NYSE:WLP
$61.97
(3/16 6:40PM)
+0.7%
| Open | $61.43 |
Mkt Cap | $27.3 Billion |
| High | $62.02 |
52Wk High | $70.00 |
| Low | $60.67 |
52Wk Low | $36.41 |
| Volume | 4.7 Million |
Avg Vol 10D | 5.5 Million |
Ockham's Rating/Recommendation Summary
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WLP Revenue
As a value investing shop, we are interested in seeing how WLP's revenues measure up against past performances. One easily understandable way of doing that is to compare Price to Sales per share levels over a given time frame. Assuming it is available, Ockham prefers to look at ten years of history (for this stock there are 10 years of history available) and we weigh recent years more heavily. This allows us to find weighted average historical high and low Price to Sales ratios, which give us a better idea of the stock's current underlying value. Using this method, we have established a high range for Price to Sales of 0.98x and the low end of the range at 0.61x.
With respect to these historically rational metrics, notice that the current Price to Sales per share ratio for WLP of 0.43x is well below its normal historic Price to Sales levels. At a price of $62.58, WLP is 47% below where we would expect to see it. Clearly, this stock looks undervalued compared to historical levels, at least on a Price to Sales basis. This will positively affect our analysis because it is rare to find a stock this far below historical norms, and we would expect some price appreciation to bring this metric back towards a more normal range.
WLP Cash Earnings
As a value investment framework, Ockham Research is similar to a private equity firm in terms of our valuation methods. We are always on the lookout for value in the form of sales and cash numbers. In the case of WLP, Ockham views their current Cash Earnings as significantly below its historical average multiple of Cash Earnings. Looking at the last 10 years we can get a good understanding of what investors have grown to expect from WLP. For example, WLP's Cash Earnings ratio per share has fluctuated between 12.07 and 19.69 over this historical timeframe. This range is based upon a proprietary weighted methodology at Ockham, but can clearly show an investor where WLP is with respect to prior business periods.
So with WLP's current price (latest close of $62.58) and most recent level of Cash Earnings reported, we see significant opportunity from a value perspective. At its current price level, WLP is 64% below its average level of Price to Cash Earnings on a historical basis. This means that investors were willing to pay for a much higher stock price than currently for the same level of Cash in the past, on a relative basis. There are a couple of important things to remember, however. First, value doesn't exist in a vacuum. So if the market doesn't recognize this value, even a great disparity in Price to Cash Earnings cannot force an immediate stock price reaction. Second, patience is key when looking at securities that have reached these levels of Price to Cash Earnings versus their historical norms. So be patient with WLP.
WLP Dividends
When determining a company's future prospects for success, Ockham Research sees analysis of dividend payments as a key additional factor. Even though it isn't imperative for WLP to shell out a dividend in order to receive a positive rating, it can be helpful to further our analysis. WLP may pay a dividend at this time; however, there is an insufficient amount of history to incorporate it into our analysis. Therefore, we are not utilizing the dividends or lack thereof in our study. As WLP more consistent dividend history is made available, we will begin to factor this into the Ockham approach.
A Discussion of Market Bellwethers and WLP on Fast Money
As leading economic indicators, blue chip stocks often receive a lot of attention from the media. Recently, Fast Money talked about WLP in their discussion of economic bellwethers.
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Learn About RazorWire?Stay Current on WLP's News on Closing Bell
Staying informed on the news is invaluable for investors, and RazorWire has captured a recently discussion on WLP from Closing Bell.
Based on our methodology, WellPoint, Incorporated should hold some appeal to value investors as we view it as Undervalued. Crowd sentiment is leaning to the bearish side, according to the robust data set collected by the Motley Fool CAPS survey. Ranking all stocks in terms of news coverage offers some interesting data. In the case of WLP, it is getting significantly more attention in recent news coverage than we are used to seeing.
“… The big health care bill, remember those hmos like humana, WELLPOINT have outperformed the market recently. Tenet healthcaper moving sideways and merck and pharmaceuticals a ... …”
Squawk On The Street Discussed WLP in Relation to M&A Activity
While we do not know the details relating to WLP and any possible deal, our RazorWire news analytics has noticed a mention of the stock near a conversation about M&A activity.
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Learn About RazorWire?Check Out Street Smart With Carol Massar and Matt Miller and News on WLP
The latest news from Street Smart With Carol Massar and Matt Miller on WLP is available through Ockham's news analytics platform RazorWire.
As we analyze the results from RazorWire, one thing we do is rank each stock in terms of amount of news coverage. Recently, WLP has been less covered in the news compared to the rest of our universe of stocks. We consider WLP as Undervalued at the current price of $62.53. According to our methodology, this stock has appreciation potential based on current fundamentals which only improves if earnings or revenue surprise. The Motley Fool CAPS data suggests that investors believe WellPoint, Incorporated will beat the market in the foreseeable future.
