Health and Healthcare

Short Sellers Still Can't Make Up Their Mind on Major Biotech Stocks

artisteer / iStock

The short interest data are out for the most recent settlement date, November 30. Generally speaking, companies within the biotech industry are considered to be a riskier group of stocks, with big potential upside and big potential downside.

As we have said before, FDA rulings can make or break the biotech stocks, and short sellers and mega-bulls often go to war against each other in these companies. After all, if a single failed clinical trial can mean disaster for a stock, then some short sellers can argue for a stock implosion down the road.

24/7 Wall St. has reviewed the top biotech companies, without focusing on speculative companies. The November 30 short interest data have been compared with the previous report, and short interest moves in the selected biotech stocks were mixed.

Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ: AMGN) saw its short interest rise to 10.08 million shares from the previous level of 9.26 million. Shares were last seen trading at $196.18, in a 52-week range of $163.31 to $210.19.

Short interest in Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) decreased to 3.44 million shares from the previous 3.69 million. The stock recently traded at $319.79, within a 52-week range of $249.17 to $388.67.

Celgene Corp.’s (NASDAQ: CELG) short interest for this settlement date grew to 14.55 million shares from the previous level of 12.77 million. Shares were changing hands at $69.49, in a 52-week trading range of $66.62 to $110.20.

Gilead Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) saw its short interest decrease to 12.77 million shares from 12.94 million in the previous period. Shares were trading at $67.72, in a 52-week range of $64.27 to $89.54.

The number of MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD) shares short fell to 42.52 million. The previous reading was 43.30 million. The stock was last seen at $1.74 a share, in a 52-week range of $0.98 to $4.05.

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s (NASDAQ: ALXN) short interest increased slightly to 4.44 million shares from the previous 4.40 million. Shares were trading at $114.83, in a 52-week range of $102.10 to $140.77.

Sponsored: Attention Savvy Investors: Speak to 3 Financial Experts – FREE

Ever wanted an extra set of eyes on an investment you’re considering? 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 guide you through the financial decisions you’re making. 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.