Month: April 2012

LinkedIn (LNKD) today had its price target increased to $115 with an overweight rating, as the company has been realizing high sales efficiencies. Shares are higher by about 8.75 percent.

As the saying goes, there are many possible reasons for an insider to sell a stock, but only one reason to buy — they expect to make money. So let’s look at two noteworthy recent insider buys.

Lennar Corporation (LEN) maintained its quarterly dividend of 4 cents per share. The quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share for both Class A and Class B common stock payable on May 9, 2012 to holders of record at the close of business on April 25, 2012.

According to Monness, Crespi, Hardt & Co., Liz Claiborne (NYSE:LIZ) could receive a $20 price tag in a takeover situation.Despite having been unprofitable last year, the clothing retailer looks attractive on valuation the firm said, citing high-priced brands like Katy Spade, Juicy Couture and Lucky Brand that are viewed as due for a turnaround.

In trading on Thursday, metals & mining shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 2.5%. Leading the group were shares of Denison Mines (DNN), up about 6.7% and shares of Alpha Natural Resources (ANR) up about 5.3% on the day.

Avon (NYSE:AVP) suitor Coty has reportedly been debating an IPO in the US versus a $10 billion takeover of the cosmetics company.The firm already had initial talks with investment banks, but delayed the idea until after the Avon deal started to heat up.

Rite Aid (RAD) announced that it lost $163.8 million, or 18 cents per share, during the fourth quarter, versus a loss of $205.7 million, or 24 cents per share, in the same period last year. Revenue increased to $7.15 billion from $6.46 billion.

Threshold Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:THLD) earned a $20 million milestone payment from Merck KGaA (PINK:MKGAF).The payment was related to performance of its TH-302 pancreatic cancer treatment candidate in a Phase 2 trial.

Private equity firm Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CARL) reportedly intends on seeking a valuation of $7.5 billion – $8 billion in its IPO, when it plans to offer 10% of the company.Carlyle could start its roadshow next week.That being said, a lot depends on the success of today’s scheduled listing of rival Oaktree, which is looking to raise $517.5 million when it goes public.

Titan Machinery (NASDAQ:TITN) reported Q4 EPS of $0.84,topping estimates by $0.31.Revenues in the quarter came in at $607 million, up 64.9% year-over-year, and beating estimates by $174 million.Titan Machinery (NASDAQ:TITN) has potential upside of 0.2% based on a current price of $32.16 and an average consensus analyst price target of $32.22.