“… WELLPOINT will have to raise the prices to pay for all the people coming onto the roster if health care reform comes through. …”
Street Smart With Carol Massar and Matt Miller Brings News Related to WellPoint, Incorporated
The latest news from Street Smart With Carol Massar and Matt Miller on WLP is available through Ockham's news analytics platform RazorWire.
When taking into account the amount of news coverage each stock normally sees as a percentage of the total, WellPoint, Incorporated has actually sunk a bit in comparison to the others. Crowd sentiment is favorable on this stock, as measured by the Motley Fool CAPS survey. At present, Ockham has a valuation stance of Undervalued on WLP, as we could see significant price appreciation based on current fundamentals like cash earnings and revenue.
“… Not a bad run. Light volume. Well. Is defending its -- WELLPOINT is defending its increases. …”
Stocks in the News: WellPoint, Incorporated Among the Twenty Most Discussed Stocks
Something important is going on with WLP today, as it is getting a lot of attention on business television and influential blogs.
The Motley Fool CAPS data suggests that investors believe WellPoint, Incorporated will beat the market in the foreseeable future. As we analyze the results from RazorWire, one thing we do is rank each stock in terms of amount of news coverage. Recently, WLP has been less covered in the news compared to the rest of our universe of stocks. We consider WLP as Undervalued at the current price of $61.23. According to our methodology, this stock has appreciation potential based on current fundamentals which only improves if earnings or revenue surprise.
“… WELLPOINT is an extremely attractive stock here. . > > and our resident boomer who hasn't lost a step yet is betting big on bio tech. It's an unstoppable demographic force. …”
Regulators Interested in WLP? Possibly as Both Were Discussed on Power Lunch
RazorWire news analytics has noted a discussion of WLP that may be related to a regulators or the Fed on Power Lunch.
The Motley Fool CAPS data suggests that investors believe WellPoint, Incorporated will beat the market in the foreseeable future. We consider WLP as Undervalued at the current price of $60.92. According to our methodology, this stock has appreciation potential based on current fundamentals which only improves if earnings or revenue surprise. As we analyze the results from RazorWire, one thing we do is rank each stock in terms of amount of news coverage. Recently, WLP has been less covered in the news compared to the rest of our universe of stocks.
“… I believe he singled out WELLPOINT. Aren't the rate increases related to a need for insurers to raise rates before the fed comes in and take control of the system? > > …”
News Breaking on WellPoint, Incorporated on The Call
News has broken via the television and viral blogs regarding WLP, so investors should take an interest in learning what was said.
As we analyze the results from RazorWire, one thing we do is rank each stock in terms of amount of news coverage. Recently, WLP has been less covered in the news compared to the rest of our universe of stocks. The Motley Fool CAPS data suggests that investors believe WellPoint, Incorporated will beat the market in the foreseeable future. We consider WLP as Undervalued at the current price of $61.68. According to our methodology, this stock has appreciation potential based on current fundamentals which only improves if earnings or revenue surprise.
“… so the insurance companies, one of the insurance company that's in the news right now is WELLPOINT and they asked last year in michigan for a 50% increase in premium. …”
WLP News Mentioned on The Call Recently
WellPoint, Incorporated is one of the thousands of companies that Ockham has news analytics on, and it was recently discussed on The Call.
As we analyze the results from RazorWire, one thing we do is rank each stock in terms of amount of news coverage. Recently, WLP has been less covered in the news compared to the rest of our universe of stocks. We consider WLP as Undervalued at the current price of $61.68. According to our methodology, this stock has appreciation potential based on current fundamentals which only improves if earnings or revenue surprise. The Motley Fool CAPS data suggests that investors believe WellPoint, Incorporated will beat the market in the foreseeable future.
“… All of the major companies, etna, cigna, WELLPOINT. We may see a drop by from the president to reinforce that rhetoric, larry and their vote-gathering operation with the ... …”
WellPoint, Incorporated News Appeared on Imus In The Morning
As always, the latest news on WLP is available to Ockham clients through RazorWire, and it was mentioned recently on Imus In The Morning.
Based on our methodology, WellPoint, Incorporated should hold some appeal to value investors as we view it as Undervalued. We noticed recently that in comparison to all other stocks we analyze in the news; WLP has received less coverage from the financial media in business television and blogs. Crowd sentiment is leaning to the bearish side, according to the robust data set collected by the Motley Fool CAPS survey.
“… Human services secretary, kathleen sebelius meeting with top health insurance executives today including those from united health, aetna and WELLPOINT and cracking down on a hike ... …”