EQUITIES Rx (VIPPS INDEX) For 2011

[ICEQUITY]

Two New Vet-VIPPS Accreditations

February 07, 2011 12:33 PM
Topics:
NABP accredited two additional Internet pharmacies that sell prescription pet medications through its Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM (Vet-VIPPSCM) program:

National Pet Pharmacy
www.nationalpetpharmacy.com
Pet Meds n More, Inc
www.petmedsnmore.com

A detailed description of the Vet-VIPPS program and a full listing of accredited Vet-VIPPS pharmacy sites is available on the NABP Web site.

[ICEQUITY]

$CI CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) trading on a Price to Earnings of 9.48 times

Submitted by Sarah Roberts on January 26, 2011 - 12:36pm
CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) reported the gain of 2.74% and closed at $41.62 whereas total traded volume stood at 4.11 million shares for the day. Its price to earnings ratio stands at 9.48 times till its last trading session. The current market price is 10.38% more than its last 50 days simple moving average.

Chartpoppers.com presents a deep financial insight on CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) based on fundamental and technical analysis covering the company’s background, key statistics, financial statements and technical analysis chart.

http://chartpoppers.com/cigna-corporation-nyseci-trading-price-earnings-948-times-6256

[ICEQUITY]

$DSCM drugstore.com Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2010 Earnings Conference Call
Tuesday, February 8 at 5:00 PM ET
J
oin the Webcast
drugstore.com, inc. (Nasdaq:DSCM) is a leading online retailer of health, beauty, clinical skincare, vision, and pharmacy products. Our portfolio of brands includes: drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™, SkinStore.com™, and VisionDirect.com™. All provide a convenient, private, and informative shopping experience while offering a wide assortment of more than 55,000 non-prescription products at competitive prices.

The drugstore.com pharmacy is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) and operates in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations in the United States.

drugstore.com, inc. Enables Social Commerce for its Facebook Fans with Adgregate Markets
drugstore.com. inc. is the first major health and beauty retailer to open a Facebook store
ShareThis Email PDF Print
Social commerce on Facebook is a natural complement to our trusted store, online and print networks
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 27, 2011

Today, Adgregate Markets, the leader in secure social commerce solutions, announced that drugstore.com™, a leading online retailer of health and beauty products, and its subsidiary site, Beauty.com™, have selected Adgregate's ShopFans™ to enable secure social shopping on their Facebook pages. drugstore.com, inc. is the first major health and beauty retailer to enable their Facebook Fans to shop directly within the Facebook environment. drugstore.com is ranked #46 in the Internet Retailer's Top 500 List, with over $412M in 2009 revenue. drugstore.com and Beauty.com's combined 182,000 Facebook Fans will be able to virally promote and share products while they shop, all through the social 'hooks' within Facebook.
"Social commerce on Facebook is a natural complement to our trusted store, online and print networks," said Colin Veach, Director of Internet Marketing. "Many of our customers are already engaging with us on Facebook, and we know they're going to enjoy the benefits of shopping securely with ShopFans. We're looking forward to venturing into and gaining from this next phase in online commerce and customer engagement."
ShopFans is the world's most trusted social commerce technology, the only solution publicly endorsed by McAfee, the exclusive security provider for Facebook. drugstore.com will leverage ShopFans, a fully functioning native Facebook application, to showcase drugstore.com's great deals in everyday favorites and hard-to-find health and beauty items, giving Fans access to all available products.
"A customer holds more than just spending power. Perhaps even more effective over the longer term, is their referral power," said Henry Wong, CEO of Adgregate Markets. "drugstore.com is quickly going to see enhanced customer relationships and greater transactions amid their online commerce, and we're excited for this. We also expect drugstore.com to gain insight on product recommendations, purchase intent and conversion rates."
Social commerce involves understanding the ways in which users engage with a page. ShopFans tracks conversations that are occurring, ultimately revealing how the conversion funnel appears within Facebook. Unlike existing social commerce solutions offered in Facebook, ShopFans has won the public endorsements from both security and privacy heavyweights McAfee, VeriSign and TRUSTe.
About drugstore.com, inc.
drugstore.com, inc. is a leading online retailer of health, beauty, clinical skincare, vision, and pharmacy products. Our portfolio of brands includes: drugstore.com™, Beauty.com™, Skinstore.com®, and VisionDirect.com™. All provide a convenient, private, and informative shopping experience while offering a wide assortment of more than 55,000 products at competitive prices. For more information, please visit http://www.drugstore.com.
About Adgregate Markets
Adgregate Markets is the leading provider of secure advertising and social commerce solutions. ShopFans™ turns social shopping on Facebook from conversations into conversions and is the only secure social commerce solution in the market. ShopAds™ guide prospective customers from the point of discovery to the point of purchase entirely within innovative online and mobile ads. SecureAds™ are the world's most secure ads for customer engagement. Adgregate is a privately held company based in the San Francisco Bay Area and is venture-backed by leading investors. Adgregate has received numerous industry awards for its innovative advertising technology, including ad:tech's White Hot Company, TechCrunch50 Finalist, and AlwaysOn OnMedia 100 Winner, recognizing the top private companies in digital media and advertising. For additional information, please visit http://www.adgregate.com.
http://www.facebook.com/Adgregate
http://www.twitter.com/Adgregate
Adgregate Media Contact:
Jessie Morgan
[phone]
media(at)adgregate(dot)com
###
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/01/prweb5009444.htm

[ICEQUITY]

$ESRX $UNH $CI $AET $WLP Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: WellPoint, Express Scripts, Unitedhealth Group, CIGNA Corporation and Aetna

CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com Analyst Blog features: WellPoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP), Express Scripts (Nasdaq: ESRX), Unitedhealth Group, Inc. (NYSE: UNH), CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) and Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET).
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)
Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579
Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:
WellPoint Exceeds Expectations
WellPoint Inc. (NYSE: WLP) reported its fourth-quarter income from continuing operations of $524.7 million or $1.33 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.21. This also compares favorably with the income of $536.0 million or earnings of $1.16 in the year-ago quarter.
WellPoint also posted its income from continuing operations of $2.8 billion or $6.74 per share for fiscal year 2010, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.60 and the income of $2.9 billion or $6.09 in the fiscal year 2009. The company's earnings were in-line with the management's guidance of above $6.60 earnings per share for the fiscal year 2010.
The improved showing was attributable to higher operating cash flows and the implementation of organizational changes in the health care. The sale of NextRx pharmacy benefit management subsidiaries to Express Scripts (Nasdaq:ESRX) in the fourth quarter of 2009 also contributed a significant return of capital.
WellPoint's income from continuing operations excludes net investment gains of $24.1 million after-tax, or approximately 7 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2010, and $100.2 million after-tax, or approximately 23 cents per share in fiscal 2010, which was partially offset by an intangible asset impairment charge of $13.7 million after-tax, or 3 cents per share.
The earnings of the fourth quarter of 2009 excluded the after-tax net income of $2.2 billion, or $4.79 per share, resulting from a gain on the sale of the NextRx, partially offset by costs for restructuring activities and intangible asset impairments.
Fiscal year 2009 excluded after-tax net income of approximately $1.8 billion, or $3.79 per share, resulting from the gain on the sale of NextRx, partially offset by net investment losses, intangible asset impairments and costs for restructuring activities.
Including these one-time items, WellPoint reported a net income of $548.8 million or $1.40 per share in the fourth quarter 2010 as opposed to $2.7 billion or $5.95 per share in the prior-year quarter. Net income in 2010 was $2.9 billion or $6.94 per share as against $4.7 billion or $9.88 per share.
Segment Results
Commercial Business: Operating gains in the segment increased 89.6% year over year to $600.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 and 27.0% year over year to $3.1 billion in fiscal 2010.
Consumer Business: Operating gains in the segment plummeted 29.5% year over year to $112.0 million in the reported quarter and declined 21.8% year over year to $1.0 billion in fiscal 2010.
Other: Operating gains in this segment experienced an operating loss of $19.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2010, compared with an operating gain of $100.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. This was due primarily to the fact that fourth quarter 2009 results included two months of NextRx operations prior to its sale on December 1, 2009.
WellPoint's Others segment also faced an operating loss of $8.8 million in full year 2010 as compared with an operating gain of $469.4 million in full year 2009.
Evaluation of Capital Structure
WellPoint generated operating cash flow of $587.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010 and $1.4 billion in the fiscal year 2010, which included $1.2 billion of tax payments related to the 2009 sale of NextRx. At the end of December 31, 2010, cash and investments at the parent company totaled approximately $3.3 billion.
As of December 31, 2010, WellPoint had $148.5 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization. During the reported quarter, WellPoint repurchased 17.8 million shares for $1.0 billion and repurchased 76.7 million shares of its stock for approximately $4.4 billion in fiscal 2010, following the sale of NextRx.
During the fourth quarter of 2010, WellPoint witnessed net investment gains of $37.2 million pre-tax, consisting of net realized gains from the sale of securities totaling $47.6 million, partially offset by other-than-temporary impairments totaling $10.4 million.
In the prior year quarter, WellPoint experienced net investment losses of $4.5 million pre-tax, consisting of other-than-temporary impairments of $40.5 million, primarily offset by net realized gains from the sale of securities totaling $36.0 million.
Comparison with Competitors
Rival company Unitedhealth Group, Inc. (NYSE: UNH) reported its fourth quarter results on January 20, 2011 with income from continuing operations of 94 cents per share, better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 90 cents. Full year EPS was $4.10, which also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.99. WellPoint's peers like CIGNA Corporation (NYSE: CI) is scheduled to report its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010 results on February 3, followed by Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET) on February 4.
Outlook for Fiscal 2011
WellPoint anticipates a net income of at least $6.30 per share.
Our Recommendation
Though we are pleased with the strong results of WellPoint along with solid capital management, we remain wary of the impact of the health insurance reforms and expect these reforms to increase unemployment and stretch profit margins of WellPoint and its competitors. The resulting downward pressure is likely to overshadow the stock.
WellPoint has a strong cash flow generation, leading market share positions, diversified product portfolio, proven track record of execution, attractive valuation, and consistency that would provide long-term value to its investors. Meanwhile, WellPoint has been increasing its premiums and controlling costs.
Further, WellPoint is well positioned among its peer group and has been strengthening its portfolio through its acquisition strategy, the synergies of which are expected to lead to margin expansion and top-line growth. Moreover, the sale of its in-house pharmacy benefits business to Express Script has strengthened its balance sheet and fueled a major stock repurchase.
Currently, WellPoint carries a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a short-term Hold recommendation, indicating no clear directional pressure on the stock over the near term.
Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5514.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5516
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4580.
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Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Contact:
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312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com


SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
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[ICEQUITY]

