Posted: Feb 10, 2010 11:12 AM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann
CVS Caremark (NYSE:CVS) rode an unexpected improvement in its pharmacy benefit management (PBM) business to better-than-expected earnings growth during its fiscal fourth quarter. However, the jury is still out as to whether the addition of Caremark to the retail drug business was a good use of shareholder capital.
Posted: Jan 28, 2010 13:06 PM by Ryan C. Fuhrmann
Drug distribution market leaders AmerisourceBergen (NYSE:ABC) and McKesson (NYSE:MCK) both reported financial results on Tuesday. We’ll look at both releases and evaluate the pairs’ current investment appeal.
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
October 12, 2007
There’s little doubt that companies in the Dow Jones Industrial average appear to defy logic, despite market capitalizations in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is such a firm. My contention is that negative short-term news and a flagging stock price have resulted in low enough expectations to allow for a compelling risk/reward trade-off for Fools looking for large-cap health-care exposure.
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
October 12, 2007
I frequently check out the 30 companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average for investment opportunities. In my mind, there’s no better way to quickly screen for an industry leader with impressive cash flow generation and a favorable operating outlook. And as a contrarian investor, I’m always on the lookout for negative short-term news that will help me pick up a stock on the cheap.
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2007/09/27/rite-aid-looks-a-little-peaked.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
September 27, 2007
Drugstore retailer Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) recently got a whole lot bigger when it purchased a large block of competing stores, and a long-term record of rival buyouts has allowed it to grow into the third-largest industry player. But bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better, and Rite Aid has quite a bit of work to do to convince investors it can successfully manage the empire it has acquired.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/09/06/bio-reference-labs-passes-the-test.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
September 6, 2007
Small-cap lab-testing firm Bio-Reference Labs (Nasdaq: BRLI) again proved it can compete with the big boys in the highly competitive New York metro area.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/08/22/upbeat-about-medtronic.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
August 22, 2007
In an encore to fourth-quarter results, medical-device firm Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) was able to leverage single-digit sales growth into double-digit earnings gains. Strong international trends again led the way, and a couple of events could keep Medtronic a compelling play in an appealing industry.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/08/03/cvs-caremark-is-no-sicko.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
August 3, 2007
It’s scary to play “Lewis and Clark.” But after listening to CVS Caremark‘s (NYSE: CVS) second-quarter conference call, it’s quite apparent that the newly formed entity is intent on blazing a new health-care trail.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/07/26/labcorp-leaps-forward.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
July 26, 2007
Lab-testing firm and Motley Fool Stock Advisor pick LabCorp (NYSE: LH) once again outperformed an archrival and continued to fire on all cylinders.
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
July 25, 2007
Lab testing firm and Motley Fool Inside Value pick Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX) took a hit earlier this year from the loss of a major contract, but a market leadership position and appealing business model look to be keeping it from going down for the count.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/07/23/boston-scientific-still-drowsy.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
July 23, 2007
Medical device firm Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) recently regained consciousness, but its recovery remains far from certain. The company still hasn’t followed through on the initial hype from last year’s acquisition of archrival Guidant.
http://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2007/07/20/stryker-does-a-body-good.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
July 20, 2007
Orthopedic implant and equipment maker Stryker (NYSE: SYK) is continuing its impressive run of double-digit growth, and may even be getting healthier.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/07/17/diagnosing-jjs-product-diversity.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
July 17, 2007
Health-care giant Johnson & Johnson‘s (NYSE: JNJ) second-quarter results this morning provided investors with a near-term overview of what is driving growth at the company. The situation at the industry bellwether also underscores a couple of trends that could indicate a tougher road for a number of key competitors.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/06/14/dueling-fools-glaxosmithkline-bear.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
June 14, 2007
As much as I like GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK), I believe there are more compelling large-cap health care opportunities out there. And my money is where my mouth is on a number of them.
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
June 14, 2007
After reading Brian’s Bullish opener to this round of Dueling Fools, I’m even more convinced that now is as good a time as any to establish a position in GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK), as short-term concerns are weighing on what looks to be a stable long-term outlook.
http://www.fool.com/investing/high-growth/2007/06/07/big-gains-for-a-little-lab-tester.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
June 7, 2007
Bio-Reference Labs (Nasdaq: BRLI) is positioned in an industry that’s favorably exposed to certain demographic and health-care trends. That situation is helping the lab-testing company to post some impressive growth trends, all while its two larger peers increasingly cross each other’s paths.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/05/31/dueling-fools-eli-lilly-bull-rebuttal.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
May 31, 2007
Brian Lawler, my Dueling Fool counterpart, pointed out a number of valid concerns that are likely to drive Eli Lilly‘s (NYSE: LLY) share price going forward. However, I will argue that they are in fact, as Brian said earlier, ”just part of the cost of doing business as a big pharma” firm, and inherent in the industry. And despite the risk, investing in the space can still be worth it.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/05/24/chronic-healthiness-at-medtronic.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
May 24, 2007
Medical-equipment firm Medtronic (NYSE: MDT) isn’t growing as fast as it once was, but Tuesday’s fourth-quarter earnings report still managed to beat Wall Street’s expectations. That clearly impressed more myopic-minded investors, but there are reasons for Fools with longer-term outlooks to take the company’s pulse as well.
