Navellier & Associates’ Top Five Stock Picks of Q3

#3 Anthem Inc. (NYSE:ANTM)

Shares Owned by Navellier & Associates (as of September 30): 219,679 shares

Value of Holding (as of September 30): $30.76 million

Anthem Inc. (NYSE:ANTM) represented the fifth-largest holding of Navellier & Associates at the end of the second quarter, but it climbed a few positions on the list during the latest quarter. However, the investment firm slightly decreased its stake in the health benefits company, which did not have a great quarter in terms of stock performance. Its shares lost more than 14% over the three-month time span. A recent article published by Reuters states that presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is alarmed by Anthem’s proposal to acquire CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI), claiming that the deal should be thoroughly reviewed by regulators. Let us remind you that Anthem agreed to purchase CIGNA for $47 billion earlier this year, a deal that could create the largest health insurer by membership in the United States. Larry Robbins’ Glenview Capital was one of the top stockholder of Anthem Inc. (NYSE:ANTM) at the end of the June quarter with a stake of 4.62 million shares.

#2 Avago Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:AVGO)

Shares Owned by Navellier & Associates (as of September 30): 251,490 shares

Value of Holding (as of September 30): $31.44 million

Avago Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:AVGO) also represents a new addition to Navellier & Associates’ list of top five stock picks for the fourth quarter. The investment firm reduced its position in the chip supplier for Apple’s iPhones by 5,985 shares during the recent three-month period. Earlier this year, the company announced a merger agreement with Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM), under which Avago is set to acquire Broadcom in a cash and stock deal. This transaction might create one of the most diversified communications platforms in the semiconductor industry. Meanwhile, the shares of Avago lost 5.66% during the third quarter, but are still up 24% year-to-date. Andreas Halvorsen’s Viking Global added a 4.77 million-share position in Avago Technologies Ltd (NASDAQ:AVGO) during the second quarter.

#1 Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS)

Shares Owned by Navellier & Associates (as of September 30): 410,275 shares

Value of Holding (as of September 30): $32.43 million

Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS) is the largest holding of Navellier & Associates at the end of the third quarter, accounting for 3.27% of its portfolio. The stock climbed on the top of the list, thanks to its strong performance during the latest quarter. In fact, the shares of manufacturer of non-alcoholic beverages gained 9% during an ugly quarter and are currently trading at an all-time high of nearly $90. Just recently, the company disclosed its third-quarter earnings report, posting net sales of $1.63 billion, which were up 3% year-over-year. At the same time, its earnings per share came to $1.05, up 9% year-over-year. Mario Gabelli’s GAMCO Investors owned 1.90 million shares of Dr Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (NYSE:DPS) at the end of the second quarter.

Disclosure: None