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[Pfizer Beefs Up the Balance Sheet]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/19/pfizer-beefs-up-the-balance-sheet/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/19/pfizer-beefs-up-the-balance-sheet/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/05/19/pfizer-beefs-up-the-balance-sheet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pfizer PFE logoPfizer Inc. (PFE), in a move which was not unanticipated, has announced that it intends to reduce it's workforce by as much as 18% over the next 18 months to five years. This announcement comes as the lead-in to important moves the company must make to remain competitive and profitable in the coming years.

Continue reading Pfizer Beefs Up the Balance Sheet

Pfizer Beefs Up the Balance Sheet originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 19 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biopharmeceuticalinthenewsjob cutsLipitorPfizerViagraWyethWed, 19 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pfizer reports solid quarterly earnings thanks to cost-cutting maneuvers]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/20/pfizer-reports-solid-quarterly-earnings-thanks-to-cost-cutting-m/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/20/pfizer-reports-solid-quarterly-earnings-thanks-to-cost-cutting-m/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/20/pfizer-reports-solid-quarterly-earnings-thanks-to-cost-cutting-m/#commentsFiled under: ,

On Tuesday, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) stepped into the earnings spotlight, announcing a higher third-quarter profit compared to last year. The pharmaceutical firm earned 43 cents per share, or 51 cents per share in adjusted earnings. A year ago, PFE earned 34 cents per share before item exclusions. The Street expected PFE to report third-quarter earnings of 48 cents per share excluding items.

Quarterly revenue checked in at $11.62 billion, 3% lower than last year's third-quarter revenue. Revenue was pulled roughly 5% lower due to unfavorable foreign exchange rates.

Continue reading Pfizer reports solid quarterly earnings thanks to cost-cutting maneuvers

Pfizer reports solid quarterly earnings thanks to cost-cutting maneuvers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredintegrationjob lossesJobLossesjobsmedicinepfePfizerpharmaceutical sectorpharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticalSectorWyethTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Pfizer volatility low into EPS and pending merger with Wyeth]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/13/options-update-pfizer-volatility-low-into-eps-and-pending-merge/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/13/options-update-pfizer-volatility-low-into-eps-and-pending-merge/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/13/options-update-pfizer-volatility-low-into-eps-and-pending-merge/#commentsFiled under:

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) closed at $17.10. PFE is expected to report Q3 EPS on October 20. Pfizer is expected to close on the acquisition of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) for $33 in cash and 0.985 of a share of Pfizer by the end of 2009. PFE call option volume of 32,111 contracts compares to put volume of 2,590 contracts PFE October and November option implied volatility of 30 is below its 26-week average of 33, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Financial Select Sector (NYSE: XLF) overall volatility at 39; below a level of 129 from November 2008 and above a level of 33 from September 23 according to IVolatility.com.

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

Options Update: Pfizer volatility low into EPS and pending merger with Wyeth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Financial Select Sectoroption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityWyethTue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Solar to join the S&P 500 Index]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/02/first-solar-to-join-the-sandp-500-index/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/02/first-solar-to-join-the-sandp-500-index/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/10/02/first-solar-to-join-the-sandp-500-index/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Late Thursday, Standard & Poor's announced a few changes to its U.S. indices. The reason for the changes are that Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) is being acquired by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), leaving an opening in both the S&P 100 and S&P 500 (SPX). I want to focus on the stock that will replace WYE in the SPX, First Solar (NASDAQ: FSLR). In after-hours trading, FSLR jumped more than 6% in response to the announcement.

FSLR manufactures solar modules and is a major benefactor of what I like to call the "green rush" that took place during the past two years. FSLR capitalized nicely on the global environmental consciousness revolution last year, ascending as high as the $310 region. Yes, the stock has backed off quite a bit due to the economic crisis, but it could enjoy a bit of a recovery provided it can parlay this latest news into a breach of some overhead resistance.

