All Star Analysts Portfolio: Axcan Pharma, Biovail, Dell and Golden West Financial.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 2003

Zacks.com just released it's latest additions and deletions to the coveted All Star Analyst portfolio. 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. Four current members of this portfolio are: Axcan Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ:AXCA), Biovail Corporation (NYSE:BVF), Dell Computer Corp. (NASDAQ:DELL) and Golden West Financial Corporation (NYSE:GDW). View the entire list of stocks on the All Star Analyst portfolio at http://asaportfolio.zacks.com

Here is a synopsis of why these stocks are on the All Star Analysts Portfolio:

Axcan Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ:AXCA) is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products in the field of gastroenterology. AXCA reported revenue growth of +50% to $45.6 million and net income of $8.9 million, or 19 cents per share (fully diluted) for the second quarter of fiscal 2003, representing +88% growth in net income and +58% growth in income per share, as compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2002. During this quarter, Axcan announced several important milestones, including a financing and in-licensing of new gastroenterology products, that should further its leadership position in the growing gastroenterology market. AXCA is in an expanding industry and this growth is a leading reason that several All Star analysts are recommending AXCA to their clients.

Biovail Corporation (NYSE:BVF) is a full-service pharmaceutical company that applies its proprietary drug delivery technologies in developing "oral controlled-release" products throughout North America. Recently, BVF announced record financial results for the three-month period ending March 31, 2003 to the delight of analysts. Total revenues for the first quarter of 2003 increased +23% to $191.4 million, compared to $155.2 million reported for the first quarter of 2002. Net income increased by +19% and was $63.0 million for the first quarter 2003 versus $53.1 million for the first quarter 2002. First quarter 2003 diluted earnings per share increased a respectable +22% to 39 cents per share versus 32 cents per share for the first quarter 2002. The increase in total revenues for the first quarter were primarily due to the continued strong in-market performances of Zovirax and Teveten(R) products, as well as Biovail's interest in the gross profit on the sales of a generic version of Prilosec, which was acquired in the 2002 fourth quarter. BVF looks to be the prescription many All Star analysts are writing for investors looking to get back into pharma and profit.

Dell Computer Corp. (NASDAQ:DELL) is a leading computer manufacturer. On April 2, Dell reaffirmed its fiscal first-quarter guidance initially provided on Feb. 13: unit volumes up more than +25% from one year ago; revenue +18% higher, to $9.5 billion; and an increase in earnings per share of 35%, to 23 cents per share. Dell will announce first quarter figures later today and report whether or not they met these goals. Dell still believes that they will see double-digit year-over-year revenue growth in all regional markets and customer segments. Many All Star analysts are recommending Dell even though they are at or near their 52-week high with a PE in the around 40. Obviously top analysts believe there is still room to grow now that the economy looks to be the government's central focus.

Golden West Financial Corporation (NYSE:GDW) is the nation's second largest savings institution with assets over $69 billion as of Jan. 31, 2003. Currently operating 472 savings and lending offices in 38 states under the World name, the Company has one of the most extensive thrift branch systems in the country. Last month GDW announced record first quarter diluted earnings per share of $1.67, up +11% from the $1.51 reported during the same period in 2002. Golden West also posted all-time highs in first quarter mortgage originations and retail savings growth. New loan volume totaled $6.9 billion, up +28% from the $5.4 billion recorded one year earlier. At the same time, deposit inflows amounted to $2.5 billion, two and a half times the $1.0 billion recorded in the first three months of 2002. During the quarter, Golden West was voted the nation's most admired mortgage services company as reported in the March 3, 2003 issue of FORTUNE magazine. With record numbers and the continued admiration, many All Star analysts have taken notice and are banking on this savings and loan for profits in 2003.

Discover all the current All Star Analyst rankings and top analyst recommendations at http://allstarrank.zacks.com

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