Medco Health Solutions (MHS) Crosses Pivot Point Resistance at $63.09

Read more: http://www.benzinga.com/press-releases/11/01/c813301/medco-health-solutions-mhs-crosses-pivot-point-resistance-at-63-09#ixzz1CM7gJbTi
SmarTrend has detected shares of Medco Health Solutions (NYSE: MHS) have bullishly opened above the pivot of $62.71 today and have reached the first resistance level of $63.09.
We are watching for a cross of the next upside pivot targets of $63.55 and $64.39. Also, the shares are currently trading above the 50-day moving average of $62.33 and above the 200-day moving average of $55.99.
In the last five trading sessions, the 50-day MA has climbed 0.36% while the 200-day MA has remained constant.
In the past 52 weeks, shares of Medco Health Solutions have traded between a low of $43.45 and a high of $66.70 and are now at $63.11, which is 45% above that low price.
SmarTrend currently has shares of Medco Health Solutions in an Uptrend and issued the Uptrend alert on September 13, 2010 at $47.85. The stock has risen 30.9% since the Uptrend alert was issued.
Write to Chip Brian at [e-mail]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SmarTrend analyzes over 5,000 securities simultaneously throughout the trading day and provides its subscribers with trend change alerts in real time. To get a free trial of our trading calls and maximize your trading results, please visit http://www.mysmartrend.com
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Read more: http://www.benzinga.com/press-releases/11/01/c813301/medco-health-solutions-mhs-crosses-pivot-point-resistance-at-63-09#ixzz1CM7dJsqf

[ICEQUITY]

Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day Highlights: ReneSola, SUPERVALU, Amazon.com, Apple and Google

CHICAGO, Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks Equity Research highlights: ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE: SOL) as the Bull of the Day and SUPERVALU Inc. (NYSE: SVU) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN), Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) and Google (Nasdaq: GOOG).
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)
Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2678.
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:
Bull of the Day:
Aided by the global solar renaissance and Chinese solar ambitions, low-cost Chinese solar player ReneSola Ltd. (NYSE: SOL) is making up for the recession that affected its fiscal 2009 performance.
The company's fortunes look good due to its geographically diversified customer base, ongoing expansion programs, a subsidy program in China, improving operating efficiencies, rising margins and material cost savings through its vertically-integrated production structure. ReneSola also expanded its presence into solar module original equipment manufacturing (OEM) services to make modules for others.
We believe that ReneSola is set for stronger growth in the first half of 2011. With a cheap valuation, we upgrade ReneSola to Outperform with a price target of $12.00.
Bear of the Day:
SUPERVALU Inc. (NYSE: SVU) reported lower-than-expected earnings of $0.24 per share in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Earnings declined 52.9% year-over-year and were 22.6% lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.31.
Net sales for the quarter declined 5.9% year-over-year to $8,673 million primarily because of declines in the retail food segment and supply chain services segment. Therefore, the company lowered its guidance for fiscal 2011.
Furthermore, intense competition in the retail food segment concerns us, while the significant unionized labor force at SUPERVALU has inherent risks. As such the Underperform rating is maintained.
Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:
Amazon Results Don't Match Run-Up
Investors had been giddy with excitement for Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) 4th quarter earnings results during regular trading Thursday. Before earnings were announced after the closing bell, AMZN shares had run up over $9 per share (5.17%). But then reality set in...
Even though Amazon.com Inc. posted an earnings beat of 91 cents per share -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate was 88 cents -- the world's largest online retailer fell short on the revenue side, posting sales of $12.95 billion in the quarter, just missing the Zacks consensus of $12.97 billion.
So in after-market trading, AMZN shares dropped 10% immediately -- erasing the entire day's gains, and then some. After starting to creep back up following the initial disappointment, after-market trading remains dismal at this hour.
Part of the run-up earlier was associated with call options on AMZN shares, which expire Friday. But the other part was the optimism about Amazon.com's December quarter, especially following the stellar performances by Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) and Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) last week, and reports of double-digit year-over-year online retail growth.
Compared to Amazon.com's 4th quarter of 2009, its numbers are quite favorable: though revenues disappointed compared to expectations, they did grow 36% from $9.52 billion a year ago, and the 91 cents per share beat 4Q09's 85 cents by 7.1%. For the company's 1st quarter of fiscal 2011, Amazon.com guided revenues between $9.1 and $9.9 billion -- in line with current consensus estimates.
Analysts have been modestly optimistic about Amazon.com's 4th quarter earnings results -- 6 of the 33 covering the company had upwardly revised estimates within the past month. But over the past 90 days, the Zacks consensus estimate had actually fallen a penny from 89 cents per share.
Well, as they say: 'seeing is believing'. Those who caught Amazon-fever prior to the company's earnings results might consider this a lesson learned.
Get the full analysis of all these stocks by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.
About the Bull and Bear of the Day
Every day, the analysts at Zacks Equity Research select two stocks that are likely to outperform (Bull) or underperform (Bear) the markets over the next 3-6 months.
About the Analyst Blog
Updated throughout every trading day, the Analyst Blog provides analysis from Zacks Equity Research about the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous analyst coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=7158.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4582.
Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ZacksResearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.
Contacts:
Mark Vickery
312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com


SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
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[ICEQUITY]

5 Earnings Season Stocks That Could Surprise Investors
Walgreen (WAG) Showing Bullish Technicals With Resistance At $41.88
Posted: Friday, January 28, 2011 8:58 AM EDT

Walgreen Co (NYSE: WAG) closed Thursday's trading session at $41.07. In the past year, the stock has hit a 52-week low of $26.26 and 52-week high of $42.20. Walgreen stock has been showing support around $40.28 and resistance in the $41.88 range. Technical indicators for the stock are Bullish and S&P gives WAG a positive 4 STARS (out of 5) buy rating. For a hedged play on this stock, look at the Mar '11 $41.00 covered call for a net debit in the $39.86 area. That is also the break-even stock price for this trade. This covered call has a duration of 50 days, provides 2.95% downside protection and an assigned return rate of 2.86% for an annualized return rate of 20.88% (for comparison purposes only). A lower-cost hedged play for this stock would use a longer term call option in place of the covered call stock purchase. To use this strategy look at going long the WAG Jan '12 $25.00 call and selling the Mar '11 $41.00 call for a total debit of $15.04. The trade has a lifespan of 50 days and would provide 2.51% downside protection and an assigned return rate of 6.38% for an annualized return rate of 47% (for comparison purposes only). Walgreen has a current annual dividend yield of 1.70%. [THA-Seven Summits Research]

Click symbol for more http://www.marketintelligencecenter.com/analyfav/1248266 on: WAG

[ICEQUITY]

$CI CIGNA -A.M. Best Revises Outlook to Stable for CIGNA Life Insurance Company of Europe SA-N.V.

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited has revised the outlook to stable from negative and affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the issuer credit rating of “a-” of CIGNA Life Insurance Company of Europe SA-N.V. (CLICE) (Belgium).

“Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies”
The ratings reflect a growing level of capital commitment from CLICE's ultimate parent company, CIGNA Corporation, along with a good level of risk-adjusted capitalisation, robust operating performance and improving business profile. The stable outlook reflects the rating outlook of CIGNA Corporation.

A.M. Best considers that the business profile of CLICE is likely to improve significantly over the medium term, following the acquisition of Vanbreda International NV (Vanbreda) by the CIGNA group in 2010. Furthermore, A.M. Best anticipates that CLICE's level of risk-adjusted capital is likely to remain strong as its business profile grows, with direct capital injections from the parent when needed. A.M. Best considers that the business plans of CLICE clearly demonstrate a growing level of commitment from the CIGNA group.

A.M. Best believes that CLICE’s earnings have remained robust in recent years, despite challenging market conditions within UK and Spanish health care markets. A.M. Best expects this robust performance to be maintained in 2010 and 2011, driven by the more resilient Middle East.

The principal methodology used in determining these ratings is Best's Credit Rating Methodology -- Global Life and Non-Life Insurance Edition, which provides a comprehensive explanation of A.M. Best's rating process and highlights the different rating criteria employed. Additional key criteria utilised include: “Risk Management and the Rating Process for Insurance Companies”; “Understanding BCAR for Life/Health Insurers”; and “Rating Members of Insurance Groups”. Methodologies can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology.

In accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 1060/2009, the following is a link to required disclosures: A.M. Best Europe - Rating Services Limited Supplementary Disclosure.

A.M. Best Europe – Rating Services Limited is a subsidiary of A.M. Best Company. Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2011 by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Contacts
A.M. Best Company
Tim Prince, +(44) 20 7397 0320
Financial Analyst
[e-mail]
or
Carlos Wong-Fupuy, +(44) 20 7397 0287
Assistant General Manager
[e-mail]
or
Rachelle Morrow, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5378
Senior Manager, Public Relations
[e-mail]
or
Jim Peavy, +(1) 908 439 2200, ext. 5644
Assistant Vice President, Public Relations
[e-mail]

Permalink: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110128005645/en/A.M.-Revises-Outlook-Stable-CIGNA-Life-Insurance

[ICEQUITY]

Zacks Equity Research Bull of the Day: Walgreen Co.(NYSE: WAG)

highlights: Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) as the Bull of the Day and Skechers U.S.A. (NYSE: SKX) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) and Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWKS).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)

Full analysis of all these stocks is available at http://at.zacks.com/?id=2678.

Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:

Bull of the Day:

Walgreen Co. (NYSE: WAG) reported an EPS of $0.62 in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, well above both the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.54 and the year-ago quarter's $0.49.

The company's strategy of slow-paced store expansion along with operating expertise has made it a leader in the retail drug store industry. We are also encouraged by the company's progress in customer-centric retailing (CCR) rollout and cost-saving initiatives. Meanwhile, the company is trying to grab a share of the growing US immunization market.

Although Walgreen has been affected due to high unemployment and lower discretionary spending, we expect the situation to improve gradually as the economy recovers. Subsequent to first quarter results, we have raised estimates for both revenues and earnings. Given these factors, we upgrade the stock to Outperform.

Bear of the Day:

Skechers U.S.A. (NYSE: SKX) third-quarter 2010 results missed the Zacks expectations for the top and bottom lines, reflecting sluggish sales trends and order cancellations. Consequently, total inventories increased 70.3% to $326.7 million, over the prior-year quarter.

Management hinted that extended delivery times also led to the inventory pile-up. However, Skechers indicated that it would try to lower its inventory level over the next two quarters, while generating reasonable margins.

We believe that international business should act as a catalyst to normalize the inventory level. Currently, we are maintaining our Underperform recommendation on the stock until we find any catalyst triggering a change in our opinion.

Latest Posts on the Zacks Analyst Blog:

General Electric Outperforms

General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) released its fourth quarter 2010 earnings results before the opening bell today, reporting earnings per share from continuing operations of $0.36, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.32, up 33% year over year. This was the third consecutive quarter in which the company witnessed strong growth in earnings.

