Today, it is absolutely glorious here in Boulder, Colo. The sun is out,
the air is clean and the IPO market is as strong as a horse. For me, it's
like being in love.
This week is stacked with equity syndicate deals, 20 total. Of that number, six
are IPOs. Do I love them all? Almost! I'll be straight and tell you that
five of the six deals slated to price this week are carrying a HOT! flag on
their backs. No, I've not gone loopy on you. Things are just looking good.
Here's a quick rundown.
Tonight for tomorrow we have
Fisher & Paykel Industries (proposed symbol FPHC:Nasdaq), which designs, manufactures and markets heated humidification products and systems for use in respiratory care. Consider this a solid medical device play. I like the balance sheet, you know I love the sector and
Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown as lead is a feel-good feature of this deal. I'm looking
for 10% to 20% out of this stock right out of the gate.
Another IPO pricing tonight is
AMN Healthcare Services (proposed symbol AHS:NYSE). The company is in the temporary health care staffing business. Revenue growth has
been explosive, and AMN turns a tidy profit. Consider this a good comp to
Cross Country(CCRN Quote), which, as I write this, is trading up a blistering 35% over its issue
price. AMN is being led by underwriter Banc of America Securities.
Later in the week, Tuesday actually, we'll see
Advisory Board
(proposed symbol ABCO:Nasdaq) take a stab at going public. This one carries with it an excellent comp in
Corporate Executive Board(EXBD Quote). The deals also have a commonality in that both IPOs represent cashouts by the same shareholder, David Bradley, who founded both companies. Look at a chart of Corporate Executive and know that the market loves these deals. I expect at least a buck from this one on day one.
With proposed terms of 17.4 million shares at $21 to $23,
Weight Watchers
International (proposed symbol WTW:NYSE) is the largest offering of the week. It is also the
most anticipated deal. Revenue is strong, profits even stronger. This deal
looks like a performer. Credit Suisse First Boston leads.
Thursday night for Friday's trading expect offerings from
DJ Orthopedics (proposed symbol DJO:NYSE), a medical device maker, and video game maker
BAM!
Entertainment (proposed symbol BFUN:Nasdaq). DJ Orthopedics is looking to capitalize on the
market's current love affair with medical IPOs. BAM! seems especially well-timed given the obvious interest in video games during the upcoming holiday
season. I am looking for a nice pop from these two names.
That's it for this week. Look for the third installation in my IPO
primer
series midweek.
Trade safe.