(By Rich Bieglmeier) Our accumulation spreadsheet has helped iStock jump in front of some impressive winners as of late, especially low priced biotechs.
We admit it's scary to see a stock jump more than 20% and is even crazier to buy it following such a big swing. You can't help but think, ah %@#$%, I missed it. Perhaps a trip to OZ in a lion's costume is on order?
On July 2nd, we wrote about Supernus Pharmaceuticals(SUPN). At the time, the stock was trading around $9.50, which followed an amazing close-to-close jump from $5.71 to $12.23 between June 25th and 26th. Today, the stock is up another $3 and more than 30% on five times the normal volume. Courage, What have they got that I ain't got?
Prior to SUPN, iStock wrote extensively about Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ARNA) and the likelihood that the biotech would get the FDA OK for its fat drug. On the date of the article, ARNA closed at $6.06. At the time, we projected ARNA to be worth $9.68 on approval. Today, it's a little above $10. You're right, I am a coward! I haven't any courage at all. I even scare myself.
Of course, they don't all work out. We wrote cautiously about Rosetta Genomics, Ltd. (ROSG) – maybe more than cautiously, we said it's long on potential, short the stock. Since the article – June 12th – shares of ROSG have moved from $9.67 to a little shy of double digits today. However, it has closed as high as $14.30 in-between.
When OraSure Technologies Inc. (OSUR) received the go-ahead from the FDA for their game changing HIV test, iStock was skeptical. We did the math and came away with the feeling shares were overpriced, unless the company's in-home saliva/blood test goes global. On July 12th, the stock closed at $12.33. Today it's $11.89. Put 'em up, put 'em up! Which one of you first? I'll fight you both together if you want. I'll fight you with one paw tied behind my back. I'll fight you standing on one foot. I'll fight you with my eyes closed... ohh, pullin' an axe on me, eh? Sneaking up on me, eh? Why, I'll...
Today, StemCells Inc. (STEM) caught our attention on a personal and professional level. Shares backed up more than 17% today on heavy volume. It's hard to imagine that all the folks who rushed in the last week, are rushing out this week; although, it's a possibility. I may not come out alive, but I'm going in there.
Every week, smallcap, biotech names show up in our accumulation/distribution report. iStock promises not to be speechless as more life changing names are award Wall Street accumulation medals.