Update on Blackstone Group (BX), and Ratings Changes on Vertex (VRTX) and Total (TOT)
Blackstone Group (BX – large yield varies) is up 7% midday on news that the company plans to invest $40 billion (or much more) in various U.S. infrastructure projects. Blackstone received a $20 billion investment commitment from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and intends to raise another $20 billion from other investors. Blackstone will then leverage the investment, and improve and build roads, bridges, tunnels, airports and other projects which will generate future income via passenger fees, and other revenue methods.
BX broke out of a four-month trading range in late April, had a brief pullback—which is a common post-breakout occurrence—and has now resumed its upward climb. BX could rise as high as 38 this year, where it will likely establish a new trading range. Strong Buy.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) I’m moving VRTX from Hold to Strong Buy because the stock appears capable of breaking past 120 this week after trading sideways for two months. The best-case scenario this year is that VRTX could rise to its 2015 high around 140. Strong Buy.
Total SA (TOT – yield varies, approx. 4.1%) has been rising toward price resistance at 55, where it will likely rest for a while. Therefore, I’m changing my recommendation from Strong Buy to Hold. Traders should exit near 55, and everybody else should hold this undervalued growth stock, and consider buying additional shares on pullbacks. That stock could reach 62 later this year if the broader stock market and/or oil prices continue to rise.
To reiterate, I believe TOT is a great total return stock for investors who plan to hold it for another six to 24 months, but has probably maxed out its near-term capital gain prospects. Hold.