Health and Healthcare

Short Sellers Run for Cover From Major Biotechs

The short interest data are out for the July 31 settlement date. Biotech companies are considered a riskier group of stocks, with big upside and big downside. FDA rulings can make or break them. A single failed clinical trial can mean disaster for a stock. 24/7 Wall St. has reviewed the top biotech companies, without focusing on speculative companies.

The July 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous figures, and overall, short interest in the selected stocks backed off for this settlement date.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) saw its short interest continue to back off to 8.58 million shares from the previous level of 9.09 million. Shares closed Tuesday at $168.56, in a 52-week trading range of $124.81 to $181.81.

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) saw its short interest fall to 2.36 million shares from the previous 2.60 million. The company was slowly approaching the lower part of its short interest range from back in November. Shares closed Tuesday at $314.87, within a 52-week trading range of $290.85 to $480.18.

Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ: CELG) short interest for this settlement date decreased to 11.21 million shares from the previous reading of 14.22 million. Since March, Celgene has recorded a few of its highest readings of the year, but now short sellers appear to be backing off. The mid-May level was the highest short interest reading on the year. Shares of Celgene closed Tuesday at $130.66, in a 52-week range of $83.16 to $140.72.

Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) saw its short interest fall to 18.74 million shares, from 20.61 million in the previous period. This is currently the lowest reading on the year. Shares closed Tuesday at $115.61, in a 52-week trading range of $85.95 to $123.37.

ALSO READ: The 6 Most Shorted Nasdaq Stocks

MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD) saw its short interest increase to 116.06 million shares. The previous reading was 112.85 million. Shares closed Tuesday at $4.16, in a 52-week trading range of $3.46 to $7.88.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) short interest decreased to 4.89 million, from the previous level of 6.29 million. The mid-June level is far and away the highest reading on the year, followed by the previous reading. Shares closed Tuesday at $186.31, in a 52-week range of $150.06 to $208.88.

Want to Retire Early? Start Here (Sponsor)

Want retirement to come a few years earlier than you’d planned? Or are you ready to retire now, but want an extra set of eyes on your finances?

Now you can speak with up to 3 financial experts in your area for FREE. By simply clicking here you can begin to match with financial professionals who can help you build your plan to retire early. And the best part? The first conversation with them is free.

Click here to match with up to 3 financial pros who would be excited to help you make financial decisions.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.