Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: AMETEK, Cephalon, Helix Energy Solutions and Marriott Int’l

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Abstract:
Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME), Cephalon, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEPH), Helix Energy Solutions (NYSE: HLX) and Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR). View the entire list of stocks on the All Star Analyst portfolio at http://at.zacks.com/?id=510

All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: AMETEK, Cephalon, Helix Energy Solutions and Marriott Int’l

Chicago, IL | Posted on August 17th, 2007

This exclusive portfolio represents all stocks with a Strong Buy rating from at least four analysts with a 5-Star All Star ranking. These are the brokerage analysts whose stock recommendations proved to be the most profitable for investors. Since July 2002, this portfolio has generated an annualized return of 7.53%. Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are in the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME) announced earlier this week that it acquired CAMECA SAS from an investment group led by the Carlyle Group for approximately $112 million. CAMECA SAS is a French manufacturer of high-end elemental analysis systems used in advanced lab research, semiconductor and nanotechnology applications. According to AMETEK, the acquisition significantly broadens its technical capabilities in differentiated, high-end analytical instrumentation. AMETEK remains a member of the All Star Analyst Portfolio. For its second quarter, the company posted earnings per share of 54 cents on sales of $519.5 million, compared to the previous year's 43 cents on $450.6 million. The earnings result bettered the consensus by 3.9% while sales growth was 15%.

Cephalon, Inc. (NASDAQ: CEPH) recently announced positive results for a trial of FENTORA® in the treatment of breakthrough pain associated with a broad range of chronic, non-cancer pain conditions. The drug has already been approved to treat pain in cancer patients. The company plans to submit the data to the FDA in the fourth quarter as part of its supplemental New Drug Application. The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, variable dose Phase 3 trial, which included 148 patients. Cephalon is an international biopharmaceutical company with a focus on four core therapeutic areas: central nervous system, pain, oncology and addiction. It remains a member of the All Star Analyst Portfolio.

Helix Energy Solutions (NYSE: HLX) is an international offshore energy company that provides development solutions and other key life of field services to the open energy market as well as to its own oil and gas business unit. The company's second quarter was challenging, but it was able to put together some solid numbers. Earnings per share of 70 cents moved past the consensus by almost 8% while revenues advanced by $105.6 million to $410.6 million. Revenue growth was driven primarily by an increase in oil and gas sales of $61 million, thanks mainly to the production added from the acquisition of Remington Oil & Gas.

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) recently announced that its Board approved an increase in its stock repurchase authorization by 40 million shares, bringing the total purchase authorization to approximately 51 million shares. At the same time, the lodging giant declared a quarterly cash dividend of 7.50 cents per share of common stock, payable Oct 23 to shareholders of record as of Sep 6. The company has paid a dividend in every quarter since late 1977. Marriott International remains one of the All Stars' favorite names in its industry.

Discover all the current All Star Analyst rankings and top analyst recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=511

About Zacks All Star Analyst Survey

To learn which brokerage analysts are the best in their field and what stocks they're recommending today, see the Zacks All Star Analyst survey. This exclusive survey, created with Fortune Magazine, reveals the "Best-of-Breed" brokerage analysts. They are the select group of winners from the universe of brokerage analysts - the ones who consistently beat the street - the few you should be following now. Visit the Zacks All Star Survey to find the best analysts and their top stock recommendations at http://at.zacks.com/?id=512

Top recommendations from All Star Analysts Highlighted in FREE Investment Newsletter

Each week, Zacks.com highlights investment insight and favorite recommendations from All Star Analysts and other leading investment experts. This is all part of our FREE e-mail newsletter, "Profit from the Pros." The only way to get these powerful insights is with a FREE subscription to the "Profit from the Pros" investment newsletter. Register for a free subscription at http://at.zacks.com/?id=513

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