Guggenheim maintains buy on AnaptysBio shares, cites ANAB032 potential

EditorNatashya Angelica
Published 20/08/2024, 12:36 am
ANAB
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On Monday, Guggenheim reiterated a Buy rating on shares of AnaptysBio (NASDAQ:ANAB), with a price target of $75.00. Analysts highlighted the potential of ANAB032, AnaptysBio's Phase II atopic dermatitis study, expected to report results in December.

Confidence from the company's management suggests a strong mechanism of action and hopes for a Dupixent-like efficacy, with an estimated 55-60% EASI-75 response rate. The study's success could significantly increase AnaptysBio's market capitalization, potentially leading to a more than threefold to fourfold stock price increase.

AnaptysBio's management also conveyed optimism about the broad efficacy of ANAB032, which could benefit both patients experienced with and naive to Dupixent (dupilumab). The effects are anticipated to be comparable to Sanofi (EPA:SASY) 's (NYSE:NASDAQ:SNY) amlitelimab, with a long-lasting impact. Should the atopic dermatitis data be positive, the company's valuation is expected to rise, with a potential downside risk estimated at around 40%.

Further discussions with AnaptysBio's management revealed expectations for Eli Lilly's (NYSE:NYSE:LLY) peresolimab results in rheumatoid arthritis to be presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) meeting in November 2024. These results are believed to have a potential read-through for AnaptysBio, with an approximate 20-30% upside in the event of positive outcomes and around a 30% downside if the results are unfavorable.

The recent $100 million offering by AnaptysBio, which saw participation from pharmaceutical giant Sanofi, was also noted as a sign of strong confidence in AnaptysBio's pipeline. Considering the company's current enterprise value (fully diluted) of approximately $750 million, Guggenheim views AnaptysBio's shares as significantly undervalued.

In conclusion, Guggenheim's analysis supports the view that AnaptysBio presents a solid investment opportunity, underpinned by promising clinical studies and strategic industry partnerships, warranting the reaffirmed Buy rating and $75 price target.

In other recent news, AnaptysBio has seen significant developments in its financial performance and drug development. The company recently reported a net loss of $47 million, but holds a cash balance of $394 million. AnaptysBio's pipeline of drugs is progressing, with substantial advancements expected in their Phase II clinical trials.

TD Cowen has maintained a Buy rating on AnaptysBio, expressing confidence in the company's potential, while JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM) upgraded its stock rating to Overweight, citing the company's potential in the biotechnology industry. Truist Securities adjusted its stock price target for AnaptysBio, increasing it to $30 from the previous $20, while maintaining a Hold rating on the stock.

The company's ANB032 trial in atopic dermatitis is anticipated by December 24, while results from the studies of rosnilimab in rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis are expected in the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, respectively. These milestones are crucial for AnaptysBio as it seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of its investigational therapies.

AnaptysBio reported positive results from its GEMINI-1 and GEMINI-2 Phase 3 trials for imsidolimab, a treatment for generalized pustular psoriasis. The company aims to out-license imsidolimab within the year and is preparing to submit comprehensive data from both trials to a medical meeting in the second half of 2024.

InvestingPro Insights

AnaptysBio's trajectory, as analyzed by Guggenheim, points to an optimistic future, especially with the anticipated results of the ANAB032 Phase II study. Adding further context, InvestingPro data shows a remarkable revenue growth of 135.59% in the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, which aligns with analysts' expectations of sales growth in the current year. This growth is particularly impressive when considering the 217.08% quarterly revenue growth, signaling a strong upward trend in the company's financial performance.

However, the company's financial health is not without its concerns. AnaptysBio's gross profit margin stands at -370.72%, indicating that it suffers from weak gross profit margins. Moreover, with a market capitalization of approximately $1030M and a price to book ratio of 103.94, the company is trading at a high revenue and Price/Book valuation multiple. These metrics suggest a premium valuation that investors should be mindful of.

Despite these challenges, InvestingPro Tips highlight that AnaptysBio's liquid assets exceed short-term obligations and the company operates with a moderate level of debt, indicating a stable financial position in the short term. Moreover, the stock has shown resilience with a strong return over the last three months and a significant price uptick over the last six months.

For investors seeking to delve deeper into AnaptysBio's potential, additional InvestingPro Tips are available, providing a comprehensive analysis of the company's financial health and stock performance. To explore these insights, visit https://www.investing.com/pro/ANAB, where more than 10 additional tips can help inform your investment decisions.

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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