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35800.0 | 2021-08-12 00:00:00 UTC | Is It Time to Buy 5 of the Nasdaq's Worst-Performing Stocks of 2021? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-it-time-to-buy-5-of-the-nasdaqs-worst-performing-stocks-of-2021-2021-08-12 | nan | nan | If you're like many other investors, your search for bargain stocks starts with names that have been severely sold off. As well it should. The market is capable of going to extremes at times, devaluing names only to revalue them again just a short time later. You know the practice by its more familiar name, "buying the dip." The bigger the dip, the better the bargain.
As veteran investors can attest, however, a stock that's been up-ended isn't inherently a stock that's ready for a recovery. Sometimes, a steep sell-off is exactly what's implied.
It's the dilemma anyone looking at this year's biggest losers among Nasdaq-listed stocks is facing, as usual. This time around though, there's an additional curious nuance. Most of these losers are in the exact same industry, and have been crushed for the exact same reasons.
One too many headwinds
For the record, excluding always-volatile small caps and micro caps, the five biggest losers on the Nasdag this year are (with losses respectively ranging from -65% to -56%) Poshmark, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), AbCellera Biologics (NASDAQ: ABCL), Arrival, and Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FOLD).
It's difficult to ignore that biotech stocks feature prominently among these most severe laggards.
And this theme only solidifies as you look deeper into 2021's worst-to-date performers among the Nasdaq's larger listings. Biotech names Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SRPT) and TG Therapeutics (NASDAQ: TGTX) claim the sixth and seventh spots from the bottom, down 54% and 53% so far this year.
Can there be a rebound for biotech stocks?
It's a detail worth noting as odds are good that any recovery any of them manage to make from here is likely going to be part of a groupwide rebound. Such a rebound won't be particularly easy to come by, however, for a handful of reasons.
Chief among reasons it will be hard to recover is sheer circumstance.
Image source: Getty Images.
Vaccine race: You may recall a bunch of biotech stocks logged stellar performance around the middle of last year, shortly after the COVID-19 contagion turned into a global pandemic. The world didn't know which player would come up with a vaccine or treatment (or even a test) first, so investors simply made bets on a variety of names in the business... including many of the ones listed above. Once Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson essentially won that race though, investors lost the will to stick with other entries.
The dynamic has been particularly painful for shareholders of AbCellera Biologics, which just went public in December, seemingly to capitalize on the vaccine mania that had already peaked. Its shares are now below their IPO price of $17, and well below the stock's December peak near $72.
Recent FTC stance on pharmaceutical mergers: That's not the only thing working against the industry, however, and smaller biotech names in particular. Much of the entire sector's recent weakness also coincides with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) creation of a global task force assembled in March to "build a new approach to pharmaceutical mergers."
It's not clear how much authority this working group will wield. But, in that the announcement made a point of mentioning "skyrocketing drug prices and ongoing concerns about anticompetitive conduct in the industry," it is clear there's a brewing risk to the entire business of drug development.
It's also worth mentioning that more than a few biotech start-ups are tacitly hoping to get bought out at their inception, with investors quietly hoping for the same. This is going to be a more difficult, less rewarding prospect if the FTC-led efforts are effective.
Legislative changes and regulations: Then there's the even-more philosophical argument that the entire industry is on the verge of running back into the legislative and regulatory buzz saw.
It's a recurring story. The business usually emerges from such scrutiny unscathed. Indeed, the fact that not many people balked at the $56,000 price tag for Biogen's (NASDAQ: BIIB) recently approved Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm tacitly says drugmakers remain completely in control of their pricing policies... even prices charged to Medicare.
With a new presidential administration in place, though, proposed legislation like the bills Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democrats unveiled in March -- aimed at lowering drug prices for the government as well as for individuals -- are given another fighting chance.
Sooner or later, one of these will slip through. And then another. And then another. It's a risk to many smaller biotech developers, which frequently count on high prices for relatively unique therapies.
To buy, or not to buy?
Fine, but don't these huge pullbacks still make these particular biotech names compelling prospects despite all their challenges?
Not really.
To be fair, there's nothing about any cost-curbing prospect or a now-meaningless coronavirus vaccine race that supersedes any of these aforementioned companies' stories. And in the world of biotech, stories about a drug's potential readily substitute for sales and earnings.
Identifying winning drug developments and looking past misguided research and development is still a key part of the biotech investing game. As of right now, however, the collective overhang is just too much for even the very best biotech stories to break through.
Some breakthroughs will happen, mind you. We just don't know which names will be the ones best positioned to overcome the headwind and adequately reward shareholders for the risk being taken. It's a headwind that could blow for a few more weeks, if not a few more months.
The bigger takeaway: Always keep tabs on the market environment and its key themes.
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James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Poshmark, Inc. The Motley Fool recommends AbCellera Biologics Inc., Biogen, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna Inc., and TG Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | One too many headwinds For the record, excluding always-volatile small caps and micro caps, the five biggest losers on the Nasdag this year are (with losses respectively ranging from -65% to -56%) Poshmark, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), AbCellera Biologics (NASDAQ: ABCL), Arrival, and Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FOLD). Vaccine race: You may recall a bunch of biotech stocks logged stellar performance around the middle of last year, shortly after the COVID-19 contagion turned into a global pandemic. Much of the entire sector's recent weakness also coincides with the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) creation of a global task force assembled in March to "build a new approach to pharmaceutical mergers." | One too many headwinds For the record, excluding always-volatile small caps and micro caps, the five biggest losers on the Nasdag this year are (with losses respectively ranging from -65% to -56%) Poshmark, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), AbCellera Biologics (NASDAQ: ABCL), Arrival, and Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FOLD). Biotech names Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SRPT) and TG Therapeutics (NASDAQ: TGTX) claim the sixth and seventh spots from the bottom, down 54% and 53% so far this year. The Motley Fool recommends AbCellera Biologics Inc., Biogen, Johnson & Johnson, Moderna Inc., and TG Therapeutics. | One too many headwinds For the record, excluding always-volatile small caps and micro caps, the five biggest losers on the Nasdag this year are (with losses respectively ranging from -65% to -56%) Poshmark, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), AbCellera Biologics (NASDAQ: ABCL), Arrival, and Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FOLD). As veteran investors can attest, however, a stock that's been up-ended isn't inherently a stock that's ready for a recovery. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of August 9, 2021 James Brumley has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. | One too many headwinds For the record, excluding always-volatile small caps and micro caps, the five biggest losers on the Nasdag this year are (with losses respectively ranging from -65% to -56%) Poshmark, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), AbCellera Biologics (NASDAQ: ABCL), Arrival, and Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FOLD). Can there be a rebound for biotech stocks? * They just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now… and AbCellera Biologics Inc. wasn't one of them! |
35801.0 | 2021-08-12 00:00:00 UTC | How The Pieces Add Up: FBT Targets $208 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/how-the-pieces-add-up%3A-fbt-targets-%24208-2021-08-12 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF (Symbol: FBT), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $207.66 per unit.
With FBT trading at a recent price near $168.72 per unit, that means that analysts see 23.08% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are bluebird bio Inc (Symbol: BLUE), Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although BLUE has traded at a recent price of $19.06/share, the average analyst target is 135.05% higher at $44.80/share. Similarly, SRPT has 58.24% upside from the recent share price of $80.89 if the average analyst target price of $128.00/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $25.80/share, which is 40.75% above the recent price of $18.33. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD:
Combined, BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD represent 8.68% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $168.72 $207.66 23.08%
bluebird bio Inc BLUE $19.06 $44.80 135.05%
Sarepta Therapeutics Inc SRPT $80.89 $128.00 58.24%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $18.33 $25.80 40.75%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD: Combined, BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD represent 8.68% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $168.72 $207.66 23.08% bluebird bio Inc BLUE $19.06 $44.80 135.05% Sarepta Therapeutics Inc SRPT $80.89 $128.00 58.24% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $18.33 $25.80 40.75% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are bluebird bio Inc (Symbol: BLUE), Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are bluebird bio Inc (Symbol: BLUE), Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $168.72 $207.66 23.08% bluebird bio Inc BLUE $19.06 $44.80 135.05% Sarepta Therapeutics Inc SRPT $80.89 $128.00 58.24% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $18.33 $25.80 40.75% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Similarly, SRPT has 58.24% upside from the recent share price of $80.89 if the average analyst target price of $128.00/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $25.80/share, which is 40.75% above the recent price of $18.33. | Similarly, SRPT has 58.24% upside from the recent share price of $80.89 if the average analyst target price of $128.00/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $25.80/share, which is 40.75% above the recent price of $18.33. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are bluebird bio Inc (Symbol: BLUE), Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD: Combined, BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD represent 8.68% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are bluebird bio Inc (Symbol: BLUE), Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, SRPT has 58.24% upside from the recent share price of $80.89 if the average analyst target price of $128.00/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $25.80/share, which is 40.75% above the recent price of $18.33. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD: Combined, BLUE, SRPT, and ACAD represent 8.68% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. |
35802.0 | 2021-08-06 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (ACAD) Q2 2021 Earnings Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc-acad-q2-2021-earnings-call-transcript-2021-08-06 | nan | nan | Image source: The Motley Fool.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q2 2021 Earnings Call
Aug 6, 2021, 8:30 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results Conference Call. My name is Jonathan, and I will be your coordinator for today.
[Operator Instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mr. Mark Johnson, Vice President of Investor Relations at ACADIA. Please proceed.
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Mark Johnson -- Vice President, Investor Relations
Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss ACADIA's Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results. Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our Chief Executive Officer; who will provide an overview of our Q2 2021 financial performance and a review of our business operations. Also joining us today is Amanda Morgan, our Chief Revenue and Customer Officer; and Charmaine Lykins, Global Product Planning and Chief Marketing Officer, who will provide updates on our commercial performance. Dr. Serge Stankovic, our President, will discuss our pipeline progress; and our Chief Financial Officer, Elena Ridloff, will then discuss our financial results in more detail before turning it back to Steve for final remarks and opening the call up for your questions. I would also like to point out that we're using supplement slides, which are available on the Events and Presentations section of our website.
Before we proceed, I would first like to remind you that during our call today, we will be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events or future results are based on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of today's date.
I will now turn the call over to Steve.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Mark. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I'd like to start with a review of our commercial performance, followed by some important company updates.
Please turn to slide four. For the second quarter of 2021, NUPLAZID achieved $115.2 million in net sales, representing a 5% year-over-year increase driven by sequential and year-over-year volume growth. As a result of a slower pace of pandemic recovery and a higher-than-expected gross to net, we are projecting net sales for the year at $480 million to $515 million. Elena will discuss the gross to net dynamics in greater detail in her section. Let me speak to the continuing impacts of the pandemic, which impacted our growth in the second quarter. In the office space channel, Parkinson's patients visits in the quarter were down 20% from pre-pandemic levels. This is important because many physicians are hesitant [Technical Issues] patients on a new therapy without diagnosing them first in person. So while we still grew new patient starts in the quarter, the rate of growth in the new patient starts was significantly impacted by reduced Parkinson's patient visits.
In the long-term care channel, occupancy rate [Technical Issues] facilities are currently approximately 15% below pre-pandemic levels and new admissions are down approximately 17%. For many of our patients being in or admitted to a long-term care facility often coincides with the PDP diagnosis and thus a new patient start on NUPLAZID. The reduction in both ongoing occupancy rates and new patient admissions continue to impact our ability to start new patients on NUPLAZID in the LTC setting. Despite these impacts of the pandemic on [Technical Issues] patient population, we've grown our new patient starts and our business overall. Our ability to grow despite these headwinds is further reinforced by our strong relative performance compared to other branded products in the long-term care channel. [Technical Issues] patient visits, long-term care facility admissions and less in-person detailing were headwinds, has slowed our growth in the second quarter. These headwinds are, of course, temporal.
Going forward, despite these headwinds, we expect to continue to grow our business, including new sequential volume growth and new patient starts. As pandemic conditions for the Parkinson's community improve, we expect these headwinds to become tailwinds, further accelerating our growth. In addition, we have commenced several PDP growth initiatives that Amanda and Charmaine will speak to in a moment.
Let's move to an update on our DRP program on slide five. We recently completed a Type A End of Review meeting with the FDA to discuss the issues raised in the Complete Response Letter that we received in April. Today, we'd like to share the key takeaways from that meeting. First, the FDA reaffirmed their stated position in the CRL that pimavanserin should be studied by individual subgroups of dementia and advised us that the best path forward to conduct an additional clinical study in each of the subgroups for which we seek approval. In the meeting, we highlighted the consistent and clinically meaningful efficacy observed in the DRP population overall, as well as across individual dementia subgroups [Technical Issues] Alzheimer's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson's disease dementia and patients with mixed pathologies.
As a result of these discussions, the FDA indicated that they are open to discuss additional analyses from the HARMONY study and the -019 study that may support a potential resubmission without conducting an additional study. We're planning to discuss analyses with the FDA at a meeting later this year. In parallel with preparations for this meeting, we will also prepare for all potential outcomes that may come from this discussion.
In addition to DRP, let me highlight clinical updates as we turn to slide six. We recently completed enrollment from our Phase III program for trofinetide in Rett syndrome and are on track to deliver top line results by the end of the year. Our Phase III program for pimavanserin for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia continues to enroll well. As a reminder, the pivotal ADVANCE-2 study was started in the third quarter of last year. Earlier this year, we initiated a Phase II study evaluating ACP-044 for postoperative pain associated with bunionectomy surgery, and expect top line results later this year. Furthermore, in the second quarter, we initiated a Phase II study evaluating 044 for pain associated with osteoarthritis. Business development continues to be a key priority for our strategy to expand our pipeline for long-term growth and bring new therapies to patients with high unmet needs.
I would now like to turn the call over to Amanda and Charmaine to discuss our second quarter commercial performance and growth initiatives.
Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer
Thank you, Steve. Today, I'd like to review our second quarter performance and our long-term expectations for NUPLAZID in Parkinson's disease psychosis.
Please turn to slide eight. In the quarter, we delivered net sales of $115.2 million with sequential volume growth of 3% across both the office space and long-term care channel. This quarterly performance was primarily driven by new patient starts and continuing patients, which demonstrated strong patient adherence and compliance. Although new patients starts are consistent with pre-pandemic levels, they are not yet accelerating at our expected rate. We believe the reasons for this is that growth of new patient starts are dependent upon Parkinson's patient office visits and new admissions and occupancy rates within the long-term care channel, both of which have slowed due to the continued impact of the pandemic.
The challenges related to the pandemic have disproportionately affected the patient population, which we serve. To give you further color on this, as shown in the graph on the left, Parkinson's patient visits within the office-based setting were still approximately 20% below pre-pandemic levels in the quarter. We know physician patient visits are highly correlated with new patient starts, and therefore, we are confident that as patients return to their physician offices, new patient starts will increase, resulting in greater NUPLAZID demand, which will drive market penetration. Despite office-based visits being down, new patient starts in total have remained at pre-pandemic levels, as highlighted in the graph on the right, reflecting our team's ability to execute in a challenging environment. We've been able to accomplish this through our HCP messaging, which elevates PD psychosis symptom identification and highlights the efficacy and safety of NUPLAZID and the urgency to treat psychosis early.
Please turn to slide nine. Now turning our attention to the long-term care channel. As you can see from the graph on the top right, occupancy levels have been slowly improving at 0.5% to 1% each month. However, they are still 15% below pre-COVID levels. For many patients, the identification of hallucinations and delusions, resulting in a diagnosis of PDP, often occurs in a long-term care facility and may coincide with the new resident admission. As new admissions increase and occupancy levels return to normal, we fully expect our momentum to translate into accelerated growth within the LTC channel. As shown in the graph on the bottom right, long-term care bottles began growing sequentially in the second quarter as a result of our enhanced marketing and promotional messaging and a modest increase of patients within long-term care facilities.
Overall, we are encouraged as NUPLAZID's growth outperformed foundational Parkinson's medications, including carbidopa/levodopa as well as a market basket of branded LTC products across multiple therapeutic areas. This performance indicates strong brand support and positions us to accelerate growth within this setting. In the near term, our ability to accelerate growth will be largely dependent on the pace of recovery of patient office visits, LTC new admissions and face-to-face engagement.
Regardless of this, we have implemented new growth initiatives, which Charmaine will now highlight.
Charmaine Lykins -- Senior Vice President, Global Production Planning and Chief Marketing Officer
Thanks, Amanda. Please turn to slide 10. Let's discuss our new growth initiatives, which will position us well in the second half of the year to capitalize on improvements to the leading indicators that Amanda just discussed. These initiatives incorporate new market research insights, specifically as it pertains to awareness of NUPLAZID's safety and tolerability profile and in light of other important medical considerations when treating Parkinson's patients. Our growth initiatives leverage important clinical data duly available for NUPLAZID promotion to highlight NUPLAZID safety benefits. NUPLAZID's safety profile is a distinct advantage. We are elevating that advantage to increase diagnosis and capture a higher percentage of new PDP patients.
Today, less than 50% of patients with a PDP diagnosis receive treatment. And also, our market research indicates that 37% of physicians delay PD psychosis treatment because of safety concerns associated with off-label antipsychotics. In addition, a key concern in Parkinson's patients is stops. And another is motor impairment. Our communication to HCP's highlights that NUPLAZID has no warning for orthostatic hypotension related or sedation-related events. Cognitive impairment is another concern for physicians, especially for Parkinson's patients who have been diagnosed with comorbid dementia. Our promotional materials will now include the SAPS-PD efficacy data in the cognitively impaired subset of patients with MMSE scores ranging from 21 to 25 from our pivotal PDP study. Beyond efficacy, we will also communicate that there are no safety differences across age, gender and cognition with NUPLAZID treatment. After being presented with our new safety messages, approximately 77% of physicians stated that they would be more willing now to prescribe NUPLAZID to treat PD psychosis earlier than before.
Please turn to slide 11. Our promotional messaging highlights the efficacy and safety of NUPLAZID and amplifies our improvement without impairment strategic vision. The new messaging will be executed across all promotional channels, including our field teams in the second half of the year. We continue to see strong brand support for NUPLAZID and high engagement of our promotional presentations at medical congresses, with over 2,000 HCPs attending a branded NUPLAZID program in Q2. Additionally, we continue to amplify our message through digital and nonpersonal promotion efforts to reach our target healthcare providers.
We've increased our efforts with caregivers and patients to drive more patient identification. Our consumer programs educate patients and caregivers about the signs and symptoms of PD psychosis and why it's important to talk to your doctor. Our DTC and digital platforms activate those patients to request NUPLAZID by name. Our initiatives will increase patient identification and our promotional messages with a focus on safety set us up well to accelerate new patient starts in the back half of the year and drive long-term prescription growth of NUPLAZID.
Now I'll turn it over to Serge to share our pipeline progress.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you, Charmaine. Good afternoon, everyone. Please turn to slide 13. As Steve mentioned, we had a constructive dialogue with the FDA at our End of Review Type A meeting. While we still do not have alignment with the FDA on what it would take for a resubmission, we are encouraged by the agency's optimist to continue the discussion and allow us to present additional data analysis to further support a resubmission without an additional clinical study.
Accordingly, it will take some time for us to prepare and for the FDA to schedule the meeting. As such, we will have an update on our -- on the outcome later this year. Furthermore, consistent with the views expressed in the CRL regarding individual subgroups of dementia, it appears the division of psychiatry of the FDA has changed their view on Breakthrough Therapy Designation for dementia-related psychosis and have notified us that they are considering rescinding the DRP designation for pimavanserin. We will be meeting with the FDA in the coming months to discuss further. In the meantime, our new publications in both DRP and PDP, continue to be received very well by the medical and scientific community.
Let's discuss further on slide 14. I'm excited to share that the positive results from our Phase III HARMONY study were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. We are pleased to be able to share these important findings that clearly demonstrates three main takeaways regarding pimavanserin as a potential treatment for DRP: one, in the open-label portion of the study, pimavanserin treatment clearly demonstrated a meaningful reduction of the symptoms of psychosis; two, continuation of pimavanserin treatment in a double-blind portion significantly reduced the risk of relapse of psychosis by almost three times; and three, importantly, pimavanserin was not associated with a decline in cognition or motor symptoms and was well tolerated in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Also in July, ACADIA hosted a disease awareness symposium to further discuss the high unmet need in DRP at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The symposium was highlighted by key experts in the field discussing whether dementia subtypes matter when it comes to treating psychosis and the urgency for awareness and appropriate management of hallucinations and delusions across dementias. The discussion among the experts was both consistent and supportive of our view that dementia-related psychosis is most appropriately studied broadly.
In June, results from the open-label extension study, which highlights the sustained pimavanserin response in patients with PDP, were published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. These data further demonstrate the utility of pimavanserin in PDP.
Let's move to our development stage pipeline, starting on slide 15, with an update on our trofinetide program for Rett syndrome. As Steve mentioned, we have recently completed enrollment in the Phase III LAVENDER study and are on track to announce top line results in the fourth quarter of this year.
Turning to slide 16. Our Phase III program evaluating pimavanserin for the treatment of negative symptoms schizophrenia includes two pivotal study, our positive ADVANCE-1 study and ADVANCE-2, which we initiated in the third quarter of last year. Enrollment continues to progress well and is on track.
Please turn to slide 17 for an update on our ACP-044 program. ACP-044 is a novel first-in-class orally administered non-opioid analgesic that is being studied in both acute and chronic pain models. The Phase II study evaluating ACP-044 for the treatment of postoperative pain following bunionectomy surgery is enrolling well, and we expect results in the fourth quarter of this year. Furthermore, we recently initiated a Phase II study for patients suffering from pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Slide 18 highlights a brief summary of our ACP-319 M1 PAM program for the potential treatment of schizophrenia and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. As part of our transition, we are completing some additional nonclinical work and we'll be progressing our Phase I program with the initiation of a multiple-ascending dose study in the fourth quarter of this year.
Slide 19 summarizes our ongoing development time lines. Most notably, in the fourth quarter, we look forward to announcing top line results from our Phase III trofinetide study in Rett syndrome and top line results from our Phase II study for ACP-044 in postoperative pain. We look forward to keeping you updated as we advance our pipeline.
With that, I will turn the call over to Elena now.
Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Charmaine. Good afternoon, everyone. Please turn to slide 13. As Steve mentioned, we had a constructive dialogue with the FDA at our End of Review Type A meeting. While we still do not have alignment with the FDA on what it would take for a resubmission, we are encouraged by the agency's optimist to continue the discussion and allow us to present additional data analysis to further support a resubmission without an additional clinical study.
Accordingly, it will take some time for us to prepare and for the FDA to schedule the meeting. As such, we will have an update on our -- on the outcome later this year. Furthermore, consistent with the views expressed in the CRL regarding individual subgroups of dementia, it appears the division of psychiatry of the FDA has changed their view on Breakthrough Therapy Designation for dementia-related psychosis and have notified us that they are considering rescinding the DRP designation for pimavanserin. We will be meeting with the FDA in the coming months to discuss further. In the meantime, our new publications in both DRP and PDP, continue to be received very well by the medical and scientific community.
Let's discuss further on slide 14. I'm excited to share that the positive results from our Phase III HARMONY study were published in The New England Journal of Medicine. We are pleased to be able to share these important findings that clearly demonstrates three main takeaways regarding pimavanserin as a potential treatment for DRP: one, in the open-label portion of the study, pimavanserin treatment clearly demonstrated a meaningful reduction of the symptoms of psychosis; two, continuation of pimavanserin treatment in a double-blind portion significantly reduced the risk of relapse of psychosis by almost three times; and three, importantly, pimavanserin was not associated with a decline in cognition or motor symptoms and was well tolerated in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Also in July, ACADIA hosted a disease awareness symposium to further discuss the high unmet need in DRP at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The symposium was highlighted by key experts in the field discussing whether dementia subtypes matter when it comes to treating psychosis and the urgency for awareness and appropriate management of hallucinations and delusions across dementias. The discussion among the experts was both consistent and supportive of our view that dementia-related psychosis is most appropriately studied broadly.
In June, results from the open-label extension study, which highlights the sustained pimavanserin response in patients with PDP, were published in Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. These data further demonstrate the utility of pimavanserin in PDP.
Let's move to our development stage pipeline, starting on slide 15, with an update on our trofinetide program for Rett syndrome. As Steve mentioned, we have recently completed enrollment in the Phase III LAVENDER study and are on track to announce top line results in the fourth quarter of this year.
Turning to slide 16. Our Phase III program evaluating pimavanserin for the treatment of negative symptoms schizophrenia includes two pivotal study, our positive ADVANCE-1 study and ADVANCE-2, which we initiated in the third quarter of last year. Enrollment continues to progress well and is on track.
Please turn to slide 17 for an update on our ACP-044 program. ACP-044 is a novel first-in-class orally administered non-opioid analgesic that is being studied in both acute and chronic pain models. The Phase II study evaluating ACP-044 for the treatment of postoperative pain following bunionectomy surgery is enrolling well, and we expect results in the fourth quarter of this year. Furthermore, we recently initiated a Phase II study for patients suffering from pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Slide 18 highlights a brief summary of our ACP-319 M1 PAM program for the potential treatment of schizophrenia and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. As part of our transition, we are completing some additional nonclinical work and we'll be progressing our Phase I program with the initiation of a multiple-ascending dose study in the fourth quarter of this year.
Slide 19 summarizes our ongoing development time lines. Most notably, in the fourth quarter, we look forward to announcing top line results from our Phase III trofinetide study in Rett syndrome and top line results from our Phase II study for ACP-044 in postoperative pain. We look forward to keeping you updated as we advance our pipeline.
With that, I will turn the call over to Elena now.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Please turn to slide 24. In closing, on the commercial front, we continue to execute in a challenging environment, in the short to intermediate term expect to continue to grow despite these conditions. Looking from the intermediate to long term, we're really confident in the potential of NUPLAZID and are committed to getting it to the PDP patients who desperately need it. Regarding DRP, we look forward to continuing our discussion with the FDA to align on a potential path to a resubmission. We're focused on advancing our development pipeline with two clinical data readouts in the fourth quarter of 2021, while continuing to pursue attractive business development deals. Finally, I would like to thank our employees for their passion to our mission to elevate life.
I'll now open up the call for questions. Operator?
Questions and Answers:
Operator
[Operator Instructions] Our first question comes from the line Cory Kasimov from JPMorgan. Your question, please?
Gavin Scott -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
This is Gavin on for Cory. Thanks for taking our questions. Just curious, do the FDA clarify what particular analysis needs to be completed to convince them? Or what do you think you can show them to be convincing? Thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks for the question, Gavin. Serge, do you want to take this?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Thanks, Gavin. We brought to the Type A meeting a number of additional analysis -- that we looked at the meeting as an opportunity for us to address some of the questions and concerns expressed in the CRL as we didn't have opportunity prior to this to bring it. So the analysis that we brought and were of quite a bit of interest to the FDA could be summarized in a couple of buckets.
One is, as it relates to the clinical characteristics and features of psychosis among the different dementia subtypes. We analyze specifically -- we analyzed and looked at the psychosis rating scales and did a variety of different cluster analysis, item analysis, characterizing this clinical picture of psychosis among different subtypes, whether before treatment, in the course of the treatment as well as following withdrawal of successful treatment, essentially showing a very similar pattern of clinical characteristics and behavior among these different subtypes. So that's one bucket of analysis.
The other bucket is related to the meaningful -- clinically meaningful response, not only overall, among different -- among patients with dementia-related psychosis, but also when you look at a pattern of response and the meaningfulness of the response among different subtypes. Particularly when you look at the response to pimavanserin treatment, we see quite a bit of similarity and meaningfulness in that clinical response. So we perform a number of different analyses demonstrated that as well. So those were kind of the main features of the analysis that we performed and presented to FDA, and we'll continue to discuss as we move forward with our discussions.
Gavin Scott -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
Okay, thank you very much.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Neena Bitritto-Garg, your question please, from Citi?
Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst
Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. So just on the DRP indication as well. I guess, have you gotten a sense from the FDA around if you are able to kind of move forward with some additional analyses of the existing data. Would a refiling or a resubmission kind of be for the broad indication? Or do you think it would be for specific subtypes only? Thanks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks so much for the question. Serge, do you want to address this?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Well, Neena, thanks for the question. When we look at the discussions that we have and the potential parts, they essentially boils down to three pathways that we can pursue. One is that additional analysis and the discussion and review of the data results with the alignment that the data -- existing data is sufficient for approval of the broad DRP indication. The other option is that the data that we have for the subtypes, particularly for some of the larger subtypes that we have like Alzheimer's disease psychosis, along with the study in Alzheimer's disease psychosis that we have, with the analysis and data that we present, we aligned that, that data is sufficient to -- for the approval of individual indications -- individual subtype without additional clinical work.
And finally, the third part would be that if FDA remains steadfast with their position that they would want to see additional clinical data, then additional work in an individual indication would be required to move forward. So that's how we see. Obviously, our position is for the first or the second option. And I think the data that we have presented received some traction, and we're continuing discussion and we are happy to have that opportunity.
Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst
Perfect, thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
This is Steve. I don't know if others heard this, but there was some skipping when Serge was talking. So I just want to clarify. So as Serge mentioned, there's three potential ways this could play out. First is our position that our existing data supports a broad DRP label. We made that case in the Type A meeting we have, and we determined that we need to continue the discussion on that front. So that's one possibility. Another possibility is to resubmit based upon one or more individual subtypes. Serge mentioned Alzheimer's disease psychosis is where we obviously have the greatest amount of data.
It was the largest group in the study. We also had very compelling data in dementia with Lewy bodies. So a second potential outcome here is that we resubmit again without additional clinical work based upon one or more subtypes. The third possibility, of course, is that the FDA, and this is their current view, requires that we do additional clinical work and submit on individual subtypes. Now having said that, again, here, too, they said, this is what we suggest you do. We think this is your best path forward but we're willing to have a further discussion with you about the possibility of submitting without additional clinical work. That's where things stand today. Those are the three potential outcomes as we see it.
Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst
Okay, thank you
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Jeff Hung from Morgan Stanley. Your question, please?
Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst
Thanks for taking the questions. Just to clarify. So the follow-up meeting with the FDA, is this a meeting where the agency will make a final decision on whether to allow for the resubmission without the additional clinical study? Or is there a potential that this could go on to multiple additional meetings? And I have a follow-up on that.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Just to clarify, I mean, Type A meeting that we already had with the FDA, 60-minute meeting. And obviously, we brought a lot of information and data to that meeting and in the briefing document. So the extension of this meeting that we will have in the next scheduled meeting is essentially continuation of the discussion that we already have, they already started and had with the FDA. We do anticipate that we will come to a certain point of alignment and -- with the FDA or at a certain point of understanding what will be necessary along the three different pathways that we just discussed at that next meeting and obviously are hoping that the data that we are bringing and the discussion at the meeting will support our position and proposals how to move forward.
Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst
Okay. And if I can clarify. So then can you provide a little more color on the FDA reiterating their position in being open to having another meeting? Like was that more that they're pretty firm on their position, but they'll hear you out? Or does it seem like they're more open to an actual discussion?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'll start, and then I'll let Serge add additional color, if he like. I don't think they would have suggested -- we're open to having another meeting if they weren't interested in hearing more of the analysis that we're doing -- that we did for the Type A meeting and we're continuing to refine that. So I think they're being genuine when they agreed to have a further dialogue. As Serge mentioned, the Type A meeting was only a 60-minute meeting. We could only cover so much ground in that meeting. Having said that, again, I just want to be clear. They said, we believe your best path forward is to do additional clinical work and do an additional clinical study for each subtype that you want to pursue. But we're open to having a further discussion. That's as much clarity as I can give you at this point. We need to have the next meeting in order to try to get further clarity.
Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst
Thank you.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Ritu Baral from Cowen. Your question, please?
Lyla Youssef -- Cowen -- Analyst
This is Lyla on for Ritu. Thanks for taking the question. Maybe just to follow up on DRP. For the meeting that you plan to have with the FDA later this year. Now is that expected to be with the same reviewers, the same members of the FDA you've been interacting with? Or is there any potential that it might escalate to more senior members of the division? Thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Let me just say that we -- first of all, we were very pleased to have a strong FDA representation and presence at our Type A meeting along -- both from the division as well as from the Office for Neuroscience. At the meeting, obviously, the division -- Psychiatry Division Director, Tiffany Farchione, was present, but also the Director of Office for Neuroscience, Billy Dunn, was present at the meeting. So we anticipate, as we continue this discussion, to continue to have that strong presence from the FDA side as well and continue our constructive dialogue.
Lyla Youssef -- Cowen -- Analyst
Thank you for clarifying.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Charles Duncan from Cantor Fitzgerald. Your question, please?
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Thanks for taking the question. I had a question -- one additional question on DRP and then a commercial question. And that is regarding DRP, I guess, I'm wondering if you're contemplating actually initiating a trial with one of these patient subgroups. And then given the kind of perspective that you got from AAIC, I'm wondering if you can provide any additional color on why you think the psychiatry division is contemplating there being differences in psychosis across these degenerative disorders?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take this question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Let me try to address the first part of the -- second part of the question, and that is we received quite a bit of support from the medical community out there in regard to interpretation of the data and the results of our HARMONY study and the overall data that we submitted as a part of our supplemental NDA. So there is, indeed, as you are pointing out, a little bit of discrepancy in the way how division of psychiatry looked at the data and how the wider medical and scientific community look at the data.
We were very -- as I mentioned, very pleased with the fact that we also published the data in The New England Journal of Medicine and received also a positive editorial in regard to the overall data we have. But it is -- remains a debate within the community about how to study dementia-related psychosis, to study it as a single entity -- clinical entity, which is positioned where we had, and we had an agreement to that effect or to studies by dementia subtypes. And I guess that the division of psychiatry on the basis of available data to them and the data that we presented came to a conclusion that, that way of studying psychosis by dementia subtypes is an appropriate way to study dementia-related psychosis. But that's the best that I can say.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Charles, I think you also were asking about running an additional study. And I would just -- yes, go ahead, Serge.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. We are obviously preparing for all possible alternative outcomes of our discussion. We do not want to prejudge the discussion or -- but we are prepared for all possible outcomes and alternative actions that we would be taking as we move forward with this. So that's how we look at the things.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Okay. Quick commercial question then. And I know that you don't promote off-label. But I'm just wondering if you're able to detect any change in the use of pimavanserin off-label as a result of the agency decision and the visibility around that. I don't even know if there is off-label use, but I'm wondering if that -- if there is, if that dynamic changed over the course of the second quarter?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks for the question, Charles. From the time we've launched in PDP, we've had very little off-label use. We can't track every bottle. We don't know the final destination of every bottle, for instance, that goes into long-term care. But the majority of our sales of our bottles come through our hub and we know what the diagnosis is on every bottle, every prescription that comes to our hub. And when we look at those prescriptions, the amount that is off-label has consistently been in the low single digits. So more than 95% of prescriptions are on label. It's difficult to get the drug off-label as it is many drugs. It's possible but difficult. And so for that reason, very high percent of our bottles are on label. That has not changed throughout the last cycle of the product, and we're not seeing any differences in that today.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Thanks Steve, for adding color.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
[Indecipherable]
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Tazeen Ahmad from Bank of America. Your question, please?
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Hi, good afternoon. Thanks for taking my question. Serge, I just wanted to maybe clarify on the comment that you made in your press statement of the breakthrough status. I guess why would it be the case that FDA might be reconsidering breakthrough? And who's going to make that decision? As you kind of have these meetings -- your next meeting, is anybody in that committee going to be involved in determining breakthrough status? And if and when it's determined what the future path is going to be? Let's say, the best case, you don't have to do another study. You can resubmit. There's a chance now go up that it would be for a regular review, given the breakthrough status might be revoked? Thanks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes, sure. Serge, do you want to take this?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. A couple of things here. First of all, just a clarification. We received this notification from the FDA prior to our Type A meeting. And the breakthrough designation at this point -- the reason we believe this is consistent with their CRL is it's very consistent with their position that the data did not substantiate approval for this particular indication. And at this point in the life cycle of the development, really that the Breakthrough Therapy Designation -- it does not have an impact as otherwise would have. So from that perspective, this is something that we are not surprised to see.
To your question, the division makes a recommendation for the Breakthrough Therapy Designation and it's then approved by the higher levels with the agency. And in regard to the review, which is important point, in case of resubmission, that resubmission goes either to -- depending on whether it's a labeling resubmission or it's additional data, which in this case, would probably be, would take six months review cycle. So it wouldn't go -- it doesn't go in a manner like original submission.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Okay, got it. Thank you.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Jason Butler from JMP Securities. Your question, please?
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Thanks for taking the questions. Just on DRP. Was the Phase II ADP study discussed at all or any of the FDA's comments in the CRL relating to that study discussed? And then just on the commercial side, in geographies where the case rates of COVID have remained lower, are you seeing a better return to physicians' offices or occupancy levels in LTC that are closer to normal? Are you seeing different things across the country? Or is it still depressed across the country? Thanks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, why don't you take the first question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Thanks, Jason. The FDA invited us to bring additional data and analysis. The point that we brought to the meeting in the discussion as far as the Phase II ADP study goes is the conclusion -- positive conclusions of that study remain regardless of how you look at the data and analyze the data and independent on any concerns that the division expressed in regard to some quality issues with that study, single-center study and so on. So from that perspective, they did invite us to bring that additional analysis and data validating the overall conclusion of that study because it is an important study in the overall package of the data we submitted.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Right. Thanks so much. Amanda, do you want to take the geography question?
Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer
Yes. Thanks. I'll take the second question. Thanks, Steve. So specific to, are we seeing differences across the U.S. as it relates to the pandemic, and we do see regional differences across the U.S. But what I will say is that we have seen from the beginning of the year until this year -- we've seen a return of our face-to-face engagements with our reps and our physicians. And we've seen LTC new admissions continue to grow, although still at pre-COVID levels as well as PD patient office visits. So we'll continue to track those leading indicators and continue to optimize with our engagements with our HCPs as we navigate the pandemic.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Got it. Thanks for taking the questions.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Marc Goodman from SVB Leerink. Your question, please?
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
So Steve, to confirm if the FDA ends up saying, OK, you need another study, you're willing to do another study in one of these subgroups? Is that confirmed?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. I appreciate the question, Marc. I think the honest answer is we need to know what would be required for an approval in the individual subgroups, or for that matter, for DRP generally. And we just haven't had -- we're not at that point of the discussions yet. So we need to understand what that path looks like. Obviously, if it's a asset that -- if we ultimately determine that we need to do additional clinical work to get an approval, if the path is one that we feel like is appropriate, it's scientifically valid, we still have a lot of patent life and we'll be eager to pursue it. If the path forward is one that we feel like is just not feasible, it would be very difficult to enroll or take a very, very long time to enroll, then you want to take that into consideration. But next steps next and the next thing we need to is have further discussion with FDA.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
So basically, at the meeting, they told you that you should do another study in a subgroup to get that particular subgroup, but they didn't give you any guidance on that type of study at all? There was no discussion about what it would be?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
We did not have a discussion on what that would look like. That's correct. We spent the majority of the meeting talking about the new analysis that we had done and had a dialogue around that. And again, as I said, I want to be really clear. They said, we think your best path forward is to do additional clinical work. However, we're willing to have a further discussion with you to further consider the analysis that you've done.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Right. And Serge, your comments -- somewhere in the comments, you used the term, some traction. We got some traction. So I was just curious what part of the discussion was it that you got some traction?
Serge Stankovic -- President
I would just directly say the buckets that I described both sets of analysis that we were discussing were received with quite a bit of interest. This was a new information that -- new data that we brought, new analysis, and there was quite a bit of interest and discussion. And finally, encouragement to see more of that analysis and continued discussion in that. That is the reason that I characterized as a traction, but really relates to both buckets of the analysis.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Marc, I might just add one additional comment. Any time you get a CRL, and we were very clear about this before the Type A meeting, you would expect that going into that meeting because they just issued a CRL that their view would be that you should do additional clinical work. So I would say we're very pleased that both Dr. Farchione and Dr. Dunn were at the meeting. And we had an opportunity to present the analysis that we did. And as Serge mentioned, I think there was very meaningful interest in the analysis, and we had a very constructive dialogue. So I think coming out of that meeting with the recognition that this warrants further discussion, I think, is what Serge is referring to when he said, we got some traction and feel like we had a productive discussion and that we need to continue that dialogue.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Thanks.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Salveen Richter from Goldman Sachs. Your question, please?
Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Thanks for taking our questions. This is Andrea on for Salveen. Elena, maybe one for you. With respect to the lowered guidance there, can you help us understand what proportion of that reduction is due to expected continued impact from the pandemic versus gross to net?
Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Sure, Andrea. So about half the reduction is a result of the slower pace of recovery due to the pandemic and about half of it is due to the gross to net.
Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Great. And then, Serge, one question on ACP-044 for the data that you're expecting in the fourth quarter of this year. Can you help frame expectations for that? And what is clinically meaningful?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. We are conducting, just as a reminder, a study in postsurgical pain, bunionectomy surgery, about 280 -- 240 patients study and expect the results before the end of the year. In that study, the primary outcome measure is pain intensity measured over 24 hours. We are testing two kind of dosing regimens in the study at the highest dose level. And it's a placebo-controlled study. So we would be very pleased to see a significant separation in the pain intensity or reduction in pain intensity with treatment.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Joseph Stringer from Needham and Company. Your question, please?
Joseph Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Hi, everyone. Thanks for taking our questions. First one, commercial on PDP. Just following up on an earlier question on sort of regional differences. Just curious if you had any data or info on hesitancy among vaccinated PDP patients, whether it be returning to office visits? And I know in the long-term care, it's a little bit different dynamic. You mentioned occupancy and new admissions were down. But is there a different sort of effect for each of those settings? And then the second question is just on Rett. Can you remind us again what to expect for a clinically meaningful change in RSBQ and CGI endpoints? Thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes, sure. Amanda, do you want to take the first question and, Serge, the second?
Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer
Sure. Thanks for the question, Joseph. So let me kind of separate my question to two kind of -- or my answer into two distinct categories when we think about regional differences and how we think about the business. But it really boils down to two things, and it's either the face-to-face physician and patient visits or the face-to-face physician and rep interactions. And specifically with the face-to-face physician and patient visits, this is important because we know HCPs are more effective diagnosing PD psychosis, and they have an increased willingness to prescribe a new product during an in-person patient visit. And so currently, in-person patient visits, as I shared, are about 20% below pre-COVID level. So regardless of this, though, we've maintained our new patient starts pre-pandemic.
The second thing we look at, both regionally and nationally, is when we look at face-to-face physician and rep interactions. And so what we know is that when we engage with our HCPs in person we're just more effective than we are when we interact virtually. And so currently, more than 2/3 of our physicians and rep interactions are in person, which is a significant improvement from the beginning of the year, but it is still pre -- at pre-COVID levels. So throughout our growth initiatives, the temporal headwinds turning those into tailwinds, we do expect to see an increased demand for NUPLAZID. And we do expect that to kind of vary regionally, but those are really the ways we look at it from both a regional and national perspective.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. About the trofinetide Rett Phase III study, as a reminder, the study has two co-primary measure: One is Rett behavioral symptoms questionnaire, which is a caregiver completed questionnaire across symptoms of Rett syndrome. And the second is Clinical Global Impression of Improvement, which is a physician rating scale. So in itself, the study has sort of internal validation of whether the rating scale changes that are observed in individual patients correlate with the improvement -- meaningful improvement that the physician characterized on the scale -- on their rating scale. So from that perspective, since we need to reach both separation from placebo and fold co-primary measure, there is an internal validation of meaningfulness of the results whenever we separate from placebo. I will remind you that in the Phase II study that was positive, there was about a 15% reduction on the scale. And obviously, that was meaningful separation, particularly in the context of the broad -- our assessment of the broad symptoms across Rett syndrome as well as that there are no other available treatments at this point.
Joseph Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Great, thank you.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Jay Olson from Oppenheimer. Your question, please?
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer -- Analyst
Thanks for the update and thanks for taking our questions. I was wondering if you could share any thoughts on Cerevel's data for their M4 PAM and any read across that you might see to your M1 PAM? And then maybe if you could please provide an update on your latest thoughts about potential indications to pursue with your M1 PAM and when we should expect to see Phase I data? Thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks much for the question. Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Let me start with our thinking around what potential indication for the M1 PAM that we are currently developing. We are taking -- as we mentioned, in a broad stroke, we are looking at schizophrenia and the cognition and cognitive symptoms in dementia. When we talk about schizophrenia, obviously, one can pursue acute symptoms of schizophrenia, but also negative symptoms and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. We will be, what I say, following the molecule, listening to the molecule as we are developing it and conducting our Phase II because there are some indications -- there are some -- those that believe that M1 is more targeted toward and successful in the treatment of cognitive symptoms while the M4 may be more successful in treating the acute symptoms.
I would say that we -- as much as we believe in that lower, we would also -- there are data that suggest different, and we would like to evaluate as we further move with the development of M1 PAM. As far as the M4 data from Cerevel, I would say it's an impressive data. It is in acute -- short-term acute treatment of positive symptoms of schizophrenia. We looked at that data. First of all, we do need better treatments for schizophrenia. So we are very pleased to see such positive results as Cerevel reported. But I would also say that we are seeing that as a validation of muscarinic receptor as a target for schizophrenia and are very, very pleased that we also have a program in development in that area.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer -- Analyst
Great, thank you.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Gregory Renza from RBC Capital Markets. Your question, please?
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Thank you very much for taking my question. Steve, just on the Type A meeting. I know coming into that meeting you were really striving for an understanding of why the FDA appeared to have changed their position there. I'm just curious, coming out of that now, if you felt as though you've reached that understanding and as you've alluded to, kind of, the alignment path forward. What that means for getting on a firmer footing with them with the next steps?
And then just secondly, on a separate topic just related to BD. Just curious if you could update us on sort of your criteria there, especially as maybe the wider industry has been prompted to rethink assets and development plans following the aducanumab approval? Thank you very much.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Sure. Let me take them one at a time, and I'll answer the first question and then Serge again feel free to add any additional color. Look, I think this is a situation where reasonable minds can differ. And we believe our position in the way to look at DRP broadly as one indication is supported by the data in the medical literature in terms of the way physicians think about this indication, most importantly in terms of the way it presents and the way it response to treatment. So we feel like we've got a very strong case there. We think our data from our HARMONY study is consistent and supports that position.
As Serge mentioned, when you look at the drug-treated group in the randomized withdrawal portion of the study, between subgroups, the response is very similar. It's also very similar in the open-label portion of the study. So however, we respect the fact that the FDA, particularly the psychiatry division, has a different position. And this is not to say that we're right and they are wrong or vice versa. They just have a different position than we do. So recognizing that, our objective is to accomplish two things. One is we want to get this drug to patients who desperately need it as fast as possible and, two, we want to get it to the broadest group of patients that can benefit from it. So as we go forward, we're going to focus on where we can try to find alignment to accomplish those two objectives, recognizing that we just have a reasonable difference of scientific opinion. Serge, anything you want to add to that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
I think you summed it up quite well.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Okay. And then to your second question regarding BD, you broke up in, I think, a key part of the second question. Could you repeat that?
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Sure, Steve. Just I'm curious if you could just update us on the criteria that you're applying when you look at external assets and just curious if some of the aducanumab approval while it's prompted by others in the sector to maybe rethink how to look at assets and development programs, if that applies to you as well?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks much for the question. I would say our strategy on business development is unchanged. We built a presence in both neurology and psychiatry. We have very strong franchises there both on the R&D as well as on the commercial and medical affairs fronts, and we're going to continue to pursue that. As it relates specifically to aducanumab, I would say that has not had a meaningful impact in terms of our view of assets and the development paths forward. Having said that, I'll say we obviously -- this is a topic of great discussion in the general press. There's probably a political point of view and social points of view and medical points of view there that relate to how the FDA is currently thinking about the accelerated approval pathway, and we'll continue to stay very much on top of that. But I would say when I step back and think about the things that are most impactful to our strategy on business development, this is not a -- this does not create a sea change or significant difference.
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Thanks, Steve.
Operator
We have time for two more questions. Our next question comes from the line of Danielle Brill from Raymond James. Your question, please?
Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst
Hi, guys. Thanks so much for the question. This may be a follow-up to the one just asked, but maybe just if you could clarify a bit. Steve, it seems like there's nothing gating to having another meeting with the FDA. So I guess, can you just walk us through exactly what the next steps are from here to get that meeting scheduled? And then on the commercial side, I'm curious if you have any insights as to why PD office visits were down more in 2Q than for 1Q when the pandemic was at all-time highs? Thank you.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks. I'll ask Amanda to answer the second question in a second. But as it relates to the -- I'm sorry, Danielle, could you repeat the first question?
Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst
Yes. I'm just wondering like what the steps are from here to having that follow-up discussion with the FDA.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Got it. Okay. Sorry. So let me just cover kind of mechanically first. So mechanically, we need to submit the request. And then depending on whether it's a Type A, B or C meeting, it will be a 30-, 60- or 75-day clock on the meeting and then we need to submit a briefing document 30 days before the meeting. So it's just mechanical rules that are in place with FDA. We are working very diligently on the material that will be needed to be included in the briefing document, and we're going to confirm that we have that clearly within our sights before making the request.
So that's coming. And just as a little bit of additional context, I would say, as we've reported previously, we unfortunately didn't get an opportunity to learn of the FDA's concerns in DRP that led to the CRL until we got the CRL. So we're very thankful and appreciative of the opportunity to have the Type A meeting we had and respond to those concerns. And so as we continue this dialogue, we want to make certain that we are very responsive to their concerns and responsive to the dialogue that we're having. And so in order to do that, now that we know those concerns, we've had an initial discussion with them, it's important to get this right for the next discussion as well. So that's, of course, our number one priority.
I'm sorry, Amanda, do you want to take the second question?
Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer
Yes, sure. Thanks, Steve. Thanks, Danielle, for the question. Specific to PD office visits, I'd just remind that we serve a PD patient population that is elderly. So as the pandemic continues, this is an elderly patient population that we serve.
Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst
Understood. Thanks, guys.
Operator
Our final question for today comes from the line of Vamil Divan from Mizuho Securities. Your question, please?
Vamil Divan -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst
Thanks for squeezing me in and thanks for the details today. So maybe just one on the commercial side, again, I guess, for Elena. Just the comments around gross to net. Maybe I know it's too early to kind of give formal guidance for next year or beyond. But can you just sort of talk about as you are just talking about the higher gross to net this year, is this sort of more the range you'd expect sort of generally speaking, going forward? Or is this more of an unusual situation this year where things will kind of settle back down as we look at 2022 and beyond? Thank you.
Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
So we -- as I mentioned in the prepared remarks, we've seen the volume from 340B institutions grow this year. It was pretty stable last year, in the low single digits, and it increased this year to mid- to high single digits. This is a trend that's been seen more broadly in the industry. So I wouldn't expect it to reverse. So as I mentioned in the -- we expect for this year, gross to net to be about 20%. And we'll provide guidance for next year on our 4Q call in the February time frame.
Vamil Divan -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst
Okay, alright. Thank you.
Operator
This does conclude the question-and-answer session of today's program. I'd like to hand the program back to management for any further remarks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thanks, operator, and thanks so much to each of you for joining us today. We look forward to updating you on our progress as we move forward.
Operator
[Operator Closing Remarks]
Duration: 69 minutes
Call participants:
Mark Johnson -- Vice President, Investor Relations
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer
Charmaine Lykins -- Senior Vice President, Global Production Planning and Chief Marketing Officer
Serge Stankovic -- President
Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Gavin Scott -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst
Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst
Lyla Youssef -- Cowen -- Analyst
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Joseph Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer -- Analyst
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst
Vamil Divan -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst
More ACAD analysis
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Also in July, ACADIA hosted a disease awareness symposium to further discuss the high unmet need in DRP at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2021 Earnings Call Aug 6, 2021, 8:30 p.m. ET Contents: Prepared Remarks Questions and Answers Call Participants Prepared Remarks: Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Second Quarter 2021 Financial Results Conference Call. | Also in July, ACADIA hosted a disease awareness symposium to further discuss the high unmet need in DRP at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Operator [Operator Closing Remarks] Duration: 69 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President, Investor Relations Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer Charmaine Lykins -- Senior Vice President, Global Production Planning and Chief Marketing Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Gavin Scott -- JPMorgan -- Analyst Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst Lyla Youssef -- Cowen -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Joseph Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst Vamil Divan -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. We are pleased to be able to share these important findings that clearly demonstrates three main takeaways regarding pimavanserin as a potential treatment for DRP: one, in the open-label portion of the study, pimavanserin treatment clearly demonstrated a meaningful reduction of the symptoms of psychosis; two, continuation of pimavanserin treatment in a double-blind portion significantly reduced the risk of relapse of psychosis by almost three times; and three, importantly, pimavanserin was not associated with a decline in cognition or motor symptoms and was well tolerated in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. | Also in July, ACADIA hosted a disease awareness symposium to further discuss the high unmet need in DRP at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Operator [Operator Closing Remarks] Duration: 69 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President, Investor Relations Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer Charmaine Lykins -- Senior Vice President, Global Production Planning and Chief Marketing Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Gavin Scott -- JPMorgan -- Analyst Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst Lyla Youssef -- Cowen -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Joseph Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst Vamil Divan -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2021 Earnings Call Aug 6, 2021, 8:30 p.m. | Also in July, ACADIA hosted a disease awareness symposium to further discuss the high unmet need in DRP at this year's Alzheimer's Association International Conference. Operator [Operator Closing Remarks] Duration: 69 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President, Investor Relations Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Amanda Morgan -- Senior Vice President, Chief Revenue and Customer Officer Charmaine Lykins -- Senior Vice President, Global Production Planning and Chief Marketing Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Gavin Scott -- JPMorgan -- Analyst Neena Bitritto-Garg -- Citi -- Analyst Jeff Hung -- Morgan Stanley -- Analyst Lyla Youssef -- Cowen -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Joseph Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Raymond James -- Analyst Vamil Divan -- Mizuho Securities -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2021 Earnings Call Aug 6, 2021, 8:30 p.m. |
35803.0 | 2021-08-03 00:00:00 UTC | ACADIA: The Street’s Gaze Turns to FDA Meeting’s Outcome on DRP Treatment | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia%3A-the-streets-gaze-turns-to-fda-meetings-outcome-on-drp-treatment-2021-08-03 | nan | nan | The tech giants’ Q2 earnings might be behind us, but there is still plenty of intrigue left among those yet to report the second quarter’s financials to keep avid Street watchers satisfied.
One such company sure to draw attention this week will be ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), due to announce the quarter’s display on Wednesday (Aug 4, AMC). While investors be keen to gauge the company’s financial health, ears will be pricking up to hear what’s new regrading Nuplazid, Acadia’s potential treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP).
Earlier in the year, ACADIA was the recipient of the FDA’s CRL (complete response letter) after the regulatory body notified the company it had found deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for the treatment.
Since then, ACADIA has had a Type A meeting with the FDA in which it submitted a package outlining its case. For those following the developments, such as Canaccord’s Sumant Kulkarni, the FDA’s stance at the time of the rejection appeared somewhat puzzling.
“Recall ACAD had stopped the HARMONY trial early due to positive efficacy in DRP, which is an indication that has no specifically approved product in the US,” said the 5-star analyst. “In what was a surprising move to us, and the market, the FDA seemingly changed the goalposts on ACAD by focusing more on subgroups within DRP in its sNDA review vs. treating DRP as a whole.”
Although Nuplazid is already approved to treat Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP), and is generating more than $500 million in annual sales, Kulkarni believes the “intense investor focus” is down the fact the unmet need and market opportunity for the DRP indication is a much bigger one. Should the company manage to get the FDA to change its mind and instigate a more favourable outcome, the analyst thinks ACAD shares will look “significantly undervalued.”
However, while Kulkarni remains “constructive on valuation,” he says it is “difficult to convince investors to buy the stock mainly on this basis.”
