AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation (OTCMKTS:APHB) Tripled Price in Days
When a company makes a streak of near-record volumes, and spikes by 300% in mere days, it deserves attention, but mostly-caution. AmpliPhi Biosciences Corporation (OTCMKTS:APHB) is rising without the benefit of either paid promotions or active press releases. The company has been trading between 5 and 50 cents, and now it seems to be making a more rapid upward trend. Anomalies like that were seen in the past, where buying volumes spiked suddenly for a day, but did not repeat for another year. On Friday, the ticker jumped by nearly 50%, reaching 34 cents. 
Just a first look reveals APHB has some problems with its filings, and is listed as a pink sheet that shares no financial information. The company recently completed a $7 million private placement of shares, and the rest of the announcements concern partnerships and even an agreement with the US army to provide unique single-cell culture technologies. 
The company, applying advanced microbiological technologies to fight resistant bacteria, has not revealed its bottom line since 2009. As of 2008, the company had:
- $5.2 million cash
- $10.9 million total liabilities
- $8.7 million total revenues for 2008
- $21.16 annual net loss
It appears the company has been running for a while, although it is unclear if the recent years were good enough to alleviate the burden of losses and debt. It is unknown if the government contract will be profitable enough.
On the plus side, APHB does not seem immensely volatile and keeps within a respectable range. So far, we have not intercepted a promotional effort, which means the price has not been inflated beyond a natural interest in the stock. The next few days will show if APHB remains a choice ticker, boosted by newcomers, or if it continues the side movement in the medium term.
Speaking of more respectable names in the biotechnological sector, Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB:TTNP) is active again, setting back a bit after a few good days, to reach 62 cents per share. Near contender AP Pharma, Inc. (OTCBB:APPA) added around 6% to stand at 44 cents on medium-volume trading.
Until APHB reveals itself more, it is best to stay away unless you can afford a significant correction.
