Stifel raises Cytokinetics stock price target to $96 on bullish outlook

Investing.com - Stifel has increased its price target on Cytokinetics (NASDAQ:CYTK) to $96.00 from $87.00 while maintaining a Buy rating following the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) conference. Currently trading at $47.80, the stock sits well below the broader analyst target range of $41-$120, with InvestingPro data showing a strong consensus buy recommendation.

The research firm described the ESC results as "highly bullish" for Cytokinetics , reinforcing aficamten’s "de-risked, best-in-disease profile" in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) and its "credible optionality" in non-obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (nHCM). According to InvestingPro analysis, while the company currently operates at a loss, analysts anticipate significant sales growth in the current year.

Stifel highlighted several upcoming catalysts for the stock, including the oHCM launch where aficamten is positioned to leverage Bristol Myers Squibb’s market presence with what they consider a best-in-class profile.

The firm also pointed to the ACACIA-HCM trial expected in the first half of 2026, which Stifel believes "likely works" based on established clinical signals and aficamten’s "superior PK/a wider TI" positioning.

Stifel identified additional pipeline opportunities including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) likely in 2026, making Cytokinetics "one of our favorite ideas for 2026" with expectations that shares will perform well throughout the year. The company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 6.76, though investors should note that InvestingPro analysis reveals 8 additional key factors affecting the stock’s potential. Access the full Pro Research Report for comprehensive insights into CYTK’s financial health and growth prospects.

In other recent news, Cytokinetics reported its second quarter 2025 earnings, showcasing a significant revenue increase to $66.76 million, which far exceeded the forecast of $2.01 million. The company also posted a narrower-than-expected net loss of $134.4 million, or $1.12 per share, beating analyst expectations of a $1.42 loss per share. These financial results were accompanied by positive developments in the company’s clinical trials. Cytokinetics presented impressive Phase 3 MAPLE-HCM trial data at the European Society of Cardiology conference, highlighting the strong performance of its experimental heart drug, aficamten, compared to metoprolol in treating obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Truist Securities reiterated its Buy rating on Cytokinetics, maintaining a price target of $70.00, citing the statistically significant improvements demonstrated by aficamten. Additionally, Cytokinetics announced the appointment of James M. Daly to its board of directors and compliance committee, effective August 19, 2025. Daly brings over 30 years of experience in global biopharmaceutical leadership, having previously served as Chief Commercial Officer at Incyte Corporation.

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