Health-care stocks have been resilient throughout the recession
and the bumpy recovery. That's because consumers may cut back on
discretionary spending, but it's never wise to cut back on trips to
the emergency room or prescription drugs that maintain your quality
of life. What's more, the health-care sector is one of the few
places you'll find job growth these days - proving that the
industry is on the rise despite a bumpy stock market in 2011.
If you want to get the biggest bang for your buck as an
investor, you should definitely hold a position in health-care
stocks. And if you really want to see your investments explode, you
should consider small-cap medical stocks that are seeing massive
growth - and massive profit potential. These up-and-comers can pop
overnight on a buyout offer, big contract or the FDA approval of an
innovative new treatment.
To help you get your share, keep your finger on the pulse of
these five top health-care penny stocks:
Synergetics USA (
SURG
)
Synergetics USA
(NASDAQ:
SURG
) is a medical device company that supplies its clients with
precision microsurgical devices. Since January, SURG stock is
up 148%, compared to gains of 11% and 7.3% for the NASDAQ and Dow
Jones. Additionally, SURG has posted a net profit margin of
11% for 2010. Currently trading at $3.25, Synergetics is an
affordable stock that could potentially add value to your
portfolio.
Metropolitan Health Networks (
MDF
)
Metropolitan Health Networks
(AMEX:
MDF
) provides medical care for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in
Florida. Year-to-date, MDF has gained 109%, compared to
smaller gains by the broader markets. MDF stock has also
outperformed earnings estimates for four consecutive quarters and
is projected to earn 13 cents per share this quarter. Priced
at $4.16, MDF is trading near its 52-week high of $4.52, and is a
penny stock worth purchasing now.
Simulations Plus (
SLP
)
Simulations Plus
(NASDAQ:
SLP
) develops software for use in pharmaceutical research and
education. Over the past 11 months, SLP stock has jumped
97.1%, or $1.34. SLP has also posted strong earnings, having
met or exceeded earnings estimate the past three quarters. In
its last income statement, this penny stock reported quarterly
revenue growth of 14.9%. SLP stock is an affordable purchase
at its current trading price of $2.72.
Caliper Life Sciences (
CALP
)
Health-care company
Caliper Life Sciences
(NASDAQ:
CALP
) sells its products to pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology
companies, government institutions and the life sciences research
community. Since January, this penny stock has climbed an
impressive 98.8%, compared to smaller gains by the broader
markets. CALP stock currently trades at $5.05, just one cent
below its 52-week high. While CLP may be the most expensive
stock on this list, it still is an inexpensive investment
opportunity.
Columbia Laboratories (
CBRX
)
Columbia
Laboratories
(NASDAQ:
CBRX
) develops products that provide solutions for infertility.
In 2010, this penny stock is up 21.3%. More impressive, CBRX
has gained nearly 44% since the beginning of August. In its
last income statement, CBRX reported a quarterly revenue growth of
12.2%, year-over-year. Trading at $1.31, CBRX is far removed
from its 52-week low of 65 cents a share, and rounds out
my list of top health-care penny stocks to buy.
As of this writing, Louis Navellier did not own a position in
any of the stocks named here.