RBC Capital stays cautious on Regeneron shares, highlights Factor XI program’s market potential By Investing.com

On Monday, RBC Capital maintained its Sector Perform rating on Regeneron (NASDAQ:) Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: REGN), while increasing the stock’s price target to $1,282 from $1,250. This adjustment reflects the firm’s recognition of the potential in Regeneron’s Factor XI program, which is progressing swiftly through the development pipeline.

The Factor XI program, although less discussed compared to other pipeline agents of Regeneron, has been identified for its significant market potential and unique attributes of its antibodies. RBC Capital anticipates that this program will gain more attention as phase II proof-of-concept data for Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) becomes available.

Despite the promise shown by the Factor XI program, RBC Capital notes that the current standard of care sets a high benchmark that will necessitate large and costly phase III trials. Additionally, the market for Factor XI inhibitors is becoming increasingly competitive. However, the firm sees the Factor XI program as an underappreciated opportunity for Regeneron to potentially launch another major blockbuster drug.

Incorporating a conservative 25% probability of success and a $3 billion market opportunity in patients who are ineligible or undertreated on Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs), RBC Capital has raised its price target. The firm also suggests that there could be additional upside potential if the Factor XI program can penetrate DOAC markets further or expand into new indications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with cancer and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

In other recent news, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has been on a positive trajectory with significant developments. The European Union approved the company’s Ordspono for the treatment of relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

TD Cowen reiterated a Buy rating on the company’s stock, citing Ordspono’s promising efficacy as a key factor. Piper Sandler also raised Regeneron’s stock price target to $1,242 from $1,166, maintaining an Overweight rating.

Regeneron reported a 12% increase in total revenues to $3.55 billion in the second quarter of 2024, primarily driven by strong product sales. Eylea HD sales in the U.S. maintained a 45% market share with $304 million in earnings, while Dupixent global revenues surged by 29% to $3.56 billion.

However, the company anticipates a potential delay in FDA approval for its linvoseltamab treatment and is currently undergoing a DOJ investigation into its marketing practices for Eylea.

Despite these developments, Regeneron has adjusted its full-year 2024 financial guidance, now expecting a gross margin of approximately 89%.

InvestingPro Insights

As Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: REGN) navigates the development of its Factor XI program, the stock’s performance and financial health remain key considerations for investors. According to InvestingPro data, Regeneron boasts a robust market capitalization of $122.13 billion and maintains a Price/Earnings (P/E) ratio of 28.15, reflecting investor confidence in its earnings potential. The company’s revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 stands at a solid 6.46%, with a notable quarterly increase of 12.32%, underscoring the firm’s ability to expand its financial base amid competitive and research-intensive endeavors.

InvestingPro Tips highlight Regeneron’s position as a prominent player in the Biotechnology industry, with liquid assets surpassing short-term obligations and cash flows that can comfortably cover interest payments. The company operates with a moderate level of debt, which is an important factor for investors considering the financial stability of a company engaged in long-term research projects like the Factor XI program. Additionally, analysts predict Regeneron will be profitable this year, a sentiment backed by the company’s performance over the last twelve months.

For investors seeking deeper analysis and more comprehensive investment strategies, InvestingPro offers additional tips on Regeneron. Visit https://www.investing.com/pro/REGN to explore the full range of insights and metrics available, including the company’s trading patterns and future earnings projections.

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