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Posts with tag insider buying

Stericycle (SRCL): Medical waste firm attracts insider buying

"Stericycle (NASDAQ SRCL) is a near-monopoly in an essential but unglamorous area, making its an excellent investment in an uncertain economy," says growth stock expert Dave Dyer.

In his Dave Dyer's Newsletter, he states, "If you have something that is dangerous, contaminated, or nasty, and you want it to go away safely, you can rely on SRCL, the leader in medical waste."

"I first recommended the stock almost a year ago, but there is so much good news that I thought this would be a good time to recommend it again.

"And while the stock's 12.4% gain since last August is not spectacular, the S&P 500 is down 14.1% over the same time period -- so SRCL has outperformed the market by a wide margin.

"SRCL is North America's largest provider of medical waste services. In fact, if a major customer wants to contract with a single customer for nationwide services, SRCL is the only choice. Even if the market has not really bottomed out, this is an excellent stock to consider because its business is almost entirely immune to economic cycles.

Continue reading Stericycle (SRCL): Medical waste firm attracts insider buying

Insider is bullish on General Electric's stock -- should you be?

If you ask me, General Electric (NYSE: GE) is being priced as if the Cloverfield monster will be attacking Wall Street any day now. Thank goodness that an insider apparently thinks that GE is a great buy at these levels.

According to the AP, vice chairman Michael A. Neal purchased 35,000 shares this past Wednesday. The price? $29.99 per share. Not bad. At $29.99, GE's stock sports a nice, juicy dividend yield of 4.1%. I was pretty happy when I read this piece of news because, frankly, I've been wrong about GE. As I wrote recently, I thought GE would have been trending higher by now. The exact opposite has happened. So, it's kind of cool that an insider is buying. Of course, I'm not naive or utterly seduced by insider transactions. They are definitely important enough to keep tabs on, but let's face it, GE is in a vicious downtrend, and I understand that the stock might be haunting these levels for a while to come. The economy and the markets are, to understate the fact, somewhat spastic these days.

Here's another thing about the GE story I find incredibly interesting. A Bloomberg article says that GE's shares haven't existed with a dividend yield over 4% since 1984. That's more than 20 years ago. Again, there's nothing in the rulebook that says Wall Street institutions have to start buying now just because of GE's super-income story. As far as I'm concerned, though, GE's stock has to be in a good position. The insider buying may or may not help, but that yield is objective, attractive, and certainly sustainable. I'll continue to hold my GE trade, no matter what the technicals may tell me.

Disclosure: I own GE; positions can change at any time.

Billionaire builds stake in Sandridge Energy (SD)

"The boom in natural gas prices has been good for North American producers and their investors, both of which continue to be upbeat on the sector as share prices also keep rising," says Bill Martin.

In his exceptional BullMarket.com, he looks at SandRidge Energy (NYSE: SD), where its billionaire CEO as well as a director have continued to buy shares, despite the stock trading near "peak levels."

"Oklahoma City-based SandRidge focuses on the exploration, development, and production of oil and gas in the West Texas Overthrust, East Texas, and Mid-Continent (Oklahoma) regions.

"President, and CEO Tom Ward purchased 460,000 shares at $48.95 on May 19th/20th, which increased his already substantial holdings to nearly 36.95 million shares, or a 25.27% stake.

"It was the first purchase for Ward since he announced in March his attention to buy up to $100 million in stock on the open market this year. His only other open-market purchase came in November 2007, when he took down 4.17 million shares at $26.00 in the company's initial public offering.

Continue reading Billionaire builds stake in Sandridge Energy (SD)

Ignore insider buying at MBIA

MBIA (NYSE: MBI) executives recently slashed in half the price they will be paying for shares in the company's recapitalization, but bullish observers are still pointing to their token investments as signs of confidence in the company's future.

The Wall Street Journal's Inside Track column (subscription required) gives investors good reason to be skeptical of these deals -- which appear to me to be little more than publicity stunts where the investments made by executives represent a pittance compared to the compensation they have extracted from the company's shareholders in spite of scandalously horrendous performance.

Here's the thing: Jim Cramer has said frequently that insider selling happens all the time for many different reasons, but insiders buy for only one reason: they think their stock is going higher.

