Aetna Nabs Coventry
Consolidation continues in the health insurer space, as Aetna acquires Coventry, a company leveraged to Medicaid.
Brian Nelson
Alert: Best Idea Apple Hits All-Time High
Best idea Apple is setting another all-time price high today. We continue to expect upside to over $800 per share.
The Gap is Back…But We’re Not Chasing It Here
Retailer Gap (click ticker for report: ) shrugged off sluggish international demand to post another strong quarter Thursday. For its second quarter, the retailer grew sales 6% from the same period a year ago, to $3.6 billion, north of consensus expectations. Earnings per share increased 40% to $0.49, which was also better than consensus estimates. The firm hiked its 2012 bottom-line earnings per share guidance range to $1.95-$2.00, a meaningful increase from its previous range of $1.78-$1.83. Other than its international segment, Gap is firing on all cylinders. Systemwide same-store sales grew 4% year-over-year, despite a 5% decline in the international division. Though Gap North America and Banana Republic lapped negative comparisons, both segments grew 7%. Management noted trends regarding … Read more
Is Sears the Ultimate Value Stock?
We don’t think so, but we assess the retailer after its weak second quarter results and bullish commentary from Bruce Berkowitz.
Wal-Mart Keeps Rolling
After struggling in 2010, Wal-Mart is back on track. Still, we think shares are fairly valued.
Ross Stores Posts A Strong Second Quarter
Discounter Ross Stores posted strong second-quarter results, but shares are too rich for our liking.
Cisco Makes Itself a True Income Investment
In addition to reporting strong earnings, Cisco boosted its dividend 75% to give it a meaningful yield.
Hedge Fund Manager Bets Big on Health Insurers
Hedge fund manager David Einhorn established positions in several large health insurers. We like the move, but prefer the Healthcare Select Sector SPDR (XLV).
Target Remains Strong; Posts Solid Second Quarter Results
Retail giant Target continues to post strong results, in spite of macro headwinds. We think shares are fairly valued at this time.
Deere Misses Its Own Forecast
Agricultural equipment maker Deere reported weaker than expected results for its third quarter. Shares are fairly valued, but we could become interested if weakness continues.