Penny Stocks: Today's Biggest Movers

A number of penny stocks showed investors some love today (Friday) with huge share-price climbs.

While the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose just under 1% by 2 p.m., these hot penny stocks were up double digits.

Following are five of Friday's biggest low-priced movers.

Penny Stocks Today

Chelsea Therapeutics Intl Inc. (Nasdaq: CHTP) shares shot up as much as 12% to $5.63 intraday in anticipation of an FDA nod for its experimental drug Northera. The drug, used to treat a rare form of low blood pressure, received a strong endorsement from the FDA Advisory Committee last month in a near unanimous 16-1 vote for approval. However, there is a lingering doubt about the drug getting the FDA's okay Friday. This is the second time the Charlotte, N.C.-based biotech company has gone before the strict government agency. Additionally, there are concerns among investors that the drug's label could limit its use to 1 to 2 weeks. Analysts give the likelihood of an approval even odds. Volume was extremely heavy, with more than 15 million shares traded by midday.

Synthesis Energy Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: SYMX) saw shares nearly double reaching a fresh 52-week high of $2.49 following news the global development stage energy and gasification technology company has inked a partnership with Zhangjiagang Chemical Machinery to become a market leader in clean coal gasification in China - the world's second-largest economy. More than 8 million shares changed hands by noon, compared to the average daily volume of 482,000. Founded in 2003 and based in Houston, SYMX has a market cap of $144.64 million and little debt.

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Qualstar Corp. (Nasdaq: QBAK) shares bolted 40% higher after the manufacturer of data storage and high-efficiency power supplies reported significantly all-around improved results for its second fiscal quarter ended Dec. 31. Revenue rose 57% to $3.4 million, up from $2.2 million quarter over quarter. Storage revenue increased 29% to $1.6 million, up from $1.2 million. Power supply revenue jumped 92% to $1.8 million up from $953,000. Gross margins increased 22.9% to 43.9% from 21%. And, total operating expenses decreased $1.2 million, or 41%, to 1.8 million. Founded in 1984 in Simi Valley, Calif., QBAK has a market cap of $19 million and no debt. BKF Capital, a beneficial owner (insider) has been loading up on shares. Rising as high as $2.05, a 52-week high, shares were last trading at $1.60, up $0.45.

Great Panther Silver Ltd. (NYSE: GPL) shares spiked 15% to $1.22 on more than four times its average daily volume. Gains are attributed to the rebound in gold and silver prices after a brutal 2013. Like most precious metal stocks last year, GPL's stock suffered. Still, the silver mining and exploration company managed to post record annual figures for 2013. Production rose 19% year over year, to 2,840.845 silver equivalent ounces. The outlook for 2014 is incredibly bright as the company slashes costs and anticipates record production. Based in Vancouver, GPL is pursuing acquisitions throughout Latin American to add a third mine to its portfolio. Boasting a market cap of 166 million, GPL has an untarnished balance sheet that sports zero debt.

LCA Vision Inc. (Nasdaq: LCAV) shares shot up 27% to $5.38, a fresh 52-week high, following a late Thursday announcement that PhotoMedex Inc. (Nasdaq: PHMD), up 4% to $14.95, signed a definitive agreement to acquire Cincinnati, Ohio-headquartered LCAV for $5.37 per share in cash, or $106 million. A provider of fixed site laser vision correction services through its LasikPlus Vision Centers, the tie-up with PHMD will create a company with a market cap near $400 million. It also expands, and nicely complements, PHMD's underlying business. A skin health company, PHMD provides intergrade disease management and aesthetic solutions to dermatologists, professional aestheticians and consumers globally. Volume was brisk in both stocks, with shares showing plenty of green.

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