contribution to social welfare. Baxter is a leading global medical products and services company that develops, manufactures and markets ...

Baxter International Inc. (BAX) recently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share of Baxter common stock. The dividend is payable on Oct 1, 2009 to shareholders of record on Sept 10, 2009. This is in continuation of the company’s current dividend payout of approximately 27%. Furthermore, the Board of Directors authorized the company to repurchase an additional $2 billion of common stock upon completion of the remaining $300 million authorization.       The company declared dividend on the back of its strong second quarter results. We think that the dividend payout is safe considering the company’s strong cash balance of $1.8 billion at the end of the second quarter. Investors also benefit by getting a recurring stream of income in the form of dividend.   The company has a tradition of share repurchases that adds to its ever-increasing EPS. During the first six months of 2009, the company

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Becton, Dickinson and Co.'s (BDX) Indian arm has recently dragged the Indian health ministry and three other companies to court after a tender was revoked. The tender was floated for procurement of syringes by the health ministry from Indian and other global organizations. The three other companies involved are Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices, Iscon Surgicals and Wuxi Yushou Medical Appliances.

Becton, Dickinson, which provides disposable/consumable products to the medical community, was the lowest bidder for the tender. The company has charged the health ministry with intentions of buying products from its competitors through unfair means.

The tender was issued last September by the Indian health ministry to procure 700 million units of 0.5-ml and 40 million units of 0.1-ml auto-disable syringes. Becton was the lowest bidder for 24 of the 40 scheduled items. Earlier this year, Becton agreed to supply roughly 10 million units of 0.5-ml and

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