BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Covidien: Time to Take Some Profits?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/11/covidien-time-to-take-some-profits/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/11/covidien-time-to-take-some-profits/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/03/11/covidien-time-to-take-some-profits/#commentsFiled under:

Medical device supplier Covidien Ltd. (COV), first discussed here on June 4, 2009 at a price of $35.65, continues to vector higher, taking out major, psychological resistance at $50 with ease.

Hence, if you haven't already, it's probably a good idea to to consider taking some profits off the table, if you're in at/near $35.65 with COV. Even so, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position and go for an even bigger gain, as COV will likely test $60 in 2011.

Covidien's 2011 revenue will likely rise 6-8% in 2011, after a 4-6% growth rate in 2010, boosted by cost cuts and a prudent restructuring plan designed to concentrate on medical devices and imaging solutions. An emphasis on higher-margin devices adds to the positive story.

Continue reading Covidien: Time to Take Some Profits?

Covidien: Time to Take Some Profits? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.Fri, 11 Mar 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. Stock Futures Up as Investors Await Earnings]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/01/u-s-stock-futures-up-as-investors-await-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/01/u-s-stock-futures-up-as-investors-await-earnings/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/02/01/u-s-stock-futures-up-as-investors-await-earnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

U.S. stock futures are higher this morning, as investors are awaiting earnings from Pfizer (PFE) and other major companies. Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 43 points to 11,883.00 and S&P 500 futures gained 6.60 points to 1,289.00. Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 14.50 points to 2,294.50.

U.S. stocks closed higher, with the blue-chip Dow industrials gaining 68.23 points or 0.58%.

The Institute for Supply Management's report on manufacturing activity for January and data on construction spending for December will be released at 10 a.m. ET.

Continue reading U.S. Stock Futures Up as Investors Await Earnings

U.S. Stock Futures Up as Investors Await Earnings originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baidu earningsbidubpbp earningscovfeaturedpremarketstock futuresTue, 01 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien Is in an Uptrend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/07/covidien-is-in-an-uptrend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/07/covidien-is-in-an-uptrend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2011/01/07/covidien-is-in-an-uptrend/#commentsFiled under:

The rally in the shares of medical device supplier Covidien (COV), which I first discussed here on June 4, 2009 at a price of $35.65, continued this autumn, with the shares winding their way toward $50.

Moreover, given the impressive 35% rise since the summer, those who bought in at roughly that $35 level may wish to consider taking some profits off the table. Even so, those investors who can tolerate the risk can maintain their full position and go for an even bigger gain, as COV will likely test $55 in 2011.

Continue reading Covidien Is in an Uptrend

Covidien Is in an Uptrend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.featuredFri, 07 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: AMGN, CMCSA, GDP, FAST, FLR, KBR, PGR, RIMM, SLE, WAG ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/14/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/14/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/12/14/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • Amgen (AMGN) to overweight from neutral at Piper Jaffray.
  • Goodrich Petroleum (GDP) to outperform from market perform at Wells Fargo.
  • Tutor Perini (TPC) to buy from neutral at UBS.
  • Covidien (COV) to buy from neutral at Goldman.
  • Sara Lee (SLE) and Comcast (CMCSA) to outperform from market perform at Bernstein.
  • Research In Motion (RIMM) to outperform from sector perform at FBN Securities.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AMGN, CMCSA, GDP, FAST, FLR, KBR, PGR, RIMM, SLE, WAG ...

Analyst Calls: AMGN, CMCSA, GDP, FAST, FLR, KBR, PGR, RIMM, SLE, WAG ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACORActuantAmgenAMGNanalyst upgradesATUBCSIBlue CoatCareFusionCBICFNCOVCovidendowngradesEMCFASTFastenalFLRFluorGDPGoodrichinitiationsinthenewsKALUKBRNetAppNTAPPGRResearch In MotionRIMRIMMSara LeeSLETesoroTPCTRGLTSOUILUNTKVECOVeecoVMWVMwareWAGWalgreenTue, 14 Dec 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien's Shares Appear to Be on the Mend]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/05/covidiens-shares-appear-to-be-on-the-mend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/05/covidiens-shares-appear-to-be-on-the-mend/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/05/covidiens-shares-appear-to-be-on-the-mend/#commentsFiled under:

If you managed to take advantage of medical device supplier Covidien Ltd.'s (COV) dip, as noted in May, it proved to be a prudent move. Covidien, first discussed here on June 4, 2009 at a price of $35.65, appears to have found support at $35, and has recently moved back above $40.