It’s a Hold rating, then, backed by a $27 price target. Nevertheless, the target still implies ~25% upside potetntial from current levels. (To watch Kukarni’s track record, click here)
Most analysts agree with Kulkarni’s thesis. Although the analyst consensus rates the stock a Moderate Buy, the rating is based on 7 Holds vs. 4 Buys. That said, there is a bullish tilt to the price target; at $26.70, the figure represents potential upside of ~23% on the one-year horizon. (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | While investors be keen to gauge the company’s financial health, ears will be pricking up to hear what’s new regrading Nuplazid, Acadia’s potential treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). Earlier in the year, ACADIA was the recipient of the FDA’s CRL (complete response letter) after the regulatory body notified the company it had found deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for the treatment. Should the company manage to get the FDA to change its mind and instigate a more favourable outcome, the analyst thinks ACAD shares will look “significantly undervalued.” However, while Kulkarni remains “constructive on valuation,” he says it is “difficult to convince investors to buy the stock mainly on this basis.” It’s a Hold rating, then, backed by a $27 price target. | While investors be keen to gauge the company’s financial health, ears will be pricking up to hear what’s new regrading Nuplazid, Acadia’s potential treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). “In what was a surprising move to us, and the market, the FDA seemingly changed the goalposts on ACAD by focusing more on subgroups within DRP in its sNDA review vs. treating DRP as a whole.” Although Nuplazid is already approved to treat Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP), and is generating more than $500 million in annual sales, Kulkarni believes the “intense investor focus” is down the fact the unmet need and market opportunity for the DRP indication is a much bigger one. One such company sure to draw attention this week will be ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), due to announce the quarter’s display on Wednesday (Aug 4, AMC). | “In what was a surprising move to us, and the market, the FDA seemingly changed the goalposts on ACAD by focusing more on subgroups within DRP in its sNDA review vs. treating DRP as a whole.” Although Nuplazid is already approved to treat Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP), and is generating more than $500 million in annual sales, Kulkarni believes the “intense investor focus” is down the fact the unmet need and market opportunity for the DRP indication is a much bigger one. Should the company manage to get the FDA to change its mind and instigate a more favourable outcome, the analyst thinks ACAD shares will look “significantly undervalued.” However, while Kulkarni remains “constructive on valuation,” he says it is “difficult to convince investors to buy the stock mainly on this basis.” It’s a Hold rating, then, backed by a $27 price target. (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. | One such company sure to draw attention this week will be ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), due to announce the quarter’s display on Wednesday (Aug 4, AMC). “In what was a surprising move to us, and the market, the FDA seemingly changed the goalposts on ACAD by focusing more on subgroups within DRP in its sNDA review vs. treating DRP as a whole.” Although Nuplazid is already approved to treat Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP), and is generating more than $500 million in annual sales, Kulkarni believes the “intense investor focus” is down the fact the unmet need and market opportunity for the DRP indication is a much bigger one. While investors be keen to gauge the company’s financial health, ears will be pricking up to hear what’s new regrading Nuplazid, Acadia’s potential treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). |
35804.0 | 2021-07-29 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For September 10th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-september-10th-2021-07-29 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 10th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 10th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $19.00 strike price has a current bid of 15 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $19.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $18.85 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $22.48/share today.
Because the $19.00 strike represents an approximate 15% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.79% return on the cash commitment, or 6.70% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $19.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $24.00 strike price has a current bid of 15 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $22.48/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $24.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 7.43% if the stock gets called away at the September 10th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $24.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.67% boost of extra return to the investor, or 5.66% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $22.48) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $24.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 10th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $24.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 10th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 10th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $19.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $24.00 strike price has a current bid of 15 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $24.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 10th expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $19.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $24.00 strike price has a current bid of 15 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $24.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 10th expiration. |
35805.0 | 2021-07-29 00:00:00 UTC | Notable ETF Inflow Detected - LABU, ALXO, ACAD, XLRN | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/notable-etf-inflow-detected-labu-alxo-acad-xlrn-2021-07-29 | nan | nan | Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $98.8 million dollar inflow -- that's a 12.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 12,911,600 to 14,561,600). Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 1.6%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 0.1%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is higher by about 2.5%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the LABU Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of LABU, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, LABU's low point in its 52 week range is $40.145 per share, with $185.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $60.89. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs had notable inflows »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 1.6%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 0.1%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is higher by about 2.5%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $98.8 million dollar inflow -- that's a 12.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 12,911,600 to 14,561,600). These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 1.6%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 0.1%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is higher by about 2.5%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the LABU Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of LABU, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, LABU's low point in its 52 week range is $40.145 per share, with $185.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $60.89. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ». | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 1.6%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 0.1%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is higher by about 2.5%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $98.8 million dollar inflow -- that's a 12.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 12,911,600 to 14,561,600). For a complete list of holdings, visit the LABU Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of LABU, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, LABU's low point in its 52 week range is $40.145 per share, with $185.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $60.89. | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 1.6%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 0.1%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is higher by about 2.5%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $98.8 million dollar inflow -- that's a 12.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 12,911,600 to 14,561,600). These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. |
35806.0 | 2021-07-23 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals is Now Oversold (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-is-now-oversold-acad-2021-07-23 | nan | nan | Legendary investor Warren Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. One way we can try to measure the level of fear in a given stock is through a technical analysis indicator called the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which measures momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30.
In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.9, after changing hands as low as $21.32 per share. By comparison, the current RSI reading of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 64.1. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.9 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.20 per share, with $57.46 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $21.46.
Find out what 9 other oversold stocks you need to know about »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.9, after changing hands as low as $21.32 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.9 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.20 per share, with $57.46 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $21.46. | A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.9 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.20 per share, with $57.46 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $21.46. In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.9, after changing hands as low as $21.32 per share. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.9, after changing hands as low as $21.32 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.9 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.20 per share, with $57.46 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $21.46. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.9, after changing hands as low as $21.32 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.9 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.20 per share, with $57.46 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $21.46. |
35807.0 | 2021-07-20 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of March 2022 Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-march-2022-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2021-07-20 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the March 2022 expiration. One of the key data points that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 241 days until expiration the newly available contracts represent a potential opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 2022 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $22.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.80. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $22.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $18.20 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $23.89/share today.
Because the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 8% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 67%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 17.27% return on the cash commitment, or 26.16% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $22.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $25.00 strike price has a current bid of $4.40. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $23.89/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $25.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 23.06% if the stock gets called away at the March 2022 expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 5% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 40%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 18.42% boost of extra return to the investor, or 27.89% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 82%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 77%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $23.89) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 5% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the March 2022 expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 5% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the March 2022 expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 2022 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $22.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $25.00 strike price has a current bid of $4.40. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 5% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the March 2022 expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 2022 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 5% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the March 2022 expiration. |
35808.0 | 2021-07-09 00:00:00 UTC | Look Under The Hood: FBT Has 18% Upside | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/look-under-the-hood%3A-fbt-has-18-upside-2021-07-09 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF (Symbol: FBT), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $202.49 per unit.
With FBT trading at a recent price near $172.16 per unit, that means that analysts see 17.62% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: BMRN), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Incyte Corporation (Symbol: INCY). Although BMRN has traded at a recent price of $82.95/share, the average analyst target is 28.01% higher at $106.19/share. Similarly, ACAD has 22.62% upside from the recent share price of $23.70 if the average analyst target price of $29.06/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting INCY to reach a target price of $96.70/share, which is 18.75% above the recent price of $81.43. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BMRN, ACAD, and INCY:
Combined, BMRN, ACAD, and INCY represent 9.93% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $172.16 $202.49 17.62%
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc BMRN $82.95 $106.19 28.01%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $23.70 $29.06 22.62%
Incyte Corporation INCY $81.43 $96.70 18.75%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BMRN, ACAD, and INCY: Combined, BMRN, ACAD, and INCY represent 9.93% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $172.16 $202.49 17.62% BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc BMRN $82.95 $106.19 28.01% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $23.70 $29.06 22.62% Incyte Corporation INCY $81.43 $96.70 18.75% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: BMRN), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Incyte Corporation (Symbol: INCY). | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: BMRN), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Incyte Corporation (Symbol: INCY). First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $172.16 $202.49 17.62% BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc BMRN $82.95 $106.19 28.01% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $23.70 $29.06 22.62% Incyte Corporation INCY $81.43 $96.70 18.75% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Similarly, ACAD has 22.62% upside from the recent share price of $23.70 if the average analyst target price of $29.06/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting INCY to reach a target price of $96.70/share, which is 18.75% above the recent price of $81.43. | Similarly, ACAD has 22.62% upside from the recent share price of $23.70 if the average analyst target price of $29.06/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting INCY to reach a target price of $96.70/share, which is 18.75% above the recent price of $81.43. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: BMRN), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Incyte Corporation (Symbol: INCY). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BMRN, ACAD, and INCY: Combined, BMRN, ACAD, and INCY represent 9.93% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: BMRN), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Incyte Corporation (Symbol: INCY). Similarly, ACAD has 22.62% upside from the recent share price of $23.70 if the average analyst target price of $29.06/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting INCY to reach a target price of $96.70/share, which is 18.75% above the recent price of $81.43. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of BMRN, ACAD, and INCY: Combined, BMRN, ACAD, and INCY represent 9.93% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. |
35809.0 | 2021-06-16 00:00:00 UTC | Shareholders Will Most Likely Find ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (NASDAQ:ACAD) CEO Compensation Acceptable | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/shareholders-will-most-likely-find-acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc.s-nasdaq%3Aacad-ceo | nan | nan | Under the guidance of CEO Steve Davis, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) has performed reasonably well recently. In light of this performance, CEO compensation will probably not be the main focus for shareholders as they go into the AGM on 22 June 2021. Here is our take on why we think the CEO compensation looks appropriate.
How Does Total Compensation For Steve Davis Compare With Other Companies In The Industry?
At the time of writing, our data shows that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. has a market capitalization of US$4.2b, and reported total annual CEO compensation of US$7.8m for the year to December 2020. That is, the compensation was roughly the same as last year. While this analysis focuses on total compensation, it's worth acknowledging that the salary portion is lower, valued at US$768k.
For comparison, other companies in the same industry with market capitalizations ranging between US$2.0b and US$6.4b had a median total CEO compensation of US$6.7m. This suggests that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals remunerates its CEO largely in line with the industry average. What's more, Steve Davis holds US$1.3m worth of shares in the company in their own name.
Component 2020 2019 Proportion (2020)
Salary US$768k US$744k 10%
Other US$7.0m US$6.9m 90%
Total Compensation US$7.8m US$7.6m 100%
Talking in terms of the industry, salary represented approximately 20% of total compensation out of all the companies we analyzed, while other remuneration made up 80% of the pie. In ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' case, non-salary compensation represents a greater slice of total remuneration, in comparison to the broader industry. If non-salary compensation dominates total pay, it's an indicator that the executive's salary is tied to company performance.
NasdaqGS:ACAD CEO Compensation June 16th 2021
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Growth
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s earnings per share (EPS) grew 9.3% per year over the last three years. Its revenue is up 25% over the last year.
We like the look of the strong year-on-year improvement in revenue. And in that context, the modest EPS improvement certainly isn't shabby. We'd stop short of saying the business performance is amazing, but there are enough positives to justify further research, or even adding the stock to your watch-list. Historical performance can sometimes be a good indicator on what's coming up next but if you want to peer into the company's future you might be interested in this free visualization of analyst forecasts.
Has ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Been A Good Investment?
We think that the total shareholder return of 54%, over three years, would leave most ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. shareholders smiling. So they may not be at all concerned if the CEO were to be paid more than is normal for companies around the same size.
In Summary...
The company's decent performance might have made most shareholders happy, possibly making CEO remuneration the least of the concerns to be discussed in the upcoming AGM. However, we still think that any proposed increase in CEO compensation will be examined closely to make sure the compensation is appropriate and linked to performance.
While CEO pay is an important factor to be aware of, there are other areas that investors should be mindful of as well. We did our research and spotted 2 warning signs for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals that investors should look into moving forward.
Arguably, business quality is much more important than CEO compensation levels. So check out this free list of interesting companies that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | At the time of writing, our data shows that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. has a market capitalization of US$4.2b, and reported total annual CEO compensation of US$7.8m for the year to December 2020. In ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' case, non-salary compensation represents a greater slice of total remuneration, in comparison to the broader industry. Under the guidance of CEO Steve Davis, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) has performed reasonably well recently. | Under the guidance of CEO Steve Davis, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) has performed reasonably well recently. In ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' case, non-salary compensation represents a greater slice of total remuneration, in comparison to the broader industry. NasdaqGS:ACAD CEO Compensation June 16th 2021 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Growth ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s earnings per share (EPS) grew 9.3% per year over the last three years. | At the time of writing, our data shows that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. has a market capitalization of US$4.2b, and reported total annual CEO compensation of US$7.8m for the year to December 2020. NasdaqGS:ACAD CEO Compensation June 16th 2021 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Growth ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s earnings per share (EPS) grew 9.3% per year over the last three years. Under the guidance of CEO Steve Davis, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) has performed reasonably well recently. | NasdaqGS:ACAD CEO Compensation June 16th 2021 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s Growth ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s earnings per share (EPS) grew 9.3% per year over the last three years. We think that the total shareholder return of 54%, over three years, would leave most ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. shareholders smiling. Under the guidance of CEO Steve Davis, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) has performed reasonably well recently. |
35810.0 | 2021-06-03 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD July 23rd Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-july-23rd-options-begin-trading-2021-06-03 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 23rd expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 23rd contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $21.50 strike price has a current bid of 60 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $21.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $20.90 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $23.07/share today.
Because the $21.50 strike represents an approximate 7% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.79% return on the cash commitment, or 20.37% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 40 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $23.07/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $26.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 14.43% if the stock gets called away at the July 23rd expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.73% boost of extra return to the investor, or 12.66% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $23.07) to be 79%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 23rd expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 23rd expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 23rd contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 40 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 23rd expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 40 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 23rd expiration. |
35811.0 | 2021-06-03 00:00:00 UTC | Should You Buy ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock At $22? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/should-you-buy-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-at-%2422-2021-06-03 | nan | nan | [Updated: 6/1/2021] ACAD Stock Update
We believe that the stock price of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, looks undervalued at current levels of around $22. ACAD stock is actually down 37% from levels of around $35 it was at on March 23, 2020, when broader markets made a bottom. This compares to the S&P which has risen 88% over the same period.
The underperformance can be attributed to the company’s flagship drug Nuplazid, which is currently used to treat hallucinations associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, and which saw a regulatory setback on a proposed label expansion as a treatment for dementia-related psychosis in March 2021. Later in April 2021, the U.S. FDA rejected the supplementary new drug application for Nuplazid, stating it lacked statistical significance in some of the subgroups of dementia. Note that ACAD stock had risen to levels of around $50 in early March 2020, but it has been on a decline since then, following the developments around Nuplazid.
Now that the stock has seen a large drop (down 56% in the last one year) despite revenue growing 30% y-o-y over the last four quarters, we believe ACAD stock is oversold, and it will likely see a rebound in the near term. Our dashboard ‘Buy Or Fear ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock‘ provides the key numbers behind our thinking.
Looking at a longer time period, ACAD stock is up 38% from levels of $16 seen toward the end of 2018. The rise in the stock price over the last two years or so can be attributed to favorable changes in the company’s revenue per share (RPS). The company’s revenues almost doubled to $442 million in 2020, compared to $224 million in 2018, due to the market share gains for Nuplazid. The company’s shares outstanding increased 24% over the same period due to share issuances. This means that on a per share basis, the company’s revenue grew 59% to $2.81 in 2020, compared to $1.77 in 2018.
With a growth in RPS, the company’s P/S multiple expanded from levels of over 9x in 2018 to 19x in 2020. However, given the sharp decline in ACAD stock over the recent months following the announcement of a setback for the Nuplazid extension, the P/S multiple has now plunged to 8x, and we believe that the P/S multiple will likely rise going forward.
Outlook
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals has seen a strong growth in Nuplazid sales over the recent years, a trend expected to continue in the near term. Looking at the company’s performance in Q1 2021, total revenue grew 18% y-o-y to $107 million, 5% short of $113 million consensus estimates. However, the company’s loss per share of $0.42 was narrower than the consensus estimate of $0.53 loss per share. Furthermore, the company maintained its full year guidance of revenue to be in the range of $510-$550 million, reflecting nearly 20% y-o-y growth at the mid-point of this range.
While we know why ACAD stock has corrected over the last couple of months, the selling appears to be overdone, in our view. The company has stated that it will work with the U.S. FDA to work on the path forward for the label expansion approval. However, there are chances that the regulatory body may request another trial, which will imply a delay in the process. Note that the label expansion in discussion would mean an incremental sales of $2.5 billion at peak for Nuplazid. Looking at the valuation, at the current levels of $22, ACAD stock is trading at under 7x its expected RPS of $3.31 in 2021, compared to levels of around 20x seen in 2019 and 2020, implying there is significant room for growth in ACAD stock.
[Updated: 3/15/2021] 50% Upside For ACADIA
We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. ACAD stock trades near $27 currently and it is, in fact, down 43% from its pre-Covid high of around $47 in February 2020 – before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. ACAD stock has had a volatile ride the past few months. It rallied from levels of under $35 in March 2020, when broader markets made the bottom, to levels north of $50 in late February 2021. However, over the recent weeks, the stock has plummeted to levels of $27 currently. The recent drop can be attributed to the U.S. FDA finding deficiencies in its application for its psychosis drug – Nuplazid. This is an important update given that Nuplazid sales with the new approval were touted to add as much as $2 billion in incremental sales. At the current price of $27, ACAD stock is actually trading below the levels seen in March 2020, while the broader S&P500 Index has rallied 77% over the same period.
However, the selling now appears to be overdone. After the recent development many analysts cut their price targets for ACAD stock, but still the average price estimate stands at $44, implying a potential 60% premium to the current stock price of $27. Furthermore, the company has stated that it will work with the U.S. FDA to resolve the discrepancies in its application. It should be noted that Nuplazid is already approved for hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s disease, while the current trial was for patients with hallucinations and delusions due to dementia-related psychosis. Any hopes of approval in this space will be a positive for the company. In this note we focus on a comparative analysis of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock performance during the current financial crisis with that during the 2008 recession in our interactive dashboard.
Timeline of 2020 Coronavirus Crisis:
12/12/2019: Coronavirus cases first reported in China
1/31/2020: WHO declares a global health emergency.
2/19/2020: Signs of effective containment in China and hopes of monetary easing by major central banks helps S&P 500 reach a record high
3/23/2020: S&P 500 drops 34% from the peak level seen on Feb 19 2020, as Covid-19 cases accelerate outside China. Doesn’t help that oil prices crash in mid-March amid Saudi-led price war
Since 3/24/2020: S&P 500 recovers 77% from the lows seen on Mar 23 2020, as the Fed’s multi-billion dollar stimulus package suppresses near-term survival anxiety and infuses liquidity into the system.
In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis
Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis
10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index
9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08)
3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index
12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008)
ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis
ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. It staged a small recovery immediately post the 2008 crisis, to levels of over $1 by January 2010. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index saw a decline of 51% from its peak in September 2007 to its bottom in March 2009, followed by a sharp recovery of 48% by January 2010.
ACADIA Fundamentals Over Recent Years Have Been Robust
ACADIA’s revenues increased from $125 million in 2017 to $442 million in 2020, led by increased sales of Nuplazid. The company is currently running into losses, partly due to higher R&D investments. The company reported a loss of $1.79 per share in 2020, compared to a loss of $2.36 per share in 2017. Though the company is not profitable, it has seen the loss from operations narrow over the recent years.
Does ACAD Have Sufficient Cash Cushion To Meet Its Obligations?
ACADIA does not have any meaningful debt on its books, while its total cash increased from $341 million in 2017 to $632 million in 2020. It also utilized $136 million in cash for its operations in 2020. The company has a sufficient liquidity cushion to meet its near term requirements.
Conclusion
Phases of Covid-19 Crisis:
Early- to mid-March 2020: Fear of the coronavirus outbreak spreading rapidly translates into reality, with the number of cases accelerating globally
Late-March 2020 onward: Social distancing measures + lockdowns
April 2020: Fed stimulus suppresses near-term survival anxiety
May-June 2020: Recovery of demand, with gradual lifting of lockdowns – no panic anymore despite a steady increase in the number of cases
July-October 2020: After poor Q2 results, Q3 expectations were lukewarm, but continued improvement in demand, and progress with vaccine development aided stock indices growth.
Early 2021: Multiple countries approved the vaccines for Covid-19, further buoying market sentiment, though new variants of coronavirus resulted in uptick in active cases in several countries.
As the global economy opens up and restrictions are lifted in phases, overall new patient starts volume will rise. This could be reflected in the form of higher total revenues in 2021, boding well for ACAD stock in the near term. We believe that ACAD stock could rally back to levels of over $40, implying over 50% upside from the current levels.
While ACAD stock may see higher levels, 2020 has created many pricing discontinuities which can offer attractive trading opportunities. For example, you’ll be surprised how counter-intuitive the stock valuation is for Catalent vs. Emergent Biosolutions.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In this note we focus on a comparative analysis of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock performance during the current financial crisis with that during the 2008 recession in our interactive dashboard. [Updated: 6/1/2021] ACAD Stock Update We believe that the stock price of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, looks undervalued at current levels of around $22. ACAD stock is actually down 37% from levels of around $35 it was at on March 23, 2020, when broader markets made a bottom. | [Updated: 6/1/2021] ACAD Stock Update We believe that the stock price of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, looks undervalued at current levels of around $22. [Updated: 3/15/2021] 50% Upside For ACADIA We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis 10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index 9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08) 3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index 12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008) ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. | [Updated: 6/1/2021] ACAD Stock Update We believe that the stock price of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, looks undervalued at current levels of around $22. Looking at the valuation, at the current levels of $22, ACAD stock is trading at under 7x its expected RPS of $3.31 in 2021, compared to levels of around 20x seen in 2019 and 2020, implying there is significant room for growth in ACAD stock. In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis 10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index 9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08) 3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index 12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008) ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. | Looking at the valuation, at the current levels of $22, ACAD stock is trading at under 7x its expected RPS of $3.31 in 2021, compared to levels of around 20x seen in 2019 and 2020, implying there is significant room for growth in ACAD stock. [Updated: 6/1/2021] ACAD Stock Update We believe that the stock price of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, looks undervalued at current levels of around $22. ACAD stock is actually down 37% from levels of around $35 it was at on March 23, 2020, when broader markets made a bottom. |
35812.0 | 2021-06-02 00:00:00 UTC | The Implied Analyst 12-Month Target For JKH | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/the-implied-analyst-12-month-target-for-jkh-2021-06-02 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (Symbol: JKH), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $0.00 per unit.
With JKH trading at a recent price near $0.00 per unit, that means that analysts see 9.87% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of JKH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Royal Gold Inc (Symbol: RGLD). Although EXEL has traded at a recent price of $22.89/share, the average analyst target is 39.25% higher at $31.88/share. Similarly, ACAD has 30.05% upside from the recent share price of $22.35 if the average analyst target price of $29.07/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting RGLD to reach a target price of $140.14/share, which is 13.05% above the recent price of $123.96. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of EXEL, ACAD, and RGLD:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF JKH $0.00 $0.00 9.87%
Exelixis Inc EXEL $22.89 $31.88 39.25%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $22.35 $29.07 30.05%
Royal Gold Inc RGLD $123.96 $140.14 13.05%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF JKH $0.00 $0.00 9.87% Exelixis Inc EXEL $22.89 $31.88 39.25% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $22.35 $29.07 30.05% Royal Gold Inc RGLD $123.96 $140.14 13.05% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of JKH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Royal Gold Inc (Symbol: RGLD). Similarly, ACAD has 30.05% upside from the recent share price of $22.35 if the average analyst target price of $29.07/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting RGLD to reach a target price of $140.14/share, which is 13.05% above the recent price of $123.96. | Three of JKH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Royal Gold Inc (Symbol: RGLD). Similarly, ACAD has 30.05% upside from the recent share price of $22.35 if the average analyst target price of $29.07/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting RGLD to reach a target price of $140.14/share, which is 13.05% above the recent price of $123.96. iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF JKH $0.00 $0.00 9.87% Exelixis Inc EXEL $22.89 $31.88 39.25% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $22.35 $29.07 30.05% Royal Gold Inc RGLD $123.96 $140.14 13.05% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? | Similarly, ACAD has 30.05% upside from the recent share price of $22.35 if the average analyst target price of $29.07/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting RGLD to reach a target price of $140.14/share, which is 13.05% above the recent price of $123.96. Three of JKH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Royal Gold Inc (Symbol: RGLD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of EXEL, ACAD, and RGLD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: | iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF JKH $0.00 $0.00 9.87% Exelixis Inc EXEL $22.89 $31.88 39.25% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $22.35 $29.07 30.05% Royal Gold Inc RGLD $123.96 $140.14 13.05% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of JKH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and Royal Gold Inc (Symbol: RGLD). Similarly, ACAD has 30.05% upside from the recent share price of $22.35 if the average analyst target price of $29.07/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting RGLD to reach a target price of $140.14/share, which is 13.05% above the recent price of $123.96. |
35813.0 | 2021-05-24 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of July 16th Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-july-16th-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2021-05-24 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the July 16th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 16th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $21.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.25. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $21.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $19.75 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $21.58/share today.
Because the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 3% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 60%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 5.95% return on the cash commitment, or 40.99% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $23.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.05. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $21.58/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $23.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 11.45% if the stock gets called away at the July 16th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $23.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 52%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.87% boost of extra return to the investor, or 33.51% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 82%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 92%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $21.58) to be 79%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the July 16th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the July 16th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 16th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $23.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.05. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the July 16th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 16th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the July 16th expiration. |
35814.0 | 2021-05-06 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For December 17th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-december-17th-2021-05-06 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the December 17th expiration. One of the key inputs that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 225 days until expiration the newly available contracts represent a potential opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 17th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $20.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.10. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $20.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $16.90 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $20.55/share today.
Because the $20.00 strike represents an approximate 3% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 64%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 15.50% return on the cash commitment, or 25.14% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $20.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $21.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.40. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $20.55/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $21.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 18.73% if the stock gets called away at the December 17th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $21.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 39%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 16.55% boost of extra return to the investor, or 26.83% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 100%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 106%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $20.55) to be 79%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $21.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the December 17th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $21.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the December 17th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 17th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $20.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $21.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.40. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $21.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the December 17th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 17th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $21.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the December 17th expiration. |
35815.0 | 2021-05-04 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Becomes Oversold (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-becomes-oversold-acad-2021-05-04 | nan | nan | Legendary investor Warren Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. One way we can try to measure the level of fear in a given stock is through a technical analysis indicator called the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which measures momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30.
In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.4, after changing hands as low as $19.41 per share. By comparison, the current RSI reading of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 54.4. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.4 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.41 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $19.56.
Find out what 9 other oversold stocks you need to know about »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.4, after changing hands as low as $19.41 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.4 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.41 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $19.56. | A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.4 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.41 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $19.56. In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.4, after changing hands as low as $19.41 per share. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.4, after changing hands as low as $19.41 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.4 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.41 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $19.56. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.4, after changing hands as low as $19.41 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.4 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $19.41 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $19.56. |
35816.0 | 2021-04-22 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD June 4th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-june-4th-options-begin-trading-2021-04-22 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 4th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new June 4th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $20.00 strike price has a current bid of 60 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $20.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $19.40 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $21.55/share today.
Because the $20.00 strike represents an approximate 7% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.00% return on the cash commitment, or 25.47% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $20.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $23.50 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $21.55/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $23.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 11.37% if the stock gets called away at the June 4th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $23.50 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.32% boost of extra return to the investor, or 19.69% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $21.55) to be 80%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.50 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 4th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.50 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 4th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new June 4th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $20.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $23.50 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.50 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 4th expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $20.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $23.50 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $23.50 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 4th expiration. |
35817.0 | 2021-04-06 00:00:00 UTC | Is Acadia a Buy Following the FDA’s CRL? J.P. Morgan Says ‘Yes’ | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-acadia-a-buy-following-the-fdas-crl-j.p.-morgan-says-yes-2021-04-06 | nan | nan | Just because a negative outcome can be anticipated, it still hits hard when it becomes a reality. Accordingly, Acadia (ACAD) investors got the blues on Monday. Shares cratered by 17% after the company received the dreaded CRL (complete response letter) from the FDA.
The rejection was for Nuplazid, Acadia’s treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) and follows on from last month’s notification letter which cited deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA).
While J.P. Morgan’s Cory Kasimov says the CRL was ‘expected,” the reasoning appears confusing.
“What does come as a surprise, is the apparent shift in the regulator's stance on the adequacy of the clinical package given the agreed-upon Ph3 HARMONY design following the end of phase 2 meeting (and statistical significance observed in that study),” the 5-star analyst said. “Notably, today's CRL cited a lack of statistical significance in some subgroups of the Ph3 HARMONY study and insufficient patient numbers with certain less common subtypes of dementia... factors that the design of the study was never powered to demonstrate.”
Further adding to the mystery is the fact the Phase 3 HARMONY trial met all its primary and secondary endpoints, and thus “makes the situation puzzling to say the least.” No safety issues were cited in the CRL, either
So, what’s next? Management will promptly ask for a Type A meeting with the regulators which will take place within 30 days of the request.
“As such,” Kasimov notes, “We await visibility on whether the CRL will result in a multi-month or multi-year delay to re-assess the mid-to long-term outlook for Nuplazid.”
In the meantime, until further clarity, Kasimov expects the “weakness to persist,” although the analyst believes not all hope is lost yet. Based on the compelling data to date, Kasimov says the indication is ultimately “approvable.” However, “that has to be balanced against the opportunity cost of a potentially extended wait.”
All in all, however, Kasimov sticks to an Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating and $42 price target. ACAD stock is down ~60% year-to-date and the vote of confidence, despite the issues, suggests a 103% upside potential. (To watch Kasimov’s track record, click here)
Kasimov represents the bullish view – Wall Street is somewhat divided on this stock. There are 20 recent reviews, 10 to Buy and 10 to Hold, making the consensus rating a Moderate Buy. While lower than Kasimov's forecast, the $32.41 average price target still suggests a potential upside of 57%. (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analyst. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The rejection was for Nuplazid, Acadia’s treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) and follows on from last month’s notification letter which cited deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). Accordingly, Acadia (ACAD) investors got the blues on Monday. ACAD stock is down ~60% year-to-date and the vote of confidence, despite the issues, suggests a 103% upside potential. | Accordingly, Acadia (ACAD) investors got the blues on Monday. The rejection was for Nuplazid, Acadia’s treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) and follows on from last month’s notification letter which cited deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). ACAD stock is down ~60% year-to-date and the vote of confidence, despite the issues, suggests a 103% upside potential. | (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. Accordingly, Acadia (ACAD) investors got the blues on Monday. The rejection was for Nuplazid, Acadia’s treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) and follows on from last month’s notification letter which cited deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). | Accordingly, Acadia (ACAD) investors got the blues on Monday. The rejection was for Nuplazid, Acadia’s treatment for patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) and follows on from last month’s notification letter which cited deficiencies in the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA). ACAD stock is down ~60% year-to-date and the vote of confidence, despite the issues, suggests a 103% upside potential. |
35818.0 | 2021-04-05 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 04/05/2021: NNOX,MTEM,ACAD,TAK | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-04-05-2021%3A-nnoxmtemacadtak-2021-04-05 | nan | nan | Health care stocks were higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.7% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also up 0.6%.
The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was up 0.1%.
In company news, Nano-X Imaging (NNOX) raced more than 20% higher after saying it continues to expect beginning system shipments by the end of 2021 following 510(k) clearance of its single-source Nanox.ARC digital x-ray technology by US regulators.
Molecular Templates (MTEM) dropped nearly 24% after it said it will discontinue the development of its MT-3724 first-generation engineered toxin body and will instead focus on next-generation ETBs MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402 in addition to assuming full rights to Takeda's (TAK) TAK-169 myeloma drug candidate. Takeda shares were 2.2% lower this afternoon.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid over 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's dementia drug pimavanserin.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid over 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's dementia drug pimavanserin. Health care stocks were higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.7% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also up 0.6%. In company news, Nano-X Imaging (NNOX) raced more than 20% higher after saying it continues to expect beginning system shipments by the end of 2021 following 510(k) clearance of its single-source Nanox.ARC digital x-ray technology by US regulators. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid over 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's dementia drug pimavanserin. Health care stocks were higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.7% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also up 0.6%. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was up 0.1%. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid over 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's dementia drug pimavanserin. Health care stocks were higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.7% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also up 0.6%. Molecular Templates (MTEM) dropped nearly 24% after it said it will discontinue the development of its MT-3724 first-generation engineered toxin body and will instead focus on next-generation ETBs MT-5111, TAK-169, and MT-6402 in addition to assuming full rights to Takeda's (TAK) TAK-169 myeloma drug candidate. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid over 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's dementia drug pimavanserin. Health care stocks were higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.7% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also up 0.6%. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was up 0.1%. |
35819.0 | 2021-04-05 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 04/05/2021: NVTA,NNOX,MTEM,ACAD,TAK | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-04-05-2021%3A-nvtannoxmtemacadtak-2021-04-05 | nan | nan | Health care stocks were moderately higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.5% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also was up 0.5%.
The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was climbing 0.3%.
In company news, Invitae (NVTA) was 3.3% higher late in Monday trading after announcing its $200 million purchase of genomics firm Genosity, with the deal consisting of $120 million in cash and $80 million of Invitae shares. It also disclosed plans to sell $1.15 billion in convertible senior notes due 2028.
Nano-X Imaging (NNOX) rose 15% after saying it continues to expect beginning system shipments by the end of 2021 following 510(k) clearance of its single-source Nanox.ARC digital x-ray technology by US regulators.
On the losing side, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's pimavanserin dementia drug.
Molecular Templates (MTEM) dropped 25% after saying it will discontinue development of its MT-3724 first-generation engineered toxin body and will instead focus on its MT-5111, TAK-169 and MT-6402 next-generation ETBs in addition to assuming full rights to Takeda's (TAK) TAK-169 myeloma drug candidate. Takeda shares were 2.2% lower this afternoon.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | On the losing side, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's pimavanserin dementia drug. It also disclosed plans to sell $1.15 billion in convertible senior notes due 2028. Nano-X Imaging (NNOX) rose 15% after saying it continues to expect beginning system shipments by the end of 2021 following 510(k) clearance of its single-source Nanox.ARC digital x-ray technology by US regulators. | On the losing side, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's pimavanserin dementia drug. Health care stocks were moderately higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.5% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also was up 0.5%. In company news, Invitae (NVTA) was 3.3% higher late in Monday trading after announcing its $200 million purchase of genomics firm Genosity, with the deal consisting of $120 million in cash and $80 million of Invitae shares. | On the losing side, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's pimavanserin dementia drug. Health care stocks were moderately higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.5% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also was up 0.5%. In company news, Invitae (NVTA) was 3.3% higher late in Monday trading after announcing its $200 million purchase of genomics firm Genosity, with the deal consisting of $120 million in cash and $80 million of Invitae shares. | On the losing side, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) slid 17% after the US Food and Drug Administration rejected a supplemental new drug application for the company's pimavanserin dementia drug. Health care stocks were moderately higher this afternoon, with the NYSE Health Care Index rising 0.5% while the SPDR Health Care Select Sector ETF also was up 0.5%. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was climbing 0.3%. |
35820.0 | 2021-04-05 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharma Receives CRL For SNDA Of Pimavanserin On Dementia-Related Psychosis; Stock Plunges | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharma-receives-crl-for-snda-of-pimavanserin-on-dementia-related-psychosis-stock | nan | nan | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) said Monday that it has received a Complete Response Letter or CRL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its supplemental New Drug Application or sNDA for NUPLAZID or pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis or DRP.
In Monday pre-market trade, ACAD was trading at $22.00 down $3.59 or 14.03 percent.
The FDA has determined that the application cannot be approved in its present form.
The Division of Psychiatry cited a lack of statistical significance in some of the subgroups of dementia, and insufficient numbers of patients with certain less common dementia subtypes as lack of substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval. The Division also stated in the CRL that it considers the Phase 2 Alzheimer's disease psychosis study -019, a supportive study in the sNDA filing, to not be adequate and well controlled, citing that it was a single center study with no type I error control of secondary endpoints in which certain protocol deviations occurred.
The company believes the observations impact neither the positive results on the study's primary endpoint, nor the study's overall conclusions of efficacy.
There were no safety issues or concerns raised in the CRL.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) said Monday that it has received a Complete Response Letter or CRL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its supplemental New Drug Application or sNDA for NUPLAZID or pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis or DRP. In Monday pre-market trade, ACAD was trading at $22.00 down $3.59 or 14.03 percent. The Division of Psychiatry cited a lack of statistical significance in some of the subgroups of dementia, and insufficient numbers of patients with certain less common dementia subtypes as lack of substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) said Monday that it has received a Complete Response Letter or CRL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its supplemental New Drug Application or sNDA for NUPLAZID or pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis or DRP. In Monday pre-market trade, ACAD was trading at $22.00 down $3.59 or 14.03 percent. The Division also stated in the CRL that it considers the Phase 2 Alzheimer's disease psychosis study -019, a supportive study in the sNDA filing, to not be adequate and well controlled, citing that it was a single center study with no type I error control of secondary endpoints in which certain protocol deviations occurred. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) said Monday that it has received a Complete Response Letter or CRL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its supplemental New Drug Application or sNDA for NUPLAZID or pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis or DRP. In Monday pre-market trade, ACAD was trading at $22.00 down $3.59 or 14.03 percent. The Division of Psychiatry cited a lack of statistical significance in some of the subgroups of dementia, and insufficient numbers of patients with certain less common dementia subtypes as lack of substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) said Monday that it has received a Complete Response Letter or CRL from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its supplemental New Drug Application or sNDA for NUPLAZID or pimavanserin for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis or DRP. In Monday pre-market trade, ACAD was trading at $22.00 down $3.59 or 14.03 percent. The FDA has determined that the application cannot be approved in its present form. |
35821.0 | 2021-04-05 00:00:00 UTC | FDA Rejects Acadia’s Supplemental New Drug Application For NUPLAZID; Shares Plunge | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/fda-rejects-acadias-supplemental-new-drug-application-for-nuplazid-shares-plunge-2021-04 | nan | nan | Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals plunged more than 15% in early trade on Monday after the biopharmaceutical company received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which rejected the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for NUPLAZID (pimavanserin). The therapy was designed for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis (DRP).
The CRL indicated that the application cannot be approved in its present form as it lacks substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval, despite prior agreements with the Division of Psychiatry regarding the pivotal Phase 3 HARMONY study design targeting a broad DRP patient population analyzed as a single group, Acadia (ACAD) said.
The CRL also stated that the Division considers the Phase 2 Alzheimer’s disease psychosis study -019, a supportive study in the sNDA filing, as inadequate and uncontrolled. According to the letter, it was a single center study with no type I error control of secondary endpoints, in which certain protocol deviations were visible. (See Acadia stock analysis on TipRanks)
However, the company believes that these observations have no impact on the positive results regarding the study’s primary endpoint and overall conclusions of efficacy. It should also be noted that the CRL did not indicate any safety concerns.
Acadia CEO Steve Davis said, “We will immediately request a Type A meeting to work with the FDA to address the CRL and determine an expeditious path forward for the approval of pimavanserin in DRP.”
On March 10, Merrill Lynch analyst Tazeen Ahmad downgraded the stock to Hold from Buy.
The rest of the Street is cautiously optimistic about the stock with a Moderate Buy consensus rating. That’s based on 14 analysts suggesting a Buy and 5 analysts recommending a Hold. The average analyst price target of $43.44 implies around 69.8% upside potential to current levels.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (See Acadia stock analysis on TipRanks) However, the company believes that these observations have no impact on the positive results regarding the study’s primary endpoint and overall conclusions of efficacy. Acadia CEO Steve Davis said, “We will immediately request a Type A meeting to work with the FDA to address the CRL and determine an expeditious path forward for the approval of pimavanserin in DRP.” On March 10, Merrill Lynch analyst Tazeen Ahmad downgraded the stock to Hold from Buy. Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals plunged more than 15% in early trade on Monday after the biopharmaceutical company received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which rejected the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for NUPLAZID (pimavanserin). | The CRL indicated that the application cannot be approved in its present form as it lacks substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval, despite prior agreements with the Division of Psychiatry regarding the pivotal Phase 3 HARMONY study design targeting a broad DRP patient population analyzed as a single group, Acadia (ACAD) said. Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals plunged more than 15% in early trade on Monday after the biopharmaceutical company received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which rejected the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for NUPLAZID (pimavanserin). (See Acadia stock analysis on TipRanks) However, the company believes that these observations have no impact on the positive results regarding the study’s primary endpoint and overall conclusions of efficacy. | Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals plunged more than 15% in early trade on Monday after the biopharmaceutical company received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which rejected the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for NUPLAZID (pimavanserin). The CRL indicated that the application cannot be approved in its present form as it lacks substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval, despite prior agreements with the Division of Psychiatry regarding the pivotal Phase 3 HARMONY study design targeting a broad DRP patient population analyzed as a single group, Acadia (ACAD) said. Acadia CEO Steve Davis said, “We will immediately request a Type A meeting to work with the FDA to address the CRL and determine an expeditious path forward for the approval of pimavanserin in DRP.” On March 10, Merrill Lynch analyst Tazeen Ahmad downgraded the stock to Hold from Buy. | Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals plunged more than 15% in early trade on Monday after the biopharmaceutical company received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which rejected the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for NUPLAZID (pimavanserin). The CRL indicated that the application cannot be approved in its present form as it lacks substantial evidence of effectiveness to support approval, despite prior agreements with the Division of Psychiatry regarding the pivotal Phase 3 HARMONY study design targeting a broad DRP patient population analyzed as a single group, Acadia (ACAD) said. (See Acadia stock analysis on TipRanks) However, the company believes that these observations have no impact on the positive results regarding the study’s primary endpoint and overall conclusions of efficacy. |
35822.0 | 2021-04-04 00:00:00 UTC | These 2 Scrappy Biotechs Could Skyrocket in April | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/these-2-scrappy-biotechs-could-skyrocket-in-april-2021-04-04 | nan | nan | While it might make you feel uneasy to invest in a wounded business, it's worth doing at least once to gain experience, not to mention the chance of a tidy return. After all, if companies never faltered, it'd be impossible to find stocks to buy at a discount in hopes of a skillful turnaround.
In the world of biotech, sometimes turnarounds can happen overnight -- and that's exactly what I'll be discussing today. These two companies face forks in the road in April that will determine their future, whether it's a return to good fortune or a further descent into their recent doldrums. Let's dive in.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Supernus Pharmaceuticals
For the last few years, Supernus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SUPN) has been a chronic underperformer compared to the wider market. Nonetheless, the company doesn't sound like a typical laggard, as its pipeline is mature enough to keep it alive even if one of its clinical programs falters. In fact, Supernus already has a portfolio of five neurology therapies on the market, treating conditions like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. As a result, sales revenue and operating earnings have risen steadily over the past five years (with the exception of 2019), reaching $520 million and $174 million respectively at the moment. So, what's the problem with it, and how might it recover?
In short, in November regulators at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rebuffed the company's approval filings for SPN-830, the company's Parkinson's disease drug. Similarly, when in November Supernus filed for approval for its pediatric ADHD therapy, the FDA requested additional information rather than giving it the OK. Both of these developments are fixable, and as it turns out, the company is scheduled to meet with regulators again in early April.
Supernus may need to gather more data to support its regulatory filings to get these two drugs out the door. But depending on what the FDA requests in the meetings, it could mean either a small amount of extra work and a commercial launch of its ADHD therapy by the second quarter, or a large amount of work and lengthy delays. If management signals that regulators only need a little bit extra to support one or both of the filings, it'll be a major positive sign that could galvanize the stock -- but an opposite sentiment could lead to a sharp slump.
2. Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Continuing with the theme of clinical paperwork misadventure, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) took a sharp fall early in March when, you guessed it, the FDA rejected its filing for its drug to treat delusions in dementia patients, without specifying why. The same drug, pimavanserin, is already approved for psychosis in Parkinson's disease. Thus, investors can still take heart in the company's five-year streak of rapidly increasing sales revenue, which makes the market's negative reaction look a bit overblown to say the least. In 2020, revenue grew by 30% year over year, which is nothing to sneeze at.
Early in April, Acadia will meet with regulators again to discuss the issues with pimavanserin. The stakes are high for shareholders, but it's important to realize that the company has other catalysts in the near future. Its ACP-044 drug for chronic and acute pain in bunionectomies and osteoarthritis will be starting two phase 2 clinical trials before the end of the second quarter. Later in the year, its drug for Rett syndrome will have a data readout from its phase 3 trial, which could give the stock a massive boost if the results are favorable.
In the long term, it's hard to see how Acadia could continue to falter as long as its pipeline keeps delivering. While it's true that the company's earnings have been lackluster, resulting in a net loss of $281.6 million dollars in 2020 -- a 20% worsening compared to the prior year -- rapidly growing revenue should continue to defuse shareholder concerns for the moment. Daring investors should considering buying the stock before it finishes navigating the regulatory issues to capture the largest swing in its price.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Continuing with the theme of clinical paperwork misadventure, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) took a sharp fall early in March when, you guessed it, the FDA rejected its filing for its drug to treat delusions in dementia patients, without specifying why. Early in April, Acadia will meet with regulators again to discuss the issues with pimavanserin. In the long term, it's hard to see how Acadia could continue to falter as long as its pipeline keeps delivering. | Early in April, Acadia will meet with regulators again to discuss the issues with pimavanserin. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Continuing with the theme of clinical paperwork misadventure, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) took a sharp fall early in March when, you guessed it, the FDA rejected its filing for its drug to treat delusions in dementia patients, without specifying why. In the long term, it's hard to see how Acadia could continue to falter as long as its pipeline keeps delivering. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Continuing with the theme of clinical paperwork misadventure, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) took a sharp fall early in March when, you guessed it, the FDA rejected its filing for its drug to treat delusions in dementia patients, without specifying why. Early in April, Acadia will meet with regulators again to discuss the issues with pimavanserin. In the long term, it's hard to see how Acadia could continue to falter as long as its pipeline keeps delivering. | Early in April, Acadia will meet with regulators again to discuss the issues with pimavanserin. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Continuing with the theme of clinical paperwork misadventure, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) took a sharp fall early in March when, you guessed it, the FDA rejected its filing for its drug to treat delusions in dementia patients, without specifying why. In the long term, it's hard to see how Acadia could continue to falter as long as its pipeline keeps delivering. |
35823.0 | 2021-03-27 00:00:00 UTC | Biotech Stocks Facing FDA Decision In April 2021 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/biotech-stocks-facing-fda-decision-in-april-2021-2021-03-27 | nan | nan | (RTTNews) - As we enter the second quarter of the year, it's time to take a look back at some of the news stories that made headlines on the regulatory front in March.
BioFire Respiratory Panel 2.1 (RP2.1), a diagnostic test for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections, was granted FDA clearance on March 17. This is the first SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test to be authorized for marketing under traditional premarket review process, paving way to be marketed beyond the public health emergency. All the other SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests have been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization.
Memic Innovative Surgery Ltd's Hominis Surgical System, a new robotically-assisted surgical device (RASD) that can help facilitate transvaginal hysterectomy in certain patients, was authorized for marketing by the FDA on March 1. It is the first and only FDA-authorized surgical robotic platform that is designed to replicate the motions and capabilities of a surgeon's arms, with shoulder, elbow and wrist joint.
Four novel drugs were approved by the FDA in March taking the tally of new drug approvals in the first quarter of this year to 14. This compares with 11 new drug approvals in the first quarter of 2020. In all, a total of 53 novel drugs were approved last year.
Let's take a look at what's in store for April 2021.
Related Reading
Biotech Stocks Facing FDA Decision In April 2021
(https://www.rttnews.com/slideshow/3890/biotech-stocks-facing-fda-decision-in-april-2021-lung-cancer-pdufa-keytruda-hiv-covid-19.aspx)
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (RTTNews) - As we enter the second quarter of the year, it's time to take a look back at some of the news stories that made headlines on the regulatory front in March. It is the first and only FDA-authorized surgical robotic platform that is designed to replicate the motions and capabilities of a surgeon's arms, with shoulder, elbow and wrist joint. Related Reading Biotech Stocks Facing FDA Decision In April 2021 (https://www.rttnews.com/slideshow/3890/biotech-stocks-facing-fda-decision-in-april-2021-lung-cancer-pdufa-keytruda-hiv-covid-19.aspx) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | This is the first SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test to be authorized for marketing under traditional premarket review process, paving way to be marketed beyond the public health emergency. All the other SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests have been authorized by the FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization. Memic Innovative Surgery Ltd's Hominis Surgical System, a new robotically-assisted surgical device (RASD) that can help facilitate transvaginal hysterectomy in certain patients, was authorized for marketing by the FDA on March 1. | BioFire Respiratory Panel 2.1 (RP2.1), a diagnostic test for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections, was granted FDA clearance on March 17. Memic Innovative Surgery Ltd's Hominis Surgical System, a new robotically-assisted surgical device (RASD) that can help facilitate transvaginal hysterectomy in certain patients, was authorized for marketing by the FDA on March 1. Four novel drugs were approved by the FDA in March taking the tally of new drug approvals in the first quarter of this year to 14. | BioFire Respiratory Panel 2.1 (RP2.1), a diagnostic test for the simultaneous qualitative detection and identification of multiple respiratory viral and bacterial nucleic acids in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) obtained from individuals suspected of COVID-19 and other respiratory tract infections, was granted FDA clearance on March 17. This is the first SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic test to be authorized for marketing under traditional premarket review process, paving way to be marketed beyond the public health emergency. Four novel drugs were approved by the FDA in March taking the tally of new drug approvals in the first quarter of this year to 14. |
35824.0 | 2021-03-26 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy ETF Inflows: LABU, ALXO, ACAD, XLRN | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-etf-inflows%3A-labu-alxo-acad-xlrn-2021-03-26 | nan | nan | Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $145.7 million dollar inflow -- that's a 29.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 6,211,600 to 8,061,600). Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 0.1%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 0.3%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is lower by about 1.7%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the LABU Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of LABU, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, LABU's low point in its 52 week range is $18.28 per share, with $185.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $77.36. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs had notable inflows »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 0.1%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 0.3%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is lower by about 1.7%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $145.7 million dollar inflow -- that's a 29.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 6,211,600 to 8,061,600). These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 0.1%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 0.3%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is lower by about 1.7%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the LABU Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of LABU, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, LABU's low point in its 52 week range is $18.28 per share, with $185.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $77.36. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ». | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 0.1%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 0.3%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is lower by about 1.7%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $145.7 million dollar inflow -- that's a 29.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 6,211,600 to 8,061,600). For a complete list of holdings, visit the LABU Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of LABU, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, LABU's low point in its 52 week range is $18.28 per share, with $185.61 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $77.36. | Among the largest underlying components of LABU, in trading today ALX Oncology Holdings Inc (Symbol: ALXO) is up about 0.1%, Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 0.3%, and Acceleron Pharma, Inc. (Symbol: XLRN) is lower by about 1.7%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Daily S&P Biotech Bull 3X Shares (Symbol: LABU) where we have detected an approximate $145.7 million dollar inflow -- that's a 29.8% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 6,211,600 to 8,061,600). These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. |
35825.0 | 2021-03-19 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of May 21st Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-may-21st-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-2021-03-19 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 21st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new May 21st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $27.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.80. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $27.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $23.20 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $27.21/share today.
Because the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 58%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 14.07% return on the cash commitment, or 81.54% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $27.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $28.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.70. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $27.21/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $28.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 16.50% if the stock gets called away at the May 21st expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 47%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 13.60% boost of extra return to the investor, or 78.78% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 97%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 117%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $27.21) to be 79%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 21st expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 21st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new May 21st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $27.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $28.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.70. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 21st expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $27.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $28.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.70. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 21st expiration. |
35826.0 | 2021-03-17 00:00:00 UTC | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock Now Looks Oversold At $27 Levels | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-now-looks-oversold-at-%2427-levels-2021-03-17 | nan | nan | We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. ACAD stock trades near $27 currently and it is, in fact, down 43% from its pre-Covid high of around $47 in February 2020 – before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. ACAD stock has had a volatile ride the past few months. It rallied from levels of under $35 in March 2020, when broader markets made the bottom, to levels north of $50 in late February 2021. However, over the recent weeks, the stock has plummeted to levels of $27 currently. The recent drop can be attributed to the U.S. FDA finding deficiencies in its application for its psychosis drug – Nuplazid. This is an important update given that Nuplazid sales with the new approval were touted to add as much as $2 billion in incremental sales. At the current price of $27, ACAD stock is actually trading below the levels seen in March 2020, while the broader S&P500 Index has rallied 77% over the same period.
However, the selling now appears to be overdone. After the recent development many analysts cut their price targets for ACAD stock, but still the average price estimate stands at $44, implying a potential 60% premium to the current stock price of $27. Furthermore, the company has stated that it will work with the U.S. FDA to resolve the discrepancies in its application. It should be noted that Nuplazid is already approved for hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s disease, while the current trial was for patients with hallucinations and delusions due to dementia-related psychosis. Any hopes of approval in this space will be a positive for the company. In this note we focus on a comparative analysis of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock performance during the current financial crisis with that during the 2008 recession in our interactive dashboard.
Timeline of 2020 Coronavirus Crisis:
12/12/2019: Coronavirus cases first reported in China
1/31/2020: WHO declares a global health emergency.
2/19/2020: Signs of effective containment in China and hopes of monetary easing by major central banks helps S&P 500 reach a record high
3/23/2020: S&P 500 drops 34% from the peak level seen on Feb 19 2020, as Covid-19 cases accelerate outside China. Doesn’t help that oil prices crash in mid-March amid Saudi-led price war
Since 3/24/2020: S&P 500 recovers 77% from the lows seen on Mar 23 2020, as the Fed’s multi-billion dollar stimulus package suppresses near-term survival anxiety and infuses liquidity into the system.
In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis
Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis
10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index
9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08)
3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index
12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008)
ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis
ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. It staged a small recovery immediately post the 2008 crisis, to levels of over $1 by January 2010. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index saw a decline of 51% from its peak in September 2007 to its bottom in March 2009, followed by a sharp recovery of 48% by January 2010.
ACADIA Fundamentals Over Recent Years Have Been Robust
ACADIA’s revenues increased from $125 million in 2017 to $442 million in 2020, led by increased sales of Nuplazid. The company is currently running into losses, partly due to higher R&D investments. The company reported a loss of $1.79 per share in 2020, compared to a loss of $2.36 per share in 2017. Though the company is not profitable, it has seen the loss from operations narrow over the recent years.
Does ACAD Have Sufficient Cash Cushion To Meet Its Obligations?
ACADIA does not have any meaningful debt on its books, while its total cash increased from $341 million in 2017 to $632 million in 2020. It also utilized $136 million in cash for its operations in 2020. The company has a sufficient liquidity cushion to meet its near term requirements.
Conclusion
Phases of Covid-19 Crisis:
Early- to mid-March 2020: Fear of the coronavirus outbreak spreading rapidly translates into reality, with the number of cases accelerating globally
Late-March 2020 onward: Social distancing measures + lockdowns
April 2020: Fed stimulus suppresses near-term survival anxiety
May-June 2020: Recovery of demand, with gradual lifting of lockdowns – no panic anymore despite a steady increase in the number of cases
July-October 2020: After poor Q2 results, Q3 expectations were lukewarm, but continued improvement in demand, and progress with vaccine development aided stock indices growth.