For full year 2010, earnings per share from continuing operation were $1.15, beating the Zacks consensus Estimate by 3 cents and increasing by 15% from 2009.

Revenue

Total revenue in the quarter inched up for the first time in nine quarters by 1% to $41.4 billion, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $33.7 billion. The company continues to benefit from the improving economic environment. Full year revenues were $150.2 billion, down 3% year over year but above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $144.4 billion.

Total orders in the quarter increased by 12% year over year, with the total backlog reaching a record level of $175 billion, up $3.1 billion. Orders for equipments increased by 20% and for services were up 5%. Orders in Energy Infrastructure surged 4%.

Segment Details

Energy Infrastructure revenue for the quarter decreased by 3% year over year to $11.0 billion. Technology Infrastructure revenue was $10.9 billion, up 9%. Revenues at NBC Universal increased by 12% to $4.8 billion.

GE Capital revenue declined by 4% to $11.9 billion, while Home & Business Solutions revenue increased by 5% to 2.3 billion.

BofA Disappoints on Writedown

Bank of America Corporation's (NYSE: BAC) fourth quarter earnings came in at 4 cents per share, substantially lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 19 cents. However, this compares favorably with the loss of 60 cents in the prior-year quarter.

Earnings for the reported quarter excluded a previously announced goodwill impairment charge of $2 billion related to its Home Loans and Insurance business. Considering this charge, BofA reported a net loss of $1.2 billion or 16 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $194 million or 60 cents per share in the year-ago quarter. Results for the year-ago quarter included a $4 billion charge related to Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

Results were also marred by a $3.0 billion increase in provision expense related to the Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) and $1.5 billion in litigation expenses.

Lower credit costs, higher net interest income and increased card income were among the positives. However, reduced mortgage banking income, lower non-interest income and higher non-interest expense were the downside.

For full year 2010, excluding a goodwill impairment charge of $12.4 billion, the company earned 86 cents per share, compared with a loss of 29 cents in 2009. Results missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.03.

Skyworks Misses by a Penny

Skyworks Solutions, Inc. (Nasdaq: SWKS) posted a net income of $60.9 million or 32 cents in the first quarter of fiscal 2011, more than double from a net income of $28.0 million or 16 cents in the year-ago quarter. Excluding one-time items, but including stock-based compensation expenses, net income per share came in at 38 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny.

Revenues of $335.1 million were up 37% from the year-ago quarter and up 7% sequentially. The reported was slightly ahead of the management's guidance of $330 million – $335 million and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $332 million.

Skyworks continues to benefit from strong underlying demand in the mobile Internet market driven by market share gains and new product ramps. The market for smartphones is growing by leaps and bounds – four times the growth rate of the traditional cellular handset. Skyworks continues to benefit from the rising tide of increasing radio frequency (RF) content associated with 3G and 4G platforms.

The products from Skyworks support all smartphone and tablet operating systems including Android, Symbian, Windows Mobile and others.

Skyworks continues to gain traction on the network infrastructure side of the mobile Internet connection as operators install new base stations, new routers, and back-haul equipment to expand coverage of data services and prepare for next generation LTE deployments. As carriers like Verizon and AT&T accelerate their LTE plans, Skyworks expects a solid opportunity for growth in the coming years with its broad product portfolio.

Get the full analysis of all these stocks by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.

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Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Contacts:


Mark Vickery


312-265-9380


Visit: www.zacks.com



SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.

http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=46139408&symbol=WAG

[ICEQUITY]

MHS Medco Announces Date for Release of Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2010 Financial Results
Date : 01/24/2011 @ 11:47AM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : Medco (MHS)
Quote : 63.47 -0.46 (-0.72%) @ 8:00PM

Medco Announces Date for Release of Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2010 Financial Results
Medco (NYSE:MHS)
Intraday Stock Chart

Today : Tuesday 25 January 2011
Click Here for more Medco Charts.

Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MHS) plans to announce its fourth-quarter and full-year 2010 financial results in a press release before the market opens on Tuesday, February 22, 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100609/MEDCOLOGO )

Following the release, management will hold a conference call to review the financial results, outlook and related matters at 8:30 a.m. ET.

To access the live conference call via telephone:

Dial in: [phone] from inside the U.S., or [phone] from outside the U.S.

To access the live webcast:

Visit the Investor Relations section at www.medco.com/investor.

For a replay of the call:

A replay of the call will be available after the event on Feb. 22, 2011 through March 11, 2011. Dial in: [phone] from inside the U.S., or [phone] from outside the U.S. Please use passcode 39561109.

About Medco

Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: MHS) is pioneering the world's most advanced pharmacy® and its clinical research and innovations are part of Medco making medicine smarter™ for approximately 65 million members.

With more than 20,000 employees dedicated to improving patient health and reducing costs for a wide range of public and private sector clients, and 2009 revenues of nearly $60 billion, Medco ranks 35th on the Fortune 500 list and is named among the world's most innovative, most admired and most trustworthy companies.

For more information, go to http://www.medcohealth.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the risks and uncertainties that affect our business, particularly those mentioned in the Risk Factors section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE Medco Health Solutions, Inc.

http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=46142172&symbol=mhs

[ICEQUITY]

CVS Caremark Announces Next Stage of CEO Succession Plan
Date : 01/24/2011 @ 8:30AM
Source : PR Newswire
Stock : Cvs (CVS)
Quote : 34.99 -0.42 (-1.19%) @ 8:00PM

CVS Caremark Announces Next Stage of CEO Succession Plan
Cvs (NYSE:CVS)
Intraday Stock Chart

Today : Tuesday 25 January 2011
Click Here for more Cvs Charts.

CVS Caremark Corporation (NYSE: CVS) today announced the next stage of its transition plan outlined during its Annual Shareholders meeting last year. After the successful transition of day-to-day responsibilities for the company's retail operations earlier this month, the company has announced that Larry Merlo, President and Chief Operating Officer of CVS Caremark, will assume the role of CEO effective March 1, 2011. Thomas M. Ryan will remain Non-Executive Chairman until his retirement at the company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May of 2011.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/NE75914LOGO )

"Since we announced our transition plan in May of last year Larry and I have worked hard to successfully transition roles and responsibilities, and Larry is ready to be CEO," said Ryan. "After 37 years with our company and 16 years as President, I am more confident than ever that our assets along with our innovative products and services are lowering healthcare costs and improving outcomes. Our success took years of hard work, commitment and dedication to our mission from the more than 200,000 CVS Caremark colleagues we have across the company. I am so proud of all the work we have accomplished together, and remain confident that this success will continue well into the future under Larry's leadership."

Terry Murray, Lead Director of CVS Caremark, commented, "On behalf of the company's Board of Directors, I would like to thank Tom for all he has done for CVS Caremark. Under his leadership, CVS has evolved from a regional drug store chain with revenues of $5 billion in 1994 to the nation's largest pharmacy health care provider with revenues approaching $100 billion. And along the way Tom has built a culture focused on innovation, customer service and flawless execution. It is the culture Tom fostered over his 37-year tenure that differentiates CVS Caremark in the marketplace today."

Merlo added, "I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this company. As the nation's premier integrated pharmacy health care provider we have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those we serve. I look forward to continuing our positive momentum and to further enhancing the long-term value of our company. I've worked directly with Tom for the past twenty years and I want to thank him for his mentoring and leadership and am confident we will continue to build on his legacy."

The company also announced that upon Ryan's retirement as Chairman in May 2011, its intention is to elect David Dorman as the next Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of CVS Caremark at the 2011 Annual Meeting. Dorman has been on the CVS Caremark Board of Directors since 2006. Since May 2008, he has served as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors of Motorola, Inc. (which was recently renamed Motorola Solutions, Inc. in connection with the separation of Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc.). Mr. Dorman will transition to the position of Lead Director of Motorola Solutions, Inc. in May 2011. He was previously Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AT&T Corporation from November 2002 to November 2005.

About CVS Caremark

CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. Through our integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care, we are uniquely positioned to provide greater access, to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponsors and their members. CVS Caremark is a market leader in mail order pharmacy, retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and retail clinics, and is a leading provider of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. As one of the country's largest pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), we provide access to a network of more than 64,000 pharmacies, including approximately 7,100 CVS/pharmacy® stores that provide unparalleled service and capabilities. Our clinical expertise includes one of the industry's most comprehensive disease management programs. General information about CVS Caremark is available through the Company's Web site at http://info.cvscaremark.com.


Contacts:


Eileen Howard Boone


Corporate Communications


[phone]



Carolyn Castel


Corporate Communications


[phone]


[e-mail]



Nancy Christal


Investor Relations


[phone]



SOURCE CVS Caremark Corporation

http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=46138129&symbol=CVS

[ICEQUITY]

AET Aetna Statement on Award to Board Member Gerald Greenwald
Date : 01/24/2011 @ 1:55PM
Source : Business Wire
Stock : Aetna (AET)
Quote : 33.04 -0.24 (-0.72%) @ 8:00PM

Aetna Statement on Award to Board Member Gerald Greenwald
Aetna (NYSE:AET)
Intraday Stock Chart

Today : Tuesday 25 January 2011
Click Here for more Aetna Charts.

Ronald A. Williams, chairman of Aetna (NYSE: AET) today issued the following statement upon the announcement that Aetna board member Gerald Greenwald had been named an “Outstanding Director” by the Outstanding Directors Exchange (ODX).

“Aetna’s Board of Directors and I are very pleased to see Jerry Greenwald honored by his peers ‘for being a guiding force throughout Aetna’s financial and strategic turnaround, providing counsel on investments in new capabilities, products and growth markets in the healthcare industry.’ That distinction fits Jerry perfectly. His extensive financial and management experience and solid guidance as presiding director have served Aetna well for many years.”

Since 1998, the Outstanding Directors Program has honored peer-nominated independent directors of public companies who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the companies they serve.

About Aetna

Aetna is one of the nation’s leading diversified health care benefits companies, serving approximately 35.4 million people with information and resources to help them make better informed decisions about their health care. Aetna offers a broad range of traditional and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including medical, pharmacy, dental, behavioral health, group life and disability plans, and medical management capabilities and health care management services for Medicaid plans. Our customers include employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups and expatriates. For more information, see www.aetna.com. To learn more about Aetna's innovative online tools, visit www.aetnatools.com.

