Google Labs Shuts Down to Streamline Operations

Google is shutting down its Google Labs division to streamline operations and focus on more profitable projects

Google Labs was a testing ground for Google's new projects, such as Google+, as well as features for the Mountain View, Calif.-based company's existing products, including Gmail, Google Calendar and its Android mobile OS. It allowed users to try out prototype projects and then offer feedback to engineers before releasing new programs to the public.

Bill Coughran, Google's senior vice president for Research and Systems Infrastructure, said Google Labs has been vital to the company's growth, but said Google needs to shift focus and concentrate more on its already-functional projects. Some of Google Labs' projects are set to end immediately, while others are being shifted to other areas in the company.

The shutdown may have something to do with Google's efforts to rein in spending. The company's second quarter report revealed operating expenses rose almost 50 percent and equaled about a third of its revenue, leading some analysts to worry operating costs and acquisitions may hinder future earnings.

Google CEO Larry Page, who assumed the helm in April, says streamlining the company is a priority. He maintains Google spends most of its money on its core products, and promises it will continue to do so. However, since many investors are worried about Google's recent expensive acquisitions, such as YouTube, the Google Labs shutdown may reassure investors that Google is keeping a closer eye on its operating costs.
By shuttering operations such as Google Labs, which allows product testing but doesn't bring in revenue until it releases the products, the company can concentrate more on proven money makers such as Android and AdSense. The company is already devoting resources to bolstering its Android OS, tackling fragmentation and ensuring a consistent user experience across its various implementations by phone makers.

Google Labs is just one casualty of the company's streamlining plan. Google this year has closed personal health records site Google Health and ended Google PowerMeter, a Web-based monitor for home energy use.

By shutting down Google Labs, a division that has served the company well in the past, Google may be sending a signal that it means to cut back on duplication while concentrating on its more public efforts, which may benefit existing projects such as Google+ and YouTube.

Express Scripts deal to realign pharmacy business

* Walgreen may have to rethink Express Scripts fight

* Pharmacies' negotiating power could diminish

* Investor sees potential for drugstore consolidation

* Walgreen shares fall 5.3 pct, CVS shares rise 2.6 pct

By Jessica Wohl and Phil Wahba

CHICAGO/NEW YORK, July 21 (Reuters) - Drugstore leader Walgreen Co (WAG.N) may need to make amends in its $5 billion contract spat with Express Scripts now that the pharmacy benefits manager looks to be getting much bigger, industry watchers say.

Express Scripts Inc (ESRX.O) said on Thursday it would pay $29.1 billion to buy rival Medco Health Solutions Inc (MHS.N) and become the biggest U.S. pharmacy benefits company, with easily one-third of the market. [ID:nN1E76K024]

The deal could take a year or more to pass through regulatory hurdles, but in the interim it could already have the power to realign the industry, from rival PBM companies to drugstores and pharmaceutical companies.

The Walgreen fight may be the most immediate example. Last month it said it was breaking its relationship with Express Scripts over prescription pricing, risking more than $5 billion in annual sales. But it would not be able to afford to shut out a combined company with Medco. [ID:nN1E75K038]

"It would give Express Scripts a bargaining position with Walgreen that would be somewhat crippling," said Bill Smead, portfolio manager of the Smead Value Fund.

Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, administer drug benefits for employers and health plans. Express Scripts would gain even more leverage for negotiating drug prices if the deal went through.

Shares of Walgreen, which had no comment on the impact of the deal, fell 5.3 percent to $39.58.

The deal could take some pressure off CVS Caremark Corp (CVS.N), which has struggled to quiet critics who say that the $27 billion merger of CVS with the Caremark PBM in 2007 has not lived up to its promise and has been a drag on profitability.

CVS may also pick up some PBM business in the coming year from clients concerned that Express Scripts and Medco will be too distracted by their merger efforts.

CVS shares rose 2.6 percent to $37.90, while Express Scripts shares rose 6.1 percent to $55.76.

Shares of Rite Aid Corp (RAD.N), a distant No. 3 in the drugstore industry, were up 4.6 percent to $1.36.