Early 2021: Multiple countries approved the vaccines for Covid-19, further buoying market sentiment, though new variants of coronavirus resulted in uptick in active cases in several countries.
As the global economy opens up and restrictions are lifted in phases, overall new patient starts volume will rise. This could be reflected in the form of higher total revenues in 2021, boding well for ACAD stock in the near term. We believe that ACAD stock could rally back to levels of over $40, implying over 50% upside from the current levels.
While ACAD stock may see higher levels, 2020 has created many pricing discontinuities which can offer attractive trading opportunities. For example, you’ll be surprised how counter-intuitive the stock valuation is for Catalent vs. Emergent Biosolutions.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. In this note we focus on a comparative analysis of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock performance during the current financial crisis with that during the 2008 recession in our interactive dashboard. ACAD stock trades near $27 currently and it is, in fact, down 43% from its pre-Covid high of around $47 in February 2020 – before the coronavirus pandemic hit the world. | In this note we focus on a comparative analysis of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock performance during the current financial crisis with that during the 2008 recession in our interactive dashboard. In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis 10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index 9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08) 3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index 12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008) ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. | After the recent development many analysts cut their price targets for ACAD stock, but still the average price estimate stands at $44, implying a potential 60% premium to the current stock price of $27. In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis 10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index 9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08) 3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index 12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008) ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. | After the recent development many analysts cut their price targets for ACAD stock, but still the average price estimate stands at $44, implying a potential 60% premium to the current stock price of $27. In contrast, here is how ACAD stock and the broader market fared during the 2007-08 crisis Timeline of 2007-08 Crisis 10/1/2007: Approximate pre-crisis peak in S&P 500 index 9/1/2008 – 10/1/2008: Accelerated market decline corresponding to Lehman bankruptcy filing (9/15/08) 3/1/2009: Approximate bottoming out of S&P 500 index 12/31/2009: Initial recovery to levels before accelerated decline (around 9/1/2008) ACAD and S&P 500 Performance Over 2007-08 Financial Crisis ACAD stock plummeted from from levels of about $16 in October 2007 (pre-crisis peak for the broader markets) to levels of $3 in September 2008 before plunging to under $1 in March 2009 (as the markets bottomed out), implying ACAD stock lost 95%. We believe that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock (NASDAQ: ACAD), a biopharmaceutical company focused on neuroscience drugs, is a good buying opportunity at the present time. |
35827.0 | 2021-03-11 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD April 30th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-april-30th-options-begin-trading-2021-03-11 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 30th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 30th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $26.50 strike price has a current bid of $3.90. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $26.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $22.60 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $26.78/share today.
Because the $26.50 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 14.72% return on the cash commitment, or 107.52% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $26.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $27.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.90. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $26.78/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $27.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 15.38% if the stock gets called away at the April 30th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 14.56% boost of extra return to the investor, or 106.40% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $26.78) to be 80%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 30th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 30th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 30th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $26.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $27.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.90. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 30th expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $26.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $27.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.90. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 30th expiration. |
35828.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Stock Is Crashing Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-is-crashing-today-2021-03-09 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of the mid-cap biopharma Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 44% in pre-market trading Tuesday morning. The drugmaker's stock is crashing today in response to a regulatory setback for pimavanserin's proposed label expansion as a treatment for dementia-related psychosis.
The Food and Drug Administration reportedly notified the company on March 3 that it had identified deficiencies in the drug's supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) that preclude discussion of labeling and post-marketing requirements/commitments. Pimavanserin's sNDA review is still scheduled to be concluded by April 3, despite this unexpected development.
Image source: Getty Images.
So what
Pimavanserin is currently approved as a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis under the brand name Nuplazid. Acadia has been trialing the drug for several years across a variety of broadly similar indications in the hope of expanding its commercial footprint.
Dementia-related psychosis was set to be the first of these additional indications for the drug -- one that would have likely pushed it into blockbuster territory (greater than $1 billion in annual sales) as soon as next year. So with this high-value label expansion now in jeopardy, at least temporarily, it's not surprising to see investors hitting the exits this morning.
Now what
Acadia noted in its press release that the FDA has yet to reach a final decision on pimavanserin's sNDA. But the company also revealed that the FDA has yet to share the specifics about the application's problematic areas. As such, it's essentially impossible to make a judgment call on whether this is a minor hiccup or a major setback that could take a prolonged period of time to address. Investors in turn may want to exercise caution with this beaten-down biotech stock today.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Shares of the mid-cap biopharma Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 44% in pre-market trading Tuesday morning. Acadia has been trialing the drug for several years across a variety of broadly similar indications in the hope of expanding its commercial footprint. Now what Acadia noted in its press release that the FDA has yet to reach a final decision on pimavanserin's sNDA. | What happened Shares of the mid-cap biopharma Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 44% in pre-market trading Tuesday morning. Acadia has been trialing the drug for several years across a variety of broadly similar indications in the hope of expanding its commercial footprint. Now what Acadia noted in its press release that the FDA has yet to reach a final decision on pimavanserin's sNDA. | 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. What happened Shares of the mid-cap biopharma Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 44% in pre-market trading Tuesday morning. Acadia has been trialing the drug for several years across a variety of broadly similar indications in the hope of expanding its commercial footprint. | * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened Shares of the mid-cap biopharma Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 44% in pre-market trading Tuesday morning. Acadia has been trialing the drug for several years across a variety of broadly similar indications in the hope of expanding its commercial footprint. |
35829.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | Is ACADIA Still a Buy Following FDA Setback? Analyst Weighs In | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-acadia-still-a-buy-following-fda-setback-analyst-weighs-in-2021-03-09 | nan | nan | Pharma stocks’ fortunes are reliant on the reviews of their drug candidates. A positive response from the regulators will almost always send the share price soaring. Conversely, a rejection will result in investors hurrying to the exit gates.
Unfortunately, for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), the latter case currently holds true. After the close on Monday, the company announced that the FDA has said it found deficiencies in ACADIA’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pimavanserin - which goes under the brand name of Nuplazidin - for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). Shares sunk in the following session by 45%.
The FDA was meant to discuss labeling and post-marketing requirements with the company but has said it cannot do so until the company addresses the issues. The problem is that ACADIA has not yet been provided with the reason behind the setback.
“While the actual deficiencies have apparently not been communicated to the company,” Mizuho analyst Vamil Divan commented. “We assume they will likely receive a Complete Response Letter for the application on the April 3 Action Date. With limited information, we push out the DRP launch by one year in our base case.”
The notification is even more surprising due to the fact it is so late in the process. What’s more, Divan says, the application has been granted FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) as it focuses on a significant unmet medical need.
Further adding to the puzzlement, Pimavanserin has already been given the FDA’s nod of approval for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions related to Parkinson’s disease psychosis, which was another reason for the “lowered risk of surprises” ahead of the FDA's decision.
With uncertainty hanging in the air, Divan has now lowered the treatment’s probability of success from 80% to 70% and reduced the price target from $70 to $55. However, following the share price collapse, investors are still looking at upside of 120% from current levels. (To watch Divan’s track record, click here)
All in all, most on the Street remain in ACADIA’s corner. The analyst consensus rates the stock a Strong Buy, based on 13 Buys and 4 Holds. At $46.25, the average price target suggests shares will be selling for a 85% premium a year from now. (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | After the close on Monday, the company announced that the FDA has said it found deficiencies in ACADIA’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pimavanserin - which goes under the brand name of Nuplazidin - for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). Unfortunately, for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), the latter case currently holds true. The problem is that ACADIA has not yet been provided with the reason behind the setback. | After the close on Monday, the company announced that the FDA has said it found deficiencies in ACADIA’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pimavanserin - which goes under the brand name of Nuplazidin - for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. Unfortunately, for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), the latter case currently holds true. | After the close on Monday, the company announced that the FDA has said it found deficiencies in ACADIA’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pimavanserin - which goes under the brand name of Nuplazidin - for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). (See ACAD stock analysis on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. Unfortunately, for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), the latter case currently holds true. | After the close on Monday, the company announced that the FDA has said it found deficiencies in ACADIA’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Pimavanserin - which goes under the brand name of Nuplazidin - for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis (DRP). Unfortunately, for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), the latter case currently holds true. The problem is that ACADIA has not yet been provided with the reason behind the setback. |
35830.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | Notable Tuesday Option Activity: ACAD, Z, TUP | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/notable-tuesday-option-activity%3A-acad-z-tup-2021-03-09 | nan | nan | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 25,688 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 2.6 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 253.3% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.0 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $40 strike call option expiring January 21, 2022, with 3,523 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 352,300 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $40 strike highlighted in orange:
Zillow Group Inc (Symbol: Z) saw options trading volume of 46,401 contracts, representing approximately 4.6 million underlying shares or approximately 90.9% of Z's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $80 strike put option expiring January 20, 2023, with 15,005 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares of Z. Below is a chart showing Z's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $80 strike highlighted in orange:
And Tupperware Brands Corp (Symbol: TUP) options are showing a volume of 5,071 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 507,100 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 85.8% of TUP's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 591,250 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $27 strike put option expiring March 19, 2021, with 1,065 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 106,500 underlying shares of TUP. Below is a chart showing TUP's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ACAD options, Z options, or TUP options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Especially high volume was seen for the $40 strike call option expiring January 21, 2022, with 3,523 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 352,300 underlying shares of ACAD. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 25,688 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 2.6 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 253.3% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.0 million shares. | Especially high volume was seen for the $40 strike call option expiring January 21, 2022, with 3,523 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 352,300 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $40 strike highlighted in orange: Zillow Group Inc (Symbol: Z) saw options trading volume of 46,401 contracts, representing approximately 4.6 million underlying shares or approximately 90.9% of Z's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.1 million shares. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 25,688 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 2.6 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 25,688 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 2.6 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $40 strike highlighted in orange: Zillow Group Inc (Symbol: Z) saw options trading volume of 46,401 contracts, representing approximately 4.6 million underlying shares or approximately 90.9% of Z's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.1 million shares. That number works out to 253.3% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.0 million shares. | Especially high volume was seen for the $40 strike call option expiring January 21, 2022, with 3,523 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 352,300 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $40 strike highlighted in orange: Zillow Group Inc (Symbol: Z) saw options trading volume of 46,401 contracts, representing approximately 4.6 million underlying shares or approximately 90.9% of Z's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 5.1 million shares. Below is a chart showing TUP's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $27 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for ACAD options, Z options, or TUP options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com. |
35831.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | News Flash: 19 Analysts Think ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) Earnings Are Under Threat | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/news-flash%3A-19-analysts-think-acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc.-nasdaq%3Aacad-earnings-are-under | nan | nan | Market forces rained on the parade of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders today, when the analysts downgraded their forecasts for this year. Both revenue and earnings per share (EPS) forecasts went under the knife, suggesting analysts have soured majorly on the business.
Following the downgrade, the current consensus from ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' 19 analysts is for revenues of US$554m in 2021 which - if met - would reflect a sizeable 26% increase on its sales over the past 12 months. Per-share losses are expected to see a sharp uptick, reaching US$2.11. Yet before this consensus update, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$638m and losses of US$1.70 per share in 2021. Ergo, there's been a clear change in sentiment, with the analysts administering a notable cut to this year's revenue estimates, while at the same time increasing their loss per share forecasts.
NasdaqGS:ACAD Earnings and Revenue Growth March 10th 2021
The consensus price target fell 28% to US$45.06, implicitly signalling that lower earnings per share are a leading indicator for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' valuation. Fixating on a single price target can be unwise though, since the consensus target is effectively the average of analyst price targets. As a result, some investors like to look at the range of estimates to see if there are any diverging opinions on the company's valuation. Currently, the most bullish analyst values ACADIA Pharmaceuticals at US$73.00 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$42.00. This is a fairly broad spread of estimates, suggesting that the analysts are forecasting a wide range of possible outcomes for the business.
Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues to the end of 2021 expected to display 26% growth on an annualised basis. This is compared to a historical growth rate of 52% over the past five years. Juxtapose this against the other companies in the industry with analyst coverage, which are forecast to grow their revenues (in aggregate) 18% per year. Even after the forecast slowdown in growth, it seems obvious that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals is also expected to grow faster than the wider industry.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing to note from this downgrade is that the consensus increased its forecast losses this year, suggesting all may not be well at ACADIA Pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, analysts also downgraded their revenue estimates, although our data indicates revenues are expected to perform better than the wider market. With a serious cut to this year's expectations and a falling price target, we wouldn't be surprised if investors were becoming wary of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals.
With that said, the long-term trajectory of the company's earnings is a lot more important than next year. At Simply Wall St, we have a full range of analyst estimates for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals going out to 2025, and you can see them free on our platform here.
Another way to search for interesting companies that could be reaching an inflection point is to track whether management are buying or selling, with our free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Market forces rained on the parade of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders today, when the analysts downgraded their forecasts for this year. The Bottom Line The most important thing to note from this downgrade is that the consensus increased its forecast losses this year, suggesting all may not be well at ACADIA Pharmaceuticals. Following the downgrade, the current consensus from ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' 19 analysts is for revenues of US$554m in 2021 which - if met - would reflect a sizeable 26% increase on its sales over the past 12 months. | NasdaqGS:ACAD Earnings and Revenue Growth March 10th 2021 The consensus price target fell 28% to US$45.06, implicitly signalling that lower earnings per share are a leading indicator for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' valuation. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues to the end of 2021 expected to display 26% growth on an annualised basis. The Bottom Line The most important thing to note from this downgrade is that the consensus increased its forecast losses this year, suggesting all may not be well at ACADIA Pharmaceuticals. | NasdaqGS:ACAD Earnings and Revenue Growth March 10th 2021 The consensus price target fell 28% to US$45.06, implicitly signalling that lower earnings per share are a leading indicator for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' valuation. It's pretty clear that there is an expectation that ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' revenue growth will slow down substantially, with revenues to the end of 2021 expected to display 26% growth on an annualised basis. Market forces rained on the parade of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders today, when the analysts downgraded their forecasts for this year. | Market forces rained on the parade of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders today, when the analysts downgraded their forecasts for this year. Following the downgrade, the current consensus from ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' 19 analysts is for revenues of US$554m in 2021 which - if met - would reflect a sizeable 26% increase on its sales over the past 12 months. NasdaqGS:ACAD Earnings and Revenue Growth March 10th 2021 The consensus price target fell 28% to US$45.06, implicitly signalling that lower earnings per share are a leading indicator for ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' valuation. |
35832.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD Stock: The Bad News That Has Acadia Pharmaceuticals Plunging Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-stock%3A-the-bad-news-that-has-acadia-pharmaceuticals-plunging-today-2021-03-09 | nan | nan | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) stock is taking a beating on Tuesday after revealing an update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Source: Bukhta Yurii / Shutterstock.com
The FDA supplied a response to the company’s supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for pimavanserin. This is a drug designed by Acadia Pharmaceuticals to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis.
According to the FDA’s update, it found “deficiencies that preclude discussion of labeling and post-marketing requirements/commitments at this time.” The FDA didn’t say what these deficiencies were in its update.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals says that it’s working with the FDA to learn more about the issue with its sNDA. It hopes that it can resolve the issues with the cooperation of the agency.
It’s no surprise that poor news from the FDA would have a negative effect on ACAD stock. Investors don’t want to hear that a potential drug won’t get FDA approval or that it could be delayed for some reason.
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The news has also resulted in heavy trading of ACAD stock today. As of this writing, more than 14 million shares have traded. That’s an increase over the stock’s daily average trading volume of nearly 1 million shares.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals is a pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of “small molecule drugs for the treatment of central nervous system disorders.” It was founded in 1993 and its headquarters is located in San Diego.
ACAD stock was down 48% as of Tuesday afternoon.
On the date of publication, William White did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.
The post ACAD Stock: The Bad News That Has Acadia Pharmaceuticals Plunging Today appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The post ACAD Stock: The Bad News That Has Acadia Pharmaceuticals Plunging Today appeared first on InvestorPlace. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) stock is taking a beating on Tuesday after revealing an update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a drug designed by Acadia Pharmaceuticals to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) stock is taking a beating on Tuesday after revealing an update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 7 of the Top Transportation Stocks to Buy Right Now The news has also resulted in heavy trading of ACAD stock today. The post ACAD Stock: The Bad News That Has Acadia Pharmaceuticals Plunging Today appeared first on InvestorPlace. | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) stock is taking a beating on Tuesday after revealing an update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 7 of the Top Transportation Stocks to Buy Right Now The news has also resulted in heavy trading of ACAD stock today. The post ACAD Stock: The Bad News That Has Acadia Pharmaceuticals Plunging Today appeared first on InvestorPlace. | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) stock is taking a beating on Tuesday after revealing an update from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a drug designed by Acadia Pharmaceuticals to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. Acadia Pharmaceuticals says that it’s working with the FDA to learn more about the issue with its sNDA. |
35833.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | Tuesday's ETF with Unusual Volume: OMFL | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tuesdays-etf-with-unusual-volume%3A-omfl-2021-03-09 | nan | nan | The Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF is seeing unusually high volume in afternoon trading Tuesday, with over 881,000 shares traded versus three month average volume of about 134,000. Shares of OMFL were up about 1.7% on the day.
Components of that ETF with the highest volume on Tuesday were General Electric, trading up about 1% with over 60.8 million shares changing hands so far this session, and Apple, up about 3.3% on volume of over 59.7 million shares. Peloton Interactive is the component faring the best Tuesday, up by about 12.1% on the day, while Acadia Pharmaceuticals is lagging other components of the Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF, trading lower by about 47.8%.
VIDEO: Tuesday's ETF with Unusual Volume: OMFL
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Peloton Interactive is the component faring the best Tuesday, up by about 12.1% on the day, while Acadia Pharmaceuticals is lagging other components of the Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF, trading lower by about 47.8%. The Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF is seeing unusually high volume in afternoon trading Tuesday, with over 881,000 shares traded versus three month average volume of about 134,000. Components of that ETF with the highest volume on Tuesday were General Electric, trading up about 1% with over 60.8 million shares changing hands so far this session, and Apple, up about 3.3% on volume of over 59.7 million shares. | Peloton Interactive is the component faring the best Tuesday, up by about 12.1% on the day, while Acadia Pharmaceuticals is lagging other components of the Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF, trading lower by about 47.8%. The Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF is seeing unusually high volume in afternoon trading Tuesday, with over 881,000 shares traded versus three month average volume of about 134,000. VIDEO: Tuesday's ETF with Unusual Volume: OMFL The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Peloton Interactive is the component faring the best Tuesday, up by about 12.1% on the day, while Acadia Pharmaceuticals is lagging other components of the Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF, trading lower by about 47.8%. The Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF is seeing unusually high volume in afternoon trading Tuesday, with over 881,000 shares traded versus three month average volume of about 134,000. Components of that ETF with the highest volume on Tuesday were General Electric, trading up about 1% with over 60.8 million shares changing hands so far this session, and Apple, up about 3.3% on volume of over 59.7 million shares. | Peloton Interactive is the component faring the best Tuesday, up by about 12.1% on the day, while Acadia Pharmaceuticals is lagging other components of the Invesco Russell 1000—Dynamic Multifactor ETF, trading lower by about 47.8%. Components of that ETF with the highest volume on Tuesday were General Electric, trading up about 1% with over 60.8 million shares changing hands so far this session, and Apple, up about 3.3% on volume of over 59.7 million shares. VIDEO: Tuesday's ETF with Unusual Volume: OMFL The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. |
35834.0 | 2021-03-09 00:00:00 UTC | These 2 Nasdaq Stocks Were Surprise Losers in Tuesday's Market Rally | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/these-2-nasdaq-stocks-were-surprise-losers-in-tuesdays-market-rally-2021-03-09 | nan | nan | The Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX: ^IXIC) has earned a reputation for being resilient, finding ways to claw back from the worst setbacks over the past year. On Tuesday, the index managed to show its resolve one more time, posting a huge gain as investors saw their confidence in high-growth stocks restored. As of 1 p.m. EST, the Nasdaq had soared more than 500 points, or 4%.
Yet there were a couple of notable stocks that not only missed out on the rally, but suffered huge declines. Both Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Stitch Fix (NASDAQ: SFIX) were down sharply, as unexpected bad news surprised investors who'd been hoping for better things.
Image source: Getty Images.
Acadia faces a setback
Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals lost almost half their value on Tuesday. The move came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a pronouncement on a new drug application that Acadia had submitted for a key treatment in its pipeline.
Late Monday, Acadia disclosed that the FDA had found some deficiencies in its supplemental new drug application for Nuplazid, which is a candidate treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. The notification didn't offer many details, but the FDA said it wouldn't discuss labeling and post-marketing issues at this point because of the deficiencies.
Nuplazid is already approved for treatment in patients with Parkinson's disease, so many had expected that the FDA would be completely comfortable with adding the new indications. Yet now, Acadia could face long delays or even a potential rejection of its request to broaden the use of Nuplazid. Given that investors had high hopes that the drug could become a blockbuster seller for Acadia, it's easy to understand why the company's shares are falling. It could be a while before we know more about exactly what the FDA is having trouble with or what Acadia will be able to do to address concerns.
Stitch Fix disappoints
Elsewhere, shares of Stitch Fix were down nearly 30% Tuesday afternoon. The subscription-based personalized apparel specialist reported fiscal second-quarter results that didn't live up to the high hopes investors had for the company.
Stitch Fix's numbers were mixed. Revenue climbed 12% from year-ago levels to move above the $500 million mark for the quarter. Client counts rose by more than 400,000 to nearly 3.9 million, giving Stitch Fix more new clients in the first six months of its fiscal year than it had in all of fiscal 2020. However, net revenue per client was down 7%, and the company reversed a year-ago profit with a substantial net loss.
But even more concerning was Stitch Fix's decision to pull back on its previous sales guidance for the full fiscal year. The apparel retailer now sees top-line growth of just 18% to 20% for fiscal 2021, down from previous projections for 20% to 25% growth.
CEO Katrina Lake has high hopes for the future, including rolling out direct buy offerings to new clients later this year and continuing to make progress in refining the selection of apparel in order to improve conversion and retention. However, Lake also noted that carrier delays and other operational challenges could hurt sales going forward. With so many companies seeing their shares shoot higher on optimism about the potential end of the pandemic, a reminder of COVID-19-related uncertainty came as an unpleasant reminder for shareholders.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Late Monday, Acadia disclosed that the FDA had found some deficiencies in its supplemental new drug application for Nuplazid, which is a candidate treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. Both Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Stitch Fix (NASDAQ: SFIX) were down sharply, as unexpected bad news surprised investors who'd been hoping for better things. Acadia faces a setback Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals lost almost half their value on Tuesday. | Both Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Stitch Fix (NASDAQ: SFIX) were down sharply, as unexpected bad news surprised investors who'd been hoping for better things. Acadia faces a setback Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals lost almost half their value on Tuesday. The move came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a pronouncement on a new drug application that Acadia had submitted for a key treatment in its pipeline. | Both Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Stitch Fix (NASDAQ: SFIX) were down sharply, as unexpected bad news surprised investors who'd been hoping for better things. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! | Acadia faces a setback Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals lost almost half their value on Tuesday. Both Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Stitch Fix (NASDAQ: SFIX) were down sharply, as unexpected bad news surprised investors who'd been hoping for better things. The move came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration made a pronouncement on a new drug application that Acadia had submitted for a key treatment in its pipeline. |
35835.0 | 2021-02-11 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For April 1st | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-april-1st-2021-02-11 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 1st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 1st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $52.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.80. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $52.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $49.20 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $52.60/share today.
Because the $52.00 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 5.38% return on the cash commitment, or 40.14% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $52.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $53.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.40. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $52.60/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $53.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 5.32% if the stock gets called away at the April 1st expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $53.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $53.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.56% boost of extra return to the investor, or 34.02% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $52.60) to be 54%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $53.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $53.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 1st expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $53.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $53.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 1st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 1st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $52.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $53.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.40. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $53.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $53.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 1st expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $52.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $53.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.40. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $53.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $53.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 1st expiration. |
35836.0 | 2021-02-09 00:00:00 UTC | Trade Alert: The CEO & Director Of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD), Stephen Davis, Has Sold Some Shares Recently | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/trade-alert%3A-the-ceo-director-of-acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc.-nasdaq%3Aacad-stephen-davis-has | nan | nan | We wouldn't blame ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders if they were a little worried about the fact that Stephen Davis, the CEO & Director recently netted about US$718k selling shares at an average price of US$50.61. That's a big disposal, and it decreased their holding size by 33%, which is notable but not too bad.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year
In fact, the recent sale by Stephen Davis was the biggest sale of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. That means that an insider was selling shares at around the current price of US$50.45. We generally don't like to see insider selling, but the lower the sale price, the more it concerns us. In this case, the big sale took place at around the current price, so it's not too bad (but it's still not a positive).
In the last year ACADIA Pharmaceuticals insiders didn't buy any company stock. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!
NasdaqGS:ACAD Insider Trading Volume February 10th 2021
If you like to buy stocks that insiders are buying, rather than selling, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).
Insider Ownership
For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. Insiders own 0.2% of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals shares, worth about US$14m. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.
So What Does This Data Suggest About ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Insiders?
Insiders sold ACADIA Pharmaceuticals shares recently, but they didn't buy any. And even if we look at the last year, we didn't see any purchases. While insiders do own shares, they don't own a heap, and they have been selling. So we'd only buy after careful consideration. So while it's helpful to know what insiders are doing in terms of buying or selling, it's also helpful to know the risks that a particular company is facing. To assist with this, we've discovered 2 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals.
But note: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.
For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.
This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | We wouldn't blame ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders if they were a little worried about the fact that Stephen Davis, the CEO & Director recently netted about US$718k selling shares at an average price of US$50.61. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In fact, the recent sale by Stephen Davis was the biggest sale of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. To assist with this, we've discovered 2 warning signs that you should run your eye over to get a better picture of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals. | We wouldn't blame ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders if they were a little worried about the fact that Stephen Davis, the CEO & Director recently netted about US$718k selling shares at an average price of US$50.61. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In fact, the recent sale by Stephen Davis was the biggest sale of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. In the last year ACADIA Pharmaceuticals insiders didn't buy any company stock. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year In fact, the recent sale by Stephen Davis was the biggest sale of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. In the last year ACADIA Pharmaceuticals insiders didn't buy any company stock. NasdaqGS:ACAD Insider Trading Volume February 10th 2021 If you like to buy stocks that insiders are buying, rather than selling, then you might just love this free list of companies. | In the last year ACADIA Pharmaceuticals insiders didn't buy any company stock. But note: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals may not be the best stock to buy. We wouldn't blame ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:ACAD) shareholders if they were a little worried about the fact that Stephen Davis, the CEO & Director recently netted about US$718k selling shares at an average price of US$50.61. |
35837.0 | 2021-02-04 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD March 26th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-march-26th-options-begin-trading-2021-02-04 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the March 26th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 26th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $48.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.20. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $48.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $46.30 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $49.71/share today.
Because the $48.50 strike represents an approximate 2% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.54% return on the cash commitment, or 33.14% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $48.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $50.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.20. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $49.71/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $50.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 5.01% if the stock gets called away at the March 26th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.43% boost of extra return to the investor, or 32.33% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $49.71) to be 54%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the March 26th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the March 26th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 26th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $48.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $50.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.20. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the March 26th expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $48.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $50.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.20. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the March 26th expiration. |
35838.0 | 2021-01-28 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD Makes Notable Cross Below Critical Moving Average | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-makes-notable-cross-below-critical-moving-average-2021-01-28 | nan | nan | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $47.65, changing hands as low as $47.58 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 1.9% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $30.22 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $47.74.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $47.65, changing hands as low as $47.58 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $30.22 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $47.74. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 1.9% on the day. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $47.65, changing hands as low as $47.58 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $30.22 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $47.74. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 1.9% on the day. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $47.65, changing hands as low as $47.58 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $30.22 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $47.74. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 1.9% on the day. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $47.65, changing hands as low as $47.58 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 1.9% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $30.22 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $47.74. |
35839.0 | 2021-01-22 00:00:00 UTC | Analysts Expect FBT To Hit $207 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/analysts-expect-fbt-to-hit-%24207-2021-01-22 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF (Symbol: FBT), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $207.02 per unit.
With FBT trading at a recent price near $178.37 per unit, that means that analysts see 16.06% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: REGN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although EXEL has traded at a recent price of $21.32/share, the average analyst target is 41.65% higher at $30.20/share. Similarly, REGN has 18.72% upside from the recent share price of $535.48 if the average analyst target price of $635.72/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $61.73/share, which is 18.69% above the recent price of $52.01. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of EXEL, REGN, and ACAD:
Combined, EXEL, REGN, and ACAD represent 9.77% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $178.37 $207.02 16.06%
Exelixis Inc EXEL $21.32 $30.20 41.65%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN $535.48 $635.72 18.72%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $52.01 $61.73 18.69%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of EXEL, REGN, and ACAD: Combined, EXEL, REGN, and ACAD represent 9.77% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $178.37 $207.02 16.06% Exelixis Inc EXEL $21.32 $30.20 41.65% Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN $535.48 $635.72 18.72% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $52.01 $61.73 18.69% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: REGN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: REGN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $178.37 $207.02 16.06% Exelixis Inc EXEL $21.32 $30.20 41.65% Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN $535.48 $635.72 18.72% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $52.01 $61.73 18.69% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Similarly, REGN has 18.72% upside from the recent share price of $535.48 if the average analyst target price of $635.72/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $61.73/share, which is 18.69% above the recent price of $52.01. | Similarly, REGN has 18.72% upside from the recent share price of $535.48 if the average analyst target price of $635.72/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $61.73/share, which is 18.69% above the recent price of $52.01. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: REGN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of EXEL, REGN, and ACAD: Combined, EXEL, REGN, and ACAD represent 9.77% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Exelixis Inc (Symbol: EXEL), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Symbol: REGN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, REGN has 18.72% upside from the recent share price of $535.48 if the average analyst target price of $635.72/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $61.73/share, which is 18.69% above the recent price of $52.01. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of EXEL, REGN, and ACAD: Combined, EXEL, REGN, and ACAD represent 9.77% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. |
35840.0 | 2021-01-15 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of September 17th Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-september-17th-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2021-01-15 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the September 17th expiration. One of the key inputs that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 245 days until expiration the newly trading contracts represent a possible opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 17th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $50.00 strike price has a current bid of $8.20. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $50.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $41.80 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $53.51/share today.
Because the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 7% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 65%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 16.40% return on the cash commitment, or 24.44% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $55.00 strike price has a current bid of $9.60. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $53.51/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $55.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 20.73% if the stock gets called away at the September 17th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 44%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 17.94% boost of extra return to the investor, or 26.73% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 68%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 69%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $53.51) to be 53%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the September 17th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the September 17th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 17th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $55.00 strike price has a current bid of $9.60. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the September 17th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 17th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the September 17th expiration. |
35841.0 | 2021-01-06 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For April 16th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-april-16th-2021-01-06 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 16th expiration. One of the key data points that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 100 days until expiration the newly available contracts represent a possible opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 16th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $50.00 strike price has a current bid of $4.00. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $50.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $46.00 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $51.66/share today.
Because the $50.00 strike represents an approximate 3% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 60%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 8.00% return on the cash commitment, or 29.21% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $55.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.50. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $51.66/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $55.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 13.24% if the stock gets called away at the April 16th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 6% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 53%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 6.78% boost of extra return to the investor, or 24.74% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 80%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 82%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $51.66) to be 54%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 6% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 16th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 6% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 16th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 16th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $55.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.50. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 6% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 16th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 16th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 6% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the April 16th expiration. |
35842.0 | 2020-11-06 00:00:00 UTC | QQQJ's Underlying Holdings Could Mean 11% Gain Potential | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/qqqjs-underlying-holdings-could-mean-11-gain-potential-2020-11-06 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF (Symbol: QQQJ), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $30.12 per unit.
With QQQJ trading at a recent price near $27.07 per unit, that means that analysts see 11.28% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of QQQJ's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Vodafone Group plc (Symbol: VOD), Open Text Corp (Symbol: OTEX), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although VOD has traded at a recent price of $14.11/share, the average analyst target is 78.60% higher at $25.20/share. Similarly, OTEX has 31.70% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $51.62/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.80/share, which is 23.15% above the recent price of $48.56. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of VOD, OTEX, and ACAD:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF QQQJ $27.07 $30.12 11.28%
Vodafone Group plc VOD $14.11 $25.20 78.60%
Open Text Corp OTEX $39.20 $51.62 31.70%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $48.56 $59.80 23.15%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF QQQJ $27.07 $30.12 11.28% Vodafone Group plc VOD $14.11 $25.20 78.60% Open Text Corp OTEX $39.20 $51.62 31.70% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $48.56 $59.80 23.15% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of QQQJ's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Vodafone Group plc (Symbol: VOD), Open Text Corp (Symbol: OTEX), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, OTEX has 31.70% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $51.62/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.80/share, which is 23.15% above the recent price of $48.56. | Three of QQQJ's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Vodafone Group plc (Symbol: VOD), Open Text Corp (Symbol: OTEX), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, OTEX has 31.70% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $51.62/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.80/share, which is 23.15% above the recent price of $48.56. Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF QQQJ $27.07 $30.12 11.28% Vodafone Group plc VOD $14.11 $25.20 78.60% Open Text Corp OTEX $39.20 $51.62 31.70% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $48.56 $59.80 23.15% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? | Similarly, OTEX has 31.70% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $51.62/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.80/share, which is 23.15% above the recent price of $48.56. Three of QQQJ's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Vodafone Group plc (Symbol: VOD), Open Text Corp (Symbol: OTEX), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of VOD, OTEX, and ACAD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: | Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF QQQJ $27.07 $30.12 11.28% Vodafone Group plc VOD $14.11 $25.20 78.60% Open Text Corp OTEX $39.20 $51.62 31.70% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $48.56 $59.80 23.15% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of QQQJ's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Vodafone Group plc (Symbol: VOD), Open Text Corp (Symbol: OTEX), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, OTEX has 31.70% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $51.62/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.80/share, which is 23.15% above the recent price of $48.56. |
35843.0 | 2020-11-05 00:00:00 UTC | What's Behind Acadia Pharmaceuticals' Mixed Q3 Results | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/whats-behind-acadia-pharmaceuticals-mixed-q3-results-2020-11-05 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has taken investors on something of a wild ride so far in 2020. There have been multiple share price swings of 20% or more this year. After a nice rise in recent weeks, Acadia could be headed for yet another downturn.
The drugmaker announced its third-quarter results after the market closed on Wednesday. Here are the highlights from Acadia's Q3 update.
Image Source: Getty Images.
By the numbers
Let's start with the good news. Acadia reported revenue in the third quarter of $120.6 million, a 27% year-over-year jump. This result also topped the average analysts' revenue estimate of $118.8 million.
Unfortunately, Acadia's bottom line didn't look as good. The company announced a net loss in the third quarter of $84.7 million, or $0.54 per share, based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This reflected improvement from the net loss of $42 million, or $0.29 per share, posted in the prior-year period. However, it was considerably worse than the Wall Street consensus estimate of a net loss of $0.38 per share.
This loss also caused Acadia to eat into its cash stockpile. The company ended the third quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and investment securities of $644.4 million. Its cash position stood at $697.4 million as of Dec. 31, 2019.
Behind the numbers
All of Acadia's revenue was generated by its sole approved product, Nuplazid, which is used to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. The drug continued to pick up momentum in this indication.
However, Acadia's significant spending increase more than offset the sales gains made by Nuplazid. The company's research and development costs nearly doubled year over year to $120.1 million. Much of this increase ($52.8 million) stemmed from Acadia's acquisition of CerSci Therapeutics.
The drugmaker's selling, general, and administrative expenses in Q3 also rose 12% year over year to $81.6 million. Acadia attributed most of the increase to higher advertising and promotional spending and to increased personnel and related costs.
Acadia also racked up significant noncash stock-based compensation expenses of $21.4 million in the third quarter. However, this amount was a little lower than the $22 million reported in the prior-year period.
Looking ahead
Acadia expects that Nuplazid sales for full-year 2020 will be between $430 million and $450 million. The company anticipates GAAP research and development expenses of $325 million to $340 million, up from its previous outlook of $265 million to $280 million. This change stemmed primarily from the upfront transaction expenses related to the CerSci Therapeutics acquisition.
Arguably the most important thing for investors to watch with the biotech stock is Acadia's pursuit of a second approved indication for Nuplazid. The Food and Drug Administration is scheduled to make a decision on approval for the drug in treating dementia-related psychosis by April 3, 2021.
Several big pharma stocks jumped on Wednesday with the election results pointing toward the likelihood that neither major political party would control both houses of Congress. Acadia's shares didn't rise as much as these stocks did, but a divided government could work to the company's advantage by reducing the prospects of major changes that could negatively impact its prospects.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Behind the numbers All of Acadia's revenue was generated by its sole approved product, Nuplazid, which is used to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has taken investors on something of a wild ride so far in 2020. After a nice rise in recent weeks, Acadia could be headed for yet another downturn. | Much of this increase ($52.8 million) stemmed from Acadia's acquisition of CerSci Therapeutics. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has taken investors on something of a wild ride so far in 2020. After a nice rise in recent weeks, Acadia could be headed for yet another downturn. | Looking ahead Acadia expects that Nuplazid sales for full-year 2020 will be between $430 million and $450 million. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has taken investors on something of a wild ride so far in 2020. | Acadia reported revenue in the third quarter of $120.6 million, a 27% year-over-year jump. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has taken investors on something of a wild ride so far in 2020. After a nice rise in recent weeks, Acadia could be headed for yet another downturn. |
35844.0 | 2020-09-28 00:00:00 UTC | Clovis Oncology Stock Tanked 14% Yesterday: Time To Buy? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/clovis-oncology-stock-tanked-14-yesterday%3A-time-to-buy-2020-09-28 | nan | nan | Despite an almost 60% rise since the March 23 lows of this year, at the current price of around $6 per share, we believe Clovis Oncology stock (NASDAQ:CLVS) has more room for growth. CLVS stock has rallied from under $4 to $6 off the recent bottom, compared to a 45% move for S&P500. In fact, the stock price swelled to levels of $10 in May after the U.S. FDA approved its only marketable drug Rubraca for the third-line treatment of prostate cancer. That rally was short-lived, though, as AstraZeneca and Merckâs Lynparza also bagged the regulatory approval for prostate cancer.
Notably, CLVS stock is down 90% from levels of $68 seen in early 2018, two years ago. This massive decline was primarily led by the rise of AstraZeneca and Merckâs Lynparza, which appears to be better placed against Clovisâ Rubraca for future growth. However, going by fundamentals, the companyâs performance has been robust over recent years thanks to growth in Rubraca sales. Revenues grew 158% from $55.5 million in 2017 to $143 million in 2019. This clubbed with a 14% increase in total shares outstanding translated into a strong 125% rise in revenue per share from $1.18 to $2.65. Our dashboard, âWhat Factors Drove 91% Change in Clovis Stock between 2017 and now?â has the underlying numbers.
Clovisâ P/S multiple changed from 58x in 2017 to 4x in 2019. While the companyâs P/S is now 2x, there is an upside when the current P/S is compared to levels seen in the past years, P/S of 10x end of 2018 and 4x as recent as late 2019.
So whatâs the likely trigger for the stock?
The global spread of Coronavirus has meant fewer hospital visits due to restrictions on movement, and this has impacted the sales of pharmaceutical companies, including Clovis. The company reported a 21% growth in Q2 sales, which fell short of consensus estimates. Looking forward, Rubracaâs result from ongoing trials for second-line treatment of prostate cancer is expected to be out only in 2022, post which the company will try for first-line setting as well. We believe Rubracaâs sales will continue to expand over the coming years from $143 million in 2019 to as high as $750 million in peak sales in 2028. This should bode well for the stock. That said, investors willing to invest in Clovis should weigh the threat from AstraZeneca and Merckâs Lynparza, which is expected to see stronger growth over the coming years for similar settings in prostate cancer treatment.Â
However, over the coming weeks, we expect continued improvement in demand and subdued growth in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. to buoy market expectations. Following the Fed stimulus â which set a floor on fear â the market has been willing to âlook throughâ the current weak period and take a longer-term view. With investors focusing their attention on 2021 results, the valuations vs. historic valuations become important in finding value. Going by the current valuation, we believe Clovis looks attractive at the current levels of $6 for investors willing to be patient.Â
What if youâre looking for a more balanced portfolio instead? Hereâs a high-quality portfolio to beat the market, with over 100% return since 2016, versus 55% for the S&P 500. Comprised of companies with strong revenue growth, healthy profits, lots of cash, and low risk, it has outperformed the broader market year after year, consistently.
See all Trefis Price Estimates and Download Trefis Data here
Whatâs behind Trefis? See How Itâs Powering New Collaboration and What-Ifs For CFOs and Finance Teams | Product, R&D, and Marketing Teams
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Despite an almost 60% rise since the March 23 lows of this year, at the current price of around $6 per share, we believe Clovis Oncology stock (NASDAQ:CLVS) has more room for growth. In fact, the stock price swelled to levels of $10 in May after the U.S. FDA approved its only marketable drug Rubraca for the third-line treatment of prostate cancer. The global spread of Coronavirus has meant fewer hospital visits due to restrictions on movement, and this has impacted the sales of pharmaceutical companies, including Clovis. | Despite an almost 60% rise since the March 23 lows of this year, at the current price of around $6 per share, we believe Clovis Oncology stock (NASDAQ:CLVS) has more room for growth. That said, investors willing to invest in Clovis should weigh the threat from AstraZeneca and Merckâs Lynparza, which is expected to see stronger growth over the coming years for similar settings in prostate cancer treatment. However, over the coming weeks, we expect continued improvement in demand and subdued growth in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. to buoy market expectations. Comprised of companies with strong revenue growth, healthy profits, lots of cash, and low risk, it has outperformed the broader market year after year, consistently. | Despite an almost 60% rise since the March 23 lows of this year, at the current price of around $6 per share, we believe Clovis Oncology stock (NASDAQ:CLVS) has more room for growth. That said, investors willing to invest in Clovis should weigh the threat from AstraZeneca and Merckâs Lynparza, which is expected to see stronger growth over the coming years for similar settings in prostate cancer treatment. However, over the coming weeks, we expect continued improvement in demand and subdued growth in the number of new COVID-19 cases in the U.S. to buoy market expectations. Comprised of companies with strong revenue growth, healthy profits, lots of cash, and low risk, it has outperformed the broader market year after year, consistently. | Despite an almost 60% rise since the March 23 lows of this year, at the current price of around $6 per share, we believe Clovis Oncology stock (NASDAQ:CLVS) has more room for growth. We believe Rubracaâs sales will continue to expand over the coming years from $143 million in 2019 to as high as $750 million in peak sales in 2028. Going by the current valuation, we believe Clovis looks attractive at the current levels of $6 for investors willing to be patient. What if youâre looking for a more balanced portfolio instead? |
35845.0 | 2020-09-03 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Cheap Stocks to Buy for Under $5 Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-cheap-stocks-to-buy-for-under-%245-now-2020-09-03 | nan | nan | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips
Sometimes, the. most explosive opportunities can be found when you look for cheap stocks to buy.
Digital Turbine (NASDAQ:APPS) traded at just $3.71 weeks ago. It’s now up to $26.84.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) once traded at 72 cents before hitting $49.81.
Big 5 Sporting Goods (NASDAQ:BGFV) was left for dead at $1.85. It’s now up to $6.
Limelight Networks (NASDAQ:LLNW) traded at $2.55 this year. It recently hit $8.
Zynga (NASDAQ:ZNGA) traded at $3.62, and is now up to $9.12.
These are just some of the hundreds of cheap stocks to buy that have made investors a fortune.
Granted, some cheap stocks have been nothing but duds. But find the right one, with the right catalyst at the right time, and it could lead to your next double-, triple- or even quadruple-digit opportunity.
9 Outbreak-Fueled Stocks to Buy This Week
In fact, here’s a list of top cheap stocks to buy that could do the trick.
Vuzix Corporation (NASDAQ:VUZI)
New Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:NGD)
Identiv (NASDAQ:INVE)
Cheap Stocks to Buy: Vuzix Corporation (VUZI)
Source: zixia / Shutterstock.com
Augmented reality is changing just about everything, which should create a sizable boon for AR stocks like Vuzix.
Such technology allows us to superimpose sounds, images, text over real-world scenarios. In medical training for example, AR allows us to bring 3D anatomical learning.
It’s even revolutionizing the auto industry, government, military and logistics, as such technology provides real-time data with real-life simulations. It also plays a major role in education, allowing for enhanced teaching, communication and interactive textbooks.
Better, the AR market is expected to grow from $10.9 billion in 2019 to more than $72.7 billion by 2024, according to MarketsandMarkets. Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL, NASDAQ:GOOG), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) are just a few of the multi-billion-dollar businesses investing in AR, as well.
Even better for the VUZI stock, second-quarter revenue was up 39% year over year, and 93% sequentially form the first quarter.
“We delivered a record $2.3 million of Vuzix smart glasses in the quarter, an increase of 183% year-over-year and 70% sequentially from our first quarter of 2020, primarily driven by interest from new customers and follow-on orders from existing customers whose business operations have been impacted by COVID-19,” said CEO Paul Travers.
New Gold (NGD)
Source: Shutterstock
Gold prices are rocketing higher. At the moment, the metal is up to $1,940 and could run to $2,500 soon. All as investors seek safety from the pandemic, a falling dollar, and as central banks flood economies with liquidity.
The run may be far from over. In fact, some analysts say gold could rally to $2,500 by the end of 2020, according to IG Bank contributor Kelvin Ong. Frank Holmes, CEO of U.S. Global Investors is far more bullish saying the metal could run to $4,000 in the next couple of years.
“If we look back over the past 20-and-a-half years of this century, gold has been up 80% of the time. But most people are so quick to be bearish on it. Gold is outperforming the S&P 500 by almost 3 to 1,’ said Holmes. “‘So, I think we are going to see in this cycle a greater adoption of gold as an important asset class, rebalanced once a quarter or once a year, but it should be in your portfolio.”
9 Outbreak-Fueled Stocks to Buy This Week
That’s great news for sub-$5 stocks like New Gold.
Better, “New Gold’s future will be supported by profitable operations, a stronger balance sheet, and as our current hedges expire at year end, we will be fully exposed to the strengthened gold price,” says CEO Renaud Adams.
Identiv (INVE)
Source: tungtaechit / Shutterstock.com
The world has drastically changed with the pandemic. Along with it, security needs of businesses have changed, creating opportunity for Identiv.
In fact, its Hirsch Velocity with Contact Tracing can reportedly “pull a report of everyone who entered the same door who can then be notified to either get tested or self-quarantine. While this is useful during the days of COVID-19, it can also be used for other applications, such as the seasonal influenza. This means your office can be proactive in responding to potential outbreaks, while simultaneously providing your employees with the peace of mind that there are measures in place to keep them safe,” says the company.
Identiv’s Body Measurement Patch is also being used to check temperatures as stadiums and theme parks begin to reopen for business.
No wonder the company’s revenue was up 18% sequentially to $11.6 million. Recurring revenue was 8% of total revenue, or $1.5 million. Backlog orders jumped to $13 million, up 140% year over year, as well.
On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.
Ian Cooper, an InvestorPlace.com contributor, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999. As of this writing, Ian Cooper did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
The post 3 Cheap Stocks to Buy for Under $5 Now appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) once traded at 72 cents before hitting $49.81. It’s even revolutionizing the auto industry, government, military and logistics, as such technology provides real-time data with real-life simulations. This means your office can be proactive in responding to potential outbreaks, while simultaneously providing your employees with the peace of mind that there are measures in place to keep them safe,” says the company. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) once traded at 72 cents before hitting $49.81. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Sometimes, the. Vuzix Corporation (NASDAQ:VUZI) New Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:NGD) Identiv (NASDAQ:INVE) Cheap Stocks to Buy: Vuzix Corporation (VUZI) Source: zixia / Shutterstock.com Augmented reality is changing just about everything, which should create a sizable boon for AR stocks like Vuzix. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) once traded at 72 cents before hitting $49.81. Vuzix Corporation (NASDAQ:VUZI) New Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:NGD) Identiv (NASDAQ:INVE) Cheap Stocks to Buy: Vuzix Corporation (VUZI) Source: zixia / Shutterstock.com Augmented reality is changing just about everything, which should create a sizable boon for AR stocks like Vuzix. Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL, NASDAQ:GOOG), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) are just a few of the multi-billion-dollar businesses investing in AR, as well. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) once traded at 72 cents before hitting $49.81. Vuzix Corporation (NASDAQ:VUZI) New Gold (NYSEAMERICAN:NGD) Identiv (NASDAQ:INVE) Cheap Stocks to Buy: Vuzix Corporation (VUZI) Source: zixia / Shutterstock.com Augmented reality is changing just about everything, which should create a sizable boon for AR stocks like Vuzix. Even better for the VUZI stock, second-quarter revenue was up 39% year over year, and 93% sequentially form the first quarter. |
35846.0 | 2020-09-03 00:00:00 UTC | We Did The Math FBT Can Go To $198 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/we-did-the-math-fbt-can-go-to-%24198-2020-09-03 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF (Symbol: FBT), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $197.74 per unit.
With FBT trading at a recent price near $160.09 per unit, that means that analysts see 23.52% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN). Although ICPT has traded at a recent price of $46.09/share, the average analyst target is 75.97% higher at $81.11/share. Similarly, ACAD has 52.19% upside from the recent share price of $39.22 if the average analyst target price of $59.69/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting FGEN to reach a target price of $63.80/share, which is 40.62% above the recent price of $45.37. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN:
Combined, ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN represent 9.72% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $160.09 $197.74 23.52%
Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc ICPT $46.09 $81.11 75.97%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $39.22 $59.69 52.19%
FibroGen Inc FGEN $45.37 $63.80 40.62%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN: Combined, ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN represent 9.72% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $160.09 $197.74 23.52% Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc ICPT $46.09 $81.11 75.97% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $39.22 $59.69 52.19% FibroGen Inc FGEN $45.37 $63.80 40.62% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN). | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN). First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $160.09 $197.74 23.52% Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc ICPT $46.09 $81.11 75.97% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $39.22 $59.69 52.19% FibroGen Inc FGEN $45.37 $63.80 40.62% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Similarly, ACAD has 52.19% upside from the recent share price of $39.22 if the average analyst target price of $59.69/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting FGEN to reach a target price of $63.80/share, which is 40.62% above the recent price of $45.37. | Similarly, ACAD has 52.19% upside from the recent share price of $39.22 if the average analyst target price of $59.69/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting FGEN to reach a target price of $63.80/share, which is 40.62% above the recent price of $45.37. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN: Combined, ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN represent 9.72% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN). Similarly, ACAD has 52.19% upside from the recent share price of $39.22 if the average analyst target price of $59.69/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting FGEN to reach a target price of $63.80/share, which is 40.62% above the recent price of $45.37. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN: Combined, ICPT, ACAD, and FGEN represent 9.72% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. |
35847.0 | 2020-09-03 00:00:00 UTC | ACADIA, NovoCure & Alexion: How Are Out Of Favor Health Care Stocks Performing? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-novocure-alexion%3A-how-are-out-of-favor-health-care-stocks-performing-2020-09-03 | nan | nan | Our indicative theme of Out Of Favor Healthcare Stocks is down by about -9% year-to-date versus the S&P 500 which is up by about 7.9% over the same period. The theme remains up by about 45% since the end of 2017, versus 31% for the S&P 500. While Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALXN) is down the least year-to-date, declining by -1%, Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) is down by about -20%.
This theme includes healthcare and pharma companies that have shown strong historical revenue growth, improving fundamentals, and yet have not rallied much this year. Most of these companies are also largely insulated from the Covid-19 pandemic, making them relatively stable bets in the current environment. Moreover, considering their strong historical performance and focus on specialized therapeutic areas, they should offer solid returns in the medium to long-term. Below is a bit more on the companies in our Out Of Favor Healthcare Stocks, their strengths, and relative performance
NovoCure Limited (NVCR), an oncology company that uses electric fields to cure tumors, gained about 4% over the last week. The stock is down by about 3% year-to-date. (related: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Good Growth But Out Of Favor)
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) a pharma company best known for Parkinson’s disease psychosis drug is down by about -1% over the last week. The stock has fallen about -11% year-to-date.
ACADIA
Alkermes (ALKS), a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on drugs for diseases in the central nervous system including schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis declined by about -4% over the last week. The stock down -20% year-to-date.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals (ALXN) is a pharma company best known for Soliris, a drug used to treat rare disorders, gained about 6% over the last week. The stock remains down -1.1% year-to-date.
BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) a biotech company focused on enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) is up about 2% over the last week, although it remains down by about -10% year-to-date.
So, these specialized healthcare stocks might give good returns from current levels. But, what if you’re looking for a more balanced portfolio instead? Here’s a top-quality portfolio to outperform the market, with over 100% return since 2016, versus 55% for the S&P 500. Comprised of companies with strong revenue growth, healthy profits, lots of cash, and low risk. It has outperformed the broader market year after year, consistently.
See all Trefis Price Estimates and Download Trefis Data here
What’s behind Trefis? See How It’s Powering New Collaboration and What-Ifs For CFOs and Finance Teams | Product, R&D, and Marketing Teams
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (related: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Good Growth But Out Of Favor) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) a pharma company best known for Parkinson’s disease psychosis drug is down by about -1% over the last week. This theme includes healthcare and pharma companies that have shown strong historical revenue growth, improving fundamentals, and yet have not rallied much this year. Alkermes (ALKS), a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on drugs for diseases in the central nervous system including schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis declined by about -4% over the last week. | (related: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Good Growth But Out Of Favor) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) a pharma company best known for Parkinson’s disease psychosis drug is down by about -1% over the last week. While Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALXN) is down the least year-to-date, declining by -1%, Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) is down by about -20%. This theme includes healthcare and pharma companies that have shown strong historical revenue growth, improving fundamentals, and yet have not rallied much this year. | (related: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Good Growth But Out Of Favor) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) a pharma company best known for Parkinson’s disease psychosis drug is down by about -1% over the last week. Below is a bit more on the companies in our Out Of Favor Healthcare Stocks, their strengths, and relative performance NovoCure Limited (NVCR), an oncology company that uses electric fields to cure tumors, gained about 4% over the last week. BioMarin Pharmaceutical (BMRN) a biotech company focused on enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) is up about 2% over the last week, although it remains down by about -10% year-to-date. | (related: Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Good Growth But Out Of Favor) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) a pharma company best known for Parkinson’s disease psychosis drug is down by about -1% over the last week. Our indicative theme of Out Of Favor Healthcare Stocks is down by about -9% year-to-date versus the S&P 500 which is up by about 7.9% over the same period. While Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALXN) is down the least year-to-date, declining by -1%, Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) is down by about -20%. |
35848.0 | 2020-08-27 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD October 9th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-october-9th-options-begin-trading-2020-08-27 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 9th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $37.50 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $37.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $37.00 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $37.73/share today.
Because the $37.50 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.33% return on the cash commitment, or 11.32% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $37.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $38.00 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $37.73/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $38.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 2.04% if the stock gets called away at the October 9th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $38.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $38.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.33% boost of extra return to the investor, or 11.25% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $37.73) to be 77%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $38.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $38.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 9th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $38.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $38.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 9th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $37.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $38.00 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $38.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $38.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 9th expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $37.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $38.00 strike price has a current bid of 50 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $38.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $38.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 9th expiration. |
35849.0 | 2020-08-19 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Enters Oversold Territory (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-enters-oversold-territory-acad-2020-08-19 | nan | nan | Legendary investor Warren Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. One way we can try to measure the level of fear in a given stock is through a technical analysis indicator called the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which measures momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30.
In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.0, after changing hands as low as $37.87 per share. By comparison, the current RSI reading of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 70.9. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.0 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $23.77 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $38.65.
