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Stryker (SYK): 'Hip' choice in surgical products

"Stryker (NYSE: SYK) is a bargain at 15.1x next 12-month EPS," says J. Royden Ward, editor of The Cabot Benjamin Graham Value Letter, a service which focuses on stocks that would be well-suited to the investing strategy of Ben Graham, legendary value investor and mentor to Warren Buffett.

"Stryker develops, manufactures and sells specialty surgical and medical products. Its orthopedic division makes hip, knee and other implants.

"SYK also makes a wide variety of medical products and instruments ranging from hospital beds to medical video cameras, surgical drills and saws, and instruments for implants.

Continue reading Stryker (SYK): 'Hip' choice in surgical products

Obama's plans boost electronic medical records firms

"One of my favor defensive sectors is healthcare," says Elliott Gue; the contributing editor to Personal Finance looks to Quality Systems (NSDQ: QSII), a company that helps automate medical records.

Quantitative analyst Richard Moroney also sees opportunity in the same niche sector. In his Upside newsletter, he looks to a competing play, Cerner (NASDAQ: CERN). Here are their reviews.

"The President made health care a centerpiece of his campaign, including investments in health care-related information technology (IT).

"Health care IT systems can save doctors' offices and hospitals significant administrative costs as well as prevent mistakes. In addition, some major health insurance firms are already putting heavy pressure on their physician networks to adopt these systems."

"Medical offices and hospitals are seeking to automate many functions, from storing patient records online to automatically submitting insurance claims for reimbursement.

"It's estimated that as much as 90% of health care records at smaller medical practices are still maintained in paper form, while even bigger hospitals keep close to half of their records manually.

"Quality Systems, a holding in our growth portfolio, is a leading provider of such systems. It sells software used to manage electronic patient records, billing, scheduling and other common administrative functions for medical and dental practices.

Continue reading Obama's plans boost electronic medical records firms

Obama administration writes prescription for Allscripts' growth

Allscripts-Misys Healthcare Solutions (NASDAQ: MDRX) is the result of the recently completed merger of Florida-based Allscripts and the health care information technology business of London-based Misys.

The nearly ill-fated merger finally closed late in 2008, after having to be restructured following the untimely demise of Lehman Brothers, the architect of the original merger plans.

The merger with Misys places the company in the forefront of the Obama administration's emphasis on improving health care in part by improving the availability of medical information in electronic form.

Allscripts' solutions are the cutting edge of medical information systems, and the company should benefit substantially from a move in the direction suggested by Obama.

MDRX provides clinical software, connectivity and information solutions to its health care customer base throughout the United States. The company delivers its products through four divisions: Professional Solutions, Enterprise Solutions, Health Systems Group and Medication Services.

Continue reading Obama administration writes prescription for Allscripts' growth

Celgene (CELG): Blockbuster potential?

"The medical arena has long been my favorite sectors; perhaps the best opportunities within the medical sector will be with companies who provide life-saving products for the treatment of serious diseases," says Dave Dyer.

In The Dave Dyer Newsletter, he explains, "That is why Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) is an excellent choice in this economy." Here's his look at this "recession-resistant" company.

"Celgene is a multinational biopharmaceutical company with a $29 billion market cap and no debt. Revlimid is their blockbuster drug with multi-billion dollar potential. It was first approved by the FDA in 2005, and it has many good years of patent protection ahead of it.

"Revlimid delays the onset of progression of deadly diseases -- leprosy and multiple myeloma. No wonder it is worth $6,000 per month. It is a close derivative of their other drug Thalomid. This drug was used by another company about 50 years ago to treat morning sickness in pregnant women and caused numerous birth defects.

"Despite a recession, we believe that demand for its products will remain strong. For example, if you have multiple myeloma, you would probably do just about anything before missing a payment for your monthly dose of Revlimid.

Continue reading Celgene (CELG): Blockbuster potential?

J&J and FP&L: 'Solid American values'

"We've followed Warren Buffett's advice to 'buy American'," says Mark Skousen; his Hedge Fund Trader eyes Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and FPL Group (NYSE: FPL).

"Johnson & Johnson as well as FPL Group are two strong positions in companies that have suffered a few 'hiccups' during this historic panic selling, but are likely to survive and prosper in the next year.

"First, Johnson & Johnson, the health care and pharmaceutical giant, beat expectations in its most recent earnings report. The company's earnings jumped 30% to $3.3 billion on revenues of $15.9 billion. It currently is selling for only 15 times forward earnings -- a bargain price.

"Second,, FPL Group -- known as Florida Power & Light -- is a large Florida utility company that is holding up well. It, too, is a solid company that now is on sale because of the financial crisis.