While Walgreen may need to take a more conciliatory approach with Express Scripts, it may also become more aggressive in acquiring drugstores to preserve its clout, said Smead. His fund has held Walgreen shares for 3-1/2 years. CVS may take the same tack, he said.

Other retailers with pharmacies, such as Kroger Co (KR.N), Target Corp (TGT.N) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc (WMT.N) either could not be immediately reached or declined to comment.

WILL WALGREEN RECONSIDER?

Express Scripts has said that Walgreen gives its clients smaller discounts than other drugstores do. Walgreen finds Express Scripts' rates "really, really below standard," but may have little room to play hardball.

"This really hurts Walgreens. It has definitely tipped the scales in that discussion," said Jefferies & Co analyst Arthur Henderson, who covers the PBM industry.

Raymond James analyst John Ransom estimates that losing the business of a combined company would hit Walgreen's annual earnings per share by $1.00. Analysts are expecting the chain to have an EPS of $2.63 this year.

Walgreen has already sold off its PBM to Catalyst Health Solutions Inc (CHSI.O), potentially leaving it further exposed to major PBMs. In 2010, Walgreen fought with rival CVS Caremark, whose PBM stands to be the second-largest after the merger.

Prescriptions make up two-thirds of Walgreen's revenue and draw in shoppers who buy general merchandise such as suntan lotion and food when they come in for their medications.

Jefferies & Co drugstore analyst Scott Mushkin said that the Express Script-Medco deal, which comes at the time of year when PBMs most actively try to land contracts with large employers, could prompt some to chose CVS Caremark rather than the huge combined Express Script-Medco.

After stumbling in 2009 and losing a major contract, CVS Caremark is having a good selling season this year, landing a major contract with the Federal Employee Program. (Additional reporting by Lewis Krauskopf in New York; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Gerald E. McCormick)

US HOT STOCKS: Medco Health, Morgan Stanley, PepsiCo, EBay, Intel

U.S. stocks traded higher Thursday as the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.3% to 12734, the Standard & Poor's 500 gained 1.5% to 1345 and the Nasdaq Composite added 23 points to 2837. Among the companies whose shares are actively trading in the session are Medco Health Solutions Inc. (MHS), Morgan Stanley (MS) and PepsiCo Inc.'s (PEP).

Express Scripts Inc. (ESRX, $55.80, +$3.26, +6.20%) agreed to buy Medco Health (MHS, $64.58, +$8.80, +15.78%) for $29.1 billion in cash and stock, a deal that combines two of the largest U.S. pharmacy-benefit managers at a time when health-care services companies are searching for new opportunities in the face of sweeping industry changes. Medco holders will receive $28.80 in cash and 0.81 Express Scripts shares for each share, valuing Medco at $71.36, a 28% premium to Wednesday's close. The deal buoyed shares of CVS Caremark Corp. (CVS, $37.94, +$0.99, +2.68%) as the takeover leaves would leave one less pharmacy-benefits manager in the space. But Walgreen Co. (WAG, $40.41, -$1.39, -3.33%) shares fell as it may well lessen the options the largest U.S. drug-store chain has in working with pharmacy-benefits managers.

Morgan Stanley (MS, $23.91, +$2.19, +10.08%) reported a $558 million second-quarter loss attributable to shareholders after a big charge associated with an investment in the firm, though revenue growth beat expectations.

PepsiCo Inc.'s (PEP, $65.43, -$3.06, -4.47%) second-quarter profit jumped 18% on strong snack and beverage sales in emerging markets and a boost from acquisitions, but toned down its outlook due to challenging conditions in developed markets and higher commodity costs.

EBay Inc. (EBAY, $34.27, +$1.10, +3.32%) posted a 25% jump in second-quarter revenue and raised its full-year forecast, as the online market's payments and sales businesses demonstrated strong growth.

Intel Corp.'s (INTC, $22.74, -$0.25, -1.09%) second-quarter profit rose a better-than-expected 2.3% on continued demand from corporate customers and personal-computer buyers in emerging markets, though margins fell. During a conference call, Intel also slightly trimmed its forecast for unit PC shipments for the year.