Covidien's 2011 revenue will likely increase 6-8% in 2011, after a 4-6% growth rate in 2010. Further, cost cuts and a prudent restructuring plan designed to concentrate on medical devices and imaging solutions will aid the bottom line. An emphasis on higher-margin devices adds to the positive story.

Continue reading Covidien's Shares Appear to Be on the Mend

Covidien's Shares Appear to Be on the Mend originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien Expects Sales Growth for 2011]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/16/covidien-expects-sales-growth-of-6-9-for-2011/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/16/covidien-expects-sales-growth-of-6-9-for-2011/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/16/covidien-expects-sales-growth-of-6-9-for-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Covidien logoCovidien (COV - option chain) shares are rising today after the company said last night said it expects sales to grow between 6 and 9 percent in 2011, in line with and slightly on the higher side of analysts' forecasts of 7 percent growth. If you think that the stock won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on COV.

COV opened this morning at $39.27. So far today the stock has hit a low of $39.02 and a high of $39.90. As of 12:20, COV is trading at $39.46 up $1.56 (4.1%). The chart for COV looks bullish and S&P gives COV a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy ranking.

Continue reading Covidien Expects Sales Growth for 2011

Covidien Expects Sales Growth for 2011 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidienforecastinthenewsInvestors ObserveroptionsThu, 16 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cypress Bioscience Calls and NetSuite Puts Heating Up]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/10/cypress-bioscience-calls-and-netsuite-puts-heating-up/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/10/cypress-bioscience-calls-and-netsuite-puts-heating-up/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/10/cypress-bioscience-calls-and-netsuite-puts-heating-up/#commentsFiled under: ,

Option traders appear to be setting up for a bullish move on Cypress Bioscience, Inc. (CYPB). Traders plowed into 1,305 new call option contracts -- 19.19 times the average volume -- on the stock on Friday. And we know that traders were eager to get into this trade because 100% of the trades came in on the ask price.

Cypress has been in a downtrend since hitting a high around $10.00 in July 2009. The stock closed Friday at $3.39, down 10.79% during the past month.

Continue reading Cypress Bioscience Calls and NetSuite Puts Heating Up

Cypress Bioscience Calls and NetSuite Puts Heating Up originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asbcAssociated BancorpcovcovidiencypbCypress Biosciencesgranite constructiongvainthenewslaboratory corp of americalhnnetsuitetrlgtrue religionunited therapeuticsuthrFri, 10 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: BCR, BUD, CLX, CMA, CSC, CSCO, DELL, LEN, MCO, NOK, TRV ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/09/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • Jefferies upgraded Computer Sciences (CSC) to buy from hold and raised its target to $53 from $47. The analyst said Computer Sciences' valuation has created one of the best LBO opportunities in several years and could provide a five year IRR of 25+%.
  • Keefe Bruyette upgraded Comerica (CMA) to outperform from market perform, citing strength of the company's capital. The firm raised its target for shares to $44 from $43.
  • RBC Capital upgraded Nokia (NOK) to outperform from sector perform and raised its price target to $14 from $12. The firm upgraded shares based on valuation, reduced execution risk on software development, and potential catalysts from new devices based on Symbian^3. RBS upgraded Nokia to buy from hold after the company named Stephen Elop as CEO.
  • Allstate (ALL) was upgraded to buy from hold at Citigroup.
  • Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) was upgraded to buy from neutral at BofA/Merrill.
  • Moody's (MCO) was upgraded to overweight from neutral at Piper Jaffray.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: BCR, BUD, CLX, CMA, CSC, CSCO, DELL, LEN, MCO, NOK, TRV ...

Analyst Calls: BCR, BUD, CLX, CMA, CSC, CSCO, DELL, LEN, MCO, NOK, TRV ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALLAllstateanalyst upgradesBCRBUDCCECiscoCloroxCLRCMACOVCSCCSCODELLDHIdowngradesHINKYIARTinitiationsinthenewsKBHLENLennarMCOMELANOKOMIRYLSMBRYSWKTOLTRVFri, 10 Sep 2010 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien Acquiring Somanetics to Expand Medican Devices]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/16/covidien-acquiring-somanetics/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/16/covidien-acquiring-somanetics/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/16/covidien-acquiring-somanetics/#commentsFiled under:

Somanetics (SMTS) was the most advancing stock in the Nasdaq Wednesday morning, with shares up more than 31%, or nearly $6 to $24.85. Shares reacted to news that Covidien (COV) is buying Somanetics, acquiring all of the outstanding shares of Somanetics for $25.00 per share in cash, a 32% premium to Tuesday's close. Covidien will pay a total of $250 million, for a total transaction value of approximately $300 million.