About The Outstanding Directors Program (www.outstandingdirectors.com)

The ODX Outstanding Directors Program honors independent directors of public companies who have been recognized by their peers for making a courageous or valuable contribution to the companies on whose boards they serve. Since its inception in 1998 the program has honored more than 100 corporate directors of American public companies. Its mission is to support the educational needs of today's corporate board members. Outstanding Director candidates are nominated and seconded by fellow board members. To qualify they must have consistently made strong contributions to a corporate board and have been a key player during important periods in a company's growth or transition.

http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=46144026&symbol=AET

[ICEQUITY]

BIOS BioScrip to Host Update Conference Call
Date : 01/24/2011 @ 5:12PM
Source : Business Wire
Stock : BioScrip, Inc. (BIOS)
Quote : 5.005 0.015 (0.30%) @ 7:58PM

BioScrip to Host Update Conference Call
Bioscrip (MM) (NASDAQ:BIOS)
Intraday Stock Chart

Today : Tuesday 25 January 2011
Click Here for more Bioscrip (MM) Charts.

BioScrip (NASDAQ: BIOS) today announced that on Monday, January 31, 2011 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, Richard M. Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, and David W. Froesel, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will provide an update on the Company’s ongoing strategic assessment to improve financial and operational performance. A live audio webcast of the event may be accessed at http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=281225&s=1&k=F40F8B406EEC34EBA87AE83ACFB7E16C.

Interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing [phone] (US), or [phone] (International), 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the call. Please reference conference call ID number: 39798876. A replay of the conference call will be available for 48 hours after the call's completion by dialing [phone] and entering conference call ID number: 39798876. An audio webcast and archive will also be available for 90 days under the “Investor Relations” section of the BioScrip website at http://www.bioscrip.com.

About BioScrip

BioScrip, Inc. (www.bioscrip.com) (Nasdaq: BIOS) is a national provider of specialty pharmacy and home care products and services that partners with patients, physicians, hospitals, healthcare payors and pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide clinical management solutions and delivery of cost-effective access to prescription medications. Our services are designed to improve clinical outcomes for chronic and acute healthcare conditions while controlling overall healthcare costs.

Forward Looking Statements-Safe Harbor

Statements contained in this press release that express a belief, expectation, anticipation or intent are considered forward-looking statements and are protected under the Safe Harbor of Private Securities Litigation and Reform Act. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company today, and the Company assumes no obligation to update statements as circumstances change. These forward-looking statements may involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause the Company's results to differ materially from such statements.

Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally and may differ materially from actual future experience. Risks and uncertainties that could affect forward-looking statements include the failure to realize annualized cost savings associated with any restructuring or cost reduction efforts, our ability to leverage core competencies or maximize margins and operating cash flow generation, and the risks described from time to time in the Company’s reports filed with the SEC, including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and the Company’s quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010 and September 30, 2010.
http://ih.advfn.com/p.php?pid=nmona&article=46146452&symbol=BIOS

[ICEQUITY]

Stenva Corp. Internet Pharmacy Websites Classified as Rogue (with update) Posted by LegitScript

UPDATE: About an hour after LegitScript posted this blog and tweeted about the Stenva Corp. network sites discussed below, Networking4All suspended the domains registered with its company. LegitScript applauds Networking4All’s swift action to ensure compliance with its Terms and Conditions and in the interest of Internet safety. (Not all of the rogue Internet pharmacies were registered with Network4All.)

In LegitScript’s daily monitoring of the Internet pharmacy world, every month or two we are able to identify a new affiliate network (or, if not an affiliate network strictly speaking, a group of websites that are connected). Today, we designated a group of websites as “rogue” and identified them as being part of the Stenva Corp. network, which is operated by an Armenian with a business address in Panama.

The operator of this network, which interestingly includes long-time rogue Internet pharmacies like onlinepharmacy.vg and sundrugstore.com, is seen on business-to-business boards seeking cheap bulk pharmaceuticals to resell through his websites. The problem with this, of course, is that Stenva Corp is not taking into account or exercising quality control over the medications, so it’s a gamble as to whether the drugs are genuine or counterfeit (or, if genuine, expired).

Several of the affiliate websites in this network are registered at Networking4All, a Netherlands-based Registrar. The email addresses used to register the websites, and the address, appear upon initial analysis to be fake, and are registered to “Lucy Carl” (lucywoodward87[AT]yahoo.com) at “Oldfield Road 10, Hampton, Middlesex, Great Britain.” (It’s a real address; but there’s certainly no pharmacy there, and it’s entirely possible that the residents have no clue that their address is being used to register these websites.) The long-time affiliates, such as sundrugstore.com, use a different template but are equally “rogue” as websites like pharmacy2011.com that claim to be “Canadian” but are anything but.

We encourage Internet users to avoid these websites, which are selling unregulated drugs that may or may not be genuine, do not require a valid prescription, and are not operating under the auspices of a valid pharmacy license.

Here are the websites we have designated as part of the Stenva Corp rogue Internet pharmacy network. (Over the next few weeks, we’ll make time to identify the other sites in this network.) We encourage any Internet users who have received drugs from these websites to let us know.

Website Name

medsaver4u.com
onlinepharmacy.vg
sundrugstore.com
qualitymedsrx.net
allmedsonline.net
brandpills.net
epharma4u.com
erxshop.com
gate4meds.com
getdrugsglobal.com
greatmedstore.com
healthfulrx.com
mygenstore.com
onlinedrug4u.com
pharmacy2011.com
66pills.com
http://www.legitscript.com/blogposts/159

[ICEQUITY]

Vipps at drugstore.com

With more than two million prescriptions filled, the drugstore.com™ pharmacy is a reputable, licensed pharmacy providing convenient home delivery of prescription medications.

drugstore.com™ pharmacy services and features:

• We were one of the first pharmacies certified through VIPPS, the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site program administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Go to the VIPPS site >
• Our fulfillment partner BioScrip can dispense prescription medication in all 50 states.

• We require legal prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers authorized to write prescriptions.

• We do not employ any physicians for the purpose of writing or re-writing prescriptions.

• Our fulfillment partner BioScrip employs fully licensed pharmacists and together, we maintain extremely high safety and quality standards.

• We are a publicly traded U.S. company (Nasdaq: DSCM).

http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?Ntk=All&srchtree=5&Ntt=vipps&aid=336064&aparam=vipps&scinit1=vipps

[ICEQUITY]

Vet-VIPPS: The Vet-VIPPSCM program (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM) accredits online pharmacies that dispense prescription drugs and assures that you are purchasing drugs and devices from an online pharmacy that is properly licensed and complying with state and federal laws and regulations.

Vet-VIPPSCM accreditation is offered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy®, whose members are the state licensing boards for all licensed pharmacies in America, and ensures that an Internet pharmacy is a bona fide pharmacy. It is the best way for patients to determine that they are getting the quality care they deserve. Accreditation requirements incorporate criteria specific to veterinary pharmacies; this criteria protects the health and well-being of well-loved pets across the country.

The Vet-VIPPSCM program is an expansion of the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM program, which NABP established in 1999 after a coalition of state and federal regulatory associations, professional associations, and consumer advocacy groups provided their expertise to develop criteria for accredited Internet pharmacies to follow as part of their commitment to public health protection.

Vet-VIPPS Sites
Pharmacies displaying the Vet-VIPPS Seal comply with Vet-VIPPS criteria, which address a customer's right to privacy, authentication and security of prescription orders, adherence to a recognized quality assurance policy, and provision of meaningful consultation between customers and pharmacists.
Vet-VIPPS pharmacy sites display the Vet-VIPPS Seal on their Web sites. The Seal is a key benchmark for consumers to measure a pharmacy's practice and by clicking on the Vet-VIPPS Seal, they are able to access verified information about the pharmacy.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/general.cfm?gid=1111

[ICEQUITY]

Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) Facts

Since its inception in 1999 by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accreditation program has become the most trusted and respected means for the public to distinguish between legitimate and illegitimate online drug sellers.

The VIPPS program and its seal of approval assure the public that VIPPS retailers are legitimate online pharmacies appropriately licensed in each state to which they ship pharmaceuticals. Additionally, VIPPS retailers have successfully completed a rigorous 19-point criteria review and on-site survey. It is the only verification program supported by the Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The VIPPS program is unique in that no other accreditation or verification program for online drug sellers covers as many areas as VIPPS, or does so as thoroughly. It is this criteria, and how it was developed, that sets the VIPPS program apart.

The Industry’s Toughest Standards
An online pharmacy must demonstrate compliance with a stringent set of criteria to qualify for VIPPS accreditation. Along with verification that the pharmacy is licensed in good standing by state boards, the VIPPS criteria includes questions in 19 Internet and practice-based areas, including:

how the patient’s or caregiver’s identity is verified
patient medication consultation
the steps that are taken to ensure the patient’s confidentiality
how medications are dispensed
how controlled substance medications are secured and tracked when shipped to the patient.
The VIPPS program was developed by a coalition of state and federal regulatory associations, professional associations, and consumer advocacy groups. Because NABP accredits the online pharmacies based on criteria defined by regulators, consumers, and pharmacists, the public can rely on the VIPPS Seal to be assured that each patient receives the best in online pharmacy care. Currently, 15 pharmacy sites representing more than 12,000 pharmacies carry the VIPPS seal. Visit www.vipps.info to see the complete listing of VIPPS online pharmacies.
http://www.safemedicines.org/vipps.html

[ICEQUITY]

drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ: DSCM) Posts Large Volume Increase, Hits $2.39

Shares of drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ: DSCM) saw unusually high trading volume on Tuesday. Approximately 2,204,000 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 139.51% from the previous session. The stock last traded at $2.39.

On a related note, analysts at Zacks Investment Research upgraded shares of drugstore.com, inc. from an “underperform” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research note to investors on Friday.

drugstore.com, inc. is an online provider of health, beauty, vision and pharmacy products. The Company offers health, beauty, household and other non-prescription products and prescription medications, through its Web store located at www.drugstore.com. It also offers beauty products, through its Web store located at www.beauty.com (which is also accessible through the drugstore.com Website); contact lenses, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vision Direct Inc. (Vision Direct), through Web stores located at www.visiondirect.com, www.lensmart.com, www.lensworld.com, and www.lensquest.com (which are also accessible, through the drugstore.com Website), and nutritional supplement programs, through the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Custom Nutrition Services, Inc. (CNS). It operates in three segments: over-the-counter (OTC), vision and mail-order pharmacy. On February 19, 2010, the Company acquired Salu, Inc.

drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ: DSCM) traded down 4.60% during mid-day trading on Tuesday. The stock has a 52 week low of $1.48 and a 52 week high of $3.95. Its 50-day moving average is $2.02 and its 200-day moving average is $2.05. The company has a market cap of $241.7 million and a price-to-earnings ratio of N/A.

Stay on top of analysts' coverage with American Banking & Market News' daily email newsletter that provides a concise list of analysts’ upgrades, analysts’ downgrades and analysts’ price target changes for each day. Click Here to register.

http://www.americanbankingnews.com/2011/01/18/drugstore-com-inc-nasdaq-dscm-posts-large-volume-increase-hits-2-39/

[ICEQUITY]

Supervalu (NYSE: SVU) Hits New 52-Week Low at $7.15
January 19th, 2011

Shares of Supervalu (NYSE: SVU) hit a new 52-week low on Wednesday. The stock traded as low as $7.15 during mid-day trading and last traded at $7.25. The stock previously closed at $7.43.