Find out what 9 other oversold stocks you need to know about »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.0, after changing hands as low as $37.87 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.0 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $23.77 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $38.65. | A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.0 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $23.77 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $38.65. In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.0, after changing hands as low as $37.87 per share. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.0, after changing hands as low as $37.87 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.0 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $23.77 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $38.65. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.0, after changing hands as low as $37.87 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.0 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $23.77 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $38.65. |
35850.0 | 2020-08-03 00:00:00 UTC | We Did The Math FBT Can Go To $196 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/we-did-the-math-fbt-can-go-to-%24196-2020-08-03 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF (Symbol: FBT), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $195.73 per unit.
With FBT trading at a recent price near $165.74 per unit, that means that analysts see 18.10% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although ICPT has traded at a recent price of $45.64/share, the average analyst target is 79.01% higher at $81.70/share. Similarly, FGEN has 54.85% upside from the recent share price of $40.47 if the average analyst target price of $62.67/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.14/share, which is 42.27% above the recent price of $41.57. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD:
Combined, ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD represent 9.22% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $165.74 $195.73 18.10%
Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc ICPT $45.64 $81.70 79.01%
FibroGen Inc FGEN $40.47 $62.67 54.85%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.57 $59.14 42.27%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD: Combined, ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD represent 9.22% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $165.74 $195.73 18.10% Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc ICPT $45.64 $81.70 79.01% FibroGen Inc FGEN $40.47 $62.67 54.85% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.57 $59.14 42.27% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF FBT $165.74 $195.73 18.10% Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc ICPT $45.64 $81.70 79.01% FibroGen Inc FGEN $40.47 $62.67 54.85% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.57 $59.14 42.27% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Similarly, FGEN has 54.85% upside from the recent share price of $40.47 if the average analyst target price of $62.67/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.14/share, which is 42.27% above the recent price of $41.57. | Similarly, FGEN has 54.85% upside from the recent share price of $40.47 if the average analyst target price of $62.67/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.14/share, which is 42.27% above the recent price of $41.57. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD: Combined, ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD represent 9.22% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ICPT), FibroGen Inc (Symbol: FGEN), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, FGEN has 54.85% upside from the recent share price of $40.47 if the average analyst target price of $62.67/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $59.14/share, which is 42.27% above the recent price of $41.57. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD: Combined, ICPT, FGEN, and ACAD represent 9.22% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. |
35851.0 | 2020-07-30 00:00:00 UTC | September 11th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/september-11th-options-now-available-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2020-07-30 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 11th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 11th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $42.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.10. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $42.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $40.90 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $42.26/share today.
Because the $42.00 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.62% return on the cash commitment, or 22.23% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $42.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $42.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.30. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $42.26/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $42.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 3.64% if the stock gets called away at the September 11th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $42.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $42.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.08% boost of extra return to the investor, or 26.11% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $42.26) to be 77%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $42.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $42.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 11th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $42.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $42.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 11th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new September 11th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $42.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $42.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.30. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $42.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $42.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 11th expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $42.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $42.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.30. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $42.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $42.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the September 11th expiration. |
35852.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | Tuesday's ETF Movers: XOP, FBT | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tuesdays-etf-movers%3A-xop-fbt-2020-07-21 | nan | nan | In trading on Tuesday, the SPDR— S&P— Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF is outperforming other ETFs, up about 7.9% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of SM Energy, up about 20.1% and shares of Occidental Petroleum, up about 14.3% on the day.
And underperforming other ETFs today is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF, down about 2% in Tuesday afternoon trading. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Tuesday were shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 18.8%, and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 4.3% on the day.
VIDEO: Tuesday's ETF Movers: XOP, FBT
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Tuesday were shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 18.8%, and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 4.3% on the day. And underperforming other ETFs today is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF, down about 2% in Tuesday afternoon trading. VIDEO: Tuesday's ETF Movers: XOP, FBT The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Tuesday were shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 18.8%, and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 4.3% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of SM Energy, up about 20.1% and shares of Occidental Petroleum, up about 14.3% on the day. VIDEO: Tuesday's ETF Movers: XOP, FBT The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Tuesday were shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 18.8%, and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 4.3% on the day. In trading on Tuesday, the SPDR— S&P— Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF is outperforming other ETFs, up about 7.9% on the day. And underperforming other ETFs today is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF, down about 2% in Tuesday afternoon trading. | Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Tuesday were shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 18.8%, and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, lower by about 4.3% on the day. In trading on Tuesday, the SPDR— S&P— Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF is outperforming other ETFs, up about 7.9% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of SM Energy, up about 20.1% and shares of Occidental Petroleum, up about 14.3% on the day. |
35853.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | Tuesday Sector Laggards: Biotechnology, Drugs | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tuesday-sector-laggards%3A-biotechnology-drugs-2020-07-21 | nan | nan | In trading on Tuesday, biotechnology shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.2%. Helping drag down the group were shares of Heat Biologics, off about 14.9% and shares of VBI Vaccines off about 13.4% on the day.
Also lagging the market Tuesday are drugs shares, down on the day by about 0.7% as a group, led down by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, trading lower by about 18.8% and Dynavax Technologies, trading lower by about 14.4%.
VIDEO: Tuesday Sector Laggards: Biotechnology, Drugs
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Also lagging the market Tuesday are drugs shares, down on the day by about 0.7% as a group, led down by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, trading lower by about 18.8% and Dynavax Technologies, trading lower by about 14.4%. In trading on Tuesday, biotechnology shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.2%. VIDEO: Tuesday Sector Laggards: Biotechnology, Drugs The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Also lagging the market Tuesday are drugs shares, down on the day by about 0.7% as a group, led down by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, trading lower by about 18.8% and Dynavax Technologies, trading lower by about 14.4%. In trading on Tuesday, biotechnology shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.2%. VIDEO: Tuesday Sector Laggards: Biotechnology, Drugs The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Also lagging the market Tuesday are drugs shares, down on the day by about 0.7% as a group, led down by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, trading lower by about 18.8% and Dynavax Technologies, trading lower by about 14.4%. In trading on Tuesday, biotechnology shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.2%. VIDEO: Tuesday Sector Laggards: Biotechnology, Drugs The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Also lagging the market Tuesday are drugs shares, down on the day by about 0.7% as a group, led down by Acadia Pharmaceuticals, trading lower by about 18.8% and Dynavax Technologies, trading lower by about 14.4%. In trading on Tuesday, biotechnology shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 1.2%. Helping drag down the group were shares of Heat Biologics, off about 14.9% and shares of VBI Vaccines off about 13.4% on the day. |
35854.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD Crosses Below Key Moving Average Level | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-crosses-below-key-moving-average-level-2020-07-21 | nan | nan | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $44.98, changing hands as low as $44.60 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 18.7% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $21.56 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $45.03.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed below their 200 day moving average »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $44.98, changing hands as low as $44.60 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $21.56 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $45.03. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 18.7% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $44.98, changing hands as low as $44.60 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $21.56 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $45.03. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 18.7% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $44.98, changing hands as low as $44.60 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $21.56 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $45.03. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 18.7% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $44.98, changing hands as low as $44.60 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 18.7% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $21.56 per share, with $58.72 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $45.03. |
35855.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | BUZZ-U.S. STOCKS ON THE MOVE-Tailored Brands, Philip Morris, JanOne Inc | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/buzz-u.s.-stocks-on-the-move-tailored-brands-philip-morris-janone-inc-2020-07-21 | nan | nan | Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ
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The S&P 500 and the Dow indexes rose on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola, and on optimism over an eventual vaccine and fiscal stimulus to revive a pandemic-battered economy. .N
At 11:30 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 1.19% at 26,997.06. The S&P 500 .SPX was up 0.58% at 3,270.65 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC was down 0.31% at 10,734.107. The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Occidental Petroleum Corp , up 13.3% ** Devon Energy Corp , up 12.2% ** Apache Corp , up 10.7% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** FirstEnergy Corp , down 6.7% ** EBay Inc , down 3.3% ** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 3.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Owens & Minor Inc , up 66.4% ** Arlo Tchnologies Inc , up 33.1% ** Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd , up 18.1% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality AHT.N, down 17.5% ** Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc , down 9.8% ** Aim ImmunoTech Inc , down 9.8% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 250% ** Immuron Ltd Ads IMRN.O, up 56.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 48.2% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 18.6% ** Heat Biologics Inc , down 17.7% ** PDS Biotechnology Corp , down 16% ** Prologis Inc PLD.N: up 4.2%
BUZZ-Rises after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 6.6%
BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 2.5%
BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 0.7%
BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 3.3%
BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 9.8%
BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 66.4%
BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 4.8%
BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.4%
BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 18.6%
BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 2.3%
BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.0%
BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 1.2%
BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 16.8%
BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test ** Philip Morris International Inc PM.N: up 4.8%
BUZZ-Rises after upbeat Q2 earnings ** Zions Bancorporation ZION.O: up 3.7%
BUZZ-Shares climb after quarterly report ** BioNTech BNTX.O: up 4.9%
BUZZ-Rises on proposed public offerings ** Tesla Inc TSLA.O: down 1.3%
BUZZ-JMP downgrades Tesla on challenging additional returns from stock ** Tailored Brands Inc TLRD.N: up 5.8%
BUZZ-Rises on plan to cut jobs, shut stores ** Gilead Sciences Inc GILD.O: down 1.4%
BUZZ-Dips as Jefferies expects COVID-19 hit to Q2 results ** First Choice Bancorp FCBP.O: up 1.5%
BUZZ-Rises on Q2 profit jump, decline in bad loans ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.O: down 1.1%
BUZZ-Dips as Oppenheimer says shares 'priced for perfection', downgrades ** JanOne Inc JAN.O: up 6.9%
BUZZ-Up as FDA nod paves way for trials on artery disease drug
The 11 major S&P 500 sectors:
Communication Services
.SPLRCL
up 0.15%
Consumer Discretionary
.SPLRCD
down 0.23%
Consumer Staples
.SPLRCS
up 1.60%
Energy
.SPNY
up 6.36%
Financial
.SPSY
up 2.09%
Health
.SPXHC
up 0.12%
Industrial
.SPLRCI
up 1.76%
Information Technology
.SPLRCT
down 0.48%
Materials
.SPLRCM
up 1.15%
Real Estate
.SPLRCR
up 0.93%
Utilities
.SPLRCU
up 0.90%
(Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru)
((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780))
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Occidental Petroleum Corp , up 13.3% ** Devon Energy Corp , up 12.2% ** Apache Corp , up 10.7% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** FirstEnergy Corp , down 6.7% ** EBay Inc , down 3.3% ** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 3.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Owens & Minor Inc , up 66.4% ** Arlo Tchnologies Inc , up 33.1% ** Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd , up 18.1% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality AHT.N, down 17.5% ** Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc , down 9.8% ** Aim ImmunoTech Inc , down 9.8% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 250% ** Immuron Ltd Ads IMRN.O, up 56.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 48.2% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 18.6% ** Heat Biologics Inc , down 17.7% ** PDS Biotechnology Corp , down 16% ** Prologis Inc PLD.N: up 4.2% BUZZ-Rises after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 6.6% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 2.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 0.7% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 3.3% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 9.8% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 66.4% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 4.8% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.4% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 18.6% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.0% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 1.2% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 16.8% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test ** Philip Morris International Inc PM.N: up 4.8% BUZZ-Rises after upbeat Q2 earnings ** Zions Bancorporation ZION.O: up 3.7% BUZZ-Shares climb after quarterly report ** BioNTech BNTX.O: up 4.9% BUZZ-Rises on proposed public offerings ** Tesla Inc TSLA.O: down 1.3% BUZZ-JMP downgrades Tesla on challenging additional returns from stock ** Tailored Brands Inc TLRD.N: up 5.8% BUZZ-Rises on plan to cut jobs, shut stores ** Gilead Sciences Inc GILD.O: down 1.4% BUZZ-Dips as Jefferies expects COVID-19 hit to Q2 results ** First Choice Bancorp FCBP.O: up 1.5% BUZZ-Rises on Q2 profit jump, decline in bad loans ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.O: down 1.1% BUZZ-Dips as Oppenheimer says shares 'priced for perfection', downgrades ** JanOne Inc JAN.O: up 6.9% BUZZ-Up as FDA nod paves way for trials on artery disease drug The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh The S&P 500 and the Dow indexes rose on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola, and on optimism over an eventual vaccine and fiscal stimulus to revive a pandemic-battered economy. up 0.90% (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Occidental Petroleum Corp , up 13.3% ** Devon Energy Corp , up 12.2% ** Apache Corp , up 10.7% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** FirstEnergy Corp , down 6.7% ** EBay Inc , down 3.3% ** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 3.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Owens & Minor Inc , up 66.4% ** Arlo Tchnologies Inc , up 33.1% ** Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd , up 18.1% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality AHT.N, down 17.5% ** Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc , down 9.8% ** Aim ImmunoTech Inc , down 9.8% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 250% ** Immuron Ltd Ads IMRN.O, up 56.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 48.2% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 18.6% ** Heat Biologics Inc , down 17.7% ** PDS Biotechnology Corp , down 16% ** Prologis Inc PLD.N: up 4.2% BUZZ-Rises after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 6.6% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 2.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 0.7% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 3.3% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 9.8% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 66.4% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 4.8% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.4% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 18.6% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.0% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 1.2% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 16.8% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test ** Philip Morris International Inc PM.N: up 4.8% BUZZ-Rises after upbeat Q2 earnings ** Zions Bancorporation ZION.O: up 3.7% BUZZ-Shares climb after quarterly report ** BioNTech BNTX.O: up 4.9% BUZZ-Rises on proposed public offerings ** Tesla Inc TSLA.O: down 1.3% BUZZ-JMP downgrades Tesla on challenging additional returns from stock ** Tailored Brands Inc TLRD.N: up 5.8% BUZZ-Rises on plan to cut jobs, shut stores ** Gilead Sciences Inc GILD.O: down 1.4% BUZZ-Dips as Jefferies expects COVID-19 hit to Q2 results ** First Choice Bancorp FCBP.O: up 1.5% BUZZ-Rises on Q2 profit jump, decline in bad loans ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.O: down 1.1% BUZZ-Dips as Oppenheimer says shares 'priced for perfection', downgrades ** JanOne Inc JAN.O: up 6.9% BUZZ-Up as FDA nod paves way for trials on artery disease drug The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh The S&P 500 and the Dow indexes rose on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola, and on optimism over an eventual vaccine and fiscal stimulus to revive a pandemic-battered economy. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 1.19% at 26,997.06. | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Occidental Petroleum Corp , up 13.3% ** Devon Energy Corp , up 12.2% ** Apache Corp , up 10.7% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** FirstEnergy Corp , down 6.7% ** EBay Inc , down 3.3% ** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 3.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Owens & Minor Inc , up 66.4% ** Arlo Tchnologies Inc , up 33.1% ** Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd , up 18.1% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality AHT.N, down 17.5% ** Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc , down 9.8% ** Aim ImmunoTech Inc , down 9.8% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 250% ** Immuron Ltd Ads IMRN.O, up 56.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 48.2% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 18.6% ** Heat Biologics Inc , down 17.7% ** PDS Biotechnology Corp , down 16% ** Prologis Inc PLD.N: up 4.2% BUZZ-Rises after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 6.6% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 2.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 0.7% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 3.3% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 9.8% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 66.4% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 4.8% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.4% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 18.6% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.0% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 1.2% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 16.8% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test ** Philip Morris International Inc PM.N: up 4.8% BUZZ-Rises after upbeat Q2 earnings ** Zions Bancorporation ZION.O: up 3.7% BUZZ-Shares climb after quarterly report ** BioNTech BNTX.O: up 4.9% BUZZ-Rises on proposed public offerings ** Tesla Inc TSLA.O: down 1.3% BUZZ-JMP downgrades Tesla on challenging additional returns from stock ** Tailored Brands Inc TLRD.N: up 5.8% BUZZ-Rises on plan to cut jobs, shut stores ** Gilead Sciences Inc GILD.O: down 1.4% BUZZ-Dips as Jefferies expects COVID-19 hit to Q2 results ** First Choice Bancorp FCBP.O: up 1.5% BUZZ-Rises on Q2 profit jump, decline in bad loans ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.O: down 1.1% BUZZ-Dips as Oppenheimer says shares 'priced for perfection', downgrades ** JanOne Inc JAN.O: up 6.9% BUZZ-Up as FDA nod paves way for trials on artery disease drug The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services up 0.15% Consumer Discretionary down 0.23% Consumer Staples | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Occidental Petroleum Corp , up 13.3% ** Devon Energy Corp , up 12.2% ** Apache Corp , up 10.7% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** FirstEnergy Corp , down 6.7% ** EBay Inc , down 3.3% ** Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 3.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Owens & Minor Inc , up 66.4% ** Arlo Tchnologies Inc , up 33.1% ** Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd , up 18.1% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality AHT.N, down 17.5% ** Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc , down 9.8% ** Aim ImmunoTech Inc , down 9.8% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 250% ** Immuron Ltd Ads IMRN.O, up 56.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 48.2% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 18.6% ** Heat Biologics Inc , down 17.7% ** PDS Biotechnology Corp , down 16% ** Prologis Inc PLD.N: up 4.2% BUZZ-Rises after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 6.6% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 2.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 0.7% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 3.3% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 9.8% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 66.4% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 4.8% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.4% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 18.6% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.0% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 1.2% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 16.8% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test ** Philip Morris International Inc PM.N: up 4.8% BUZZ-Rises after upbeat Q2 earnings ** Zions Bancorporation ZION.O: up 3.7% BUZZ-Shares climb after quarterly report ** BioNTech BNTX.O: up 4.9% BUZZ-Rises on proposed public offerings ** Tesla Inc TSLA.O: down 1.3% BUZZ-JMP downgrades Tesla on challenging additional returns from stock ** Tailored Brands Inc TLRD.N: up 5.8% BUZZ-Rises on plan to cut jobs, shut stores ** Gilead Sciences Inc GILD.O: down 1.4% BUZZ-Dips as Jefferies expects COVID-19 hit to Q2 results ** First Choice Bancorp FCBP.O: up 1.5% BUZZ-Rises on Q2 profit jump, decline in bad loans ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.O: down 1.1% BUZZ-Dips as Oppenheimer says shares 'priced for perfection', downgrades ** JanOne Inc JAN.O: up 6.9% BUZZ-Up as FDA nod paves way for trials on artery disease drug The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh The S&P 500 and the Dow indexes rose on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola, and on optimism over an eventual vaccine and fiscal stimulus to revive a pandemic-battered economy. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 1.19% at 26,997.06. |
35856.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | BUZZ-U.S. STOCKS ON THE MOVE-Coca-Cola Co, Lockheed Martin, Acadia Pharma | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/buzz-u.s.-stocks-on-the-move-coca-cola-co-lockheed-martin-acadia-pharma-2020-07-21 | nan | nan | Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ
The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi
The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh
U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola and on hopes of domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. .N
At 9:30 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 0.89% at 26,919.02. The S&P 500 .SPX was up 0.58% at 3,270.57 and the Nasdaq Composite .IXIC was up 0.21% at 10,789.351. The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Devon Energy Corp DVN.N, up 6.2% ** Halliburton Co HAL.N, up 6% ** Diamondback Energy Inc FANG.OQ, up 5.9% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.OQ, down 2.4% ** Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc REGN.OQ, down 2.3% ** ServiceNow Inc NOW.N, down 2.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Endeavour Silver Corp EXK.N, up 12% ** Americas Gold and Silver Corporation USAS.N, up 11.7% ** Guess Inc GES.N, up 11.6% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc AHT.N, down 14.9% ** Amira Nature Foods Ltd RYCE.K, down 10.3% ** Emergent Biosolutions Inc EBS.N, down 7.6% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma MTP.O, up 145.3% ** Immuron Ltd IMRN.O, up 80.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp NBEV.O, up 51.7% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O, down 16.2% ** Cytosorbents Corp CTSO.O, down 15.8% ** Biofrontera AG BFRA.O, down 14.6% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 0.8%
BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 2.2%
BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 0.5%
BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 2.9%
BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 6.7%
BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 5.9%
BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 29.7%
BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 24.2%
BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.3%
BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 16.2%
BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 3.6%
BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.4%
BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 2.6%
BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 27.3%
BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test
The 11 major S&P 500 sectors:
Communication Services
.SPLRCL
up 0.28%
Consumer Discretionary
.SPLRCD
up 0.23%
Consumer Staples
.SPLRCS
up 1.36%
Energy
.SPNY
up 2.67%
Financial
.SPSY
up 1.15%
Health
.SPXHC
up 0.29%
Industrial
.SPLRCI
up 1.39%
Information Technology
.SPLRCT
up 0.14%
Materials
.SPLRCM
up 0.93%
Real Estate
.SPLRCR
up 0.87%
Utilities
.SPLRCU
up 0.37%
(Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru)
((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780))
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Devon Energy Corp DVN.N, up 6.2% ** Halliburton Co HAL.N, up 6% ** Diamondback Energy Inc FANG.OQ, up 5.9% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.OQ, down 2.4% ** Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc REGN.OQ, down 2.3% ** ServiceNow Inc NOW.N, down 2.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Endeavour Silver Corp EXK.N, up 12% ** Americas Gold and Silver Corporation USAS.N, up 11.7% ** Guess Inc GES.N, up 11.6% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc AHT.N, down 14.9% ** Amira Nature Foods Ltd RYCE.K, down 10.3% ** Emergent Biosolutions Inc EBS.N, down 7.6% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma MTP.O, up 145.3% ** Immuron Ltd IMRN.O, up 80.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp NBEV.O, up 51.7% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O, down 16.2% ** Cytosorbents Corp CTSO.O, down 15.8% ** Biofrontera AG BFRA.O, down 14.6% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 0.8% BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 2.2% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 0.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 2.9% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 6.7% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 5.9% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 29.7% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 24.2% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 16.2% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 3.6% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.4% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 2.6% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 27.3% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola and on hopes of domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. up 0.37% (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Devon Energy Corp DVN.N, up 6.2% ** Halliburton Co HAL.N, up 6% ** Diamondback Energy Inc FANG.OQ, up 5.9% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.OQ, down 2.4% ** Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc REGN.OQ, down 2.3% ** ServiceNow Inc NOW.N, down 2.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Endeavour Silver Corp EXK.N, up 12% ** Americas Gold and Silver Corporation USAS.N, up 11.7% ** Guess Inc GES.N, up 11.6% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc AHT.N, down 14.9% ** Amira Nature Foods Ltd RYCE.K, down 10.3% ** Emergent Biosolutions Inc EBS.N, down 7.6% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma MTP.O, up 145.3% ** Immuron Ltd IMRN.O, up 80.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp NBEV.O, up 51.7% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O, down 16.2% ** Cytosorbents Corp CTSO.O, down 15.8% ** Biofrontera AG BFRA.O, down 14.6% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 0.8% BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 2.2% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 0.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 2.9% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 6.7% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 5.9% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 29.7% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 24.2% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 16.2% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 3.6% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.4% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 2.6% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 27.3% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola and on hopes of domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. up 0.37% (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Devon Energy Corp DVN.N, up 6.2% ** Halliburton Co HAL.N, up 6% ** Diamondback Energy Inc FANG.OQ, up 5.9% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.OQ, down 2.4% ** Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc REGN.OQ, down 2.3% ** ServiceNow Inc NOW.N, down 2.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Endeavour Silver Corp EXK.N, up 12% ** Americas Gold and Silver Corporation USAS.N, up 11.7% ** Guess Inc GES.N, up 11.6% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc AHT.N, down 14.9% ** Amira Nature Foods Ltd RYCE.K, down 10.3% ** Emergent Biosolutions Inc EBS.N, down 7.6% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma MTP.O, up 145.3% ** Immuron Ltd IMRN.O, up 80.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp NBEV.O, up 51.7% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O, down 16.2% ** Cytosorbents Corp CTSO.O, down 15.8% ** Biofrontera AG BFRA.O, down 14.6% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 0.8% BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 2.2% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 0.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 2.9% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 6.7% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 5.9% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 29.7% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 24.2% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 16.2% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 3.6% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.4% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 2.6% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 27.3% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 0.89% at 26,919.02. up 0.28% Consumer Discretionary | The top three S&P 500 .PG.INX percentage gainers: ** Devon Energy Corp DVN.N, up 6.2% ** Halliburton Co HAL.N, up 6% ** Diamondback Energy Inc FANG.OQ, up 5.9% The top three S&P 500 .PL.INX percentage losers: ** Tractor Supply Co TSCO.OQ, down 2.4% ** Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc REGN.OQ, down 2.3% ** ServiceNow Inc NOW.N, down 2.3% The top three NYSE .PG.N percentage gainers: ** Endeavour Silver Corp EXK.N, up 12% ** Americas Gold and Silver Corporation USAS.N, up 11.7% ** Guess Inc GES.N, up 11.6% The top three NYSE .PL.N percentage losers: ** Ashford Hospitality Trust Inc AHT.N, down 14.9% ** Amira Nature Foods Ltd RYCE.K, down 10.3% ** Emergent Biosolutions Inc EBS.N, down 7.6% The top three Nasdaq .PG.O percentage gainers: ** Midatech Pharma MTP.O, up 145.3% ** Immuron Ltd IMRN.O, up 80.1% ** New Age Beverages Corp NBEV.O, up 51.7% The top three Nasdaq .PL.O percentage losers: ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O, down 16.2% ** Cytosorbents Corp CTSO.O, down 15.8% ** Biofrontera AG BFRA.O, down 14.6% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 0.8% BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 2.2% BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 0.5% BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate ** International Business Machines Corp IBM.N: up 2.9% BUZZ-Street View: Digital transformation to lead the way for IBM ** Signature Bank SBNY.O: up 6.7% BUZZ-Signature Bank set to snap 3-day losing streak ** Halliburton Co HAL.N: up 5.9% BUZZ-Street View: Halliburton's cost control, digitalization likely to support margins ** Owens & Minor Inc OMI.N: up 29.7% BUZZ-Jumps after raising FY profit forecast on strong demand ** Lexicon Pharma LXRX.O: up 24.2% BUZZ-Surges as diabetes drug meets main goals in late-stage trials ** Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N: up 2.3% BUZZ-Jumps after lifting 2020 profit forecast ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD.O: down 16.2% BUZZ-Down after antipsychotic drug fails depression study ** Coca-Cola Co KO.N: up 3.6% BUZZ-Rises on profit beat, recovering demand ** Tapestry Inc TPR.N: up 3.4% BUZZ-Rises as investors look past CEO exit to upbeat Q4 comments ** Albertsons Companies Inc ACI.N: up 2.6% BUZZ-Climbs above IPO price amid wave of bullish initiations ** Moleculin Biotech MBRX.O: up 27.3% BUZZ-Rises as potential COVID-19 drug shows promise in lab test The 11 major S&P 500 sectors: Communication Services Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stocks opened higher on Tuesday following a slate of positive earnings reports from companies including IBM and Coca-Cola and on hopes of domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average .DJI was up 0.89% at 26,919.02. |
35857.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | BUZZ-U.S. STOCKS ON THE MOVE-Ebay Inc, Chevron Corp, Novavax | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/buzz-u.s.-stocks-on-the-move-ebay-inc-chevron-corp-novavax-2020-07-21 | nan | nan | Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ
The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi
The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh
U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday after a better-than-expected quarterly profit from IBM and on hopes for more domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. .N
At 6:30 ET, Dow e-minis 1YMc1 were up 0.64% at 26,804. S&P 500 e-minis ESc1 were up 0.72% at 3,268.5, while Nasdaq 100 e-minis NQc1 were up 0.84% at 11,042.5. The top three NYSE percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.NQ: ** Qudian Inc , up 7.1% ** Endeavour Silver Corp , up 7.0% ** Sasol Ltd , up 6.3% The top three NYSE percentage losers premarket .PRPL.NQ: ** Just Energy Group Inc , down 7.4% ** Party City Holdco Inc , down 11.5% ** Denbury Resources Inc , down 7.9% The top three Nasdaq percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.O: ** Immuron Ltd , up 106.3% ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 93.5% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 81.1% The top three Nasdaq percentage losers premarket .PRPL.O: ** Bio-Key International Inc , down 28% ** Cytosorbents Corp , down 14.2% ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 12.3% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 2.4% premarket BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 1.4% premarket BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 5.4% premarket BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate
(Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru)
((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780;))
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The top three NYSE percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.NQ: ** Qudian Inc , up 7.1% ** Endeavour Silver Corp , up 7.0% ** Sasol Ltd , up 6.3% The top three NYSE percentage losers premarket .PRPL.NQ: ** Just Energy Group Inc , down 7.4% ** Party City Holdco Inc , down 11.5% ** Denbury Resources Inc , down 7.9% The top three Nasdaq percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.O: ** Immuron Ltd , up 106.3% ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 93.5% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 81.1% The top three Nasdaq percentage losers premarket .PRPL.O: ** Bio-Key International Inc , down 28% ** Cytosorbents Corp , down 14.2% ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 12.3% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 2.4% premarket BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 1.4% premarket BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 5.4% premarket BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780;)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday after a better-than-expected quarterly profit from IBM and on hopes for more domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. .N At 6:30 ET, Dow e-minis 1YMc1 were up 0.64% at 26,804. | The top three NYSE percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.NQ: ** Qudian Inc , up 7.1% ** Endeavour Silver Corp , up 7.0% ** Sasol Ltd , up 6.3% The top three NYSE percentage losers premarket .PRPL.NQ: ** Just Energy Group Inc , down 7.4% ** Party City Holdco Inc , down 11.5% ** Denbury Resources Inc , down 7.9% The top three Nasdaq percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.O: ** Immuron Ltd , up 106.3% ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 93.5% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 81.1% The top three Nasdaq percentage losers premarket .PRPL.O: ** Bio-Key International Inc , down 28% ** Cytosorbents Corp , down 14.2% ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 12.3% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 2.4% premarket BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 1.4% premarket BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 5.4% premarket BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780;)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday after a better-than-expected quarterly profit from IBM and on hopes for more domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. S&P 500 e-minis ESc1 were up 0.72% at 3,268.5, while Nasdaq 100 e-minis NQc1 were up 0.84% at 11,042.5. | The top three NYSE percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.NQ: ** Qudian Inc , up 7.1% ** Endeavour Silver Corp , up 7.0% ** Sasol Ltd , up 6.3% The top three NYSE percentage losers premarket .PRPL.NQ: ** Just Energy Group Inc , down 7.4% ** Party City Holdco Inc , down 11.5% ** Denbury Resources Inc , down 7.9% The top three Nasdaq percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.O: ** Immuron Ltd , up 106.3% ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 93.5% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 81.1% The top three Nasdaq percentage losers premarket .PRPL.O: ** Bio-Key International Inc , down 28% ** Cytosorbents Corp , down 14.2% ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 12.3% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 2.4% premarket BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 1.4% premarket BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 5.4% premarket BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780;)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday after a better-than-expected quarterly profit from IBM and on hopes for more domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. S&P 500 e-minis ESc1 were up 0.72% at 3,268.5, while Nasdaq 100 e-minis NQc1 were up 0.84% at 11,042.5. | The top three NYSE percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.NQ: ** Qudian Inc , up 7.1% ** Endeavour Silver Corp , up 7.0% ** Sasol Ltd , up 6.3% The top three NYSE percentage losers premarket .PRPL.NQ: ** Just Energy Group Inc , down 7.4% ** Party City Holdco Inc , down 11.5% ** Denbury Resources Inc , down 7.9% The top three Nasdaq percentage gainers premarket .PRPG.O: ** Immuron Ltd , up 106.3% ** Midatech Pharma PLC , up 93.5% ** New Age Beverages Corp , up 81.1% The top three Nasdaq percentage losers premarket .PRPL.O: ** Bio-Key International Inc , down 28% ** Cytosorbents Corp , down 14.2% ** Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc , down 12.3% ** Ebay Inc EBAY.O: up 2.4% premarket BUZZ-Shares rise after $9.2 bln deal with Adevinta ** Chevron Corp CVX.N: up 1.4% premarket BUZZ-Street View: Chevron gets a steal with Noble deal ** Novavax Inc NVAX.O: up 5.4% premarket BUZZ-Rises ahead of update on COVID-19 vaccine candidate (Compiled by Shivani Kumaresan in Bengaluru) ((Shivani.Kumaresan@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 8780;)) The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Eikon search string for individual stock moves: STXBZ The Day Ahead newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2ggOmBi The Morning News Call newsletter: http://tmsnrt.rs/2fwPLTh U.S. stock index futures rose on Tuesday after a better-than-expected quarterly profit from IBM and on hopes for more domestic stimulus to prop up an economy reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic. .N At 6:30 ET, Dow e-minis 1YMc1 were up 0.64% at 26,804. |
35858.0 | 2020-07-21 00:00:00 UTC | AZN's COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Strong Responses, ACAD Fails CLARITY Study, BTAI Hits New High | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/azns-covid-19-vaccine-shows-strong-responses-acad-fails-clarity-study-btai-hits-new-high | nan | nan | (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about disappointing results from ACADIA's major depressive disorder drug trial, AstraZeneca's promising results of COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BioXcel Therapeutics' SERENITY program, Immuron's update on its new therapeutic against campylobacter and ETEC (E-Coli) and very encouraging results of Synairgen's SNG001 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Read on…
1. ACADIA Fails CLARITY Study
Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) fell more than 12% to $48.57 in after-hours on Monday, following disappointing results from a phase III program of Pimavanserin, dubbed CLARITY.
The 298-patient phase III CLARITY study is a combination of two identical, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies known as CLARITY-2 and CLARITY-3, which evaluated Pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).
According to the Company, the CLARITY study did not achieve statistical significance on the primary endpoint which was the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) total score change from baseline to week 5. Pimavanserin 34 mg, given once-daily as an adjunctive treatment to standard antidepressant therapy was associated with a mean reduction of 9.0 in HAMD-17 total score compared to 8.1 for placebo as an adjunctive treatment.
Pimavanserin is approved for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis in the U.S. and has been marketed under the trade name NUPLAZID since 2016.
In other news, the Company announced that the FDA has accepted for review, the supplemental New Drug Application for NUPLAZID for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis, with a decision date set for April 3, 2021.
ACAD closed Monday's trading at $55.42, up 0.82%. In after-hours, the stock was down 12.36% at $48.57.
2. AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccine Shows Strong Antibody, T-cell Responses
AstraZeneca PLC's (AZN) ongoing phase I/II trial of COVID-19 vaccine candidate AZD1222, dubbed COV001, has yielded positive interim results, showing strong antibody and T-cell responses.
The COV001 trial has enrolled up to 1,077 healthy adults, aged 18-55, in five trial centers in the UK.
In the COV001 trial, a single dose of AZD1222 resulted in a four-fold increase in antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus spike protein in 95% of participants one month after injection. In all participants, a T-cell response was induced, peaking by day 14, and maintained two months after injection. Neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 was seen in 91% of participants one month after vaccination and in 100% of participants who received a second dose, according to the results published in The Lancet.
Rapid induction of antibodies and T-cells against the SARS-CoV-2 virus may be important in protection against COVID-19. The level of neutralizing antibodies is a measure of a vaccine's efficacy.
The phase II/III trials of AZD1222 are currently underway in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa and are due to start in the US.
The Company has a deal in place with R-Pharm, a Russian pharmaceutical company, for the manufacturing of AZD1222 in Russia.
AZN touched a new high of $64.94 in intraday trading on Monday, before closing at $58.68, down 3.96%.
3. BioXcel Hits All-time High On SERENITY Data
BioXcel Therapeutics Inc.'s (BTAI) phase III program of BXCL501 for the acute treatment of agitation in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder has met the primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating a robust treatment effect in the trials.
The phase III program consists of two trials - SERENITY I evaluating BXCL501 for the acute treatment of agitation in patients with schizophrenia and SERENITY II evaluating BXCL501 for bipolar disorder.
The results of both the studies demonstrated that BXCL501 was well tolerated, with rapid and durable reductions in agitation.
The Company is planning NDA submission of BXCL501 for the acute treatment of agitation in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2021.
BTAI touched an all-time high of $71.50 in intraday trading on Monday, before closing at $60.42, up 14.02%.
4. Immuron Soars on Update Related To campylobacteriosis/ETEC Trial
Shares of Immuron Limited (IMRN) rose as much as over 200 percent to $19.53 in intraday trading, following an update related to the Pre-IND meeting with FDA regarding a new therapeutic against campylobacter and ETEC (E-Coli).
The new therapeutic is being developed by the US DoD Naval Medical Research Center in collaboration with Immuron. Last month, the Naval Medical Research Center had requested a meeting with the FDA for guidance on two phase II trials of the new therapeutic to prevent acute infectious diarrhea.
The U.S. regulatory agency has now provided written guidance in relation to the clinical development pathway of the new investigational drug targeting moderate to severe campylobacteriosis and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) infections.
Following the FDA's guidance and feedback, the NMRC plans to file an investigational new drug application later this year and commence two phase II trials of the new therapeutic, a Hyper-immune product, in 2021. One trial will focus on the ability of the hyperimmune product to protect volunteers against moderate to severe campylobacteriosis and the second trial will focus on ETEC infections.
IMRN closed Monday's trading at $10.41, up 63.42%.
5. Synairgen's SNG001 Reduces Risk of Developing Severe COVID-19 Disease By 79%
Shares of UK-based Synairgen plc (SNG.L) jumped as much as 550 percent on Monday, following positive results from its clinical trial of SNG001 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
The trial enrolled 101 patients from 9 specialist hospital sites in the UK during the period March 30 to May 27, 2020.
According to the trial results, in patients receiving SNG001, the odds of developing the severe disease (e.g. requiring ventilation or resulting in death) during the treatment period (day 1 to day 16) were significantly reduced by 79% compared to patients who received placebo.
Over the treatment period, patients who received SNG001 were more than twice as likely to recover as those receiving placebo and the measure of breathlessness was markedly reduced in them.
While there were no deaths among patients treated with SNG001, the placebo group reported three deaths.
SNG.L closed Monday's trading at 190 GBP, up 420.55%.
6. Stocks That Moved On No News
Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. (TNXP) closed Monday's trading at $1.55, up 91.36%.
iBio Inc. (IBIO) closed Monday's trading at $6.41, up 63.94%.
Heat Biologics Inc. (HTBX) closed Monday's trading at $3.62, up 47.15%.
Genetic Technologies Limited (GENE) closed Monday's trading at $4.31, down 23.99%.
I-Mab (IMAB) closed Monday's trading at $28.55, down 13.46%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about disappointing results from ACADIA's major depressive disorder drug trial, AstraZeneca's promising results of COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BioXcel Therapeutics' SERENITY program, Immuron's update on its new therapeutic against campylobacter and ETEC (E-Coli) and very encouraging results of Synairgen's SNG001 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. ACADIA Fails CLARITY Study Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) fell more than 12% to $48.57 in after-hours on Monday, following disappointing results from a phase III program of Pimavanserin, dubbed CLARITY. ACAD closed Monday's trading at $55.42, up 0.82%. | (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about disappointing results from ACADIA's major depressive disorder drug trial, AstraZeneca's promising results of COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BioXcel Therapeutics' SERENITY program, Immuron's update on its new therapeutic against campylobacter and ETEC (E-Coli) and very encouraging results of Synairgen's SNG001 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. ACADIA Fails CLARITY Study Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) fell more than 12% to $48.57 in after-hours on Monday, following disappointing results from a phase III program of Pimavanserin, dubbed CLARITY. ACAD closed Monday's trading at $55.42, up 0.82%. | (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about disappointing results from ACADIA's major depressive disorder drug trial, AstraZeneca's promising results of COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BioXcel Therapeutics' SERENITY program, Immuron's update on its new therapeutic against campylobacter and ETEC (E-Coli) and very encouraging results of Synairgen's SNG001 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. ACADIA Fails CLARITY Study Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) fell more than 12% to $48.57 in after-hours on Monday, following disappointing results from a phase III program of Pimavanserin, dubbed CLARITY. ACAD closed Monday's trading at $55.42, up 0.82%. | (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about disappointing results from ACADIA's major depressive disorder drug trial, AstraZeneca's promising results of COVID-19 vaccine candidate, BioXcel Therapeutics' SERENITY program, Immuron's update on its new therapeutic against campylobacter and ETEC (E-Coli) and very encouraging results of Synairgen's SNG001 in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. ACADIA Fails CLARITY Study Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) fell more than 12% to $48.57 in after-hours on Monday, following disappointing results from a phase III program of Pimavanserin, dubbed CLARITY. ACAD closed Monday's trading at $55.42, up 0.82%. |
35859.0 | 2020-07-20 00:00:00 UTC | U.S. FDA accepts Acadia's application for dementia drug | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/u.s.-fda-accepts-acadias-application-for-dementia-drug-2020-07-20 | nan | nan | July 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday accepted Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD.O application for an antipsychotic drug to treat dementia patients with hallucinations and delusions.
The regulator said it had set April 3, 2021, as the action date to decide on the drug's approval.
The drug, Nuplazid, was approved in the United States in 2016 for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis.
In June, Acadia submitted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis, which affects about 30% of all patients with dementia in the United States, the company said.
The application was based on positive results from a late-stage study that showed the drug to be safe and well-tolerated, with few adverse reactions in patients treated with it, the company said.
Separately, Acadia said top-line results from a late-stage study of the same drug as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) did not achieve statistical significance on its main goal, adding that it would not pursue additional studies.
(Reporting by Vishwadha Chander in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)
((Vishwadha.Chander@thomsonreuters.com; within U.S. +1 646 223 8780, outside U.S. +91 80 6749 6132;))
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In June, Acadia submitted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis, which affects about 30% of all patients with dementia in the United States, the company said. July 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday accepted Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD.O application for an antipsychotic drug to treat dementia patients with hallucinations and delusions. Separately, Acadia said top-line results from a late-stage study of the same drug as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) did not achieve statistical significance on its main goal, adding that it would not pursue additional studies. | July 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday accepted Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD.O application for an antipsychotic drug to treat dementia patients with hallucinations and delusions. In June, Acadia submitted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis, which affects about 30% of all patients with dementia in the United States, the company said. Separately, Acadia said top-line results from a late-stage study of the same drug as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) did not achieve statistical significance on its main goal, adding that it would not pursue additional studies. | July 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday accepted Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD.O application for an antipsychotic drug to treat dementia patients with hallucinations and delusions. In June, Acadia submitted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis, which affects about 30% of all patients with dementia in the United States, the company said. Separately, Acadia said top-line results from a late-stage study of the same drug as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) did not achieve statistical significance on its main goal, adding that it would not pursue additional studies. | In June, Acadia submitted a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis, which affects about 30% of all patients with dementia in the United States, the company said. July 20 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday accepted Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD.O application for an antipsychotic drug to treat dementia patients with hallucinations and delusions. Separately, Acadia said top-line results from a late-stage study of the same drug as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) did not achieve statistical significance on its main goal, adding that it would not pursue additional studies. |
35860.0 | 2020-07-20 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia's Pimavanserin Misses Primary Endpoint In Phase 3 Trial | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadias-pimavanserin-misses-primary-endpoint-in-phase-3-trial-2020-07-20 | nan | nan | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) Monday said a late stage study evaluating treatment of depressive disorder didn't achieve primary endpoint.
The company announced top-line results from its 298 patient Phase 3 CLARITY study which combined two identical, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder.
The study did not achieve statistical significance on the primary endpoint which was the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score change from baseline to week 5.
Pimavanserin, given once-daily as an adjunctive treatment to standard antidepressant therapy was associated with a mean reduction of 9.0 in HAMD-17 total score compared to 8.1 for placebo as an adjunctive treatment.
"We observed a consistent improvement of depressive symptoms over time with pimavanserin but, unfortunately, the robust positive results from our CLARITY-1 study were not replicated," said Serge Stankovic, ACADIA's President.
Separately, Acadia announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis.
"We are pleased that the FDA has accepted our sNDA for filing and we will be working closely with the FDA to facilitate completion of the review in a timely manner," said Steve Davis, ACADIA's Chief Executive Officer.
If approved, Nuplazid would be the first therapy indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) Monday said a late stage study evaluating treatment of depressive disorder didn't achieve primary endpoint. "We observed a consistent improvement of depressive symptoms over time with pimavanserin but, unfortunately, the robust positive results from our CLARITY-1 study were not replicated," said Serge Stankovic, ACADIA's President. Separately, Acadia announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) Monday said a late stage study evaluating treatment of depressive disorder didn't achieve primary endpoint. Separately, Acadia announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. "We observed a consistent improvement of depressive symptoms over time with pimavanserin but, unfortunately, the robust positive results from our CLARITY-1 study were not replicated," said Serge Stankovic, ACADIA's President. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) Monday said a late stage study evaluating treatment of depressive disorder didn't achieve primary endpoint. Separately, Acadia announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. "We observed a consistent improvement of depressive symptoms over time with pimavanserin but, unfortunately, the robust positive results from our CLARITY-1 study were not replicated," said Serge Stankovic, ACADIA's President. | (RTTNews) - Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) Monday said a late stage study evaluating treatment of depressive disorder didn't achieve primary endpoint. "We observed a consistent improvement of depressive symptoms over time with pimavanserin but, unfortunately, the robust positive results from our CLARITY-1 study were not replicated," said Serge Stankovic, ACADIA's President. Separately, Acadia announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted for filing its supplemental New Drug Application for Nuplazid for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with dementia-related psychosis. |
35861.0 | 2020-07-13 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of August 21st Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-august-21st-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2020-07-13 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the August 21st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new August 21st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $45.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.20. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $45.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $43.80 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $55.09/share today.
Because the $45.00 strike represents an approximate 18% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 83%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.67% return on the cash commitment, or 24.96% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $45.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $60.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.65. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $55.09/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $60.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 13.72% if the stock gets called away at the August 21st expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $60.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $60.00 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 58%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.81% boost of extra return to the investor, or 45.02% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 83%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 78%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $55.09) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $60.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $60.00 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the August 21st expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $60.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $60.00 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the August 21st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new August 21st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $45.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $60.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.65. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $60.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $60.00 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the August 21st expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new August 21st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $60.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $60.00 strike represents an approximate 9% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the August 21st expiration. |
35862.0 | 2020-07-02 00:00:00 UTC | August 14th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/august-14th-options-now-available-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2020-07-02 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the August 14th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new August 14th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $50.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.70. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $50.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $48.80 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $51.25/share today.
Because the $50.50 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 58%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.37% return on the cash commitment, or 28.57% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $55.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.00. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $51.25/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $55.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 11.22% if the stock gets called away at the August 14th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 55%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.90% boost of extra return to the investor, or 33.13% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example, as well as the call contract example, are both approximately 95%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $51.25) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the August 14th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the August 14th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new August 14th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $55.00 strike price has a current bid of $2.00. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the August 14th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $55.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $55.00 strike represents an approximate 7% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the August 14th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new August 14th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. |
35863.0 | 2020-06-24 00:00:00 UTC | 2 Biotech Stocks With Major Incoming Catalysts | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/2-biotech-stocks-with-major-incoming-catalysts-2020-06-24 | nan | nan | Over the past three months, the Nasdaq Biotechnology index has risen around 41%, thanks largely to the hordes of investors turning their attention to shares of companies with potential coronavirus treatments and vaccines in development.
This pandemic-driven frenzy for drugmaker stocks has made it awfully hard for investors who like to focus on the fundamentals. Luckily, companies such as Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Y-mAbs (NASDAQ: YMAB) have major catalysts unrelated to COVID-19 in their near term future.
Image source: Getty Images.
Y-mAbs Therapeutics: Here they come
This late-stage cancer drug developer doesn't have any reliable revenue streams at the moment, but that could change in 2021. Recently, the FDA accepted Y-mAbs' first new drug application, and an application for a second new drug is expected to reach the agency before the end of June.
In April, Y-mAbs finished the rolling submission of an application for naxitamab, a potential new GD2-targeting treatment for neuroblastoma. The first, Unituxin, earned approval in 2015 to treat pediatric neuroblastoma patients that responded to their first treatment regimen.
During a study supporting Y-mAbs' naxitamab application, investigators reported encouraging two-year progression-free survival rates from different groups of patients who relapsed following prior treatment. The company still hasn't released the full dataset, so it's probably a good idea to wait and see if the FDA agrees to review the application before taking a risk on this stock. The agency should issue a response on or before Aug. 1, 2020.
In May, Y-mAbs began submitting pieces of a new drug application for omburtamab and expects to complete the submission by the end of June. Following a meeting with the FDA earlier this year, the company believes it can file for accelerated approval of omburtamab as a treatment for patients with neuroblastoma that has spread from nerve endings to their central nervous systems (CNS).
Patients with tumors that have spread to their CNS have a lousy prognosis, but treatment with omburtamab, an antibody administered directly into the CNS on an outpatient basis, led to dramatically improved survival rates. There's also evidence to suggest omburtamab can help patients with other forms of cancer who have seen tumors metastasize in their central nervous system.
At recent prices, Y-mAbs is a $1.97 billion company without any drugs to sell. While there's a chance the stock could fly higher in response to good news from the FDA, the slightest hint of trouble along the way could lead to a severe market beat-down.
Image source: Getty Images.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Nuplazid expansion
Unlike Y-mAbs, Acadia Pharmaceuticals already has a drug approved for sale. Acadia's atypical antipsychotic called Nuplazid is currently used to treat psychosis related to Parkinson's disease. First-quarter Nuplazid sales rose 43% year over year to $90.1 million and a potential label expansion to treat a much larger population of patients with dementia-related psychosis (DRP) could make this a blockbuster drug.
A previous failure to prevent patients with schizophrenia from experiencing hallucinations and delusions dimmed expectations for Nuplazid, but it looks like the much larger DRP population will have a new treatment option soon. The supplemental application Acadia sent the FDA is supported by some clearly successful clinical trial results. During the Harmony trial, patients with DRP treated with Nuplazid were 180% less likely to relapse compared to patients given a placebo.
Dementia affects an estimated 8 million Americans at the moment and this figure will rise along with the country's aging population. Symptoms of psychosis make dementia particularly debilitating for an estimated 2.4 million Americans, but just 1.2 million are diagnosed and treated. If Nuplazid can pull these untreated patients out of the woodwork, as is often the case when highly effective treatments become available, annual sales of the atypical antipsychotic in the DRP indication alone could add $2.5 billion to Acadia's top line.
If the FDA agrees to review Acadia's latest application for Nuplazid, the agency will probably end up issuing an approval decision around the middle of 2021.
Stocks to buy now?
Acadia's operations are already close to generating positive cash flows with Nuplazid as a treatment for the limited Parkinson's disease population, and it looks like the market hasn't priced in an unreasonable amount of success as a treatment for the much larger population of people with DRP. Acadia boasts an $8.2 billion market cap at recent prices that could easily double if Nuplazid meets some fairly reasonable long-term expectations over the next several years.
It's probably best to keep an eye on Y-mAbs until we've seen more pivotal trial data instead of putting shares of the risky clinical-stage biotech in any portfolio. Acadia, though, is a stock to buy now and hold for the long run.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | If Nuplazid can pull these untreated patients out of the woodwork, as is often the case when highly effective treatments become available, annual sales of the atypical antipsychotic in the DRP indication alone could add $2.5 billion to Acadia's top line. Luckily, companies such as Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Y-mAbs (NASDAQ: YMAB) have major catalysts unrelated to COVID-19 in their near term future. Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Nuplazid expansion Unlike Y-mAbs, Acadia Pharmaceuticals already has a drug approved for sale. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Nuplazid expansion Unlike Y-mAbs, Acadia Pharmaceuticals already has a drug approved for sale. If the FDA agrees to review Acadia's latest application for Nuplazid, the agency will probably end up issuing an approval decision around the middle of 2021. Luckily, companies such as Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Y-mAbs (NASDAQ: YMAB) have major catalysts unrelated to COVID-19 in their near term future. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Nuplazid expansion Unlike Y-mAbs, Acadia Pharmaceuticals already has a drug approved for sale. Acadia's operations are already close to generating positive cash flows with Nuplazid as a treatment for the limited Parkinson's disease population, and it looks like the market hasn't priced in an unreasonable amount of success as a treatment for the much larger population of people with DRP. Luckily, companies such as Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Y-mAbs (NASDAQ: YMAB) have major catalysts unrelated to COVID-19 in their near term future. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Nuplazid expansion Unlike Y-mAbs, Acadia Pharmaceuticals already has a drug approved for sale. Luckily, companies such as Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Y-mAbs (NASDAQ: YMAB) have major catalysts unrelated to COVID-19 in their near term future. Acadia's atypical antipsychotic called Nuplazid is currently used to treat psychosis related to Parkinson's disease. |
35864.0 | 2020-06-17 00:00:00 UTC | 3 “Strong Buy” Healthcare Stocks That Should Remain Healthy | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-strong-buy-healthcare-stocks-that-should-remain-healthy-2020-06-17 | nan | nan | For those that thought the extreme market volatility was behind us, think again. Last week, another burst of volatility was brought on by concerns about the U.S. economic recovery and a second wave of COVID-19. This week, however, U.S. stocks recovered some lost ground thanks to strong retail sales data. There's a lot going on in the markets, and the only certainty is uncertainty.
Against this backdrop, we turned our attention to defensive stocks in the healthcare sector. In general, these stocks provide stable earnings regardless of the stock market’s state due to the constant demand for their products or services.
With this in mind, we used TipRanks’ database to identify three defensive healthcare stocks with upside potential north of 20%. Not to mention each of these companies has earned a “Strong Buy” consensus rating from the analyst community.
Deciphera Pharmaceuticals (DCPH)
We will start with Deciphera, a biopharmaceutical company which develops cancer medications. On May 15, the company received FDA approval for its QINLOCK™ therapy. The drug is used for the treatment of fourth-line gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a type of tumor that originates in the gastrointestinal tract.
The good news didn’t end there. On June 8, Deciphera announced that The Lancet Oncology (a medical journal) published positive results from the INVICTUS Phase 3 study of QINLOCK, which featured patients who have been previously treated with anticancer therapies. Data from the study showed a statistically significant improvement in the progression free survival in patients randomized to QINLOCK, compared with patients receiving a placebo.
5-star analyst Christopher Raymond, of Piper Sandler, expressed enthusiasm for QINLOCK. Soon after the company received the FDA’s stamp of approval, the analyst said he expects “meaningful upside in coming months as the setup for the launch of QINLOCK remains quite positive.”
As a result, Raymond rates DCPH an Outperform (i.e. Buy). The analyst believes the stock has more room to run, as he maintains a $75 price target. This implies upside potential of 21% from current levels. (To watch Raymond’s track record, click here)
Like Raymond, other analysts are also bullish on the stock. The 11 ratings on the stock include 9 Buys, only 2 Holds and no Sells, adding up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target of $71.20 represents a possible 15% increase from the share price of $59.50. (See Deciphera stock analysis on TipRanks)
Laboratory Corporation of America (LH)
Up next is Laboratory Corporation of America, which operates two divisions, LabCorp Diagnostics (LCD) and Covance Drug Development. LCD provides clinical laboratory services such as blood, urine, and COVID-19 tests, while Covance offers services that help clients manage the drug development process.
The company’s sales were only slightly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue for the first quarter of 2020 was $2.8 billion, an increase of 1.2% from the prior-year quarter. The increase in revenue was due to acquisitions, partially offset by the negative impact from COVID-19. However, earnings took a bigger hit thanks to the public health crisis, as the operating loss for the quarter was $193 million, compared to operating income of $318 million in the first quarter of 2019.
J.P. Morgan analyst Lisa Gill believes Laboratory is better positioned than the competition because of its income diversity, with it also less exposed to upcoming Medicare cuts. To provide additional support for her bullish thesis, the 5-star analyst cites improving trends in the company’s core business.
