CHICAGO, Sept. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 the Google Inc (Nasdaq:GOOG-Free Report), Apple (Nasdaq:AAPL-Free Report), Yahoo Inc (Nasdaq:YHOO-Free Report), Facebook Inc (Nasdaq:FB-Free Report)and CEC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE:CEC-Free Report).

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Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:

Google Ventures into Healthcare

Google Inc (Nasdaq:GOOG-Free Report) recently announced the launch of a healthcare company, Calico, one of its many investments in areas outside its core Internet search business. This ambitious venture will focus on aging and related diseases.

Calico will be led by Arthur Levinson, ex-Google board member and currently Apple's (Nasdaq:AAPL-Free Report) chairman. Google did not provide specific details about the project, stating that it is still in a nascent stage.

Google has invested in many potentially promising projects, such as driverless cars and wearable computers called Google Glass. Most of its ventures have revolved around its familiar territory of search, software and hardware. However, not all investments have yielded good results. One of its earlier ventures, Google Health, which aimed at developing a system for storing digital medical records was shut down soon after launch.

Though Google did not disclose the amount of capital it has invested in the project, close sources have said that the amount was significant, while management stated that it was not huge compared to its annual turnover (roughly $50 billion last year).

These investments have not distracted management in the past and the core business continues to grow very strongly. Therefore, this investment should not either.

Google recorded a profit of $3.23 billion or $9.54 a share in the second quarter of 2013, up from $2.79 billion or $8.42 a share in the year-ago period. Total revenue grew to $14.11 billion, up about 19% year over year.

Currently, Google Inc has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors can also consider Yahoo Inc (Nasdaq:YHOO-Free Report) and Facebook Inc (Nasdaq:FB-Free Report), both of which carry a Zacks Rank # 2 (Buy).

Orange Slips to Underperform

On Sep 18, 2013, we downgraded our recommendation on Orange (NYSE:ORAN-Free Report) to Underperform from Neutral rating due to its subdued performance during the first half of 2013.

Why the Downgrade?

Decelerating mobile service revenues in France and lower Enterprise segment revenues resulted in annualised decline in the top and the bottom line. Stiff competition, regulatory concerns and wireless switch also remain detrimental to the company's performance. The Paris-based company currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).

Detailed Analysis

Cutthroat competition within the French telecom market is forcing Orange to reduce its average revenue per user (ARPU). Rollout of attractive 3G plans by broadband service provider, Iliad SA has resulted in continued revenue erosion. In an attempt to remain competitive, the company slashed its service rates. Orange expects ARPU to decrease around 12% in 2013 and in turn impact its performance.

Regulatory issues in certain European markets remain concerns for the company. Reduction in mobile termination rates in key markets such as the U.K. and Spain continues to impact the company's revenues from these markets. Additionally, in Belgium, mobile tariffs have been decreased by the fixed line carriers to bring in new customers while triple play rates in the country are one of the highest in Europe. This is impacting the competitive balance in the country.

Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.

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