Continue reading Ignore insider buying at MBIA

Insider buying in regional banks

"When it comes to sentiment indicators, one of my favorites is insider buying," says Mike Burnick, editor of Global Market Investor.

The advisor is intrigued by insider buying in the financial sector -- particularly among regional banking stocks. He explains, "The insiders are buying with both hands. Now's the time to go long." Here, he looks at the KBW Regional Bank Index ETF (ASE: KRE).

"U.S. corporate insiders are now buying more of their own shares than they're selling for the first time since 1995. Nearly 2,000 insiders at NYSE listed companies are snapping up shares - while total buys beat out sells by 1.44 times.

"There are many reasons to sell, but there's really only one reason to open your wallet and buy stock... you think it's dirt-cheap and likely headed much higher in price.

"This insider buying is taking place all across corporate America, but it's especially significant in the beaten-down banking sector. Stock buying by insiders at banks, consumer lenders and insurers in the S&P 500 index jumped recently to the highest level in 12 years.

Continue reading Insider buying in regional banks

What the Oscar Pistorius story teaches us about investing

In my day job as an analyst, I hear time and time again the conspiracy theorists, claiming that "the big guys" are out to get us, making it impossible to make money in the market. While insider buying is a good divining stick when analyzing companies, the idea that the institutions and insiders are just sitting, crouching in waiting, to sucker us into making investments decisions just to swipe our money is ludicrous.

While there are certainly cases of misdeed or asymmetrical information, this is not the case. Playing fields are generally level for all parties. That's what the SEC, FINRA and many governing bodies are there for -- to protect investors.

So, I find it interesting to read, on a couple of accounts, about Oscar Pistorius, the double amputee sprinter making a go at qualifying for the 2008 Olympics in China. The NY Times ran a story today that cites that the amazing sprinter may hold an unfair advantage with his prosthetics and may subsequently be disallowed to compete.

Continue reading What the Oscar Pistorius story teaches us about investing

Best Stocks for 2008: Out-of-favor bargain at Wachovia (WB)

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.

"My more conservative idea for 2008 is Wachovia (NYSE: WB)," says Karim Rahemtulla, investment director for Xcelerated Profits Report.

"While many investors are running in fear of the current climate, it actually offers smart investors a great chance to accelerate their profits. There is nothing like a hearty dose of fear to trigger a bout of bargain-hunting! And if you know where to look, there are plenty of bargains.

"You can even make money against all the odds and despite what Wall Street and the media want you to believe. History has proved this. While the masses ran for cover, smart investors stepped in and made serious money.

"And one of the best areas to do this is the financial sector. It's top of the bearish hit list right now, but it's actually packed with profit potential over the next 12 months. Top of our list is Wachovia.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Out-of-favor bargain at Wachovia (WB)

Best Stocks for 2008: Bank on 'tried and true' with First Horizon (FHN)

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.

"For more conservative investors, my favorite idea for 2008 is First Horizon National Corp. (NYSE: FHN), the Tennessee-based holding company for First Tennessee Bank," says Keith Fitz-Gerald, editor of Money Morning.

"Its banks feature all the offerings you might expect from a good regional bank: Savings, checking, mortgages, investment banking, and brokerage services. It's not exactly an innovative idea -- minimize risks and maximize profits.

"But let's face it, it's a tried-and-true strategy that most US banks have abandoned as they chase after the (allegedly) big profits that subprime-backed debt, leveraged buyouts and other similarly esoteric investments appeared to promise.

"Yes, FHN really over-extended itself in the credit markets and recently announced a loss of $14.2 million. More losses may be coming. And its ultra-high dividend yield off 7.93% may be in jeopardy. Nonetheless, we think the stock's beating was overdone.

Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Bank on 'tried and true' with First Horizon (FHN)

A couple of turkeys set to fly

With the market experiencing a continued downturn and with Thanksgiving upon us, I thought we could highlight two stocks that have been turkeys so far this year (dogs maybe be more appropriate, but 'tis the season). However, unlike our favorite bird, these are poised to fly.

Radvision (NASDAQ:RVSN), which specializes in video conferencing over IP and 3G networks, has lost more than 40% YTD. It has produced successive earnings disappointments. While it has great technology, it has been struggling to execute its business plan. It's important to note however, that it has a very close relationship with Cisco Systems Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO), and every few months rumors surface as to a potential M&A. I think that management has taken the Cisco relationship for granted and hasn't done enough to hustle new business.

