Cisco, Merck, Cheniere Energy And More: CNBC’s ‘Final Trades’

On CNBC’s “Halftime Report Final Trades,” Stephen Weiss, chief investment officer and managing partner of Short Hills Capital Partners, picked Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO).

On the earnings front, Cisco, on Aug. 12, reported fourth-quarter revenue of $17.25 billion, beating analyst estimates of $16.82 billion, according to Benzinga Pro. The networking equipment company reported adjusted earnings of $1.22 per share for the quarter, beating analyst estimates of $1.17 per share.

Jim Lebenthal, partner and chief market strategist at Cerity Partners, named Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG) as his final trade.

Lending support to his choice, TD Cowen analyst Jason Gabelman, on Aug. 11, maintained Cheniere Energy with a Buy and raised the price target from $280 to $290.

Don’t forget to check out our premarket coverage here

Shannon Saccocia, Neuberger, recommended iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (NYSE:IDU).

Joseph M. Terranova, senior managing director for Virtus Investment Partners, named Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) as his final trade.

Supporting his view, Daiwa Capital analyst Narumi Nakagiri, on Aug. 12, upgraded Merck from Neutral to Outperform and raised the price target from $120 to $143.

Price Action:

• Cisco shares gained 1.1% to close at $112.90 on Monday.
• Cheniere Energy shares fell 1.7% to settle at $266.93 during the session.
• iShares U.S. Utilities ETF fell 0.3% on Monday.
• Merck shares rose 0.1% to close at $135.97 on Monday.

Photo via Shutterstock