INTRO Here's my semi-annual exercise to see if I remember why I own the stocks I own, and so I can check back and see if their stories have changed. I post in case it helps others too.
Geron
GERN (market cap was $0.184B is $0.196B)
Geron is a high tech biotech that may yet revolutionize critical care treatment of severe ailments like cancer. Their initial list of impressive technologies has been reduced primarily to one: telomerase. Control telomerase and control cell death and growth, which means control cancer and destructive diseases. Even one success would probably make Geron into a multi-billion dollar company. (Though DNDN's history shows a disconnect between medical success and investment success, so far.) At this point that would probably be a ten-fold increase in stock price. Unfortunately, bold claims require bold proof, and the FDA moves slowly when faced with bold measures. Geron is in Phase II clinical trials, which means FDA approval is probably years away unless a compassionate case can be made. They've been at this for over twenty years. An optimist will say they're due. A pessimist will say they won't make it. I'll hold because their bold claims have good reason to come through. Besides, I may have enough stock if they succeed.
DISCLOSURE LTBH since 1999 and continuing to hold. My finances are strained by similar stories throughout what I thought was a diversified portfolio. My house may go into foreclosure, and additional sacrifices may be made, including selling stocks I'd rather hold, or even buy. So, if I sell, it will probably be because I have to, not because I want to.
(I've also collected links to the other discussion boards and my other stocks over on my blog trimbathcreative.wordpress.com |
