Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Good Article: Time to get some Genentech?

Genentech shares have nose-dived 16% over the last 6 months--from $89.05 on January 19 to $74.78 on June 7--due, at least in part, to a dearth of positive, stock-moving news. But that decline could now give stock-pickers just the right opportunity to buy.

Proving that point Jennifer Chao, an analyst at Deutsche Bank, says Genentech (nyse: DNA - news - people ) is a smart pickup because of a 52-week low in share price and a compelling valuation.

Also, Chao said there are new developments afoot that could act as catalysts for the stock. "The next 12 months represent major upside to fundamentals with multiple shots on goal," Chao wrote.

She wrote that her analysis shows positive results for the Phase III C-08 adjuvant colon cancer study, assigning a 60% positive outlook on first interim look in the second half of 2007, 75% on second interim look in the first-half of 2008, and 85% on third interim look in the second half of 2008.

A significant positive interim analysis in the second-half of 2007, Chao wrote, would translate into near immediate off-label usage and rapid penetration into adjuvant colon cancer with implications in other off-label indications. Regulatory filing would be anticipated in the first-half of 2008, with approval by late 2008 or early 2009.

Chao upgraded Genentech to "buy" from "hold." In Monday morning trading, shares of the company rose 1%, or 76 cents, to $77.73.

Source: Forbes online

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