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: Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ: SMTC), AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAG), Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ: CBSH), MBIA, Inc. (NYSE: MBI) and BJ Services Company (NYSE: BJS).

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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:

Semtech a Buy Up to $15

Semtech Corporation (NASDAQ: SMTC) is a fabless supplier of analog and mixed signal semiconductor devices. Management has been diversifying the product portfolio, introducing new high-margin products and broadening the customer base.

October quarter revenue was in-line with consensus estimates, while the EPS exceeded. Forward guidance is for a -8% top -20% revenue decline in the January quarter.

AMAG Pharma: High Expectations

AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAG) develops superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for use in pharmaceutical products. The company's focus is on developing IV iron replacement therapy for anemia in chronic kidney disease and imaging agent to aid in diagnosis.

The company filed the NDA [New Drug Application] for its lead drug, Ferumoxytol, in December 2007, and we expect FDA approval to come in 1H09. Clinical data in over 1,700 patients indicate an excellent safety profile for the drug with lower incidents of heart problems.

Commerce Bancshares Misses

This morning, Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ: CBSH) reported 4Q08 earnings of $0.58 per share, four cents short of consensus estimates. The miss was primarily due to sharp increase in credit costs and lower non-interest income, partially offset by better-than-expected growth in net interest income, due to lower funding costs.

Net interest income in 4Q08 amounted to $156.3 million, up 3.1%, from the previous quarter and 13.7%, from the prior-year quarter. The increase over the previous quarter was mainly due to lower rates paid on deposits and other borrowings, as well as higher average investment securities balances and higher rates earned on these securities.

MBIA Under Heavy Pressure

MBIA, Inc. (NYSE: MBI) underwrites municipal bond insurance and municipal and structured finance obligations. The company also provides asset, investment, and treasury management services, along with the reinsurance of guaranteed investment contracts. It divides its operations into two main segments: Insurance and Investment Management Services.

We remain concerned with MBIA's asset management business and its ability to write new insurance business given the continued pressure from lower credit agency ratings. The company is still losing money on risky mortgage-backed securities that it insured at the height of the U.S. housing bubble.

BJ Services Downgraded to Sell

Houston-based BJ Services Company (NYSE: BJS) provides pressure pumping and other oilfield services to oil and gas exploration and production companies all over the world. Pressure pumping comprises cementing and stimulation services used during the completion of new wells along with the restoration and repair of existing wells. The company also provides tubular services, inspections of pipe connections, and specialty chemical treatments.

We are downgrading BJ Services shares to Sell from Hold to reflect our growing concerns about the weakening outlook for the North American pressure-pumping market. Weak natural gas prices and continued credit market turmoil have prompted E&P [Exploration and Production] players to curtail spending plans, significantly affecting the outlook for players such as BJ Services.

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