RE: ABTX
I think the neatest thing about following ABTX is the glimpse of the future that its advances show and how genetic manipulations in agriculture will soon affect us all.
How about the fact that cattle fed with alfalfa do not get EColi infection or "Mad Cow Disease", for example. They're a lot of folks in Britain interested in that.
What about that we may soon have genetically altered grass seed that will produce lush lawns that we will not have to mow! Do you think there will be a market for that?
The news gets better and better each week from ABTX. This week it was the announcement of a strategic partnership with Kimeragen (10%) for the exclusive use of their gene implantation technology in their sector. Kimeragen has had initial success in surpressing the gene that produces hemophilia in rats. Also their technology was involved in cloning Dolly the sheep. This will insure a cutting edge to ABT's advances in the biotechnology of alfalfa and turfgrass.
That the finatial community is starting to see the light on ABTX is icing on the cake. Gilford Securities released a MAXIMUM BUY report last week. A Forbes analyst listed it as his #1 pick for '99 in the latest issue. Folks are starting to realize this dog WILL hunt!!!
But this stock has enemies. There is still a major and unbelievably stubburn short position (6.7 M shares). They have followed it all the way from 29 to its present position (13.25 yesterday) and not yet covered. I'm hoping for one mother of a squeeze.
Then there is the almost weekly slander from Evans at Bloomberg. This week, he described in apocalyptic terms the fact that one (yes one) of ABT's 33 aquisitions did not pan out. To paraphrase this jerk, The deal "collapsed" because ABT is desperate for funds. ROLFMAO!!
That this stock is trading at about 1x's sales right now. That holds 40% market share in its sector. That it holds nearly every meaningful gernplasm in the turf and forage sector (a $1 billion sector). That it is the LAST independant in that field, the others having already been aquired, screams aquistion candidate (and for a strong deal at that!) for anyone with ears.
But this is no secret to those of us who've patiently held (well not always so patiently) this one through all of the BS. The CEO announced the likelyhood of a buyin or buyout in October. He has frequently updated, with as much candor as possible, that the process is proceeding. Presumptive target date for the deal - late Jan or Feb.
With the end of tax selling season, this is the time for entry. ABTX is definately not a day trade. It will rise pretty steadily as the date for deal gets closer. AND--- If (when) the deal is announced look for a DKB type rocket ride. Until then I'll settle for a Piper Cub ascent.
Folks, I've sat on the sidelines, this fall watching so many of you prosper,through this magic season and have been able to contribute nothing to this thread. Don't get me wrong, I've vicariously enjoyed watching you play your GERNs, ONSLs, UBIDs, etc etc. to the top. I feel I finally have something to give back for all the enjoyment I've had from your tips and advice.
A prosperous new year to all!
MV
|