Covidien, a drug and medical devices maker, is already the distributor for Somanetics' noninvasive diagnostic equipment called INVOS (In-Vivo Optical Spectroscopy) Cerebral/Somatic Oximeter in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. INVOS monitors patients and continuously measures blood oxygen levels in the brain and in the body to help detect and correct complications.

Continue reading Covidien Acquiring Somanetics to Expand Medican Devices

Covidien Acquiring Somanetics to Expand Medican Devices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>covcovidiendealsev3evvvinthenewsinvosmergersmtssomaneticsWed, 16 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst Calls: AOSL, BIDU, BSX, BTU, CHCO, EVVV, NXST, POT, PUK, RST, WEN ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/09/analyst-calls/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/09/analyst-calls/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/09/analyst-calls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Analyst Upgrades

  • UBS upgraded Potash (POT) to buy from neutral and raised its price target to $112 from $106. UBS raised its 2011 potash production estimates based on expectations for a tighter market and notes the potential for China to import substantial amounts of corn.
  • BMO Capital upgraded Peabody Energy (BTU) to outperform from market perform. The firm, which has a $49 target on the stock, cites valuation for the upgrade.
  • Janney Montgomery upgraded City Holding (CHCO) to buy from neutral with a $37 price target, citing the recent pullback in shares.
  • Boston Scientific (BSX) was upgraded to sell from conviction sell at Goldman.
  • Pegasystems (PEGA) was upgraded to buy from hold at Roth Capital.
  • Wendy's/Arby's (WEN) was upgraded to buy from neutral at SunTrust.

Continue reading Analyst Calls: AOSL, BIDU, BSX, BTU, CHCO, EVVV, NXST, POT, PUK, RST, WEN ...

Analyst Calls: AOSL, BIDU, BSX, BTU, CHCO, EVVV, NXST, POT, PUK, RST, WEN ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOSLAUBIDUBSXBTUCHCOCOVdowngradesETREVVVGFIHBHCinitiationsinthenewsNXSTPEGAPOTPotashPUKRSTWENWendysWTNYWed, 09 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien: A Bargain at This Level?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/25/covidien-a-bargain-at-this-level/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/25/covidien-a-bargain-at-this-level/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/25/covidien-a-bargain-at-this-level/#commentsFiled under:

The shares of medical device supplier Covidien Ltd. (COV), which I first wrote about on June 4, 2009 at a price of $35.65, have recently retreated far more than they should have (to about $41), given the company's 2010/2011 revenue outlook, and COV is obviously still favored here.

Look for Covidien's 2010 revenue to increase 3-5% in 2010, and 4-7% in 2011, boosted by cost cuts and a prudent restructuring to concentrate on medical devices and imaging solutions. An emphasis on higher-margin devices add to the positive story.

Continue reading Covidien: A Bargain at This Level?

Covidien: A Bargain at This Level? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 25 May 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.Tue, 25 May 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien Still Looks Attractive]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/02/covidien-still-looks-attractive/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/02/covidien-still-looks-attractive/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/02/covidien-still-looks-attractive/#commentsFiled under:

Medical device supplier Covidien Ltd. (COV), which I first wrote about on on June 4, 2009 at a price of $35.65, still looks like it has considerable upside, for the following reasons.

First, look for a 5-7% 2010 revenue increase with Covidien, aided by a decision to concentrate on medical devices and imaging solutions. Also, cost cuts and efforts to reduce the company's effective tax rate add to the positive story.

Continue reading Covidien Still Looks Attractive

Covidien Still Looks Attractive originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Covidien Ltd.: Back up the truck]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/covidien-ltd-back-up-the-truck/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/covidien-ltd-back-up-the-truck/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/covidien-ltd-back-up-the-truck/#commentsFiled under:

I'm reiterating my Buy rating for medical device supplier Covidien Ltd. (NYSE: COV), first recommended on June 4, 2009, at a price of $35.65. If you purchased Covidien then, you're up about 15%.

An aging U.S. population and the likelihood that U.S. public policy to universalize health care will lead to least 3-5 million more citizens per year for the next eight to ten years receiving regular health care services means one thing: it's a good time to be a medical supplier.

