Monday, December 30, 2013

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014

LONDON -- The FTSE 100 (FTSEINDICES: ^FTSE  ) isn't moving much today, up just 0.3% shortly after 8 a.m EDT -- so it looks like yesterday's fall of 60 points has shaken out fears raised by the recent pessimism coming from China, at least for now. And the recent slide in mining shares has tailed off, with the larger sector plays all picking up a few pence this morning.

As usual, the market has provided us with a few nice risers. Here are three from the various indexes that look set to beat the FTSE today.

ASOS
An upbeat quarterly statement has sent ASOS shares up 6% this morning. For the three months ending May 31, total revenue was up 43% on the same period last year, with U.K. retail sales up 39% -- and that's pretty good, as the U.K. is the most established of the firm's markets.

Today's rise takes the share price up more than 150% over the past 12 months, with the shares now on an eye-watering forward P/E of 82 based on full-year forecasts. ASOS is clearly growing strongly, but there's not much slack built into that kind of valuation.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Merrimack Pharmaceuticals Inc (MACK)

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated in 1993, is a biopharmaceutical company discovering, developing and preparing to commercialize medicines paired with companion diagnostics for the treatment of serious diseases, with an initial focus on cancer. The Company�� product candidates include MM-398, MM-121, MM-111, MM-302 and MM-151. As of June 31, 2011, the Company owned approximately 74% interest of Silver Creek.

The Company�� Network biology is an interdisciplinary approach to drug discovery and development that enables the Company to build functional and predictive computational models of biological systems based on quantitative, kinetic, multiplexed biological data. The Company provides its scientists with insights into how the complex molecular interactions that occur within cell signaling pathways, or networks, regulate cell decisions and how dysfunction within these networks leads to disease. The Company applies network biology throughout the research and development process, including for target identification, lead compound design and optimization, diagnostic discovery, in vitro and in vivo predictive development and the design of clinical trial protocols.

MM-398

MM-398 is a stable nanotherapeutic encapsulation, or enclosed sphere carrying an active drug, of the marketed chemotherapy drug irinotecan. MM-398 achieved its primary efficacy endpoints in Phase 2 clinical trials in pancreatic and gastric cancer. In an open label, single arm Phase 2 clinical trial of MM-398 as a monotherapy in 40 metastatic pancreatic cancer patients who had previously failed treatment with gemcitabine, patients treated with MM-398 achieved median overall survival of 22.4 weeks. Additionally, 20% of the patients in this Phase 2 trial survived for more than one year, and the Company observed a disease control rate, meaning patients exhibited stable disease or partial or complete response to treatment, of 47.5% at six weeks.

The Company focuses on initiati! ng a Phase 3 clinical trial of MM-398 for the treatment of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have previously failed treatment with gemcitabine. The trial is expected to enroll approximately 250 patients and is designed to compare the efficacy of MM-398 as a monotherapy against the combination of the chemotherapy drugs fluorouracil, or 5-FU, and leucovorin. There are multiple ongoing Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials of MM-398. In July 2011, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted MM-398 orphan drug designation for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

MM-121

MM-121 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets ErbB3, a cell surface receptor, or protein attached to the cell membrane that mediates communication inside and outside the cell, that the Company�� network biology approach identified as a target in a range of cancers. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein normally produced by cells of the immune system that binds to just one epitope, or chemical structure, on a protein or other structure. MM-121 is designed to inhibit cancer growth directly, restore sensitivity to drugs to which a tumor has become resistant and delay the development of resistance of a tumor to other agents. In collaboration with Sanofi, the Company focuses on testing MM-121 in combination with both chemotherapies and other targeted agents across a range of spectrum of solid tumors, including lung, breast and ovarian cancers. The Company partnered MM-121 with Sanofi after it initiated Phase 1 clinical development of the product candidate.

MM-111

MM-111 is a bispecific antibody designed to target cancer cells that are characterized by overexpression of the ErbB2 cell surface receptor, also referred to as HER2. A bispecific antibody is a type of antibody that is able to bind simultaneously to two distinct proteins or epitopes. The Company�� network biology approach identified that ligand-induced signaling through the complex of ErbB2 ! (HER2) an! d ErbB3 is a promoter of tumor growth and survival than previously appreciated.

