John O'Connell, CFACelgene CorpCELGTOP PICKOct 25, 2016

(A Top Pick Dec 03/18, Up 47%) Celgene had made a number of mis-steps, including management applying for multiple FDA approvals. One thing he really liked about the acquisition was the price it was bought. The acquisition by BMY helped them diversify and it seems to be going well.

(A Top Pick Oct 22/18, Up 25%) The Bristol acquisition was perfect. CELG boasts strong competitive barriers to their products and their product pipeline will pleasantly surprise the market. He's not worried about the US election and the negative effect on US healthcare; in fact, he loves buying stocks when others fear or hate them.

He started buying BMY-N ahead of the merger discussions with CELG-Q. If the merger fails, holding the buyer is safer as arbitragers unwind hedges. The combined company would be a good cash flow generator, which would help internal growth and debt pay down.

Heading into the election cycle, pharma will be under pressure. He prefers being into medical devices. He has a hard time being excited about either CELG or BMY, especially if the market is currently jittery. (Analysts’ price target is $100.33)

(no dividend yield, Analysts' price target: not given) A global biotech focussed on cancer. They've stumbled recently, but phase 3 trials have been positive. Their drugs have a diminished chance of going generic, according to data. Attractive value. smart managers and a rich pipeline of drugs coming.

They have a good cash float, which will lead to a share buyback, he feels. He sees resistance at $90-$100, which will be tough to battle through. He would suggest taking a loss if you hold this one, because the future capex requirements will be more expensive as interest rates rise. He would prefer IHI-N if you like the healthcare space as he does.