Continue reading First Solar to join the S&P 500 Index

First Solar to join the S&P 500 Index originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>first solarFirstSolarFSLRinthenewspfestandard and poorsstandard poorsStandardAndPoorsStandardPoorswyewyethFri, 02 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Some big names set new 52-week highs Tuesday: WAG, ACS, WYE ...]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/some-big-names-set-new-52-week-highs-tuesday-wag-acs-wye/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/some-big-names-set-new-52-week-highs-tuesday-wag-acs-wye/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/some-big-names-set-new-52-week-highs-tuesday-wag-acs-wye/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

new 52 week highsAll three of the major indexes finished Tuesday in the red, but there were several big names that moved up to new 52-week highs in Tuesday's trading.

Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG): The drugstore giant had a really good day on Wall Street after posting better than expected earnings in the morning before the market opened. The company posted earnings of 44 cents per share versus analyst estimates of 39 cents. The stock set a new 52-week high of $38.44 and closed the day up 9.2% at $37.35.

Continue reading Some big names set new 52-week highs Tuesday: WAG, ACS, WYE ...

Some big names set new 52-week highs Tuesday: WAG, ACS, WYE ... originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ACSAEOaffiliated computer servicesAffiliatedComputerServicesAmerican EagleAmericanEaglefeaturedinternetmergersnew highsNewHighsPFEPfizerpharmacySinaSPLSStaplesTime WarnerTimeWarnerTWXWAGWalgreenWFMIWhole FoodsWholeFoodsWYEWyethXeroxWed, 30 Sep 2009 08:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Merck and Pfizer volatility low into pending acquisitions]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/27/options-update-merck-and-pfizer-volatility-low-into-pending-acq/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/27/options-update-merck-and-pfizer-volatility-low-into-pending-acq/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/27/options-update-merck-and-pfizer-volatility-low-into-pending-acq/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Merck (NYSE: MRK) closed at $32.68. The Schering-Plough (NYSE: SGP) and Merck merger is expected to close before year end. SGP shareholders will receive 0.5767 shares and $10.50 in cash for each share of SGP. MRK October and January option implied volatility of 31 is below its 26-week average of 37, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) closed at $16.77.Pfizer is expected to close on the acquisition of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) for $33 in cash and 0.985 of a share of Pfizer by the end of 2009. PFE October option implied volatility is at 26, December is at 31; below its 26-week average of 36, according to Track Data, suggesting decreasing price movement.

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

Options Update: Merck and Pfizer volatility low into pending acquisitions originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>option implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilitypending acquisitionsPendingAcquisitionsSchering-PloughWyethThu, 27 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wyeth (WYE) shareholders approve sell to Pfizer (PFE)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/20/wyeth-wye-shareholders-approve-sell-to-pfizer-pfe/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/20/wyeth-wye-shareholders-approve-sell-to-pfizer-pfe/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/20/wyeth-wye-shareholders-approve-sell-to-pfizer-pfe/#commentsFiled under:

Weth Pfizer mergerThe mega pharmaceutical merger between Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) is one step closer to becoming official today after overwhelming approval by Wyeth shareholders.

The shareholder vote to sell Wyeth to Pfizer was not even close. Around 98% of shareholders voted to approve the sale, which is expected to happen by the end of the year.

Continue reading Wyeth (WYE) shareholders approve sell to Pfizer (PFE)

Wyeth (WYE) shareholders approve sell to Pfizer (PFE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionsdealsdrugsinthenewsmergersnewsPFEPfizerpharmaceuticalsWYEWyethMon, 20 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[M&A plunges, investment banks find money elsewhere]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/manda-plunges-investment-banks-find-money-elsewhere/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/manda-plunges-investment-banks-find-money-elsewhere/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/26/manda-plunges-investment-banks-find-money-elsewhere/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mergers and acquisitions aren't delivering the fees that investment bankers used to enjoy, but fortunately, the money's coming from elsewhere. Data from Thomson Reuters reports a 29% increase in capital markets and M&A fees for the first time in more than a year. Share sales (e.g., rights offerings) were where dealmakers found the action. In the shrinking M&A space, Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) has taken the lead spot.