On a related note, analysts at Jefferies cut their price target on shares of Supervalu from $12.00 to $8.00 in a research note to investors on Thursday, January 13rd. Separately, analysts at Barclays Capital (NYSE: BCS) cut their price target on shares of Supervalu from $11.00 to $8.00 in a research note to investors on Wednesday, January 12nd. They now have an “equal weight” rating on the stock.

SUPERVALU INC. (SUPERVALU) is a United States grocery channel. SUPERVALU conducts its retail operations under the Acme, Albertsons, Bristol Farms, Cub Foods, Farm Fresh, Hornbacher’s, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Save-A-Lot, Shaw’s, Shop ’n Save, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy and Star Market banners as well as in-store pharmacies under the Osco and Sav-on banners. Additionally, the Company provides supply chain services, primarily wholesale distribution, across the United States retail grocery channel. The Company leverages its distribution operations by providing wholesale distribution and logistics and service solutions to its independent retail customers through its Supply chain services segment. It operates in two segments: Retail food and Supply chain services. During the fiscal year ended February 27, 2010 (fiscal 2009), the Company added 40 stores through store development and closed or sold 112 stores, including planned disposals.

Supervalu (NYSE: SVU) traded down 2.29% during mid-day trading on Wednesday. The stock has a 52 week low of $7.34 and a 52 week high of $17.89. Its 50-day moving average is $8.70 and its 200-day moving average is $10.31. The company has a market cap of $1.540 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of N/A.

Stay on top of analysts' coverage with American Banking & Market News' daily email newsletter that provides a concise list of analysts’ upgrades, analysts’ downgrades and analysts’ price target changes for each day. Click Here to register.

http://www.americanbankingnews.com/2011/01/19/supervalu-nyse-svu-hits-new-52-week-low-at-7-15/

[ICEQUITY]

Healthcare Stocks Mostly Higher (UNH, CIGNA, AET, WLP)
Jan 19, 2011by John Sampson

UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) surged 0.27% to $40.88. The stock has a 52-week range of $27.13-$40.99.
The stock has average daily volume of 7.08 million shares. At Yesterday`s closing market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $44.97 billion.
CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) added 2.77% to $41.14. CIGNA Corporation is an investor-owned health service organization in the United States.
The stock opened at $40.11 and was trading within the range of $40.04-$41.14.
Aetna Inc. (NYSE:AET) went up 0.80% to $34.16. The stock has a 52-week range of $25.00-$35.96. The stock has average daily volume of 3.58 million shares. At Yesterday`s closing market price, the market capitalization of the company stands at $13.67 billion.
China Direct Industries, Inc. is a company that manages a portfolio of Chinese entities.
WellPoint, Inc. (NYSE:WLP) slid 0.91% to $62.97. The stock opened at $63.63 and was trading within the range of $62.61-$63.63.
WellPoint, Inc. is a health benefits company serving 33.7 million medical members, as of December 31, 2009.
http://nothingbutbuzz.com/healthcare-stocks-mostly-higher-unh-cigna-aet-wlp/863096/

[ICEQUITY]

PETS Has PetMed Express Contracted Fleas?

NEW YORK (MagicDiligence) -- There are many things to like about PetMed Express (PETS), the largest American company focusing primarily on mail order pet pharmaceuticals.

The company, better known as 1-800-PetMeds, offers about 750 different products for dogs, cats, and horses, with about 70% of sales coming from non-prescription medicines and the rest from prescriptions. PetMed sells directly to pet owners, with about 70% of orders coming through its Web site, and the rest through phone, fax, and mail orders.

PetMed has outstanding financial metrics, with more than $70 million in balance sheet cash vs. no debt. The business model is very efficient, with low capital requirements leading to high returns on capital. Average five-year return on equity is over 28%, with return on assets averaging an impressive 26%.

Management has been generous about returning capital to shareholders too. Share count has been reduced by over 2% annually over the past three years, and the dividend was recently boosted 25%, yielding an attractive 3.2% at current share prices.

Since 2006, the company also has generated solid growth in both revenue and margins. The five-year compound annual growth rate in revenue is 11%, and operating margin rose from 13.2% in fiscal 2006 to 17% in fiscal 2010, leading to a 15% CAGR in operating earnings.

Vets control over 75% of this $3.5 billion market. PetMed has been able to achieve success through classic retail standbys -- lower prices, better selection, and superior customer service. PetMed generally offers prices 10% to 15% below the vet's office, and its wide array of products can help customers find less costly or higher quality alternatives for non-prescription needs. Using these advantages as a foot-in-the-door, PetMed has enjoyed strong repeat business, helping to drive decent and profitable growth.

The company's strong financial health, shareholder friendliness, and decent position in a niche market lead me to give it a positive recommendation, but I do believe there are better choices in Magic Formula Investing right now. Here's why.

The biggest problem with PetMed is that it looks like it has stagnated. Revenue growth is going in the wrong direction -- last quarter it fell 2% from the 2009 quarter, not impressive when you consider the recessionary conditions last year. Even worse was profitability. Operating margins declined to 12.6% vs. 15.7% a year ago, leading to a 21% decline in operating income. It was the second quarter in a row that the company suffered declines. The business trend, as they say, is not our friend here.

It appears that new competition from all sides is taking its toll. Customers can now drive to Wal-Mart (WMT) or click to Amazon.com(AMZN) and find the same pet medications for even cheaper than PetMed offers. Direct competition has also emerged from companies like Drs. Foster & Smith, another online pet outfit which has managed to both under-price PetMed on pharmaceuticals and offer other pet supplies as well. This new competition is in addition to PetMed's historical nemesis -- the vets themselves. Vets have dropped their prices on meds and have continued to discourage customers from purchasing pet medications online.

Against these threats, I haven't seen anything from management that indicates it has a plan in place to re-ignite growth. The dividend hike and another new $20 million share repurchase will appease some shareholders, but the fact is that the stock isn't worth much more than it trades at today without growth.

The problem is that it isn't clear what management can do to ease the issues the company is currently experiencing. Better marketing (PetMed advertises on the cheap) may help the top line, but would cut further into margins. Lowering prices is probably not a good strategy, considering the scale and diversity of its big-box competitors. The company operates at a competitive disadvantage.

I'm afraid PetMed is likely to experience declining metrics for a few years before bottoming out at a reduced level of profitability. Even giving the company the benefit of the doubt and modeling in meager growth, my fair value estimate is only about $17 a share, an 11% premium (with the dividend) to current prices.
PetMed has outstanding financial metrics, with more than $70 million in balance sheet cash vs. no debt. The business model is very efficient, with low capital requirements leading to high returns on capital. Average five-year return on equity is over 28%, with return on assets averaging an impressive 26%.

Management has been generous about returning capital to shareholders too. Share count has been reduced by over 2% annually over the past three years, and the dividend was recently boosted 25%, yielding an attractive 3.2% at current share prices.

Since 2006, the company also has generated solid growth in both revenue and margins. The five-year compound annual growth rate in revenue is 11%, and operating margin rose from 13.2% in fiscal 2006 to 17% in fiscal 2010, leading to a 15% CAGR in operating earnings.

Vets control over 75% of this $3.5 billion market. PetMed has been able to achieve success through classic retail standbys -- lower prices, better selection, and superior customer service. PetMed generally offers prices 10% to 15% below the vet's office, and its wide array of products can help customers find less costly or higher quality alternatives for non-prescription needs. Using these advantages as a foot-in-the-door, PetMed has enjoyed strong repeat business, helping to drive decent and profitable growth.

The company's strong financial health, shareholder friendliness, and decent position in a niche market lead me to give it a positive recommendation, but I do believe there are better choices in Magic Formula Investing right now. Here's why.

The biggest problem with PetMed is that it looks like it has stagnated. Revenue growth is going in the wrong direction -- last quarter it fell 2% from the 2009 quarter, not impressive when you consider the recessionary conditions last year. Even worse was profitability. Operating margins declined to 12.6% vs. 15.7% a year ago, leading to a 21% decline in operating income. It was the second quarter in a row that the company suffered declines. The business trend, as they say, is not our friend here.

It appears that new competition from all sides is taking its toll. Customers can now drive to Wal-Mart (WMT) or click to Amazon.com(AMZN) and find the same pet medications for even cheaper than PetMed offers. Direct competition has also emerged from companies like Drs. Foster & Smith, another online pet outfit which has managed to both under-price PetMed on pharmaceuticals and offer other pet supplies as well. This new competition is in addition to PetMed's historical nemesis -- the vets themselves. Vets have dropped their prices on meds and have continued to discourage customers from purchasing pet medications online.

Against these threats, I haven't seen anything from management that indicates it has a plan in place to re-ignite growth. The dividend hike and another new $20 million share repurchase will appease some shareholders, but the fact is that the stock isn't worth much more than it trades at today without growth.

The problem is that it isn't clear what management can do to ease the issues the company is currently experiencing. Better marketing (PetMed advertises on the cheap) may help the top line, but would cut further into margins. Lowering prices is probably not a good strategy, considering the scale and diversity of its big-box competitors. The company operates at a competitive disadvantage.

I'm afraid PetMed is likely to experience declining metrics for a few years before bottoming out at a reduced level of profitability. Even giving the company the benefit of the doubt and modeling in meager growth, my fair value estimate is only about $17 a share, an 11% premium (with the dividend) to current prices.
http://www.thestreet.com/story/10978586/1/has-petmed-express-contracted-fleas.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN
Alexander owns no position in any stocks discussed in this article.

[ICEQUITY]

ESRX Express Scripts, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX) In High Profitability With ROE Of 33.64%

Express Scripts, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX) went up by 2% to close at $58.74 with overall traded volume of 2.87 million shares in the last trading day as compare to its average volume stood at 3.55 million shares. The company is in highly profitability with ROE of 33.64%.
Chartpoppers.com presents a deep financial insight on Express Scripts, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX) based on fundamental and technical analysis covering the company’s background, key statistics, financial statements and technical analysis chart.

http://chartpoppers.com/express-scripts-inc-nasdaqesrx-high-profitability-roe-3364-5599

[ICEQUITY]

CVS WAG Drug Retailers Targeting Flu Season
By Zacks Investment Research on January 19, 2011 | More Posts By Zacks Investment Research | Author's Website
Subscribe by RSSEmail/Share Page Buzz

Although the severe H1N1 alarm will not mark this year’s flu season, drug retailers such as Walgreen (WAG: 41.28 -0.69 -1.64%) and CVS Caremark Corporation (CVS: 34.50 -0.515 -1.47%) are gearing up to tackle this year’s flu season. Walgreen’s is preparing to provide flu shots to more customers and has also increased advertising to meet the objective.

