All Star Analysts Portfolio highlights: Amgen, Capital One Financial, Danaher Corporation and PPD, Inc.

CHICAGO -- Zacks.com just released its latest additions and deletions to its proprietary All Star Analyst portfolio. Members on this exclusive list include Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN), Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF), Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) and PPD, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPDI). View the entire list of stocks on the All Star Analyst portfolio at http://at.zacks.com/?id=510

This exclusive portfolio represents all stocks with a Strong Buy rating from at least five 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 12.92%, exceeding the S&P 500 by a margin of more than 50%. Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are in the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) disappointed Wall Street in late January when its fourth quarter adjusted earnings per share matched the consensus instead of beating it. Nevertheless, the company remains one of the most innovative in its industry, helping it make the lists of several All Star analysts. The quarter's 75-cent result bettered the year-ago performance of 58 cents by 29%. Meanwhile, total revenue reached $3.3 billion, improving by 12% from the previous year. For 2006, Amgen expects adjusted earnings per share between $3.55 and $3.70 on revenue of $13.9 billion to $14.4 billion. The company said that 2005 was another strong year as it achieved four major regulatory milestones and added six new molecules to its pipeline, while still delivering financially.

Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) reported fourth quarter earnings per share of 97 cents, compared to 77 cents a year ago, which topped the consensus by more than 3%. For the year, earnings per share rose year-over-year to $6.73 from $6.21. Managed loans at the end of the year were $105.5 billion, up 32% from the end of 2004. Excluding the impact of the Hibernia acquisition, which was completed Nov 16, 2005, managed loans grew 12%. Capital One said it delivered another year of solid results across its diversified consumer financial services businesses and is well-positioned for continued growth and profitability in 2006. The company forecasted earnings per share between $7.40 and $7.80 for this year.

Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR) reported fourth quarter earnings of 81 cents per share in January on sales of about $2.26 billion. That earnings result advanced from the previous year's 67 cents and also beat the consensus. Sales advanced 14.5% from $1.98 billion. Core revenues advanced 5.5%. For 2005, net earnings and sales rose by 21.5% and 16% respectively. Danaher said its record performance and strong finish to the year give it confidence for excellent results in 2006. Last month, Danaher reaffirmed its first quarter and full-year profit guidance. The company remains a favorite with the All Star Analysts.

PPD, Inc. (NASDAQ:PPDI) announced on Feb 28 the completion of its previously announced two-for-one stock split of its common stock. Each shareholder of record at the close of business on Feb 17 was issued one share of common stock for each share held of record on that date. The company said that the split improves its opportunity to add liquidity and appeal for its stock, providing enhanced value to shareholders. For its fourth quarter, which was announced earlier in the month, earnings per share topped both the year-ago performance and the consensus, while net revenue advanced 19.6% to $274.6 million.

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