Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) reduced its workforce by 1,400 in 2011.

Travelers Cos. Workforce Shrunk In 2011

The insurer Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) revealed that it fired 1,400 employees in 2011 to keep pace with decreasing profits.

The company had 30,600 employees by the end of last year. It reported net income of $1.43 billion in 2011.

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) spokesman Shane Boyd said, “We continually evaluate our business requirements and the proper staffing levels needed to serve our customers and maintain our efficiency and competitive edge. The changes in staffing levels over time reflect these adjustments across our organization”.

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) stocks were at 59.44 at the end of the last day’s trading. There’s been a 5.2% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) Analyst Advice
Consensus Opinion: Hold
Mean recommendation: 2.21
(1=Strong Buy, 5=Strong Sell)
3 Months Ago: 2.4
Zack’s Rank: 7 out of 57 in the industry

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has reported an increase in income of 30 per cent in the first quarter.

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) Income Soars In Q1

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has announced that its first-quarter net income has climbed 30 percent, as renewal rates rose and the number of accounts grew, reflecting an improved economy.

Jay S. Benet, the Chief Financial Officer of Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) said that, “We remain very pleased with our capital structure and balance sheet strength. Our ongoing commitment to returning excess capital to our shareholders was evidenced by the $1.1 billion in common share repurchases during the first quarter and the 14 percent increase in our quarterly dividend that we announced today.”

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) stocks are currently standing at 61.32.

Price History
Last Price: 61.32
52 Week Low / High: 47.69 / 61.36
50 Day Moving Average: 59.29
6 Month Price Change %: 11.5%
12 Month Price Change %: 16.1%

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has been ordered to pay $500 million for asbestos victims.

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) Pays $500 Million To Asbestos Victims

The court has asked Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) to give $500 million to asbestos victims immediately under a settlement made six years ago in the bankruptcy of Johns Manville Corp.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland in Manhattan said, “The Court will resolve this narrow dispute that has gone on for too long, especially for those asbestos victims who have yet to be fully compensated. This ruling should resolve a dispute over whether a U.S. Supreme Court ruling reversed an earlier order over the settlements, among Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) for their work as insurers to Johns Manville.”

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) stocks was at 55.87 at the end of the day’s trading on 12/21/2010. There’s been a 3.5% change in the stock price over the past 3 months.

If you believe this is a good time to make a play on the Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) shares, be sure you take a look at this analyst advice, from a broad range of industry specialists:

We will continue checking the Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) stock level for developments over the next few weeks.

Here is another batch of news briefings which could affect stocks on world markets in trading later today.

The following listed companies should see some movement: Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV), Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD), Best Buy (NYSE:BBY).

Here is a more detailed look at the news that will affect each company when trading continues.

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV)

G.I. Jobs magazine has recognized Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) as a top military friendly employer.

G.I. Jobs, a magazine that helps military personnel transition to civilian life has acknowledged Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) for its military friendly benefits and hiring practices. A new partnership by Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) with American Corporate Partners (ACP) to provide support for its military mentoring program has also been announced recently.

John Clifford, Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Travelers (NYSE:TRV) said, “We are grateful for the sacrifices our veterans make while serving our country, Travelers (NYSE:TRV)  is honored to be recognized for our military-friendly hiring practices, laying the foundation to partner with ACP on a program that fosters networking and long-term career development.”

Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD)

Kmart.com of Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) has expanded its online shopping features for holidays season.

The retailer is offering an in-store pick up on the same day of on-line purchase, which has been made available at more than 600 locations. The new service, named ‘mygofer’ is aimed at providing Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) customers added convenience over and above competing retailers.

Imran Jooma, president of eCommerce at Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) said, “We’re empowering our customers with all the choices they need to make shopping the most convenient for them, wherever they may be.”

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY)

Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) has started drawing holiday shoppers with the best deals.

The retailer has offered a great discount on its electronics brands like BlackBerry, HP, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sony, Insignia, HP etc.

As the holiday shopping started heating up, Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) has reduced prices of their both in-store and online products.

Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president U.S. marketing for Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) said, “We’re delivering on our promise to give shoppers a total experience before the holiday blitz begins.”

Expect more movement when trading continues for Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV), Sears Holdings (NASDAQ:SHLD) and Best Buy (NYSE:BBY).

Here are several more stock briefings which could affect stocks in trading later today.

The following stocks should see some movement: Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV), MetLife (NYSE:MLG).

Here is a more detailed look at the news that will affect each company when trading continues.

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

General Dynamics has been awarded a $10 million contract by Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) Missile Systems.

Under the deal, General Dynamics will produce composite capsule launch system (CCLS) for the Tomahawk missile of Raytheon (NYSE:RTN).

The work will begin this month, with actual production expected to start from May 2011 onwards.

Jim Losse, vice president and general manager of advanced materials for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products said, “We will continue to work with Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) to help provide the war fighter with a powerful tool to achieve a decisive advantage.”

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV)

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has entered into a joint venture agreement with a Brazilian insurer.

The agreement has allowed Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) to invest in J.Malucelli insurance company of Brazil.

