Month: February 2013

Hercules Offshore (HERO) had its numbers increased by Jefferies (JEF) as domestic jack up rates have been strong. A hold rating was issued with a price target of $8.

Armstrong World Industries (AWI) was upgraded by Citigroup (C) from neutral to buy with a price target of $67, as residential construction has been improving and there are very low expectations for the company. Shares are higher by about 2.3 percent.

Pembina Pipeline Corporation (PBA) maintained its monthly dividend of 13.5 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on March 15, 2013 to shareholders of record on February 25, 2013Shares are lower by about one 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 one noteworthy recent insider buy.

In trading on Wednesday, real estate shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 2.2%. Leading the group were shares of Zillow (Z), up about 9% and shares of Ellington Financial (EFC) up about 3.6% on the day.

Trulia (TRLA) announced that it lost $1.6 million, or 6 cents per share, in the most recent fiscal quarter, versus a loss of $2.1 million, or 30 cents per share in the same period last year. Excluding stock based compensation, the company lost 3 cents per shares.

Uncompromising and politically emboldened, President Barack Obama urged a deeply divided Congress Tuesday night to embrace his plans to use government money to create jobs and strengthen the nation’s middle class.

Semtech (SMTC) had its numbers increased by Lazard Capital (LAZ) as the company should benefit from the design will pipeline. A buy rating was issued with a price target of $39.

Agilent (A) had its estimates and price target increased by UBS (UBS) as the firm believes the company can continue to gain market share during the next few quarters. A $51 price target was issued.

In trading on Tuesday, general contractors & builders shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 2.3%. Leading the group were shares of Hovnanian Enterprises (HOV), up about 5.2% and shares of KB Home (KBH) up about 3.5% on the day.