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2007/05/08/cvscaremark-tie-the-knot.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
May 8, 2007
CVS/Caremark (NYSE: CVS) was a combined entity a full 10 days during the first quarter. While it’s too early to see if CVS blazed a new health-care trail by combining a drugstore chain with giant pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Caremark, there are still interesting tidbits to pass along from recently reported results.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/04/27/hip-results-at-zimmer-holdings.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 27, 2007
Orthopedic-implant and surgical-product maker Zimmer Holdings (NYSE: ZMH) rewarded existing shareholders today with an all-time high share price. While that sets the bar even higher for prospective investors, it’s hard to argue with the company’s still-favorable prognosis.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/04/24/boston-scientific-regains-consciousness.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 24, 2007
For the most part, medical device maker Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) is still reeling from drug-eluting stent challenges and difficulties encountered after boldly acquiring rival Guidant last April. A full recovery may be some time off, but a couple of positive signs are beginning to surface.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/04/24/red-and-white-results-at-amgen.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 24, 2007
Biotechnology titan and Rule Maker company Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN) posted another quarter of double-digit sales and earnings growth. If it keeps up this type of performance, the stock price may actually follow someday.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/04/24/mixed-foliage-at-forest-labs.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 24, 2007
Strong core drug sales continue to boost results at Forest Laboratories (NYSE: FRX). Problem is, the firm is dependent on a couple of blockbusters that will soon go off patent. Management is working overtime to reposition itself, but don’t count on an easy transition.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/04/20/discerning-pfizers-pfuture.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 20, 2007
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) is working frantically to reinvent itself. Recent results suggest a transformation is under way, but there are still clouds on the horizon.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/04/20/diagnosing-quest-diagnostics.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 20, 2007
Big, bad managed care company UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) recently pulled the carpet out from under Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), turning to a rival for its lab-testing needs. Fools should carefully consider the investment implications of this short-term setback, because Quest should eventually regain its footing.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/04/18/healthy-prognosis-at-johnson-johnson.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 18, 2007
Giant firms such as Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT), Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC), and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) seemingly defy logic in their ability to grow in the double digits year after year. Recent results at Johnson & Johnson illustrate why it is a heavyweight in the health-care industry.
http://www.fool.com/investing/dividends-income/2007/04/17/clean-bill-of-health-at-eli-lilly.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
April 17, 2007
Pharmaceutical giant Ely Lilly (NYSE: LLY) spends close to 20% of sales on researching and developing new drugs. This is among the highest percentages in the industry, and a primary reason for Lilly’s strong pipeline. But does the current stock valuation already reflect the company’s appealing prospects?
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/03/12/esoteric-results-at-bio-reference-labs.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
March 12, 2007
Laboratory testing firm Bio-Reference Labs (Nasdaq: BRLI) appears to be benefiting as its two largest rivals battle for market share. Plus, the company is leading in an area considered the holy grail in the industry. Here’s why the shares could be worth a look.
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2007/02/22/dueling-fools-pfizer-bull.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
February 22, 2007
I didn’t want to start my bullish argument on pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) on such a dour note, but there’s no sense beating around the bush: Pfizer has a number of vital issues to work through in terms of its drug pipeline. I’ll get into the specifics below, but overall I see two key reasons why contrarian-minded Fools may still want to consider placing some chips on the table. They can both be summarized as follows: Pfizer is a king of cash.
http://www.fool.com/investing/value/2007/02/22/dueling-fools-pfizer-bull-rebuttal.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
February 22, 2007
Collectively, my Foolish colleague Brian Lawler and I have identified Pfizer‘s (NYSE: PFE) key investment merits and drawbacks. Fools must now weigh in on deciding to buy, hold, or sell the stock. Our conclusions hinge on how successful we think Pfizer will be in offsetting the deluge of patent expirations that have already sent several of its drugs to the generic graveyard — and will send the almighty Lipitor down the same path within the next few years.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/02/15/labcorp-takes-names.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
February 15, 2007
Lab-testing firm LabCorp (NYSE: LH) is firing on all cylinders right now. The good times are expected to continue into the foreseeable future, but at current stock price levels an archrival may be an even more tempting opportunity right now.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/02/05/boston-scientifics-unscientific-outlook.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
February 5, 2007
To the victor go the spoils, or so it’s said. Unfortunately, Boston Scientific‘s (NYSE: BSX) success in winning Guidant from the clutches of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) has so far only spoiled billions of dollars in shareholder capital. Management is still optimistic it will have the last laugh, but when might that be?