Reports say that the US insurer will make an initial investment of $370 million in the common stock of J Malucelli Company with an option to increase its interest.

Jay Fishman, Chairman and CEO of Travelers (NYSE:TRV) said, “This is a very significant opportunity for Travelers to leverage its leading US surety franchise to enter the Brazilian market and to do so with a local market leader.”

MetLife (NYSE:MLG)

MetLife (NYSE:MLG) has ranked among Newsweek’s Top 50 Green U.S. Companies.

According to the environmental rankings by the Newsweek magazine, MetLife (NYSE:MLG) is ranked number 49 overall of the 500 largest U.S. companies, the highest ranking life insurer on the list.

John Vazquez, vice president, vendor sourcing and corporate services & chief procurement officer  of the company said that “We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek for our environmental stewardship and commitment to long-term sustainability.”

We could possibly see more movement when trading continues for Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) and MetLife (NYSE:MLG).

Here are several more stock briefings which could affect stocks in trading later today.

The following listed companies should see some movement: Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV), Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN).

Here is a more detailed look at the news that will affect each company when trading continues.

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) has successfully tested new munitions that can be used by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Company has said Small Tactical Munitions (STM), is a small 13-pound bomb in 2 feet length, which can engage fixed and moving targets in all weather conditions.

Bob Francois, Raytheon(NYSE:RTN) vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems said, “Current combat operations have highlighted the need for extremely small, precise weapons that are optimally designed for remotely piloted aircraft.STM is part of a portfolio of weapons that meets the war fighter’s need in this area.”

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV)

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has beaten the analysts estimation with its third quarter results.

Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has managed to bump its net income up by 7.5% to $1.01 billion and shares 1.6% in premarket trading to $55.50.

This helped Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) stock to reach its highest level in more than two years.

The company said “general economic conditions continued to impact [revenue] … but the impact was less than in recent quarters.”

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN)

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) has said the newest Kindle e-reader is the best-selling product on its U.S. and U.K websites.

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), has also said it had already surpassed sales in the fourth quarter of last year, without disclosing the number of Kindles units sold. Company said in a statement, “Customers are choosing Kindle books over hardcover and paperback books combined at a rate of greater than 2 to 1.”

There will probably be more movement when trading continues for Raytheon (NYSE:RTN), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) and Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN).

Here is the last batch of stock news briefs which could see some changes on the markets today.

The following stocks should see some movement: Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE:PG), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV).

Here is a more detailed look at the news that will affect each company when trading continues.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)

Pfizer Inc. said Wednesday its animal health unit will team up with the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation to work on new areas of research for dog diseases and treatments.

Pfizer said the goal of this project is to strengthen efforts to prevent, treat and cure canine disease, and possibly eventually develop medicines for humans as well.

“We have the opportunity to gain enormous insights and be part of pursuing scientific discoveries that not only impact animals, but … humans,” said Dr. David Haworth, director of Global Alliances for Pfizer Animal Health, in a statement.

Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE:PG)

Proctor & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) said it sees its Olay skin cream brand as a possible major source of revenue growth, including with men.

On Wednesday, P&G (NYSE:PG) executive told investors at a Barclays Capital conference in Boston that it is launching Olay in 15 new markets this year — including Brazil, a huge and rapidly expanding economy.

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV)

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV), has posted on its website a presentation by Marc Schmittlein, President and CEO of Select Accounts and Agribusiness.

Schmittlein spoke at the Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Insurance Conference in New York City on Wednesday. Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) is a leading provider of property casualty insurance for auto, home and business.

Expect more movement when trading continues for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), Procter & Gamble Co. (NYSE:PG) and Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV).

More breaking news stories could affect stocks when trading continues later.

The following companies should see some movement: Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV), Raytheon (NYSE:RTN).

Here is a more detailed look at the news that will affect each company when trading continues.

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN)

Online music store AimeStreet.com has been snapped up by Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN). The latest acquisition is said to be a part of the largest online retailer’s plans to get in to the digital music business.

Though the price details are not yet disclosed, it has been announced that the online music store and social media site that features independent artists, AimeStreet.com, has been acquired by the giant.

AimeStreet.com was an initiative of some Brown University students back in 2006.

Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV)

Robert Flynn, the Vice President of Strategic Marketing at Travelers Cos. (NYSE:TRV) has become the Chairman of Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau [GHCVB], replacing John J Patrick Jr who completed his term this summer.

Acting GHCVB President Michael Van Pary said that “Bob Flynn has been a great supporter of the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau and our work to bring conventions and major sporting events to our region.”

Raytheon (NYSE:RTN)

Reports have suggested that Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) has picked up another Defense Department contract.

The Department of Defense has officially announced the contract, worth $165.3 Million, to work for the Missile Defense Agency.

Providing materials and engineering services for the systems engineering, development and design support and initial hardware fabrication for the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missile are the major roles of Raytheon (NYSE:RTN) under the deal.

The work, which is expected to be completed by the end of March 2011, shall be done in Tucson, Arizona.

There will probably be more movement when trading continues for Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), Travelers Cos. Inc (NYSE:TRV) and Raytheon (NYSE:RTN).