To this end, Gill rates LH an Overweight (i.e. Buy), while raising her price target from $118 to $223. The new figure implies upside potential of 31% from current levels. (To watch Gill’s track record, click here)
Turning now to the rest of the Street, most other analysts are on the same page. Laboratory has a Strong Buy analyst consensus rating comprised of 10 Buys, 3 Holds and no Sell ratings. The average price target on the stock is $213.27, which suggests 25% upside potential. (See LH stock analysis on TipRanks)
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD)
Last on our list is ACADIA, a biopharmaceutical company that designs medications for central nervous system disorders. ACADIA has developed the only approved therapy for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, NUPLAZID.
Despite COVID-19, sales of NUPLAZID increased 43% to reach $90.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $63 million in the first quarter of 2019.
In addition, management announced it completed a pre-sNDA meeting (a meeting between a company and the FDA to ensure the submission of a well-organized NDA), and is on-track to submit a supplemental NDA this summer for NUPLAZID as a potential breakthrough therapy for DRP (drug related problems) and MDD (major depressive disorder).
5-star analyst Charles Duncan, representing Cantor Fitzgerald, viewed management’s announcement positively. In a recent research note, he cited the company’s positive outlook as a major component of his bullish thesis. “Pipeline driven potential is more than additive to our view that NUPLAZID is continuing to gain traction on volume growth by increasing penetration and persistence,” he stated.
To this end, Duncan has an Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating on the stock. Along with his rating, the analyst gave the price target a lift, from $58 to $63, implying 34% upside potential. (To watch Duncan’s track record, click here).
Other analysts on the Street agree with Duncan and also have high expectations for the stock, with 9 Buys and 1 Hold resulting in a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target is $60.30, which implies upside potential of 27%. (See ACADIA stock-price forecast on TipRanks)
To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (See LH stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Last on our list is ACADIA, a biopharmaceutical company that designs medications for central nervous system disorders. ACADIA has developed the only approved therapy for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, NUPLAZID. (See ACADIA stock-price forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. | (See LH stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Last on our list is ACADIA, a biopharmaceutical company that designs medications for central nervous system disorders. ACADIA has developed the only approved therapy for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, NUPLAZID. (See ACADIA stock-price forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. | (See LH stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Last on our list is ACADIA, a biopharmaceutical company that designs medications for central nervous system disorders. ACADIA has developed the only approved therapy for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, NUPLAZID. (See ACADIA stock-price forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. | (See LH stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Last on our list is ACADIA, a biopharmaceutical company that designs medications for central nervous system disorders. ACADIA has developed the only approved therapy for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis, NUPLAZID. (See ACADIA stock-price forecast on TipRanks) To find good ideas for healthcare stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights. |
35865.0 | 2020-06-04 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For July 24th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-july-24th-2020-06-04 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 24th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 24th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $45.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.70. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $45.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $43.80 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $45.99/share today.
Because the $45.50 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 57%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.74% return on the cash commitment, or 27.27% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $45.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $47.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.00. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $45.99/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $47.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 7.63% if the stock gets called away at the July 24th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $47.50 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 49%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.35% boost of extra return to the investor, or 31.75% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example, as well as the call contract example, are both approximately 96%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $45.99) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $47.50 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 24th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $47.50 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 24th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 24th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $45.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $47.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.00. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $47.50 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 24th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $47.50 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 24th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 24th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. |
35866.0 | 2020-06-02 00:00:00 UTC | Is Acadia Pharmaceuticals a Buy? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-acadia-pharmaceuticals-a-buy-2020-06-02 | nan | nan | Many businesses have seen their shares tumble in the recent market plunge. Fortunately for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), it is one of the few biotech stocks seeing positive returns. It is up 16% year to date, outperforming both the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF.
The company began the year with a momentous start from its lead drug, Nuplazid (pimavanserin), a treatment for hallucinations associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). In its first-quarter earnings report, released May 7, Acadia reported revenue of $90.1 million, a 43% increase year over year, and posted a net loss of $88 million, or $0.57 per share. Despite the challenges of the recent pandemic, investors liked what they heard from the recent earnings call.
Here are the key takeaways for Acadia Pharmaceuticals.
Image source: Getty Images.
Strong Q1 performance
Acadia Pharmaceuticals's first-quarter sales were driven by strong execution in marketing and commercial strategy. The $90.1 million in revenue came from 32% volume growth year over year. The gross-to-net adjustment -- which accounts for pricing changes such as discounts and rebates -- was 25.4% for Q1 2020. This number is generally highest in Q1 due to an annual reset for Medicare Part D patients.
During Q1, management has pivoted from in-person to virtual education and engagement, revising its net sales guidance down somewhat -- to $420 million to $450 million, from $440 million to $470 million. That still represents 28% sales growth year over year. CEO Steve Davis noted that Acadia sees "continued growth in Nuplazid this year, and we remain confident in driving the long-term market opportunity in PDP."
The company remains on track to deliver a second indication of Nuplazid for treatment of dementia-related psychosis (DRP). This indication presents a massive opportunity for growth, as the 1.2 million patients living with DRP make up a group 10 times larger than those living with PDP. The company plans to submit a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) in the summer, and expects a priority review (expedited via the breakthrough therapy designation) and a potential approval near the end of the year.
Dedicated for the long run
Management took proactive steps to adapt to the dynamic environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic. As mentioned, Acadia quickly adopted a virtual presence, incorporating a portal that provides healthcare providers with promotional and educational material, supporting the shift into telemedicine, and engaging with patients via online tools.
The company is supporting its patients by continuing to deliver Nuplazid directly to patients' homes or through long-term care pharmacies and facilities, providing an uninterrupted supply of medicine even during challenging times created by COVID-19. Its investment in online tools will optimize its approach to sales, marketing, and medical education in this new environment and continue to drive top-line growth throughout the year.
Management's strategic vision remains the same; in 2020, plans are to drive growth of Nuplazid, deliver on DRP, and develop treatment options for patients. On May 7, Acadia announced that it had entered into a licensing agreement and research collaboration with Vanderbilt University. This will allow it to develop and commercialize drug candidates that target a specific receptor, muscarinic M1, to help treat various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This collaboration provides Acadia with a portfolio of early-stage clinical candidates that will complement the current pipeline of CNS therapies and help build its long-term growth strategy.
On May 26, Acadia announced positive feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its strategy to combine two phase 3 clinical trial studies, called CLARITY-2 and CLARITY-3, for evaluating Nuplazid for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The results of this study are expected to be announced during Q3. If the outcome is positive, Acadia will submit a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for the use of Nuplazid for treatment of MDD. This could drive the stock price higher, and it would create new avenues for top-line growth.
Along with strategy, Acadia continues to improve its management team. On May 28, it announced that Mark Schneyer had been appointed to serve as chief business officer and senior vice president of business development. This newly created position will allow Acadia to source and create new business opportunities to expand on its innovative pipeline.
Schneyer comes to the job as a former vice president of business development at Pfizer's Upjohn division, and his nine-plus years of experience -- overseeing strategic transactions including licensing agreements, product acquisitions and divestitures, collaborations, and company acquisitions -- will be quite valuable to Acadia over the long term.
Healthy financials
Acadia's assets exceed its liabilities. It has plenty of cash to operate, with $651.4 million in cash and investments. Its current ratio -- a measure of liquidity -- is 7.2, meaning it has a lot of short-term asset value respective to the value of its short-term liabilities. This value is in line with the broader biotechnology industry's average of 6.8.
Its valuation gives Acadia a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 21, which is overvalued compared to its peers Clovis Oncology (2.7) and Intercept Pharmaceuticals (9.6) -- the lower the P/S ratio, the more attractive the investment. Another important valuation metric is enterprise value to sales (EV/Sales), which compares the company's overall enterprise value to its sales; Acadia's EV/Sales of 20.1 shows it to be overvalued compared with Clovis Oncology (6.6) and Intercept Pharmaceuticals (9.8).
Acadia Pharmaceuticals is 99.3% institutionally owned, which suggests that investors like what they see in the stock. In the most recent quarter, 126 institutional holders increased positions, 37 opened new positions, and 63 sold off positions. Analysts are bullish, setting an average price target of $59.00, with a range of $41 to $74. Currently trading near $49, the stock has plenty of room to run.
Looking forward
With a strong performance in the first quarter, Acadia seems positioned to handle any challenges that may arise in the rest of the year. The updated guidance reflects management's confidence in the long-term opportunity in PDP, as well as the massive growth opportunity from the potential approval of Nuplazid for DRP patients. With the recent collaboration, potential catalysts, and expansion of leadership, Acadia's stock looks ready to run higher. Investors should consider buying shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals during the next dip.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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Amar Khatri has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Intercept Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | CEO Steve Davis noted that Acadia sees "continued growth in Nuplazid this year, and we remain confident in driving the long-term market opportunity in PDP." On May 26, Acadia announced positive feedback from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its strategy to combine two phase 3 clinical trial studies, called CLARITY-2 and CLARITY-3, for evaluating Nuplazid for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Fortunately for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), it is one of the few biotech stocks seeing positive returns. | In its first-quarter earnings report, released May 7, Acadia reported revenue of $90.1 million, a 43% increase year over year, and posted a net loss of $88 million, or $0.57 per share. CEO Steve Davis noted that Acadia sees "continued growth in Nuplazid this year, and we remain confident in driving the long-term market opportunity in PDP." Fortunately for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), it is one of the few biotech stocks seeing positive returns. | In its first-quarter earnings report, released May 7, Acadia reported revenue of $90.1 million, a 43% increase year over year, and posted a net loss of $88 million, or $0.57 per share. CEO Steve Davis noted that Acadia sees "continued growth in Nuplazid this year, and we remain confident in driving the long-term market opportunity in PDP." 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. | This newly created position will allow Acadia to source and create new business opportunities to expand on its innovative pipeline. Acadia Pharmaceuticals is 99.3% institutionally owned, which suggests that investors like what they see in the stock. Fortunately for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), it is one of the few biotech stocks seeing positive returns. |
35867.0 | 2020-05-29 00:00:00 UTC | Now’s the Time to Buy These 3 Stocks | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/nows-the-time-to-buy-these-3-stocks-2020-05-29 | nan | nan | What investor doesn't want to own a solid company with exciting prospects for business growth in the near- and mid-term? Healthcare stocks often provide a safe haven during uncertain market conditions. Here we explore a few interesting opportunities ranging from a big pharma name to a pre-revenue biotech.
Image Source: Getty Images.
1. Merck
If you want a solid stock that allows you to sleep soundly at night, buy Merck (NYSE: MRK). Keytruda, the company's flagship cancer drug, generated sales in excess of $3 billion in each of the last three quarters. It single-handedly delivers more than 25% of Merck's total sales. The drug is well on its way to being one of the biggest selling drugs of all time.
Merck just entered the crowded field of pharma and biotech companies racing to develop vaccines and drugs for COVID-19. It did so through a flurry of deals. First, it bought Themis, an Austrian biotech focused on infectious diseases. Based on technology licensed from the Institut Pasteur, a world-leading vaccine research center, Themis and Merck expect to start a trial later this year for a preventative vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Themis also boasts a late-stage vaccine program for chikungunya, a mosquito-transmitted virus that causes fever and joint pain, adding to Merck's growing vaccine line-up.
Pursuing multiple paths to tackle COVID-19, Merck entered a collaboration for a vaccine with the non-profit research organization IAVI. Merck currently uses the same IAVI technology in its approved Ebola Zaire vaccine. Lastly, Merck licensed worldwide rights to an anti-COVID-19 therapy in phase 1 clinical trials by privately held Ridgeback Therapeutics.
Merck's healthy core business, now supplemented with an array of COVID-19 opportunities, makes owning the stock attractive. Don't forget the value of leadership. Ken Frazier, Merck's CEO, and Roger Perlmutter, president of Merck Research Laboratories, rank among the most seasoned and respected leaders in the pharma world. It all adds up to a sound investment over the long term.
2. Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Among the ranks of specialty drug developers, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) continues to shine. Nuplazid, its marketed drug for treating Parkinson's disease psychosis, posted first-quarter sales of $90.1 million, a 43% increase year over year.
This week Acadia updated investors following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration that it will stop enrollment early from two parallel pivotal trials for Nuplazid as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). The company said that each trial enrolled "slightly more than 50%" of the planned patients. The data from both trials -- dubbed Clarity-2 and Clarity-3 -- will be combined for analysis, which is expected in Q3. If positive, Acadia plans to submit those data along, with prior clinical trial results, to support an FDA submission for approval in treating MDD. According to the National Institutes of Health, MDD affects more than 17 million Americans.
Lastly, Acadia reaffirmed its timing to submit a supplement New Drug Application with the FDA to gain approval for the use of Nuplazid to treat dementia-related psychosis. This could lead to an approval around the end of the year.
The FDA already designated the drug as a Breakthrough Therapy, which means it provides a substantial improvement over existing medicines for this serious condition. If both new indications are approved, Nuplazid's sales and Acadia's stock will continue to soar.
3. Aurinia Pharmaceuticals
This week Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AUPH) announced that it completed a regulatory submission to the FDA seeking approval for its drug, voclosporin. If successful, vocolosporin could be the first FDA-approved treatment for lupus nephritis, an inflammatory kidney disease.
The company requested a Priority Review from the FDA, which would compress the agency's time to make a decision from 12 to eight months. The company is planning for a commercial launch in 2021.
The bigger picture includes the potential of voclosporin as a treatment for dry eye syndrome, which affects more than 16 million in the U.S. annually, and another kidney disorder called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Results from a late-stage clinical trial for dry eye syndrome are expected in the fourth quarter.
If the dry eye data in Q4 look good and an FDA approval in lupus nephritis is around the corner at that point, then I can envision an acquirer swooping in to buy the company. It is basically a single product in two different formulations simplifying the acquisition. My guess is that Aurinia is acquired in the next 12 months. Investors with risk tolerance would do well to consider opening a position today.
10 stocks we like better than Merck & Co.
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David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | This week Acadia updated investors following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration that it will stop enrollment early from two parallel pivotal trials for Nuplazid as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Acadia Pharmaceuticals Among the ranks of specialty drug developers, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) continues to shine. If positive, Acadia plans to submit those data along, with prior clinical trial results, to support an FDA submission for approval in treating MDD. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Among the ranks of specialty drug developers, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) continues to shine. If positive, Acadia plans to submit those data along, with prior clinical trial results, to support an FDA submission for approval in treating MDD. This week Acadia updated investors following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration that it will stop enrollment early from two parallel pivotal trials for Nuplazid as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Among the ranks of specialty drug developers, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) continues to shine. This week Acadia updated investors following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration that it will stop enrollment early from two parallel pivotal trials for Nuplazid as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). If positive, Acadia plans to submit those data along, with prior clinical trial results, to support an FDA submission for approval in treating MDD. | If positive, Acadia plans to submit those data along, with prior clinical trial results, to support an FDA submission for approval in treating MDD. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Among the ranks of specialty drug developers, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) continues to shine. This week Acadia updated investors following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration that it will stop enrollment early from two parallel pivotal trials for Nuplazid as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). |
35868.0 | 2020-05-28 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD July 10th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-july-10th-options-begin-trading-2020-05-28 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 10th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 10th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $50.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.10. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $50.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $48.40 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $51.17/share today.
Because the $50.50 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 57%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.16% return on the cash commitment, or 35.30% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $52.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.90. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $51.17/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $52.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 5.34% if the stock gets called away at the July 10th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $52.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 47%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.71% boost of extra return to the investor, or 31.52% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example, as well as the call contract example, are both approximately 97%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $51.17) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 10th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 10th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 10th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $50.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $52.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.90. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 10th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 10th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 10th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. |
35869.0 | 2020-05-21 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For July 2nd | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-july-2nd-2020-05-21 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 2nd expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 2nd contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $51.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.90. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $51.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $49.10 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $51.83/share today.
Because the $51.00 strike represents an approximate 2% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 58%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.73% return on the cash commitment, or 32.38% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $51.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $52.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.20. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $51.83/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $52.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 5.54% if the stock gets called away at the July 2nd expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $52.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 47%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.24% boost of extra return to the investor, or 36.89% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 97%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 96%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $51.83) to be 76%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 2nd expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 2nd expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 2nd contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $51.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $52.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.20. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 2nd expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 2nd contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $52.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $52.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 2nd expiration. |
35870.0 | 2020-05-19 00:00:00 UTC | Is Amarin Stock a Buy? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-amarin-stock-a-buy-2020-05-19 | nan | nan | Irish biopharmaceutical company Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) posted record revenue of $155 million in its first-quarter earnings reported April 30, marking an 112% year-over-year increase for a net loss of $20.6 million, or $0.06 per share. The company's sole product, Vascepa, is a drug derived from fish oil. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on with statin therapy to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease and to bring down high levels of triglycerides in adult patients.
Shares of Amarin are down 65% year to date, underperforming both the Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF. The stock plummeted in late March after the company lost a patent trial it had brought against two generic drug manufacturers, Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, which were seeking to sell an equivalent version of Vascepa. The decision weakened Amarin's protection against potential generic competition, and the company filed an appeal with a federal circuit court earlier this month. The outcome of that decision will be key for Amarin's revenue in the U.S., and the company anticipates a ruling near the end of 2020 or in early 2021.
Investors may want to know whether this stock is worth considering. Here are the key takeaways.
Image source: Getty Images.
Increased sales and prescriptions
As mentioned, Amarin's first quarter was a success, with increased revenue and gross margins from sales of Vascepa in the U.S. The company reported positive net cash flow from operations and expanded its sales force to 800 representatives and managers. Combined with improved managed care coverage for Vascepa in the U.S., this improved sales growth in Q1.
The expansion of sales representatives provides a unique opportunity for Amarin to educate healthcare professionals about the benefits of Vascepa in cardiovascular risk reduction, which should help bolster the number of prescribers. Third-party data shows that the estimated number of Vascepa prescriptions for the three months ended March 31 of this year was up 72% from 2019, reflecting the drug's increased coverage under managed care and its growing use among high-risk patients.
That said, this success may not continue. The COVID-19 pandemic has management uncertain about its targets going forward. Some sources are reporting a 70% decline in patient interactions with doctors during the pandemic, and while this data is not exclusive to Amarin or Vascepa, management says it's hearing similar numbers from its sales representatives. Social distancing measures have created challenges for the sales team, including the suspension of in-person meetings. Nonetheless, management says the sales team has identified new methods to receive feedback from healthcare providers. They expect a decline in continued growth from current prescribers in the second quarter, noting a decrease in prescriptions in the month of April.
International growth potential
Investors should be excited to learn that growth lies ahead in international markets. Canada -- where about 2.4 million people have been diagnosed with heart disease -- is a likely source, representing the majority of Amarin's non-U.S. net product revenue in the first quarter.
China may also offer an exciting commercial opportunity once Amarin's partner there, Eddingpharm, nears completion of a clinical trial later this year (barring any COVID-19-related delay). Success in China -- where management believes about 17.7% of the adult population, or 185 million people, has high levels of triglyceride (hypertriglyceridemia) -- will position Vascepa as a first-in-class drug.
The Middle East and North African (MENA) region may provide another area of growth. In 2016, Amarin entered into a partnership with Dubai-based biotech Biologix FZCo, which has a direct presence in 17 countries of the MENA region. Vascepa has been approved in Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. It is currently under registration in other countries in the MENA region.
As for Europe, Amarin submitted a marketing authorization application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to allow for the sale of Vascepa there. A decision is anticipated near the end of 2020. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in many parts of the EU, and an approval of Vascepa in the region may provide future top-line growth and long-term shareholder value by increasing sales, earnings, and free cash flow.
Amarin is currently evaluating two options for a European launch of Vascepa: either directly or through a pan-European partner that will benefit its shareholders. It is expected to make a decision by Q3 2020.
Make or break
In the original patent infringement case, Amarin Pharmaceuticals (the plaintiff) was seeking to prevent Hikma Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (the defendants) from launching generic competitors to Vascepa. The most recent decision in the case held that Amarin's patents did not meet the criteria of "non-obviousness," making them invalid. Amarin's decision to appeal the court's ruling and file a preliminary injunction prevents rivals from launching generic competitors to Vascepa -- even if they receive FDA approval of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for generic drugs -- until the court's final decision is reached.
Many questions remain about how quickly a generic version of Vascepa can be rolled out in the U.S. Neither Hikma Pharmaceuticals nor Dr. Reddy's Laboratories is currently positioned to launch such a drug, and it appears that there are no ANDA applications for one pending FDA approval. Hikma noted in a press release March 31 that its working with the FDA toward approval. A launch is possible by 2021 or 2022.
Amarin's management believes that its generic competitors face difficult hurdles in coming to market. The appeal and injunction create significant risks, costs, and delays, and if Amarin wins the appeal, Hikma and Dr. Reddy's may be required to pay large fines and damages to Amarin.
There's also the question of manufacturing facilities. Amarin currently has three facilities to manufacture Vascepa, and it's unclear whether its competitors have even one. The setup of such a facility could take six months even before any generic drugs are produced.
Amarin's legal strategy could be advantageous, as it allows additional time for patients and healthcare providers to learn what differentiates Vascepa and strengthen its brand recognition in the U.S. market. Investors should stay tuned for updates regarding the trial.
Looking forward
Amarin is in a healthy financial position, with $624 million in cash and investments and assets that exceed its liabilities. In the most recent quarter, it had a debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio of 8%, where a number less than 30% implies a low use of debt to finance its operations.
With a price-to-book-value ratio of 5, Amarin is undervalued compared with its peers, including Acadia Pharmaceuticals (12.4) and Sarepta Therapeutics (9.6). Another key method for valuation is its price-to-sales ratio (P/S). Amarin's P/S is 5.3, much lower than Acadia's at 20.8 and Sarepta's at 25.9. This implies that it's undervalued compared with its peers and with the broader market.
Considering the impact of the pandemic, Vascepa's potential expansion into new markets, and ongoing legal issues, Amarin has both upside and downside potential. International markets offer opportunity; China and Europe, especially, could be key contributors to revenue if Amarin does not win its appeal. The company's legal strategy puts it in the best position to capture the U.S. market before the launch of generics, and with its healthy financial position and valuation, investors who've considered the risks should buy shares during the next dip.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | With a price-to-book-value ratio of 5, Amarin is undervalued compared with its peers, including Acadia Pharmaceuticals (12.4) and Sarepta Therapeutics (9.6). Amarin's P/S is 5.3, much lower than Acadia's at 20.8 and Sarepta's at 25.9. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on with statin therapy to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease and to bring down high levels of triglycerides in adult patients. | With a price-to-book-value ratio of 5, Amarin is undervalued compared with its peers, including Acadia Pharmaceuticals (12.4) and Sarepta Therapeutics (9.6). Amarin's P/S is 5.3, much lower than Acadia's at 20.8 and Sarepta's at 25.9. Third-party data shows that the estimated number of Vascepa prescriptions for the three months ended March 31 of this year was up 72% from 2019, reflecting the drug's increased coverage under managed care and its growing use among high-risk patients. | With a price-to-book-value ratio of 5, Amarin is undervalued compared with its peers, including Acadia Pharmaceuticals (12.4) and Sarepta Therapeutics (9.6). Amarin's P/S is 5.3, much lower than Acadia's at 20.8 and Sarepta's at 25.9. Increased sales and prescriptions As mentioned, Amarin's first quarter was a success, with increased revenue and gross margins from sales of Vascepa in the U.S. | With a price-to-book-value ratio of 5, Amarin is undervalued compared with its peers, including Acadia Pharmaceuticals (12.4) and Sarepta Therapeutics (9.6). Amarin's P/S is 5.3, much lower than Acadia's at 20.8 and Sarepta's at 25.9. International growth potential Investors should be excited to learn that growth lies ahead in international markets. |
35871.0 | 2020-05-09 00:00:00 UTC | Is Axsome Therapeutics a Screaming Buy? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-axsome-therapeutics-a-screaming-buy-2020-05-09 | nan | nan | The past few weeks have been quite busy for Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM), notching two wins and one failure in late-stage clinical trials.
On March 30, the company reported its drug AXS-05 failed to achieve the primary endpoint in a phase 3 clinical trial for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Weeks later, Axsome hailed a clinical trial success with AXS-05 for Alzheimer's disease-related agitation. In between those two events, the company boasted that another drug, ASX-07, had successfully completed a phase 3 trial for migraine pain.
Image Source: Getty Images.
Success in Alzheimer's disease agitation
Roughly 70% of the six million Alzheimer's disease patients in the U.S. experience episodes of agitation, and it appears to be more frequent for those living in patient-care facilities like nursing homes. Unfortunately, no FDA-approved treatments exist to treat this symptom.
In Axsome's trial, it tested AXS-05 against placebo and a drug called bupropion, which isn't approved to treat this indication but is sometimes used to treat patients. AXS-05 outperformed both comparators on the primary endpoint: The change from baseline to week five using the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total score. This rating scale evaluates both physical and verbal aggressive and non-aggressive behaviors.
With positive trial data in hand, Axsome plans to meet with the FDA to discuss the pathway to get AXS-05 approved for treating Alzheimer's disease agitation. Separately, Axsome plans to file a New Drug Application in the fourth quarter for the approval of AXS-05 as a treatment for major depressive disorder.
Tackling migraine pain head-on
Axsome's next promising drug candidate, AXS-07, successfully met two co-primary endpoints in a pivotal clinical trial for migraine pain. One-third of patients receiving the drug went pain-free compared to only 16% in the placebo arm. Furthermore, the drug prevented mild pain from worsening in 74% of treated patients, allowing for a return to normal function within 24 hours. Patients experienced relief as early as 30 minutes after taking AXS-07.
Based on these data, Axsome intends to submit an application to the FDA for approval for acute treatment of migraine in the fourth quarter of this year. According to an analysis by a group at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, severe migraines affect approximately one out of seven Americans annually. This translates to nearly 40 million people in the U.S. alone, not to mention the rest of the world.
Image Source: Getty Images.
Why buy now?
Axsome trades around $91 per share, imputing a market cap of approximately $3.3 billion. This may sound rich, particularly after the stock's meteoric gain of 3,600% in 2019. However, analysts see room for the stock to rise. Six analysts estimate the 12-month stock price to be somewhere between $115 to $210 per share. Even the average estimate of $142 presents 58% upside for investors who buy the stock today.
Simply put, AXS-05 could be a huge drug. First, the major depressive disorder submission for approval will be submitted in the fourth quarter. The recent data in Alzheimer's agitation could be even bigger.
Developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's disease, has eluded the drug industry. However, treating symptoms has produced some successes. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) grew into a $7.5 billion company on the back of its drug Nuplazid. The drug treats hallucinations and delusions in patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis and brought in $339.1 million in revenue last year.
Second, AXS-07 provides a new, relatively quick-acting migraine therapy. The market is huge since less than 5% of those with migraines see a pain or headache specialist. Through awareness and education that percentage could easily increase substantially. The market is crowded with a variety of treatment options, including recently approved drugs for prevention. However, not all drugs work for all patients. Therefore, a new entrant can capture a piece of the market.
Third, Axsome could be an attractive buyout candidate. With clinical data in hand for two drugs in their first indications, the clinical risk has been effectively eliminated for a pharmaceutical acquirer. Plus, studies for expanding AXS-05 into additional indications are already underway, and Axsome has a pipeline of additional drug candidates. Most big pharma companies shine when it comes to selling drugs into large market indications like Alzheimer's disease and migraine. Their sheer size, breadth of capability, and brand name can help achieve commercial success for Axsome's drugs.
While it's impossible to predict if and when Axsome gets bought out, the stock looks attractive at this juncture. 2021 could see two drugs gaining FDA approval, and the company plans to start more studies this year. Importantly, the recent results from three late-stage trials mean no big binary events for the remainder of the year that might cause the stock to implode. Biotech investors can use any dips in the stock to accumulate shares. I think the stock will rise around 50% if it remains independent and could return around a double if bought.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) grew into a $7.5 billion company on the back of its drug Nuplazid. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 16, 2020 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. On March 30, the company reported its drug AXS-05 failed to achieve the primary endpoint in a phase 3 clinical trial for patients with treatment-resistant depression. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) grew into a $7.5 billion company on the back of its drug Nuplazid. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 16, 2020 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. With positive trial data in hand, Axsome plans to meet with the FDA to discuss the pathway to get AXS-05 approved for treating Alzheimer's disease agitation. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) grew into a $7.5 billion company on the back of its drug Nuplazid. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 16, 2020 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. In Axsome's trial, it tested AXS-05 against placebo and a drug called bupropion, which isn't approved to treat this indication but is sometimes used to treat patients. | See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of April 16, 2020 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) grew into a $7.5 billion company on the back of its drug Nuplazid. In Axsome's trial, it tested AXS-05 against placebo and a drug called bupropion, which isn't approved to treat this indication but is sometimes used to treat patients. |
35872.0 | 2020-05-08 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Q1 2020 Earnings Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-q1-2020-earnings-call-transcript-2020-05-09 | nan | nan | Image source: The Motley Fool.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q1 2020 Earnings Call
May 07, 2020, 4:30 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' first-quarter 2020 financial results conference call. My name is Sarah, and I will be your coordinator for today. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. We will be facilitating a question-and-answer session toward the end of today's call.
[Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at ACADIA. Please proceed.
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Thank you, Sarah. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss ACADIA'S first-quarter 2020 financial results. Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide an overview of our Q1 2020 financial performance and provide a review of our business operations and how we are addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Also joining us today is Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives; and Dr.
Serge Stankovic, our president, who will discuss our pipeline progress. Our chief financial officer, Elena Ridloff will then discuss our financial results in more detail before turning it back to Steve for final remarks and opening the call up for your questions. I would also like to point out that we are using supplement slides, which are available on the events and presentations section of our website. Before we proceed, I would first like to remind you that during our call today, we'll be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
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These forward-looking statements, including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events, or future results, are based on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of today's date. I'll now turn the call over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Mark. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. Please turn to Slide 5. Before we review our progress for the quarter, I'd like to take a moment and address the extraordinary circumstances we are all navigating with the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, I hope all of you and your families are healthy and faring well. Second, I want to extend our gratitude to the healthcare workers on the front lines whose selfless care is helping so many who have been impacted by the virus. And third, I want to thank our employees. I'm grateful for their continued focus on the patients, caregivers, and the families we serve.
Please turn to Slide 6. As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved globally, ACADIA has made it a priority to support patients who rely on our current and developing medicines, protect the health and safety of our employees and do our part to minimize spread of the virus. As it relates to our business specifically, we view the challenges caused by the pandemic to be temporal. It does not change the underlying need of our medicines.
Unfortunately, hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease or dementia do not stop. Patients with major depression or the negative symptoms of schizophrenia still suffer. And patients with Rett syndrome and their families still need an effective treatment option. We remain focused on our mission because patients are waiting, and we continue to move forward to deliver on a multiyear cadence of potential product approvals over the next few years.
During this time, we've taken numerous proactive steps to adapt our business. All of our office and field-based employees continue to work from home to reduce the potential risk of the virus. We've embraced new ways of working. Let me describe just a few quick examples.
Although we are not physically in doctors' offices, we quickly moved our promotional and educational materials to portals accessible by healthcare professionals, enabling them and our field employees to be looking at the same document at the same time when we engage virtually. Recognizing the significant shift to telemedicine, we've rapidly moved to support key continuing medical education programs. On a related point, we also quickly expanded the ability for physicians to prescribe new applies of using our online tools, an important advantage when they're treating patients virtually. Regarding our supply chain, we continue to maintain an uninterrupted supply of medicine and have more than sufficient inventory.
On an important related note, I'd like to remind you that patients never have to travel to an outside pharmacy to fill Nuplazid prescription. We have always delivered Nuplazid directly to patient homes or directly to long-term care pharmacies and facilities. With respect to our clinical trials, we've made it a priority to protect the well-being of study participants and research partners. Like many others in our industry, we temporarily paused new patient enrollment in our studies and have been working with our clinical trial sites and study investigators to focus our efforts on current participants.
We're also working with our sites and CRO partners to begin enrolling new patients as soon as possible. We entered 2020 in a position of strength, and the fundamentals of the company remain strong. As we turn to Slide 7, I'd like to highlight the progress across our business during the quarter. We expect 2020 to be a transformational year for ACADIA and are focused on our three strategic pillars: drive growth of Nuplazid, deliver on the DRP opportunity, and develop new treatment options for patients.
This year, we are investing in the continued growth of PDP as well as the potential approval and launch of DRP, transforming the Nuplazid opportunity in the very near term. We're also advancing our MDD, Rett syndrome, and negative symptoms of schizophrenia development programs. If successful, we will have three additional approvals over the next three years that will drive [Audio gap] and long-term growth. Let's take a closer look at the Nuplazid's performance in Q1 as we turn to Slide 8.
For the first quarter of 2020, Nuplazid achieved $90.1 million in net sales, a 43% year-over-year increase driven by strong commercial execution. While we have quickly pivoted to what we believe is best-in-class virtual education and engagement, there are some limitations in the current environment that are having a short-term impact on the rate of new patient growth. As a result, we are revising our net sales guidance to $420 million to $450 million, representing a 28% growth year over year at the midpoint of the range. Importantly, we see continued growth in Nuplazid this year, and we remain confident in driving the long-term market opportunity in PDP.
Michael will provide additional insight into our commercial performance during his remarks. As we turn to Slide 9, I'm very pleased to share that we remain on track to deliver on the DRP opportunity, a potential second indication for pimavanserin. During the quarter, we met with the FDA, plan to submit our supplemental NDA this summer. With breakthrough therapy designation, we expect a priority review and a potential approval around year-end.
You'll hear more from both Michael and Serge and our progress with ERP. Please turn to Slide 10. We continued to make important investments in our clinical portfolio while navigating the near-term impact of the pandemic. In our adjunctive major depressive disorder program, we're now prepared to reinitiate new patient enrollment at certain sites.
As Serge will discuss, given that both of these identical studies are just over 50% enrolled, we are also pursuing a strategy to not enroll any additional patients and, instead, combine these studies into one study and, if positive, submit an sNDA on the basis of this work and our previous positive pivotal Clarity-1 study. Serge will discuss further details to this approach. In addition, we plan to initiate our Advance-2 study for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia in the second half of this year. In our Rett syndrome program, where we are pursuing the first drug approval for this serious and rare neurological disorder, the FDA granted rare pediatric disease designation to trofinetide.
We plan to reinitiate enrollment in the Lavender Rett Syndrome study as soon as possible. Today, we also announced a new licensing and collaboration agreement with Vanderbilt University. Through this collaboration, we've added a new muscarinic receptor program to our portfolio. What exactly did we license? The M1 PAM program is a portfolio of early stage clinical candidates that are complementary to our development pipeline focused on new potential therapies for CNS disorders.
The lead compound is in Phase-1 testing with several additional preclinical compounds. Finally, we continue to focus and invest in our future through additional business development opportunities that shape our long-term growth strategy. With that, I will now turn it over to Michael to discuss our commercial performance and highlights.
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Thank you, Steve. Today, I'd like to review our first-quarter performance, which highlights the strength of the fundamentals of our business and gives us confidence in our long-term expectations for Nuplazid in Parkinson's disease psychosis. The strong base of PDP patients continuing on Nuplazid, and our focus on growth initiatives will enable us to deliver double-digit volume growth in 2020. We are also on track and making good progress with our DRP launch plans.
Please turn to Slide 12. Nuplazid continues to transform the standard of care for patients with PDP. First, we have a strong base of patients continuing on Nuplazid. In the first quarter, we delivered net sales of $90.1 million, driven by year-over-year volume growth of 32%.
Our commitment to programs to support patient access and continued leverage of the 34-milligram capsule helped to sustain consistently high monthly bottle fulfillment rates for patients established on therapy. Second, we continue to deliver new-to-brand patients consistent with previous quarters in both the specialty pharmacy and specialty distribution channels, reflecting positive customer engagement to our commitment to establish Nuplazid as standard of care for patients with PDP. As Steve mentioned earlier, we have quickly pivoted to what we believe is best-in-class virtual education and engagement. However, at the end of the quarter and into April, we have seen reduced patient visits and delayed diagnosis.
According to a recent survey from IQVIA, in-person physician visits remained down significantly when compared to the pre-COVID time period. While neurologists have prior experience with telemedicine and are leveraging this technology to manage patients at a distance, overall visits remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. Importantly, even during this time, Nuplazid new patient starts have outpaced the overall market new-to-brand trends. As such, our revised 2020 revenue forecast reflects 28% year-over-year revenue growth at the midpoint of the range.
Let's review our growth initiatives further on Slide 13. Parkinson's disease, hallucinations and delusions are serious neuropsychiatric symptoms that could be very disruptive to the family and patients. As healthcare providers adjust to seeing patients with telemedicine during the recent crisis, PDP remains an important medical condition that needs to be addressed. To support new patient identification, we've done a number of things to optimize our approach to sales, marketing and medical education in a virtual environment.
For example, leveraging technology to conduct peer-to-peer educational programs and product theaters, launched our online treatment form that is optimized for the telemedicine paradigm. This is important because patients can now be diagnosed and prescribed Nuplazid remotely, receive samples in the mail, and upon reimbursement verification, monthly prescriptions will be shipped to the patient's home. All of this keeping this vulnerable patient population safely sheltering at home. And finally, we continue to use digital campaigns to further stimulate patient and caregiver conversations with their physicians about PD Psychosis and Nuplazid.
Our commercial plan remains committed to increasing PDP awareness and establishing Nuplazid as standard of care. Importantly, we continue to educate on the inclusion of Nuplazid and the Movement Disorder Society guidelines, new long-term patient safety data, and data on a positive impact on Nuplazid therapy on the caregiver burden scale. Now let's turn to our second potential indication for pimavanserin, dementia-related psychosis on Slide 14. We are excited about the opportunity to expand our label with another first-and-only FDA-approved indication.
Dementia-related psychosis is a significant unmet need, and bringing pimavanserin forward as a treatment option could make a meaningful difference for patients and caregivers. We continue to advance our readiness plans focused on market research, disease awareness, and education with the medical community on the high burden of disease. Most of these efforts have temporarily pivoted to virtual programs for obvious reasons. A few examples include advisory boards and payer engagements.
In addition, we are seeing strong HCP interest in learning more about DRP. For example, our disease education website, morethancofnition.com has -- had over 20,000 visitors since launch in late 2019, and we continue to see growth in site utilization month over month. Since Nuplazid's launch in 2016, we've built significant awareness for the need to appropriately treat PD psychosis. The DRP opportunity is approximately 10 times larger than PDP.
And we have previously outlined our field expansion expectations, but it should be recognized that we already have a significant base of engaged and experienced personnel to leverage. Much of the additional preparation for the DRP launch is scheduled to occur in the second half of 2020, mostly the hiring and training of our field-based teams. We made good progress in laying the groundwork and are well-positioned to execute on our launch plans. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Serge to discuss our R&D progress beginning on Slide 15.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you, Michael, and good afternoon. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you the important R&D update that have occurred since we last spoke in February. As Steve mentioned, with the ongoing pandemic, we have made it a priority to protect the well-being of our study participants and research partners as well as to minimize disruption to our clinical operations. We have been working with our clinical trial sites and study investigators on their plans to continue appropriate assessment and safety monitoring of ongoing study participants as well as to ensure adequate conditions for future enrollment of new patients in our late-stage clinical trials.
I'm pleased to report that our teams have been able to continue to collect data by implementing remote monitoring and at-home assessments. However, considering the rapid pandemic spread over the past couple of months, we have temporarily paused new patient enrollment in our clinical studies. To reinitiate enrollment, we will use a phased approach, which will be both study and site-specific and reflect local health authorities and regulatory guidances. Let's now turn to Slide 16 for an update on the DRP regulatory path.
As planned, we successfully completed a pre-sNDA meeting with the FDA and confirm that the pivotal data from our Harmony study, together with the confirmatory and supportive results from our Alzheimer's disease psychosis Phase 2 study and our Parkinson's disease psychosis Phase 3 study will all support the submission of an sNDA for pimavanserin in dementia-related psychosis. In addition, we discussed the overall safety database and analysis plan. Our sNDA preparation remains firmly on track. As previously announced, we plan to submit the sNDA this summer.
We expect a priority review with a potential approval for DRP around year-end. Turning to our major depressive disorder, or MDD program, on Slide 17. Both our ongoing Clarity-2 and Clarity-3 Phase 3 studies have identical study designs with the same endpoints and analysis plans. Please turn to Slide 18.
Today, both our Clarity Phase 3 studies have enrolled slightly over 50% of the total patients planned. The pandemic has created many uncertainties in regards to maintaining appropriate experimental conditions for the execution of clinical trials and the timing of results. As Steve mentioned earlier, we are now pursuing a strategy to move our depression program forward toward the timely and successful completion. Given our progress with enrollment and the identical design of the two studies, we're pursuing a strategy to not enroll any additional patients in the Clarity-2 and Clarity-3, and instead, to combine these two studies into on study with a prespecified statistical analysis plan.
As a result, potential top-line results of the combined study would be available in the third quarter of this year. If positive, these results, with our previously announced positive Clarity-1 study, could serve as the basis of a supplemental NDA submission. If negative, we would initiate another pivotal Phase III MDD study in the second half of this year. We plan to discuss our proposal with the FDA in a meeting already scheduled for the second quarter.
We look forward to updating you further on our plans for the MDD program. Moving to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia on Slide 19. We're continuing to prepare for the second pivotal study, Advance-2, which will utilize a fixed dose of 34 milligram and will be conducted exclusively in sites outside of the United States. We plan to initiate this study in the second half of this year.
Rett syndrome is a rare and debilitating disorder, with the unmet need highlighted here on Slide 20. As I mentioned earlier, while we are continuing monitoring an assessment of ongoing study participants, we are currently initiating plans for gradual return to recruitment and enrollment in our Phase 3 Lavender study. At this time, we continue to anticipate the ability to complete and announce top-line results next year. Please turn to Slide 21 to review our clinical stage pipeline, which now includes the M1 PAM program.
We licensed Vanderbilt's M1 PAM program, which is comprised of a highly selective positive allosteric modulators, or PAMs, of the M1 subtype of muscarinic acetyl hauling receptor. This is an exciting new program for our pipeline, which may represent a novel approach for improving cognitive function and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients suffering from CNS disorders. The study of muscarinic modulators has been an area of high interest as there is an evidence of their ability to address cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with CNS diseases and schizophrenia. Recent advances in the potential efficacy of muscarinic agonists have only increased this interest in the industry.
The M1 PAM approach may achieve the efficacy recently observed with muscarinic agonist while minimizing the potential side effects. Consistent with our strategy, we remained focused on developing innovative new treatments, and that is reflected in our growing and advancing pipeline, both early and late stage. With that, I will now turn the call over to Elena to discuss our financial performance.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Serge. Today, I'll discuss our first-quarter 2020 results and our updated 2020 financial outlook. Please turn to Slide 23. In the first quarter of 2020, we recorded $90.1 million in net sales, an increase of approximately 43% compared to $63 million of net sales in Q1 of 2019.
This was driven by approximately 32% volume growth year over year. The gross-to-net adjustment for Q1 2020 was 25.4%. As a reminder, gross-to-net is typically highest in the first quarter due to the annual reset of the donut hole for Medicare Part D patients. Weeks of inventory in the channel at the end of the first quarter were consistent with year-end 2019.
Moving down the P&L. GAAP R&D expenses increased to $72.6 million in Q1 2020 from $52.9 million in Q1 2019. The increase was primarily due to an upfront payment of $10 million to Vanderbilt University for the M1 PAM program and increased development costs associated with trofinetide. GAAP SG&A expenses increased to $102 million for the first quarter from $93.1 million in the first quarter of last year.
This is largely due to increased personnel and medical affairs costs. Noncash stock-based compensation expense during the quarter was $22.3 million compared to $19.9 million for the same period in 2019. Cash used in operations during the quarter was $49 million compared to $64.2 million for Q1 2019. Our cash balance at the end of the quarter was $651.4 million.
Please turn to Slide 24. For the full year 2020, we are revising our Nuplazid revenue guidance to $420 million to $450 million from a previous range of $440 million to $470 million to incorporate the short-term impact of COVID-19. The revised revenue range reflects year-over-year revenue growth of approximately 28% at the midpoint of the range. This guidance incorporates a range of scenarios which reflect our currently anticipated impact of COVID-19 on our business.
Namely, at the low end, we have assumed a delayed return of face-to-face physician visits resulting in recent new patient initiation trends persisting through the remainder of the year. At the upper end, we've assumed that we start to see an increase in face-to-face physician visits and an increased rate of new patient growth starting in the third quarter. We continue to anticipate overall gross-to-net discount in 2020 to be in the range of 17% to 18%. We forecast gross-to-net decreasing sequentially from 25.4% in the first quarter to approximately 13% to 15% in the second quarter.
On the expense side for 2020, we expect GAAP R&D to be toward the low end of our previous range of $270 million to $285 million. We expect GAAP SG&A to be between $425 million to $445 million from a previous range of $440 million to $460 million. This reduction reflects costs that will be naturally lower due to the current virtual engagement environment. Our guidance continues to reflect the important investments we are making to prepare for our DRP launch, including an expansion of the field team toward the end of the year.
We continue to anticipate noncash stock-based compensation expense to be between $90 million and $100 million in 2020. We will end 2020 with a strong balance sheet and expects our year-end cash balance to be approximately $470 million to $500 million, unchanged from our previous guidance. And with that, I'll turn the call back over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Please turn to Slide 26. ACADIA has proven the ability to quickly adjust and excel in the current environment. We have important work ahead of us and are focused on delivering on our commitments to our patients, caregivers, and physicians.
As I stated earlier, the challenges caused by the pandemic will pass, but the underlying needs of our medicines remain. I have great confidence in our future as we look forward to delivering on the multiyear cadence of pivotal trial readouts and potential approvals. Finally, I'd like to acknowledge and, again, thank our employees who exemplified true leadership and resiliency during these challenging times. I will now open the call up for questions.
Operator?
Questions & Answers:
Operator
[Operator instructions] Our first question comes from the line of Cory Kasimov with JP Morgan. Your line is open. Cory, your line may be on mute. Can you hear us?
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Can you hear me? Hello?
Operator
Yes.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Sorry about that. So I wanted to start by asking on the Clarity program in MDD. Exciting that data is coming sooner than anticipated now, but wanted to just make sure I get this. I understand the studies are identically designed.
But one -- if I recall correctly, one's U.S.-based, and one was outside of the U.S. So, if that is the case, are there nuances to combining these that kind of add incremental risk to readout in terms of underlying baseline characteristics or anything like that? Are you confident in that front? And then the follow-up on this is just whether you -- I know you're meeting with the FDA this quarter, but do you have any preliminary feedback from the agency that gives you the confidence to publicly announce this new strategy now?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Thanks, Cory. I'm going to ask Serge to respond to both questions.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah, Cory. We are obviously adding these two studies combining into one study. Based on the variability we have observed in each of the studies, in terms of the baseline characteristics and the overall variability and other differences, we have not seen any indication of an increase or substantial difference between the two Clarity studies in that respect. So, we feel fairly comfortable with that.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
OK. And then if the FDA agrees to your proposal this quarter, do you just lock the database at that point and begin the process of scrubbing and analyzing the data?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. We're basically -- as we mentioned, we paused the enrollment in the studies. We are seeing the last few patients going through the study. So, following positive FDA interaction toward the end of this month, we will be moving forward, cleaning the database, locking database, and producing the results.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
OK. Great. Appreciate you taking the questions. Thank you.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks, Cory.
Operator
Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Neena Bitritto with Citi. Your line is open.
Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst
Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. So, I just want to ask about the DRP launch. Just thinking about whether or not there's going to be kind of a resurgence of COVID-19 kind of around the time that you would be launching and the bunch of patients are, of course, going to be in that higher-risk bucket.
I mean, how are you thinking about that? Are you kind of making plans to assume that this is going to be a virtual launch?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Thanks much for the question. I'll just start by saying we've done a lot of alternate-scenario planning, and I'll let Michael fill you in a little bit more on time.
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Yeah. Hey, thanks. Thanks for the question. We have very thoughtful online plans to execute the expansion to support the launch that, number one, are tied to the key regulatory milestones.
As you've already alluded to, the environment is different than just simply a few months ago, and we're monitoring that environment very carefully. And I just want to remind you that this is a significant expansion opportunity for ACADIA and for Nuplazid, but we already have a very well-established team, we have ongoing support in our operations model, and are on the ground supporting PDP. So we can leverage that to build upon and support our launch plans. But again, you've outlined it.
This is a fluid situation. We'll continue to kind of monitor the situation as things evolve, and we're being prepared for multiple scenarios. And I think we'll be ready to go no matter what environment we find ourselves into.
Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst
OK. Great. And then in terms of just performance in the first quarter, you talked a little bit about specialty versus -- specialty pharmacy versus specialty distribution channels. Could you just talk about -- did you see any impact in one channel more than the other due to COVID-19 and, in particular, kind of the long-term care setting and how you expect that to kind of play out moving forward? And as we think about the RP kind of down the road?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
So -- Yeah. I'll handle that, Steve. Sure. We anticipate growth in 2020 in both the specialty pharmacy and specialty distribution channel.
As we've said in the past and we saw in the first quarter, often, there is quarter-by-quarter variability and fluctuations between which channel grows versus another one. We would always anticipate, I think, the specialty distribution channel to be one-third of our franchise business. Obviously, long-term care is an important segment for us and one that has a lot of DRP patients. Already sitting there, and we'll be evaluating the go-to-market principles as it relates to the office setting versus the long-term care setting.
But we expect that we'll be able to operate in both settings going forward.
Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst
Great. Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Ritu Baral with Cowen. Your line is open. Ritu, are you here? If your phone is on mute, please unmute.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Ritu, are you on mute?
Operator
[Operator instructions]
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Operator, let's go to the next question. We'll circle back.
Operator
Our next question will be from Alan Carr with Needham & Company. Your line is open.
Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Hi. This is Joey, on for Alan. Thanks for taking our questions. A few quick ones on Nuplazid, sort of, performance.
Can you comment on overall market share in PDP? You know, previously, you've given some metrics around that and how this sort of most recent quarter and looking forward affects that market share, if at all. And also, I -- maybe I missed this, but the quarter-over-quarter volume growth, could you maybe [Inaudible] that? Then and I have a quick question on the DRP launch.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, sure. So, the sequential volume growth was minus 1% or essentially flat. Michael, do you want to take the other question?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Sure. Yeah. Again, I think for a brand like Nuplazid and where we sit, new-to-brand is an important focus of our efforts. We're still in the growth and penetration phase of the life cycle.
As I mentioned, our share overall is in the high teens, but we have a higher share in the new-to-brand dynamic market. And that's based on a PDP market of 130,000 patients.
Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
OK. Thank you. And just quickly on the potential DRP launch. You've mentioned hiring second half of this year.
How much of the existing sales force would you be able to leverage toward that? Thank you.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Right. Sure. And when I talk about force, that's not just reach and frequency representatives, that also includes our patient support and other capabilities. But in general, we've outlined our plans to go to between 400 and 500.
And today, we have around 180 to 200 personnel to leverage.
Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Great. Thanks for taking our questions.
Operator
And ur next question comes from the line of Tazeen Ahmad with Bank of America. Your line is open.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Hi. Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my question. As it relates to guidance, can you give us a little bit more detail? I know you've made some remarks on your prepared statements.
But for the area that you think is most at risk, can you just give us a little bit more color on that? Is it that it's new patient adds from long-term-care facilities? Or is it new patient adds perhaps in general because it does seem from the strategy that you laid out that for continuing patients it really should not be much of an issue at all to stay on jobs just given all the changes? I'm just trying to get a better sense of where most of the exposure to COVID is coming from.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, do you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Sure. Yeah. Thanks for the question. And as it relates to, you know, the guidance, I think the first thing to start with is that, you know, Parkinson's disease psychosis is a very serious situation, and it's quite bothersome and disruptive to the family.
So therefore, it elevates into a -- it elevates on the ladder of need-to-treat. So, with that being said, that's a good thing. Another good thing is we have a strong base of continuing patients that we have continued to demonstrate a high and sustained fulfillment rate. So that's also good with the franchise.
We do expect to grow new-to-brand patients, both in the SP and the SD channel. But the thing that I was trying to articulate in my prepared remarks is that physician visits and diagnoses are down in general, and so it's really a funnel issue. While we may have a higher share of the types of patients that are seeing, overall visits are down. So, once we're doing very well in engaging with our virtual tactics.
But that's what is reflected, really, I think, is in the new-to-brand area vis-à-vis the marketplace.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Elena, you want to just offer any additional thoughts on the overall volume growth that we're anticipating in our guidance?
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Yeah. So, the midpoint of our guidance assumes high-teens year-over-year volume growth. And just as a reminder, when we see the impact we've seen to our new patient growth rate in the first part of the year, you know, when you add patients in the beginning of the year, they have a cumulative benefit to the full year. So that's why when we look at the full-year guidance range, we've reflected it -- reflected the change in our new guidance.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
OK. Thanks, Elena. And can you tell us what percent of sales is coming currently from long-term care?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
It's about...
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
25%.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
I'm sorry.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
About 25% is from long-term care.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Twenty-five percent. OK. Perfect. Thank you.
Operator
And our next question comes from the line of Marc Goodman with SVB Leerink. Your line is open.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Yes, hi. Can you talk about the M1 PAM that you guys licensed in? How is the product set differentiated versus some of the others in development? You said the lead asset is in Phase 1. What indication is that, is that schizophrenia or Alzheimer's? And then just back on Nuplazid, can you talk about just what April has looked like so far relative to March, relative to February, relative to maybe what you were expecting, just so we get a sense of what's happened so far? Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, we'll take those one at a time. Let me offer a couple of thoughts on the PAM program first, and I'll ask Michael to respond to the second question. So, we really like this program. I'm sure many of you are aware, there's a lot of literature describing the potential of muscarinic modulators, both with M1 -- the M1 and M4 subtypes.
And a lot -- the latter is mostly supportive of potential utility in schizophrenia and cognition and dementia. The challenge in this area has always been how to control the -- or mitigate the unwanted cholinergic side effects. So there's some approaches that have been -- shown very intrigued promise by trying to -- when you can block some of those side effects, you can really – what's been observed is a very strong efficacy signal. The approach that Vanderbilt has taken and that we are collaborating with them on is by modulating the M1 receptor subtype to the positive allosteric modulators.
And we believe this PAM approach is designed to achieve a similar level of efficacy, but potentially without the side effects due to high selectivity of these PAMs. So, we're very excited about the approach. We liked the program a lot and eager to get it incorporated, get it going. Michael, do you want to take the other question?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Sure. Thanks for the question. I think that maybe this is a chance to brag a little bit. I'm really proud of the commercial team for what they've been able to do quickly pivoting in a time of a crisis.
Whereby we were able to do a lot of things that optimized the commercial approach. You know, I mentioned the ability to diagnose, treat and get patients on therapy remotely. We've had product theaters that are very well-attended. Our existing sales force leveraging their relationships have had, what I would call a surprisingly good take in their effectiveness to reach customers and engage in meaningful conversations.
And, you know, obviously, the first part of the state shelter in place, I think, was a, you know, pretty devastating thing for the country and the marketplace in general. But as physicians have come to get their feet under the ground, I've been impressed with their response to telemedicine. As I mentioned earlier, the PDP situation is one of serious need, and therefore, we have credible conversations and reasons to engage with customers. So, I think April is certainly seeing better days than the latter parts of the -- of March when the pandemic was first raging and shelter-in-place was a kind of a new thing.
So, our employees are really engaged. The customers are really responding. And I think qualitatively, I would say that we've reached a pretty good space to operate from in April.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
And just to confirm...
