What happened with Moderna Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA) shows just how tough it can be to invest in biotech companies during a pandemic.

On May 18, the firm’s shares soared 20% on news that it had begun phase 1 trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.

However, since then, unexpected side effects, company executives dumping their shares and other issues have raised concerns about the vaccine.

Not to mention that Moderna is a relatively new company without a single product on the market yet.

In a little more than a week, its stock price fell from $80 to $52 — a 35% plunge.

The Moderna example shows that you can lose a lot of money quickly by betting on the wrong biotech firm.

But there’s a better, safer way to invest in biotech right now: the “picks and shovels” companies such as West Pharmaceuticals Services Inc. (NYSE: WST).

WST specializes in making syringes and other injectors. Its products will be essential for delivering a COVID vaccine when we eventually have one that works.

Wall Street seems to love this stock, as its shares are up more than 60% since March 23. And as we get closer to a vaccine, WST will go even higher.

Brian Christopher recommended WST in his April 8 article, noting that it has increased its dividend payouts for 27 years in a row.

I asked Brian to share his thoughts on WST’s recent surge, and how readers should approach buying it.

 

WST Has a Great Future — but Be Patient

By Brian Christopher

What a move, eh?

WST jumped as much as 25% above its February high.

But, that was a huge move in a short period and it’s beginning to retrace a bit.

After closing above $218 on May 18, shares dropped to $201:

 

WST Soared in April and May Before a Small Retreat

There’s a better, safer way to invest in COVID-19 vaccines right now: the “picks and shovels” companies such as this one.

A prospective investor should respect that pullback. Wait to see if shares continue their current uptrend before establishing a position.

The company has a great future, but there’s no need to rush to buy shares when you can be patient and get a better deal.

And if you bought WST when I recommended it on April 8 — congratulations! You’re already up more than 25%, with even bigger gains ahead.

— Brian

 

As you can see, WST is an awesome opportunity. However, there’s an even better way to profit from the race for a COVID-19 vaccine.

In fact, Jeff Yastine is confident that even a small investment of a few hundred dollars in this company could turn into a massive windfall in the coming months.

That’s because this biotech firm has been at the forefront of COVID-19 testing and research. And believe it or not, its stock is still undervalued right now.

It won’t be that way for long, though.

In a brand-new presentation, Jeff explains why this stock will soar like no other stock has done before.

Click here to watch it now.

Regards,

Jay Goldberg

Assistant Managing Editor, Banyan Hill Publishing