For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – December 13, 2011 – 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 ConocoPhillips
(COP), Talisman Energy (TLM), Vertex
Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( VRTX), Kimberly-Clark
Corporation (KMB) and Procter & Gamble
Co. (PG).
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Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst
Blog:
Conoco Strikes North Sea Gas
ConocoPhillips (COP) announced the discovery of
gas at the Peking Duck prospect in the southern North Sea off
Norway. However, the company did not reveal the estimated amount of
gas found.
In its first drilling on the block, ConocoPhillips’ 7/11-12 S
wildcat hit a 40-metre gas column in a Jurassic reservoir in the
Ula formation. The reservoir quality in Triassic rocks was
substandard than expected. The other wildcat 7/11-12 A sidetrack
struck a 34-metre gas column in the same structure.
Located in water depth of 236.2 feet, both discoveries were
drilled by the rig Maersk Gallant. Further evaluation and appraisal
will conclude the actual size of the field.
ConocoPhillips controls a 22% operating interest in the license,
while partners OMV, Dong and Talisman Energy (TLM)
hold a respective 30%, 28% and 20% stake.
Houston, Texas-based ConocoPhillips is a major globally
integrated oil company engaged in the exploration and production of
oil and natural gas, refining and marketing of petroleum products,
manufacturing of chemicals, and other energy-related
businesses.
With leading positions in both natural gas and heavy crude oil
in North America, as well as a legacy position in the North Sea and
growing exposure to lucrative international regions, ConocoPhillips
expects to replace reserves and sustain production growth over the
long term.
We appreciate ConocoPhillips’ emphasis on creating shareholder
value through operational excellence, strong project execution,
dividend payout and utilization of its excess cash flow to
repurchase shares. Furthermore, strong proceeds from asset sales,
disposal of low-profit generating properties and cancellation of
potentially less profitable projects add to the company’s drive to
sustain its growth trajectory.
Despite these positive factors, the company’s performances are
expected to be weighed down by unpredictable global economic
conditions and uncertain oil & natural gas prices. We also
remain cautious about the geopolitical risks associated with
international activates and operational challenges.
We believe there are limited positive catalysts for
ConocoPhillips and expect it to perform in line with the broader
market. Hence, we maintain a Neutral rating on the stock for the
long term.
Pipeline Progress at Vertex Pharma
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( VRTX) along with
partner Alios BioPharma, Inc. recently announced the initiation of
two early-stage trials with candidates ALS-2200 and ALS-2158. The
companies are studying the two candidates as a treatment for
chronic genotype-1 hepatitis C (HCV). Expectedly, data from the
trials will be presented in the second quarter of 2012.
Following the release of the data from these phase I trials,
Vertex Pharma and Alios BioPharma plan to initiate mid-stage
combinations studies in the second half of 2012, to evaluate
multiple all-oral, interferon-free combination regimens for HCV.
These phase II trials will evaluate the combination regimens of
ALS-2200 or ALS-2158 with Vertex Pharma’s lead product Incivek
(telaprevir) or pipeline candidate VX-222, and ribavirin, in order
to generate sustained viral response (viral cure) data.
Incivek is used in combination with pegylated-interferon and
ribavirin for the treatment of HCV in both treatment-naïve and
treatment-failed adult patients. It is available in the European
Union (EU) and certain other countries under the brand name of
Incivo. VX-222 is currently in mid-stage trials, being evaluated in
combination with Incivek as a treatment for HCV.
Vertex Pharma acquired the worldwide rights to ALS-2200 and
ALS-2158 from Alios BioPharma in June 2011, as a part of an
exclusive worldwide licensing agreement. The agreement also
includes a research program that will focus on the discovery of
additional HCV treatments.
Lobbying Charges Up for
Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB) reported that
it has spent $110,000 during the third quarter 2011 on issues
related to taxes and environment. Lobbying charges increased from
the previous quarter to $50,000 and from the second quarter of 2010
to $80,000.
According to the filing with the House clerk's office,
Kimberly-Clark lobbied the Congress and opposed proposals to
increase the use of natural gas in transportation and power
generation.
The company also opposes the strict government rules on the
release of mercury, carbon monoxide and other harmful gases from
industrial boilers.
Further, Kimberly-Clark lobbied to remove certain taxes and was
in favor of comprehensive tax reform. The companies want to get rid
of an excise tax on medical devices and expect the government to
retain tax deductions for manufacturers.
The maker of well-known household brands like Huggies diapers
and Kleenex tissues - Kimberly-Clark posted in-line results with
the Zacks Consensus Estimate of adjusted earnings of $1.26 per
share in the third quarter 2011.
The adjusted earnings in the third quarter of 2011 exclude the
adjustment of charges related to the pulp and tissue restructuring
of 17 cents per share. The results benefited from sales growth,
cost savings, a lower share count and a reduced tax rate.
For fiscal 2011, Kimberly-Clark has reduced the high end of its
earnings forecast to the range of $4.80 to $4.90 per share,
compared with the company's previous expectations of $4.80 to
$5.05.
Kimberly-Clark currently holds a Zacks #3 Rank, and competes
with Procter & Gamble Co. (PG). On a long-term
basis, we maintain a Neutral rating on the stock, which translates
into a short-term Hold rating.
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CONOCOPHILLIPS (COP): Free Stock Analysis Report
KIMBERLY CLARK (KMB): Free Stock Analysis Report
PROCTER & GAMBL (PG): Free Stock Analysis Report
TALISMAN ENERGY (TLM): Free Stock Analysis Report
VERTEX PHARM (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report
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