A Forward Look, the Year Ahead - Research Report on Amgen, Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Ann Inc., Limited Brands, Inc. and AMETEK, Inc.

NEW YORK, March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Today, Investors Alliance announced new research reports highlighting Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), Bristol Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY), Ann Inc. (NYSE:ANN), Limited Brands, Inc. (NYSE:LTD) and AMETEK, Inc. (NYSE: AME). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Amgen, Inc. Research Report

Amgen, the biggest in its industry, has been responding to expired patents using aggressive dividend payments and stock buybacks to lift share prices. Its drugs that have declined or stagnant demand have been given price increases to stabilized revenue. The company has also been an active lobbyist, spending as much as $42 million in 2009, and was able to secure key legislative gains. Amgen still has a couple of drugs which could give optimism to the company's future, like arthritis drug Enbrel. The drug generated $4.23 billion in sales last year, and is one of a few drugs that contributed to the gains of the company's stock over the past 18 months. The patent won't be expired until 2028. Upcoming drugs that are showing promise are treatments for high cholesterol and osteoporosis in one or two years, while a drug for ovarian cancer is expected to release late-stage data this year. In addition, it has partnered with Actavis Inc. in a developmental deal which could bring Amgen to the biosimilar market. However, these weren't enough to please some analysts and they are doubtful that the company may be able to continue to satisfy investors in the long run. In addition, growing competition from rivals and increased regulatory scrutiny could add insult to injury as well. The Full Research Report on Amgen, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.Investors-Alliance.com/r/full_research_report/767e_AMGN]

Bristol Myers Squibb Co. Research Report

Bristol-Myers was recently hit by lapsed drug patents last year, as demand for its blood clot preventer Plavix - once one the world's best-selling drugs - fell 97 percent after the patent expired in May, while its blood pressure drugs Avapro and Avalide fell 57 percent after their patents expired in March. The company, as well as its competitors, has also been losing market share from low-cost generic drugs, which also forced Bristol-Myers to cut costs and develop new products in the market to safeguard itself from expired patents. Bristol-Myers is currently looking for a buyer for their brand portfolio in Mexico and Brazil, which could fetch in $750 million. The deal would be the latest of its many previous consumer divestitures in recent years, including the spin-off of Mead Johnson Nutrition Co, a baby-food products manufacturer. It is also improving its efforts in its diabetes treatment drug by partnering with AstraZeneca, by merging their diabetes marketing teams for the development of the pill Onglyza and a combination pill combining the pill and the generic metformin. The Full Research Report on Bristol Myers Squibb Co. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.Investors-Alliance.com/r/full_research_report/4a88_BMY]

Ann Inc. Research Report

Ann Inc. which carries the brands Ann Taylor and Loft, saw increases of 9 percent in overall sales for Q3 of fiscal year 2012 and beat analyst estimates after adopting a multichannel sales approach to increase its customer base. The company bolstered its online stores and its Ann Taylor Factory and Loft Outlet stores in an attempt to regain lost market shares from rivals like Gap and J.Crew. The new e-commerce platform is more efficient with simpler and faster checkouts as well as international shipping, which analysts believe would help cut costs and generate more profit for Ann Inc. More outlet stores are expected to come in the next few years, which are expected to bring more sales due to the higher volumes and margins that they carry. Last year, Ann Inc opened its first international stores in Canada to "test the international waters" for the brand, according to an analyst from JP Morgan. The company is optimistic for further international expansion. The Street rates Ann Inc. as a "buy," citing strengths in stock price performance, earnings per share growth, net income, revenue growth, and return on equity without any particular weaknesses that could counter the positives. The Full Research Report on Ann Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.Investors-Alliance.com/r/full_research_report/f148_ANN]

Limited Brands, Inc. Research Report

Limited Brands posted big gains in the brands it carries, as indicated in its earnings report for Q3 of fiscal year 2012. Flagship brand Victoria's secret saw a 5 percent increase in overall sales in that period, while Bath & Body Works & The White Barn Candle Co. grew 7 percent in total sales. Sales of La Senza, though, fell 11 percent. The company also announced a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, a 20 percent boost from its previous quarterly dividend of 25 cents per share. However, The Street still puts Limited Brands' stock at a "hold" rating, citing poor net income and weak operating cash flow. Nevertheless, expanding profit margins and solid stock price performance counters these negatives. The Full Research Limited Brands, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.Investors-Alliance.com/r/full_research_report/94e3_LTD]

AMETEK, Inc. Research Report

Ametek reported record levels of orders, sales, operating income, operating margins, and net income for the fourth quarter, showing strength in all areas of the company. The company expects the business to show solid growth in 2013, especially in its oil and gas, power and aerospace segments. In the coming year, it will continue to invest in product development, geographic expansion, and strategic acquisitions.

Recently, Ametek acquired Sunpower, Inc., a leader in cryogenic cooling and heated Stirling engine technology and Crystal Engineering's high-end, portable calibration instruments. It also expanded its position in aerospace aftermarket by acquiring Aero Components International (ACI) and Avtech Avionics and Instruments. With these recent moves, earnings are expected to be up 10 to 13 percent in 2013 over 2012. The Full Research Report on AMETEK, Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.Investors-Alliance.com/r/full_research_report/e0d7_AME]

Consider Investors Alliance

Tired of hearing about the latest, greatest trade opportunity... only to realize that the ship has long sailed? You need a strong, informative community in your arsenal. Join the group that has been consistently identifying momentous situations as they develop - long before they become the next top news on major financial networks.

Contact: Patricia Byers
Email: [email protected]
Main: +1-480-745-7826

SOURCE Investors-Alliance