Edward Owens buys ONYX Pharmaceuticals Inc., adds to Merck & Co. Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., Pfizer Inc., sells Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc., Genentech Inc.

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Oct 31, 2008
Healthcare stocks are in dump, even before others were dumped. But some value gurus like them. If you want to what the best health care stocks, you should look at what Edward Owens is doing. Ed Owens is probably the most successful healthcare investor. These are his buys and sells during the third quarter.


Edward Owens buys ONYX Pharmaceuticals Inc., adds to Merck & Co. Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc., Pfizer Inc., sells Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc., Genentech Inc., PDL BioPharma Inc. during the 3-months ended 09/30/2008, according to the most recent filings of his investment company, Vanguard Health Care Fund. Edward Owens owns 79 stocks with a total value of $19.7 billion. These are the details of the buys and sells.





New Purchases: ONXX,


Added Positions: AET, BIIB, CVH, DGX, DVA, ELN, HNT, MRK, PFE, UNH, WYE,


Reduced Positions: CL, JNJ,


Sold Out: BRL, DNA, PDLI,





For the details of Edward Owens's stock buys and sells, go to http://www.gurufocus.com/StockBuy.php?GuruName=Edward+Owens


Added: Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Merck & Co. Inc. by 40.73%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 1.04%. His holdings were 22,371,200 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Merck & Co. Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891 Merck discovers develops manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines to address unmet medical needs. The company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service. Merck & Co. Inc. has a market cap of $64.68 billion; its shares were traded at around $28.68 with a P/E ratio of 14.45 and P/S ratio of 2.55. The dividend yield of Merck & Co. Inc. stocks is 5.33%.


Added: UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in UnitedHealth Group Inc. by 14.95%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.32%. His holdings were 19,267,300 shares as of 09/30/2008.


UnitedHealth Group Inc. offers health care coverage and related services to help people achieve improved health and well-being through all stages of life. The company's products and services reflect a number of core capabilities including medical information management health benefit administration care coordination risk assessment and pricing health benefit design and provider contracting. With these capabilities it is able to provide comprehensive health care management services through organized health systems and insurance products. UnitedHealth Group Inc. has a market cap of $27.47 billion; its shares were traded at around $21.32 with a P/E ratio of 8.18 and P/S ratio of 0.33. The dividend yield of UnitedHealth Group Inc. stocks is 0.12%.


Added: Elan Corp. plc (ELN, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Elan Corp. plc by 324.38%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.28%. His holdings were 6,875,000 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Elan Corporation plc is a leading worldwide specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery development and marketing of therapeutic products and services in neurology acute care and pain management and on the development and commercialization of products using its extensive range of proprietary drug delivery technologies. The company consists of three operating divisions: Elan Pharmaceuticals Elan Pharmaceutical Technologies and Elan Pharmaceutical Operations. Elan Corp. plc has a market cap of $3.23 billion; its shares were traded at around $7.66 with P/S ratio of 3.83.


Added: Pfizer Inc (PFE, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Pfizer Inc by 16.53%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.22%. His holdings were 16,211,570 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Pfizer Inc is a research-based global pharmaceutical company that discovers and develops innovative value-added products that improve the quality of life of people around the world and help them enjoy longer healthier and more productive lives. Pfizer has three business segments: health care animal health and consumer health care. Its products are available in numerous countries. (Company Press Release) Pfizer Inc has a market cap of $120.39 billion; its shares were traded at around $17.19 with a P/E ratio of 11.43 and P/S ratio of 2.37. The dividend yield of Pfizer Inc stocks is 7.57%.


Added: Coventry Health Care Inc. (CVH, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Coventry Health Care Inc. by 18.91%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.19%. His holdings were 7,314,500 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Coventry Health Care Inc. is a managed health care company operating health plans under the names Coventry Health Care Coventry Health and Life HealthAmerica HealthAssurance HealthCare USA Group Health Plan SouthCare Southern Health Carelink Health Plans and WellPath. The Company provides a full range of managed care products and services including health maintenance organization point-of-service preferred provider organization products and Medicare and Medicaid products. The Company also administers self-insured plans for large employer groups. Coventry Health Care Inc. has a market cap of $1.95 billion; its shares were traded at around $11.82 with a P/E ratio of 4.24 and P/S ratio of 0.15.


