Now, let’s talk about the stocks that light up the market today. Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSDT). At the time of this writing, HSDT has grown by more than 80% in pre-market trading, with traders bustling like beehives at Flower Festival. Why a big move? Key healthcare payers simply give the flagship device a green light and see dollar signs in investors. But before jumping to the beginning of your head, let’s break down the risks and rewards of riding this wave, what’s going on, why it matters. Plus, if you’re interested in going ahead of the wild swings in the market, you can tap to send free daily inventory alerts to your phone. here. Now, let’s dive in!
Catalyst: aetna says yes
The big news that drives the surge in HSDT today is that insurance world heavyweight Aetna Healthcare has approved a refund for Helius’ portable neuromodulatory stimulator (Pons) devices at an out-of-network price of $18,350. This will help Aetna support this innovative device for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) by joining their third major payers, Anthem and United Healthcare. That’s a big deal! When a large insurance company starts covering medical devices, it’s like a neon sign that will flash investors with “growth potential.” More coverage means more patients have access to the Pons device.
For those who don’t know, the Pons device is a game changer for Neurotechnology. It is a non-invasive gadget that delivers mild electrical impulses to the tongue that helps to improve balance and walking for people with neurological problems such as MS and stroke. It is used alongside physical therapy, and studies have shown that it can make a real difference, especially for MS patients suffering from mobility. The fact that Aetna is currently on board is a stepping stone to broader network coverage, even at out-of-network rates. It’s an exciting advancement to Wall Street.
Why is this important to traders?
So why do you have stock to jump like a child on a trampoline? It’s all about momentum and market perception. When a company like Helius wins such a victory, it shows investors that the business is gaining traction. Insurance coverage is not just about money, but about reliability. When major players like Aetna, Anthem and United Healthcare say “pay for this,” they tell the market that Pons devices are legal and could become a standard treatment option. This is a big deal for a small company like Helius. This could be a market capitalization of around $1.86 million ahead of today’s surge.
At the time of writing, HSDT stock prices are rising rapidly, but let’s take this into consideration. Recent reports show that the stock has won 91.5% and 94.88% over the past 12 months. it hurts! But today’s news is turning the script upside down, at least for now. The stock recently opened at $4.20, with a 52-week range ranging from $3.32 to $26.35. That volatility screams for traders, but also risk. A little bit about that.
The Big Picture: Helius’s Journey and Challenges
Helius is more than just one night flight maneuvering. They are neurotechnology companies that focus on helping people with MS, stroke or traumatic brain damage, particularly those with MS, stroke, or traumatic brain damage. Their Pons devices have already been approved in the US for short-term treatment (prescription only) for walking problems in MS patients, and have more broad approvals in Canada and Australia for stroke and traumatic brain injury. The FDA gave its groundbreaking device designation for stroke-related walking problems in 2021. This is like the FDA saying, “Hey, this might be a big deal.”
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Last week, Helius announced a public offering of 2.77 million shares for $3.27 each, raising about $9.1 million. catch? The offering flooded the market with new stocks, tanking the stock by 61% as trading volumes reached 27.6 million. Dilution is a dirty word in the stock world, and Helius had to do a lot to keep the lights on. They also pulled out a 15-1 reverse stock split in May 2025, remaining compliant with the NASDAQ minimum bid rules achieved by June 3rd. It’s a dark cloud hanging from the party.
Financially, the Helius is a mixed bag. They have more cash than they have in debt – $6.4 million in cash as of June 30, 2024, and they don’t have any debt, but they’re burning it quickly. Revenues are small ($52 million over the last 12 months) and EBITDA is $13.8 million, deep in red. Analysts are not expecting profitability anytime soon, as revenues for the first quarter 2025 are projected at a loss of $0.92 per share. However, there is optimism in some corners. One analyst has a price target of $4.00, suggesting a 22.33% increase from the recent $3.27 price before the jump today.
Risk and Reward: What is the play?
Let’s become real. HSDT is a speculative stock, and speculative stock is like riding a blindfolded roller coaster. Reward? As Helius continues to reimburse landing refunds and move towards coverage within the network, the Pons device could become a go-to treatment for MS and other conditions. This could drive revenue from the roof for this small company. Additionally, they focus on growing markets with a focus on neural technology. Neurological disorders remain unavoidable, and innovative treatments are in high demand. Today’s surge shows that the market is ready to reward the good news.
But the risk is just as great. The company’s burning cash is cash burning faster than teenagers with credit cards, and their public offerings continue to dilute shareholder value. The NASDAQ listing requirements remain a hurdle, and delisting can crush the liquidity and appeal of the stock if it does not meet the stock rules by June 30th. Plus, with very low revenues and high losses, Helius has a long way from profitability. If refund negotiations stall or Pons devices aren’t gaining wider adoption, today’s profits could disappear faster than bad sitcoms.
For traders, this is where rubber meets the roads. Volatility like today can become a day trader’s dream. But timing is everything, and the history of HSDT shows that it can drop as quickly as spikes. Long-term investors may see the possibilities if they believe in the future of Pons devices, but they will need a strong stomach for the ups and downs. Want to hold your fingers in stock pulsation like HSDT? Sign up for free daily stock alerts and here To send tips and updates directly to your mobile phone.
What’s next for HSDT?
Helius is at a crossroads. Aetna’s refund is a big win, and they’re gaining momentum as Anthem and United are already on board. The company is working hard to ensure in-network coverage at a higher rate, and is pushing for Medicare rebates that could open floodgates for more patients. Their Pons devices have real life-changing possibilities, and the science behind it can use neural stimulation to enhance the brain’s adaptability – something like a sci-fi movie, but it’s real and here it is.
Still, the road ahead is bumpy. Helius must continue to collect cash without dying with the new share offer. They need to navigate Nasdaq rules, raise revenue and prove that Pons devices can scale. If they can pull it off, today’s surge could be the start of something big. If not, it’s another chapter in the unstable story.
Conclusion
HSDT is stealing the spotlight today, and for good reason, Aetna’s refund approval is a game changer for companies fighting to prove themselves. But these trading stocks are like dancing with wild partners. There are growth possibilities, but the same goes for pitfalls. Whether you’re a day trader chasing surges or a long-term follower of neurotechnology, you do your homework and know what you’re into. And if you want to stay above the next big movers in the market, grab those free daily stock alerts and here. Open your eyes, people – this market will not sleep!
