ICON (NASDAQ:ICLR) Upside Dependent on Execution

Execution in the key for ICON (NASDAQ:ICLR) in 2011, say Jefferies, noting that flat earning will still probably weigh on the company.

Jefferies said, "ICON has benefited from multiple expansion in anticipation of a lab turnaround and building momentum in late-stage clinical. It still lags peers and should see further upside with solid execution. 2011 looks to be a flat earnings year but with investments to support long-term growth."

They maintain a "Buy" rating on ICON, which closed Tuesday at $22.83, dropping $0.12, or 0.52 percent. Jefferies raised their price target on ICON from $23 to $27.