Continue reading Covidien Ltd.: Back up the truck

Covidien Ltd.: Back up the truck originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AAPL, BP, PFE, QCOM, TIF, TLB, TWX ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/10/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Analyst upgrades:

  • Citigroup upgraded Talbots (NYSE: TLB) to Buy from Hold on expectations the company's sales and margins are at an inflection point. The firm expects comps to turn positive in the next six months and raised its target on shares to $9.50 from $5.
  • JMP Securities believes that Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) incoming iPod product cycle, geographic expansion of iPhones, and market expansion led by new products will result in "significant" outperformance. The firm upgraded shares to Outperform from Market Perform and has a $200 target on the stock.
  • Credit Suisse upgraded Tiffany (NYSE: TIF) to Outperform from Neutral citing productivity comps and gross margin upside, leading to potential upside to 2010 Street estimates. The firm raised its target to $45 from $20.
  • Brady (NYSE: BRC) was upgraded to Buy from Hold at KeyBanc.
  • Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) was upgraded to Conviction Buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  • RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) was upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AAPL, BP, PFE, QCOM, TIF, TLB, TWX ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: AAPL, BP, PFE, QCOM, TIF, TLB, TWX ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AAPLAMAGanalyst upgradesAppleBPBRCCAHCOVdowngradesFLSRinitiationsITWNAVNEOESXPFEPWRQCOMRSHTIFTLBTWXThu, 10 Sep 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ANF, FDX, IBM, RBS, SNDK, T]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/18/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/18/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/18/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Analyst upgrades
  • Baird upgraded Con-Way (NYSE: CNW) and Old Dominion (NASDAQ: ODFL) to Outperform from Neutral due to the benefits of a likely bankruptcy of YRC Worldwide (NASDAQ: YRCW). Old Dominion's target was raised to $40 from $26 and Con-Way's was raised to $42 from $22.
  • Citigroup upgraded Pride International (NYSE: PDE) to Hold from Sell as it believes higher valuation levels are warranted with the upcoming spin-off of Seahawk Drilling. Citi raised its target on shares to $25 from $18.
  • Jesup & Lamont upgraded FedEx (NYSE: FDX) to Buy from Hold with a $63 target as it believes the worst is largely behind the company.
  • Hewitt Associates (NYSE: HEW) was upgraded to Neutral from Underweight at JPMorgan.
  • ArvinMeritor (NYSE: ARM) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  • Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at SunTrust.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ANF, FDX, IBM, RBS, SNDK, T

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: ANF, FDX, IBM, RBS, SNDK, T originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ANFARMBHIBWACNWCOVdowngradesFDOFDXFedExHARHEWIBMinitiationsKIMNCTYODFLPDERBSSanDiskSNDKupgradesYRCYRCWThu, 18 Jun 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The U.S.'s demographics are in Covidien's favor]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/04/the-u-s-s-demographics-are-in-covidiens-favor/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/04/the-u-s-s-demographics-are-in-covidiens-favor/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/04/the-u-s-s-demographics-are-in-covidiens-favor/#commentsFiled under:

An aging U.S. population, and the likelihood that U.S. public policy will be to universalize health care, will lead to at least 3-5 million more citizens per year over the next 8-10 years receiving regular health care services. That means one thing: it's a good time to be a medical supplier. And that means it's a good time to review Covidien, Ltd. (NYSE: COV).

In general, analysts see moderate-to-good earnings growth for COV in FY2009/FY2010, aided by a focus on medical/surgical devices and imaging solutions.

Continue reading The U.S.'s demographics are in Covidien's favor

The U.S.'s demographics are in Covidien's favor originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>COVCovidien Ltd.medical stocksMedicalStocksThu, 04 Jun 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, BBC, DOW, COST, VLO, WSM ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-bbc-dow-cost/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-bbc-dow-cost/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/11/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-ms-bbc-dow-cost/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Analyst upgrades:

  • FBR Capital upgraded KBW, Inc (NYSE: KBW) to Market Perform from Underperform as it sees increased capital-raising opportunities for small and mid-sized banks and believes the company's quarter is off to a strong start. The firm raised its target price to $23 from $18.
  • Pali Capital upgraded Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) to Buy from Neutral on expectations the company's strategic shift towards advisory, distribution and retail will be monetized sooner than expected and its capital markets business is gaining traction. The firm set a $33 target on the stock.
  • Baird upgraded Stericycle (NASDAQ: SRCL) to Outperform from Neutral and raised its target to $58 from $55 based on valuation predictable earnings, and its market leading platform.
  • Apollo Investment (NYSE: AINV) was raised to Outperform from Market Perform at Keefe Bruyette.
  • HSBC Holdings (NYSE: HBC) was lifted at Goldman to Buy from Neutral.
  • Dow Chemical (NYSE: DOW) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at Credit Suisse.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, BBC, DOW, COST, VLO, WSM ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: MS, BBC, DOW, COST, VLO, WSM ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 11 May 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ainvcostcovcyoudowhbcjllkbwmsmumvsnsrclstmtleovlovnuswsmMon, 11 May 2009 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LNC, AZN, APOL, PNRA ... ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-lnc-azn-apol-pn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-lnc-azn-apol-pn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/21/analyst-upgrades-downgrades-and-initiations-lnc-azn-apol-pn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Analyst upgrades:
  • Banc of America/Merrill upgraded Lincoln National (NYSE: LNC) to Buy from Underperform and raised its target to $17 from $10 citing expectations that the company will "qualify for and accept TARP funding."
  • Credit Suisse upgraded AU Optronics (NYSE: AUO) to Outperform from Neutral as it believes inventory levels are low end demand is better than expected.
  • JP Morgan upgraded Shaw Group (NYSE: SGR) to Overweight from Neutral. The firm views the recent pullback in shares as a buying opportunity given the company's attractive nuke position and expected ramp in government spending.
  • Patterson-UTI Energy (NASDAQ: PTEN) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman.
  • Barrick Gold (NYSE: ABX) was raised to Overweight from Market Weight at Thomas Weisel.
  • Stryker (NYSE: SYK) was lifted to Sector Perform from Underperform at RBC Capital.

