Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Health Equity Funds.

3 Healthy Picks

Eaton Vance Worldwide Health Sciences A (ETHSX) long-term capital growth by investing in a global and diversified portfolio of health sciences companies. It was incepted in July 1985.

The fund pursues its objective by investing in worldwide health sciences portfolio. The fund invests primarily in common stocks of companies engaged in the development, production or distribution of products related to scientific advances in health care and companies with a broad range of market capitalization's, including small companies.

The fund has an expense ratio of 2.06% and a portfolio turnover of 48% as May 2009. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

Samuel D. Isaly has been lead manager of the fund since 26-Jul-85. Before joining OrbiMed Advisors Isaly was president and partner with Mehta and Isaly Asset Management.

Evergreen Health Care Fund A (EHABX) seeks long-term capital growth. The fund was incepted in December 1999.

The fund invests primarily in equity securities of healthcare companies. The fund is suitable for those investors who seek long-term growth of capital and a fund with the potential for higher return while being able to tolerate substantial volatility over time.

The fund offers dividends and capital gains, if any, annually. It has an expense ratio of 1.84%.

Robert C. Junkin has been lead manager of the fund since March2007. Before joining Evergreen in 2007, Junkin served as a vice president and portfolio manager with MFC Global Investment Management.

Rydex Biotechnology Inv (RYOIX) was incepted in April 1998. The fund seeks capital appreciation by investing in companies that are involved in the biotechnology industry, including companies involved in research and development, genetic or other biological engineering, and in the design, manufacture, or sale of related biotechnology products or services.

The fund invests substantially all of its assets in equity securities of biotechnology companies that are traded in the United States. The fund may also engage in futures and options transactions, purchase ADRs and U.S. government securities, and enter into repurchase agreements.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $1,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy") fund. As of June 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 370%.

Michael P. Byrum has been Lead Manager of the fund since 01-Apr-98. Byrum is a Charted Financial Analyst and is president and CIO of Rydex Investments.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

As per the agreement, Nabi will get an upfront payment of $40 million and is eligible to receive more than $500 million (together with upfront payment) as option fees and milestones for the vaccine, NicVAX, and follow-on nicotine vaccines. Nabi has the potential to receive double-digit royalties from sales if the product is commercialized. GlaxoSmithKline will have an option to exclusively in-license NicVAX on a worldwide basis and a license to develop follow-on next-generation nicotine vaccines using Nabi's intellectual property together with GSK's own technology.

NicVAX is currently being studied in the first of two phase III clinical trials with results expected at the end of 2010. While Nabi will be responsible for the development of this vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline on exercising its option will take responsibility for further development and commercialization of NicVAX.

Company estimates put the worldwide number of smokers at about 1.2 billion and smoking causes approximately 5.4 million deaths per year. In view of the huge increase in the number of smokers, Datamonitor expects the global market for smoking cessation to reach $4.6 billion by 2016 and vaccines could account for $2 billion in sales.

Currently available smoking cessation therapies have relapse rates which can be as high as 90% in the first year after a smoker quits. Although the vaccine holds immense potential, we however remain concerned about its successful development. In October, an anti-smoking vaccine developed by Cytos Biotechnology and Novartis (NVS) missed its main goal in a mid-stage study.

Chicago, IL – November 16, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Infosys (INFY) as the Bull of the Day and Myriad Genetics Inc. (MYGN) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on American International Group (AIG), Citigroup (C) and Bank of America (BAC).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5506

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

We are upgrading Infosys (INFY) to an Outperform rating with a target price of $57. Through the ongoing economic downturn, the company has invested in Research & Development as well as intellectual property-based solutions. It continues to focus on large deals targeted at organizational transformation where there is a dearth of vendor talent.

The company continues to win new customers and manages to keep its order book healthy. It is increasing its presence in the emerging markets of Mexico, Brazil, China and India from where an increasing proportion of revenue can be sourced in the coming years.

Finally, its solid balance sheet and cash flow generation provides support to our estimates.

Bear of the Day:

Myriad Genetics Inc. (MYGN) reported first quarter fiscal 2010 earnings of 31 cents per share, which was below the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny. The company had earned 25 cents per share in the year-ago period.

Myriad Genetics spun off its therapeutics business in July 2009 to focus on molecular diagnostics going forward. Although the molecular diagnostics business is performing well, we remain concerned about the slowdown in revenue growth in recent quarters.

The competition confronting Myriad Genetics products in the biotechnology and genetics testing field is also a concern. We have an Underperform rating on the stock.

Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:

Pay Czar to Allow Competitive Pay

The U.S. Treasury's pay czar, who oversees compensation for the highest-paid employees at the firms that received U.S. taxpayer assistance, said on Thursday that he is concerned that pay cuts could obstruct the ability of these firms to retain and attract top talent. However, the pay czar would be open to requests to hire new executives at competitive industry rates.

The pay czar, Kenneth Feinberg, decides compensation packages for the highest-paid employees at the seven firms that have received substantial support from the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The pay restrictions were imposed on these firms to enable them to repay government money by controlling excessive pay.

The seven firms, whose top 25 earners received an average 50% lower pay last month by the order of the pay czar, are American International Group (AIG), Citigroup (C), Bank of America (BAC), Chrysler Financial, Chrysler Group LLC, General Motors and GMAC Inc.

Though all seven firms that are subject to such scrutiny have expressed concerns about the impact of pay limits, none of them has appealed to the pay czar.

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.

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Myriad Genetics spun off its therapeutics business in July 2009 to focus on molecular diagnostics going forward. Although the molecular diagnostics business is performing well, we remain concerned about the slowdown in revenue growth in recent quarters.

The competition confronting Myriad Genetics products in the biotechnology and genetics testing field is also a concern. We have an Underperform rating on the stock.Zacks Investment Research

This non-diversified fund may invest a substantial portion of assets in equity securities of smaller capitalization companies with a market capitalization of less than $1.5 billion.

Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), Celgene Corp. (CELG) and Genzyme Corp. (GENZ) are among the fund’s key holdings.

Templeton Developing Markets A (TEDMX) seeks long-term capital appreciation through investment in securities of emerging economies.

The fund may invest up to 20% of net assets in the securities of issuers in developed market countries. It may also invest in exchange-traded funds to gain exposure to certain segments of the equity markets while maintaining liquidity.

J. Mark Mobius has been lead manager at the fund since October 1991. The fund distributes dividends and capital gains, if any, annually.

Click here to see all the mutual funds offered by Matthews International.

Chicago, IL – November 10, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the latest Industry Outlook. Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses the Big Pharma & Biotech sector, including Alcon (ACL), Novartis (NVS), Gilead Sciences (GILD), Biogen Idec (BIIB) and Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR).

In the pharma space, we are positive on stocks like Alcon (ACL) and Novartis (NVS). We believe these companies will continue witnessing revenue growth based on continued international penetration, new product launches and market share expansion. Pipeline expansion through in-licensing deals and acquisitions should also add to growth.

Novartis should see strong vaccine sales this flu season. The company has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its swine flu vaccine, which should drive revenues.

Although we have Neutral ratings on names like Johnson & Johnson and Abbott Labs, we maintain a positive outlook on these stocks given their diversified revenue base, strong business segments, contributions from recent acquisitions and impressive late-stage pipelines. We also have a positive outlook on Bristol-Myers, which has a strong presence in attractive areas like biologics, cancer and cardiovascular drugs.

In the biotech space, we are positive on names like Gilead Sciences (GILD) and Biogen Idec (BIIB) even though we have Neutral recommendations on these stocks. Gilead’s HIV franchise has been helping the company post better-than-expected earnings over the past few quarters and we expect this trend to continue.

Biotech companies that could be acquisition targets provide opportunities for significant returns. Here, we would like to mention two companies that could be potential take-out targets -- Biogen Idec and Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR). In addition to holding a leading position in the multiple sclerosis market, we believe Biogen has the best pipeline in all of biotech and could be an attractive takeover candidate for pharma companies interested in biologics.

Meanwhile, Acorda is one of the more interesting biotechnology companies under our coverage. We have an Outperform rating on the stock. Acorda recently received a favorable recommendation from an FDA advisory panel on its key pipeline drug, Fampridine-SR, which could have blockbuster potential worldwide.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5510.

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=5511.

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Web Content Editor
312-265-9380
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Chicago, IL – November 6, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR) as the Bull of the Day and Canon (CAJ) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Big Lots (BIG), Wal-Mart (WMT) and Nordstrom (JWN).

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5506

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

Acorda Therapeutics (ACOR) is one of the more interesting biotechnology companies under our coverage. The company's key pipeline drug, Fampridine-SR, is currently under U.S. FDA review, with a decision expected in late January 2010.

Outside the U.S., Acorda has partnered with Biogen Idec under very favorable terms. Fampridine-SR has blockbuster potential worldwide in our view. Plus, the company is extremely well-capitalized with over $290 million in cash, and management has commercial experience with current approved product Zanaflex.