According to the company, the major difference between this year’s flu season compared to last year is associated with the flu shot required – currently, a person will be requiring one flu shot covering both the seasonal and the H1N1 strain compared to two separate shots.

Moreover, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends flu shots for everyone over six months of age whereas last year, the emphasis was on seniors and others with compromised immune systems. While manufacturers have made over 40 million doses this year, Walgreen’s is intending to deliver 15 million flu shots (priced at $30) compared to 7 million last year.

According to a recent CDC report, flu activity is steadily increasing in the US with 8 states witnessing widespread outbreaks of influenza cases. However, a recent survey done by CVS pharmacy shows that 56% of respondents have not received the shots while 93% are aware that flu cases have been reported during the season.

The companies are trying to reach out to these people who have not yet taken the shots as the month of February, which is just around the corner, witnesses the maximum incidence of flu cases.

To meet its objective, Walgreen’s has increased the number of certified immunizing pharmacists and nurse practitioners by 10,000 to reach 26,000. Through the end of the first quarter, approximately 5.6 million flu shots were administered, higher than the year-ago period which was marked by the H1N1 pandemic.

The company is undertaking the steps to become a prominent player in the $40 billion total immunization market. We are encouraged to note that apart from the federal government, Walgreen’s provides more flu shot immunizations than any other single entity in the US.


CVS CAREMARK CP (CVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
http://www.dailymarkets.com/stock/2011/01/19/drug-retailers-targeting-flu-season/

[ICEQUITY]

Google AdWords Now Allows Only VIPPS & CIPA Pharmacy Ads
Feb 26, 2010 • 2:58 am | (0)
by Barry Schwartz | Filed Under Google AdWords

Google announced they are now allowing certain pharmacy and drug ads on their search results. Google AdWords will only accept advertisements from VIPPS and CIPA certified pharmacies, and that these pharmacies can only target ads within the countries where they are accredited.
Of course, for those running ads on the topic of pharmacy and drugs and health, that may have been running ads in the realm of those topics - may also be hit by some algorithm that blocks these ads.
A WebmasterWorld thread has at least one complaint from an advertiser:
Once again, Google used an automated process to "clean house" it appears.
I had no idea that I ran an "Online Pharmacy"
http://www.seroundtable.com/archives/021749.html

[ICEQUITY]

NABP Commends Google's VIPPS-Accreditation Requirement for Internet
U.S. Newswire, Feb 11, 2010

Contact: Larissa Doucette of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, 1-847-391-4405, [e-mail]

MOUNT PROSPECT, Ill., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rogue Internet drug outlets will soon find it more difficult to advertise to unsuspecting consumers, thanks to Google's decision to require VIPPS((R)) (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites(CM)) accreditation. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy((R)) (NABP((R))) commends Google for the new restrictions the company has placed on Web sites selling prescription drugs that are seeking to advertise in the United States through Google AdWords.

"For too long, rogue Web sites posing as legitimate pharmacies have continued, unabated, to peddle substandard, tainted, and counterfeit drugs to unwitting patients," says NABP President Gary A. Schnabel, RN, RPh. "Google's policy change is a major step toward ridding the Internet of these operations, and we applaud Google's commitment to patient safety."

On February 9, 2010, Google announced in its Inside AdWords blog that the company will accept ads only from Internet pharmacies in the US that are accredited through the VIPPS program, and from Internet pharmacies in Canada that are accredited by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association. The revised policy allows Internet pharmacies to target ads only to patients in the country in which the pharmacies are accredited.

The AdWords blog indicates that, once the policy change goes into effect later in February 2010, ads for Internet drug outlets that are not accredited by VIPPS or CIPA will no longer appear in Google's sponsored search results.


Since the advent of its VIPPS program more than a decade ago, NABP has been working to protect patients from rogue Internet drug outlets that circumvent pharmacy laws and practice standards established to protect patient health. In February 2008, NABP began an intensive study of Web sites selling prescription drugs and has found that, of the more than 5,000 Internet drug outlets NABP has reviewed, 96% appear to be out of compliance with pharmacy laws and practice standards. These sites dispense dangerous prescription drugs to patients without a valid prescription or medical oversight. The drugs are often unapproved for sale in the US - or any other developed country - and are often substandard, contaminated, or counterfeit.

By contrast, VIPPS-accredited pharmacies have undergone and successfully completed the thorough NABP accreditation process, which includes a thorough review of all policies and procedures regarding the practice of pharmacy and dispensing of medicine over the Internet, as well as an on-site inspection of all facilities used by the site to receive, review, and dispense medicine. For this reason, NABP recommends that patients use VIPPS-accredited Internet pharmacies when buying medicine online.

"Google's policy revision sets an important precedent in the international push to curb the proliferation of rogue Internet drug outlets," NABP President Schnabel notes. "We encourage other search engines to follow Google's lead and take a stand for patient safety."

More information on the VIPPS program, along with a list of VIPPS- accredited pharmacies, is available under Accreditation Programs on the NABP Web site, www.nabp.net.

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health.

SOURCE National Association of Boards of Pharmacy

Copyright c 2010 U.S. Newswire
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/us-newswire/mi_hb5554/is_20100211/nabp-commends-googles-vipps-accreditation/ai_n49496532/

[ICEQUITY]

$SVU SuperValu Reports 3Q Fiscal 2011 Results
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:20:27 EST
Symbols: SVU

Jan 17, 2011 (Close-Up Media via COMTEX) --
SuperValu INC. reported third quarter fiscal 2011 net sales of $8.7 billion and a net loss of $202 million or $0.95 per diluted share, including charges of $252 million after-tax, or $1.19 per diluted share.

In a release on January 11, the Company noted details:

These charges included the finalization in the third quarter of the non-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges ($210 million after-tax, or $0.99 per diluted share), store closure and exit costs ($29 million after-tax, or $0.14 per diluted share) and employee-related expenses, primarily severance and labor buyout costs ($13 million after-tax, or $0.06 per diluted share) (collectively referred to as the "Charges"). When adjusted for the Charges, third quarter fiscal 2011 net earnings were $50 million, or $0.24 per diluted share. In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, the company reported net sales of $9.2 billion and net earnings of $109 million, or $0.51 per diluted share.

Craig Herkert, SuperValu's chief executive officer and president, said, "Our performance is still not close to my expectations and we continue to take action to change the trajectory of our businesses. Through our business transformation process, we will invest in price, leverage our buying power and enhance retail execution. These measures underscore our commitment to deliver everyday value to our customers as we execute on our vision of being America's Neighborhood Grocer."

Third Quarter Results

Third quarter retail food net sales were $6.6 billion compared to $7.1 billion last year, a decrease of 7.7 percent, primarily reflecting the impact of identical store sales of negative 4.9 percent and previously announced market exits. The identical store sales performance resulted from a continued challenging economic environment and heightened competitive activity. Retail square footage decreased 4.1 percent from the third quarter of fiscal 2010. Excluding the impact of market exits and store closures, total retail square footage increased 1.0 percent compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.

Third quarter supply chain services net sales were $2.1 billion, the same as last year.

Retail food net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 represented 75.8 percent of net sales compared to 77.3 percent last year. Supply chain services net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 represented 24.2 percent of net sales compared to 22.7 percent last year.

Gross profit was $1.9 billion in the third quarter, or 21.5 percent of net sales, compared to $2.1 billion or 22.4 percent last year. The decrease in gross margin as a percent of net sales reflects the shift in business segment mix and increased promotional spending.

Selling and administrative expenses in the third quarter were $1.72 billion, or 19.9 percent of net sales, including $63 million in pre-tax costs related to store exit, severance and labor buyout costs. Excluding these items, selling and administrative expenses were $1.66 billion, or 19.2 percent of sales. In the third quarter of fiscal 2010, selling and administrative expenses were $1.8 billion, or 19.0 percent of net sales, including a $22 million pre-tax net gain from the Salt Lake City retail market exit and $4 million in pre-tax costs related to store closures. Excluding these items, selling and administrative costs were $1.8 billion, or 19.2 percent of net sales. The benefit of business segment mix shift was offset by reduced sales leverage on expenses.

Goodwill and asset impairment charges of $240 million pre-tax were recorded in the third quarter and reflected in the retail food segment operating earnings. As a result, third quarter retail food operating loss was $153 million. Excluding the goodwill and asset impairment charge, as well as $59 million in pre-tax costs related to store closure and exit, severance and labor buyout costs, retail food operating earnings in the third quarter were $146 million, or 2.2 percent of net sales. Last year's retail food operating earnings were $269 million, or 3.8 percent of net sales. Excluding the impact from the Salt Lake City retail market exit and store closures, retail food operating earnings were $251 million or 3.5 percent of net sales. The decrease in retail food operating earnings as a percent of net sales reflects increased promotional spending and reduced sales leverage on expenses.

Supply chain services operating earnings were $69 million, or 3.3 percent of sales, compared to $64 million, or 3.1 percent of sales last year. The increase in supply chain services operating earnings as a percent of net sales reflects strong expense management and improved productivity.

Net interest expense for the third quarter was $124 million compared to $131 million last year, reflecting reduced borrowing levels. The company remains in compliance with all debt covenants.

SuperValu's income tax benefit was $21 million, or 9.2 percent of pre-tax loss in the third quarter compared to income tax expense of $68 million, or 38.8 percent of pre-tax income in last year's third quarter. The tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 reflects the impact of the impairment charges, the majority of which is not deductible for tax purposes. Excluding the impact of the impairment charges and the sale of Bristol Farms, the tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was 37.9 percent.

Capital spending for the third quarter was $142 million compared to $156 million in the prior year. In the third quarter the company completed 20 major remodels, 6 minor remodels and 1 new traditional supermarket, as well as 39 new Save-A-Lot locations. Year-to-date capital spending was $454 million compared to $552 million in the prior year.

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the third quarter were 212 million shares compared to 213 million shares last year. For the third quarter of fiscal 2011, diluted loss per share is computed using the basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding and excludes all outstanding stock options and restricted stock as their effect is anti-dilutive when applied to losses. As of December 4, the company had 212 million shares outstanding.

Year-to-date net cash flows from operating activities were $651 million compared to $798 million in the prior year, primarily reflecting reduced earnings. Year-to-date net cash flows used in investing activities were $310 million compared to $357 million last year, reflecting reduced capital expenditures partially offset by lower proceeds from asset disposals in the current year. Year-to-date net cash flows used for financing activities were $366 million compared to $449 million last year, primarily reflecting lower dividend payments in the current year.

