6 Biotech Stocks to Buy Today

by Louis Navellier | April 19, 2012 5:30 am

[1]Biotechnology investments can sometimes be high risk, since many times these stocks are bleeding cash based on expensive research and the hopes of a favorable drug trial sometime in the future. However, a number of biotech stocks already have blockbuster drugs – and big backing by Wall Street as a result.

I watch more than 5,000 publicly traded companies with my Portfolio Grader[2] tool, ranking companies by a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. And this week, I’ve researched six biotech stocks to buy.

Here they are, in alphabetical order. Each one of these stocks gets an “A” or “B” according to my research, meaning it is a “strong buy” or “buy.”

Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALXN[3]) works with patients dealing with severe and ultra-rare disorders. In the last 12 months, Alexion has posted a significant gain of 78%. ALXN stock gets an “A” grade for sales growth, a “B” grade for operating margin growth, an “A” grade for earnings growth, a “B” grade for earnings momentum, a “B” grade for its ability to exceed the consensus earnings estimates on Wall Street, a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months and a “B” grade for return on equity in my Portfolio Grader tool. For more information, view my complete analysis of ALXN stock[4].

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) discovers, develops, manufactures and market medicines for grievous illnesses. Since last April, Amgen stock has jumped 21%, compared to smaller gains by the broader markets. AMGN stock gets a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, a “B” grade for cash flow and an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of AMGN stock[5].

Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB[6]) is a global biotechnology company that has posted a gain of 55% in the last year. Biogen stock gets a “B” grade for operating margin growth, a “B” grade for earnings growth, a “B” grade for cash flow and an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of BIIB stock[7].

Celgene (NASDAQ:CELG[8]) works with treatments for cancer and immune-inflammatory related diseases. In the last 12 months, Celgene stock is up 39%. CELG stock gets a “B” grade for sales growth, a “B” grade for operating margin growth, an “A” grade for earnings growth, a “B” grade for earnings momentum, a “B” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months, a “B” grade for cash flow and an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of CELG stock[9].

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD[10]) is a research-based biopharmaceutical company, that is up 12% since last April. Gilead stock gets a “B” grade for earnings momentum, an “A” grade for cash flow and an “A” grade for return on equity. For more information, view my complete analysis of GILD stock[11].

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN[12]) discovers, invents, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines for the treatment of serious medical conditions. Regeneron is the biggest producer on this list with an incredible gain of 170% in the last year. REGN stock gets an “A” grade for the magnitude in which earnings projections have increased over the past months. For more information, view my complete analysis of REGN stock[13].

Get more analysis of these picks and other publicly-traded stocks with Louis Navellier’s Portfolio Grader[14] tool, a 100% free stock-rating tool that measures both quantitative buying pressure and eight fundamental factors.

 

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