These are among the best fundamentals in all of biotech. We reiterate our Outperform rating on the stock.

Bear of the Day:

We believe the sharp appreciation of the yen is eroding Canon’s (CAJ) revenue and profits. The company expects to improve profitability through product launches and cost-cutting efforts, and Canon has maintained its revenue and earnings forecast even though the third quarter was below expectations.

We expect revenue in 2009 to be hurt by weak consumer spending and the poor global economy, and believe the company will struggle to meet expectations in fiscal 2010. We maintain our estimates for the full year 2009. 2011 estimates have been added.

We also maintain our Underperform recommendation on CAJ shares, but increased our six-month target price to $30.00. 

Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:

Initial Jobless Claims Down

Initial claims for unemployment insurance fell by 20,000 this week to 512,000. Last week's numbers were revised slightly higher, so arguably the drop was 18,000, but that's still a nice improvement.

The four-week moving average dropped by 3,000 to 523,750. Since new claims can be volatile from week to week, the four-week moving average is generally considered a better gauge of where we are.

However, we remain above the highest levels seen in either of the last two recessions. The level indicates that we are still losing jobs, but at a slower rate than we had been. In the past we did not start to see actual increases in the number of jobs in the economy until after the average fell well below 400,000, so we still have some work to do. The good news, though, is that the decrease has been pretty steady, and we have not started to plateau the way we did after the last two recessions.

Most economists agree that unemployment benefits are among the most effective ways to spend stimulus dollars, since the money goes directly to people in need, and those people are highly likely to spend the money quickly, thus providing a multiplier effect. The problem, though, is that you don’t want unemployment insurance to become a permanent welfare program. The idea has to be that it is a temporary bridge during tough times, not a way of life.

Still, new job creation at historically low rates -- leaving millions of people with out any income at all -- not only would cause huge humanitarian problems, it also causes big economic problems. While most of the unemployed are likely to be far more frugal this year in their Christmas shopping, doing more buying at Big Lots (BIG) and Wal-Mart (WMT) than Nordstrom (JWN), without the extended benefits they would not be spending at all, not even for basics -- let alone Christmas presents.

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.

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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

Chicago, IL – October 28, 2009 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (CTB) as the Bull of the Day and Citi Trends (CTRN) the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE), MDS Analytical Technologies (MDS) and Danaher Corporation (DHR).

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:

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. (CTB) is well positioned to enjoy improved operating costs, greater geographic flexibility and the ability to penetrate international markets through its investments and facilities in low-cost countries.

The company continues to realize the benefits of reducing costs in its manufacturing operations. It has also been able to absorb the costs associated with the need to curtail production to align with demand.

In the second quarter, Cooper Tire returned to profitability after a year. Earnings increased tenfold compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.04. As such, we have upgraded the stock to an Outperform recommendation with a six-month target price of $20 per share.

Bear of the Day:

Citi Trends (CTRN) is exposed to continuing macroeconomic headwinds, which is adversely affecting its performance. The company recorded a 12.4% decline in same-store sales during fiscal 2009 second quarter, while its store expansion efforts dragged down operating results.

Moreover, intense competition from other off-price retailers, mass merchants and smaller players is exerting immense pressure on the company s profitability. These factors severely undermine the company's future growth prospects and sustainability.

Our recommendation for the company is Underperform, as we anticipate it to perform well below the broader market.

Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:

Life Beats, Boosts Outlook

Life Technologies Corporation (LIFE) reported third quarter earnings of 73 cents per share, well above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 61 cents. The company reported earnings of 63 cents in the year-ago period.

Strong growth in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Japan helped revenues increase 3% to $805 million. Excluding the impact of currency and the divested LIMS business, revenues grew 5%.

Apart from the Cell Systems division, all other revenue segments at Life recorded an increase in sales. The Molecular Biology Systems division recorded a 5% increase in revenues, which came in at $394 million. Revenues were driven by demand across the portfolio, including continued strong orders for the company’s Influenza A (H1N1)-related products.

Double-digit growth for consumable kits and capillary electrophoresis instruments sold into applied markets like forensics, continued growth of next-generation sequencing systems, as well as low single-digit growth in capillary electrophoresis sold into the life science research market helped boost Genetic Systems revenues, which increased 5% to $216 million.

Cell Systems division revenue declined 3% to $189 million in the third quarter due to declines in media sold to pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers. However, the segment reported significant growth in other product areas such as stem cell-related products and cellular analysis solutions.

