Short Sellers Grow More Selective on Major Biotechs

The May 13 short interest data have been compared with the previous report, and short interest moves were mixed in these selected biotech stocks.

Published May 25, 2016, 8:20am ET · 2 min read

© Thinkstock

The short interest data are out for the May 13 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 May 13 short interest data have been compared with the previous report, and short interest moves were mixed in these selected biotech stocks.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) saw its short interest rise to 7.50 million shares from the previous level of 7.36 million. Shares closed most recently at $152.72, in a 52-week trading range of $130.09 to $181.81.

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) had its short interest increase to 2.24 million shares from the previous level of 1.95 million. The stock closed Tuesday at $272.94, within a 52-week range of $242.07 to $420.99.

Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ: CELG) short interest for this settlement date increased to 8.94 million shares from the previous 7.97 million. Shares closed most recently at $103.70, in a 52-week range of $92.98 to $140.72.
[recirclink id=334451]
Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) saw its short interest decrease to 23.36 million shares from 28.07 million in the previous period. Shares closed Tuesday at $86.22, in a 52-week trading range of $81.28 to $123.37.

MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD) saw its short interest decrease to 97.22 million shares. The previous reading was 105.71 million. Shares closed most recently at $0.97, in a 52-week trading range of $0.64 to $7.32.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) short interest decreased to 5.49 million, compared to the previous level of 5.56 million. Shares closed most recently at $146.67, in a 52-week range of $124.16 to $208.88.

Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.

Chris Lange

Chris Lange is a financial and geopolitical writer with more than a decade of experience covering a myriad of topics. He has published thousands of articles for 24/7 Wall St., with past coverage focused heavily on stocks, IPOs, healthcare, defense, global affairs, and technology.

His work has been quoted, or referenced by a number of outlets including Business Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Finance, MSN, The Motley Fool, and many other publications. A graduate of Southwestern University, he studied business with a focus on investments and has previous experience in banking and startups.

When not reading or writing the news, he is following his passion for Lacrosse, playing chess, or building solar projects with his dad.

All articles →