Dividend Increases, Research Nominations, New Treatment Options, and Clinical Trials - Research Report on Covidien, Ironwood, ICON, Novadaq, and Antares

NEW YORK, October 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Editor Note: For more information about this release, please scroll to bottom.

Today, Analysts' Corner announced new research reports highlighting Covidien plc (NYSE: COV), Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: IRWD), ICON plc (NASDAQ: ICLR), Novadaq Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: NVDQ), and Antares Pharma Inc. (NASDAQ: ATRS). Today's readers may access these reports free of charge - including full price targets, industry analysis and analyst ratings - via the links below.

Covidien plc Research Report

On September 19, 2013, Covidien plc (Covidien) announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a 23% increase in its quarterly dividend rate. The revised dividend will be $0.32 per ordinary share compared to the previous $0.26 per ordinary share. "This increase reflects our good performance to date in 2013 and our confidence in further growth," said José E. Almeida, Chairman, President and CEO. "We remain committed to using our strong cash flow to fund business expansion, while returning at least 50% of our free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. In the last twelve months, we have exceeded this target, returning over 125% of our free cash flow to shareholders." The Company reported that quarterly dividend is payable on November 5, 2013, to shareholders of record as on October 10, 2013. The Full Research Report on Covidien plc - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/a14c_COV]

--

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. Research Report

On September 10, 2013, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Ironwood) and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (AstraZeneca) announced the beginning of a Phase III clinical trial in China of linaclotide for the treatment of adults with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). "IBS-C is estimated to affect at least 13 million adults in China, causing hallmark symptoms such as abdominal pain and constipation," said David Snow, President of AstraZeneca China. "If approved in China, linaclotide could be the first prescription treatment specifically for IBS-C and could then help address an unmet need for millions of suffering patients." Ironwood and AstraZeneca anticipate the availability of top-line data in H1 2015 and, if approved by the China Food and Drug Administration(CFDA), anticipate that linaclotide could be commercialized in China in 2017. The Full Research Report on Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/dbc4_IRWD]

--

ICON plc Research Report

On September 12, 2013, ICON plc (Icon) announced that it has been nominated as finalist for two categories in the 2013 Scrip Awards. Icon confirmed that it is a finalist in the best CRO category and has also been nominated for the best technological development in clinical trials for its ICONIK platform. Icon reported that award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on November 21, 2013. The Full Research Report on ICON plc - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/fbb0_ICLR]

--

Novadaq Technologies Inc. Research Report

On September 18, 2013, Novadaq Technologies Inc. (Novadaq) announced the schedule of its investor and analyst meeting. The Company will host the meeting on November 18, 2013, Monday, at 10:00 a.m. ET. As per the Company, the event is to be held at the Cornell Club in New York, NY, and is expected to conclude by 2:30 p.m. ET on the same day. Novadaq informed that the meeting will include presentations by its President and CEO, Arun Menawat, Ph.D, M.B.A., and other members of the senior management team. The Company will also discuss its imaging technologies in reconstructive surgery, colorectal surgery, wound care, lymphatic mapping, imaging of endometriosis and imaging of tumors. The Full Research Report on Novadaq Technologies Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/3a51_NVDQ]

--

Antares Pharma Inc. Research Report

On September 16, 2013, Antares Pharma Inc. (Antares) announced that its clinical study evaluating testosterone enanthate dosed its first patients with a weekly administered by subcutaneous injection at doses of 50 mg and 100 mg via the VIBEX™ QuickShot™ auto injector device in testosterone deficient adult males. "We believe the self-contained QuickShot™ technology could potentially eliminate transference issues currently seen in the market leading topical testosterone products," said Paul K. Wotton, Ph.D., President and CEO of Antares. "The QS T is another example of continued execution of our combination product strategy where we expect to create added value for physicians, patients and shareholders alike." The Full Research Report on Antares Pharma Inc. - including full detailed breakdown, analyst ratings and price targets - is available to download free of charge at: [http://www.analystscorner.com/r/full_research_report/2353_ATRS]

----

EDITOR NOTES:

COMPLIANCE PROCEDURE

Content is researched, written and reviewed on a best-effort basis. This document, article or report is prepared and authored by Equity News Network. An outsourced research services provider represented by Ananya Ghosh, CFA, has only reviewed the information provided by Equity News Network in this article or report according to the Procedures outlined by Equity News Network. Equity News Network is not entitled to veto or interfere in the application of such procedures by the outsourced provider to the articles, documents or reports, as the case may be.

NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE

Equity News Network makes no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness or fitness for a purpose (investment or otherwise), of the information provided in this document. This information is not to be construed as personal financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult their personal financial advisor before making any decisions to buy, sell or hold any securities mentioned herein.

NO WARRANTY OR LIABILITY ASSUMED

Equity News Network is not responsible for any error which may be occasioned at the time of printing of this document or any error, mistake or shortcoming. No liability is accepted by Equity News Network whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from the use of this document. Equity News Network expressly disclaims any fiduciary responsibility or liability for any consequences, financial or otherwise arising from any reliance placed on the information in this document. Equity News Network does not (1) guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, completeness or correct sequencing of the information, or (2) warrant any results from use of the information. The included information is subject to change without notice.

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

AnalystsCorner.com

SOURCE Analysts' Corner