Genentech (DNA): 'Irrational' selling creates opportunity

Posted Oct 26th 2007 11:10AM by Steven Halpern
Filed under: Earnings Reports, Newsletters, Genentech Inc (DNA), Bargain Stocks, Stocks to Buy

"Genentech (NYSE: DNA), the world leader in cancer treatment, has been weak following its third quarter earnings report," notes biotech sector expert John McCamant.

In his The Medical Technology Stock Letter, he explains, "What we are seeing with DNA's stock represents an irrational overreaction by Wall Street, and one that should be taken advantage of by investors."

The advisor notes, "Starting with their earnings, DNA reported non-GAAP operating revenues of $2.91 billion, and U.S. product sales of $2.2 billion, for the third quarter. These figures represent an increase of 22% and 18%, respectively, over the same figures reported during last year's third quarter.

"As such, we are pleased with the growth that DNA has continued to produce. However, because revenue came in a little shy of analysts' consensus expectation, the stock has sold off. We would note one glaring positive which DNA just isn't getting much credit for anymore. That is, even at its already huge size, the company still expects to produce impressive growth for the full year (and in the years to come)."

McCamant explains, "Case in point, they indicated in their earnings release that they still expect to achieve 28-32% non-GAAP EPS growth in 2007 (over 2006). We believe that the pessimism surrounding the growth opportunities of its 'big four' drugs are overblown.

"In our view, what is more important is that each of its 'big four' products -- Avastin, Rituxan, Lucentis and Herceptin -- are still growing their sales. Because three of the four did not perform as well as expected during the quarter, DNA's stock sold off."

The advisor concludes, "Given our rosy longer-term outlook for the company -- which, as a reminder, is the worldwide leader in cancer treatment -- we view the sell-off as a solid buy-in point. We recommend purchase up to $80 per share."

Each day, Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com features the latest investment commentary and favorite stocks of the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.

Tags: Avastin, biotech stocks, biotechnology stocks, cancer treatment stocks, dna, genentech, Herceptin, john mccamant, Lucentis, medical technology stock letter, Rituxan