Since there are fewer banks in the marketplace than there were a year ago -- and they have less money -- the capital is starting to come from elsewhere. Because they aren't lending at their previous pace, companies are issuing bonds and equity to replenish their coffers. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), for example, raked in more than $23 billion from the bond market to fund its acquisition of Wyeth (NYSE: WYE), and Roche nabbed Genentech with the help of a $30 billion debt issuance.

Continue reading M&A plunges, investment banks find money elsewhere

M&A plunges, investment banks find money elsewhere originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>credit marketsdebt marketequityequity issuancegoldman sachsgsinitial public offeringipoiposjpmjpmorganMAmergersmergers and acquisitionsmorgan stanleymspfepfizerthomson reuterswyewyethFri, 26 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings preview: Will Pfizer beat in Q1? ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/27/earnings-preview-will-pfizer-beat-in-q1/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/27/earnings-preview-will-pfizer-beat-in-q1/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/27/earnings-preview-will-pfizer-beat-in-q1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), a pharmaceutical entity whose colleagues include Merck (NYSE: MRK), Novartis (NYSE: NVS), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), will be reporting first-quarter earnings Tuesday. As one has come to expect, the market believes that the company will be experiencing a decline in bottom-line income. The call is for 49 cents per share versus 61 cents per share in the year-ago period.

That's a drop of 20%. That might not sound so hot, but the good news is that Pfizer has a solid recent track record when it comes to beating earnings expectations. So shareholders might be justified in feeling confident about that aspect of the game.

Continue reading Earnings preview: Will Pfizer beat in Q1?

Earnings preview: Will Pfizer beat in Q1? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earnings previewEarningsPreviewfeaturedJNJjohnson and johnsonJohnsonAndJohnsonMerckMRKnovartisNVSPFEPfizerpharmaceutical stockspharmaceuticalsPharmaceuticalStockssteven halpernStevenHalperntom taulliTomTaulliWYEWyethMon, 27 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Wyeth and Schering-Plough volatility flat; on buyout spreads of 8%]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/30/options-update-wyeth-and-schering-plough-volatility-flat-on-bu/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/30/options-update-wyeth-and-schering-plough-volatility-flat-on-bu/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/30/options-update-wyeth-and-schering-plough-volatility-flat-on-bu/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) closed at $43.11. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) announced on January 26 the acquisition of WYE for $33 in cash and 0.985 of a share of PFE. PFE closed at $14.04. WYE April and May option implied volatility of 23 is near its 13-week average of 23, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Schering-Plough (NYSE: SGP) and Merck (NYSE: MRK) approved a definite merger agreement on March 9. SGP shareholders will receive 0.5767 shares and $10.50 in cash for each share of SGP. SGP closed at $24.19. MRK closed at $27.16. SGP April and May option implied volatility of 37 is near its 2-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directorial price movement.

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

Options Update: Wyeth and Schering-Plough volatility flat; on buyout spreads of 8% originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Merckmrkoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilitypfePfizerSchering-PloughsgpwyeWyethMon, 30 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Healthcare favorites for long-term growth]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/health-care-favorites-for-long-term-growth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/health-care-favorites-for-long-term-growth/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/04/health-care-favorites-for-long-term-growth/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Long-time healthcare investors can be forgiven their confusion; drug stocks are supposed to be defensive, but many of the largest drugmakers have been pounded," observes Richard Moroney.

Nevertheless, in the blue chip Dow Theory Forecasts, the advisor sees two favorite healthcare and pharmaceutical issues as long-term opportunities: AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ).

Moroney explains, "Healthcare companies' profits are supposed to remain fairly steady regardless of the economic situation. But hospitals' capital spending fell in the December quarter, and many consumers are putting off medical care because they cannot afford it.

