Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide (QTWWQ) jumped as much as 10% in early trading before giving back all of that gain to end the day slightly in the red.
So what: Quantum today announced a new $5.3 million order for large-diameter Q-Lite CNG storage tanks that could exceed $6 million if add-on features are included. Management said this shows momentum in the company's products being used in the conversion of Class 8 trucks to compressed natural gas.
Now what: This is a decent order, but a lot more is needed for a company with just $31.9 million in revenue last year and a $23 million loss. Quantum needs to see orders of this size come through regularly and consistent growth in revenue to be a buy. After the initial stock jump it looks like the market saw that this wasn't a game changer later in the day. Keep an eye on the company's progress, because it's playing in promising growth markets, but I don't think this deal changes the investment thesis today.
