Polypore International Shares Plunged: What You Need to Know

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 filter maker Polypore International (NYS: PPO) fell 26% in trading today on insanely high volume.

So what: With 90 minutes left in the trading day, 15 million shares have already traded hands. That compares to an average volume of less than 1 million shares. The only news of consequence today was the stock being downgraded to underperform by DA Davidson, as well as analysts at Axiom Securities initiating coverage with a sell rating and a $26 price target.

Now what: Since shares fell off a cliff about an hour after the market opened, there doesn't seem to be any stopping them. If you're a long-term investor then you might want to pull your hair out, but there isn't a solid reason to sell today. The company didn't release any terrible news today, so the market appears to be moving this way based on some analyst recommendations and momentum investors' bets. There may be further downside considering the momentum and new price target, but I wouldn't panic sell unless earnings are terrible when they're released next month.

Interested in more info on Polypore? Add it to your watchlist byclicking here.

At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributor Travis Hoium does not have a position in any company mentioned. You can follow Travis on Twitter at @FlushDrawFool, check out his personal stock holdings or follow his CAPS picks at TMFFlushDraw.Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of Polypore International. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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