Continue reading Healthcare favorites for long-term growth

Healthcare favorites for long-term growth originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>astrazenecaaznblue chip drug stocksBlueChipDrugStocksdow theory forecastsdrug stocksDrugStockshealthcare stocksHealthcareStocksjnjjohnson johnsonmedical stocksMedicalStockspharmaceutical stocksPharmaceuticalStocksrichard moroneyRichardMoroneythestockadvisors.comwyewyethWed, 04 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pfizer finds new annual low after scrapping two late-stage drugs]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/pfizer-finds-new-annual-low-after-scrapping-two-late-stage-drugs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/pfizer-finds-new-annual-low-after-scrapping-two-late-stage-drugs/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/pfizer-finds-new-annual-low-after-scrapping-two-late-stage-drugs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The shares of Dow component Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) slipped to a fresh 52-week low out of the gate this morning, after the pharmaceutical firm said it was canceling development of two experimental drugs in late-stage trials. Pfizer is scrapping work on esreboxetine, a fibromyalgia treatment, and PD 332,334, a drug for generalized anxiety disorder, because "it was considered unlikely that either compound would provide meaningful benefit to patients beyond the current standard of care."

Currently, Pfizer is fumbling to find a replacement for its successful cholesterol drug, Lipitor, which loses patent protection in 2011. The pharma firm isn't having much luck, though. Two late-stage drugs for pancreatic cancer and for obesity were also recently dust-binned after disappointing study results.

Continue reading Pfizer finds new annual low after scrapping two late-stage drugs

Pfizer finds new annual low after scrapping two late-stage drugs originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystsannual lowAnnualLowinthenewslate-stage drugLate-stageDrugoptionspfepfizerpharmaceutical stocksPharmaceuticalStocksphase IIIPhaseIiiwyewyethTue, 24 Feb 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earnings highlights: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Hershey, AT&T and others]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/earnings-highlights-amazon-boeing-caterpillar-hershey-atand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/earnings-highlights-amazon-boeing-caterpillar-hershey-atand/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/31/earnings-highlights-amazon-boeing-caterpillar-hershey-atand/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Here are some highlights from this past week's earnings coverage from BloggingStocks:

Continue reading Earnings highlights: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Hershey, AT&T and others

Earnings highlights: Amazon, Boeing, Caterpillar, Hershey, AT&T and others originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAMZNATTBABoeingCATCaterpillarDanaherDDDellDHRDouglas McIntyreDuPontearningsEKEMCFCXFreeport McMoRanHersheyHSYJAVAJim CramerKimberly-ClarkKMBKodakMicrosoftMSFTNintendoNTDOYQCOMQualcommSam CollinsSun MicroTSNTysonVirtual RadiologicVRADWiiWYEWyethSat, 31 Jan 2009 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Caterpillar job cuts show economy's scary turn]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/caterpillar-job-cuts-show-economys-scary-turn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/caterpillar-job-cuts-show-economys-scary-turn/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/26/caterpillar-job-cuts-show-economys-scary-turn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) today announced that it would slash 20,000 jobs as the boom in ethanol production that fueled the company's growth is turning into a bust. Earnings at the farm and heavy-machinery equipment maker also will trail analysts' forecasts.

But wait. There's more.

Home Depot Inc. (NYSE: HD), whose reputation suffered under the leadership of former CEO Robert Nardelli, will slash 7,000 jobs and exit the EXPO business. I am sure this won't make workers at Nardelli's current employer Chrysler LLC feel too good. Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S), whose troubles pre-date the economic slump, is firing 8,000 workers as it seeks to lower its expenses by $1.2 billion.

Thousands more jobs will be axed in the Pfizer Inc.'s (NYSE: PFE) $68 billion acquisition Wyeth (NYSE: WYE). Who knows how many employees will get chopped now that the Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE: DOW) purchase of Rohm & Haas Co. (NYSE: ROH) will not take place. Let's not forget Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX), which reportedly is firing 1,000 workers at its corporate headquarters.

