Oppenheimer has upgraded Ascendis Pharma shares from Perform to Outperform, setting a price target of $180, buoyed by the anticipated launch of Yorvipath for hypoparathyroidism and upcoming Phase 3 results for TransCon CNP in achondroplasia. The upgrade reflects confidence in Ascendis Pharma's growth trajectory, despite recent financial challenges.
Yorvipath Launch Anticipation
The U.S. launch of Yorvipath, a treatment for adult hypoparathyroidism, is expected by the first quarter of 2025. Key opinion leaders (KOLs) have signaled strong demand, contributing to optimistic sales forecasts. Oppenheimer projects global revenue of €1.7 billion by 2029.
TransCon CNP Potential
Market sentiment may be undervaluing TransCon CNP, a drug being developed for achondroplasia. Upcoming top-line results from its Phase 3 trial could shift perceptions if the drug demonstrates competitive efficacy. The trial's design focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of TransCon CNP in children with achondroplasia, a genetic disorder affecting bone and cartilage growth.
Recent Financial Performance
The upgrade occurs despite Ascendis Pharma's shares declining after a drop in second-quarter sales and a reduced full-year guidance for Skytrofa. Second-quarter results showed U.S. approval for YORVIPATH and a new $150 million funding agreement with Royalty Pharma. SKYTROFA revenue decreased due to adjustments and higher sales deductions. R&D costs decreased by 21% year-over-year, while SG&A expenses increased due to higher employee costs. The company ended the quarter with EUR259 million in cash and equivalents. Forecasts for SKYTROFA revenue are set at EUR220 million to EUR240 million for the full year of 2024.
InvestingPro Insights
Ascendis Pharma's market capitalization is approximately $6.85 billion, with revenue growth of 166.54% in the last twelve months as of Q2 2024. The company's operating income margin stands at -111.27%, reflecting significant operational costs relative to its revenue. InvestingPro Tips suggest caution, as the stock is considered to be in oversold territory based on the Relative Strength Index (RSI), and analysts have recently revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period. Moreover, Ascendis Pharma's short-term obligations exceed its liquid assets, which could pose liquidity risks. On the other hand, the company has been recognized for its high return over the last decade, although it does not pay a dividend to shareholders. The InvestingPro Fair Value estimate is $134.25, below the current analyst target. Investors will be closely watching the performance of Ascendis Pharma's upcoming product launches and their impact on the company's financial health.
