There were quite a few blockbuster IPOs this year, mostly by tech firms, including Spotify (SPOT), Dropbox (DBX), Elastic (ESTC) and Chinese streaming giant iQiyi (IQ). While you were busy pursuing these popular tech stocks, what you probably missed was the fact that 2018 was, in fact, a year of healthcare IPOs.
At least 70 companies from the healthcare industry went public in 2018, constituting about 40% of all IPOs this year. Technology was the second largest sector, accounting for about 22% of all IPOs.
However, the sheer number of healthcare IPOs is the not the surprising element here; most of the best-performing stocks come from this industry as well. Eight out of the top 10 best performing IPO stocks come from the healthcare sector, with an average returns-till-date of a staggering 202%.
No surprises on the best performer here. Canada-based medical marijuana company Tilray (TLRY), which went public in July at an offer price of $17, is currently trading at $110.88, an increase of 550%.
Following this is a not-much hyped biotechnology company Allakos (ALLK), which is developing antibodies for the treatment of eosinophilic gastritis, an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The stock was offered at $18 and has since rallied to $59.03. In mid-October, the stock did fall to $33, but it regained value in the coming months.
But before you jump into conclusions, let us present the other side of the story as well. Healthcare stocks have a majority presence in the bottom 10 also, though not quite as extensive as the top 10. Six out of the worst 10 performing IPO stocks are from the industry, with Genprex (GNPX) and Eyenovia (EYEN) leading the pack. While Genprex has lost over 70% of its value, Eyenovia is down 67%.
The other four healthcare stocks in the worst performing list are Menlo Therapeutics (MNLO), Constellation Pharmaceuticals (CNST), Neon Therapeutics (NTGN), and Entasis Therapeutics Holdings (ETTX).
Browse through our earnings calendar and get all scheduled earnings announcements, analyst/investor conference, and much more!
Most Popular
STZ Earnings Preview: Can Constellation Brands leverage growing beer sales?
Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) has effectively navigated challenges like cautious consumer spending and declining demand for its wine and spirits brands by capitalizing on the sustained growth in the
What to look for when Lamb Weston (LW) reports its Q3 2025 earnings results
Shares of Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: LW) stayed green on Friday. The stock has dropped 19% over the past three months. The French fry giant is slated to report
Walgreens Boots Alliance set to report Q2 earnings. Here’s what to expect
Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), a market leader in health and wellness services, is preparing to report second-quarter results, with market watchers forecasting a mixed outcome. As part of
Comments