"Illumina (NASDAQ: ILMN) makes the Genome Analyzer, which is the workhorse of the genetic medicine revolution," says growth expert Mike Cintolo in The Cabot Top Ten Report.
"The Illumina Genome Analyzer is used by genomic research centers, academic institutions, agriculture and livestock companies, pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations and biotechnology companies all over the world.
"In the fourth quarter of 2008, for example, the company launched the In? nium HD HumanCytoSNP-12 BeadChip, a 12 sample BeadChip priced as low as $125 per sample that enables researchers to analyze nearly 300,000 genetic markers per sample.
"It launched the Infinium HD iSelect Custom Genotyping platform that enables researchers to screen up to 200,000 custom SNPs in human or non-human species across 12 samples on one BeadChip.
"It announced that researchers at Duke University Medical Center would use Illumina's Genome Analyzer to study the resistance to HIV infection among 50 individuals who were highly exposed to the virus, but who remain uninfected.
"And it announced that researchers at the Beijing Genomics Institute had completed the sequence of the giant panda genome.
"Finally, the company repurchased 3.1 million shares at an average price of 23. Illumina beat analysts' estimates a month ago when it announced its fourth quarter earnings; after-tax profit margins were 24.5%, the best in two years. And after the conference call, analysts raised their estimates for the year ahead.
"ILMN has appeared in Cabot Top Ten Report 13 times before, so we know it pretty well. Last year the bear market brought it down from 48 to 19, but it's climbing back fast. We think you can buy a little here."
Steven Halpern's TheStockAdvisors.com offers a daily look at the latest market commentary and favorite stock picks and investment ideas from the nation's leading financial newsletter advisors.
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