Other Stocks In Focus: 
 

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXN, $57.07, +$5.03, +9.67%) jumped to a another all-time high in the wake of its better-than-expected second-quarter report that was led by its Soliris blood-disease drug and building business in Australia and Japan, new markets for the company. "Although the market appeared to have expected a good quarter and increased management guidance may not be a complete surprise...we believe the 2Q report is likely still considered outstanding results," says Leerink Swann.

AmerisourceBergen Corp. (ABC, $39.44, -$2.31, -5.53%) slid in the wake of Express Scripts agreeing to buy its largest customer, Medco. AmerisourceBergen is Medco's primary wholesaler, accounting for nearly two-thirds of 2010 drug purchases at the company. The buyout could lead to less volume for AmerisourceBergen and maybe even a complete contract loss. But Baird estimates AmerisourceBergen has no more than 5% of EPS at risk and that it would still "have the best leverage to the industry's growth drivers."

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday approved AstraZeneca PLC's (AZN, $50.63, +$1.18, +2.39%) anticlotting drug Brilinta.

Baxter International Inc.'s (BAX, $62.22, +$1.39, +2.29%) second-quarter earnings rose a better-than-expected 15% as the medical-products company reported double-digit sales growth and benefited from foreign-exchange impacts. For the year, the maker of medical products used in biosurgery as well as various critical therapies and vaccines again raised its per-share earnings forecast.
BB&T Corp.'s (BBT, $26.30, +$0.67, +2.59%) second-quarter profit climbed 46% as credit quality improved and loan growth picked up somewhat.

Blackstone Group LP (BX, $16.96, +$0.70, +4.31%) swung to a strong second-quarter profit, with adjusted results rising due to a strong performance from the company's investments and an increase in management and advisory fees.

Cheesecake Factory Inc.'s (CAKE, $31.26, -$1.43, -4.37%) second-quarter earnings rose 29% as the casual-dining company saw same-store sales keep climbing. But revenue increased less than expected.

Cirrus Logic Inc.'s (CRUS, $16.12, -$1.78, -9.94%) fiscal first-quarter earnings fell 48% as costs from an earlier production problem cut into the semiconductor maker's margins.

Danaher Corp.'s (DHR, $52.34, -$0.77, -1.45%) second-quarter earnings rose 74% as stronger sales, which were boosted by recent acquisitions, offset higher costs. But the diversified toolmaker on its conference call Thursday morning gave third-quarter earnings guidance of 66 cents to 71 cents.

Datalink Corp.'s (DTLK, $9.13, +$1.22, +15.42%) second-quarter profit soared higher than expected as the information-storage company posted higher sales from a growing list of customers. The company also issued an upbeat third-quarter earnings forecast.

Diamond Offshore Drilling Inc.'s (DO, $69.93, -$2.80, -3.85%) second-quarter earnings jumped 19% as the company posted stronger revenue, though day rates fell and utilization rates were mixed.

E*Trade Financial Corp.'s (ETFC, $15.31, +$0.59, +3.97%) second-quarter profit climbed 34% from a year ago as the online brokerage again set aside less money to cover losses from bad loans. But the company posted weaker trading volumes as clients recoiled from volatile markets. The earnings, in line with analysts' estimates, came on the same day E*Trade disclosed that it received a letter from Citadel LLC, its largest shareholder, requesting that it explore a potential sale of the company.

F5 Networks Inc.'s (FFIV, $99.99, -$11.45, -10.27%) fiscal third-quarter profit climbed 54%, thanks to sales in Japan and the Asia Pacific region that the Internet traffic service provider said accounted for a majority of the quarter's strong revenue growth. Shares fell even as earnings handily topped the company's estimate and revenue was in-line with its view. Its fourth-quarter EPS forecast bracketed analysts' average estimate. Revenue from Europe, the Middle East and Africa fell sequentially.

Fifth Third Bancorp's (FITB, $12.78, +$0.45, +3.66%) second-quarter profit soared 76% as the regional lender benefited from improving credit conditions and lower loan-loss provisions than a year earlier.

