SQNM: A Glimpse into Sequencing in Google Finance

When exploring the dynamic world of stock investments on Google Finance, the ticker symbol SQNM leads you to Sequenom, Inc., though a critical piece of information is that Sequenom was acquired by LabCorp (LH) in 2016. Therefore, SQNM as an independent publicly traded entity no longer exists. However, examining what SQNM *was* provides valuable insight into the biotechnology sector and how Google Finance tracks corporate evolution.

Before its acquisition, Sequenom was a molecular diagnostics company focused on developing and marketing innovative technologies and diagnostic solutions for reproductive health. They were particularly well-known for their non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) solutions. These tests allowed expectant parents to screen for common chromosomal abnormalities in a fetus using a simple blood draw from the mother, avoiding the risks associated with invasive procedures like amniocentesis.

Google Finance, while now showing historical data for SQNM, offered (and still offers for active tickers) a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial performance and market activity. This included:

• Real-time (or near real-time) stock quotes: Information on the current price per share, intraday highs and lows, and trading volume.
• Historical stock prices: A chart showing the stock’s performance over various time periods (days, weeks, months, years), allowing investors to analyze trends and patterns.
• Financial statements: Key financial data such as revenue, net income, earnings per share (EPS), and balance sheet information, derived from the company’s SEC filings.
• News and analysis: Links to relevant news articles, press releases, and analyst ratings related to Sequenom. This section provided insights into the company’s business developments, market trends, and expert opinions.
• Company profile: A brief overview of Sequenom’s business, including its industry, products, and services.
• Key statistics: Important financial ratios and metrics, such as price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), price-to-sales ratio (P/S), and dividend yield (if applicable). (Sequenom did not typically offer a dividend.)

Understanding the SQNM listing in Google Finance serves as a reminder that the stock market is constantly evolving. Companies are acquired, merge, or go bankrupt. Google Finance provides a valuable tool for tracking these changes, although investors should always verify information from multiple sources and be aware of the current status of any listed company. In SQNM’s case, the information displayed is historical and relevant to understanding the company’s past, but not for making current investment decisions.

The lessons learned from analyzing SQNM’s history, particularly its innovative approach to prenatal testing and its eventual acquisition, can be applied to researching other companies in the biotechnology and diagnostics sectors. By utilizing the tools and information available on Google Finance, investors can gain a deeper understanding of the companies they are considering investing in.