Given Imaging: Just swallow this camera, please

Among the more valuable outcomes of the marriage between high technology and medicine has been a series of minimally invasive methods for the determination of internal disorders. An outfit headquartered in Yoqneam, Israel is among the leaders in developing such techniques.

Given Imaging (NASDAQ: GIVN) manufactures diagnostic products for the visualization and detection of disorders primarily of the gastrointestinal tract. Its principal product is a wireless imaging system that features a "PillCam" video capsule that is ingested by the patient. As the pill passes through the G.I. tract, associated system electronics interpret and record the video signals it transmits. The company also offers a dissolvable capsule system that enables physicians to determine whether there are obstructions or strictures in the gastrointestinal tract. General Electric (NYSE: GE) is a major competitor.

June was a good month for the company. On the 14th, it received FDA marketing clearance for a version of the PillCam that images the esophagus. Then, on the 27th, came word that Japan's Central Social Health Insurance Committee had approved reimbursement for use of the PillCam endoscope. The stock popped into a bullish "pennant" consolidation pattern on the Japanese news. Prices frequently exit pennants moving in the same direction they were traveling when they entered them. In this case, that would be to the upside.

Brokers recommend the issue with two "buys," one "hold" and one "sell." Analysts expect a 34% growth rate, through the next year. The GIVN EPS Growth rate (102.14%) compares favorably with industry, sector and S&P 500 averages. Institutional investors hold about 34% of the outstanding shares. Over the past 52 weeks, the stock has traded between $17.49 and $32.80. A stop-loss of $26.75 looks good here.

Larry Schutts is a contributing editor for Theflyonthewall.com and the Vice-President of Stockwinners.com.