Continue reading Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LNC, AZN, APOL, PNRA ...

Analyst upgrades, downgrades and initiations: LNC, AZN, APOL, PNRA ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abxapolavoaznbbepcovesiffggesholxkndllncolnomtrpnraptensgrsyksyyTue, 21 Apr 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[ETF Investing: We Get Sick In Recessions! XPH and IHI Healthcare Stocks]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/20/etf-investing-we-get-sick-in-recessions-xph-and-ihi-healthc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/20/etf-investing-we-get-sick-in-recessions-xph-and-ihi-healthc/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/20/etf-investing-we-get-sick-in-recessions-xph-and-ihi-healthc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

It's one of those unfortunate facts of life, everyone is going to get sick at some time in their lives. It could be something as simple as the common cold or a complex series of symptoms that takes years to diagnose. The upside of all of this is that the medical business is a relatively safe bet when it comes to investments. If you see the benefit of this and want to put some money into a health care related investment, look into an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) that will give you the opportunity to hold shares in several different companies rather than trying to guess who's going to come up with the next miracle cure.

There are a couple different companies that let you get your feet wet in the medical field. You could invest in medical devices, which covers everything from stethoscopes to complicated surgical tools. iShares Dow Jones US Medical Devices ETF (NYSE: IHI) lets you in on an investment that includes leaders in the field such as Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX), Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), and Covidien, Ltd. (NYSE: COV). Each of these companies provides medical devices that hospitals simply cannot do without.

IHI looks to achieve results that correspond to the Dow Jones US Select Medical Equipment index and through a computer aided system, rather than by using money managers, they're able to charge only a 0.48% fee to maintain your stock.

Another great way to invest in the healthcare business is to buy shares in the companies who work tirelessly to provide lifesaving drugs. The Exchange Traded Fund SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals (XPH) lets you in on several of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world by following a passive management strategy that tracks the total return performance of the S&P Pharmaceutical Select Industry index.

Continue reading ETF Investing: We Get Sick In Recessions! XPH and IHI Healthcare Stocks

ETF Investing: We Get Sick In Recessions! XPH and IHI Healthcare Stocks originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmybsxcovetc investingEtcInvestingETFsihijnjmrkpfewpiXpfThu, 20 Nov 2008 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Medical solution providers volatility increases; MDT, COV, ABT, SYK]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/14/options-update-medical-solution-providers-volatility-increases/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/14/options-update-medical-solution-providers-volatility-increases/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/14/options-update-medical-solution-providers-volatility-increases/#commentsFiled under: ,

Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) closed at $39.93. MDT is scheduled to report Q2 EPS on November 18. MDT November 40 straddle is priced at $3.50, December 40 is at $5.50. MDT December option implied volatility of 54 is above its 26-week average of 32 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Covidien (NYSE: COV), a medical solutions device provider, closed at $37.07. COV is scheduled to report Q4 EPS on November 17. COV November 40 straddle is priced at $4.40, December 40 straddle is priced at $6.40. COV December option implied volatility of 58 is above its 26-week average of 32 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Abbott Lab (NYSE: ABT) closed at $57.14. ABT December option implied volatility of 42 is above its 26-week average of 32 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Stryker (NYSE: SYK), a medical technology company, closed at $47.70. SYK December option implied volatility of 60 is above its 26-week average of 32 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

Option Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options Update: Medical solution providers volatility increases; MDT, COV, ABT, SYK originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtcovCovidienmdtoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityStrykersykFri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:00 EST