BMO retains Bristol-Myers $53 target after ARISE trial miss

Published 23/04/2025, 15:08
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On Wednesday, BMO Capital Markets maintained its Market Perform rating on Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (NYSE:BMY) shares, with a steady price target of $53.00. The pharmaceutical giant, with a market capitalization of nearly $99 billion and impressive EBITDA of $19.4 billion, faces scrutiny following a recent clinical trial setback. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company appears undervalued based on its Fair Value metrics, despite recent challenges.

Bristol-Myers encountered a significant hurdle as the Phase 3 ARISE trial, aimed at evaluating Cobenfy for adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia, did not achieve statistical significance. BMO Capital’s analysis pointed out that the trial was possibly underpowered due to a lower baseline PANSS score compared with previous EMERGENT trials, which could have contributed to the inability to demonstrate a clear benefit. Despite these challenges, InvestingPro data shows the company has maintained dividend payments for an impressive 55 consecutive years, demonstrating long-term financial stability.

Despite this outcome, BMO Capital anticipates some level of continued modest use of Cobenfy in the adjunctive setting, given the scarcity of treatment options available. The firm’s analyst underscored the clinical challenges Bristol-Myers has been facing, citing consecutive disappointments from both the ODYSSEY-HCM and ARISE Phase 3 trials.

The analyst at BMO Capital highlighted the ongoing difficulties for Bristol-Myers as the company approaches its earnings report, scheduled for April 24. Nine analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations downward, according to InvestingPro, which offers comprehensive analysis through its Pro Research Report, available for over 1,400 US stocks. These recent clinical trial results add to the narrative of a company grappling with obstacles in its drug development process.

Bristol-Myers Squibb has been striving to expand its portfolio and improve treatment options for patients with schizophrenia. However, the latest trial outcomes suggest that the path forward may be more complex than anticipated.

The company’s stock performance and investor expectations will likely be influenced by its ability to navigate these clinical challenges and deliver on its pipeline promises. As Bristol-Myers continues to face these hurdles, the market’s focus will remain on their next steps and future trial results.

In other recent news, Bristol-Myers Squibb disclosed mixed results from its Phase 3 ARISE trial for Cobenfy, a potential adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia, as the primary endpoint was not met. Despite this, a post-hoc analysis indicated some benefit in a subset of patients, which has maintained some optimism around the drug’s potential. Truist Securities maintained its Buy rating with a $65 target, expressing confidence in the company’s value despite recent trial setbacks. Jefferies also kept a Buy rating but lowered its price target to $68, reflecting both the recent trial outcomes and optimism for Cobenfy’s potential in treating Alzheimer’s disease psychosis. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a $55 target, noting improvements in Bristol-Myers Squibb’s fundamentals and potential growth by 2030. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs reiterated a Neutral rating and $55 target, highlighting challenges like Medicare Part D redesign and generic competition. Investors are closely watching Bristol-Myers Squibb’s next steps, especially regarding Cobenfy’s development and potential impacts on the company’s growth trajectory.

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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