MM-302

MM-302 is a nanotherapeutic encapsulation of doxorubicin with attached antibodies that are designed to target MM-302 to cells that over express the ErbB2 (HER2) receptor. The Company is conducting a Phase 1 clinical trial of MM-302 in patients with advanced ErbB2 (HER2) positive breast cancer.

MM-151

MM-151 is an oligoclonal therapeutic consisting of a mixture of three fully human monoclonal antibodies designed to bind to non-overlapping epitopes of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGFR is also known as ErbB1. An oligoclonal therapeutic is a mixture of two or more distinct monoclonal antibodies. The Company has designed MM-151 to block signal amplification that occurs within the ErbB cell signaling network. The Company has submitted an investigational new drug application (IND), to the FDA for MM-151 in July 2011.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Monica Gerson]

    Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MACK) dipped 15.38% to $2.86 after the company reported that Phase 2 study Of MM-121 missed primary endpoint.

    IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IACI) shares fell 14.51% to $49.50 in the pre-market trading after the company reported downbeat Q3 revenue.

  • [By Keith Speights]

    Not so merry
    Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MACK  ) shareholders have had reason to party since early May, with the stock surging more than 60%. The merriment came to a stop this week, though, as shares tanked by 27%.

  • [By Roberto Pedone]

    One under-$10 biopharmaceuticals player that's just starting to trigger a breakout trade is Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (MACK), which focuses on discovering, developing and preparing to commercialize medicines paired with companion diagnostics for the treatment of serious diseases, with an initial focus on cancer. This stock has been hit hard by the bears so far in 2013, with shares off by 38%.

    If you take a look at the chart for Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, you'll notice that this stock has been downtrending badly for the last two months, with shares plunging from its high of 7.09 to its recent low of $3.26 a share. During that move, shares of MACK have been consistently making lower highs and lower lows, which is bearish technical price action. That said, shares of MACK have just formed a double bottom chart pattern at $3.26 to $3.32 a share and it's now starting to break out above some near-term overhead resistance at $3.64 a share. This move could be signaling a trend change for MACK as the stock starts to move higher off oversold conditions.

    Traders should now look for long-biased trades in MACK if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance at $3.64 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above that level with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 1.87 million shares. If that breakout triggers soon, then MACK will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance level at its 50-day moving average of $4.75 a share. Any high-volume move above that level and above more resistance at $5.06 will then give MACK a chance to tag its 200-day moving average at $5.71 a share.

    Traders can look to buy MACK off weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support levels at $3.32 or at $3.26 a share. One can also buy MACK off strength once it clears $3.64 a share with volume and then simply use a stop tha

  • [By Eric Volkman]

    Merrimack Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: MACK  ) is gearing up for a double dose of fund-raising. The company announced that it will concurrently float both a common stock and a convertible notes issue in a public offering. In the former, Merrimack will offer $50 million worth of shares, while the latter will take the form of $75 million in senior notes maturing in 2020. Additionally, the company expects that it will grant its underwriters a 30-day purchase option for up to an additional $7.5 million worth of common shares and $11.25 million of the convertible notes.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Mirasol Resources Ltd.(MRZ.V)

Mirasol Resources Ltd., an exploration stage company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious metal properties primarily in Argentina and Chile. The company focuses on gold-silver prospects. Its principal property includes the Joaquin property located in central Santa Cruz province. The company was founded in 2003 and is based in Vancouver, Canada.