"Revenues are down slightly to $15 billion, and earnings dropped 40% during the past year. But Florida Power is still profitable, and at 10 times next year's earnings, it should continue to recover.

"We think it is wise at this time to limit our exposure to the markets, and to keep our powder dry by focusing strictly on a few well-financed utilities and consumer product firms.

"Overall, we consider both Johnson & Johnson and FPL Group to be solid companies selling at a substantial discount to their real value."

Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

New biotech bull? Bet on S&P Biotech ETF (XBI)

"Bull markets have been few and far between this summer; one of the few sectors that looks to have re-entered a bull trend is biotechnology," says international investing expert Nick Vardy.

In his Global Bull Market Alert, he explains, "The S&P Biotech ETF (ASE: XBI) looks to capitalize on this traditionally highly volatile and boom bust burdened sector." Here's his bullish assessment.

"Why the sudden merger and acquisitions frenzy in biotech? Put simply, 'Big Pharma' is cash-rich but innovation-poor.

"As patents on huge profit generators such as Pfizer's Lipitor expire, the traditional pharmaceutical industry is eager to refill its emptying drug pipelines.

"On the one hand, Big Pharma hopes giant acquisitions jump start pharmaceuticals' sputtering innovation machines. On the other hand, existing biotech blockbusters would also hedge against the coming collapse in earnings from drugs that are coming off patent.

Continue reading New biotech bull? Bet on S&P Biotech ETF (XBI)

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): The most 'respected' company

In the latest annual survey in Barron's of professional investors Johnson and Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) was rated the world's most respected company," reports Ron Rowland and Brandon Clay.

In Invest With an Edge, the advisors look at the 123-company, which he selects as " a solid healthcare pick in a strong long-term uptrend."

"This New Jersey-based company has come a long way since corner drugstores sold their baby powder. Beginning as a pioneer in sterile medical supplies, they expanded into pharmaceuticals and related consumer products.

"Over the years, they've released ubiquitous brands such as Band-Aid, Rogaine, Listerine, Tylenol, even Splenda. Johnson and Johnson has become a household name.

"However, Johnson & Johnson is a healthcare company with deeper product lines; it is ivided into three segments: Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices & Diagnostics.

Continue reading Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): The most 'respected' company

Cepheid (CPHD): The next generation of diagnostics

"I still love Cepheid (NASDAQ: CPHD)," says biotechnology sector expert Michael Shulman in his ChangeWave Biotech Investor.

The advisor explains, "Cepheid does genetic testing of the things that can make us sick or kill us. The company is at the forefront of the next generation of diagnostics testing, and has real products already on the market." Here is his review.

"Cepheid has had outrageous sales success in the past few quarters and, therefore, has excellent profits looming. However, the true value for the company is its long-term potential.

"CPHD broke out about a year ago with a new test for the killer staph infection, MRSA, and the test is an order-of-magnitude better than any the competition has.

"A combination of tremendous public pressure and a CDC report that said MRSA kills at least 17,000 people per annum (and consumes billions of dollars, already), have hospitals everywhere putting in MRSA screening and prevention programs. And nine out of 10 of those hospitals are buying CPHD's equipment and tests.

Continue reading Cepheid (CPHD): The next generation of diagnostics

Teva: The 800-pound gorilla of generics

"Analysts estimate the worldwide market for generics will increase from $75 billion to $125 billion by 2012," says Michael Shulman.

In his ChangeWave Biotech Investor he states, "The key question for us is: Who is going to make the most money from these expirations? And the 800-pound gorilla in this market is our long-time holding, Teva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TEVA).

"Teva is the largest and best generics company in the world with $9.4 billion in sales in 2007 and the gap between it and its competitors is growing. Teva has 331 products on the market, 65% more than its closest competitor.

"More importantly, based on its business model of a mix of proprietary and generic drugs, the company's operating margins are 10 points higher than competitors and that gap is widening. In fact, in the United States, the number of prescriptions filled with Teva generics is 50% more than its closest competitor.

"Be clear on this point: When it comes to generics, size does matter. The more a company sells, the more profit and cash it has available to do research and acquire more generics to add to its product list -- and the beat goes on.

Continue reading Teva: The 800-pound gorilla of generics

Turnaround time for drug stocks? 10 top picks

"You can invest for all the right reasons and still get the wrong result," notes long-standing turnaround stock expert George Putnam, referring to the poor performance of the pharmaceutical sector in recent years.

Here, in his industry-leading The Turnaround Letter, he offers a fascinating review of 10 leading drug stocks which he now believes offer a combination of growth potential at "pretty cheap" valuations. Here is his overview.

