MARKET TALK: OK Of Medtronic's InSync Not Overwhelming
06 Mar 09:01
Edited by Thomas Granahan Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES (Call Us: 201 938-5299; All Times Eastern) MARKET TALK can be found using code N/DJMT 9:01 (Dow Jones) Medtronic (MDT) got approval from an FDA panel for its InSync ICD, but the 6-to-5 vote was less enthusiastic than US Bancorp Piper Jaffray expected. The firm considers final approval likely, but new data requirements may slow down the process by a quarter from Piper's previous midsummer assumption. Cuts FY03 revenue and EPS view by $48M and 1c, respectively, on expectation of slightly later InSync ICD start and slower ramp. Keeps outperform rating. (TG) 8:53 (Dow Jones) Telecom service provider Genuity (GENU) is making the right long-term decisions, but the stock lacks near-term catalysts, says Morgan Stanley analyst Todd Scott, who initiated coverage with a neutral rating. "We see slow projected growth as Genuity shifts its focus to enterprise; limited profitability as the slow economy and long-haul overcapacity delay high-margin incremental revenues," he says. Scott sees execution risk relative to guidance and long-term funding risk. (JDB) 8:47 (Dow Jones) ABN-Amro visited with Sprint PCS (PCS) recently and came away with increased confidence in the company's ability to deliver in 2002.
Believes PCS wants to hold the line on pricing, and Amro doesn't believe moves by Cingular and Verizon Wireless will force a price reduction reaction. Keeps buy rating. (TG) 8:40 (Dow Jones) First Albany doesn't see any new angle or information in ISS's backing of the HP (HWP-Compaq (CPQ) merger that wasn't already revealed by either side. The firm also says ISS's endorsement wasn't "particularly glowing" and leaves the possibility that its clients could come to a different conclusion. For example, ISS acknowledges that a spin-off of the Imaging & Printing unit may be the best option in the short-term, which would make those investors without a long-term perspective pause. However, First Albany thinks the decision gives H-P management the edge in winning approval of the deal.
(GS) 8:33 (Dow Jones) Treasurys remain trapped in narrow trading ranges and are mildly weaker across the curve. Fed's Santomero repeats recent "Fed speak" and is not exerting much influence on market, which awaits factory orders later.
(MM) 8:30 (Dow Jones) A little more weakness is in store for stocks early. Tech names are rarely far from the action, and they'll certainly be in the thick of things Wednesday: Amazon (AMZN) is looking weaker after the resignation of its CFO, while the parties interested in the Hewlett-Packard (HWP) and Compaq (CPQ) deal will have a chance to react to that ISS call. Microsoft (MSFT) will be in court starting today in an effort to resolve its issues with the government.
Refis are still going strong, factory orders should continue the streak of robust economic data, while the release of the Fed's Beige Book always has the chance to be a market mover. (TG) (END) DOW JONES NEWS 03-06-02 09:01 AM |