Stifel maintains Zymeworks stock Buy rating, $28 target

Published 06/03/2025, 16:48
Stifel maintains Zymeworks stock Buy rating, $28 target

On Thursday, Stifel analysts maintained their Buy rating and $28.00 price target for Zymeworks shares (NASDAQ:ZYME), currently trading at $12.02. According to InvestingPro data, analysts’ targets range from $12 to $30, with the stock showing a strong financial health score. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently fairly valued. The endorsement follows an update on the company’s clinical trial progress and pipeline management decisions.

The analysts noted that the postponement of topline progression-free survival (PFS) data from the Phase 3 HERIZON-GEA-01 trial to the second half of 2025, originally expected in the second quarter, could be seen as a positive sign. They attribute the delay to a slower-than-anticipated progression events accrual and point out that two-thirds of the patients are receiving a zanidatamab-based regimen, suggesting potential efficacy given the 2:1 randomization scheme of the trial. With a market capitalization of $829 million and a strong current ratio of 3.4, InvestingPro data shows the company is well-positioned to fund its clinical programs.

Further insight was provided on Zymeworks’ strategic prioritization within its pipeline. The decision to focus on ZW251, a GPC3-targeting antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) designed for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), over ZW220, a NaPi2b-targeting ADC, for the next mid-2025 Investigational New Drug (IND) submission was highlighted. This choice was interpreted as a move to accelerate value creation in addressing HCC, a cancer type with a high unmet medical need, rather than a negative reflection on ZW220.

Additionally, Stifel’s analysts found the limited commentary on the pace of dose escalation for ZW171 and ZW191 to be encouraging, though specific details were not provided. Despite these updates, Stifel’s financial estimates for Zymeworks remain largely unchanged. The analysts continue to monitor the company’s management of its wholly-owned pipeline and the progression of its clinical trials. InvestingPro Tips reveal that Zymeworks holds more cash than debt and maintains strong liquidity. For deeper insights into Zymeworks’ financial health and detailed analysis, access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Zymeworks reported a net loss of $122.7 million for the fiscal year 2024, with a marginal revenue increase to $76.3 million from $76.0 million in 2023. The company maintains a strong cash position, expected to sustain operations into 2027. In a strategic move, Zymeworks has paused the development of its ZW220 program to focus on more promising projects like ZW251, which targets GPC3 and is seen as a potential high-impact venture. Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ)’ launch of Zanodetimab could contribute to future revenue streams for Zymeworks.

Citi analysts have raised the price target for Zymeworks to $19, maintaining a Buy rating, citing the company’s disciplined financial strategies and promising pipeline. The shift in focus from ZW220 to other projects is viewed as a demonstration of fiscal discipline rather than a response to any fundamental issues with the drug. Zymeworks continues to invest in its T-cell engager and antibody-drug conjugate platforms, with plans to submit an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for ZW251 by mid-2025.

The company has also achieved significant progress in its partnerships, earning $45 million from collaborations over the past year. Zymeworks remains focused on advancing its pipeline and exploring new opportunities for growth, with strategic prioritization of its most promising projects.

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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