Month: June 2012

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.

Bargain hunters are wise to pay careful attention to insider buying, because although there are many various reasons for an insider to sell a stock, presumably the only reason they would use their hard-earned dollars to make a purchase, is that they expect to make money. Today we look at two noteworthy recent insider buys.

In trading on Thursday, hospital & medical practitioners shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 2.6%. Leading the group were shares of Tenet Healthcare (THC), up about 10.1% and shares of Community Health Systems (CYH) up about 9.7% on the day.

In trading on Thursday, precious metals shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 2.1%. Helping drag down the group were shares of Tahoe Resources (TAHO), off about 34.6% and shares of International Tower Hill Mines L (THM) off about 5.3% on the day.

Monsanto (MON) announced that it earned $937 million, or $1.74 per share, during its most recent fiscal quarter, versus $692 million, or $1.28 per share, in the same period last year. Revenue increased by 17 percent to $4.22 billion, beating estimates of $3.97 billion.

QT Midstream Partners (EQM) saw its IPO debut today as it traded at $23.55 for a gain of 12% over its offering price of $21. The initial public offering raised $263 million by offering 12.5 million common units.

Some good news on the economic front helped boost stocks today, but investors remain cautious as they look ahead to the EU summit later this week. The Commerce Department is reporting a 1.1 percent increase in durable goods orders in May, beating economists’ expectations for a gain of 0.4 percent.

General Mills Incorporated (GIS) announced its quarterly dividend of 33 cents per share, an increase of about 8% over its prior dividend in April of 30.5 cents. The new quarterly dividend of 33 cents a share will be paid on August 1 to shareholders of record July 10.

Bargain hunters are wise to pay careful attention to insider buying, because although there are many various reasons for an insider to sell a stock, presumably the only reason they would use their hard-earned dollars to make a purchase, is that they expect to make money. Today we look at two noteworthy recent insider buys.

H&R Block (HRB) announced that fiscal fourth-quarter profit fell by 11 percent from the same period last year due to restructuring costs and lower revenue. Net income fell to $586.1 million, or $1.99 per share, from $658.6 million, or $2.14 per share last year and revenue fell 2 percent to $2 billion from $2.05 billion.