Fiscal 2011 Guidance

Commenting on guidance, Herkert said, "Our third quarter ID sales were softer than we had anticipated. We invested heavily in promotional activities that proved to be less than effective. As a result, it is prudent to take down our full-year guidance for ID sales and earnings." Management now expects a net loss in fiscal 2011 in the range of $7.19 to $7.09 per diluted share on a GAAP basis and adjusted earnings of $1.25 to $1.35 per diluted share when excluding non-cash impairment charges and other costs.

Gain on sale of Total Logistic Control $(0.31 ) $(0.31) Non-GAAP adjusted diluted net earnings per share (1) $0.30 to $0.40 $1.25 to $1.35 $1.40 to $1.60 (1) Comparison of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures Non-GAAP financial measurements in this release are provided to assist in understanding the impact of certain costs. We believe that adjusting for certain costs will assist investors in making an evaluation of our performance. This information should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results, which have been determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. (2) Includes retail market exits in Cincinnati and Connecticut, the sale of Bristol Farms, and other store closure costs. (3) Certain other costs include $0.07 in the second quarter from the impact of the labor dispute at Shaw's, and $0.04 occurring in the second quarter consisting primarily of employee-related costs.

SuperValu's fiscal 2011 guidance includes the following assumptions:

-Net sales for the 52-week fiscal year are estimated to be approximately $38 billion;

-Identical store sales growth, excluding fuel, is projected to be approximately negative 6.0 percent;

-Sales in the traditional food distribution business are expected to decline approximately 3.5 percent, primarily reflecting the transition of the Target Corp. volume to self distribution and the loss of Ukrop's as a customer due to acquisition by a competitor;

-Consumer spending will continue to be pressured;

-Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges are $1.8 billion pre-tax, or $1.7 billion after-tax;

-Fiscal 2011 will include the following approximate after-tax amounts per diluted share:

-$0.38 in charges related to the completion of retail market exits in Connecticut and Cincinnati and store closure costs relating to the sale or closure of an additional 25 to 30 traditional retail stores;

-$0.12 in severance and labor buyout costs, including the elimination of administrative headcount in the fourth quarter;

-$0.11 in certain other costs related to the impact of a labor dispute at Shaw's, which was resolved in July, and second quarter charges primarily for employee-related costs.

-$0.31 in gain on sale of Total Logistic Control.

-The effective tax rate is estimated to be approximately 37.4 percent, excluding impairment charges;

-Weighted-average diluted shares are estimated to be approximately 213 million for purposes of non-GAAP earnings per share;

-Capital spending is projected to be approximately $700 million, including 75 to 85 major store remodels, 15 to 25 minor remodels, 3 replacement stores and approximately 100 new hard-discount stores, including licensed locations, net of closures and relocations; and

-Debt reduction is projected to be approximately $850 million, including approximately $200 million of proceeds from the sale of Total Logistic Control.

Fiscal 2012 Capital Spending Guidance

Commenting on fiscal 2012 capital spending guidance, Herkert said, "We remain committed to aggressively paying down debt, investing in our asset base and shedding non-core operations. This coming year, we will again allocate greater capital to grow Save-A-Lot. For our traditional banners, capital spending will go toward investments in technology to support our business transformation and store remodels."

The company announced its fiscal 2012 capital spending plan of approximately $700 million. Included in the plan are an acceleration of hard-discount store openings, including licensed locations, and 55 store remodels. No new traditional supermarkets are planned for fiscal 2012.

SuperValu Inc. is a company in the U.S. grocery channel with annual sales of approximately $38 billion.

More information:

supervalu.com

((Comments on this story may be sent to [e-mail]))

For full details on Supervalu Inc (SVU) SVU. Supervalu Inc (SVU) has Short Term PowerRatings at TradingMarkets. Details on Supervalu Inc (SVU) Short Term PowerRatings is available at This Link.
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/svu_supervalu-reports-3q-fiscal-2011-results-1425776.html

[ICEQUITY]

$PETS EARNINGS UPDATE: PETMED EXPRESS RELEASES ITS QUARTERLY EARNINGS ON JANUARY 19, 2011 (PETS)
Print Share Jan 17, 2011 (SmarTrend(R) News Watch via COMTEX) -- Analysts, on average, expect PetMed Express (NASDAQ:PETS) to report earnings of $0.20 per share on sales of $47 million on January 19, 2011.
For the full year, analysts expect the company to post EPS of $0.98. In the year-ago period, the company reported EPS of $0.25 on sales of $48 million.

In the previous quarter, the company reported EPS of $0.22, missing consensus estimates of $0.26.

SmarTrend is monitoring the recent change of momentum in PetMed Express. Please refer to our Company Overview for the results of our proprietary technical indicators that have been scanning shares of PetMed Express in search of a potential trend change.

Write to Chip Brian at [e-mail]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SmarTrend analyzes over 5,000 securities simultaneously throughout the trading day and provides its subscribers with trend change alerts in real time. To get a free trial of our trading calls and maximize your trading results, please visit http://www.mysmartrend.com

Get exclusive, actionable insight into how the market is expected to trend prior to market open with our free morning newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.mysmartrend.com/signup

Copyright, Comtex News Network, Inc. 2011
http://www.zacks.com/research/get_news.php?id=017l3750

[ICEQUITY]

Walgreens Announces Executive Appointments

-Appoints New Chief Customer Experience Officer-

-Promotes Three Executives-

DEERFIELD, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walgreens (NYSE:WAG)(NASDAQ:WAG) today announced that Graham W. Atkinson is joining the company as senior vice president and chief customer experience officer, effective Jan. 24. Atkinson will be responsible for developing and leading the company’s loyalty strategies with a specific emphasis on the customer experience. He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Wasson.

“We have created an online presence to match our brick-and-mortar reach, and we are truly innovating with services like our Pharmacy Chat.”
Most recently, Atkinson was president of Mileage Plus for United Airlines, one of the world’s leading customer loyalty programs with more than 50 million members. In that role, he was responsible for improving the effectiveness of the customer loyalty program and extending the reach and impact of the marketing efforts for the program. While at United, he previously served as executive vice president and chief customer officer and senior vice president-marketing.

“With Graham’s 20-year career in marketing, customer experience, sales and operations at United, he brings valuable insight into driving customer loyalty both through marketing programs and in a complex business where employees are the true ambassadors for the brand,” Wasson said. “We look forward to that perspective, as we continue to develop our approach to loyalty in our stores and across our organization.”

Walgreens continues to strengthen its leadership team not only with executives from other industries, but also through recognizing the skills and abilities of current managers. Today, the company is promoting three executives who have made many valuable contributions to Walgreens.

Sona Chawla, currently senior vice president of e-commerce, is promoted to president of e-commerce.

“Under Sona’s visionary leadership, we have made extraordinary progress in our online, mobile and e-commerce capabilities,” Wasson said. “We have created an online presence to match our brick-and-mortar reach, and we are truly innovating with services like our Pharmacy Chat.”

Mia Scholz, currently corporate vice president of accounting and controller, is promoted to senior vice president of accounting and controller.

“Under Mia’s leadership, the company has continued a standard of excellence in finance and accounting stewardship as well as embarked on the largest accounting organizational transformation in Walgreens history,” said Wade Miquelon, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Her financial acumen, critical analysis and careful decision-making are essential to the ongoing success of the company’s financial departments.”

Robert Zimmerman, currently vice president of corporate development, is promoted to senior vice president and chief strategy officer in recognition of the increasing importance strategy development plays at Walgreens and his contributions leading business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategy development and planning.

“Bob has been influential in the development of the company’s core strategies and initiatives, and, under his leadership of our mergers and acquisitions team, we successfully acquired the Duane Reade drugstore chain in New York last April,” Miquelon said. “That is just one of many examples of the key transactions he has led in recent years. His keen insight and thoughtful counsel are critical to the continued evolution of our business strategy.”

About Walgreens

Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2010 sales of $67 billion. The company operates 7,655 drugstores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Each day, Walgreens provides nearly 6 million customers the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice in communities across America. Walgreens scope of pharmacy services includes retail, specialty, infusion, medical facility and mail service, along with pharmacy benefit solutions and respiratory services. These services improve health outcomes and lower costs for payers including employers, managed care organizations, health systems, pharmacy benefit managers and the public sector. Take Care Health Systems is a Walgreens subsidiary that is the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country.

Contacts
Walgreen Co. Corporate Communications
Tiffani Washington
[phone]
[e-mail]
http://news.walgreens.com

Permalink: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110117005646/en/Walgreens-Announces-Executive-Appointments

[ICEQUITY]

CI Susquehanna Initiates Coverage on CIGNA Co. (NYSE: CI)
January 17th, 2011 • View Comments • Filed Under • by ABMN Staff

Equities research analysts at Susquehanna initiated coverage on shares of CIGNA Co. (NYSE: CI) in a research note to clients and investors on Friday. The analysts set a “neutral” rating on the stock.

Separately, analysts at Deutsche Bank (NYSE: DB) upgraded shares of CIGNA Co. from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note to investors on Thursday, January 6th.

CIGNA Corporation (CIGNA) is an investor-owned health service organization in the United States. The Company’s subsidiaries are providers of healthcare and related benefits, the majority of which are offered through the workplace, including healthcare products and services; group disability, life and accident insurance, and workers’ compensation case management and related services. In addition, the Company has an international operation that offers life, accident and supplemental health insurance products, as well as international health care products and services to businesses and individuals in selected markets. CIGNA’s revenues are derived principally from premiums, fees, mail order pharmacy, other revenues and investment income. The Company operates in five business segments: HealthCare, Disability and Life, International, Run-off Reinsurance and Other Operations. In February 2010, the Company acquired Kronos Optimal Health Company.

Shares of CIGNA Co. (NYSE: CI) traded up 1.26% during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $40.03. CIGNA Co. has a 52 week low of $29.12 and a 52 week high of $40.44. The stock’s 50-day moving average is $37.5 and its 200-day moving average is $34.93. On average, analysts predict that CIGNA Co. will post $1.09 EPS next quarter. The company has a market cap of $10.845 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.00.