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2007/01/30/zimmer-implants-a-new-high.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
January 30, 2007
Orthopedic designer, developer, and manufacturer Zimmer Holdings (NYSE: ZMH) just posted solid fourth-quarter and year-end results, and there’s no reason why the company can’t grow unabated for many more years.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2006/12/21/dueling-fools-merck-bear.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
December 21, 2006
Shares of pharmaceutical giant Merck (NYSE: MRK) have outpaced the market and are up almost 34% so far in 2006. They’ve also outperformed their peer group. Enough is enough; at the current price and valuation, I can now make a compelling argument for why it’s a better idea to go with a number of other players in the space.
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2006/12/21/dueling-fools-merck-bear-rebuttal.aspx
Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
December 21, 2006
I agree with most aspects of fellow Fool Brian Lawler’s bullish opener. Merck (NYSE: MRK) is indeed an impressive, profitable company, as are most major players in the lucrative pharmaceutical industry. It’s just that I suggest taking a closer look at the competition.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06112119.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
11/21/2006
After starting 2006 trading near $60, shares of medical-equipment firm Medtronic(NYSE: MDT) had fallen to less than $43 during August’s overall market malaise. The stock is up more than 8% today to $53.07, after the market liked second-quarter results. Should Fools get ready for further gains?
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06110240.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
11/02/2006
Retail drugstore firm CVS(NYSE: CVS) has never been afraid to acquire competitors to supplement its internal growth prospects. While yesterday’s third-quarter results included what investors have come to expect — strong retail growth with a couple of modest acquisitions — they were hit over the head with an announced deal that few could have imagined.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06102423.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
10/24/2006
Shares of laboratory testing firm Laboratory Corp. of America(NYSE: LH), or LabCorp, have marched steadily upward since 2003, from $21 to about $68.44 now. It sounds like all the easy money has been made, but LabCorp and its larger competitor still have what it takes for further upside.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06102017.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
10/20/2006
On Wednesday, Boston Scientific(NYSE: BSX) reported third-quarter results that were at the upper end of the company’s late-September earnings warning. The shares have had a rough run lately, down nearly 40% over the past year. Buying opportunity? Hard to tell at this point.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06092010.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
09/20/2006
Biomet‘s (Nasdaq: BMET) recently issued annual report featured an article on world-renowned gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who received a hip replacement using a Biomet device and hip stem. A famous former Olympian’s confidence in Biomet is noteworthy, but investor confidence in the company is flagging. So, what’s the prognosis for a recovery?
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06080336.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
08/03/2006
In the first quarter since issuing an impressive array of long-term financial goals, did drug wholesaler and distributor Cardinal Health(NYSE: CAH) start delivering on its lofty aspirations? Judging by fourth-quarter and full-year results released today, it did, but one year does not make a trend, especially considering that the company’s business model was turned upside-down not that long ago.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06072607.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
07/26/2006
The hospital industry is in the doldrums. For confirmation, just look at the small premium the private equity guys offered to purchase the largest player in the space, HCA(NYSE: HCA). However, from a value investor perspective, the bid could confirm that negative industry trends and sentiment may have reached their peak.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06072532.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
07/25/2006
Since its spinoff from health-care firm Baxter(NYSE: BAX) back in 2000, shares of Edwards Lifesciences(NYSE: EW) have more than doubled from their introductory price of $20. The stock increased steadily until January 2005; since then, it has lingered in the mid- to low $40s. What will it take for a move closer to $50?
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06072421.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
07/24/2006
Shares of Quest Diagnostics(NYSE: DGX) have held up well during recent market turbulence. With shares currently trading near their 52-week high, can we expect more of the same going forward for the lab-testing firm?
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06062909.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
06/29/2006
Walgreen(NYSE: WAG) may be just the cure for any ailing portfolio, judging by its ability to churn out steady, double-digit earnings growth. This quarter was no exception, and the long-term prognosis calls for much of the same; the company continues to fire on all cylinders and keep the competition in check.
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06062614.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
06/26/2006
Rural hospital operator Health Management Associates(NYSE: HMA) hit a 52-week low today after it reduced guidance for the quarter and full year. Will HMA be able to recover to its fast-growing past, or is the stock price destined to flatline near $20 per share?
http://www.fool.com/news/mft/2006/mft06061317.htm
By Ryan Fuhrmann, CFA
06/13/2006
Cardinal Health(NYSE: CAH) has been through a tumultuous couple of years but seems to have weathered company-specific and industry storms. Overall, Cardinal appears to have recovered to its former healthy self and, after the market close yesterday, set the bar high by announcing a number of aggressive financial goals while also offering fiscal 2007 guidance.
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