"In 2000 and 2001, when the Internet boom was becoming a bust, many smart investors turned away from technology stocks and put their money into drug stocks. How could you go wrong with the big pharmaceutical companies?

"Demand for their products was growing as the population aged. These companies had huge research
and development programs that seemed to keep cranking out new blockbuster drugs. And most of them had great balance sheets, with many paying handsome dividends.

"Much of this reasoning has been borne out in the intervening years. Many large drug manufacturers have rung up substantial revenue gains over the last decade. So what's happened to the big drug stocks? With few exceptions they have gone sideways or down – in some cases down a lot.

Continue reading Turnaround time for drug stocks? 10 top picks

Walgreen (WAG): A 'big, strong and healthy' buy

"Shares of Walgreen (NYSE: WAG) have come under pressure in recent months, reflecting a slowdown in sales because of a weakening economy and intensifying competition," notes Richard Moroney.

The editor of Dow Theory Forecasts adds, "However, Walgreen's long-term prospects remain appealing, and the stock is attractively valued. Walgreen is a Long-Term Buy." Here is his review.

"Big, strong, and healthy, Walgreen is the largest U.S. drugstore chain as measured by revenue and the second-largest based on store count.

"The company operates more than 6,200 stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico and plans to boost the count to 7,000 by fiscal 2010 ending August. Walgreen sees long-term potential for about 13,000 U.S. stores. Prescriptions generate about 65% of total sales, with the rest coming from general merchandise.

"In fiscal 2007, both pharmacy and general merchandise sales growth outpaced the industry average, and Walgreen increased market share in nearly all of its core categories.

Continue reading Walgreen (WAG): A 'big, strong and healthy' buy

Biotech experts bet on Celgene (CELG)

Two leading advisors with noted expertise in the biotech sector have both been long-term fans of Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG), both holding the stock in their respective model portfolios.

Here, Nate Pile, editor of Nate's Notes, and John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter, each take a look at the encouraging prospects for this biotechnology firm.

Nate Pile explains, "Now that the Pharmion merger is behind us, it appears that investors are once again
recognizing Celgene for what it is – namely, one of the premier stories in the biopharmaceutical space.

"As I have said a number of times before, if I could only own one biotech stock for the next ten years, Celgene would be it... and I encourage you to make it a 'first choice' for your portfolio as well!

"The stock is likely to exhibit its usual volatility around the company's upcoming earnings report, but I encourage you to take advantage of any sell-off that may occur to aggressively add to your position in this market leader. CELG is now considered a strong buy under $60 and a buy under $68."

John McCamant states, "Celgene had some good news of late on the thalidomide front. The company has received approval of the application to expand the drug's label to treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients in Australia.

Continue reading Biotech experts bet on Celgene (CELG)

Best Stocks for 2008: Innovation and quality at Walgreen Co. (WAG)

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"If investors are looking for value in this market, it's hard to pass up the nation's largest drugstore chain -- Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG), my favorite more speculative idea for 2008," says Jim Stack, money manager and editor of InvesTech Market Analyst.

"Over the past 10 years, Walgreen's revenue and earnings-per-share have grown steadily at an average annual rate of 15% and 16%, respectively. Moreover, the company has competitive advantages that should help it maintain this enviable growth record.

"In particular the firm is noted for its customer-oriented philosophy and real estate acumen. It is adept at locating freestanding stores on prime corners, with each site required to meet multiple criteria based on traffic flow, demographics and other factors.

"In addition, Walgreen is innovative. The firm pioneered the concepts of a drive-thru pharmacy and keeping selected stores open 24 hours. It was also the first drugstore chain to offer prescription drugs in multiple languages.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Innovation and quality at Walgreen Co. (WAG)

Best Stocks for 2008: Hologic (HOLX) targets women's health care

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"Hologic, Inc. (NASDAQ: HOLX), my top more conservative idea for 2008, is fast becoming the 'Amazon' of women's health care," says Benson George, editor of Top Stocks Insights.

"The company, which specializes in diagnostic and medical imaging systems, bought complementary Cytyc Corp. in October, making Hologic the warrior of reckoning in the growing women's health market.

Hologic develops products for mammography and breast care, osteoporosis assessment and general use radiology. Cytyc's products cover a range of cancers and women's health concerns, including cervical cancer screening, prenatal diagnostics and partial breast radiation therapy.

"The combined company offers a broad and diversified mix of products and services focused only on women's health -- a multi-billion-dollar market growing 16% compounded annually.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Hologic (HOLX) targets women's health care

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Last updated: May 28, 2012: 03:38 PM

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