Biohaven stock target cut to $57 by Bernstein, retains outperform

Published 04/03/2025, 13:44
Biohaven stock target cut to $57 by Bernstein, retains outperform

On Tuesday, Bernstein SocGen Group adjusted its outlook on Biohaven Pharmaceutical (TADAWUL:2070) Holding (NYSE:BHVN), reducing the price target from $73.00 to $57.00, while continuing to recommend the stock as Outperform. The adjustment follows a challenging fourth-quarter update from Biohaven, which presented mixed results for its degrader Phase 1 multiple ascending dose (MAD) study. The data showed a solid 80% reduction in IgG at four weeks, but the time to peak reduction did not appear to be differentiated when compared to FcRn inhibitors. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a healthy current ratio of 3.49 and holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, though it’s currently experiencing rapid cash burn.

The company’s stock closed down 14%, reflecting investor concerns, which according to the analyst, are primarily focused on the degrader platform and potential cash needs before the next significant stock catalysts. Biohaven’s unsuccessful high-risk trial in bipolar disorder also contributed to the negative sentiment. InvestingPro data shows the stock has declined 12% in the past week and 43.15% over the last year, with the current price of $32.06 sitting well below its 52-week high of $62.21. In light of these developments, the firm’s analysts have taken a step back to reevaluate both the positive and negative perspectives on the company’s prospects.

Despite the recent challenges, Bernstein analysts remain optimistic about Biohaven’s potential but have removed it from their top pick list. The short-term investment thesis has shifted towards the company’s small chain antibody (SCA) regulatory event, which is seen as difficult to predict. However, Bernstein believes that the market is underestimating the likelihood of approval for the SCA, estimating a 75% chance of success.

The long-term value creation from Biohaven’s degrader platform is still anticipated, although it is expected to take 12-24 months to materialize and is currently not a primary concern for hedge funds. Additionally, the analysts expressed caution regarding Biohaven’s Kv7 in major depressive disorder (MDD), assigning a 30% probability of success to the treatment.

In other recent news, Biohaven Ltd. has made significant strides in its clinical development programs. The company announced that the FDA has accepted its New Drug Application for troriluzole, a potential treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA), granting it Priority Review status. This marks a critical development as troriluzole could become the first FDA-approved treatment for SCA, a rare neurodegenerative disease. Furthermore, Biohaven reported promising results from its Phase 1 study of BHV-1300, showing up to an 84% reduction in IgG levels, positioning it as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease.

Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn) has initiated coverage on Biohaven with a Buy rating and a $65 price target, citing the company’s clinical assets and leadership as key factors for potential growth. Piper Sandler also maintained its Overweight rating with a $76 price target, despite some setbacks in the company’s Kv7 activator, BHV-7000. The analysts expressed optimism about upcoming catalysts in 2025, including the anticipated launch of a treatment for SCA. Biohaven’s leadership and strategic direction continue to garner positive attention from analysts, reflecting confidence in the company’s future prospects.

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

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.