Freescale Semiconductor Holdings I Ltd.'s (FSL, $16.71, -$0.49, -2.82%) second-quarter loss narrowed but the semiconductor company issued cautious guidance for the current quarter on worries about the impact of the Japan earthquake on the auto sector.

Genworth Financial Inc. (GNW, $8.19, -$1.28, -13.52%) warned Wednesday that it will report a second-quarter loss of $92 million to $112 million as it again bolsters reserves at its troubled mortgage-insurance unit.

Goodrich Corp.'s (GR, $98.48, +$5.37, +5.77%) second-quarter profit rose 11% the company reported sales increases across all segments, particularly in commercial aftermarket sales. The aerospace parts maker boosted its full-year earnings outlook.

Idera Pharmaceuticals Inc. (IDRA, $1.81, -$0.14, -7.08%) said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has told it to freeze a planned midstage trial testing its IMO-3100 candidate for the treatment of psoriasis.

Ingersoll-Rand PLC's (IR, $40.90, -$3.87, -8.64%) second-quarter earnings fell 53% as the diversified manufacturer was hurt by a $215.2 million loss from discontinued operations and a higher effective tax rate. For the year, the company raised its revenue view, while affirming its per-share earnings forecast.

ITT Educational Services Inc.'s (ESI, $86.17, -$6.42, -6.93%) second-quarter earnings fell 18% as the for-profit educational company was hurt by falling revenue and enrollments and rising operating costs.

Laboratory Corp. of America Holdings' (LH, $93.88, -$2.71, -2.81%) second-quarter earnings fell 20% as restructuring charges masked sales growth on higher testing volume.

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.'s (LECO, $38.55, +$2.80, +7.83%) second-quarter results handily beat analysts' expectations, as the manufacturing company's sales increased about 36% year-over-year and its net income jumped about 75%.
ManpowerGroup's (MAN, $55.22, +$2.10, +3.94%) second-quarter profit more than doubled on strong world-wide growth, with demand especially strong in Italy, France and the Asia Pacific region.

Meridian Biosciences Inc.'s (VIVO, $22.14, -$5.18, -18.96%) fiscal third-quarter profit grew by 6.4% as the maker of medical diagnostic kits reported a double-digit percentage increase in sales, though margins fell and the company expressed some disappointment with the results.

MetLife Inc. (MET, $41.93, +$1.04, +2.54%) is exploring a possible sale of its MetLife Bank depositary business, saying its bank-holding company structure is no longer appropriate as it focuses on its global insurance and employee-benefits businesses.

MKS Instruments Inc.'s (MKSI, $27.31, +$2.23, +8.89%) second-quarter earnings crept 0.5% lower as margin improvement compensated for weaker sales. Results beat analysts' expectations.

Monro Muffler Brake Inc.'s (MNRO, $38.17, +$1.12, +3.02%) fiscal first-quarter earnings rose 17%, benefiting from price increases, as the undercar-repair and tire retail chain operator also raised its quarterly dividend by 13%.
Activist investor Carl Icahn urged Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (MMI, $25.35, +$2.94, +13.12%) to explore options for its patent portfolio in the wake of a $4.5 billion deal for Nortel Networks Corp.'s (NT.T) portfolio that attracted multiple bidders.

The New York Times Co. (NYT, $9.31, +$0.34, +3.79%) swung to a second-quarter loss as it wrote down the value of several regional newspapers but showed signs of progress in its strategy to get subscribers to pay for content online.
Penn National Gaming Inc.'s (PENN, $43.49, +$2.38, +5.79%) second-quarter earnings grew faster than expected as increased consumer spending boosted revenue.

Philip Morris International Inc.'s (PM, $71.32, +$3.13, +4.59%) second-quarter profit rose a better-than-expected 22% as strong sales volumes in Asia, particularly Japan, offset declines elsewhere. The company also raised its full-year earnings guidance.

Plexus Corp.'s (PLXS, $30.52, -$2.86, -8.57%) fiscal third-quarter earnings fell as weak customer orders led the company to forecast mostly softer revenue continuing into the current quarter.

Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc. (PLX, $6.80, +$0.16, +2.41%) will file a request for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Gaucher's disease treatment Uplyso in "a matter of days," Israeli financial newspaper Globes reports on its website Thursday, citing unnamed industry officials.

RLI Corp.'s (RLI, $65.40, +$3.44, +5.55%) second-quarter earnings jumped 35% as the property-and-casualty insurer reported higher revenue and lower expenses.
Robert Half International Inc.'s (RHI, $29.65, +$3.83, +14.83%) second-quarter earnings tripled for the second straight quarter, as the temporary-staffing company reported particular strength in permanent placements and technology staffing.

Safeway Inc. (SWY, $21.47, -$2.16, -9.14%) cast some blame on the Easter bunny for holding back second-quarter sales, saying consumers spent for the holiday but held off buying for the next three weeks awaiting their next paycheck. "The vast majority of all consumers live paycheck to paycheck," CEO Steve Burd said during a conference call. In a soft economy like this, the difference in sales between the beginning and end of pay periods is exaggerated, he noted, "approaching double digits" percentage-wise. While Safeway did post improved sales, the company, and investors, were still disappointed.

Scholastic Corp.'s (SCHL, $29.48, +$3.13, +11.88%) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings slid 15% as the children's book publisher's costs grew, although educational publishing and international revenue increased.

Seagate Technology Inc.'s (STX, $14.08, -$2.91, -17.13%) fiscal fourth-quarter earnings slumped 69% as the maker of hard drives for personal computers and corporate data centers reported weaker gross margins, although shipments of hard-disk drives grew.

Dutch staffing company Randstad Holding NV (RAND.AE) agreed to pay $709.8 million in cash to acquire SFN Group (SFN, $13.92, +$4.70, +50.98%), a deal that would boost the company's presence in the highly fragmented North American human-resources-services market. The $14-a-share offer is a 52% premium to Wednesday's closing price.

Sherwin-Williams Co.'s (SHW, $81.89, -$2.94, -3.47%) second-quarter earnings fell 1.4% as price increases and sales growth couldn't fully mitigate rising raw material costs. The company also lowered the high end of its full-year guidance.
SLM Corp. (SLM, $16.72, +$0.44, +2.70%) swung to a second-quarter loss as the student lender recorded a large unrealized mark-to-market loss on derivative contracts, but adjusted results improved thanks to higher loan-origination volume and better credit quality.

Sonoco Products Co.'s (SON, $32.64, -$1.05, -3.12%) second-quarter earnings fell a bigger-than-expected 9.4% as the packaging company's consumer and industrial businesses turned in mixed results, hurt by higher costs for commodities and labor.

Terex Corp.'s (TEX, $24.80, -$2.41, -8.86%) second-quarter loss narrowed significantly, and it swung to a profit on a continuing-operations basis on strong sales. But the bottom line was still weaker than expected even after adjustments for one-time items.

Tractor Supply Co.'s (TSCO, $67.15, -$3.52, -4.98%) second-quarter earnings rose 18% as sales were helped by strong demand for animal and pet-related products. The company again boosted its full-year per-share earnings and revenue guidance, but top-line results missed analyst expectations.

Union Pacific Corp.'s (UNP, $104.07, +$4.24, +4.25%) second-quarter profit jumped 10% as the U.S. railroad company posted a double-digit increase in freight revenue across all product categories, again offsetting higher fuel costs.

VF Corp.'s (VFC, $121.20, +$6.76, +5.91%) second-quarter earnings rose 17% as the branded-apparel maker saw double-digit sales growth in all segments, though margins were pressured by higher costs.

Werner Enterprises Inc.'s (WERN, $25.35, +$0.53, +2.14%) second-quarter profit climbed 31% on higher revenue and margins, despite sluggish freight demand in the first two months of the quarter and higher fuel prices.

Whirlpool Corp. (WHR, $72.49, -$3.15, -4.16%) swung to a second-quarter loss on a previously disclosed settlement charge, as margins dropped on slower sales and shipments in North America.