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'll just -- I'm sorry, I'll just echo Michael's comments. I think I've been very, very pleased and proud with the work that his team has done in very quickly adapting to this very unusual and very different environment. I think what we've seen is, as Michael mentioned, while in-person visits are down, as you can see from our guidance and from the results that we've published, it has not had nearly a significant impact on our revenues and our projected revenues and all of the other indicators that we look at. So, the business continues to be very strong.
And I think the quick pivot that we've done, the work that Michael team has done is reflected in the fact that we're -- we've revised guidance down by only 5%. I think we feel very good about where we stand. Of course, we have to -- we all recognize it's a fairly fluid situation, but I think our team has done a great job of working virtually.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
And did the $90 million in the first quarter include any buy-in because of COVID, you know, like we've seen in other companies? Or is this pretty much demand-driven?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
No. It's demand-driven. The inventory levels [Inaudible] during the quarter.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Thanks.
Operator
Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Charles Duncan with Cantor Fitzgerald. Your line is open.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Thanks, guys, Stephen and team, for taking my questions. Congrats on a good quarter. I wanted to ask one commercial question and then probably two relatively simple pipeline questions. So, the commercial question for you is I know there's been a fair amount of discussion about the components of guidance, and appreciate Elena's input there.
But I'm specifically wondering about the dynamics in the long-term-care facility setting. I know there's been some discussion about that setting being hit hard by COVID-19. And I guess I'm wondering if you're seeing continued persistence and/or, I guess, improved or continued compliance in that setting in particular and what your assumptions are in the second half of the year with regard to the COVID-19, perhaps second wave?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Yeah. Thanks, Charles. Thanks for the question, and our hearts go out to the [Inaudible] in the long-term care setting, which is a setting that has seen a little bit more of an impact on the COVID. Our -- we expect to continue to see the similar dynamics in our ability to kind of operate, as I said, on the SP and the SD side.
Recall that we have already a well-established franchise. The product flow goes through there and continuing patients have shown no -- we don't see a general impact on the continuing patients. As I mentioned earlier, for both SP and SD, the ability to get new patients, that's kind of where the focus is on the guidance, and we're speculating in that guidance, some reduction in that ability to get new patient starts in both SP and SD. But that's a fluid situation, and we're continuing to monitor that, and we'll continue to evolve our promotional and operational mix to that category when we see it.
It could be that we get back to state-to-state and market-to-market opportunities, and it's going to be an evolution of how we get back into that market.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
That makes sense to me. However, we -- I'm sorry. Go ahead.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'm sorry. Just to be clear, the low end of the guidance assumes that new patients start to stay where they are what we've observed so far. And we don't anticipate that to be the case. The high end of our guidance assumes that we're able to get back into physicians' offices in the third quarter and receive more growth on new patient starts.
So, I think the guidance, again, is very well-rounded into what we're seeing today, recognizing, again, it's a fluid situation that could change.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
OK. Very good. That's helpful, Steve. And then perhaps if I could ask a couple of pipeline questions.
One, is related to DRP. You know, pretty clear guidance that you'll be filing an sNDA soon. You know, I know that summer starts here in a matter of weeks, but I'm wondering if, Serge, could provide us any additional color on kind of rate-limiting steps or additional work that needs to be done to file the DRP sNDA? And then on the MDD program, like that, think it's creative, interesting. But I'm wondering if you could give us some color around the impact on powering, if there's any penalties that you think from a statistical perspective you would take in combining those two studies?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, thanks, Charles. On the first question, really, we are -- as you can imagine, well-advanced in the preparation of our supplemental NDA. Our discussions with FDA did not bring any significant or meaningful changes to that strategy, so we are continuing with the, you know,finalization of the documents that are components of the supplemental NDA. And we are, as I mentioned earlier, completely on-track for that submission in the summer.
And you know, we -- with a six-month priority review, we are, you know, expecting that action date will be in the --toward the end of the year.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Makes sense.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Related to the second question, in terms of the potential statistical impact or penalties for combining the study, all of this, you know, we -- is done and will be done with alignment with the FDA and prospectively prior to any, you know, database lock or anything on that. It is, you know, as a part of our discussion, we are proposing statistical analysis plan. And this is something that -- precedents already exist for this. And it has been done, and we anticipate that FDA will be open for such solution.
I do want to say is that starting -- in general, even the regulators and most of the sponsors are recognizing that there are certain risks involved in the starting and stopping and starting the enrollment where a portion of patients will be assessed and enrolled pre-COVID and a portion of patient post-COVID. So, that solution also brings certain risks, and our assessment is that the proposal that we have offer opportunity for us to still maintain our two-shots-on-the-goal strategy by already planning to, in case of negative outcome, start the second study, but also offer opportunity. We feel very comfortable with proposed statistical plans and analysis.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
That's helpful. If I could sneak one more in. With regard to the Vanderbilt deal that you did, congrats on that, I'm wondering if the current compound that's in Phase 1 testing, you know, it's from an academic. And not to say anything about that, but would you see that as a pharmaceutically optimized compound or really a tool candidate to test the hypothesis with regard to the strategy to get to selectivity?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
It's a great question, Charles. It's something that we spend a lot of time and our diligence on. Vanderbilt has done something that is a little different than what you typically see with academic institutions. They've really dedicated a lot of resources to building the same kind of capabilities in an independent lab structure they set up under Jeff Conn to do the same kinds of things, have the same kind -- types of capabilities in-house as you would have at a pharmaceutical company or a well-positioned biotech company.
And so that was one of the real advantages we saw on partnering with them is not only are they -- have they gone through the same paces that we and others would go through, but they have the capability to continue doing that with other compounds. So -- and by the way, Jeff Con, who leads this effort at Vanderbilt spent a lot of time in the industry, and they've built a really substantial platform there. So, we're very excited about the mechanism, the program, the potential, but also the capabilities are great for our capabilities.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Very good. Thanks for the added color, Steve and team.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from the line of Gregory Renza with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is open.
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Hey, guys. Thanks for taking my question. Congrats on all the progress. And also, thank you for all the color this afternoon and today.
Really appreciate it. Steve, I just wanted to ask a bit, certainly more a little on COVID. And as you discussed really setting the company and the portfolio up for the longer term, just curious -- you're discussing getting through some of the COVID-19 pressures now. But I'm just curious your thoughts on maybe more of the lingering negative effects that the pandemic could have on the market certainly setting up for a very important launch.
But then also with respect to the patient population, the toll perhaps on mental health. Is there any readthrough to that market really being one that would be growing and led itself to the assets of ACADIA and certainly, secondarily, and perhaps connected to the Clarity changes, any additional FDA or further amenability for them to be more flexible with helping to get products like pimavanserin through to these patient populations? Thank you very much.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Thanks for the question. I'll start, and then Michael or Serge, if you guys have additional commentary, please jump in. But look, this is obviously a really tragic situation that we're experiencing globally.
The impact that we're seeing with COVID-19 is short-term. As we mentioned, it's not going to change the fact that symptoms with Parkinson's, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, Rett syndrome. They continue to suffer symptoms despite the pandemic. I think in terms of longer-term impact, I think it will underscore the utility of drugs that help treat these symptoms.
I do think that we'll see some exacerbation of depression and anxiety-induced depression. I think we'll see some, again, further impact on the -- on hallucinations and delusions that Parkinson's and dementia patients suffer. And in some respects, the ability to actually treat those symptoms and possibly keep patients out of the nursing home longer, or in a nursing home setting as to be able to treat those symptoms to make those patients have a higher quality of life and be easier to manage, etc., will be things that will be at an even higher value than they are -- than the very high value than they are today. So, I think as we think about the potential rippling effects, I guess, I'd say, I think they will just underscore the utility of treating the disease that we're pursuing.
And perhaps, equally important, we're treating them with an agent that, so far, has shown very robust efficacy and a very, very tolerable safe in tolerability profile. So I think it will just simply underscore the value of Nuplazid and in all the indications that we're pursuing. Michael or Serge, do you guys anything else to offer?
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Yeah, Steve. I would offer a couple more things. I think that one of the things that mental health has attached to it is, number one, a stigma; and number two, an awareness. And a lot of our medical and consumer education is awareness.
And obviously, folks being together in a longer period of time exposes that information or that situation and that it can make that a lot more front center as a problem to solve. Second, I would say that I think that we're fortunate in that psychiatry and neurology are some of the two highest users of telemedicine. And I think the telemedicine trend that has been established as a -- at a necessity in this COVID environment, I think, is going to continue long after this. And I think that telemedicine is going to be here to stay.
Companies that are optimized for that kind of environment, and our product and company is, are going to continue to serve, I think, the physician customers extremely well. And then the third, and I just want to anchor this to Steve's comments, that a product like Nuplazid whose overall positioning across the sequence of indications is improvement without impairment. In the case of PDP, that was a non-improvement in psychosis without impacting motor. In the case of dementia, it's potentially the impact on cognition, say, on falls and other safety benefits that you don't see with the dopaminergic side effects.
And then, of course, with depression and others, we have benefits that we've shown in our studies, if they were to be part of the claims, you know, in terms of sexual dysfunction, weight gain, metabolic, so the list goes on. So, a product like Nuplazid in the future environment of the things I just discussed and Steve anchored on, I think, are -- it's a really potentially good situation in that regard.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah. And I'll just add that, likewise, on the R&D side, we have been able to really quickly and efficiently move toward the remote assessments and ability to properly monitor safety of the patients through in a remote manner. You know, I want to thank the regulators who reacted really fast in providing the guidelines for -- guidance for sponsors, how to do this. And with the application of all of this, now we have actually essentially systems in place to operate whatever circumstances come up.
Of course, with pandemic, you never know if things may get to some catastrophic level. But in the circumstances as it is, we can really run both models, both on-site visits or remote visits. And we are ready for any circumstance that may come.
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Great. Appreciate that. Thank you, guys.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Operator, I think we have time to get back to Ritu Baral from Cowen. And then I think we can take a couple more questions after that.
Operator
All right. Ritu Baral from Cowen. Your line is open.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Hey, guys. Thanks for fitting me back in. Really sorry about that. My question is for Serge.
I know somebody asked a little bit of this previously, but how should we think about the activity of your M1 PAM from Vanderbilt? Specifically, how do we think about that allosteric modulation, and what sets it apart activity-wise from like xanomeline? And how are -- like is it possible to separate the antimuscarinic side effects from the antipsychotic effects that xanomeline has shown, can you walk us through that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Well, Steve, do you want me to address this?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, please. Go right ahead.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah. The one of the really distinguishing feature of the compounds that we -- in licenses, it's a high level of selectivity, which really would impact the entire side effect profile. In terms of the efficacy, you know, that -- it shouldn't be any distinguishing difference. But with muscarinic receptors and agonists, what happens often is that they -- their selectivity is not exactly what is proclaim or what's predominant selectivity.
And that often impacts the peripheral side effect profiles, particularly. So, what we are impressed with Vanderbilt compounds is that it's high selectivity, and their technology for producing the positive allosteric modulator with, you know, high precision. So, we are really impressed with that and anticipate that we will ultimately see the efficacy that is observed already with M1 -- with muscarinic agonist, but with the side effect profiles. And some initial data that we have also are indicating in that direction.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, I would just -- the last thing Serge mentioned, I mean, in these early stage programs, you always have a biochemical hypothesis, and you do testing in vitro and then in vivo, then you ultimately get in the clinic and test that hypotheses is in humans. And all of the data that we've seen so far is supportive of the theory that we have that we -- that to this positive allosteric modulation, the M1, we may be able to avoid the cholinesterase side effects. So again, it's an early stage program. It has the risk/reward profile of an early stage program, but we're very excited about it.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
And when is the fastest that we get into the clinic?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
We're -- we have -- well, so the lead compound is in Phase 1 now. It's in the early Phase 1. And I think as we progress further, we'll give more updates on it. But another thing we liked about the program is the fact that, you know, with the small molecule early stage programs, you always want to have multiple shots on goal.
And then we've got other compounds that are progressing rapidly as well. So, we feel good about the portfolio approach that Vanderbilt's taking.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
And last question. Apologize if this is a repeat. But in your conversations with FDA about your DRP sNDA. Has the topic of the AdCom come up now that AdComs are definitely virtual for this foreseeable future?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. We continue to expect that there is a high likelihood that we will have advisory committee, nd we are preparing for the advisory committee. That topic did not come up yet because it's not time for that. That's not something that generally is customarily discussed, either the -- at any of the meetings or of the pre-sNDA meeting.
We expect that we will -- once we file and, you know, file is accepted that we will, at that point, hear what their thoughts on that. I do want to remind everybody that it's not typical for supplemental NDA to have advisory committee. But because this is the first approval of antipsychotic in this indication that we anticipated, it is a likelihood that we will have, and we are behaving in that way.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Great. Thank you for taking me back into the queue.
Operator
And our next question comes from the line of Salveen Richter with Goldman Sachs. Your line is open.
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Thanks. Good afternoon. With regards to the Clarity trials, could you just comment on the risk in terms of differences previously seen with placebo response or other factors in the context of U.S. and ex-U.S.
patients or U.S. and ex-U.S. sites? And then just to clarify in the muscarinic receptors, what the rationale is behind targeting M1 and not both M1 and M4.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. In regard to Clarity, first of all, let me just say that in terms of the placebo response in the depression trial, the difference is that we were seeing -- we generally see in schizophrenia are not replicated in the depression trial. The regional organization of the studies was -- is more related to the potential control of the overall variability. And as I mentioned, the data we have and what we observed so far does not indicate that there is a significant concern in terms of the differential variability that we are observing in these two studies.
So, from that perspective, we are reassured that the risks are not of a concerning nature in that regard. And obviously, you know, combining the studies, you are combining the number of clinical sites. But as, you know, with the observed variabilities between two studies, we feel fairly comfortable in that respect. On the M1 versus M4, you know, it's a significant debate what actually cognitive/neuropsychiatric symptoms are better-addressed or more efficiently addressed with the agonism at M1 versus M4.
There is a kind of school of thought that M1 is more on a cognitive side and that M4 is more on the acute psychotic symptoms side. But there is no -- actually, looking historically through the studies, I think that there are arguments to be made that both cognition -- cognitive symptoms and more broader neuropsychiatric symptoms in schizophrenia, which would include both negative symptoms as positive symptoms would be and can be addressed with M1. I will simply say that what we intend to do in developing these molecules is to simply listen to -- in clinical observations and adjust our development programs, as we are moving through the stages of development, so that we pursued the most appropriate indications with this. But we are open-minded in that respect at this point.
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Great. Thank you.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Operator, I think we have time for one more question.
Operator
Yes, sir. And our next question is from the line of Chris Howerton with Jefferies. Your line is open.
Chris Howerton -- Jefferies -- Analyst
Great. Thank you so much for taking the question. I'll try and make this quick. So, Steve, we've had some initial discussions about growing the company through BD, and I just wanted to understand what the scope of the deals you're thinking about in the future, just given the precedent of these two relatively small deals that we've seen so far? Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Thanks for the question. As we've previously indicated, growing the company transactionally is a key pillar of our business plan. You'll see more transactions for us as we go forward.
I think the two deals that we've done so far are good examples. I would characterize the kind of deals we are doing, but I wouldn't -- you shouldn't limit the scope or assume that our scope is limited to just those kinds of deals or those sizes of deals. The -- of course, as I mentioned, trofinetide is a good example of a later-stage opportunity that we are very excited about. Those Vanderbilt deals we've been discussing is an earlier-stage opportunity.
We have presence both in neurology and psychiatry. We've built a very -- I would characterize it as a very, very formidable R&D engine. I think the results that you guys have seen us produce support that. And I think we've built a very, very substantial presence commercially.
So, we've got capabilities that we can leverage, and we will continue to do that.
Chris Howerton -- Jefferies -- Analyst
OK. All right. Very good. Thanks for taking my question.
Operator
Thank you, and I'm not showing any more questions at the time.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thanks, operator. Look, I know we've run a little bit long here. I just want to say thanks to all of you for joining us today.
We appreciate it. Look forward to updating you on our progress next quarter.
Operator
[Operator signoff]
Duration: 73 minutes
Call participants:
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights
Serge Stankovic -- President
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst
Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Chris Howerton -- Jefferies -- Analyst
More ACAD analysis
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved globally, ACADIA has made it a priority to support patients who rely on our current and developing medicines, protect the health and safety of our employees and do our part to minimize spread of the virus. Is there any readthrough to that market really being one that would be growing and led itself to the assets of ACADIA and certainly, secondarily, and perhaps connected to the Clarity changes, any additional FDA or further amenability for them to be more flexible with helping to get products like pimavanserin through to these patient populations? Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2020 Earnings Call May 07, 2020, 4:30 p.m. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 73 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Chris Howerton -- Jefferies -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2020 Earnings Call May 07, 2020, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' first-quarter 2020 financial results conference call. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 73 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Chris Howerton -- Jefferies -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2020 Earnings Call May 07, 2020, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' first-quarter 2020 financial results conference call. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 73 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Commercial Performance and Highlights Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Neena Bitritto -- Citi -- Analyst Joey Stringer -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Chris Howerton -- Jefferies -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2020 Earnings Call May 07, 2020, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' first-quarter 2020 financial results conference call. |
35873.0 | 2020-04-28 00:00:00 UTC | 10 Stocks to Buy for an Aging Population | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/10-stocks-to-buy-for-an-aging-population-2020-04-28 | nan | nan | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips
The novel coronavirus has put the spotlight on an aging population. Investors are focusing on the stocks to buy to benefit from Covid-19. While there is no doubt that the virus is taking the lives of seniors at an alarming rate here in America and elsewhere, the idea of benefiting from an aging demographic is not a new one.
In the past few years, plenty of InvestorPlace contributors have opined on the subject.
In May 2019, Josh Enomoto discussed assisted-living stocks as a hedge against the trade war between the U.S. and China. In January 2018, I discussed “10 Baby Boomer Stocks to Buy and Retire Wealthy.” Going back to 2012, Alyssa Oursler discussed seven long-term demographic trends investors should play to make money in the markets.
The No. 1 trend, according to Oursler, was old people. Some things never change. Today, most of the deaths from the coronavirus are happening in long-term care homes for the elderly.
7 Stocks to Buy for Their Double-Digit Growth Prospects
While that doesn’t reflect well on the companies operating in this industry, in the long-term, better operators will figure out how to handle this type of situation for the next time it comes around.
Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC)
Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB)
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD)
Hillrom (NYSE:HRC)
Ventas (NYSE:VTR)
Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED)
UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH)
Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD)
Thor Industries (NYSE:THO)
Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL)
Good or bad, these 10 stocks to buy have a big part to play in an aging population.
Stocks to Buy: Teladoc (TDOC)
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Source: Piotr Swat / Shutterstock.com
There aren’t many stocks that have performed better than Teladoc in 2020. Up 124% year to date through April 23, investors ought to consider this provider of telehealth services for the long haul.
That’s because Covid-19 has proven virtual health services take some of the strain off the healthcare system. In fact, Teladoc Chief Medical Officer Lewis Levy said the following on the matter:
“Virtual medical care keeps health care workers safe, especially since there are great shortages of personal protection equipment … You really have to triage patients in order to only send people who really need critical in-person care.”
What do you get when you take an aging population and mix in a global pandemic? A marketer’s dream remedy for accelerated growth.
“While many industry experts said consumer adoption was at a tipping point at the start of 2020, it is clear that Covid-19 put virtual care on a fast track for substantial growth,” Mdlive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Jones said in a statement.
While Teladoc services all ages, I believe telemedicine can help seniors age better. Of all the stocks on this list, TDOC stock could be the biggest home run in the future.
Biogen (BIIB)
Source: Pavel Kapysh / Shutterstock.com
During Covid-19, many of the drug companies we would normally hear about have been drowned out by news about Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD), Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN) and other companies working on treatments, vaccines, etc.
However, when it comes to aging, few biotech companies are more important at the moment than Biogen, whose Alzheimer’s drug, aducanumab, is set to go before the Food and Drug Administration for approval in the third quarter.
Unfortunately, for long-time investors, the drug’s approval process continues to be delayed, pushing some analysts to adjust its go-to-market date to 2021 or even 2022. Ironically, Covid-19, which is partly responsible for the delay, is thought to have spread in the U.S. as a result of a Biogen conference in early March.
However, in the company’s Q1 2020 conference call, CEO Michel Vounatsos remained cautiously optimistic about its drug in development.
“We remain optimistic about the prospect of bringing aducanumab to market as the first therapy to reduce clinical decline in Alzheimer’s disease, and we continue to progress in our market preparation and launch readiness with an initial focus on the U.S.,” Vounatsos stated April 22.
“We hope that aducanumab marks the beginning of an era of new potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and we aim to build a broad franchise across multiple targets and modalities.”
In the first quarter, Biogen’s revenues increased by 1% to $3.5 billion, while its adjusted net earnings rose by 15% to $1.3 billion. Due to fewer shares outstanding, its earnings per share increased 31% year over year.
Up until aducanumab, Biogen was mostly known for its multiple sclerosis drugs. Approval of its Alzheimer’s drug would alter its growth profile tremendously.
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Patient investors will be rewarded.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD)
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Source: Shutterstock
In April 2016, Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ drug Nuplazid, which is used to treat patients with Parkinson’s who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, was approved for commercial use by the FDA.
At this stage of the game, it is the biotech company’s only product.
However, it is currently working on getting Nuplazid approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. In December, Acadia reported positive results from its Stage III clinical trial that showed patients in the trial on Nuplazid were three times less likely to see a relapse in their psychosis than those on the placebo.
If approved by the FDA, it would become the first treatment for dementia-related psychosis. Given 30% of the eight million dementia patients in America suffer from some kind of psychosis, it would be a welcome addition for dementia patients across the country.
Acadia’s stock is up almost 15% year to date compared to a total return of -14% for the Morningstar U.S. Market Index. Investors who bought near its mid-March lows are doing even better, up 57% in a little over a month.
Currently trading at 21 times sales, considerably higher than its five-year average, I would try to pick up some stock in the low $40s at some point in the next two to three months. The downside of this play is that it could get accepted to go through the FDA approval process in the meantime, which would most certainly send its stock into the $50’s or beyond.
As a play on aging, however, it’s one of the better stocks to buy.
Hillrom (HRC)
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Source: Shutterstock
The Chicago-based maker of specialty beds and other products and services for use in hospitals and other healthcare facilities continues to focus on becoming more technologically innovative. As we struggle through Covid-19, the company’s products can be seen on the frontline in hospitals across the country.
Who hasn’t visited someone in the hospital and seen “Hillrom” at the end of the bed? It’s got a very strong brand in the healthcare industry.
In the company’s first-quarter presentation, Hillrom pointed out that the company expects to generate more than $550 million in 2020 from new products, up from $300 million just two years earlier. In 2019, new products accounted for 16% of its $2.9 billion in total revenue. Investors can expect that percentage to keep rising.
On April 23, Hillrom announced five new innovations to help caregivers fight Covid-19. Probably the biggest innovation involved the company’s MetaNeb System, which is used for respiratory care.
According to the company’s press release:
“Hillrom has received emergency use authorization from the FDA to adapt the company’s MetaNeb System to help COVID-19 patients … The MetaNeb System combines lung expansion, secretion clearance and aerosol delivery into a single integrated therapy session and can be used with any ventilator. Clinical studies show that oscillation and lung expansion therapy reduces time on the ventilator and reduces ICU length of stay.”
The company reported its first-quarter results in January. Highlights included a 6% increase in revenue, an 11% increase in its adjusted EPS, and a 160 basis point increase in its gross margin in the quarter. Hillrom reports its second-quarter results on May 1.
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Long-term, you won’t go wrong with Hillrom. In the short-term, it’s an excellent defensive play in a very turbulent market.
Ventas (VTR)
Source: Shutterstock
Of all the stocks one might buy to benefit from the aging trend, Ventas has got to be one of the most disappointing. I have recommended the real estate investment trust, which owns more than 1,200 healthcare-related properties in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., on several occasions over the past three years with little to show for my confidence.
In May 2017, I included Ventas in a group of 10 S&P dividend stocks to buy. It’s down 58% in the three years since. I then recommended Ventas in July 2018 because I thought CEO Debra Cafaro did an excellent job running the company. Although it’s currently experiencing significant challenges in its senior housing portfolio, she’s widely respected in the industry. Finally, in October 2019, I recommended Ventas as one of 10 real estate stocks to buy to ride out the market volatility.
Live by the sword, die by the sword.
Ventas stock has a total return of 51% over the past three months, primarily because it generates 70% of its net operating income from seniors housing, and many of the operators of these facilities are looking for rent deferrals to cover the increased cost of taking care of patients.
Investors are worried that something’s got to give. And that something very well could be its quarterly dividend of 79 cents. The Motley Fool’s Reuben Gregg Brewer does a good job explaining why the dividend is likely to be cut.
My thesis for buying is simple: Ventas stock hasn’t traded this low since 2009. With a CEO as capable as Cafaro, I have confidence Ventas will make it through its latest challenge.
But if you’re looking to benefit from its 11.3% yield, you ought to look elsewhere. It’s anything but a lock.
Amedisys (AMED)
Source: Shutterstock
If there is a company that ought to benefit from the aging population, Amedisys would have to be at the top of the list. That’s especially true because of Covid-19.
How’s that?
My mother lives in a nine-floor senior home. When she moved into the facility in 2014, it had one floor of long-term care. The rest were independent living apartments. Since then, the people who own the facility have turned two additional floors into assisted-living. I suspect before long, all of the floors will be dedicated to the sick and frail.
All across the U.S., people have been dying in long-term care facilities at an alarming rate. In Canada, nearly half the deaths from Covid-19 are linked to long-term care facilities.
In much the same way people view cruise lines as giant “petri dishes,” the same can be said about long-term care facilities.
Aging parents who once might have considered moving into a seniors facility as my mother did are likely going to have second thoughts about leaving the relative safety of their long-time homes.
That’s where Amedisys comes in.
As one of the leading providers of post-acute care, which includes home health, hospice and personal care, the company is ideally positioned to benefit from an uptick in in-home health services. And even if the trend toward staying in your home longer doesn’t accelerate, the aging population provides the company with a captive audience.
In the past five years, Amedisys has seen its revenues grow by 55% to $1.9 billion, while its net income grew from a $3 million loss in 2015 to a profit of $126.8 million in 2019. So, it’s not hard to understand why it’s got an annualized total return of 48.1% over the past five years.
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Next to Teladoc, I think AMED stock could be the biggest no-brainer stock to buy on this list.
United Health (UNH)
Source: Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com
Last October, Verizon (NYSE:VZ) and the Alabama Public Education Employees’ Health Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) announced that in 2020 they would no longer offer health benefits for its retirees through UnitedHealth.
In the case of PEEHIP, it moved those benefits to Humana (NYSE:HUM) while Verizon was shifting health benefits for its retirees in the western half of the country to CVS’ (NYSE:CVS) Aetna division. Verizon’s retirees in the eastern half of the U.S. would continue to receive health benefits from UnitedHealth Group.
While that was a blow to UnitedHealth’s group Medicare Advantage business, it still serviced more than 1.4 million retirees from 500 different companies. Senior benefits remain an important part of the company’s growth. If you include the purchase of Medicare Advantage coverage by individuals, UnitedHealth covered 5.3 million people as of the end of December.
In 2019, the company’s revenues increased 7.1% to $242.2 billion, due in large part to an increase in the number of people served by Medicare Advantage as well as several other reasons, including higher pricing trends.
In the first quarter ended March 31, UnitedHealth’s Medicare and Retirement segment grew revenues by 9.7% to $23.2 billion. That’s 45% of its total revenue in the quarter. Its Medicare Advantage business had a big quarter, growing the number of people it serves by 410,000 to 5.6 million. That’s almost 6% higher than three months earlier.
During this tragic time where the coronavirus continues to take its fair share of seniors, UnitedHealth continues to do its best to service this segment of the population. It’s hard to imagine the growth slowing any time soon.
Boyd Gaming (BYD)
Source: Maridav/Shutterstock, Inc.
I have never been a fan of casinos.
That said, I do know from my limited experience, that retirees like to frequent them to play slot machines and pass the time. While it’s hard to know how many casino customers will return once state economies reopen, I imagine Boyd Gaming will welcome them with open arms.
According to a recent study, the global casino market is expected to hit $525 billion by 2023. Another report suggests that 50% of U.S. casino gamblers are seniors. Further, 70% of seniors do some sort of gambling in a given year, making casinos a big beneficiary of an aging population.
Sadly, seniors have become a big target of the casinos, for very obvious financial reasons.
“The nation’s $40 billion a year gambling industry aggressively targets older customers, as they have accumulated wealth and are especially vulnerable, experts say, to wagering more than they can afford,” the January/February 2014 AARP bulletin stated.
The enticements range from free bus trips, meals and even discount prescription cards to “‘comped’ hotel accommodations — not to mention the private jets dispatched to pick up high-rollers.”
Considering 81% of those diagnosed with dementia are 75 or older, casinos walk a fine line between entertainment and seniors abuse.
Actions taken by the company to reduce cash outflows while its 29 gaming properties are closed include furloughing employees on an unpaid basis effective April 11, executive pay cuts, suspension of its dividend, suspension of all capital expenditures and postponing all non-essential spending.
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Boyd Gaming believes it can make it through the coronavirus with enough liquidity to be able to reopen all of its properties. If so, you can be sure its customer base will return to the slot machines and gaming tables.
Thor Industries (THO)
Source: Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com
As we make our way through the coronavirus, one of the things investment writers like myself are trying to figure out is what’s the world going to look like once we are able to go back to work and social distancing becomes a thing of the past.
In the near term, it’s likely that people wanting to get away from it all will choose to drive to their preferred destination rather than by plane or train. Further, not everyone is going to want to stay in a hotel, which makes a recreational vehicle an attractive alternative for people at or near retirement.
“RVs provide a wonderful opportunity for people to continue to enjoy vacations with their families, while still adhering to social distancing, which will likely stay in place in some form for the foreseeable future,” Craig Kirby, President of the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), recently stated.
As for those in retirement who are looking for a different lifestyle, according to the RVIA, as many as 200,000 people have made their permanent residence on wheels.
The biggest manufacturer of motorhomes and trailers in the U.S. is Thor Industries, which got its start in 1980 when Wade Thompson and Peter Orthwein acquired Airstream. Since then, it has made many acquisitions, becoming the No. 1 company in terms of the North American market share in both the towable and motorized segments of the RV industry.
In February 2019, Thor acquired Erwin Hymer Group, the largest RV company in Europe, for $1.76 billion in cash and 2.26 million shares of THO stock. The acquisition made it the world’s largest RV manufacturer.
Retirees have always been big on RVs. With millennials into buying campervans, a Hymer specialty, Thor Industries’ future looks very bright.
Royal Caribbean (RCL)
Source: Laszlo Halasi / Shutterstock.com
The average person who’s leery of being in crowded spaces isn’t likely to want to take a cruise anytime soon. I’m sure there are many seniors who feel this way. However, seniors continue to be a big demographic for the cruise industry.
In 2018, people over the age of 60 accounted for 33% of the passengers taking cruises, many of whom were from the U.S., which accounted for 13.1 million passengers, five times that of Mainland China, the next highest country for cruisers. Interestingly, the longer the cruise, the older the average age onboard the ship, which makes sense given retirees have more time to devote to lengthy trips.
Many of my InvestorPlace colleagues are skeptical about Royal Caribbean’s ability to survive the coronavirus.
“It’s worth noting that if you pick up a cruise stock now and it doesn’t go into bankruptcy, you’re looking at impressive returns over the next year as demand starts to pick up. However, there’s a good chance you are picking up a company that’s about to go under,” InvestorPlace’s Laura Hoy wrote on April 20. “For now, with uncertainty surrounding a potential second wave of coronavirus outbreaks, RCL stock is simply too risky — as are the rest of its peers. The only thing riskier than buying RCL stock right now would be going on an actual cruise.”
She’s not wrong to state going on a cruise right now would be an absolutely silly thing to do. Not even Royal Caribbean CEO Richard Fain thinks that’s a good idea. However, I don’t think it’s time to write off the cruise industry.
Carnival (NYSE:CCL) recently secured enough funding to survive zero cruises over the remainder of 2020. Royal Caribbean is looking to secure more cash to ensure it’s able to ride out the coronavirus.
One way it has been able to save cash is by deferring debt payments on its German-made ships. According to Seatrade Cruise News, Hermes, Germany’s export credit agency, is providing 12-month deferments of debt payments for five ships. That’s on top of deferments for three ships announced previously. The eight ships will save it $450 million in cash.
In case you haven’t figured it out, there are a lot of people invested in the cruise industry, from shipbuilders to food and beverage suppliers to countries receiving docking fees for visiting cruise ships. The list goes on.
When it’s safe to go back, seniors will return in droves. If not, the world as we know it will be over. Then it won’t matter what you’ve invested in.
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Aggressive investors would be wise to pick up RCL shares below $30. The last time an opportunity this good came around was during the Great Recession.
Will Ashworth has written about investments full-time since 2008. Publications where he’s appeared include InvestorPlace, The Motley Fool Canada, Investopedia, Kiplinger, and several others in both the U.S. and Canada. He particularly enjoys creating model portfolios that stand the test of time. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the time of this writing Will Ashworth did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
The post 10 Stocks to Buy for an Aging Population appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC) Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) Hillrom (NYSE:HRC) Ventas (NYSE:VTR) Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD) Thor Industries (NYSE:THO) Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) Good or bad, these 10 stocks to buy have a big part to play in an aging population. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) ACAD)" width="300" height="169"> Source: Shutterstock In April 2016, Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ drug Nuplazid, which is used to treat patients with Parkinson’s who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, was approved for commercial use by the FDA. In December, Acadia reported positive results from its Stage III clinical trial that showed patients in the trial on Nuplazid were three times less likely to see a relapse in their psychosis than those on the placebo. | Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC) Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) Hillrom (NYSE:HRC) Ventas (NYSE:VTR) Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD) Thor Industries (NYSE:THO) Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) Good or bad, these 10 stocks to buy have a big part to play in an aging population. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) ACAD)" width="300" height="169"> Source: Shutterstock In April 2016, Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ drug Nuplazid, which is used to treat patients with Parkinson’s who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, was approved for commercial use by the FDA. In December, Acadia reported positive results from its Stage III clinical trial that showed patients in the trial on Nuplazid were three times less likely to see a relapse in their psychosis than those on the placebo. | Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC) Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) Hillrom (NYSE:HRC) Ventas (NYSE:VTR) Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD) Thor Industries (NYSE:THO) Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) Good or bad, these 10 stocks to buy have a big part to play in an aging population. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) ACAD)" width="300" height="169"> Source: Shutterstock In April 2016, Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ drug Nuplazid, which is used to treat patients with Parkinson’s who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, was approved for commercial use by the FDA. In December, Acadia reported positive results from its Stage III clinical trial that showed patients in the trial on Nuplazid were three times less likely to see a relapse in their psychosis than those on the placebo. | Teladoc Health (NYSE:TDOC) Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) Hillrom (NYSE:HRC) Ventas (NYSE:VTR) Amedisys (NASDAQ:AMED) UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD) Thor Industries (NYSE:THO) Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) Good or bad, these 10 stocks to buy have a big part to play in an aging population. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) ACAD)" width="300" height="169"> Source: Shutterstock In April 2016, Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ drug Nuplazid, which is used to treat patients with Parkinson’s who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, was approved for commercial use by the FDA. In December, Acadia reported positive results from its Stage III clinical trial that showed patients in the trial on Nuplazid were three times less likely to see a relapse in their psychosis than those on the placebo. |
35874.0 | 2020-03-31 00:00:00 UTC | Implied RXL Analyst Target Price: $112 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/implied-rxl-analyst-target-price%3A-%24112-2020-03-31 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the ProShares Ultra Health Care ETF (Symbol: RXL), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $111.54 per unit.
With RXL trading at a recent price near $91.47 per unit, that means that analysts see 21.94% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of RXL's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Globus Medical Inc (Symbol: GMED), DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc (Symbol: XRAY), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although GMED has traded at a recent price of $42.69/share, the average analyst target is 39.38% higher at $59.50/share. Similarly, XRAY has 37.12% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $53.75/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $55.36/share, which is 33.97% above the recent price of $41.32. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of GMED, XRAY, and ACAD:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
NAME SYMBOL RECENT PRICE AVG. ANALYST 12-MO. TARGET % UPSIDE TO TARGET
ProShares Ultra Health Care ETF RXL $91.47 $111.54 21.94%
Globus Medical Inc GMED $42.69 $59.50 39.38%
DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc XRAY $39.20 $53.75 37.12%
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.32 $55.36 33.97%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ProShares Ultra Health Care ETF RXL $91.47 $111.54 21.94% Globus Medical Inc GMED $42.69 $59.50 39.38% DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc XRAY $39.20 $53.75 37.12% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.32 $55.36 33.97% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of RXL's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Globus Medical Inc (Symbol: GMED), DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc (Symbol: XRAY), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, XRAY has 37.12% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $53.75/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $55.36/share, which is 33.97% above the recent price of $41.32. | Three of RXL's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Globus Medical Inc (Symbol: GMED), DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc (Symbol: XRAY), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, XRAY has 37.12% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $53.75/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $55.36/share, which is 33.97% above the recent price of $41.32. ProShares Ultra Health Care ETF RXL $91.47 $111.54 21.94% Globus Medical Inc GMED $42.69 $59.50 39.38% DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc XRAY $39.20 $53.75 37.12% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.32 $55.36 33.97% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? | Similarly, XRAY has 37.12% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $53.75/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $55.36/share, which is 33.97% above the recent price of $41.32. Three of RXL's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Globus Medical Inc (Symbol: GMED), DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc (Symbol: XRAY), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of GMED, XRAY, and ACAD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: | ProShares Ultra Health Care ETF RXL $91.47 $111.54 21.94% Globus Medical Inc GMED $42.69 $59.50 39.38% DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc XRAY $39.20 $53.75 37.12% Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc ACAD $41.32 $55.36 33.97% Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of RXL's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Globus Medical Inc (Symbol: GMED), DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc (Symbol: XRAY), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, XRAY has 37.12% upside from the recent share price of $39.20 if the average analyst target price of $53.75/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $55.36/share, which is 33.97% above the recent price of $41.32. |
35875.0 | 2020-03-13 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For May 1st | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-may-1st-2020-03-13 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 1st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new May 1st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $33.50 strike price has a current bid of $2.80. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $33.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $30.70 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $35.42/share today.
Because the $33.50 strike represents an approximate 5% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 64%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 8.36% return on the cash commitment, or 62.26% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $33.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $36.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.10. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $35.42/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $36.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 10.39% if the stock gets called away at the May 1st expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $36.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 47%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 8.75% boost of extra return to the investor, or 65.19% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 112%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 107%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $35.42) to be 73%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $36.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 1st expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $36.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 1st expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new May 1st contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $33.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $36.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.10. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $36.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 1st expiration. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $33.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $36.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.10. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $36.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the May 1st expiration. |
35876.0 | 2020-03-12 00:00:00 UTC | This 1 Stock Is a Good Buy During the Coronavirus Sell-Off | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/this-1-stock-is-a-good-buy-during-the-coronavirus-sell-off-2020-03-12 | nan | nan | Biopharma company Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) saw its stock price rise by more than 164% in 2019, outperforming both the Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (up 64%) and the S&P 500 (up 29%). The company's stock received a boost from making progress toward profitability, positive data from clinical trial results, and continued revenue growth of its lead drug Nuplazid (pimavanserin) -- a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP).
The stock is currently down 13% year-to-date and continues to outpace the broader market and the Virtus sector ETF. The recent market conditions driven by the coronavirus outbreak and plummeting oil prices make it an attractive buying opportunity for investors.
To understand whether this stock is a great long-term investment at this price, let's briefly review the company's recent earnings, Nuplazid's growth prospects, and Acadia's strategic goals for 2020.
Image Source: Getty Images
Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Q4 highlights
Acadia closed the year strong by exceeding Wall Street estimates in both top- and bottom-line results. It reported fourth-quarter revenue of $98.3 million, $1.64 million higher than analyst expectations, and a net loss of $0.34 per share, which beat the consensus by $0.03.
METRIC
Q4 2019
Q4 2018
CHANGE
Total revenue
$98.3 million
$59.6 million
65%
Research & Development
$57.5 million
$48.2 million
19%
Net loss
($53.0 million)
($65.5 million)
N/A
EPS
($0.34)
($0.50)
32%
Source: Acadia Pharmaceuticals
The comparative numbers demonstrate the company's commitment to R&D investment and continued revenue growth. It saw a 19% improvement in net loss year over year, showing that it's making significant progress on the path toward profitability.
Revenue by the quarter
METRIC
Q1 2019
Q2 2019
Q3 2019
Q4 2019
Revenue
$63.0 million
$83.2 million
$94.6 million
$98.3 million
YoY Change (2018)
29%
46%
62%
65%
Source: Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Each quarter saw an increase in year-over-year net sales, topping the results from 2018. The key driver here was sales of Nuplazid, which is Acadia's main source of revenue. With success in future treatments, this growth is expected to continue year over year, driving the stock higher and offering more profits to investors.
Where's the stock headed?
There is potential for this stock to rise higher. The company saw a rapid acceleration in performance from continued revenue growth and positive clinical trial data. The stock is currently trading around $37, analysts are bullish and expect it to be trading in a range of $41 to $75, with the average price target being $57.19.
ACAD data by YCharts
The two key catalysts behind its stock price increases came from achievements in its phase 3 clinical trial results in September and December.
In September, Acadia announced that its phase 3 trial evaluating Nuplazid for the treatment of dementia-related Psychosis (DRP) met a primary endpoint (target), "demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse of psychosis" compared to placebo.
In December, the company announced that the trial of Nuplazid had met primary and secondary endpoints in this pivotal phase 3 study in patients with DRP.
Primary: Significantly reduced the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8-fold
Secondary: Significantly reduced the risk of discontinuing the drug by 2.2-fold
If the drug application is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year, Nuplazid for treatment of DRP will generate more profit for Acadia -- and likely stock-price growth for investors.
Nuplazid's growth opportunity
Nuplazid is the first and the only FDA-approved treatment for hallucinations associated with PDP. Nuplazid's success in PDP has led Acadia to study its use for other indications, including DRP, major depressive disorder (MDD), negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disease.
DRP offers the most opportunity for investors in Acadia. It is similar to PDP in many ways:
There's a high unmet need for treatment
If approved, Acadia's would be the first and only treatment
There is a large elderly population with the condition
DRP is burdensome to caregivers
The population living with DRP (1.2 million patients) is 10 times larger than the population of those with PDP, which presents a massive opportunity. Physicians recognize the association between dementia and psychosis more so than in Parkinson's disease, therefore allowing for an expanded audience of providers -- including psychiatrists and geriatric general practitioners -- who will be willing to prescribe Nuplazid for its new indication, should it be approved.
A year of transformation
In 2019, Acadia generated $339.1 million in net product sales, a 52% increase year over year. Here's a look into Acadia's strategy for continuing that growth in 2020.
Net sales of Nuplazid for PDP and potentially DRP are expected to grow, with management forecasting $440 million to $470 million revenue for 2020; the midpoint of this range represents sales growth of 34% year over year.
If approved, Nuplazid for DRP patients will drive market expansion.
R&D growth is expected to continue, with drugs in the pipeline being developed for multiple diseases.
Acadia's future looks bright, and investors should take note of the timeline of key catalysts of data results and potential approvals.
DISEASE
CURRENT STAGE
PROJECTED DATA/ SUBMISSION/OTHER
POTENTIAL APPROVAL
DRP
sNDA (supplemental new drug application) submission
Summer 2020 (Submission)
Year-End (YE) 2020
MDD
Phase 3
4Q 2020 (Data)
YE 2021/2022
Rett syndrome
Phase 3
2021 (Data)
2022
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Phase 2-2nd study
Study begins summer 2020
YE 2023
Source: Acadia Pharmaceuticals -- YE = Year Ending
Acadia's potential first-mover advantage in DRP plus further developments in other indications can drive the company toward profitability. Bullish analysts expect the company to turn a profit near the end of 2021, but a more reasonable estimate is near the end of 2022.
This stock is worth the long-term hold for the next two years (or more) because the company has no generic competition in PDP and patents for some forms of Nuplazid aren't set to start expiring until between 2022 and 2028. Healthcare investors looking for long-term growth should consider Acadia Pharmaceuticals for their portfolio.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Nuplazid's success in PDP has led Acadia to study its use for other indications, including DRP, major depressive disorder (MDD), negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disease. Biopharma company Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) saw its stock price rise by more than 164% in 2019, outperforming both the Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (up 64%) and the S&P 500 (up 29%). To understand whether this stock is a great long-term investment at this price, let's briefly review the company's recent earnings, Nuplazid's growth prospects, and Acadia's strategic goals for 2020. | In September, Acadia announced that its phase 3 trial evaluating Nuplazid for the treatment of dementia-related Psychosis (DRP) met a primary endpoint (target), "demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse of psychosis" compared to placebo. Biopharma company Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) saw its stock price rise by more than 164% in 2019, outperforming both the Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (up 64%) and the S&P 500 (up 29%). To understand whether this stock is a great long-term investment at this price, let's briefly review the company's recent earnings, Nuplazid's growth prospects, and Acadia's strategic goals for 2020. | Primary: Significantly reduced the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8-fold Secondary: Significantly reduced the risk of discontinuing the drug by 2.2-fold If the drug application is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) later this year, Nuplazid for treatment of DRP will generate more profit for Acadia -- and likely stock-price growth for investors. Biopharma company Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) saw its stock price rise by more than 164% in 2019, outperforming both the Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (up 64%) and the S&P 500 (up 29%). To understand whether this stock is a great long-term investment at this price, let's briefly review the company's recent earnings, Nuplazid's growth prospects, and Acadia's strategic goals for 2020. | Source: Acadia Pharmaceuticals -- YE = Year Ending Acadia's potential first-mover advantage in DRP plus further developments in other indications can drive the company toward profitability. Biopharma company Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) saw its stock price rise by more than 164% in 2019, outperforming both the Virtus LifeSci Biotech Clinical Trials ETF (up 64%) and the S&P 500 (up 29%). To understand whether this stock is a great long-term investment at this price, let's briefly review the company's recent earnings, Nuplazid's growth prospects, and Acadia's strategic goals for 2020. |
35877.0 | 2020-03-06 00:00:00 UTC | 6 Quality Biotech Stocks on Sale Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/6-quality-biotech-stocks-on-sale-now-2020-03-06 | nan | nan | Who doesn't love a good sale? With the markets in turmoil and little idea when it will end, healthcare investors can seize the opportunity to snap up discounted shares of quality companies.
Here, I explore six attractive small and mid-cap biotechs with valuations greater than $5.5 billion. These established companies expect to generate revenue between $450 million and $2.4 billion in 2020. Yet due to market conditions, their stock prices have dropped between 10% and 35% this year.
Image Source: Getty Images.
1. Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) markets Nuplazid, a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. A 2018 scientific study estimated that Parkinson's disease will affect more than 1.2 million people in North America in 2030,and about half of those will experience hallucinations or delusions. Acadia reported $339.1 million in revenues for Nuplazid in 2019, a 52% increase over the prior year.
Importantly, Acadia plans to file for Food and Drug Administration approval of Nuplazid for dementia-related psychosis, a condition that the company claims is a ten-times-larger patient population. To prepare, Acadia is expanding its sales force from 200 to roughly 500 people. The company expects 2020 Nuplazid sales to reach between $440 million to $470 million, a 34% increase year-over-year at the midpoint of the range.
2. Amarin
After posting record revenue of $429.8 million in 2019, Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) expects the growth to continue in 2020. Revenue guidance for the year ranges from $650 million to $700 million. Amarin has nearly completed doubling its sales force to about 800 people to help achieve this.
Vascepa, Amarin's marketed product, gained a second, extremely important FDA approval in December. Vascepa demonstrated that it can help reduce cardiovascular events in patients with high risk for cardiovascular issues. Millions of patients stand to benefit from this drug being approved by the FDA to mitigate this risk. Despite consistently growing sales, the stock dropped 35% from the start of the year, making it a top biotech stock to buy right now.
3. Exact Sciences
This cancer diagnostic developer has taken investors on a choppy ride over the past few months. While sales grow for Cologuard, a non-invasive test for colorectal cancer, Exact Sciences (NASDAQ: EXAS) will see the fruits of its $2.9 billion acquisition of Genomic Health completed last November. Revenues for 2020 are expected to be in the range of $1.61 billion to $1.64 billion, giving Exact an attractive price-to-sales ratio of roughly 6.7.
The stock dropped significantly last week, primarily due to a $1 billion financing of convertible debt. Investor demand drove an increase of $150 million in the amount Exact raised. With additional money in the bank and a stock price 30% lower than the start of the year, investors should revisit Exact Sciences now.
4. Exelixis
Cabometyx, Exelixis' (NASDAQ: EXEL) drug for certain kinds of kidney and liver cancers, brought in $760 million in 2019. The company expects 2020 sales to range from $850 million to $900 million, with roughly 85% attributable to Cabometyx. While appearing to fire on all cylinders, the stock lost about 15% of its value.
What makes Exelixis more attractive than most? Well, it's profitable, a rarity among most small and mid-cap biotechs. It relies heavily on a single product despite recent efforts to bolster the research and development pipeline. For these reasons, Exelixis remains a perennial favorite among prognosticators as a potential M&A target.
5. Jazz Pharmaceuticals
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: JAZZ) witnessed its stock lose 25% this year despite rosy expectations for 2020. The company provided guidance that revenues from a portfolio of products will range from $2.32 billion to $2.4 billion. Jazz posted 2019 sales of $2.16 billion. Not too shabby. Despite this, the company's value sits at 2.8 times sales. That gives it a market cap of $6.5 billion.
Adjusted net income rose to $934 million in 2019, an increase of 11% from the prior year. On a per diluted share basis, the net income increase was from the prior year was 18%. Granted, part of the per share performance was due to the company buying back 2.25 million shares in 2019. Clearly, investor expectations are low. Therefore, any chance to pick up shares in a stable company generating more than $2.3 billion in sales seems like a no-brainer.
6. Seattle Genetics
Only down 10% for the year, Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN) stock has been spared compared to some others on this list. It also boasts the largest valuation of the group, coming in at $18.7 billion. Investors should still see the current situation as a buying opportunity.
Seattle Genetics guided to 2020 revenues of $810 million to $865 million with a caveat. Padcev, the company's drug approved in December for metastatic urothelial cancer, is a potential blockbuster and not included in the estimates. Urothelial cancers account for more than 90% of all bladder cancers, the sixth most common type of cancer. Additionally, the FDA just accepted the New Drug Application for Seattle Genetic's tucatinib, its FDA-designated Breakthrough Therapy for certain types of breast cancer. With two new promising drugs on the horizon, investors should grab the stock on any dips.
Investing in biotech can feel like running a gauntlet. Risks run rampant. However, buying these high growth biotechs at attractive prices can yield substantial upside over the long term. The stability of these revenue producing, and in some cases profitable, businesses can help investors sleep at night even if the broader economic climate is in a whirlwind.
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David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Amarin, Exact Sciences, Exelixis, and Seattle Genetics. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Seattle Genetics. The Motley Fool recommends Exact Sciences and Exelixis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Importantly, Acadia plans to file for Food and Drug Administration approval of Nuplazid for dementia-related psychosis, a condition that the company claims is a ten-times-larger patient population. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) markets Nuplazid, a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia reported $339.1 million in revenues for Nuplazid in 2019, a 52% increase over the prior year. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) markets Nuplazid, a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Amarin, Exact Sciences, Exelixis, and Seattle Genetics. Acadia reported $339.1 million in revenues for Nuplazid in 2019, a 52% increase over the prior year. | See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Amarin, Exact Sciences, Exelixis, and Seattle Genetics. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) markets Nuplazid, a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia reported $339.1 million in revenues for Nuplazid in 2019, a 52% increase over the prior year. | See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Amarin, Exact Sciences, Exelixis, and Seattle Genetics. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) markets Nuplazid, a treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia reported $339.1 million in revenues for Nuplazid in 2019, a 52% increase over the prior year. |
35878.0 | 2020-03-03 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of April 9th Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-april-9th-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2020-03-03 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the April 9th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $40.00 strike price has a current bid of 55 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $40.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $39.45 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $43.03/share today.
Because the $40.00 strike represents an approximate 7% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 67%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.38% return on the cash commitment, or 13.58% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $40.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $43.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.45. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $43.03/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $43.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 4.46% if the stock gets called away at the April 9th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $43.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $43.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 47%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.37% boost of extra return to the investor, or 33.28% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 101%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 90%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $43.03) to be 71%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $43.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $43.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the April 9th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $43.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $43.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the April 9th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $40.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $43.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.45. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $43.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $43.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the April 9th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new April 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $43.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $43.50 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the April 9th expiration. |
35879.0 | 2020-02-27 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Q4 2019 Earnings Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-q4-2019-earnings-call-transcript-2020-02-27 | nan | nan | Image source: The Motley Fool.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q4 2019 Earnings Call
Feb 26, 2020, 5:00 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day ladies and gentlemen. And welcome to Acadia Pharmaceuticals' fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 financial results conference call. My name is Liz, and I will be your coordinator for today. [Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at Acadia.
Please proceed.
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Thank you Liz. Good afternoon and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss Acadia's fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 financial results. Joining me on the call today from Acadia are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide an overview of our Q4 and full-year 2019 financial performance and share our 2020 guidance and priorities. Also joining us today is Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives; and Dr.
Serge Stankovic, our president, who will discuss our pipeline progress. Our chief financial officer, Elena Ridloff, will then discuss our financial results in more detail before turning it back to Steve for final remarks and opening up the call for your questions. I would also like to point out that we are using supplement slides which are available on the events and presentations section of our website. Before we proceed, I would first like to remind you that during our call today, we will be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
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These forward-looking statements including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events or future results, are based on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which are made only as of today's date. I'll now turn the call over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you Mark. Good afternoon everyone and thank you for joining us today. Please turn to Slide 5. 2019 was a year of strong growth for Acadia, as we continued to transform the standard of care for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis or PDP.
Since launching in 2016, Nuplazid, with its breakthrough selective serotonin inverse agonist profile, has been helping patients, caregivers and families with the very high burden caused by Parkinson's disease psychosis. We continue to drive growth of Nuplazid in PDP and achieved $98.3 million in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2019, a 65% increase over the same period in 2018. Net sales for the full-year 2019 were $339.1 million which represents a 52% increase year over year. This growth was fueled by our commercial and medical initiatives including the inclusion of Nuplazid in the Movement Disorder Society guidelines, completing our transition to the 34-milligram capsule and continuing our education efforts to help encourage much needed and appropriate dialogue between physicians and patients regarding the signs and symptoms of PDP.
2019 was also a year of strong execution for Acadia on the research and development front. We announced positive results from two pivotal studies, one in dementia-related psychosis or DRP, and one for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. In addition, in 2019, we Advanced our Phase 3 programs in two other indications. We initiated two new studies for the adjunctive treatment of MDD based on our positive pivotal study from 2018, and we initiated our Phase 3 program for trofinetide in Rett syndrome.
On Slide 6, we highlight the breadth and depth of our pipeline which is generating a multiyear cadence of pivotal study readouts and potential regulatory approvals that position Acadia for significant and attractive long-term growth. In 2020, we are driving toward a potential approval in DRP by year-end and three additional approvals over the next three years. In the 2021, '22 time frame, we could see approvals for adjunctive treatment of MDD. Trofinetide for Rett syndrome could get an approval in 2022.
And in 2023, we can see approval for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia which could be the fourth indication for pimavanserin. Let's turn now to our strategic focus for 2020, beginning on Slide 7. The momentum we have going into 2020 sets us up for a transformational year. It's transformational on two fronts, first, the investments we are making for the continued growth in PDP as well as for the potential approval and launch of DRP will transform the Nuplazid opportunity in the very near term.