Top 5 High Tech Stocks To Own Right Now: MGP Ingredients Inc.(MGPI)

MGP Ingredients, Inc. produces ingredients and distillery products in the United States. It processes wheat flour and corn into various products through an integrated production process. The company operates in three business segments: Ingredient Solutions, Distillery Products, and Other. The Ingredient Solutions segment products consist of specialty proteins, specialty starches, vital wheat gluten, commodity wheat starch, and mill by-products. The Distillery Products segment offers food grade alcohol; fuel grade alcohol, commonly known as ethanol; and distiller?s feed and carbon dioxide, which are co-products of the company?s distillery operations. The Other segment products comprise resins, and plant-based polymers and composites. MGP Ingredients, Inc. sells its products directly or through distributors to the manufacturers and processors of finished goods. The company was founded in 1941 and is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Kilo Goldmines Ltd (KGL.V)

Kilo Goldmines Ltd., a development stage company, engages in the exploration and development of gold properties in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The company holds interests in 3 joint ventures in a land package totaling approximately 7,000 square kilometers located in the Archaean Kabalian greenstone geological formation primarily in the Orientale province. It also explores for iron ores. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Lear Corp (LEA)

Lear Corporation, incorporated in 1987, is a tier 1 supplier to the global automotive industry. The Company supplies its products to automotive manufacturers with automotive seat systems and related components, as well as electrical distribution systems and related components. The Company has two segments: seating and electrical power management systems (EPMS). The seating segment includes seat systems and related components, such as seat frames, recliner mechanisms, seat tracks, seat trim covers, headrests and seat foam. The EPMS segment includes electrical distribution systems for traditional powertrain vehicles, as well as for hybrid and electric vehicles. As of December 31, 2011, it had 20 joint ventures located throughout Asia, as well as five in North America, two in Europe and Africa and one with operations in all three regions.

Seating Segment

The Seating Segment consists of the design, manufacture, assembly and supply of vehicle seating requirements. It produces seat systems for automobiles and light trucks that are assembled and ready for installation. In all cases, seat systems are designed and engineered for specific vehicle models or platforms. It has developed modular seat architectures for both front and rear seats. It produces components for seat assemblies, such as seat frames, recliner mechanisms, seat tracks, seat trim covers, headrests and seat foam.

The Company competes with Johnson Controls, Inc., Faurecia S.A., Toyota Boshoku Corporation, TS Tech Co., Ltd. and Magna International Inc.

EPMS Segment

The EPMS segment consists of the design, manufacture, assembly and supply of electrical distribution systems and components for traditional powertrain vehicles, as well as for hybrid and electric vehicles. Electrical distribution systems are comprised primarily of wire harness assemblies, terminals and connectors and control modules, including junction boxes and fuse boxes. Wire harness assemblies consist of a collection! of wiring and terminals and connectors that connect all of the various electrical and electronic devices within the vehicle to each other and/or to a power source.

Electrical distribution systems are networks of wiring and associated control devices that route electrical signals and manage electrical power within a vehicle. Wire harness assemblies consist of raw, coiled wire, which is cut to length and terminated. Individual circuits are assembled together on a jig or table, inserted into connectors and wrapped or taped to form wire harness assemblies.

Wireless products send and receive signals using radio frequency technology. The Company�� wireless systems include passive entry systems and dual range/dual function remote keyless entry systems. Passive entry systems allow the vehicle operator to unlock the door without using a physically activating a remote keyless fob. Dual range/dual function remote keyless entry systems allow a single transmitter to perform multiple functions. The lighting control module integrates electronic control logic and diagnostics with the headlamp switch. Entertainment products include radio amplifiers, sound systems, in-vehicle television tuner modules and floor-, seat- or center console-mounted Media Console with a flip-up screen that provides digital video disc (DVD) and video game viewing for back-seat passengers.

The Company competes with Yazaki Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation, Delphi Automotive PLC, Leoni AG and Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd., TE Connectivity, Ltd., Continental AG, Hella, Inc., Robert Bosch LLC, Magna E-Car Systems GmbH & Co OG and Hitachi, Ltd.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Ben Levisohn]

    Cooper Tire & Rubber (CTB) has gained 1% to $24.86 today, but its trading more on whether investors expect its acquisition by Apollo Tyres to be completed. Car-part companies, however, are also exhibiting weakness today. TRW Automotive (TRW) has fallen 0.8% to $77.91, Lear (LEA) has dipped 0.4% to $74.78 and American Axel and Manufacturing (AXL) is off 0.5% to $18.99.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Hana Mining Ltd (HMG.V)

