H.C. Wainwright cuts Kyverna Therapeutics price target to $4

Published 03/04/2025, 12:34
H.C. Wainwright cuts Kyverna Therapeutics price target to $4

On Thursday, Kyverna Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:KYTX) saw its price target reduced by H.C. Wainwright to $4.00 from the previous $6.00, with the firm maintaining a Neutral stock rating. The stock, which has declined over 90% in the past year according to InvestingPro data, currently trades well below analysts’ targets, which range from $6 to $33. Mitchell S. Kapoor, an analyst at H.C. Wainwright, provided remarks on the adjustment, noting that Kyverna’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 financials did not align with their expectations. The company reported a net loss of $0.87 per share, which was more than the anticipated $0.70 per share loss. InvestingPro data reveals the company’s challenging financial position, with a weak overall health score and negative EBITDA of -$141.4 million for the last twelve months.

Kyverna’s research and development (R&D) and selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses for the period were $33.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively. These figures surpassed H.C. Wainwright’s estimates, which were set at $28.0 million for R&D and $6.4 million for SG&A. Based on these results, the firm has revised its projection for Kyverna’s full-year 2025 net loss to $3.61 per share from the previously estimated $2.99 per share.

The company concluded 2024 with approximately $286 million in cash and cash equivalents. According to the management, these funds are expected to sustain operational activities into 2027. While InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a strong current ratio of 8.61 and holds more cash than debt, it also indicates the company is quickly burning through its cash reserves. Subscribers to InvestingPro can access 13 additional key insights about Kyverna’s financial health and market position. Kapoor also remarked on the broader context affecting the development-stage biotech sector, highlighting increased regulatory risks due to recent changes at the FDA.

Kyverna is currently developing KYV-101, a therapeutic candidate for several indications. The firm is looking forward to significant upcoming data releases, including pivotal Phase 2 data for stiff person syndrome (SPS) expected in the first half of 2026, Phase 2 data for myasthenia gravis (MG) expected in the first half of 2025, and updated Phase 1 data for lupus nephritis (LN) anticipated from the KYSA-1 and KYSA-3 Phase 1/2 trials in the second half of 2025.

H.C. Wainwright’s decision to reiterate the Neutral rating while lowering the 12-month price target is based on adjustments to operating expenses and potential changes in the number of shares outstanding. The firm remains cautious, awaiting more comprehensive data that will demonstrate the efficacy of KYV-101 across its targeted indications. With a market capitalization of approximately $93 million and a price-to-book ratio of 0.35, InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis suggests the stock may be undervalued at current levels.

In other recent news, Kyverna Therapeutics announced a sales agreement with Jefferies LLC, allowing the company to sell up to $50 million worth of its common stock as part of an "at-the-market" equity program. This agreement provides Kyverna with the flexibility to finance its operations by selling shares at prevailing market prices, with Jefferies acting as the sales agent and receiving a 3.0% commission on each sale. Additionally, Kyverna has appointed Dr. Naji Gehchan as its new Chief Medical (TASE:BLWV) and Development Officer. Dr. Gehchan, who brings over 20 years of experience, previously held senior roles at Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY). He will oversee Kyverna’s research, clinical development, and medical affairs. In a related move, Dominic Borie, M.D., Ph.D., will transition to a Strategic Advisor role. These developments are part of Kyverna’s ongoing efforts to advance its lead candidate, KYV-101, which is currently in Phase 2 trials for various autoimmune diseases.

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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