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5 Unusual Movers in the S&P 500

In the S&P 500, some stocks had significant moves this past week, and some were on exponential volume spikes as well. 24/7 Wall St. has tracked five of the unusual stock movers over the past week to see if investors should keep their eyes open for opportunities in the coming week. These moves were characterized by mergers, partnerships and buybacks, to name a few.

TripAdvisor Inc. (NASDAQ: TRIP) saw its shares jump this past week on news that it would be partnering with Marriott. According to the deal, Marriott will add its global hotel portfolio to TripAdvisor’s instant booking platform. Shares increased 19.7% from the end of the previous week and closed at $90.94 on Friday. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $87.96 and a 52-week trading range of $66.04 to $111.24.

Cigna Corp. (NYSE: CI) was reportedly approached by Anthem about a potential merger. This is just one of a few companies that have the chance to acquire Cigna. Another potential suitor would be UnitedHealth. Ultimately this industry will consolidate in order to survive under the Affordable Care Act. Over the course of the past week, shares increased 15.2% and were trading at $155.26 as Friday’s session came to a close. That was within the 52-week trading range of $85.75 to $164.00. The stock has a consensus price target of $146.71.

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Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) has been a story of getting back to even. There was a huge drop off in May, when shares plunged from $168 all the way to $155. Shares gained 12.3% from the end of last week and 14.8% from two weeks ago. Alexion closed at $184.40 on Friday. The consensus analyst price target is $218.53, and the 52-week range is $150.06 to $203.30.

Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE: HOG) had a couple factors that affected its gains over the past week. First, the company was upgraded by UBS from a Neutral to a Buy rating. Then shares were further influenced by a $750 million share repurchase program. Over the course of the week, shares increased 8.2% to $58.30 by Friday’s close, within a 52-week trading range of $53.04 to $72.37. The stock consensus price target is $64.69.

Reynolds American Inc. (NYSE: RAI) saw its shares steadily gain over the course of the week. These gains were realized when Reynolds sealed the deal to its Lorillard merger. The merger has effectively consolidated the tobacco industry while providing for Reynolds’ continued growth. Over the past week, shares increased 7.5% to at $77.06 on Friday’s close. The stock has a consensus analyst price target of $85.00 and a 52-week trading range of $55.22 to $77.68.

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