Added: Biogen Idec Inc (BIIB, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Biogen Idec Inc by 59.03%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.18%. His holdings were 1,920,000 shares as of 09/30/2008.


IDEC Pharmaceuticals Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company engaged primarily in the research development and commercialization of targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Their first commercial product Rituxan and our most advanced product candidate ZEVALIN are for use in the treatment of certain B-cellnon-Hodgkin's lymphomas. They are also developing products for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases (such as psoriasis rheumatoidarthritis and lupus). Biogen Idec Inc has a market cap of $11.76 billion; its shares were traded at around $41.94 with a P/E ratio of 15.41 and P/S ratio of 3.12.


Added: Health Net Inc. (HNT, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Health Net Inc. by 38.84%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.15%. His holdings were 4,442,800 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Health Net Inc. is an integrated managed care organization which administers the delivery of managed health care services. The company's health maintenance organizations insured preferred provider organizations and government contracts subsidiaries provide health benefits to individuals through group individual Medicare risk Medicaid and TRICARE programs. Health Net Inc. has a market cap of $1.33 billion; its shares were traded at around $13.31 with a P/E ratio of 25.58 and P/S ratio of 0.10.


Added: Quest Diagnostics Inc. (DGX, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Quest Diagnostics Inc. by 8.43%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.12%. His holdings were 5,785,400 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Quest Diagnostics Inc. is the leading provider of diagnostic testing information and services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its national network of laboratories and patient service centers and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative new diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Quest Diagnostics Inc. has a market cap of $8.59 billion; its shares were traded at around $43.13 with a P/E ratio of 21.21 and P/S ratio of 1.17. The dividend yield of Quest Diagnostics Inc. stocks is 0.99%.


Added: Aetna Inc. (AET, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Aetna Inc. by 100%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.11%. His holdings were 1,200,000 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Aetna Inc. is one of the nation's largest health benefits companies and one of the nation's largest insurance and financial services organizations. Aetna provides these benefits to employer and plan sponsor customers in all 50 states ranging from large multisite national accounts to middle-market and small-employer groups. Its products include the full range of health insurance including dental and pharmacy benefits from HMO and POS to PPO and indemnity as well as group insurance products such as life disability and long-term care insurance. Aetna Inc. has a market cap of $12.23 billion; its shares were traded at around $25.55 with a P/E ratio of 7.14 and P/S ratio of 0.41. The dividend yield of Aetna Inc. stocks is 0.13%.


Added: Wyeth (WYE, Financial)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Wyeth by 6.17%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.11%. His holdings were 10,329,800 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Wyeth is one of the world's largest research-driven pharmaceutical and health care products companies. It is a leader in the discovery development manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceuticals vaccines biotechnology products and non-prescription medicines that improve the quality of life for people worldwide. The Company's major divisions include Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Wyeth Consumer Healthcare and Fort Dodge Animal Health. Wyeth has a market cap of $43.38 billion; its shares were traded at around $32.95 with a P/E ratio of 9.83 and P/S ratio of 1.89. The dividend yield of Wyeth stocks is 3.41%.


Added: Davita Inc. (DVA)


Edward Owens added to his holdings in Davita Inc. by 48.88%. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.03%. His holdings were 304,600 shares as of 09/30/2008.


DaVita Inc. is one of the largest providers of high-quality dialysis and related services for patients suffering from chronic kidney failure also known as end stage renal disease. The company provides dialysis and ancillary services through a network of outpatient dialysis facilities. Davita Inc. has a market cap of $5.63 billion; its shares were traded at around $50.95 with a P/E ratio of 16.01 and P/S ratio of 0.98.


