MOST NOTEWORTHY:

• Jefferies initiated Dreamworks Animation (NYSE: DWA) with a Hold rating and $25 target. The firm believes the company needs stronger-than-expected box office performance to drive material share appreciation, which they view as a risky bet given recent non-Shrek film performance, slower DVD sales and a tough economy.
  
• Merriman assumed coverage of Pharmasset (NASDAQ: VRUS) with a Buy rating, as they believe the current share price does not adequately reflect the company's strong clinical data, potential for clinical milestones, or potential for revenue generation. They believe shares could trade to a fair value range of $20-24 in the next 12 months.
  
• Merriman initiated shares of Vertex Pharmaceutials (NASDAQ: VRTX) with a Neutral rating, and recommends investors hold pending a greater understanding of clinical timelines and results for other HCV drug candidates.

• Merrill Lynch initiated Time Warner Telecom (NASDAQ: TWTC) with a Neutral rating.
  
• UBS initiated Protalix (AMEX: PLX) with a Buy rating and $6 target.
  
• Pacific Growth assumed United Online (NASDAQ: UNTD) and Internet Brands (NASDAQ: INET) with Buy ratings.

Analyst initiations: DWA, VRUS and VRTX originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.