And second, in 2020, we'll also be making foundational investments in our future with our late-stage clinical development programs in MDD, Rett syndrome and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These investments will continue to further drive our mid- and longer-term growth. In 2020, look for us to continue to execute on these three strategic pillars. And as we turn to Slide 8, I will highlight priorities within each of these areas.
First, we will drive the continued growth of Nuplazid. Based on our growth in 2019, we are providing Nuplazid net sales guidance of $440 million to $470 million for the full-year 2020. At the midpoint of the range, this represents net sales growth of 34% year over year. Second, we plan to meaningfully expand our commercial and medical footprint with a second indication for pimavanserin, dementia-related psychosis, a market expansion opportunity 10x larger than PDP today.
Here, we are on track with our regulatory time lines, and Michael will provide you with more color on our commercial investments as we prepare for potential approval and launch. Third, we'll also set the stage for our potential third indication for pimavanserin as the adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder. The top-line results from one of our ongoing Phase 3 studies is before the end of this year. For the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, where we've recently announced positive results from our Advanced study in this very difficult-to-treat patient population, we'll be initiating a second pivotal study, Advance-2, this summer.
We will also continue to invest in our future through focused business development and opportunities that shape our long-term growth strategy. I'm incredibly excited about the year ahead, as we prepare for new indications and progress the clinical milestones in our pipeline. With that, I will now turn it over to Michael to discuss our commercial performance and highlights.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Thank you Steve. Please turn to Slide 10. We had a very successful 2019 from a commercial execution standpoint. Our underlying growth dynamics remain strong, and we look forward to continuing this momentum throughout 2020.
We have plenty of opportunity for continued growth in PDP from our current market share in the high teens. Our new patient share continues to exceed our overall market share, and additional growth will be driven by the following key initiatives including our ongoing focus to elevate Nuplazid as the standard of care by highlighting new and relevant information with the medical and patient caregiver community, increasing awareness of the inclusion of Nuplazid in the MDS evidence-based guidelines, sharing new long-term patient safety data, highlighting data on the positive impact of Nuplazid therapy on the caregiver burden scale, continued investment in our integrated patient/caregiver consumer campaigns which help drive awareness of Nuplazid and connect the dots between patients, caregivers and their physicians with the need to treat. We also expect to leverage the benefits of the 34-milligram capsule, as we continue to observe high compliance and long-term adherence rates with Nuplazid. The leading indicators such as new patient starts and new prescribers remain strong for Nuplazid across both the specialty pharmacy and the specialty distribution channels.
These dynamics support our 2020 net sales guidance which reflects approximately 25% volume growth at the midpoint of the range. Looking ahead, we are excited about being the first and only FDA-approved therapy for dementia-related psychosis and the difference we can make for patients and caregivers, on Slide 11. As we prepare for a DRP launch, one of the most important aspects we can focus on now is to educate the medical community on the high burden of disease. Our HCP website, MoreThanCognition.com, will help physicians better understand the important aspects of dementia-related psychosis.
Dementia-related hallucinations and delusions represent a high burden and significant unmet need. Psychosis is one of the most common reasons why patients end up in a long-term care facility. The burden on caregivers, who are most often close family members, is especially challenging when dealing with a loved one already struggling with dementia with the difficult addition of hallucinations and delusions. In the Harmony study, pimavanserin demonstrated clinically significant reductions in hallucinations and delusions and the maintenance of that effect when continued on therapy.
Patients who continued on therapy demonstrated almost a threefold reduction in the risk of relapse of this psychosis when compared to placebo over six months. Furthermore, pimavanserin did not show negative impacts on cognition, motor function or sedation. As we evaluate the DRP market, I'd like to discuss some of the key similarities and differences on Slide 12 to highlight how we will be leveraging and expanding commercially. In both PDP and DRP, there is, unfortunately, a high use of off-label dopamine-blocking antipsychotics that could exacerbate the core symptoms of disease.
In PDP, blocking dopamine is the last thing you want to do for a Parkinson's patient and is associated with the worsening of their motor symptoms. For DRP, the negative impact on cognition is particularly worrisome in patients with dementia. Importantly, a key difference and significant opportunity in DRP is that for physicians treating dementia patients, the association between cognition and narrow psychiatric symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions is dramatically greater than it is for physicians treating PDP, particularly more focused on motor symptoms. Pimavanserin's unique profile, with its high selectivity and the robust clinical study results we observed to date, will be a welcome new treatment option for DRP in a market where nothing else is approved.
Our preparations to deliver the DRP opportunity to the market are well under way, and the commercial team is excited about the transformational year ahead. With that, I'd like to turn it over to Serge to discuss our R&D pipeline.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you Michael. I'm very pleased with the R&D progress in 2019 and our ongoing and planned development for 2020. Please turn to pipeline chart on Slide 14. Last year, we made significant Advancements in R&D pipeline.
We initiated the Phase 3 Clarity program for MDD and the Phase 3 Lavender study for Rett syndrome. We announced positive results from the pivotal Harmony study in DRP and the pivotal Advance study for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Starting with MDD program on Slide 15. There remains significant unmet need in depression, with millions of patients having an inadequate response to their SSRI or SNRI therapy.
Please turn to Slide 16 for a review of our clinical development program. The first Clarity study evaluated MDD patients using pimavanserin as adjunctive therapy, for which we achieved robust efficacy results. In addition, we observed a broad range of meaningful secondary outcomes. Due to enthusiasm among investigators, the Phase 3 studies have continued to enroll well, and we expect to announce top-line results from one study by the end of this year, with our second study reporting out shortly thereafter.
If we are successful, our Phase 2 Clarity study, combined with at least one of the Phase 3 trials, would be the basis of a supplemental NDA submission. Turning to negative symptoms of schizophrenia on Slide 17. About 40% to 50% of schizophrenia patients experience predominant negative symptoms. These symptoms are prominent residual symptoms often observed with antipsychotic therapy in spite of adequate control of hallucinations, delusions, agitation and other so-called positive symptoms.
Unlike positive symptoms, the negative symptoms of schizophrenia are characterized by the degradation and loss of important psychological and functional abilities resulting in blunted affect and lack of emotions, loss of interest, cognitive symptoms and ultimately severe social withdrawal. In many cases, this results in a profound deficit syndrome, where these symptoms become predominant clinical presentation, very difficult to treat and very challenging for patients and their caregivers. On Slide 18, we review the positive Advance data and our next steps. As a reminder, the Advance study was a 26-week Phase 2 study evaluating pimavanserin as a treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms while controlling for their positive symptoms on a stable antipsychotic background therapy.
All patients started on 20-milligram dose of pimavanserin and could titrate up to 34 milligrams or down to 10 milligrams within the first eight weeks. We're extremely pleased to have observed positive results in the primary end point, improvement in Negative Symptom Assessment-16 item scale, in this very difficult-to-treat population. Importantly, at the 34-milligram dose, we saw robust efficacy with a p-value of 0.0065, as shown in the graph on the right. The second pivotal study, Advance-2, will commence in the summer of this year, utilizing a fixed dose of 34 milligram and will be conducted exclusively in sites outside of the United States.
Rett syndrome is a debilitating disorder with the unmet need highlighted here on Slide 19. There are about 6,000 to 9,000 patients in the United States. These young girls start life with normal development and then at about six months to a year begin to experience neurocognitive decline. They often lose their independence and can experience the loss of purposeful hand movement and spoken communication.
We initiated a Phase 3 program with Lavender in the fall of last year and expect top-line results next year. Slide 21 highlights why 2020 will be a transformational year for our team. We will be submitting a supplemental NDA for DRP, the second indication for pimavanserin, this summer. Before the end of the year, we expect to announce top-line results from a Phase 3 MDD study, a potential third indication for pimavanserin.
In addition, we will initiate this summer a second pivotal study for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, potentially pimavanserin's fourth indication. I will turn now the call to -- over to Elena to discuss our financial performance.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Thank you Serge. Today, I'll discuss our fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 results and our 2020 financial outlook. Please turn to Slide 23. In the fourth quarter of 2019, we recorded $98.3 million in net sales, an increase of approximately 65% compared to $59.6 million of net sales in Q4 of 2018.
This was driven by 42% volume growth year over year. The gross-to-net adjustment for Q4 2019 was 15.4%. At the end of the fourth quarter, days-on-hand channel inventory increased relative to the third quarter. This increased Q4 2019 revenue by approximately $2.5 million.
Sequential volume growth in the fourth quarter was 9%. Without this increase in channel inventory, sequential volume growth in Q4 would have been approximately 6%. Moving down the P&L. GAAP R&D expenses increased to $57.5 million in Q4 2019 from $48.2 million in Q4 2018.
GAAP SG&A expenses increased to $91.9 million in Q4 2019 from $74.3 million in the fourth quarter of last year. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the quarter was $19.8 million compared to $20.4 million for the same period in 2018. Cash used in operations during the quarter was $29.7 million compared to $39.1 million for 4Q 2018. Please turn to Slide 24.
For the full-year 2019, we recorded $339.1 million in net sales, an increase of 52% compared to $223.8 million of net sales from 2018. This was driven by 34% year-over-year volume. Gross-to-net adjustment for the full-year 2019 was 15.6%. GAAP R&D expenses increased to $240.4 million in 2019 from $187.2 million in 2018.
The increase was primarily due to additional clinical study costs incurred, as we continued to invest in additional pipeline programs for pimavanserin and trofinetide. GAAP SG&A expenses increased to $325.6 million for 2019 from $265.8 million in 2018. The increase was primarily due to increased general and administrative expenses including charitable contributions and personnel costs. Noncash stock-based compensation expense for 2019 was $82.3 million compared to $81.6 million for 2018.
Cash used in operations during the year was $151.1 million compared to $167.5 million in 2018. We ended the year with $697.4 million in cash and investments on our balance sheet compared to $473.5 million at year-end 2018. This increase reflects our successful equity offering with net proceeds of $271.5 million and proceeds from employee option exercises of $91.6 million. Please turn to our financial guidance on Slide 25.
For the full-year 2020, we expect continued strong growth for Nuplazid with net sales guidance of $440 million to $470 million. At the midpoint of this guidance range, this represents 34% growth in revenue year over year and 25% volume growth year over year. We expect gross-to-net adjustments in the range of 17% to 18% for 2020. We project this to be higher than the full-year 2019 adjustment as a result of a manufacturer's obligation for the donut hole increasing in 2020.
As you model 2020, there are two considerations for the first quarter. First, as a reminder, gross-to-net is typically highest in the first quarter due to the annual reset of the donut hole manufacturer obligation for Medicare Part D patients. In addition, as I just mentioned, the manufacturer obligation is increasing in 2020. As a result, we expect sequential gross-to-net to increase from 15.4% in the fourth quarter to approximately 30% in Q1.
Second, we expect the $2.5 million increase in channel inventory we saw at the end of the fourth quarter will be reduced to our historical average inventory levels in Q1, and that this will impact sequential revenue and volume growth. As a result of the higher gross-to-net and the reduction of channel inventory in Q1, we expect first-quarter net sales to be down sequentially. As Michael mentioned, with our leading indicators such as new patient starts and new prescribers, strong, we expect growth in net sales to resume in the second quarter and continue throughout the year. On the expense side for 2020, we expect GAAP R&D expenses to be between $270 million and $285 million.
The increase compared to 2019 is a result of advancing four pivotal studies in 2020. We expect GAAP SG&A to be between $440 million and $460 million for the full year. The increase compared to last year reflects a similar level of investment in PDP as well as our strategic investments we are making to prepare for the DRP launch including disease-state education and expansion of our commercial and medical affairs team. For 2020, we expect noncash stock-based compensation expense to be between $90 million and $100 million.
We anticipate ending 2020 with a strong balance sheet. Our cash balance is expected to be between $470 million and $500 million at the end of 2020. And with that, I'll turn the call back over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Please turn to Slide 27. In closing, we expect 2020 to be another great year for Acadia, as we drive continued growth in the net sales of Nuplazid in PDP, deliver the DRP opportunity to the market with a potential approval around year-end and develop new and innovative treatments with our ongoing and planned pivotal studies. We look forward to keeping you updated on our transformational year ahead as we drive toward the future, where the breadth and depth of our pipeline is generating a multiyear cadence of pivotal study readouts and potential approvals that positions Acadia for long-term growth.
As always, we appreciate the dedication and hard work of all of our employees. We made 2019 such a success, and that we are committed to our 2020 goals in improving the lives of those with CNS disorders. I'll now open up the call for questions. Operator?
Questions & Answers:
Operator
[Operator instructions] Your first question comes from Ritu Baral with Cowen. Your line is now open.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Good afternoon, guys. Thanks for taking the question and congratulations on the continued growth through '19 into 2020. I wanted to ask about sort of the evolving patient. Is the new-start patient in 2020 looking different than it was two years ago? Is that profile changing at all? And is that a result of some of these refinements of the commercial strategy Michael that you outlined?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the question, Ritu. Michael, do you want to take the question?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Hi Ritu. Thanks for the question. I think that I would take in kind of two parts.
Like in long-term care, I don't think the profile of that patient has changed. And as you know, because we're getting a more severe and later-stage patient, I don't know that we have exact statistics. But my impression is that we are starting to get a younger, more functioning patient in the context of Parkinson's in the community. That is to say, we still get -- where psychosis occurs is in the later stages.
But we often are seeing examples anecdotally of a younger patient in the profile of PDP, of Parkinson's, and they're more functional and perhaps will have a longer period of time on the drug. But more to come on that later.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Great. A very quick follow-up. The sNDA for DRP, what's left to do before the summer submission?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Hi Ritu. We have all of the data that will constitute our supplemental ANDA. The pivotal Harmony study results will be the basis of the sNDA submission which was previously agreed upon at the end of Phase 2 meeting.
And in addition, we will have supportive efficacy results from our previous short-term studies which provided evidence of acute efficacy of pimavanserin in Alzheimer's disease and in Parkinson's disease psychosis for patients -- with patients with dementia. And finally, we plan to submit our extensive safety data from completed and ongoing studies. So what is left for us is to essentially put that all together in the format required for the supplemental NDA, all the study reports and summary documents and once we agree with FDA on that to submit.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
And so you've generated all the safety data and safety analysis used for that NDA -- sNDA, sorry.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. We generated all the -- both efficacy and safety data that we will be submitting with that supplemental NDA.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Great. Thanks for taking the question.
Operator
Your next question comes from Tazeen Ahmad with Bank of America. Your line is now open.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Hi. Good evening guys. Thanks for taking my questions. Maybe a commercial one on DRP.
I think in the prepared remarks, you talked about upsizing the size of your marketing team from its current roughly 200 to let's say roughly 500. Have you already commenced adding those new folks to your marketing team? I guess that's the first part of the question. And then secondly, how much overlap is there based on your market analysis of the doctors who are treating PDP patients versus those that you're going to be detailing for DRP? Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, do you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Great question. And I just want to reframe. We're not hiring or planning to hire those as marketing people.
What I'm referring to the 200 commercial roles, they include a variety of roles, our patient services, our field sales team, our long-term care, etc. So it's not marketing in that context. And we are appropriately planning for the expansion to be aided in times to the regulatory milestones. So at this juncture, we're well prepared to execute for a potential launch at the end of the year.
But for the most part, we are thoughtfully going after, say, leadership positions, so that they can be prepared to cascade the variety of different roles that we have to hire. So that has, from a hiring perspective, not started. From a PDP to DRP perspective obviously the physicians in neurology and the psychiatry physician base will have an overlap of DRP. But we'll be going into a much broader audience of psychiatrists and additionally these -- what we're calling dementia care specialists or geriatric PCPs, who are acting as like pseudo-specialists.
So we'll be expanding into an audience. So it's kind of a both a current footprint penetration but also an expansion of our opportunity.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
OK. And just as a quick follow-up, as it relates to how we should think about SG&A throughout the year. If we assume that a good percentage of the increase in SG&A this year is going toward prepping for DRP, should we assume that it's evenly spread throughout the year or maybe is that more back half-related? And maybe that's an Elena question. Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Elena, you want to take that?
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Yes. Sure, Tazeen. So our SG&A expense will be relatively consistent throughout the year, but it will be highest in the fourth quarter, as we ramp up a little further at that point for the DRP launch.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
OK. Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Marc Goodman with SVB Leerink. Your line is now open.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Elena, maybe just to continue on with the spending. Just give us a sense of when you're thinking about adding the additional reps in the year, when should we put that in the year? How much of the year are we going to have that, half the year, full year? Also, can you give us a sense of, for direct-to-consumer advertising, will you be spending an equal amount of money in 2020 as you did in 2019? What are the other push-pulls? I mean obviously it's a pretty significant step-up. We can all figure out -- if you're adding 200 sales reps, we know what that costs. What else is going on? And just give us a sense of when the reps are coming in so we understand the run rate for the following year.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Sure. So a few questions in there. So first, with regard to DRP spend for the year, a portion of the spend is related to expansion of the field team. But we're also making investments in medical affairs as well as disease awareness initiatives.
So the increase in spend is related more broadly to our preparations for DRP and not the field team alone. With regards to PDP, our investments are going to be pretty flat year over year. We don't specifically comment on our DTC spend. But overall, from a PDP investment perspective, we're having similar year-over-year spend.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
And Marc, I think you also asked about the timing of reps. And as Michael mentioned, that's mostly in the second half as we get closer to the launch.
Operator
Next question comes from the line of Yatin Suneja with Guggenheim. Your line is now open.
Unknown speaker
Hey guys. This is Derek on the line for Yatin. I was hoping if we could just have a couple about MDD. Can you just maybe talk a little bit about the confidence of the study design and maybe what you've done to avoid the professional patient problem at U.S.
sites? And then to any changes that you may have done just to enrolling patients, like if you could respond?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Yeah. Let me start first by saying that we are doing our Phase 2 pivotal trials, two trials for essentially one positive trial. The design of both trials are identical, and they are very similar to the design of Stage I of the Phase 2 Clarity study, where we showed a sizable effect size of 0.63 and p-value of 0.0003.
So we feel quite good about the design of the studies. And in these studies, we are applying a variety of quality and compliance measures that we utilized in all of our trials, and that served us very, very well until now in the execution of our clinical trials. Most importantly I would say when you talk about professional patients, we are quite careful about applying independent, blinded interviews with every subject potentially to be enrolled in our trial. So that there is, in addition to investigators' assessment, there is an independent assessment on the suitability of the patients in terms of their diagnosis, in terms of the sufficiency of duration of inadequacy of the dose of the underlying SSRI or an SNRI.
So we are quite careful about making sure that the appropriate patients are enrolled in the trial. We also, from the compliance perspective, have a unique opportunity in the adjunctive trial to actually measure levels of the background SSRI or SNRI during the screening period which gives us quite a good view on the patient's compliance with the medication, even before they are randomized in the trial. And we are doing that in this trial as well. And finally we monitor very carefully the ratings throughout the trials with the opportunity to intervene when there are -- when we observe that the raters are not either spending sufficient time in evaluating patients for their depression symptoms or there are some conflicting ratings in the -- so we are really putting quite a bit of energy in trying to make sure that we have a proper patients in the trial, that they are appropriately evaluating and then continuously have really a close contact with our collaborators in research sites.
Unknown speaker
That's very helpful. Maybe just a quick clarity on that. Part of that process is also -- I assume it's looking at baselines and the existing therapy and compliance, so you're able to kind of tease out patients who are not so severe that the refractory does sort of all new therapies.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah. We are applying the independent evaluation. It's called a safer evaluation, where the assessment is done not only on the appropriate diagnosis but appropriate severity of depression as well as the appropriateness of the treatment -- background treatment thereon in terms of are they sufficiently long and at the appropriate therapeutic dose on that medication and still experience inadequate symptoms. And as I said, unique feature is that we also measure plasma levels of those background medications.
And of course, the people that are not compliant with their medication and not taking it are not randomized into the trial.
Unknown speaker
OK. That's very helpful. Thank you for taking the question and congrats on the good quarter and the progress going forward.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Cory Kasimov with J.P. Morgan. Your line is now open.
Unknown speaker
Thank you. This is Gavin on for Cory. Thanks for taking our questions. Maybe one on commercial -- the commercial metrics.
You mentioned that the penetration is in the high teens. It seems like it's been there for maybe the last couple of quarters. Any color on moving the needle there? And then secondly, on adherence, any reason why we shouldn't think that the compliance rate in DRP label expansion should differ from PDP? Thank you.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Two questions. Michael, do you want to take both of them?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Sure. So the second question, from a compliance perspective with DRP and PDP, we think that will be a very similar dynamics. Obviously, there is a little bit more long-term care in the DRP patient population, so they tend to take a little less because of their medical conditions. So we'll weave that into the whole denominators of the patients that we get both from the community and for long-term care.
In regards to the PDP market penetration, as I mentioned before, the thing that we're focused on is winning the dynamic patient population. And in that case, our market share, our numbers are higher than our overall share. So as we continue to drive greater acquisition of both the new and the switch patients, that will then begin to add to our total patient penetration.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
And maybe just to add to that. I don't think -- it may seem like a couple of quarters because we mentioned high teens at J.P. Morgan. But a quarter ago, it was mid to high teens, yes.
So we actually have continued to gain share throughout -- for the last two or three quarters.
Unknown speaker
Great. Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Charles Duncan with Cantor Fitzgerald. Your line is now open.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Hi guys. Thanks for taking the question and congrats on a good year in '19. I had a quick question perhaps for Michael. If you think about the guidance of call it 25% volume growth, I'm wondering if you could identify one key lever that would make it on the lower end versus the upper end of that? And then I have to follow up on a couple of earlier questions regarding the sales footprint that you're talking about going forward.
Just kind of wondering what the increased number of field roles will pick up for you. What is the key goal of that expansion?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Sure. Thanks for the question. And I think in regards to where we sit on PDP, I think you could hear the enthusiasm that I have for more data. We're now executing on some expanded data sets, I would call that more evidence-based communication.
We launched with a lot of awareness, and we had our pivotal study. But now showing long-term -- our long-term extension data, where we're well over 300 and well over a year worth of patient exposure on the drug, and we have caregiver burden data, the MDS guidelines, all that starts to build a mountain of evidence to I would say the lagging adopter to try Nuplazid. And I just would remind folks out there that we're competing here with historical generic products that are kind of habitual in the doctor's practice. So that takes quite a bit more effort to extract their habits.
And so I think we're -- that, to me, would be the fulcrum of higher or lower volume guidance. The second question, just regards to the commercial footprint. So the roles that we have today are multifactorial. We've become much more sophisticated in our approach to the market, meeting the physicians and the customers where they are.
And so many of the roles, the bulk of those roles are what I would call traditional blocking and tackling, demand-generating sales representatives both in long-term care and the community. But we do have a very sophisticated group of people that help with patient pull-through. They work with the offices to make sure they can get on product. We have a center of excellence team that works with the academic teaching hospitals.
We have new business development folks that work into the market not in terms of new products but in terms of emerging business partnerships and models so that we can stay at the forefront of how medicine is evolving. And so all of those roles that I just described are woven into the expanded, what I would call, commercial field role footprint.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
OK. And if I may, Steve, ask one question of Serge, and that is for an asset that I'm sure you won't get any other questions on, this trofinetide and the Lavender study. I'm wondering if you could characterize your ability to identify those patients and enroll them in the study. And if it's run long enough, so any of them have actually come off and gone on to the open-label expansion? And what is governing the timing you -- I think you mentioned data in 2021, but that's full 12 months.
So any granularity on that would be great.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the question Charles. It's a very important study to us. So Serge, do you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah. Yes. First, the important factor in the level of enthusiasm that we are seeing out there in the Rett community for those -- for Lavender study is the fact that the Phase 2 study was conducted in the United States. And so the Rett community already has an experience with trofinetide.
And so even before we started with the study, we have, from very beginning, have a good involvement with both the Rett community as well as key opinion leaders in the area, people that actually were instrumental both in the conduct of the Phase 2 study as well instrumental for our Phase 3 Lavender program. And that was extremely helpful. So the interest for the study, enthusiasm for the study is very high, and we are enrolling exactly as planned. There are -- there is a definite number of centers of excellence in terms of the treatment of Rett disease.
We are involved with all of them. They are participating in our program, and these are primarily academic centers. So they are doing a really extremely careful job in enrolling the patients. So study is going very well, exactly as planned.
And to your sub-question, yes, there have been patients that have completed and rolled over into the -- our extension trial, open-label extension trial. So we -- as usually we don't -- we are still at the beginning of the enrollment. And until we have a better sense of the pace and cadence of the enrollment, probably sometimes by midyear or later in the year, we will be more precisely defining the time line for the completion of the trial in our NDA submission.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Thanks. Thanks Serge. Congrats on the progress in the year.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Salveen Richter with Goldman Sachs. Your line is now open.
Unknown speaker
Yeah. Thanks for taking the question. This is Andrea on for Salveen. Maybe just a follow-up on the DTC campaign.
Just any insights if there's been any new learnings gained from the second one compared to the first. And then where, if you have a sense, of which channels are being impacted by this effort.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'm sorry. Andrea, you were a little bit garbled. Could you repeat the question?
Unknown speaker
Sure. Just with respect to the DTC campaign, if there are any new learnings or observations that you've seen in the second one compared to the first. And then in which channels you're seeing the most impacts from?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Got it. OK. Thank you very much. Michael, do you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Great. So we have, and we continue to learn, campaign to campaign. I think the first thing I'd say is the need has not subsided in regards to the education and awareness.
And predominantly, that's because from a dynamic point of view, new Parkinson's patients, when they're diagnosed, are still not necessarily told, as part of their disease spectrum, that there's a 50% chance over the course of their disease that they're going to get hallucinations and delusions. And so consequently, we have to have this campaign and we pulsed the TV campaign to broaden the awareness. So that when those symptoms do occur, both with the patient and the caregiver, they're appropriately primed to have those appropriate conversations on treatment conversations with their doctors. We support those campaigns on a pulsing strategy with TV.
We support those campaigns with digital and other tactics. The learnings that we've gotten though I think, are more in regards to how we approach the mix, the types of programs they're running, the rhythms of them. And I think we are more efficient in capturing greater value with less money or less -- we're more efficient with our capital allocations from a media buy perspective. And I think that's some of the things that we're -- we continue to look at in our ROI assessments.
Unknown speaker
Great. And then just I guess maybe if you're seeing impacts in any particular channel?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Are you referring to, say, do we see an impact in like our long-term care channel versus...
Unknown speaker
Right. Right.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. We see impact -- I would say the overwhelming impact we see is in our specialty pharmacy which is basically reflecting the office space environment. But we do see an impact in long-term care when we run the commercials because caregivers are seeing it there. Staff is seeing it there.
Maybe the patients aren't able to articulate it, but it does help us with our initiatives there in long-term care.
Unknown speaker
Got it. Thanks so much.
Operator
Your next question comes from Jason Butler with JMP Securities. Your line is now open.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Hi. Thanks for taking the question. Steve, I just wanted to come back to a comment you made on the prepared comments about business development. Can you maybe give us a sense of how you view new business development opportunities as a priority for 2020 versus 2019? And then maybe touch on how you think you could best leverage R&D versus commercial capacity.
Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Thanks for the question, Jason. I'll just start by reiterating that it is one of the key -- a key component of one of our pillars of our business strategy, to grow the company through transactions and through business development. You've heard me say before that we started early.
We did a survey to determine when companies typically do this, and we started way before those companies knew. We did have our reason. We wanted to be in a position where we could assess more opportunities over a longer period of time, being more strategic and more judicious, and that's what we've done. As you know, we completed a deal in 2018 to acquire the North American rights for trofinetide.
And that deal, we said at the time and we'd say again today, is -- represents kind of an ideal strategic fit in seeing this embedded, as it leverages both our development and commercial expertise. So I would just simply say we will be doing more transactions. You'll see that coming. It remains a high priority for us, but doing the right deals remains a deeply high priority.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
OK. Great. Thanks for taking the question.
Operator
Your next question comes from Danielle Brill with Piper Sandler. Your line is now open.
Unknown speaker
Hey everyone. Thanks for taking my question. This is Nirav on for Danielle. Just a quick question from me.
If you could provide us with just some color on the trends that you saw over 4Q and 2019 in the growth between various channels? And how do you expect that to sort of evolve going forward?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the question. Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Great. Thanks. Thank you.
Throughout 2019 and in the fourth quarter, both channels, and that's to say specialty pharmacy and specialty distribution channels, continued to grow, and we would anticipate that to be the same throughout 2020.
Unknown speaker
Great. Thank you.
Operator
Our next question comes from the line of Paul Matteis with Stifel. Your line is now open.
Unknown speaker
Hey thanks. This is Alex on for Paul. Just a quick question on your upcoming sNDA meeting. Just wondering if you could sort of give us a sense of what your goals are for the meeting, what you expect to discuss with the FDA just generally? And if you'll provide us with an update once that's occurred? Great.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, happy to. As I mentioned earlier, we are meeting with the FDA primarily to review the content and format of our application, meaning we will be discussing with the totality of the data. We are bringing both efficacy and safety data. We are bringing to the sNDA as well as the different ways of analysis and pooling of the data in order to present better and enable reviewers to do their review both on the efficacy and the safety side.
So discussing then that content and the format of that data presentation is -- are our main objectives in the discussion with the FDA.
Unknown speaker
Great. And do you expect to update us once that's occurred?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'll take that. I could approach this, Serge. We typically don't talk about our interactions with FDA. And I think provided we continue to stay on track to submit the sNDA in the summer of this year, there's probably not maybe a lot to talk about from this meeting.
And again, just to reiterate, our plan is to submit it this summer and have a breakthrough therapy designation. We think there's a very high likelihood we'll get priority review and should be looking at a PDUFA date by the end of the year.
Unknown speaker
Great. Thanks.
Operator
Your next question comes from Gregory Renza with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Hey guys. Thanks for taking my question and congratulations on 2019 as well as the path forward. Steve, maybe I'll just start with a broader question. Certainly, when -- years ago, you pointed to and recently pointed to, just looking at years ago, the risk in perhaps unconventionalism of launching several pivotal trials, maybe something unique to the industry at the time and really yielding kind of the growth that it has and the growth forward.
I'm just curious if you could perhaps point to where you are now. Any analogous strategic steps or decisions that you're taking in this new phase of the company that perhaps would be similar to those decisions in the past about launching trials, whether it's in the context of really the execution that you have over 2020 or something more broadly? Thank you very much.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Thanks much for the question. I'll take a little bit of a running start at it. When we got an approval for Nuplazid in PDP, we immediately turned toward a life cycle management program that we commenced about nine months earlier to really explore where should we go with this drug.
And we picked the indications that we've pursued. And we said at the time, this is the kind of investment we'd love to make. We know a lot about this drug. We know the drug-drug interactions.
We know the safety profile. But one thing we don't really have a full data set on yet is the full extent of the utility of the molecule. So fast-forwarding today, what we see today is we see in multiple clinical studies a molecule with a very strong pharmacology and a very favorable safety and tolerability profile. And what we see on the efficacy side is we see in multiple patient populations a robust antipsychotic effect.
And we see a robust effect on mood, as manifested in depression or in negative symptoms in schizophrenia. So we've really filled in a lot of the banks. And throughout all this, this doesn't always happen. We've continued to see a very consistent clinical profile.
Usually, when you go to more and more patients, broader and broader populations, particularly when you get on the market, things emerge. And what we've seen is this very consistent profile. So as a consequence of all of that, what we have today is a molecule that has a very different profile than previous generation antipsychotics, that work primarily by blocking dopamine. So as we look forward to where we stand today, we now see these opportunities ripening.
And what we need to deliver on is the same kind of execution that we've had in R&D on the commercial front and to deliver these opportunities. Look, I know we all look at these things by design, so I can't tell you how excited we are to do that. We've got very high confidence that this is going to be an extremely important drug. It is a game-changing drug.
And I think when we all look back and look back at the history books in a decade or two, we'll all agree that this was a real turning point from a medical perspective in terms of opportunities for these patients.
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
That's great Steve. Thank you very and congratulations again.
Operator
Your next question comes from Jay Olson with Oppenheimer. Your line is now open.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
Hey. Congrats on all the progress and thank you for taking my question. I wanted to follow up on the sNDA for DRP. And I think you mentioned PDUFA by the end of the year.
So I apologize if I missed this. But I was wondering if we should expect a priority review. And then also, if you think there will be an advisory committee meeting? And then separately, with regards to MDD, I was wondering if maybe you could just talk about where pimavanserin might fit into the evolving landscape of both existing and new MDD treatments currently in development? Thank you.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take the first question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
I'm sorry. I missed the -- I didn't quite hear. Can you repeat it please?
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
Yeah. I thought I heard you mention that there could be a PDUFA for the sNDA for DRP by the end of the year. And I was wondering if we should expect a priority review and whether or not you're expecting an advisory committee.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Yes. Historically, all of the drugs with a breakthrough designation or almost all of the drugs, to our knowledge, have received the priority review once the NDA is filed. So we do expect, considering that pimavanserin has a breakthrough therapy designation for dementia-related psychosis, that we will be receiving a priority review as well.
Having said that, obviously FDA will inform us about that and make that decision once we file. So we fully expect that that will happen, but we'll confirm once after we file.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
OK. Great. And do you expect an advisory committee meeting?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Because this -- there is nothing approved for dementia-related psychosis, we think there is a high likelihood that we will have advisory committee. Again, the FDA will let us know about that in during the review process. So we -- again, we cannot say for sure, but we are preparing and expecting that there will be advisory committee.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
OK. Great. And...
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
I think your other question, related to where does pimavanserin potentially fit in the MDD landscape, let me take that. I think today, there's 17 million patients in the United States that have depression. A majority of them do not respond adequately to standard SSRI or SNRI therapy. It is a consequence that a majority of the not adequately responding 2.4 million patients take adjunctive therapy on top of those baseline therapies.
And of those patients, the adjunctive therapies that are approved today are the same dopaminergic antipsychotics that are also approved for adjunctive depression that we see used in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, etc. So as a result, those therapies and the side effect profile that those drugs have present, we think, a very ripe opportunity for a different kind of drug. And so with pimavanserin, what we've seen so far in the clinical work that we've done is a very robust antidepressive effect. We saw a rapid onset of action results within a week.
We do not see weight gain which is a significant issue with available therapies today. We do not see sedation. In fact, we saw an increase in daytime wakefulness. We do not see impairment on motor function in those patients.
And importantly, where depression patients many times have sexual dysfunction which can be exacerbated by the therapies they're on, not only did we not see an exacerbation of sexual function, we actually saw an improvement in sexual function. So our view is, we think pimavanserin, based on the profile we have observed so far in the clinic, is ideally situated to move right to the head of the class of adjunctive therapy. And so we're very excited about getting results of our first of the two pivotal studies that we're running currently by the end of this year. And if one of these studies is positive, that'll serve as basis when combined with the one pivotal study, the positive pivotal study that we already have, serve as basis for an sNDA next year.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
Great. Thanks so much for taking the questions.
Operator
This concludes the Q&A session. Mr. Davis, please proceed to closing remarks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thank you so much for joining us today. As always, we appreciation -- appreciate the hard work of our employees, and we look forward to updating you on our next progress -- on our progress next quarter.
Operator
[Operator signoff]
Duration: 65 minutes
Call participants:
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Serge Stankovic -- President
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Unknown speaker
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
More ACAD analysis
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In closing, we expect 2020 to be another great year for Acadia, as we drive continued growth in the net sales of Nuplazid in PDP, deliver the DRP opportunity to the market with a potential approval around year-end and develop new and innovative treatments with our ongoing and planned pivotal studies. We look forward to keeping you updated on our transformational year ahead as we drive toward the future, where the breadth and depth of our pipeline is generating a multiyear cadence of pivotal study readouts and potential approvals that positions Acadia for long-term growth. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2019 Earnings Call Feb 26, 2020, 5:00 p.m. | In closing, we expect 2020 to be another great year for Acadia, as we drive continued growth in the net sales of Nuplazid in PDP, deliver the DRP opportunity to the market with a potential approval around year-end and develop new and innovative treatments with our ongoing and planned pivotal studies. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 65 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Unknown speaker Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2019 Earnings Call Feb 26, 2020, 5:00 p.m. | In closing, we expect 2020 to be another great year for Acadia, as we drive continued growth in the net sales of Nuplazid in PDP, deliver the DRP opportunity to the market with a potential approval around year-end and develop new and innovative treatments with our ongoing and planned pivotal studies. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 65 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Unknown speaker Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2019 Earnings Call Feb 26, 2020, 5:00 p.m. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 65 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Unknown speaker Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Gregory Renza -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2019 Earnings Call Feb 26, 2020, 5:00 p.m. And welcome to Acadia Pharmaceuticals' fourth-quarter and full-year 2019 financial results conference call. |
35880.0 | 2020-02-25 00:00:00 UTC | Notable Tuesday Option Activity: ACAD, KNX, EXPE | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/notable-tuesday-option-activity%3A-acad-knx-expe-2020-02-25 | nan | nan | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 10,220 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.0 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 94.1% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $36 strike put option expiring March 20, 2020, with 5,921 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 592,100 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36 strike highlighted in orange:
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc (Symbol: KNX) saw options trading volume of 15,004 contracts, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares or approximately 90.2% of KNX's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.7 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $35 strike put option expiring March 20, 2020, with 10,788 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.1 million underlying shares of KNX. Below is a chart showing KNX's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $35 strike highlighted in orange:
And Expedia Group Inc (Symbol: EXPE) saw options trading volume of 24,326 contracts, representing approximately 2.4 million underlying shares or approximately 87.7% of EXPE's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.8 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $105 strike put option expiring April 17, 2020, with 2,633 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 263,300 underlying shares of EXPE. Below is a chart showing EXPE's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $105 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ACAD options, KNX options, or EXPE options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Especially high volume was seen for the $36 strike put option expiring March 20, 2020, with 5,921 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 592,100 underlying shares of ACAD. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 10,220 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.0 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 94.1% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36 strike highlighted in orange: Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc (Symbol: KNX) saw options trading volume of 15,004 contracts, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares or approximately 90.2% of KNX's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.7 million shares. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 10,220 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.0 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 94.1% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 10,220 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.0 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36 strike highlighted in orange: Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc (Symbol: KNX) saw options trading volume of 15,004 contracts, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares or approximately 90.2% of KNX's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.7 million shares. That number works out to 94.1% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $36 strike highlighted in orange: Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc (Symbol: KNX) saw options trading volume of 15,004 contracts, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares or approximately 90.2% of KNX's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.7 million shares. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 10,220 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.0 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 94.1% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. |
35881.0 | 2020-02-13 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy Thursday Option Activity: AVGO, ACAD, GDDY | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-thursday-option-activity%3A-avgo-acad-gddy-2020-02-13 | nan | nan | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Broadcom Inc (Symbol: AVGO), where a total volume of 10,607 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.1 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 42.9% of AVGO's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.5 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $330 strike call option expiring February 14, 2020, with 880 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 88,000 underlying shares of AVGO. Below is a chart showing AVGO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $330 strike highlighted in orange:
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 4,767 contracts, representing approximately 476,700 underlying shares or approximately 42.5% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $47 strike call option expiring February 21, 2020, with 609 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 60,900 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47 strike highlighted in orange:
And GoDaddy Inc (Symbol: GDDY) saw options trading volume of 4,719 contracts, representing approximately 471,900 underlying shares or approximately 42.1% of GDDY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $75 strike call option expiring February 21, 2020, with 1,823 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 182,300 underlying shares of GDDY. Below is a chart showing GDDY's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $75 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for AVGO options, ACAD options, or GDDY options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Especially high volume was seen for the $47 strike call option expiring February 21, 2020, with 609 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 60,900 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing AVGO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $330 strike highlighted in orange: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 4,767 contracts, representing approximately 476,700 underlying shares or approximately 42.5% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47 strike highlighted in orange: And GoDaddy Inc (Symbol: GDDY) saw options trading volume of 4,719 contracts, representing approximately 471,900 underlying shares or approximately 42.1% of GDDY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. | Below is a chart showing AVGO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $330 strike highlighted in orange: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 4,767 contracts, representing approximately 476,700 underlying shares or approximately 42.5% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47 strike highlighted in orange: And GoDaddy Inc (Symbol: GDDY) saw options trading volume of 4,719 contracts, representing approximately 471,900 underlying shares or approximately 42.1% of GDDY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $47 strike call option expiring February 21, 2020, with 609 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 60,900 underlying shares of ACAD. | Below is a chart showing AVGO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $330 strike highlighted in orange: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 4,767 contracts, representing approximately 476,700 underlying shares or approximately 42.5% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47 strike highlighted in orange: And GoDaddy Inc (Symbol: GDDY) saw options trading volume of 4,719 contracts, representing approximately 471,900 underlying shares or approximately 42.1% of GDDY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $47 strike call option expiring February 21, 2020, with 609 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 60,900 underlying shares of ACAD. | Below is a chart showing AVGO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $330 strike highlighted in orange: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 4,767 contracts, representing approximately 476,700 underlying shares or approximately 42.5% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $47 strike call option expiring February 21, 2020, with 609 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 60,900 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $47 strike highlighted in orange: And GoDaddy Inc (Symbol: GDDY) saw options trading volume of 4,719 contracts, representing approximately 471,900 underlying shares or approximately 42.1% of GDDY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.1 million shares. |
35882.0 | 2020-01-30 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Top Biotech Stocks to Buy Right Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-top-biotech-stocks-to-buy-right-now-2020-01-30 | nan | nan | When looking at biotech stocks, a big point of focus should be on the products driving revenue now or the solidity of the pipeline, which will drive revenue later.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN), and Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN) are three companies that fit the bill. And with product news in their favor, now is the time to add these stocks to your portfolio.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Acadia
Acadia's Nuplazid is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. About one million Americans have Parkinson's disease, and according to the American Parkinson Disease Association, more than half will at some point develop this non-motor symptom.
Acadia's annual revenue has climbed since the product was approved in 2016, and in the most recent quarter, the company said net sales of Nuplazid soared $94.6 million, up 62% from the same quarter last year. As a result, Acadia lifted guidance for 2019 net sales of the drug to the range of $330 million to $340 million, up from the earlier range of $320 million to $330 million.
The compound behind the Nuplazid name is called pimavanserin, and Acadia is testing it in three additional indications, currently in phase 2 and 3 trials. In December, the company reported favorable top-line results from its phase 3 trial in dementia-related psychosis -- another treatment area lacking an FDA-approved drug -- and said it would meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 regarding a submission for that indication. According to the Gerontological Society of America, more than two million Americans with dementia experience delusions.
Nuplazid's sales so far and the compound's potential to suit other indications -- addressing unmet needs -- make Acadia's stock attractive from a product perspective.
2. Alexion
Alexion, which focuses on rare diseases, is another company that has increased revenues steadily over the past few years, and recent news should keep that trend going. Late last year, the FDA approved Ultomiris for the treatment of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and regulatory agencies in Europe and Japan issued approvals of its drug Soliris for adults with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder. In aHUS, abnormal blood clots form in blood vessels in the kidneys and lead to serious medical problems, while neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder causes inflammation of the optic nerve and spinal cord.
At the start of this year, Alexion announced the beginning of a pivotal phase 3 trial of Ultomiris in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease that leads to progressive degeneration of nerve cells. Alexion has more than 20 investigational drugs in the pipeline, from preclinical to late-stage clinical trials.
This hefty pipeline, and a product portfolio of four drugs, along with the planned acquisition of clinical-stage biotech Achillion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACHN), are reasons to be optimistic about future earnings -- and therefore, share performance. Recent reports show Alexion can deliver, with a 23% increase in total third-quarter revenue to $1.26 billion and sales gains for all drugs except Ultomiris, which hadn't yet been approved in the year-earlier period.
3. Seattle Genetics
This company now has two products on the market after the FDA in December granted Padcev accelerated approval for locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer, the most common type of bladder cancer. The approval is specifically for adult patients who have previously received platinum-based chemotherapy and a treatment that blocks proteins in the body that help cancer cells. A key point is that Padcev is the only FDA-approved drug for this patient set. Though it's unclear how many patients the drug may serve initially, the general market for this type of cancer is growing. In the U.S., about 80,000 new cases of bladder cancer are diagnosed per year, and about 90% of cases are of urothelial type.
In late December, Seattle Genetics said it submitted a New Drug Application for tucatinib, its investigational treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer, to the FDA. In HER2-positive breast cancer, tumors have high levels of a protein that promotes cancer cell growth. Earlier, the FDA granted tucatinib breakthrough status based on data from the treatment's pivotal clinical trial. Breakthrough designation is meant to speed up the FDA review process for drugs that treat serious medical conditions.
In the most recent earnings report, Seattle Genetics reported a 32% quarterly gain in sales of its first drug, Adcetris, a treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma, and an increase in royalty revenue from the sales of the product outside the U.S. and Canada. Though the company isn't profitable, revenue has climbed for at least the past three years, and with the addition of Padcev and maybe even tucatinib in the not-too-distant future, it's reasonable to count on more gains.
Why buy the shares now?
In the case of each of these biotech companies, earnings should benefit this year from either a product or products with strong growth or a newly launched drug. And for Acadia and Alexion, optimism linked to late-stage clinical trials may boost the shares, while hope for a nod from the FDA on tucatinib may lift Seattle Genetics. As for potential share price gains, for Acadia, Wall Street predicts 42% upside from the current share price and a 38% increase for Alexion. Seattle Genetics has less to gain, according to the average analyst estimate, with about 5% upside from this point.
That said, these aren't stocks to buy for the short-term, but instead to add to your portfolio at this decent entry point. These companies will benefit from increasing product revenue over time -- which should result in a healthy long-term stock market performance.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN), and Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN) are three companies that fit the bill. Acadia Acadia's Nuplazid is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia's annual revenue has climbed since the product was approved in 2016, and in the most recent quarter, the company said net sales of Nuplazid soared $94.6 million, up 62% from the same quarter last year. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN), and Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN) are three companies that fit the bill. As a result, Acadia lifted guidance for 2019 net sales of the drug to the range of $330 million to $340 million, up from the earlier range of $320 million to $330 million. Acadia Acadia's Nuplazid is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. | Acadia's annual revenue has climbed since the product was approved in 2016, and in the most recent quarter, the company said net sales of Nuplazid soared $94.6 million, up 62% from the same quarter last year. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN), and Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN) are three companies that fit the bill. Acadia Acadia's Nuplazid is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. | Acadia's annual revenue has climbed since the product was approved in 2016, and in the most recent quarter, the company said net sales of Nuplazid soared $94.6 million, up 62% from the same quarter last year. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Alexion Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALXN), and Seattle Genetics (NASDAQ: SGEN) are three companies that fit the bill. Acadia Acadia's Nuplazid is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. |
35883.0 | 2020-01-23 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For March 6th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-march-6th-2020-01-23 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the March 6th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 6th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $37.50 strike price has a current bid of 95 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $37.50, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $36.55 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $41.00/share today.
Because the $37.50 strike represents an approximate 9% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 69%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.53% return on the cash commitment, or 21.50% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $37.50 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $46.50 strike price has a current bid of 70 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $41.00/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $46.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 15.12% if the stock gets called away at the March 6th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $46.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $46.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.71% boost of extra return to the investor, or 14.49% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example above is 93%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $41.00) to be 71%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $46.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $46.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the March 6th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $46.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $46.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the March 6th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 6th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $37.50 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $46.50 strike price has a current bid of 70 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $46.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $46.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the March 6th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 6th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $46.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $46.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the March 6th expiration. |
35884.0 | 2020-01-17 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Larger Than S&P 500 Component Flowserve Corp | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-larger-than-sp-500-component-flowserve-corp-2020-01-17 | nan | nan | In the latest look at stocks ordered by largest market capitalization, Russell 3000 component Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) was identified as having a larger market cap than the smaller end of the S&P 500, for example Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS), according to The Online Investor.
Market capitalization is an important data point for investors to keep an eye on, for various reasons. The most basic reason is that it gives a true comparison of the value attributed by the stock market to a given company's stock. Many beginning investors look at one stock trading at $10 and another trading at $20 and mistakenly think the latter company is worth twice as much — that of course is a completely meaningless comparison without knowing how many shares of each company exist. But comparing market capitalization (factoring in those share counts) creates a true "apples-to-apples" comparison of the value of two stocks. In the case of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), the market cap is now $6.69B, versus Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS) at $6.61B.
Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ACAD vs. FLS:
Another reason market capitalization is important is where it places a company in terms of its size tier in relation to peers — much like the way a mid-size sedan is typically compared to other mid-size sedans (and not SUV's). This can have a direct impact on which indices will include the stock, and which mutual funds and ETFs are willing to own the stock. For instance, a mutual fund that is focused solely on Large Cap stocks may for example only be interested in those companies sized $10 billion or larger. Another illustrative example is the S&P MidCap index which essentially takes the S&P 500 index and "tosses out" the biggest 100 companies so as to focus solely on the 400 smaller "up-and-comers" (which in the right environment can outperform their larger rivals). And ETFs that directly follow an index like the S&P 500 will only own the underlying component of that index, selling companies that lose their status as an S&P 500 company, and buying companies when they are added to the index. So a company's market cap, especially in relation to other companies, carries great importance, and for this reason we at TheOnlineInvestor.com find value to putting together these looks at comparative market capitalization daily.
Examine the full ACAD market cap history vs. the full FLS market cap history.
At the closing bell, ACAD is off about 2.5%, while FLS is up about 0.3% on the day Friday.
The 20 Largest U.S. Companies By Market Capitalization »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ACAD vs. FLS: Another reason market capitalization is important is where it places a company in terms of its size tier in relation to peers — much like the way a mid-size sedan is typically compared to other mid-size sedans (and not SUV's). In the latest look at stocks ordered by largest market capitalization, Russell 3000 component Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) was identified as having a larger market cap than the smaller end of the S&P 500, for example Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS), according to The Online Investor. In the case of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), the market cap is now $6.69B, versus Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS) at $6.61B. | In the latest look at stocks ordered by largest market capitalization, Russell 3000 component Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) was identified as having a larger market cap than the smaller end of the S&P 500, for example Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS), according to The Online Investor. In the case of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), the market cap is now $6.69B, versus Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS) at $6.61B. Examine the full ACAD market cap history vs. the full FLS market cap history. | In the latest look at stocks ordered by largest market capitalization, Russell 3000 component Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) was identified as having a larger market cap than the smaller end of the S&P 500, for example Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS), according to The Online Investor. Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of ACAD vs. FLS: Another reason market capitalization is important is where it places a company in terms of its size tier in relation to peers — much like the way a mid-size sedan is typically compared to other mid-size sedans (and not SUV's). In the case of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), the market cap is now $6.69B, versus Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS) at $6.61B. | In the case of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), the market cap is now $6.69B, versus Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS) at $6.61B. At the closing bell, ACAD is off about 2.5%, while FLS is up about 0.3% on the day Friday. In the latest look at stocks ordered by largest market capitalization, Russell 3000 component Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) was identified as having a larger market cap than the smaller end of the S&P 500, for example Flowserve Corp (Symbol: FLS), according to The Online Investor. |
35885.0 | 2020-01-17 00:00:00 UTC | 2 Biotech Stocks to Watch In 2020 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/2-biotech-stocks-to-watch-in-2020-2020-01-17 | nan | nan | 2019 was a good year for the stock market; the S&P 500 provided a return of almost 30% during the year. And some industries performed even better than that. Consider the biotech industry, measured by the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF, which was up by about 32.5% in 2019. Could biotech stocks keep this pace up? It's hard to tell, but if you are interested in investing in biotech stocks, here are two companies you should keep an eye on: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP).
A one-trick pony?
Acadia only has one drug on the market, a medicine called Nuplazid, which treats hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). Sales of Nuplazid are growing fast. During the third quarter, Nuplazid recorded $94.6 million in sales, a 62% year-over-year increase. Of course, reliance on a single product can be a major problem for a biotech company. That said, the future of Nuplazid looks bright; here are two reasons why.
Image source: Getty Images.
First, Parkison's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's. About one million people in the U.S. suffer from Parkison's disease, with that number exceeding 10 million worldwide. Roughly 50% of people with Parkison's disease develop some form of PDP. As Nuplazid is the only drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of PDP, it has an exciting market opportunity in the U.S., and a potentially even bigger one abroad.
Second, Acadia is looking to add a new indication to Nuplazid. Last year, the company announced positive results for a phase 3 trial investigating Nuplazid as a treatment for dementia-related psychosis. The study was stopped early after Nuplazid hit its primary endpoint, news that caused Acadia's shares to soar.
The company said it planned on approaching the FDA regarding a supplemental New Drug Application (NDA) sometime this year. About 2.4 million people in the U.S. have dementia-related psychosis, and there are no FDA-approved treatments for this condition. If Nuplazid is approved for dementia-related psychosis, sales of the drug could skyrocket along with Acadia's stock. In other words, Acadia's 164.6% gain last year may only be the beginning.
Focusing on gene-editing
Shares of CRISPR Therapeutics grew by 113.2% last year despite the company not having a single drug on the market. What is behind this performance? CRISPR Therapeutics focuses on developing cures for diseases using a method known as gene-editing. This method seeks to remove the defective genes that cause certain conditions and replace them with their healthier versions. It's a difficult task, to be sure, but CRISPR Therapeutics seems to be making significant headway, particularly with its most crucial pipeline candidate, CTX001.
CTX001, which CRISPR Therapeutics is developing in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: VRTX), is currently targeting two conditions. First, there's sickle cell disease (SCD), an illness that affects a person's red blood cells and can lead to organ damage and a shortened lifespan. SCD affects 100,000 people in the U.S. and millions more worldwide. While there are treatment options for the condition, it cannot be cured -- at least not yet.
Second, CRISPR Therapeutics is going after transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT), a blood disease that can lead to severe anemia. TDT affects about one person in 100,000. Patients with this rare condition need constant blood transfusions. Biotech bluebird bio (NASDAQ: BLUE) has one gene-editing drug, Zynteglo, which is approved in Europe for the treatment of TDT. But bluebird has yet to receive the green light to market Zynteglo in the U.S. Also, not all patients with TDT are eligible to take Zynteglo.
In November, CRISPR Therapeutics announced positive results from clinical studies investigating the efficacy of CTX001 on two patients, one with SCD and the other with TDT. The patient with SCD experienced an average of seven vaso-occlusive crises (VOC, a common complication of SCD that causes acute pain) per year before participating in the clinical trial, but four months after receiving treatment, the patient reported no episodes of VOC (the expectation was that the patient would experience two such episodes if not for the treatment).
The patient with TDT was transfusion-independent nine months after receiving treatment, whereas this patient required an average of 16.5 blood transfusions per year before receiving the treatment. Of course, given that CRISPR Therapeutics has yet to even send CTX001 to the FDA's desk for review, it will likely be a while before the company can profit from this product -- if it gets approved at all. Still, the potential market opportunity for CRISPR Therapeutics' CTX001 is exciting, and it will be interesting to keep an eye on how things evolve.
CRISPR Therapeutics has other products in its pipeline, including potential cancer treatments CTX110 and CTX120. Thanks to its collaboration with Vertex Pharma -- from which it received an upfront payment of $175 million last year in a licensing agreement to develop gene-editing therapies -- CRISPR Therapeutics recorded a revenue of $211.9 million during the third quarter and ended the quarter with a cash balance of $629.7 million.