Hana Mining Ltd., a junior mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of precious, base metal, and other mineral exploration projects in the Republic of Botswana. It principally holds a 100% interest in the 5 prospecting licenses in the Ghanzi copper-silver project covering 2,169 square kilometers in northwestern Botswana. The company was formerly known as Golden Patriot Mining Inc. and changed its name to Hana Mining Ltd. in March 2007. Hana Mining Ltd. is based in Vancouver, Canada.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Star Pharmaceutical Limited (X64.SI)

STAR Pharmaceutical Limited engages in the manufacture and sale of western and traditional Chinese medicine-formulated prescription drugs. The company primarily offers antibiotics, cerebrovascular drugs, cardiovascular drugs, and other specialized drugs in various dosages and administration forms ranging from powder injections, lyophilized powder injections, and liquid injections to tablets, capsules, and granules. It sells its products through a network of approximately 398 distributors to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies in the People�s Republic of China. The company was founded in 1993 and is based in Haikou City, the People�s Republic of China. STAR Pharmaceutical Limited is a subsidiary of DB NOMINEES (S) PTE LTD.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: MetroPCS Communications Inc.(PCS)

MetroPCS Communications, Inc., a wireless telecommunications carrier, together with its subsidiaries, provides wireless broadband mobile services in the United States. Its services include voice services, such as local, domestic long distance, and international call services; and data services, including domestic and international text messaging, multimedia messaging, mobile Internet access, mobile instant messaging, location based services, social networking services, push e-mail, and multimedia streaming and downloads, as well as services provided through the binary runtime environment for wireless (BREW), Blackberry, Windows, and the Android platforms, including ringtones, ring back tones, games, and content applications. The company also offers custom calling features consisting of caller ID, call waiting, three-way calling, and voicemail services. In addition, it sells mobile handsets. The company offers its products and services under the MetroPCS brand name, directl y through the company-operated retail stores and indirectly through independent retail outlets, as well as through Internet. As of December 31, 2010, it served approximately 8.1 million subscribers, as well as operated 159 retail stores primarily in the metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Orlando/Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Tampa/Sarasota. The company is headquartered in Richardson, Texas.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Plantronics Inc.(PLT)

Plantronics, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and marketing of lightweight communications headsets, telephone headset systems, and accessories for the business and consumer markets under the Plantronics name worldwide. It also offers specialty telephone products, such as telephones for the hearing impaired and other related products for people with special communication needs under the Clarity brand name. The company?s products are designed for specific markets and applications, such as offices; contact centers; mobile devices comprising mobile phones and smart phones; computer and gaming; and residential applications, as well as for other specialty applications. It sells its products through a network of distributors, retailers, wireless carriers, original equipment manufacturers, and telephony service providers. The company was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Santa Cruz, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Sean Williams]

    Can you hear me now?
    Unlike YRC, which I consider to be in awful shape, audio communication solutions maker Plantronics (NYSE: PLT  ) is merely a sell in my book based on its recent share price appreciation.

10 Best Heal Care Stocks For 2014: Questcor Pharmaceuticals Inc.(QCOR)

Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, provides prescription drugs for the treatment of auto-immune diseases. The company?s primary product is H.P. Acthar Gel (repository corticotropin injection), an injectable drug for the treatment of acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis; infantile spasms in infants and children under two years of age; nephrotic syndrome; and Lupus. Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Anaheim, California.

Advisors' Opinion:
  • [By Keith Speights]

    Questcor Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: QCOR  ) reported first-quarter results after the market closed on Tuesday -- and they didn't look great. Shares fell 3% in after-hours trading, but were things really as bad for Questcor as they might seem? Let's take a look.

  • [By Briton Ryle]

    Although Questcor Pharmaceuticals (QCOR) is currently a one-drug biotech, the firm is expanding its studies of HP Achtar Gel, to grow its market share in lupus and Lou Gehrig's disease. And Acthar Gel is likely to be approved for other conditions as well.

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