Covance, Inc. (CVD)

FIrstly it's quite clear this one has only dropped because of the market volatility. A sector leader constantly improving on itself, as is evidenced in a number of accolades this year from its own customers. The only thumbs down below is obviously from a peta activist -- all sane writers here are thumbs up. Other than a full blown market crash, this one practically HAS to go back up. 60$ easy when the indices trend up, 80$ when recession talk dies, and 100$ a year after that.

Pharma is among the least affected industries, however they are seeking cost reductions, effiiciency gains, etc like everyone else. The usual and likely avenue for that is CROs, and if you read the news for this company, they are already reeping rewards.

Safe bet in medical space

This company has shown steady growth year after year and 2008 is no exception. I see several years of good growth in this companies future.

contract research organization (CRO) should benefit of increasing drug tests and testing to get FDA approval.

great defensive play

A TMFEldrehad Monthly pick.

Strong Sector for 2010

excellent growth prospects

Great company growing quickly at a time when healthcare for baby boomers is a huge market. this company will see more and more business as pharma both big and small continue to test drugs in the pipeline. I also like this play as a safe way to bet in drug development as Covance's bottom line isn't effected when a drug fails tests like the pharma guys.

Let’s face it, investing in drug developers isn’t easy. First, there’s the science risk – the chance that the company’s best drug prospect will fail somewhere during the arduous clinical trial and regulatory approval process. If that weren’t enough, there’s the market risk – the chance that someone else either brings their competing drug to market first, or brings a more effective drug to market later. If, however, you are looking for a way to capitalize on the overall uptrend in the pharmaceutical industry without taking on risks than can, and often do, border on speculation, Covance may well be a candidate worthy of serious consideration.

After all, “selling pickaxes to gold prospectors” may seem like an overly used analogy in the business and investing world, but finding these kinds of companies can be a great way to boost your portfolio’s returns without taking on the speculative risk of doing the prospecting on your own.

Good investment for the long-term...

Covance is notorious for its cruel treatment of its laboratory animals and is the subject
of a major campaign by Peta. Unlike most industries that use animals, Covance has
been totally resistant to negotiation on this issue. I believe this is a sign of unethical
management and expect this company to do poorly.

Tests new drugs for pharm companies, steady work, low risk

This stock was hit in late October after reporting 3Q profit was in line with analyst expectations. I think that CVD is still in a strong enough position to make a great investment, though growth may be slowing. Either way, the P/E isn't terrible for such a stock. Drug companies HAVE to develop new drugs to stay in business, and those companies need someone like CVD to help develop new products. I have not done enough research on this company yet, and am not putting any real money in, but I will be keeping my eye on this stock and looking further into what looks like a good deal.

way oversold

Pummeled. Absolutely pummeled. From $100 to $40 this year.

But the company remains solid in every respect, and is almost guaranteed a comeback. Not to mention that the biotech sector is seeing some action as a hedge against a recession. I'm loading up on biotechs, but would probably take CVD either way.

I put it at $60 by June.

I have bull picks on all of these companies ICON, PRXL etc.

Victim of maket hysteria. An absolute bargain in the 40s.