Cantor Fitzgerald sees upside in select biotech stocks

Published 29/01/2025, 15:58
Cantor Fitzgerald sees upside in select biotech stocks

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - In a recent industry report focused on Biotechnology stocks, particularly those innovating in neurology and psychiatry, Cantor Fitzgerald highlighted a positive outlook despite broader market uncertainties. The firm identified a favorable risk/reward profile for neuro and psych stocks, emphasizing the potential for regulatory flexibility, novel mechanisms of action (MoAs), and increasing interest from investors and large pharmaceutical companies. This optimism is reflected in analyst sentiment for key players like Biohaven Ltd (BHVN), which currently maintains a strong buy consensus with price targets ranging from $56 to $77. InvestingPro data shows the company has several positive indicators, including strong price momentum metrics, though investors should note its current volatility profile.

The report, which looks ahead to key milestones in 2025, pointed out that certain drivers in the first and second halves of the year could support near-term drug approvals. These approvals, based on pivotal data or regulatory decisions, are expected to create value for patients and physicians by providing improved treatment options for unmet medical needs.

Cantor Fitzgerald analysts have marked programs with higher clinical and regulatory probability of success as "HIGH CONVICTION." The report also underscored two companies, Harmony (JO:HARJ) Biosciences (NASDAQ:HRMY) and Prothena Corporation plc (NASDAQ:PRTA), both rated as overweight (OW), as being notably undervalued. The undervaluation is based on mathematical considerations, such as price-to-revenue multiples for HRMY and price-to-collaboration milestone payments for PRTA, which could total up to approximately $2.3 billion.

The firm’s positive stance is partly driven by signals of regulatory flexibility for rare and high-need neuro indications and novel MoAs in development, particularly in the area of depression. Additionally, the report notes the growing market opportunities these companies face, bolstered by their pipelines, partnerships, and commercial growth and execution. According to InvestingPro, which offers comprehensive analysis of over 1,400 US stocks, companies in this sector show varying financial health scores, with some maintaining strong balance sheets despite development-stage status. For instance, one key InvestingPro Tip reveals that BHVN holds more cash than debt on its balance sheet, with 11 additional insights available to subscribers.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the inherent subjectivity of such evaluations, Cantor Fitzgerald’s report suggests that select biotech stocks in the neuro and psych sectors may present investment opportunities, supported by a landscape ripe for innovation and regulatory advancements.

In other recent news, Biohaven Pharmaceutical (TADAWUL:2070) Holding has made significant strides in research and development. Analysts from H.C. Wainwright and Bernstein have maintained Buy and Outperform ratings respectively, highlighting the progress in Biohaven’s novel IgG degrader, BHV-1300, and the potential of the company’s degrader platform. RBC Capital Markets adjusted its price target for Biohaven to $61, focusing on the upcoming resubmission of troriluzole to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

TD Cowen increased the stock’s price target to $75, emphasizing upcoming milestones for Biohaven. Despite the Phase 3 RESILIENT trial of taldefgrobep alfa for spinal muscular atrophy not meeting its primary endpoint, Piper Sandler retained its Overweight rating on Biohaven shares, with a price target of $76. Baird reaffirmed its Outperform rating for Biohaven, maintaining a $60.00 price target, expressing optimism about Biohaven’s forthcoming Phase 2 obesity trial.

These recent developments highlight Biohaven’s commitment to its drug development programs and its potential market opportunities. The company’s financial health remains strong, with more cash than debt on its balance sheet and a current ratio of 2.89. Investors should note that while these are recent developments, they reflect the analysts’ perspectives on Biohaven’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.