If you are an American investor who is confused about what to look for next week, Jim Cramer would turn out to be your best friend, philosopher and guide, especially after the number of recommendations which he made on CNBC on Friday, 5th December, 2014. Amongst the several stocks which he mentioned on a day-to-day basis, a few that were given particular attention were Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AGIO) and United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX).
As two prominent names of the pharmaceutical industry, Cramer must have mentioned them in the light of the upcoming hematology conference to be held in San Francisco. Another reason could be the phenomenal rise of 340% reported by Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AGIO) during this year 2014 alone while its counterpart Amgen experienced a 50% hike.
Given the success that Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AGIO) has had in the clinical trials pertaining to blood cancer, the company is set to embark on further studies with its partner Celgene in 2015. Further details as to how, where and on whom and time-frame of studies are yet to be divulged although going by the response of the first phase, the atmosphere is that of optimism.
United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX) is poised at an interesting point because its CEO, Louis Chenevert, stepped down unexpectedly and has been succeeded by the company’s CFO, Greg Hayes. What drew attention to the event was the fact that Chenevert was anyways due to retire soon but had caused sufficient concern amidst board of directors and senior managers that his actions were motivated by personal interests rather than organizational good.
Matters came to head two weeks ago when Chenevert decided to take a short break in Taiwan so that he could check on the 100 foot long luxury yacht being built for his personal use. On arriving back, Chenevert was questioned directly on the matter by an independent director of United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX), Edward Kangas.
At the time when these companies were being recommended by Jim Cramer, share value of Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:AGIO) closed at $106.02 and that of United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX) was valued at $111.29.
This article has been written by Vinita Basu.
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