Stay on top of analysts' coverage with American Banking & Market News' daily email newsletter that provides a concise list of analysts’ upgrades, analysts’ downgrades and analysts’ price target changes for each day. Click Here to register.

http://www.americanbankingnews.com/2011/01/17/susquehanna-initiates-coverage-on-cigna-co-nyse-ci/

[ICEQUITY]

UNH UnitedHealth Group Soared to New High - NYSE:UNH
Published By rabia On Tue ,January - 18 - 2011. Under: Business News

UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) achieved its new high price of $40.90 where it was opened at $39.48 added 1.17 points or +2.95%. UNH transacted shares during the day were over 10.56 million shares.
UNH has an operating margin of 8.31% and its profit margin remained 4.93% for the last 12 months. The company has earnings of $4.54 billion and made $91.91 billion revenue for the last 12 month. Its quarter to quarter earnings per share (EPS) remained 27.77% while earning per share for the next 5-years was 11.47%.
The company has 1.10 billion of outstanding shares and 1.09 billion shares were floated in the market. Its price to earning was 10.27 for the last 12 months.
The price moved ahead of 10.64% from the mean of 20 days, +11.28% from 50 and went up 23.41% from 200 days average price. Company’s performance for the week was 6.03%, +15.01% for month and yearly performance remained 22.29%.
Disclaimer: Never invest in any stock featured on our site or emails unless you can afford to lose your entire investment. stockbling.com publisher and its affiliates and contractors are not registered investment advisers or broker/dealers.Our disclaimer ( http://stockbling.com/disclaimer) is to be read and fully understood before using our site, reading our newsletter or joining our email list. Release of Liability: Through use of this website viewing or using, you agree to hold stockbling.com report and Crown Equity Holdings Inc. CRWE, its operators, shareholders, employees and/or contractors harmless and to completely release them from any and all liability due to any and all loss (monetary or otherwise), damages (monetary or otherwise) that you may occur. Rule 17B requires disclosure of payment for investor relations. Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB) is a newswire as well as an IR and PR firm. Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB), in some cases, provides media advertising and public awareness for both public and private companies, as well as disseminating news. As such, in some cases, when Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB) advertises for a particular client, Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB) charges an advertising fee which it must disclose under 17B. The fee may be in cash, in free trading stock or in restricted stock. Crown Equity Holdings Inc. (CRWE.OB), if paid in stock, can and may sell those securities during the advertising period.

Tags: EPS, NYSE:UNH, operating margin, outstanding shares, price to earning, profit margin, quarter to quarter earnings per share, UNH, UnitedHealth Group, yearly performance
http://stockbling.com/2025/business-news/unitedhealth-group-soared-to-new-high-nyseunh/

[ICEQUITY]

Steady Stocks at NASDAQ – NTRS, INFY, ESRX, TROW, PCAR
Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 | Filed under Stocks | Posted by TechWeek
Tags: ESRX, Express Scripts, Infosys, INFY, NASDAQ:ESRX, NASDAQ:INFY, NASDAQ:NTRS, NASDAQ:PCAR, NASDAQ:TROW, Northern, NTRS, PACCAR, PCAR, T. Rowe Price, TROW
Northern Trust Corporation (NASDAQ:NTRS) opened 0.16% higher than its previous closing price and reported a gain of 0.68% to close at $55.88.
NTRS volume for the last trading session was 2.07 million shares and recent price distance from SMA50 remained 5.25%. Northern Trust Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides asset servicing, fund administration, investment management, banking, and fiduciary solutions for corporations, institutions, and individuals worldwide.
Infosys Technologies Limited (ADR) (NASDAQ:INFY) opened 0.08% lower than its previous closing price and reported a fall of 1.55% to close at $70.73.
INFY volume for the last trading session was 2.04 million shares and recent price distance from SMA50 remained -0.27%. Infosys Technologies Limited provides information technology (IT) and consulting services worldwide.
Express Scripts, Inc. (NASDAQ:ESRX) opened 0.02% higher than its previous closing price and reported a fall of 0.07% to close at $57.59.
ESRX volume for the last trading session was 1.96 million shares and recent price distance from SMA50 remained 6.56%. Express Scripts, Inc. provides a range of pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services in North America.
T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) opened 0.36% lower than its previous closing price and advanced 1.44% to close at $67.70.
TROW volume for the last trading session was 1.88 million shares and recent price distance from SMA50 remained 10.02%. T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. The firm primarily provides its services to individual and institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries.
PACCAR Inc (NASDAQ:PCAR) opened 0.51% lower than its previous closing price and fell 0.04% to close at $56.38.
PCAR volume for the last trading session was 1.80 million shares and recent price distance from SMA50 remained 1.63%. PACCAR Inc. and its subsidiaries design, manufacture, and distribute light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks and related aftermarket parts worldwide. The company markets heavy duty diesel trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF nameplates.
http://techweek.org/24781steady-stocks-at-nasdaq-ntrs-infy-esrx-trow-pcar.html

[ICEQUITY]

NASDAQ Upward Movement Stock Watchlist: drugstore.com, NASDAQ:DSCM

Submitted by ChartPoppers Admin on January 18, 2011 - 4:05am
drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ:DSCM) rose 5.75% to close at $2.39, traded with the volume of 2.20 million shares while the market capitalization remained $253.34 million.
Chartpoppers.com provides comprehensive financial report on drugstore.com, inc. (NASDAQ:DSCM), these updates are presented after a thorough study of various company aspects as its background, performance chart, key figures, and financial round up.

http://chartpoppers.com/nasdaq-upward-movement-stock-watchlist-drugstorecom-nasdaqdscm-5404

[ICEQUITY]

(FLWS, OWW, OSTK, NTRI, PETS) 1-800-FLOWERS.COM OFFERS INVESTORS THE BEST CASH FLOW IN THE INTERNET RETAIL INDUSTRY
Print Share Jan 18, 2011 (SmarTrend(R) News Watch via COMTEX) -- Below are the top five companies in the Internet Retail industry as measured by the price to cash flow ratio. Often companies with the lowest ratio present the greatest value to investors.
1-800-Flowers.com (NASDAQ:FLWS) has a price to free cash flow ratio of 6.5x based on a current price of $2.55 and a free cash flow per share of $0.39.

Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE:OWW) has a price to free cash flow ratio of 7.9x based on a current price of $5.46 and a free cash flow per share of $0.69.

Overstock.com (NASDAQ:OSTK) has a price to free cash flow ratio of 9.9x based on a current price of $16.93 and a free cash flow per share of $1.7.

NutriSystem (NASDAQ:NTRI) has a price to free cash flow ratio of 11.8x based on a current price of $19.59 and a free cash flow per share of $1.67.

PetMed Express (NASDAQ:PETS) has a price to free cash flow ratio of 13.4x based on a current price of $15.8 and a free cash flow per share of $1.18.

SmarTrend currently has shares of 1-800-Flowers.com in an Uptrend and issued the Uptrend alert on November 08, 2010 at $2.10. The stock has risen 21.7% since the Uptrend alert was issued.

Write to Chip Brian at [e-mail]
http://www.zacks.com/research/get_news.php?id=018l4017
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SmarTrend analyzes over 5,000 securities simultaneously throughout the trading day and provides its subscribers with trend change alerts in real time. To get a free trial of our trading calls and maximize your trading results, please visit http://www.mysmartrend.com

Get exclusive, actionable insight into how the market is expected to trend prior to market open with our free morning newsletter. Sign up at: http://www.mysmartrend.com/signup

Copyright, Comtex News Network, Inc. 2011

[ICEQUITY]

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) 10.38% below Analyst median target price

UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) is one of a dozen NYSE companies that is preparing to report their quarterly earnings this week. Many factors have come into play over the past fiscal period as data regarding home sales in december, weekly jobless claims and the ongoing factor of the European economy, continue to cast resistance on company performance. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) is to report its quarterly earnings this thursday and is expected by analysts to hit a median target of $45 per share. The median estimate represents a increase of 10.38% from its previous closing price of $40.77. Chartpoppers.com has released a special addition investment review on UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH) ahead of the expected earnings report.
Click on the ebook below to view the report. In the report chartpoppers.com provides a recent financial Summary, Analyst Consensus, Technical Analysis charts and much more.


http://chartpoppers.com/unitedhealth-group-nyseunh-1038-below-analyst-median-target-price-5367

[ICEQUITY]

CVS Caremark Announces Interim Leadership for Retail Business
http://bit.ly/EQUITIESRxVIPPSINDEX
Mike Bloom, EVP Merchandising and Supply Chain and Scott Baker, EVP Internal Operations and Real Estate to lead CVS/pharmacy until New Retail President is Named

WOONSOCKET, R.I., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) today announced that it has appointed its two highest ranking retail executives to jointly lead its CVS/pharmacy business, reporting directly to Larry Merlo, President and Chief Operating Officer of CVS Caremark. Effective immediately, Mike Bloom, EVP Merchandising and Supply Chain, and Scott Baker, EVP Internal Operations and Real Estate, will take over the management of the company's retail business for its 7,100 stores across the country. Bloom and Baker are assuming these responsibilities on an interim basis pending completion of the Company's previously announced search for a new President of CVS/pharmacy.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090226/NE75914LOGO )
Mike Bloom is a seasoned retail executive with more than 30 years of retail experience, 20 of them with CVS/pharmacy. As the senior CVS/pharmacy executive with direct oversight for merchandising and supply chain activities, Bloom leads an integrated end-to-end network managing store layout as well as the selection, purchasing, inventory and supply of product throughout the company's retail locations as well as managing the company's visual merchandising and pricing departments. In addition to his current role, Bloom will now assume responsibility for advertising and marketing.
Scott Baker, whose tenure with CVS/pharmacy spans more than 25 years, has held a variety of important senior roles including SVP of Retail Operations and head of the company's East retail field operations. Baker, a pharmacist by training, will now assume responsibility for all of the company's retail field organizations and pharmacy operations.
"As the company's succession planning process moves forward and I have assumed more enterprise-wide responsibilities, we made the decision to delegate the day-to-day operations of our Retail business to two of our most senior retail executives," noted Merlo. "What has remained clear throughout our search for a new President of CVS/pharmacy is that we are very fortunate to have a strong, stable group of senior leaders supporting our business. This team of individuals has helped shape our direction and deliver industry-leading results and has consistently demonstrated the highest levels of leadership and teamwork. I expect this success to continue into the future as Mike and Scott lead the retail organization."
The company also announced that it has made the decision to resume its search for a new President of CVS/pharmacy. Merlo added, "I am confident we will find the right individual for this important role."
About CVS Caremark
CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. Through our integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care, we are uniquely positioned to provide greater access, to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponsors and their members. CVS Caremark is a market leader in mail order pharmacy, retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and retail clinics, and is a leading provider of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. As one of the country's largest pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), we provide access to a network of more than 64,000 pharmacies, including approximately 7,100 CVS/pharmacy® stores that provide unparalleled service and capabilities. Our clinical expertise includes one of the industry's most comprehensive disease management programs. General information about CVS Caremark is available through the Company's Web site at http://info.cvscaremark.com.
Contacts:
Eileen Howard Dunn
Corporate Communications
[phone]

Carolyn Castel
Corporate Communications
[phone]
[e-mail]

Nancy Christal
Investor Relations
[phone]


SOURCE CVS Caremark
Back to top
RELATED LINKS
http://info.cvscaremark.com

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-caremark-announces-interim-leadership-for-retail-business-114118054.html

[ICEQUITY]

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