The Mass Spectrometry division, which is Life’s joint venture with MDS Analytical Technologies (MDS), contributed $6 million in other income, increasing 2% from the year-ago period. Life entered into an agreement in Sept. 2009 under which it will be selling its share in this joint venture to Danaher Corporation (DHR) for $450 million. In our view, the sale of this business will allow Life to focus on the high growth molecular and genomics markets.

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.

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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

Chicago, IL – Oct 6, 2009 – Three mutual funds rose to the highest level of a new ranking system and are being highlighted today on Zacks.com.

These free "Strong Buy" picks are being made available to promote the new Mutual Fund Rank of the investment world's leading independent research firm.

Highlighted Today: Top Health Equity Funds

Franklin Strategic Biotechnology A (FBDIX) seeks capital appreciation. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of biotechnology companies and discovery-research firms worldwide, including therapeutics, drug delivery, gene therapy and other select medical companies. Evan McCulloch is lead manager of the fund since September 15, 1997.

Alger Health Sciences C (AHSCX) seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities that are engaged in the health sciences sector. The fund has a portfolio turnover of 214% and an expense ratio of 2.23% as February 10, 2009. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

As part of this promotion, investors are invited to instantly find the rating of nearly 19,000 funds – evaluating, comparing, and tracking them. It's also simple to pinpoint top-rated funds in 42 categories and for 500+ fund families.

Many Funds Are Ranked for Their Future Potential

This is the first new ranking system in many years. Unlike others that are based entirely on past performance, the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank looks for future potential. In fact, U.S. funds are ranked on the earnings-based Zacks Rank of the individual stocks they hold.

Arrange for a 30-day free trial at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5855

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Len Zacks. The company established that earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices. It continually processes stock reports issued by 3,000 analysts from 150 brokerage firms.  It monitors more than 200,000 earnings estimates, looking for changes.

Then, when changes are discovered, they’re applied to help assign more than 4,400 stocks into five Zacks Rank categories: #1 Strong Buy, #2 Buy, #3 Hold, #4 Sell, and #5 Strong Sell.

Since 1988, this proprietary stock-picking system continues has more than tripled the market with an average yearly gain of +26%. 

Zacks' future-based Mutual Fund Rank is the latest breakthrough. Find out how to take advantage of it through a 30-day free trial of Zacks Premium: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5855
  
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Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

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.

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

Zacks.com

Zacks Mutual Fund Rank
Contact: Alex Kolb
Phone: 312-265-9149

 
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.zacks.com

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank Health Equity Funds.

2 Excellent Samples

Franklin Strategic Biotechnology A (FBDIX) seeks capital appreciation. The fund was incepted in September 1997 and is managed by Franklin Advisers.

The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in equity securities of biotechnology companies and discovery-research firms worldwide, including therapeutics, drug delivery, gene therapy and other select medical companies.

The fund invests a substantial portion of its assets in equity securities of smaller capitalization companies and invests a small portion of its assets in private or illiquid securities. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

Evan McCulloch is lead manager of the fund since September 15, 1997. He specializes in research and analysis of the health care industry including pharmaceuticals, health care information systems / Internet and health care providers. Evan received his Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California at Berkeley and is a designated Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Evan joined Franklin in 1992.

Alger Health Sciences C (AHSCX) seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in equity securities that are engaged in the health sciences sector. The fund was incepted in May 2002 and is managed by Fred Alger Management.

The fund has a portfolio turnover of 214% and an expense ratio of 2.23% as February 10, 2009. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

Company Description

Baxter International develops, manufactures and markets products that save and sustain the lives of people with hemophilia, immune disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, kidney disease, trauma and other chronic and acute medical conditions.

As a global diversified healthcare company, Baxter applies a unique combination of expertise in medical devices, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to create products that advance patient care worldwide. The company's products are used by hospitals, kidney dialysis centers, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors' offices, clinical and medical research laboratories, and by patients at home under physician supervision. Baxter manufactures products in 26 countries and sells them in more than 100 countries.

Higher Forecasts

The company is seeing bullish earnings projections. The current full-year Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.79 per share was increased from $3.77 over the past 3 months. For 2010, the forecast jumped from $4.24 to $4.28 over the same time frame.

Baxter's 2009 earnings guidance ranges between $3.76 and $3.80 per share.

Recent Events

The company recently discussed its long-term financial objectives, growth opportunities and various research and development (R&D) programs at its recently concluded Investor Conference in Chicago. For the full story, read the Analyst Blog titled Baxter's Long-Term Goals.

Rewarding Shareholders

In late July, Baxter declared a quarterly dividend of 26 cents per share, which was paid out on October 1. Baxter rewards shareholders with an industry-leading dividend yield of 2%.

