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CNBC Traders Pick Their Final Trades: Mining, Tech, and Healthcare Stocks Take Center Stage

MarketDash Editorial Team
18 days ago
Four market pros shared their favorite stock picks on CNBC's latest show, spotlighting Freeport-McMoRan, Teradyne, Cisco Systems, and McKesson. Here's what caught their attention and the catalysts driving each pick.

When CNBC's "Halftime Report Final Trades" aired its latest segment, four investment pros stepped up with their top picks spanning mining, semiconductors, networking equipment, and healthcare distribution. Each stock came with recent catalysts that help explain why these names are catching Wall Street's attention right now.

Mining Through the Mud

Bryn Talkington, managing partner of Requisite Capital Management, picked Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) as her final trade. The copper and gold producer recently moved to reset expectations for its flagship Grasberg mine after wrapping up an investigation into September's mud-flow incident. The company issued lower-than-expected multi-year production guidance, but importantly, signaled that the worst of the operational headaches is behind it.

The update was enough to convince Scotiabank analyst Orest Wowkodaw to upgrade Freeport-McMoRan to Sector Outperform from Sector Perform after the company released updated production and capital expenditure guidance for the Indonesian mining operation.

Semiconductor Testing Gets a Big Boost

Stephanie Link, chief investment strategist, head of investment solutions and portfolio manager at Hightower Advisors, highlighted Teradyne, Inc. (TER). The semiconductor testing equipment company has been riding positive sentiment in the chip sector.

Backing up her pick, Citigroup analyst Atif Malik maintained Teradyne with a Buy rating on November 12 and dramatically raised the price target from $117 to $215—a nearly 84% increase that suggests substantial upside potential.

Cisco Beats and Raises

Jim Lebenthal, partner at Cerity Partners, went with Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) as his final trade. The networking equipment giant gave investors plenty to celebrate with its recent earnings report.

On November 12, Cisco reported upbeat financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and raised its full-year guidance. The company posted fiscal first-quarter revenue of $14.88 billion, topping analyst estimates of $14.77 billion. Cisco also delivered adjusted earnings of $1.00 per share, beating expectations of 98 cents per share.

Healthcare Distribution Hits New Heights

Joseph M. Terranova, senior managing director for Virtus Investment Partners, called out McKesson Corporation (MCK), noting that the healthcare distribution giant hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday. The pharmaceutical distributor has been on a tear following strong quarterly results.

McKesson posted better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter on November 5 and raised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance, giving investors confidence in the company's trajectory.

How the Stocks Performed

Wednesday's trading session reflected mixed sentiment across these picks. Freeport-McMoRan shares gained 3.1% to close at $41.25, while Cisco rose 1.3% to close at $78.39. Teradyne shares climbed 2.8% to settle at $168.23. McKesson shares fell 1% to settle at $852.47, though still near those record highs.

Back to News

CNBC Traders Pick Their Final Trades: Mining, Tech, and Healthcare Stocks Take Center Stage

MarketDash Editorial Team
18 days ago
Four market pros shared their favorite stock picks on CNBC's latest show, spotlighting Freeport-McMoRan, Teradyne, Cisco Systems, and McKesson. Here's what caught their attention and the catalysts driving each pick.

When CNBC's "Halftime Report Final Trades" aired its latest segment, four investment pros stepped up with their top picks spanning mining, semiconductors, networking equipment, and healthcare distribution. Each stock came with recent catalysts that help explain why these names are catching Wall Street's attention right now.

Mining Through the Mud

Bryn Talkington, managing partner of Requisite Capital Management, picked Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) as her final trade. The copper and gold producer recently moved to reset expectations for its flagship Grasberg mine after wrapping up an investigation into September's mud-flow incident. The company issued lower-than-expected multi-year production guidance, but importantly, signaled that the worst of the operational headaches is behind it.

The update was enough to convince Scotiabank analyst Orest Wowkodaw to upgrade Freeport-McMoRan to Sector Outperform from Sector Perform after the company released updated production and capital expenditure guidance for the Indonesian mining operation.

Semiconductor Testing Gets a Big Boost

Stephanie Link, chief investment strategist, head of investment solutions and portfolio manager at Hightower Advisors, highlighted Teradyne, Inc. (TER). The semiconductor testing equipment company has been riding positive sentiment in the chip sector.

Backing up her pick, Citigroup analyst Atif Malik maintained Teradyne with a Buy rating on November 12 and dramatically raised the price target from $117 to $215—a nearly 84% increase that suggests substantial upside potential.

Cisco Beats and Raises

Jim Lebenthal, partner at Cerity Partners, went with Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) as his final trade. The networking equipment giant gave investors plenty to celebrate with its recent earnings report.

On November 12, Cisco reported upbeat financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and raised its full-year guidance. The company posted fiscal first-quarter revenue of $14.88 billion, topping analyst estimates of $14.77 billion. Cisco also delivered adjusted earnings of $1.00 per share, beating expectations of 98 cents per share.

Healthcare Distribution Hits New Heights

Joseph M. Terranova, senior managing director for Virtus Investment Partners, called out McKesson Corporation (MCK), noting that the healthcare distribution giant hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday. The pharmaceutical distributor has been on a tear following strong quarterly results.

McKesson posted better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter on November 5 and raised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance, giving investors confidence in the company's trajectory.

How the Stocks Performed

Wednesday's trading session reflected mixed sentiment across these picks. Freeport-McMoRan shares gained 3.1% to close at $41.25, while Cisco rose 1.3% to close at $78.39. Teradyne shares climbed 2.8% to settle at $168.23. McKesson shares fell 1% to settle at $852.47, though still near those record highs.