I remain positive on Bristol-Myers because it is a solid double-digit earnings grower with an attractive dividend. It also offers a nice balance to the higher-beta stocks in the fund. Its second-quarter earnings will be strong, with double-digit growth led by low-single-digit revenue (led by strength in Abilify, Orencia, Plavix and Sprycel) and continued efforts in its cost-cutting program. I expect a positive update on its acquisition strategy (likely small to medium-sized deals) on its conference call and for management to remain focused on shareholder value creation. After my trade, I will own 3,200 shares or 2.56%.
I am restricted in Abbott Labs (ABT:NYSE) but would be a buyer on its weakness today because I expect its quarter to be strong as well. Its flagship drug, Humira, will likely post 15% to 20% growth, which should please investors after last quarter's disappointment. Management has indicated at recent conferences that the destocking of inventory has abated, and that patients' assistance levels for Humira have lowered. Xience continues to win market share relative to its competitors, mainly because of its superior survivability data, and I expect a positive update of its European launch on its conference call.
Increasing Humira and Xience sales should drive increasing margins in ABT's pharmaceuticals and vascular business, while diagnostics margins improve as ABT executes an ongoing restructuring program. Shares trade at 11 times earnings and now offer a 3.5% yield, which is very attractive.
Regards,
Jim Cramer
Click here to trade alongside Cramer!
DISCLOSURE: At the time of publication, Cramer was long ABT and BMY.
We're selling shares in an iron producer and buying more of a financial and an 'early cycle' recovery play.
11/13/09 - 11:31 AM ESTThis company is buying into an innovative approach to pain management.
11/12/09 - 12:16 PM ESTMy holding in the space is still the market leader.
11/12/09 - 11:10 AM ESTAmid positive market news, we're keeping our sector bets fairly constant.
11/13/09 - 07:06 PM ESTAction Alerts PLUS contains Mr. Cramer's own opinions, and none of the information contained therein constitutes a recommendation by Mr. Cramer or TheStreet.com that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. You further understand that Mr. Cramer will not advise you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, investment strategy or other matter. To the extent any of the information contained in Action Alerts PLUS may be deemed to be investment advice, such information is impersonal and not tailored to the investment needs of any specific person. Mr. Cramer's past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. DO NOT EMAIL MR. CRAMER SEEKING PERSONALIZED INVESTMENT ADVICE, WHICH HE CANNOT PROVIDE.
| Dow Jones | S&P 500 | NASDAQ | 10-Year Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10,270.47 | 1,093.48 | 2,167.88 | 34.29 |
Oil *
75.55
|
|
UP
73.00
|
UP
6.24
|
UP
18.86
|
DOWN
0.17
|
10 Yr
3.43%
SPDR Gold
109.74
|
|
+0.72%
|
+0.57%
|
+0.88%
|
-0.49%
|
Data delayed 20 minutes |

Connect with TheStreet