New Dental Coverage
Wells Fargo analyst Jamie Stockton initiated coverage on Patterson Cos. Thursday with a rating of ''Market Perform'' (or "hold''). Approximately 66 percent of Patterson's revenue comes from its dental business, whose success is dependent on demographics (growing) and the number of dentists (flat).
Stockton wrote that "Patterson believes that highly efficient dental equipment will be more important than ever as practices look for ways to improve productivity."
Patterson is covered by 18 analysts; seven have ''buys,'' eight have ''holds'' and three have ''sells.''
3M's Giant Touch screen
3M Co. debuted its new Multi-Touch Display Screen at an industry trade show last week. The 46-inch touch screen can handle six users and 60 touches at once. The device is marketed for retailers looking for a sleek, visual and interactive sales tool.
Brian Nustad, president of the Minnesota Retailers Association, was wowed by the technology. He told the Star Tribune, "Retailers are definitely looking for ways for consumers to experience and customize products in ways they have not been able to in the past."
