Acadia stock target lifted to $28 by BMO on IP protection

Published 19/05/2025, 14:18
Acadia stock target lifted to $28 by BMO on IP protection

On Monday, BMO Capital Markets raised the price target for Acadia Pharmaceuticals shares, listed on (NASDAQ:ACAD), to $28 from $24, while maintaining an Outperform rating on the stock. The adjustment follows a recent court order that secures patent protection for the company’s drug pimavanserin until 2038. The company, currently valued at $3.7 billion, has demonstrated strong financial discipline with more cash than debt on its balance sheet, according to InvestingPro data.

Evan David Seigerman of BMO Capital Markets noted the significance of the intellectual property (IP) protection for Acadia’s financial outlook. The enhanced IP safeguards have prompted the firm to revise its long-term peak sales estimates for the drug to $1.07 billion. The analyst’s optimism appears well-founded, as the company has achieved impressive revenue growth of 22.4% over the last twelve months, with current revenues approaching $1 billion. The stock has responded positively, surging 27% in the past week alone.

The court’s decision is expected to influence investor confidence positively, as it ensures Acadia’s exclusive rights to market pimavanserin for an extended period. Pimavanserin is a central component of Acadia’s product portfolio, and its protected status is a critical factor for the company’s long-term financial health. InvestingPro analysis reveals an "Excellent" overall financial health score, with particularly strong metrics in growth and price momentum. However, with the RSI suggesting overbought conditions, investors may want to monitor valuation levels carefully.

Looking ahead, Acadia Pharmaceuticals is preparing for its upcoming Research and Development day on June 25, which could provide further insights into the company’s pipeline and strategy. Additionally, the firm is anticipating updates in the fourth quarter of 2025 regarding Phase 3 trials for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), which could further drive momentum for the company’s stock. For deeper insights into Acadia’s financial health and growth prospects, access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available exclusively on InvestingPro.

BMO Capital Markets’ revised price target reflects a heightened expectation for Acadia’s performance, suggesting that the company’s strengthened IP position is a key driver of future growth.

In other recent news, Acadia Pharmaceuticals received a favorable ruling from the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, which upheld the validity of its ’721 formulation patent for Nuplazid. This decision extends the drug’s patent protection until 2038, providing a significant boost to Acadia’s revenue prospects by preventing generic competition. Following this legal victory, several analysts have revised their price targets for Acadia. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) increased its target to $24, maintaining an Equalweight rating, while H.C. Wainwright raised its target to $32, reiterating a Buy rating. Oppenheimer also adjusted its target to $19, maintaining a Perform rating. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a $24 target, emphasizing the importance of the court’s decision in securing Acadia’s intellectual property rights. Analysts from these firms highlight that the extended patent protection allows Acadia to focus on the commercial and developmental growth of Nuplazid, ensuring its market exclusivity for years to come. This development is seen as a pivotal moment for Acadia, strengthening its competitive position in the pharmaceutical industry.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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