Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Zoran Corporation, Kinross Gold Corp., Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Aracruz Celulose S.A. and Votortantim Celulose S.A

Business Wire, Jan 13, 2009

CHICAGO -- 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: Zoran Corporation (NASDAQ: ZRAN), Kinross Gold Corp. (NYSE: KGC), Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: LXRX), Aracruz Celulose S.A. (NYSE: ARA) and Votortantim Celulose S.A. (NYSE: VCP).

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Here are highlights from Monday's Analyst Blog:

Zoran Should Entertain Investors

California-based Zoran Corporation (NASDAQ: ZRAN) is a leading provider of digital solutions for applications in the growing digital entertainment and digital imaging markets. Zoran develops and markets integrated circuits (ICs), integrated circuit cores and embedded software used by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in digital video and audio products.

On January 6, 2009, Zoran announced the release of digital entertainment and digital imaging platforms and technologies for consumer electronics manufacturers. Zoran released new HDTV (SupraHD); COACH-based digital camera designs; the VaddisHD High Definition Multimedia Processor platform that supports Blu-Ray, HQ-DVD and TVMM DVD players; and SupraXD system solutions for selected Pay-satellite and IPTV set-top box markets, to name a few.

Kinross Gold at Fair Value

Higher gold prices bode well for Kinross Gold Corp.'s (NYSE: KGC) top-line growth. Various exploration and expansion activities undertaken will enhance production levels.

Kinross has received approval for a huge investment in the Paracatu mine expansion, which started production in the third quarter of 2008. The acquisition of Bema Gold will bring in various synergies.

Lexicon with a "Knockout" Punch

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: LXRX) is focused on defining the functions of genes using the "gene knockout" technology. Based on its proprietary technology, the company has attracted both drug-based collaborations and strategic equity investors.

The company is currently engaged in research and development of small molecule drugs in a broad area of diseases. We are pleased with the progress made by the company with its gene knockout technology and its "10TO10" clinical program.

Aracruz Problems Compounding

Brazil-based Aracruz Celulose S.A. (NYSE: ARA) is the world's largest producer of bleached eucalyptus pulp, as well as one of the low-cost producers of this product. The international outlook for pulp and paper prices is uncertain due to the current global financial crisis.

The difficult economic environment in the U.S. and Europe resulted in a decrease in pulp's list prices all over the world. In addition, the recently announced shareholder lawsuits against the company for undisclosed currency derivative contracts to purportedly hedge against the company's U.S. dollar exposure reduces the market's confidence in Aracruz's management.

Moreover, the postponement of the merger with Votortantim Celulose S.A. (NYSE: VCP) and the one-year suspension of the Guaiba project expansion will prove to be negative for the company. We are reiterating our Sell recommendation on the shares.

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