Before Italy gave the market quite a scare yesterday, close to 500 companies were sitting within 5% of a new 52-week high. For optimists, these rallies may seem like a dream come true. For skeptics like me, they're opportunities to see whether companies trading near 52-week highs have actually earned their current valuations.
Keep in mind that some companies deserve their lofty valuations. Kansas City Southern
Still, other companies might deserve a kick in the pants. Here's a look at three companies that could be worth selling.
Don't count those chickens just yet
Biotech investors have a nasty habit of counting their chickens before they're hatched and it's been known to get investors in trouble. Just this week, Targacept imploded on news that its stage 3 experimental depression drug failed to meet efficacy goals. This is why shareholders of Medivation
I'm not saying that the reported five-month benefit of MDV3100, Medivation's stage 3 prostate cancer candidate, should be overlooked, because I want cures for these terrible diseases just like everyone else. But looking at this objectively, the company is being valued as if the approval has already been issued. The prostate cancer arena is riddled with competition, from Dendreon's
Micro-boo
As a beer aficionado, I can appreciate Boston Beer's
Although most of the conventional brewers have struggled with high unemployment rates, Boston Beer has managed to thus far buck that trend. But there's only so much carbonation you can fit in this bottle. Valued precariously at 24 times forward earnings, 7 times book value, and not currently paying a dividend, unlike many of its peers, there are simply too many risks built into its stock at these levels. As long as unemployment rates remain high, buying this stock near $100 is like playing with fire.
Still inside the hen
So, you remember that talk I had about counting your chickens before they're hatched? Well, betting on Inhibitex
Earlier this week, shares of Inhibitex soared following positive data on the company's phase 2 clinical trial for INX-189, an experimental oral treatment for hepatitis C. Much like Medivation, shares are being priced as if this drug has been approved and is marching to the assembly line, when in actuality, it's still a long way from being approved by the FDA. For starters, the competition in this sector is fierce between Pharmasset, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
Foolish roundup
This week it's all about showing me the results. With competitors lining up in droves for a piece of the pie, I'm going to need to see concrete results from these companies before I give them two thumbs up at their current valuations.
What do you think: Are these three stocks sells or belles? Share your thoughts in the comments section below and consider adding Medivation, Boston Beer, and Inhibitex to your free and personalized watchlist to keep up on the latest news with each company.