After falling by 80% in 2014, Quindell (LSE: QPP) shares have climbed 50% during the first seven days of 2015.
The latest surge came this morning, when Quindell shares hit 62p after the firm revealed that Toscafund Asset Management has increased its stake in Quindell by nearly 2m shares, to 5.4%.
Should you top up your holding?
Im not sure that private investors should rush to follow Toscafunds example and add to their stakes.
Firstly, the Toscafund purchase took place on 2 January, when Quindells share price was around 45p around 35% lower than todays share price.
Secondly, we dont know the average share price of Toscafunds holding. It could be much lower than todays share price.
Finally, the two Toscafund funds which have acquired the shares, the Tosca Mid Cap and Tosca Opportunity funds, are special situation funds. Last weeks buys may be part of a more complex plan to realise value from its Quindell investment. We dont know.
What do we know?
On 8 December, Quindell informed the market that the firms founder, Rob Terry, had disposed of a further 25m Quindell shares, taking his stake in the firm under the 3% disclosure threshold.
On the same day, we learned that Quindells bankers and auditors had requested an independent review of its accounting policies and cash generation forecasts.
PwC was appointed to carry out this review, the results of which arent yet known. However, I think its reasonable to expect that the review will include some bad news, perhaps leading to accounting write-downs or reduced cash flow forecasts.
For sale
We also know that Quindell is now trying to sell parts of its business, and is in preliminary talks with possible buyers. However, Id be very surprised if any buyer will make a firm offer before the outcome of the PwC review is known.
If the review highlights problems, then Quindell will be left as a distressed seller and may be forced to accept very low offers in order to raise cash.
Isnt this a turnaround opportunity?
Short-term traders who bought into Quindell at the end of last year have now made a killing.
However, there is so much uncertainty surrounding Quindells finances that I think the only safe thing for longer-term investors to do is to steer clear until we know more.
After all, a stock thats risen by 50% in seven days is clearly very volatile these rapid gains could easily be reversed over the next week or two.
If you’ve lost money on Quindell and are unsure whether to continue holding the shares or sell, then I’d suggest a look at the Motley Fool’s latest special report, “10 Steps To Making A Million In The Markets“.
This report includes suggestions that may help you minimise your losses from troubled investments — a key requirement for making big money from stocks.
The Millionaire Report is completely FREE and without obligation.
I urge you to download this must-read report today — click here now to receive your copy.
Get FREE Issues of The Motley Fool Collective
Get straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock markets, direct to your inbox. Help yourself with our FREE email newsletter designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio wealth.
By providing your email address, you consent to receiving further information on our goods and services and those of our business partners. To opt-out of receiving this information click here. All information provided is governed by our Privacy Statement.
Roland Head has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
