Jefferies maintains buy on Cogent shares, price target at $20.00

Published 25/02/2025, 18:44
Jefferies maintains buy on Cogent shares, price target at $20.00

On Tuesday, Jefferies reiterated its Buy rating on Cogent (NASDAQ:COGT) with a steady price target of $20.00, representing a significant premium to the current trading price of $7.08. According to InvestingPro data, the company’s market capitalization stands at $780 million, with analyst targets ranging from $10 to $23. The firm’s optimism is anchored in the anticipated outcomes of three pivotal studies for the company’s drug candidate bezu, which are scheduled throughout 2025. These include results for non-advanced systemic mastocytosis (non-AdvSM) expected in July, advanced systemic mastocytosis (advSM) in the second half of the year, and second-line gastrointestinal stromal tumors (2L GIST) by year-end. InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 6.44, though it’s currently burning through cash rapidly.

Cogent’s valuation and future prospects are underpinned by the potential market for bezu, which the company estimates at over $2 billion, contrasting with competitor Blueprint Medicines Corporation’s (NASDAQ:BPMC) $4 billion estimate. Despite ongoing investor debates regarding the drug’s asymptomatic liver enzyme signals, Jefferies analyst Kelly Shi believes the risk/benefit profile of bezu remains positive in the substantial systemic mastocytosis market. The company’s overall financial health score from InvestingPro is rated as "FAIR," with investors noting that while the company holds more cash than debt, it’s not currently profitable.

The analyst’s commentary also highlighted the strategic significance of bezu’s development milestones, emphasizing that the first New Drug Application (NDA) for bezu is projected for submission by the end of 2025. This step is crucial as it could mark Cogent’s evolution into a commercial entity as early as 2026. With the next earnings report due on March 18, investors will be closely monitoring the company’s progress. InvestingPro subscribers have access to additional insights, including 8 more key financial tips and detailed valuation metrics.

Jefferies’ stance on Cogent reflects confidence in the company’s trajectory and the commercial viability of bezu. The firm’s analysis suggests that the upcoming study readouts could substantially impact Cogent’s position in the market, especially if the drug’s efficacy and safety are confirmed, paving the way for commercialization efforts in the following year.

In other recent news, Cogent Biosciences has been in the spotlight with several key developments. The company has set ambitious milestones for 2025, including the release of top-line results from three bezuclastinib studies and a potential New Drug Application submission by the end of the year. Cogent also presented promising trial results for bezuclastinib at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting, showing a 56% average improvement in Total (EPA:TTEF) Symptom Score for non-advanced systemic mastocytosis patients. Additionally, Piper Sandler has maintained an Overweight rating on Cogent, citing the strong clinical profile of bezuclastinib, with a price target of $23.00.

Meanwhile, H.C. Wainwright has adjusted its price target for Cogent shares from $17.00 to $14.00 while keeping a Buy rating, following GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK)’s acquisition of IDRx, Inc. This acquisition, valued at up to $1.15 billion, highlights the potential of IDRX-42, a drug candidate for gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Cogent is also advancing other projects, including a Phase 1 study of CGT4859 and plans to submit Investigational New Drug applications for its ErbB2 and PI3Kα programs. The company’s financial position is expected to support its transition to a commercial-stage entity. Furthermore, Cogent has completed enrollment for the second part of the SUMMIT trial ahead of schedule, reflecting high demand for its treatments.

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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