Indication intelligence, analysis and sector perception

Higher open expected; RegMed Investors’ pre-open, threading the needle

September 1, 2016 5:08am

… In bad lighting, it means to navigate a potentially difficult session

But, it is also a method to get something started

Companies in my headlights: AGTC, BSTG, BTX, ONCE and VTGN,

I also answer one question; in which company should investors put, keep and commit their money!

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Indexes and ETFs: The IBB, XBI, IWM and the XLV are NOT indicating

The Dow futures are UP +0.33% and NASDAQ futures are UP +0.37%

U.S. stock index futures indicated a higher open on Thursday morning as traders eyed the release of a host of data.

Data docket: Both initial claims and productivity and costs are set to come out at 8:30 a.m. ET, while manufacturing PMI is due at 9:45 a.m. ET. ISM non manufacturing and construction spending are released at 10:00 a.m ET

The stem, cell, gene and regenerative therapy (SCG&RT) sector closed NEGATIVE on Wednesday, POSITIVE on Tuesday, Monday and Friday, NEGATIVE on Thursday and last Wednesday.

The SCG&RT sector’s record after the last 5 days (of 43 covered companies):

Wednesday closed NEGATIVE with 28 decliners, 12 advancers and 3 flats;
Tuesday closed POSITIVE with 19 decliners, 22 advancers and 2 flats;
Monday closed POSITIVE with 18 decliners, 23 advancers and 2 flats;
Friday closed POSITIVE with 17 decliners, 25 advancers and 1 flat;
Last Thursday closed NEGATIVE with 29 decliners, 13 advancers and 1 flat;

Remembering Wednesday’s closing post, “Is Novartis’ disbanded its cell and gene therapy unit … shaking confidence as there’s a whole lot of skepticism out there …!”

Under the “knife” this am, a residual from past days … but, day surgery.

You’ve made it to the office, turned on the monitor, having just gotten your coffee and it hits you - what could be today’s trades?

Watch list:

The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB) closed Wedesday down -0.85% and is DOWN -0.00% is in Thursday’s pre-market;
The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) closed Wednesday down -1.27% and is NOT indicating in Thursday’s pre-market;
The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) closed down Wednesday -0.30% and is NOT indicating in Thursday’s pre-market;
The iShares Russell 2000 (IWM) closed down -0.56% on Wednesday and is UP +0.12% in Thursday’s pre-market.

Companies in my headlights:

Applied Genetic Technologies (AGTC) closed UP +$0.05 to $13.27 following Friday’s $13.22 (-$0.08) post Thursday’s $13.40 (-$0.28) after Wednesday’s $13.58 (-$1.05) after last Tuesday’s $14.63 (-$0.19). It’s been a merry-go-round seven days of trading. The last time we saw a lower close was June 27 at $12.96. I do have concerns that AGTC hasn’t reported financial results/earnings after Fidelity dumped their position and Biogen (BIIB) has been reviewing all internal programs and collaborations. I had taken MY hits with considering an oversold AGTC for three sessions last week – Maintaining BUY;

Biostage (BSTG) closed DOWN -$0.02 to $1.00 after Tuesday’s UP $1.02 (+$0.04) after Monday’s $0.98 (+$0.05). I perceive a NASDAQ listing problem on the horizon IF the company doesn’t alleviate the share’s “jitters”. Stemming the tide of downdrafts was accomplished by the CEO and Chairman buying. The target is on its back from day traders headed to a long weekend – Maintaining SELL;

BioTime (NYSEMKT: BTX) closed -$0.01 to $2.94 after Tuesday’s $2.95 (+$0.05) following Monday’s DOWN $2.90(-$0.10). OncoCyte Corporation, a subsidiary sold an aggregate of 3,246,153 "units," with each unit consisting of one share of OncoCyte's common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock, at a price of $3.25 per unit. The investors include certain OncoCyte shareholders, including George Karfunkel who beneficially owns more than 5% of the outstanding OncoCyte Common Stock. OncoCyte received gross proceeds of approximately $10.5 M from the offering. In connection with the sale of the purchase agreements, OncoCyte has agreed to pay a commission to its placement agent, Cowen and Company, LLC, in the amount of $511 K. It is a positive for the parent <BTX> to have the cash via the “sub” – Maintaining BUY;

Spark Therapeutics (ONCE) closed UP +$0.26 to $56.58 after Tuesday’s $56.32 ($1.57). Another equity with a roaming week of pricing, Monday’s $54.75, Friday’s $54.77, Thursday’s $53.28 and last Wednesday’s $54.37. It is worth it intruding fees to go after a $1.95 spurt in this market – I’d take the shot – Maintaining SELL

VistaGen (VTGN) closed UP +$0.16 to $3.44 after Tuesday’s $3.30 (+$0.31). VTGN had a fluctuating week; Friday’s $2.99 followed by Thursday’s $3.07 and last Wednesday’s $3.33 post last Tuesday’s $3.21. A peak stands out on the chart and I never trust being long over a holiday weekend – Maintaining SELL;

Whether information or intelligence is good, bad or somewhere in between; I put into context what is relevant and useful for investors.

Henry McCusker, the editor and publisher of RegMed Investors does not hold or have positions in securities referred to in this publication.

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Insight, foresight and recommendation

What's Happening Today

4 hours 19 min ago
RMi pre-open: Green on the screen

My motto … never leave an investor uninformed! I say today what others won’t, so you can do what others can’t.

My name is Henry McCusker; I endorse these opinions under my own name and with a subscription based membership.

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Editor and Publisher ... Henry McCusker enters his tenth (10th) year at RegMed Investors with past experience in sell-side analysis, buy-side management, corporate management and due diligence.

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The facts stated and the opinions given in this publication are based on data and information considered to be reliable and have been carefully worked into my qualitative analyses and prognoses. However, no guarantee can be given as to their fairness, accuracy or completeness.

Henry McCusker, the editor and publisher of RegMed Investors does not hold or have positions in securities referred to in this publication.