A Solid Quarter

In mid-July, the company posted second-quarter earnings of 96 cents per share, topping the consensus estimate by 2% and surpassing the previous year's 85 cents.

Worldwide sales of $3.1 billion slipped by 2%. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, worldwide sales were up 8%. U.S. sales climbed 7% to $1.3 billion. International sales dipped by 8% to $1.8 billion. Excluding the impact of foreign currency, international sales increased 9%. Zacks Investment Research

Foster Wheeler has received a notice to begin work on this contract. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the contract value will be included in the company’s orders for the third quarter of 2009. Commercial operation of the new steam generator is scheduled for the first quarter of 2012.

Foster Wheeler will design and supply the steam generator and auxiliary equipment. It will carry out the erection and commissioning of the boiler island. The steam generator will be equipped adequately to burn wood biomass and up to 20% agro biomass. When combined with the CFB’s demonstrated ability to reduce emissions, the fuel flexibility enables the unit to operate with minimal environmental impact compared with conventional boilers.

Foster Wheeler is a global engineering and construction contractor and power equipment supplier, with a reputation for delivering high quality, technically advanced, reliable facilities and equipment on time, on budget and with a world-class safety record. Its Global Power Group offers advanced, cost-effective and environment-friendly energy solutions to customers around the world.

As one of the world's most prestigious engineering and construction companies, Foster Wheeler has over 100 years of experience and dedicated highly skilled personnel providing services worldwide. It designs, engineers and constructs leading-edge processing facilities and related infrastructure for the upstream oil & gas, LNG and gas-to-liquids, refining, chemicals & petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology & healthcare, environmental and power industries. The company's major competitors include Fluor Corp. (FLR) and Jacob’s Engineering Group Inc. (JEC). We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Foster Wheeler.

As part of the agreement, Phase Forward and Covance also entered into a multiyear marketing agreement. Management expects that this acquisition will strengthen its Interactive Response Technology solutions. 

Earlier, the company reported second quarter results, which beat analysts’ expectations and trimmed its outlook for 2009. Management stated that it expects revenues between $214.5 and $217.5 million. On a non-GAAP basis, the company projects EPS between 47 cents and 50 cents, down from the average forecast of 54 cents and its prior guidance of 51 cents to 54 cents, primarily due to acquisition related costs of 4 cents to 5 cents.

Phase Forward is a leading vendor in the market for clinical trial management systems (CTMS) and electronic data capture (EDC) for clinical trials. The company provides software and services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and other research-related companies and institutions. EDC utilization in the clinical trial process is currently under-penetrated and we believe that, at some point in the next decade, it will reach complete market saturation. Within that framework, Phase Forward is a best-in-class vendor of EDC and CTMS solutions to product developers.

We believe increasing adoption of EDC will benefit Phase Forward, and that the company's product breadth could allow it to gain market share, allowing it to grow at above market rates, leading to positive revenue and earnings surprise and revisions.

Quarterly revenue came in at $5.5 million, representing a 10% decline from the comparable quarter in 2008. Sales for the full year fell by 13% to $25 million.

The narrower quarterly loss was primarily attributable to lower spending on research and development. The company spent $21.3 million towards research and development for the quarter for the clinical advancement of its wholly owned drugs versus $28.4 million in year-ago quarter.

Last January, Array had announced a restructuring plan of scaling down its research and development costs and accelerating partnership initiatives to ensure sustainable growth under current market conditions.

The company’s proprietary pipeline is primarily directed at drugs to treat cancer, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. It also collaborates with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies like Celgene Corp. (CELG), AstraZeneca Plc (AZN) and Genentech to discover and develop drug candidates across a broad range of therapeutic areas.

Array also announced on the same day that its diabetes drug, ARRY-403, met the main goals of an early-stage trial. The drug, studied in 41 type-2 diabetes patients satisfied the primary and secondary goals of safety, pharmacokinetics and glucose control. Array is planning to initiate a new study in type 2 diabetes patients to evaluate the effects of the drug over a 10-day period.

The type-2 diabetes market has strong growth potential, with Decision Resources projecting a jump from $15.3 billion in 2008 to $27.8 billion in the U.S., the European Union and Japan in 2018. Growth will be driven primarily by expanding drug-treated population and launching several novel agents.

Array possesses an intriguing pipeline for cancer, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. However, given that most products are early-stage and the company relies on third-party clinical support, Array possesses a higher risk profile than most investors may be interested in undertaking.