Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Huntington Bancshares Inc., United Therapeutics Corp., Eli Lilly & Co., Siemens AG and PMI Group Inc.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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: Huntington Bancshares Inc. (Nasdaq: HBAN), United Therapeutics Corp. (Nasdaq: UTHR), Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY), Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) and PMI Group Inc. (NYSE: PMI).

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Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:

Huntington Bancshares Still a Sell

Huntington Bancshares Incorporated (Nasdaq: HBAN) is a regional bank headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. HBAN conducts business through over 600 branches in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and a network of over 1,400 ATMs. Net interest income contributed 70% of HBAN's adjusted net revenue in 2007, while non-interest sources such as service charges on deposits, mortgage banking, trust, and insurance contributed the balance.

HBAN reported a 3Q08 net income of $75.1 million or $0.17 per share. Excluding the market-related losses, securities impairments and deferred tax-valuation allowance benefit, core results came in at $0.27 per share.

United Therptcs Free of FREEDOM

United Therapeutics Corporation (Nasdaq: UTHR), a biotechnology company, engages in the development and commercialization of therapeutic products for patients with chronic and life-threatening diseases. It offers products primarily in three therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, cancer and infectious diseases.

We were rightfully bearish on United heading into the FREEDOM-C data earlier in the week. The trial failed, as we predicted it would. Oral Remodulin seems unlikely before 2012. However, thanks to a quick deal with Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY), United will move into the oral PAH [pulmonary arterial hypertension] market sooner than expected with Cialis.

Siemens Ests & Hold Rec Kept

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) is a German industrial conglomerate with interests in information services, automation and controls, medical equipment, power generation, transportation systems, automotive electronics, lighting, and many other areas. With a focus on electronics and electrical engineering, the company is a major multinational with over 400,000 employees in more than 190 countries.

Siemens reported higher-than-expected revenues for 4Q08 but earnings were affected by substantial costs for transformation programs and a substantial provision related to ongoing settlement negotiations regarding legal and regulatory matters. On a continuing basis, for the full fiscal year, return on capital employed (ROCE) declined to 4.8% from 12.7% a year earlier.

PMI: No Near-Term Bottom

PMI Group Inc.’s (NYSE: PMI) 3Q08 reported net loss from continuing operations of $149.3 million or $1.83 per diluted share was much better-than-expectations due to lower-than-expected incurred losses. PMI also lowered its 2008 outlook for U.S. paid claims.

However, net premiums written were down 19.3% year-over-year, as the amount of new insurance fell due to the continued declines in home sales. The company had recently agreed to sell its Australian and Asian operations, which are now classified as discontinued operations.

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