Continue reading Caterpillar job cuts show economy's scary turn

Caterpillar job cuts show economy's scary turn originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CATChryslereconomyfeaturedHDlayoffsPFErobert NardelliRobertNardelliRohm HaasRohmHaasSSBUXWyethMon, 26 Jan 2009 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Wyeth volatility at 46 into report Pfizer in talks to acquire WYE]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/options-update-wyeth-volatility-at-46-into-report-pfizer-in-tal/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/options-update-wyeth-volatility-at-46-into-report-pfizer-in-tal/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/options-update-wyeth-volatility-at-46-into-report-pfizer-in-tal/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) is recently trading at $42.06, above its close of $38.83. Pfizer (NYSE-PFE) is in talks to acquire WYE in a deal valued at $60B, reported the WSJ. WYE is expected to report Q4 EPS on January 29. WYE February and March option implied volatility of 46 is near its 26-week average of 43, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

PFE is recently trading at $16.77, below its close of $17.21. PFE is expected to report Q4 EPS on January 28. PFE February volatility of 37 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Crucell NV (NASDAQ: CRXL), a biopharmaceutical company, and WYE confirmed on January 7 the two firms are in discussion to combine. CRXL closed at $22.39 and was recently trading this morning at $19.91. CRXL February option implied volatility of 70 is above its 26 week average of 63, according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

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

Options Update: Wyeth volatility at 46 into report Pfizer in talks to acquire WYE originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crucell NVCrucellNvoption implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilityPfizerWyethFri, 23 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cramer on BloggingStocks: Pfizer's Wyeth bid is obvious in retrospect]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/cramer/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/cramer/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/23/cramer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

TheStreet.com's Jim Cramer says it's a quick way to ensure growth in the face of generics competition.

Pfizer's (NYSE: PFE) (Cramer's Take) moves suddenly make sense. You lay off your scientists, you buy the better group at Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) (Cramer's Take) , you get Wyeth's franchise and you slash the sales budget, and voila, you have growth.

That's the greatness of the pharma industry. You need mergers, especially when Obama has made it clear that he's not going to be in the camp of stifling generic competition, of which Pfizer faces the brunt of.

It is why I recommended Forest Labs (NYSE: FRX) (Cramer's Take) last night -- believe me, that's the cheapest. I own Bristol-Myers (NYSE: BMY) (Cramer's Take) because BMY looks like Wyeth with a bigger dividend and a great cancer franchise.

Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) (Cramer's Take) too -- Celgene was approached not that long ago when it was much higher. CELG's another way to replenish.

Continue reading Cramer on BloggingStocks: Pfizer's Wyeth bid is obvious in retrospect

Cramer on BloggingStocks: Pfizer's Wyeth bid is obvious in retrospect originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bristol-myers squibbBristol-myersSquibbCelgenecramerfeaturedJim cramerJimCramerpfizerpharmawyethFri, 23 Jan 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Options Update: Elan (ELN) volatility up into strategic review]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/13/options-update-elan-eln-volatility-up-into-strategic-review/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/13/options-update-elan-eln-volatility-up-into-strategic-review/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/13/options-update-elan-eln-volatility-up-into-strategic-review/#commentsFiled under:

Elan (NYSE: ELN) said it is initiating a strategic review which could result in a minority investment, a strategic alliance, a merger, or a sale. ELN closed at $8.03 Monday. ELN February call option implied volatility is at 103, puts are at 112, above its 26-week average of 100 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement..

Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB) closed at $48.45 Monday. BIIB and ELN have a 50-50 stake in the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. ELN said it is initiating a strategic review which could result in a minority investment, a strategic alliance, a merger or a sale. BIIB February option implied volatility of 56 is near its 26-week average according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

Crucell NV (NASDAQ: CRXL), a biopharmaceutical company, and Wyeth (NYSE: WYE) confirmed on January 7 the two firms are in discussion to combine. CRXL closed at $22.63 Monday. CRXL February option implied volatility of 58 is near its 26-week average of 61, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional price movement.

