Argus lifts Sanofi shares target, maintains Buy rating By Investing.com

Sanofi (NASDAQ:) received a boost from Argus, as the financial services firm raised its price target on the stock to $60 from $55 while maintaining a Buy rating.

The pharmaceutical giant, known for its diverse business portfolio encompassing branded pharmaceuticals, generics, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products, has been performing notably well due to robust sales of its asthma and dermatitis treatment, Dupixent, an analyst from Argus noted on Friday.

Dupixent has been a key driver for Sanofi, with recent approval from the European Medicines Agency for its use as an add-on maintenance treatment for adults with a specific type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It marks it as the first targeted therapy for COPD in the EU and a significant advancement in treatment options for the disease, which is a leading cause of death globally.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also reviewing Dupixent for COPD treatment in patients with Type 2 inflammation, with a revised target action date set for September 27, 2024. Sanofi’s commitment to innovation is evident in their announcement of a pipeline transformation aimed at achieving industry leadership in immunology.

Sanofi’s pipeline boasts 12 potential blockbuster launches, including nine innovative medicines and vaccines, each with the potential to achieve 2 to 5 billion euros in peak sales. Additionally, the company has three “pipeline-in-a-product” assets that could surpass 5 billion euros in peak sales. Overall, Sanofi’s drug pipeline includes 78 molecular entities and vaccine candidates, with 33 of them either in Phase 3 trials or already submitted for regulatory approval.

Meanwhile, Stifel has also increased the price target for the pharmaceutical giant’s shares from €109.00 to €111.00, while maintaining a Buy rating, despite Sanofi’s performance being relatively unimpressive this year compared to other large-cap pharmaceutical companies.

Sanofi’s first quarter figures were reported to be in line with guidance, although they were impacted by negative foreign exchange effects, subtracting 10 percentage points in the first quarter. Analysts have noted that Sanofi’s momentum seems less favorable compared to its peers, with no significant readouts from its pipeline expected for several months.

InvestingPro Insights

Following the positive outlook provided by Argus, Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) presents a compelling picture in financial metrics as well. With a solid market capitalization of $131.5 billion, the company stands as a significant player in the pharmaceutical industry. The adjusted P/E ratio as of Q2 2024 is 18.3, reflecting investor confidence in future earnings. Moreover, Sanofi’s revenue growth over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024 has been steady at 2.04%, with a more impressive quarterly surge of 7.48% in Q2 2024, signaling robust financial health and potential for continued growth.

InvestingPro Tips also highlight the company’s strong gross profit margin at 68.68%, suggesting efficient management and a competitive edge in its sector. Additionally, the dividend yield of 2.78% coupled with a dividend growth of 7.52% over the last twelve months showcases Sanofi’s ability to provide shareholder value consistently. For investors seeking more in-depth analysis, InvestingPro offers numerous additional tips, providing a comprehensive understanding of Sanofi’s financials and market performance. To access these insights, use coupon code PRONEWS24 to get up to 10% off a yearly Pro and a yearly or biyearly Pro+ subscription.

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