New Purchase: ONYX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ONXX)


Edward Owens initiated holdings in ONYX Pharmaceuticals Inc.. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.11%. His holdings were 607,200 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc is developing innovative products for the treatment of cancer. ONYX Pharmaceuticals Inc. has a market cap of $1.45 billion; its shares were traded at around $24.63 with a P/E ratio of 164.20.


Reduced: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)


Edward Owens reduced to his holdings in Johnson & Johnson by 22.22%. The impact to his portfolio due to this sale was -0.06%. Edward Owens still held 700,000 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Johnson & Johnson is engaged in the manufacture and sale of a broad range of products in the health care field in many countries of the world. The company's worldwide business is divided into three segments: Consumer; Pharmaceutical; and Professional. Johnson & Johnson has a market cap of $169.26 billion; its shares were traded at around $61.53 with a P/E ratio of 13.72 and P/S ratio of 2.66. The dividend yield of Johnson & Johnson stocks is 2.94%.


Reduced: ColgatePalmolive Company (CL)


Edward Owens reduced to his holdings in ColgatePalmolive Company by 25%. The impact to his portfolio due to this sale was -0.09%. Edward Owens still held 900,000 shares as of 09/30/2008.


Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company tightly focused on Oral Care Personal Care Household Surface Care Fabric Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in countries and territories around the world under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate Palmolive Mennen Softsoap Irish Spring Protex Sorriso Kolynos Ajax Axion Soupline Suavitel and Fab as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet pet foods. (Company Press Release) ColgatePalmolive Company has a market cap of $32.48 billion; its shares were traded at around $60 with a P/E ratio of 19.32 and P/S ratio of 2.04. The dividend yield of ColgatePalmolive Company stocks is 2.57%.


Sold Out: Genentech Inc. (DNA)


Edward Owens sold out his holdings in Genentech Inc.. The impact to his portfolio due to this sale was less than 0.01%.


Genentech Inc. is a leading biotechnology company that discovers develops manufactures and commercializes biotherapeutics for significant unmet medical needs. A considerable number of the currently approved biotechnology products originated from or are based on Genentech science. Genentech manufactures and commercializes multiple biotechnology products and licenses several additional products to other companies. Genentech's mission is to be the leading biotechnology company using human genetic information to develop novel medicines for serious and life-threatening diseases. Genentech Inc. has a market cap of $87.3 billion; its shares were traded at around $80.27 with a P/E ratio of 28.24 and P/S ratio of 6.69.


Sold Out: PDL BioPharma Inc. (PDLI)


Edward Owens sold out his holdings in PDL BioPharma Inc.. The impact to his portfolio due to this sale was less than 0.01%.


Protein Design Labs Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research development and commercialization of novel therapies for inflammation and autoimmune diseases acute cardiac conditions and cancer. PDL markets several biopharmaceutical products in the United States through its hospital sales force and wholly-owned subsidiary ESP Pharma Inc. As a leader in the development of humanized antibodies PDL has licensed its patents to numerous pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies some of which are now paying royalties on net sales of licensed products. PDL BioPharma Inc. has a market cap of $1.13 billion; its shares were traded at around $8.92 with P/S ratio of 3.80.


Sold Out: Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. (BRL)


Edward Owens sold out his holdings in Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc.. The impact to his portfolio due to this sale was less than 0.01%.


Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a global specialty pharmaceutical company that operates in more than thirty countries worldwide and is engaged in the development manufacture and marketing of generic and proprietary pharmaceuticals biopharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. A holding company Barr operates through its principal subsidiaries: Barr Laboratories Inc. Duramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. and PLIVA d.d. and its subsidiaries. The Company markets more than one hundred and twenty generic and twenty five proprietary products in the U.S. and more than five hundred fifty products globally outside of the U.S. Barr Pharmaceuticals Inc. has a market cap of $6.83 billion; its shares were traded at around $61 with a P/E ratio of 45.23 and P/S ratio of 2.50.