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

Options Update: Elan (ELN) volatility up into strategic review originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biibBiogen IdecBiogenIdecCrucell NVCrucellNvcrxlElanelnmultiple sclerosis drug Tysabri.MultipleSclerosisDrugTysabri.option implied volatilityOptionImpliedVolatilitywyeWyethTue, 13 Jan 2009 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Wyeth's (WYE) PREMARIN gets FDA approval]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/13/wyeths-wye-premarin-gets-fda-approval/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/13/wyeths-wye-premarin-gets-fda-approval/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/13/wyeths-wye-premarin-gets-fda-approval/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

WYE logoWyeth (NYSE: WYE - option chain) shares have moved higher today after the FDA approved the usage of the company's PREMARIN to treat moderate to severe postmenopausal dyspareunia, which is just a clinical way of saying painful sexual intercourse. Helping treat that sounds like a good thing to me. 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 WYE.

WYE opened this morning at $32.68. So far today the stock has hit a low of $32.68 and a high of $34.29. As of 12:45, WYE is trading at $33.70, up $1.26 (3.9%). The chart for WYE looks neutral and S&P gives WYE a 3 STARS (out of 5) hold ranking.

For a bullish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a December bull-put credit spread below the $27.50 range. A bull-put credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of put options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make an 8.7% return in just five weeks as long as WYE is above $27.50 at December expiration. Wyeth would have to fall by more than 18% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

WYE hasn't been below $28 at all in the past year and has shown support around $30 recently.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in WYE.

Wyeth's (WYE) PREMARIN gets FDA approval originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FDAinthenewsInvestors ObserverInvestorsObserveroptionsWYEWyethThu, 13 Nov 2008 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Bulls stay strong despite oil's rise]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/30/closing-bell-bulls-stay-strong-despite-oils-rise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/30/closing-bell-bulls-stay-strong-despite-oils-rise/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/30/closing-bell-bulls-stay-strong-despite-oils-rise/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Remember oil? It rose almost $5.00 today after the inventories release and on reports that Olmert was resigning as Prime Minister in Israel in two months. Traders guessed that Israeli-Iran uncertainty could be back in play. Despite many negative earnings stories, investors decided to put their bull hats on.

Below are today's unofficial closing bell levels:

DJIA 11,583.93 (+186.37)
S&P500 1284.19 (+21.00)
NASDAQ 2329.72 (+10.10)
10YR T-Note 4.048% (+0.004%)
52-Week Lows
Top Analyst Upgrades
Top Analyst Downgrades

Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ: CMCSA) posted EPS a tad light, but many used EBITDA in their analysis. Shares rose throughout the day and were up over 5% at $20.20 in today's final minutes.

Continue reading Closing Bell: Bulls stay strong despite oil's rise

Closing Bell: Bulls stay strong despite oil's rise originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cmcsacomcastelectronic artsElectronicArtsertsgarmingrmninthenewsMETmetlifeWYEwyethWed, 30 Jul 2008 16:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Option Update: Elan Corp volatility up into positive Phase 2 Alzheimer's data]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/17/option-update-elan-corp-volatility-up-into-positive-phase-2-alz/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/17/option-update-elan-corp-volatility-up-into-positive-phase-2-alz/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/06/17/option-update-elan-corp-volatility-up-into-positive-phase-2-alz/#commentsFiled under: ,

Elan Corp (NYSE: ELN) is recently trading at $28.41 in pre-open trading, above its close of $27.11 Monday.

ELN and Wyeth (NYSE: WYE)'s Bapineuzumab (Alzheimer's treatment) Phase 2 trial results were positive. Detailed results of the trial will be presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease on July 29, 2008.

ELN July option implied volatility is at 107, October is at 82; above its 26-week average of 68 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price movement.

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

Option Update: Elan Corp volatility up into positive Phase 2 Alzheimer's data originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Elan CorpElanCorpelninthenewsoption implied volatilitOptionImpliedVolatilitwyeWyethTue, 17 Jun 2008 09:18:00 EST