That being said, as I mentioned the stock is down over 40% on the year. The company today received permission to purchase up to $30 million in stock. While some may see that as a PR stunt to boost the stock, more interesting was that Yehuda Zisapel, a former Chairman of the Board of RVSN and the brother of the company's current Chairman of the Board, bought $2 million of stock. With the stock getting creamed so far this year, I would look at it as a nice turnaround play going forward.



Continue reading A couple of turkeys set to fly

Some CEOs (WB) actually believe in their own company

With all the bad PR surrounding the departure of Citigroup's (NYSE: C) CEO Chuck Prince, along with Merrill Lynch's (NYSE: MER) CEO Stanley O'Neill, not to mention their huge severance packages, it's refreshing to see a company where the CEO actually puts his money where his mouth is and invests in the stock of the company he runs.


News that Wachovia (NYSE: WB) CEO Ken Thompson bought 100,000 shares this past Friday, to go along with the 37,000 he bought earlier last week, is a telling sign that not only does he pay lip service to his company's stock being undervalued, but has actually invested millions of his own dollars to back it up.

With the debate over executive compensation heating up, and investor cynicism towards CEOs at an all time high, this move buy Thompson is commendable. How many stories have we read about CEOs making large salaries, getting enormous bonuses and the stock price continues to drop?

Kudos to Thompson, and may his large investment pay off.

Aaron Katsman is the lead Portfolio Manager and Managing Director of America Israel Investment Associates, LLC. and Senior Editor of IsraelNewsletter.com. Disclosure: Writer holds no position in any stock mentioned as of 11/21/07.

Richard Parsons votes Time Warner (TWX) confidence with his own money

Time Warner CEO Richard ParsonsIf you review the Liveblogging of the earnings conference call, CEO Richard Parsons did say he feels Time Warner Inc. (NYSE: TWX) shares are undervalued. In a Form-4 SEC filing after yesterday's close, it shows that Parson purchased $500,000 worth of shares with the earliest transaction date of August 3.

Richard Parsons bought 26,867.276 shares at $18.61 as part of a deferred compensation plan. While it's not quite the same as buying shares completely out of pocket in after-tax paycheck dollars for a total show of force or a call to arms, it is the next best thing -- it's certainly better than not buying shares at all. It is certainly better than a mere exercise and immediate sale of options.

Jon Ogg can be reached at jonogg@247wallst.com; he does not own securities in the companies he covers.

Former Disney exec bets on Opsware

Bill Martin, editor of FindProfit, looks at IT automation software maker Opsware (NASDAQ: OPSW) – and a "high profile" insider buy in the stock from former Disney (NYSE: DIS) exec, Michael Ovitz.

Martin notes, "Michael Ovitz, a director at the company, a longtime Hollywood power broker, and the one-time president of Disney, picked up 58K shares at $6.40 on March 14th, increasing his holdings to 941,300 shares."

The advisor points out that the purchase occured after the stock hit a 52-week low following its recent earnings report.

And this wasn't the first time Ovitz went into the market to buy shares; Martin notes that it was the seventh time since April 2004 that Ovitz has purchased shares of OPSW. This latest buy, he observes, was Ovitz's first purchase since June 2006.

Overall, he notes, Ovitz has bought 605,000 shares since May 2005, at an average price of $5.86, investing approximately $3.6M.

Martin says, "Ovitz has a history of well-timed buys at OPSW. He has managed to get in at favorable prices, and the stock has traded higher in the months following each of his previous six buys."

Like Ovitz, Bill martin has bought shares of Opsware on several occasions, He has traded the stock three times in his model portfolio. Now, following Ovitz's latest buy, he has decied to add the stock back to his own portfolio.

He states, "I would now argue that OPSW is one of the best growth stories in software today. While still not cheap, we believe the stock will grow into its valuation. TWe consider it a high-growth company with strong upside potential. he latest purchase buy Ovitz only adds to our conviction that the stock is a buy at current levels."

For more stock picks from the leading financial newsletter advisors, visit Steven Halpern's free daily website, TheStockAdvisors.com.

Symbol Lookup
IndexesChangePrice
DJIA-344.6511,188.23
NASDAQ-74.692,259.04
S&P 500-38.151,236.83

Last updated: September 05, 2008: 12:33 AM

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