With several interesting targets on its radar and help from Vertex Pharma, things could go according to plan for CRISPR Therapeutics. If that happens, the company could continue providing market-beating returns.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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Prosper Junior Bakiny has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Bluebird Bio and CRISPR Therapeutics. The Motley Fool recommends Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia only has one drug on the market, a medicine called Nuplazid, which treats hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). It's hard to tell, but if you are interested in investing in biotech stocks, here are two companies you should keep an eye on: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP). Second, Acadia is looking to add a new indication to Nuplazid. | It's hard to tell, but if you are interested in investing in biotech stocks, here are two companies you should keep an eye on: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP). Acadia only has one drug on the market, a medicine called Nuplazid, which treats hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). Second, Acadia is looking to add a new indication to Nuplazid. | It's hard to tell, but if you are interested in investing in biotech stocks, here are two companies you should keep an eye on: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP). Acadia only has one drug on the market, a medicine called Nuplazid, which treats hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). Second, Acadia is looking to add a new indication to Nuplazid. | If Nuplazid is approved for dementia-related psychosis, sales of the drug could skyrocket along with Acadia's stock. It's hard to tell, but if you are interested in investing in biotech stocks, here are two companies you should keep an eye on: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP). Acadia only has one drug on the market, a medicine called Nuplazid, which treats hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). |
35886.0 | 2020-01-14 00:00:00 UTC | AstraZeneca’s Loss is Amarin’s Big Gain This Year | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/astrazenecas-loss-is-amarins-big-gain-this-year-2020-01-14 | nan | nan | Amarin (NASDAQ:) got excellent news Monday that sent AMRN stock up by more than 5% in early trading.
Source: Pavel Kapysh / Shutterstock.com
AstraZeneca (NYSE:) announced that it would stop a sizeable clinical study of its fish-oil-derived heart drug, Epanova, concluding that it was unlikely to benefit patients. This decision eliminates a potential competitor to AmarinâÂÂs heart drug Vascepa, the only option derived from fish oil approved for retail by the Food and Drug Administration.
For longtime investors in Amarin, the news ought to reduce some of the volatility surrounding the companyâÂÂs only commercial product. Over the past 52 weeks, AMRN stock has traded above $22 on four separate occasions and below $15 twice.
AstraZenecaâÂÂs loss is AmarinâÂÂs gain. The question is whether the news is enough to push its stock to $30 in 2020.ÃÂ
Here are the arguments for and against AMRN hitting the $30 target by Christmas.ÃÂ
Amarin Stock Will Hit $30
In December, I discussed how could be willing to pay as much as $56 a share, or $20 billion, for AmarinâÂÂs stock. While paying a massive 180% premium on current prices seems crazy, the fact that AstraZeneca has dropped out of competition leaves Amarin in a much stronger bargaining position.
Estimates put VascepaâÂÂs as high as $4 billion. ThatâÂÂs 10 times the companyâÂÂs sales in 2019. Yet despite the tremendous potential, AMRN stock has lost about a fifth of its value since hitting a 52-week high of $26.12 on Dec. 16.
InvestorPlaceâÂÂs Thomas Niel recently pointed out that Israeli-based Teva (NYSE:) has the right to begin selling a generic version of Vascepa in 2029, one year before AmarinâÂÂs patent protection runs out.
But until somebody else comes up with a drug to compete with Vascepa, Amarin has the field to itself. At least a few big drug companies will be interested in capturing VascepaâÂÂs growth runway for the next decade.ÃÂ
Sure, it might not get taken out at $56, but IâÂÂm confident several candidates are willing to pay between $30-$40 in the next 12-18 months.
The question is whether management and the board would be interested in selling at this stage of the game. In the meantime, with sales growing at 75%-100% a year, it will take Amarin three or four years to hit an estimated peak of $4 billion in sales.ÃÂ
In four years, this growth rate could make $56 look like a rounding error. That said, IâÂÂm not suggesting Amarin stock is going to $560 or something ridiculously high. I am saying that it has almost certainly got enough in the pipeline to move its share price to $30 over the remainder of the year.ÃÂ
The Stock WonâÂÂt Make It Past Mid-$20s
My InvestorPlace colleague isnâÂÂt wrong to suggest a lot of the good news is already priced into the stockâÂÂs valuation. In 2019, Amarin gained 59%, an excellent performance by any standard, but itâÂÂs hardly a biotech superstar. By comparison, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) more than doubled in 2019. ÃÂ
I donâÂÂt think the valuation card is the argument to make if you believe Amarin stock wonâÂÂt get past the mid-$20s in 2020.ÃÂ
For me, the two best arguments are that Amarin will continue to lose money in 2020 and secondly, that some of the generic manufacturers will successfully challenge its patents in court, reducing the attractiveness of its 2030 patent protection.ÃÂ
That said, the companyâÂÂs third-quarter results show that profits are just around the corner â in Q3 2019, , a fraction of the $24.5 million loss a year ago â which suggests the only thing holding Amarin back from $30 in 2020 could be a successful court challenge by either Dr. ReddyâÂÂs (NYSE:RDY) or Hikma Pharmaceuticals (OTCMKTS:).
The Bottom Line
With AstraZeneca out of the way, I find it hard to believe that AmarinâÂÂs not going to have a good year, both in terms of VascepaâÂÂs sales and the AMRN stock price.ÃÂ
Assuming it becomes profitable in fiscal 2020, I donâÂÂt see the headwinds necessary to stop it from getting to $30 by Christmas.
In my opinion, AmarinâÂÂs a buy at $20.
At the time of this writing Will Ashworth did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
The post appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | By comparison, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) more than doubled in 2019. Source: Pavel Kapysh / Shutterstock.com AstraZeneca (NYSE:) announced that it would stop a sizeable clinical study of its fish-oil-derived heart drug, Epanova, concluding that it was unlikely to benefit patients. InvestorPlaceâÂÂs Thomas Niel recently pointed out that Israeli-based Teva (NYSE:) has the right to begin selling a generic version of Vascepa in 2029, one year before AmarinâÂÂs patent protection runs out. | By comparison, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) more than doubled in 2019. Amarin (NASDAQ:) got excellent news Monday that sent AMRN stock up by more than 5% in early trading. In the meantime, with sales growing at 75%-100% a year, it will take Amarin three or four years to hit an estimated peak of $4 billion in sales.àIn four years, this growth rate could make $56 look like a rounding error. | By comparison, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) more than doubled in 2019. The question is whether the news is enough to push its stock to $30 in 2020.àHere are the arguments for and against AMRN hitting the $30 target by Christmas.àAmarin Stock Will Hit $30 In December, I discussed how could be willing to pay as much as $56 a share, or $20 billion, for AmarinâÂÂs stock. In the meantime, with sales growing at 75%-100% a year, it will take Amarin three or four years to hit an estimated peak of $4 billion in sales.àIn four years, this growth rate could make $56 look like a rounding error. | By comparison, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) more than doubled in 2019. Amarin (NASDAQ:) got excellent news Monday that sent AMRN stock up by more than 5% in early trading. The question is whether the news is enough to push its stock to $30 in 2020.àHere are the arguments for and against AMRN hitting the $30 target by Christmas.àAmarin Stock Will Hit $30 In December, I discussed how could be willing to pay as much as $56 a share, or $20 billion, for AmarinâÂÂs stock. |
35887.0 | 2020-01-09 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD February 28th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-february-28th-options-begin-trading-2020-01-09 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the February 28th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new February 28th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $42.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.45. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $42.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $40.55 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $45.64/share today.
Because the $42.00 strike represents an approximate 8% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 68%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.45% return on the cash commitment, or 25.20% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $42.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $51.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.10. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $45.64/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $51.50. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 15.25% if the stock gets called away at the February 28th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $51.50 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $51.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 63%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.41% boost of extra return to the investor, or 17.59% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example, as well as the call contract example, are both approximately 72%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $45.64) to be 71%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $51.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $51.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the February 28th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $51.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $51.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the February 28th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new February 28th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $42.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $51.50 strike price has a current bid of $1.10. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $51.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $51.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the February 28th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $51.50 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $51.50 strike represents an approximate 13% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the February 28th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new February 28th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. |
35888.0 | 2020-01-07 00:00:00 UTC | The 10 Best Healthcare Stocks of the Decade | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/the-10-best-healthcare-stocks-of-the-decade-2020-01-07 | nan | nan | This list is a snapshot of the best healthcare stocks for an entire decade, from 2010 to 2020. As such, some magnificent stocks are excluded, simply because of the measurement period. For instance, Axsome Therapeutics had an amazing 3,578% return in 2019. And yet Axsome's fantastic 2019 return was predicated on an investor buying at the bottom in January. Measured from its IPO price at $9 a share, Axsome was a 10-bagger for the decade. That's a good return, of course, but not impressive enough to make this list.
Our top 10 is filled with medical device makers and companies that are providing services to the healthcare industry. Only three drug companies made it to the top. If you invested $1,000 in each of these 10 companies on Jan. 4, 2010, 10 years later your portfolio would be worth $247,607. And here are the mightiest healthcare stocks over the last decade.
Image source: Getty Images
10. Jazz Pharmaceuticals (up 1,699%)
Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: JAZZ) is an Irish biotech company that focuses on drugs for sleep disorders, as well as oncology/hematology and other unmet medical needs. Its marketed products include Xyrem for excessive daytime sleepiness, as well as Erwinaze and Vyxeos for leukemia. It also has drugs for sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease in its pipeline. The $8 billion biotech is highly profitable, with margins of 29%.
9. Abiomed (up 1,782%)
Abiomed (NASDAQ: ABMD) was $8.86 a share at the open on Jan. 4, 2010. Fast forward a decade, and on Jan. 3, 2020, the stock was trading for $166.82 a share. (And it's down 47% off its highs!) So that's a fantastic return for long-term shareholders. It's almost a 19-bagger. Abiomed is a medical device company focused on creating artificial pumps for failing hearts. Its major device, the Impella, is a micro-pump that can replace heart function for six hours.
8. NeoGenomics (up 1,790%)
NeoGenomics (NASDAQ: NEO) was trading for $1.55 at the beginning of the decade. Ten years later, its shares are trading hands for $29.31. The company specializes in running advanced genomics tests for hospitals and doctors in the oncology space. It's a $3 billion small-cap. In its most recent quarter, Neo grew revenues at 50% year over year. (Some of that growth was due to its acquisition of Genoptix in Dec. 2018).
7. Accelerate Diagnostics (up 1,813%)
Accelerate Diagnostics (NASDAQ: AXDX) was a penny stock ten years ago, trading for $0.89 a share. Investors who put in $1,000 at the beginning of the decade (1,123 shares) are sitting on $19,124 now. (Let your winners run!) Accelerate is a medical device company that specializes in infectious diseases. Its devices help doctors quickly determine if a patient has been exposed to a deadly bacteria or fungus. The company's not profitable yet, but revenues increased 68% in the most recent quarter.
6. Simulations Plus (up 2,001%)
Simulations Plus (NASDAQ: SLP) was a tiny micro-cap ten years ago. Today it's worth $500 million. The company provides simulation software and services to drug companies to help with drug discovery and development. Using the company's software, scientists can simulate in vitro experiments over many molecules at once. The software will predict various properties of molecules, including absorption rates and interactions with other drugs. Simulations Plus has 25% profit margins and revenue growth of 20% in its most recent quarter.
5. Repligen (up 2,123%)
Repligen (NASDAQ: RGEN) is a bioprocess developer with a market cap of almost $5 billion. Repligen is a picks-and-shovels play on the rise of biotechnology. Instead of taking the risks of drug discovery and drug failure, you can invest in Repligen, a company that provides equipment to a multitude of companies so that biologic drugs can be manufactured. Repligen has an estimated 95% market share in producing the proteins that go into vaccines and gene therapy.
4. DexCom (up 2,563%)
DexCom (NASDAQ: DXCM) is now a massive $20 billion healthcare company. But 10 years ago, it was a tiny medical device company. DexCom specializes in continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems for people with diabetes. Right now the company is in a hot competition with Abbott Labs in the CGM market. The company's recently achieved profitability and its top-line growth is still blistering at 49% year over year.
3. Exact Sciences (up 2,612%)
Exact Sciences (NASDAQ: EXAS) is a large-cap ($14 billion) company focused on molecular diagnostics for oncology. The company's main product is Cologuard, a non-invasive DNA screening test taken from a stool sample. Profitability is still elusive but the company has fantastic top-line growth. Revenues are up 85% year over year. And profitability is definitely in the cards as the company has 80% gross margins on a pro forma basis.
2. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (up 2,956%)
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) is a biotech that is focused on disorders of the central nervous system. Its leading pharmaceutical is Nuplazid, which is used to treat hallucinations and delusions caused by Parkinson's. The company hopes to expand the label to include other forms of dementia.
1. Neurocrine Biosciences (up 3,863%)
Neurocrine Biosciences (NASDAQ: NBIX) is the top healthcare stock over the last decade. Investors who bought 361 shares at $2.77 a share are now sitting on almost $40,000. The $10 billion biotech has two drugs on the market: Ingrezza, a drug for involuntary muscle movement, and Orilissa, a hormone therapy for women's health.
COMPANY PRICE JAN. 4, 2010 PRICE JAN. 3, 2020 PERCENTAGE GAIN
Neurocrine Biosciences $2.77 $109.78 3,863%
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals $1.32 $40.35 2,956%
Exact Sciences $3.50 $94.94 2,612%
DexCom $8.21 $218.70 2,563%
Repligen $4.17 $92.74 2,123%
Simulations Plus $1.37 $28.79 2,001%
Accelerate Diagnostics $0.89 $17.03 1,813%
NeoGenomics $1.55 $29.31 1,790%
Abiomed $8.86 $166.82 1,782%
Jazz Pharmaceuticals $8.06 $145.10 1,700%
It's been a pretty amazing decade for healthcare stocks. Many of these names came out of nowhere to give astounding returns to the investors who bought and held them. And despite these very large returns, many of these stocks are still attractive going forward. My favorite is Accelerate Diagnostics, but I think several of these names will easily defeat the S&P 500 over the next decade.
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Taylor Carmichael owns shares of Axsome Therapeutics. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Abiomed. The Motley Fool owns shares of NeoGenomics, Inc. The Motley Fool recommends Exact Sciences, Neurocrine Biosciences, and Repligen. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (up 2,956%) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) is a biotech that is focused on disorders of the central nervous system. Neurocrine Biosciences $2.77 $109.78 3,863% ACADIA Pharmaceuticals $1.32 $40.35 2,956% Exact Sciences $3.50 $94.94 2,612% DexCom $8.21 $218.70 2,563% Repligen $4.17 $92.74 2,123% Simulations Plus $1.37 $28.79 2,001% Accelerate Diagnostics $0.89 $17.03 1,813% NeoGenomics $1.55 $29.31 1,790% Abiomed $8.86 $166.82 1,782% Jazz Pharmaceuticals $8.06 $145.10 1,700% It's been a pretty amazing decade for healthcare stocks. Our top 10 is filled with medical device makers and companies that are providing services to the healthcare industry. | Neurocrine Biosciences $2.77 $109.78 3,863% ACADIA Pharmaceuticals $1.32 $40.35 2,956% Exact Sciences $3.50 $94.94 2,612% DexCom $8.21 $218.70 2,563% Repligen $4.17 $92.74 2,123% Simulations Plus $1.37 $28.79 2,001% Accelerate Diagnostics $0.89 $17.03 1,813% NeoGenomics $1.55 $29.31 1,790% Abiomed $8.86 $166.82 1,782% Jazz Pharmaceuticals $8.06 $145.10 1,700% It's been a pretty amazing decade for healthcare stocks. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (up 2,956%) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) is a biotech that is focused on disorders of the central nervous system. Jazz Pharmaceuticals (up 1,699%) Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: JAZZ) is an Irish biotech company that focuses on drugs for sleep disorders, as well as oncology/hematology and other unmet medical needs. | Neurocrine Biosciences $2.77 $109.78 3,863% ACADIA Pharmaceuticals $1.32 $40.35 2,956% Exact Sciences $3.50 $94.94 2,612% DexCom $8.21 $218.70 2,563% Repligen $4.17 $92.74 2,123% Simulations Plus $1.37 $28.79 2,001% Accelerate Diagnostics $0.89 $17.03 1,813% NeoGenomics $1.55 $29.31 1,790% Abiomed $8.86 $166.82 1,782% Jazz Pharmaceuticals $8.06 $145.10 1,700% It's been a pretty amazing decade for healthcare stocks. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (up 2,956%) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) is a biotech that is focused on disorders of the central nervous system. The company provides simulation software and services to drug companies to help with drug discovery and development. | Neurocrine Biosciences $2.77 $109.78 3,863% ACADIA Pharmaceuticals $1.32 $40.35 2,956% Exact Sciences $3.50 $94.94 2,612% DexCom $8.21 $218.70 2,563% Repligen $4.17 $92.74 2,123% Simulations Plus $1.37 $28.79 2,001% Accelerate Diagnostics $0.89 $17.03 1,813% NeoGenomics $1.55 $29.31 1,790% Abiomed $8.86 $166.82 1,782% Jazz Pharmaceuticals $8.06 $145.10 1,700% It's been a pretty amazing decade for healthcare stocks. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (up 2,956%) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) is a biotech that is focused on disorders of the central nervous system. Investors who bought 361 shares at $2.77 a share are now sitting on almost $40,000. |
35889.0 | 2020-01-07 00:00:00 UTC | Where Will GW Pharmaceuticals Be in 5 Years? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/where-will-gw-pharmaceuticals-be-in-5-years-2020-01-07 | nan | nan | GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: GWPH) paved the way for modulating the cannabinoid pathway and turning that field of science into valuable prescription therapeutics. Over the past five years, GW transitioned from a promising idea to a commercial reality with two approved drugs in the U.S. and Europe.
Image source: Getty Images.
Epidiolex, GW's first drug to attain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, launched into the market in November 2018 as a treatment for two rare forms of childhood-onset epilepsy. It also marked the FDA's first approval of a cannabis-derived drug.
Epidiolex demand drives sales
GW touted Epidiolex's successful launch in a September 2019 presentation, highlighting that more than 2,500 physicians wrote Epidiolex prescriptions for over 12,000 patients. Revenues exceeded $188 million in the first nine months of 2019.
European regulators approved the drug last September under the name Epidyolex. The initial launch in Germany and France began shortly thereafter. In December, the U.K.'s National Institute for Health Care and Excellence granted a favorable recommendation for routine reimbursement of Epidyolex and GW's Sativex, a drug for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis. This paves the way for the U.K. launch. GW plans to expand into Italy and Spain this year.
GW sees a need for therapy for roughly one-third of epilepsy patients with seizures who do not respond to existing anti-epileptic drugs. Several distinct and rare syndromes fall into that basket. Epidiolex's initial approval treats patients aged two and older who experience seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
The commercial prospects of Epidiolex remain a near-term priority. While watching that, investors will keep a keen eye on the uptake across Europe following the September approval. Additionally, Sativex, which is sold in 25 countries by GW's marketing partners, will enter pivotal trials for approval in the U.S.
Will GW remain independent?
It's always tough to tell. Here is why it is challenging for a big pharma company to buy GW. Marijuana and cannabis remain illegal in the U.S. at the federal level. Until that changes, pharma companies don't want to be perceived as possibly being on the wrong side of the law. The PR battle may be a greater stumbling block than the science or products.
Let's look to history for an example. Thalidomide was a drug initially marketed for morning sickness, anxiety, and sleeping problems. What followed was an outbreak of birth defects and early deaths of babies whose mothers took thalidomide. Later the drug was shown to be effective in treating multiple myeloma, graft-versus-host disease, and skin diseases, including leprosy.
A little biotech company called Celgene acquired the drug and gained approval for use in cancer, where it went on to be very successful. In the early 2000s, Celgene, with a market cap under $100 million, tried to sell itself unsuccessfully. No big pharma would take on the PR nightmare that would come from acquiring a drug that caused thousands of birth defects. Faced with that reality, Celgene used thalidomide as its foundation and ultimately grew until Bristol-Myers Squibb acquired the company last year for $74 billion.
As with Celgene in the early days, I do not see pharma companies stepping in to buy GW unless the laws change. A specialty pharma in the central nervous system (CNS) field, like Denmark-based Lundbeck, could be a possible acquirer. If GW's Board felt it needed a sizable merger to bolster its prospects, then perhaps CNS-focused biotechs like Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Neurocrine Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NBIX), or Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE) could fit the bill.
GW to maintain its leadership position
Investor interest in marijuana stocks has surged in recent years. Alongside the traditional consumer/retail business, several of these outfits intend to pursue a pharmaceutical approach. The extensive requirements to properly develop a drug will likely overwhelm many of these companies, causing them to seek a strategic pharmaceutical partner. GW's proven track record should give it a coveted position to fill that void. GW has been expanding its internal corporate and business development teams to achieve this.
I predict that five years from now, GW will remain independent. Epidiolex marketed indications will increase. Sativex and a third product, possibly the CBDV program, will also be approved. GW will be a leading CNS company and the "partner-of-choice" in the cannabinoid space with a growing pipeline built through acquisitions and licensing transactions with emerging cannabis companies.
Where will the stock be in five years?
No one knows. If the business flourishes, then the stock should appreciate to reflect its progress. Investors should take comfort that Epidiolex, in its first fully year on the market, will exceed $200 million in sales, and that does not reflect its recent European approval. The stock currently trades at roughly a 45% discount to last year's highs of $187 per share. While not cheap at $102 per share, the stock can increase dramatically as seen in last year's performance, making it attractive for biotech investors willing to accept the risks.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | If GW's Board felt it needed a sizable merger to bolster its prospects, then perhaps CNS-focused biotechs like Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Neurocrine Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NBIX), or Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE) could fit the bill. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. GW Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: GWPH) paved the way for modulating the cannabinoid pathway and turning that field of science into valuable prescription therapeutics. | If GW's Board felt it needed a sizable merger to bolster its prospects, then perhaps CNS-focused biotechs like Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Neurocrine Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NBIX), or Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE) could fit the bill. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Bristol-Myers Squibb. | If GW's Board felt it needed a sizable merger to bolster its prospects, then perhaps CNS-focused biotechs like Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Neurocrine Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NBIX), or Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE) could fit the bill. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Epidiolex, GW's first drug to attain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, launched into the market in November 2018 as a treatment for two rare forms of childhood-onset epilepsy. | If GW's Board felt it needed a sizable merger to bolster its prospects, then perhaps CNS-focused biotechs like Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Neurocrine Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NBIX), or Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE) could fit the bill. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Epidiolex, GW's first drug to attain U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, launched into the market in November 2018 as a treatment for two rare forms of childhood-onset epilepsy. |
35890.0 | 2019-12-24 00:00:00 UTC | 2 Biotech Stocks Poised to Soar in 2020 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/2-biotech-stocks-poised-to-soar-in-2020-2019-12-24 | nan | nan | Biotechnology has proved to be one of the most fruitful areas when it comes to stocks that quickly double or even triple in value seemingly overnight. The main reason is that the stock market simply cannot predict the success (or failure) of clinical trials with any degree of accuracy whatsoever.
Most industry experts, for instance, thought Amarin's cardiovascular outcomes trial, Reduce-It, for its prescription omega-3 treatment Vascepa would be a failure. Instead, the drug blew past expectations to become the first-ever omega-3 treatment to show a clear-cut cardiovascular benefit in a placebo-controlled trial.
Similarly, Wall Street was caught flat-footed when Aurinia Pharmaceuticals' lupus nephritis candidate voclosporin hit the mark in a pivotal trial earlier this month. The point is that valuations in biotech are constantly in flux due to the unpredictability inherent in many of these businesses.
Image source: Getty Images.
Keeping with this theme, business development activity adds yet another element of surprise to the valuation process in biotech. Several companies that most analysts thought would be acquired early in their life cycle have repeatedly failed to attract viable tender offers over the years. Whereas complete dark horses like the synthetic-protein maker Synthorx have gone on to fetch enormous offers from big pharma seemingly out of the blue.
Next year, though, promises to be far more predictable on the merger and acquisition front. Numerous big pharmas and blue chip biotechs are facing key patent expirations in the next decade. Moreover, all of these companies are experiencing tremendous pressure from U.S. politicians to lower the prices of their brand name medications. These dual headwinds, in turn, should drive an uptick in demand for bolt-on acquisitions that can generate healthy levels of revenue through large sales volume, instead of through ginormous price tags.
Which biotechs have the goods to meet this demand? Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) both check this all-important box. Big pharma, in kind, may be willing to pay top dollar to acquire both of these names in the new year. Read on to find out more about these two red-hot buyout candidates.
The case for Acadia
Acadia's shares have nearly quadrupled in value in 2019. The drugmaker's stock has been on fire this year due to Nuplazid's positive top-line data readout as a potential treatment for dementia-related psychosis (DRP).
Nuplazid is already approved for Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP), but a label expansion for DRP would be an absolute game changer. DRP, after all, is a far more common condition that PDP. Wall Street, in fact, thinks Nuplazid's sales could hit nearly $2 billion with this second indication in hand. That's quite a potential haul for a company presently valued at less than $7 billion.
What's next? Acadia plans on discussing a possible label expansion for Nuplazid with the Food and Drug Administration next year. While the agency may encourage a regulatory filing, there is also the very real possibility that it will require a confirmatory trial. So investors will definitely want to keep a close eye on this developing story.
Which big pharma or blue chip biotech might come calling in 2020? The obvious suitor is Biogen. Its multiple sclerosis franchise has been stuck in neutral for a while and the biotech doesn't have the greatest pipeline, to put it mildly.
The case for Axsome
Axsome's shares have already appreciated by a staggering 3,400% since the start of the year, but this mid-cap biotech still has a lot more room to run. The lowdown is that Axsome's stock has taken flight in 2019 on the heels of strong late-stage data for its major depressive disorder (MDD) medication AXS-05. What's more, two rival MDD medications flopped in the clinic this year, which opened the door for AXS-05 to grab an outsize portion of this enormous market.
That's a big deal because AXS-05 would likely need to grab only about 4% of the MDD market to reach blockbuster status (assuming a typical pricing point for an antidepressant). So a more typical penetration rate -- one that's easily achievable now with two big competitors down for the count -- would have the drug's peak sales coming in closer to $5 billion.
That's an absolutely monstrous commercial opportunity for a company with a $3.4 billion market cap. The truly crazy part about this story, though, is that Axsome's other pipeline activities could tack on several billion in additional sales if things go according to plan.
Which big pharma might take a stab at acquiring Axsome? The clear front-runner is Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) due to its deep interests in antidepressants. Even if Lilly doesn't make a play, however, Axsome should still have plenty of interest from a variety of suitors in 2020.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) both check this all-important box. The case for Acadia Acadia's shares have nearly quadrupled in value in 2019. Acadia plans on discussing a possible label expansion for Nuplazid with the Food and Drug Administration next year. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) both check this all-important box. The case for Acadia Acadia's shares have nearly quadrupled in value in 2019. Acadia plans on discussing a possible label expansion for Nuplazid with the Food and Drug Administration next year. | 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) both check this all-important box. The case for Acadia Acadia's shares have nearly quadrupled in value in 2019. | The case for Acadia Acadia's shares have nearly quadrupled in value in 2019. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Axsome Therapeutics (NASDAQ: AXSM) both check this all-important box. Acadia plans on discussing a possible label expansion for Nuplazid with the Food and Drug Administration next year. |
35891.0 | 2019-12-12 00:00:00 UTC | Analysts Expect FBT Will Reach $179 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/analysts-expect-fbt-will-reach-%24179-2019-12-12 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF (Symbol: FBT), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $178.80 per unit.
With FBT trading at a recent price near $147.93 per unit, that means that analysts see 20.87% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), Nektar Therapeutics (Symbol: NKTR), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although SRPT has traded at a recent price of $101.45/share, the average analyst target is 80.32% higher at $182.93/share. Similarly, NKTR has 28.70% upside from the recent share price of $21.60 if the average analyst target price of $27.80/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $54.42/share, which is 20.90% above the recent price of $45.01. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD:
Combined, SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD represent 10.36% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD: Combined, SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD represent 10.36% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), Nektar Therapeutics (Symbol: NKTR), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, NKTR has 28.70% upside from the recent share price of $21.60 if the average analyst target price of $27.80/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $54.42/share, which is 20.90% above the recent price of $45.01. | Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), Nektar Therapeutics (Symbol: NKTR), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, NKTR has 28.70% upside from the recent share price of $21.60 if the average analyst target price of $27.80/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $54.42/share, which is 20.90% above the recent price of $45.01. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD: Combined, SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD represent 10.36% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Similarly, NKTR has 28.70% upside from the recent share price of $21.60 if the average analyst target price of $27.80/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $54.42/share, which is 20.90% above the recent price of $45.01. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), Nektar Therapeutics (Symbol: NKTR), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD: Combined, SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD represent 10.36% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD: Combined, SRPT, NKTR, and ACAD represent 10.36% of the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF. Three of FBT's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: SRPT), Nektar Therapeutics (Symbol: NKTR), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, NKTR has 28.70% upside from the recent share price of $21.60 if the average analyst target price of $27.80/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $54.42/share, which is 20.90% above the recent price of $45.01. |
35892.0 | 2019-12-06 00:00:00 UTC | Save Yourself the Migraine and Buy This 1 Pharma Stock Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/save-yourself-the-migraine-and-buy-this-1-pharma-stock-now-2019-12-06 | nan | nan | Biohaven Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: BHVN) expects to announce results from its phase 3 clinical trials before the end of 2019. The company seeks to develop drugs to treat diseases of the brain, a notoriously challenging area for drug developers. However, the risk-reward ratio should be attractive to investors.
Image source: Getty Images.
Biohaven takes aim at migraines
One of Biohaven's key research and development efforts centers on the development of drugs that interact with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, which is found in a pathway that sends pain signals to the brain. The company has two drugs targeting the CGRP receptor that are meant to treat and prevent migraines.
Investors can take comfort in knowing that targeting the CGRP receptor for migraines has prior precedent. Aimovig, a once-a-month CRGP receptor-blocking antibody from Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) and Novartis (NYSE: NVS) led this class with its approval to prevent migraines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2018. Ajovy from Teva Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: TEVA) followed suit with a September 2018 approval allowing the flexibility to be given either monthly or quarterly. Days later, Emgality from Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) gained FDA approval for the prevention of episodic cluster headache in adults.
Biohaven believes smaller is better
Large molecules, like the antibodies noted above, require injections that may not be ideal for a lifelong condition like migraines. Instead, Biohaven develops small molecules that do not require injection. Zydis, an orally dissolving CGRP receptor antagonist, has completed phase 3 clinical trials and stands before the FDA awaiting approval. Biohaven's second drug in the class, vazegapant, will have phase 2/3 trial results before the end of this year.
In September, Biohaven announced that it completed enrollment of more than 2,100 subjects into its pivotal phase 2/3 clinical trial for vazegapant as a treatment for acute migraine. What makes vazegapant unique? It is the first intranasally administered CGRP receptor antagonist. Inhalation of the drug allows an exceptionally rapid path to the brain, which in turn allows for quick therapeutic relief from the migraine.
In contrast to the approved antibodies, Zydis and vazegapant intervene to stop ongoing migraines. Biohaven is not alone. Allergan (NYSE: AGN) filed for approval of its oral small molecule ubrogepant and expects an FDA ruling this month. That would leapfrog Zydis as the first oral treatment on the market. Biohaven responded by furthering Zydis' potential indications by testing it for migraine prevention. The phase 3 trial should have results in December or "early 2020," according to the company.
Image source: Getty Images.
Roughly 12% of the population suffers from migraines, including children. Besides the physical pain, persistent migraines can impair one's quality of life. Medical journal Headache recently published that 2.6 million migraine sufferers also have cardiovascular issues that restrict their ability to be treated with the commonly prescribed triptan class of antimigraine therapy. Biohaven believes it will circumvent the cardiovascular issues facing the triptan class of migraine drugs.
Neurological diseases such as migraines cause millions of patients to suffer each year. Biohaven has a solid chance of reporting positive phase 3 clinical trial data leading to marketing approval in the future. As a backstop, Biohaven's R&D efforts include several advanced clinical-stage drugs candidates, including a reformulation of riluzole, an approved drug to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known in the U.S. as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the baseball player.
That said, biotech investing, particularly in companies pursuing brain and central nervous system diseases, requires enduring R&D as well as regulatory and commercial risk, but the rewards can be bountiful. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) added over $1 billion in valuation following positive results on a drug to treat dementia-related psychosis. On the flip side, Sage Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SAGE) dropped 60% after it announced a failed phase 3 clinical trial in depression.
Hopefully, buying this stock today won't cause investors any headaches.
10 stocks we like better than Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd.
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David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends Amgen. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) added over $1 billion in valuation following positive results on a drug to treat dementia-related psychosis. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Aimovig, a once-a-month CRGP receptor-blocking antibody from Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) and Novartis (NYSE: NVS) led this class with its approval to prevent migraines from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in May 2018. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) added over $1 billion in valuation following positive results on a drug to treat dementia-related psychosis. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Biohaven Pharmaceuticals (NYSE: BHVN) expects to announce results from its phase 3 clinical trials before the end of 2019. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) added over $1 billion in valuation following positive results on a drug to treat dementia-related psychosis. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. Biohaven takes aim at migraines One of Biohaven's key research and development efforts centers on the development of drugs that interact with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor, which is found in a pathway that sends pain signals to the brain. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) added over $1 billion in valuation following positive results on a drug to treat dementia-related psychosis. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of December 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals. The company seeks to develop drugs to treat diseases of the brain, a notoriously challenging area for drug developers. |
35893.0 | 2019-12-05 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 12/05/2019: AUPH, ACAD, SAGE, JNJ, PFE, ABT, MRK, AMGN | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-12-05-2019%3A-auph-acad-sage-jnj-pfe-abt-mrk-amgn-2019-12-05 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks:
JNJ: +0.10%
PFE: +0.52%
ABT: Flat
MRK: +0.29%
AMGN: -1.1%
Health care majors were mixed in Thursday's pre-market trading.
Stocks moving on news include:
(+) Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (AUPH), which was surging by more than 103% amid positive results from the late-stage trial of Voclosporin, in combination with mycophenolate and low-dose corticosteroids, in the treatment of lupus nephritis.
(+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) was rallying nearly 20% after saying its pivotal phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint of significantly reducing the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8 fold.
(-) Sage Therapeutics (SAGE) was plunging more than 62% as the late-stage study evaluating its drug SAGE-217 to treat major depressive disorder did not meet its primary endpoint.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) was rallying nearly 20% after saying its pivotal phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint of significantly reducing the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8 fold. Health care majors were mixed in Thursday's pre-market trading. Stocks moving on news include: (+) Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (AUPH), which was surging by more than 103% amid positive results from the late-stage trial of Voclosporin, in combination with mycophenolate and low-dose corticosteroids, in the treatment of lupus nephritis. | (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) was rallying nearly 20% after saying its pivotal phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint of significantly reducing the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8 fold. Top Health Care Stocks: Health care majors were mixed in Thursday's pre-market trading. | (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) was rallying nearly 20% after saying its pivotal phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint of significantly reducing the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8 fold. Stocks moving on news include: (+) Aurinia Pharmaceuticals (AUPH), which was surging by more than 103% amid positive results from the late-stage trial of Voclosporin, in combination with mycophenolate and low-dose corticosteroids, in the treatment of lupus nephritis. (-) Sage Therapeutics (SAGE) was plunging more than 62% as the late-stage study evaluating its drug SAGE-217 to treat major depressive disorder did not meet its primary endpoint. | (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) was rallying nearly 20% after saying its pivotal phase 3 trial of pimavanserin in patients with dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint of significantly reducing the risk of relapse of psychosis by 2.8 fold. Top Health Care Stocks: ABT: Flat |
35894.0 | 2019-12-05 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Stock Is on Fire Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-is-on-fire-today-2019-12-05 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of mid-cap drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) rose by as much as 13% in pre-market trading today. The biopharma's stock is jumping in response to a presentation at the 12th Clinical Trials on Alzheimer's Disease meeting Wednesday covering the latest trial results for Nuplazid's late-stage dementia-related psychosis trial known as Harmony.
So what
Earlier this year, Acadia announced that Harmony had been halted early because patients on placebo were more than twice as likely to show worsening symptoms compared to those on Nuplazid. This latest update provided additional information on the drug's all-important safety profile in this patient population.
Image source: Getty Images.
The big-ticket item is that Nuplazid didn't produce any alarming safety signals in this study. Most importantly, the company said that no deaths were directly attributed to the drug. That's key because Nuplazid has been flagged by regulators for safety concerns as a treatment for Parkinson's disease psychosis in the past. It is important to note, however, that these concerns have never led to any adverse action by the Food and Drug Administration.
Now what
In the accompanying press release, Acadia's management said that they plan to chat with the FDA about a possible regulatory pathway within the first half of next year. With such strong late-stage results and a clear-cut medical need, though, investors might be wondering why the company simply doesn't proceed with a regulatory filing. The issue at play here is whether the FDA will require a confirmatory trial before giving the green light. So it's prudent in this case to seek the FDA's advice before wasting time and money on a regulatory application.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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George Budwell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Shares of mid-cap drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) rose by as much as 13% in pre-market trading today. So what Earlier this year, Acadia announced that Harmony had been halted early because patients on placebo were more than twice as likely to show worsening symptoms compared to those on Nuplazid. Now what In the accompanying press release, Acadia's management said that they plan to chat with the FDA about a possible regulatory pathway within the first half of next year. | What happened Shares of mid-cap drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) rose by as much as 13% in pre-market trading today. So what Earlier this year, Acadia announced that Harmony had been halted early because patients on placebo were more than twice as likely to show worsening symptoms compared to those on Nuplazid. Now what In the accompanying press release, Acadia's management said that they plan to chat with the FDA about a possible regulatory pathway within the first half of next year. | 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. What happened Shares of mid-cap drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) rose by as much as 13% in pre-market trading today. So what Earlier this year, Acadia announced that Harmony had been halted early because patients on placebo were more than twice as likely to show worsening symptoms compared to those on Nuplazid. | * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened Shares of mid-cap drugmaker Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) rose by as much as 13% in pre-market trading today. So what Earlier this year, Acadia announced that Harmony had been halted early because patients on placebo were more than twice as likely to show worsening symptoms compared to those on Nuplazid. |
35895.0 | 2019-12-04 00:00:00 UTC | AUPH Soars On Lupus Trial Results, ACAD On Watch, ALNA Trims Workforce | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/auph-soars-on-lupus-trial-results-acad-on-watch-alna-trims-workforce-2019-12-04 | nan | nan | (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about the layoff in Allena Pharma; the positive phase III trial results of Aurinia Pharma's lupus drug; stock offerings of Millendo Therapeutics and Relmada Therapeutics.
Read on…
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) is planning to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 regarding a supplemental NDA submission for Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.
The Company's phase III study evaluating Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, dubbed HARMONY, was stopped early for positive efficacy in September of this year. The trial met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse of psychosis with Pimavanserin compared to placebo in a planned interim efficacy analysis.
Pimavanserin is already approved in the U.S., under brand name NUPLAZID, for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. The drug brought home net sales of $94.6 million in the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, up 62% over the year-ago same quarter.
For full-year 2019, the Company expects NUPLAZID net sales to be in the range of $330 to $340 million.
ACAD closed Wednesday's trading at $44.28, down 1.47%. In after-hours, the stock was up 2.76% to $45.50.
Allena Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALNA) is trimming its workforce that will lead to a reduction in its salary and related compensation expenses of approximately 30%. The layoff, which is primarily in the area of research and development, is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2019.
The Company's lead product candidate is Reloxaliase (formerly ALLN-177), an oral enzyme therapeutic that is initially being developed for the treatment of enteric hyperoxaluria in adults.
Hyperoxaluria is a metabolic disorder characterized by significantly elevated oxalate levels in the urine. This condition can cause kidney stones, damaging the kidney - ultimately leading to kidney failure.
Last month, the Company reported positive topline results from a pivotal phase III trial of Reloxaliase for the treatment of patients with enteric hyperoxaluria, dubbed URIROX-1. A second pivotal phase III trial of Reloxaliase for the treatment of patients with enteric hyperoxaluria, dubbed URIROX-2, is underway.
The Company expects to meet with the FDA in early 2020 and to provide an update on the final design and timing of the URIROX-2 study as it evolves.
ALNA closed Wednesday's trading at $2.31, up 0.87%.
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (AUPH) (AUP.TO) pivotal phase III trial of Voclosporin, in combination with mycophenolate and low-dose corticosteroids, in the treatment of lupus nephritis has yielded positive results.
The trial, dubbed AURORA, in which 357 patients with active lupus nephritis were enrolled, met its primary endpoint of Renal Response rates of 40.8% for Voclosporin vs. 22.5% for the control. Additionally, all pre-specified hierarchical secondary endpoints achieved statistical significance in favor of Voclosporin, which included Renal Response at 24 weeks, Partial Renal Response at 24 and 52 weeks, time to achieve urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR), and time to 50% reduction in UPCR.
Aurinia plans to submit an NDA for Voclosporin in lupus nephritis to the FDA in the first half of 2020.
AUPH closed Wednesday's trading at $8.39, up 5.14%. In after-hours, the stock was up 119.90% to $18.45.
Millendo Therapeutics Inc. (MLND) has offered to sell 4.16 million shares of its common stock to the public at a price of $6.00 per share.
The aggregate gross proceeds from the offering are expected to be $25.0 million. The offering is expected to close on December 9, 2019, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
In addition, Millendo has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 625,000 additional shares of common stock.
The Company's pipeline includes two clinical assets - Livoletide (AZP-531) for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome, and Nevanimibe (ATR-101) for the treatment of classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Also in the pipeline is MLE-301 in pre-clinical development for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.
Livoletide is under a pivotal phase IIb/III clinical study in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome, dubbed ZEPHYR, with topline results expected in 1H20.
Nevanimibe is under a phase IIb study in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and includes two distinct cohorts of patients. Topline results for cohort 1 of the study are anticipated in 2H20.
MLND closed Wednesday's trading at $7.76, up 1.31%. In after-hours, the stock was down 18.81% to $6.30.
Relmada Therapeutics Inc. (RLMD) has offered to sell 3.33 million shares of its common stock to the public at a price of $30.00 per share in an underwritten offering.
The gross proceeds to Relmada from the offering are expected to be $100 million. The offering is expected to close on December 6, 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.
In addition, Relmada has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 500,000 shares of Relmada's common stock.
On October 15, 2019, the Company reported promising results from its phase II clinical study evaluating two doses of REL-1017, 25 mg once a day and 50 mg once a day, as an adjunctive treatment in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The news sent the stock soaring 134% to $26 that day.
The Company's stock underwent a 1-for-4 reverse stock split on September 30, 2019, and the shares were uplisted to the Nasdaq Capital Market on October 10, 2019.
RLMD closed Wednesday's trading at $47.18, up 36.91%.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Read on… ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) is planning to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 regarding a supplemental NDA submission for Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. ACAD closed Wednesday's trading at $44.28, down 1.47%. The Company's phase III study evaluating Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, dubbed HARMONY, was stopped early for positive efficacy in September of this year. | Read on… ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) is planning to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 regarding a supplemental NDA submission for Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. ACAD closed Wednesday's trading at $44.28, down 1.47%. (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about the layoff in Allena Pharma; the positive phase III trial results of Aurinia Pharma's lupus drug; stock offerings of Millendo Therapeutics and Relmada Therapeutics. | Read on… ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) is planning to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 regarding a supplemental NDA submission for Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. ACAD closed Wednesday's trading at $44.28, down 1.47%. (RTTNews) - Today's Daily Dose brings you news about the layoff in Allena Pharma; the positive phase III trial results of Aurinia Pharma's lupus drug; stock offerings of Millendo Therapeutics and Relmada Therapeutics. | Read on… ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) is planning to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 regarding a supplemental NDA submission for Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. ACAD closed Wednesday's trading at $44.28, down 1.47%. The Company's phase III study evaluating Pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, dubbed HARMONY, was stopped early for positive efficacy in September of this year. |
35896.0 | 2019-12-02 00:00:00 UTC | 7 Exciting Biotech Stocks to Buy Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/7-exciting-biotech-stocks-to-buy-now-2019-12-02 | nan | nan | Over the past 12 months, the Nasdaq Biotech Index (NBI) has kept up with the broader market, slightly outpacing the S&P 500, until the last few months.
Certainly 2019 has been a bumpy ride. But it looks like the sector, especially thank to its larger firms, is finally hitting its stride. The index is rising and a growing number of mergers over the past couple years are starting to pay off.
There are some amazing new technologies that are finally gaining traction on the medication side, which includes a long journey through U.S. Food and Drug Administration trials. It usually takes about 10 years and costs around $2 billion to get a drug through trials these days.
That’s a lot of commitment. And during that time, you need to develop a strong pipeline for future growth.
At , we are focused on pure biotech stocks, not big pharma. These seven big biotech companies are driving cutting-edge therapies. These names are either currently thriving or well positioned for buyouts that would come with big premiums.
Biotech Stocks to Buy: Galapagos (GLPG)
Source: Shutterstock
Galapagos (NASDAQ:) is a perfect example of the new wave in biotech. It uses adenoviruses — viruses that usually cause respiratory illnesses — to introduce human gene sequences to help or prevent certain proteins from multiplying.
The formations of proteins play a critical role in a number of diseases, including cancer. They are also key in autoimmune diseases. And GLPG focuses on the latter.
It has four drugs in clinical trials currently, and two of those are in Phase 3 trials. That is encouraging, since it is usually moving into Phase 3 trials where many drugs fall short.
The stock is up a whopping 94% this year as trial results are driving price, yet its trailing price-to-earnings ratio is 38. It has a $12 billion market capitalization, so it’s well funded.
China Biologic Products (CBPO)
Source: Shutterstock
China Biologic Products (NASDAQ:) is one of China’s leading biotech companies. Its work isn’t fancy, but it’s functional. And in a population of 1.4 billion people, high-quality drugs represent a huge step forward.
China is very focused on developing its pharmaceutical and healthcare industry instead of relying on the U.S or Europe to sell it medicines. But this is a huge undertaking to start from nearly scratch.
CBPO is one of the first to do it. It’s not making cutting-edge drugs and doing breakthrough research — it’s focused on plasma-based biopharmaceutical products. These are fundamental for treatment of immune system disorders, epidemic diseases and disaster relief.
It gained a lot of attention last year when a consortium offered nearly $4 billion for the company. Its current market cap is $4.5 billion and the stock is up 54% year-to-date. That’s the kind of momentum I like to see at , and there’s still plenty of headroom here.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (ARWR)
Source: Shutterstock
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) works on novel drugs for intractable diseases. And that about sums up its focus.
Right now, it has nine drugs in trials. Two of them are in Phase 3. One is for liver disease and the other for Hepatitis B. Most of its other drugs are focused on diseases affecting the liver. It also has one in trial for lung cancer and another for renal cell carcinoma.
It is focused on using RNAi, or RNA interference, to prevent cells from expressing a specific gene, usually a gene linked to a disease. RNAi has been around for a long time, and ARWR has been around since 1989. But it’s now coming into its own, as technologies have grown up around it.
The stock is up a staggering 432% year-to-date, due to its own work and the interest that big pharma is now taking in the sector. With a $6.3 billion market cap, it would be an easy buy for a big firm looking to acquire a solid pipeline of RNAi drugs.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD)
Source: Shutterstock
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) focuses on central nervous system disorders. These range from schizophrenia to Parkinson’s to major depressive disorder.
It actually has a drug in the market. In 2016 Nuplazid was launched to help manage the hallucinations and disorientation sometimes experienced by Parkinson’s patients. Second-quarter sales were $83 million, up 46% from the same quarter a year ago. That’s more than $300 million a year, and growing.
It has another drug that is wrapping up Phase 3 trials and is targeted at dementia-related psychosis. Yet another drug is halfway through Phase 3 trials focused on providing an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder.
This firm isn’t just about the future, it’s succeeding in the market right now. And in a unique niche, no less. This niche will continue to grow as boomers age, so demographics are also on its side. That’s.
ACAD stock is up 182% year-to-date and with a $7 billion market cap, it’s still the early days.
Spark Therapeutics (ONCE)
Source: Shutterstock
Spark Therapeutics (NASDAQ:) is a gene therapy company that focuses on genetic diseases including blindness, hemophilia and neurodegenerative conditions.
These can be good areas for a relatively young gene company to plant its flag, because they aren’t usually filled with as much competition. That also means that during drug trials, its efficacies don’t have to meet as high standards.
ONCE just launched its first drug this year, Luxturna, for inherited retinal dystrophy, which ultimately leads to blindness. Sales and results have been positive. The company also has a licensing and development deal with Pfizer (NYSE:) for a drug targeting hemophilia. And Novartis (NYSE:) has control of European marketing for Luxturna.
The stock is up 184% year-to-date and has a bright future if it can keep delivering.
Zai Lab (ZLAB)
Source: Shutterstock
Zai Lab (NASDAQ:) is a Chinese biotech that launched in 2014. But today, it has a $2.6 billion market cap. That’s some pretty fast growth.
Part of the reason is that Incyte Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:), maker of the rheumatoid arthritis drug Jakafi, has become an investor. This partnership allows INCY to market its drug in China and gives ZLAB access to the U.S. market. At Growth Investor, we invest with an eye on macroeconomic trends, and these are the two markets exhibiting the strongest growth.
Their product lines overlap as well, which has some strategic advantages. Both have products in autoimmune diseases, and ZLAB also is doing work in cancer and infectious diseases.
ZLAB has , with one, Optune, ready for market in Hong Kong. Its massive pipeline is especially attractive for a firm like INCY when looking at marketing some of these in the U.S. market.
The stock is up 73% year-to-date and could be a sleeping giant, if all unfolds according to plan.
Natera (NTRA)
Source: Shutterstock
Natera (NASDAQ:) isn’t a typical biotech in the sense that it develops drugs.
Its niche is genetic testing. While you may think that begins and ends with prenatal testing for hereditary disorders and the like, the fact is, that’s just the beginning.
It can run testing on cancers so that oncologists can get an exact description of the cancer. Today, there are gene therapies and immuno-oncology therapies that can be used to help certain cancer patients. And that list is growing. Also, recurrence monitoring and treatment monitoring are much more targeted and accurate.
Also, genetic testing can help make sure that transplants are more successful. For insurers and hospitals (as well as patients of course), a clean transplant means no issues with tissue rejection, infection or longer hospital stays.
It might not have a sexy silver bullet in this sector, but it does have a great reputation.
The stock is up 155% year-to-date. And given the lack of drama in the stock, its big growth could keep on going as long as the population continues to gray.
All this gives you an idea of why these stocks rate so highly in my Portfolio Grader tool. And I’ve got more where that came from. There’s a bigger, deeper tech trend going on that I’m even more excited about.
‘The Mother of All Technologies’
Up until now, technologies have certainly made our lives easier and more efficient … but with a lot of room for human error. People trip over cords, spill their coffee and get tired.
Artificial intelligence does not.
If that sounds futuristic, well then, the future is already here. If you use apps like Netflix (NASDAQ:), TurboTax, QuickBooks, Zillow (NASDAQ:) or even an email spam filter, then AI is already helping your day run more smoothly. And as scientists find even more applications for artificial intelligence — from healthcare to retail to self-driving cars — it’s incredible to imagine how much data will be involved.
To create AI programs in the first place, tech companies must collect vast amounts of data on human decisions. Data is what powers every AI system.
So any one company that can help with customers’ data issues is .
You don’t need to be an expert to take part. , as well as my “buy” recommendation, in Growth Investor. is still under my buy limit price — so you’ll want to sign up now. Get in while it’s still cheap.
.
Louis Navellier had an unconventional start, as a grad student who accidentally built a market-beating stock system — with . In his latest feat, Louis discovered the “Master Key” to profiting from the biggest tech revolution of this (or any) generation. Louis Navellier may hold some of the aforementioned securities in one or more of his newsletters.
The post appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) focuses on central nervous system disorders. ACAD stock is up 182% year-to-date and with a $7 billion market cap, it’s still the early days. There are some amazing new technologies that are finally gaining traction on the medication side, which includes a long journey through U.S. Food and Drug Administration trials. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) focuses on central nervous system disorders. ACAD stock is up 182% year-to-date and with a $7 billion market cap, it’s still the early days. China Biologic Products (CBPO) Source: Shutterstock China Biologic Products (NASDAQ:) is one of China’s leading biotech companies. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) focuses on central nervous system disorders. ACAD stock is up 182% year-to-date and with a $7 billion market cap, it’s still the early days. China Biologic Products (CBPO) Source: Shutterstock China Biologic Products (NASDAQ:) is one of China’s leading biotech companies. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) focuses on central nervous system disorders. ACAD stock is up 182% year-to-date and with a $7 billion market cap, it’s still the early days. It usually takes about 10 years and costs around $2 billion to get a drug through trials these days. |
35897.0 | 2019-12-01 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Monster Growth Stocks That Are Still in the Buy Zone | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-monster-growth-stocks-that-are-still-in-the-buy-zone-2019-12-01 | nan | nan | With the holiday season kicking off, investors are shopping the Street for growth stocks. Stocks of this kind have a clear runway for growth, capable of delivering massive returns in the years to come. No wonder they are topping wish lists.
However, in a year that has seen the market reach record highs, tracking down these names is becoming harder and harder to do. But don’t sound the alarm bells just yet. Wall Street pros remind investors that stocks with outsized growth prospects are still out there.
In an attempt to lock down these compelling investment opportunities, we turned to TipRanks. The platform’s Stock Screener tool was able to scan the Street for the crème-de-la-crème. We mean the tickers offering up serious upside potential from current levels.
Let’s get started.
GDS Holdings Ltd (GDS)
At a 103% year-to-date gain, all eyes are on GDS Holdings. This combined with a solid Q3 performance and strong long-term growth narrative has made the Chinese data center developer and operator a must-have name among several analysts.
During the third quarter, the company saw revenue of RMB1,066 million, inching past the consensus estimate by about a percent. On top of this, service revenue increased 41% year-over-year and net loss narrowed from the prior-year quarter.
That being said, Cowen & Co. analyst Colby Synesael points to its positioning in terms of demand as a key takeaway. “We believe the company continues to be well positioned in what is arguably the strongest data center market in the world and is taking the right steps to secure significantly more supply in its major markets as it prepares for even stronger demand in 2020,” he commented. Despite the five-star analyst’s prediction of continued macro and trade-driven volatility, he believes shares are set to climb higher in 2020. Taking this into consideration, Synesael reiterated his Outperform rating and bumped up the price target from $53 to $65. This bolstered target lends itself to a 39% potential twelve-month gain. (To watch Synesael’s track record, click here)
Meanwhile, RBC Capital’s Jonathan Atkin cites the development pipeline as placing GDS on an upward trajectory. With GDS recently getting the go-ahead for 13,000 square meters of downtown capacity in Shanghai and its potential purchase of a second site in Hong Kong, total capacity lands at 230,000 square meters. “We believe, based on our discussions with industry contacts, that there is significant progress yet to come for additional edge-of-town deployments as well as new Tier 1 markets,” he noted. As a result, Atkin is staying with the bulls. Not to mention he lifted the price target by 40% to $62, indicating 32% upside potential. (To watch Atkin’s track record, click here)
Similarly, the rest of the Street has been impressed by GDA. 100% Street support implies a clear message: the stock is a Strong Buy. In addition, the $61 average price target puts the upside potential at 31%.(See GDS Holdings stock analysis on TipRanks)
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACAD)
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals wants to help patients battling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. When we say this name has soared year-to-date, we aren’t kidding. We’re talking 180% here. Still, analysts think that this is just the beginning.
On November 25, ACAD released topline results from the ADVANCE Phase 2 trial of its pimavanserin drug in schizophrenia patients. According to the data, patients given the treatment witnessed a great improvement in Negative Symptom Assessment-16 (NSA-16) total score compared to the placebo. However, the results were somewhat of a mixed bag as it failed to demonstrate a superior performance vs the placebo in terms of the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale.
Nonetheless, Cowen’s Ritu Baral maintains a bullish thesis. “Overall, we view these results to have little impact on ACAD shares due to the earlier stage of this program and the smaller market size of schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms relative to pimavanserin's new opportunity in Dementia-related psychosis (DRP),” she explained. The five-star analyst goes on to cite the Phase 3 HARMONY study in DRP patients as an upcoming catalyst.
If this wasn’t promising enough, its trofinetide drug to treat patients with Rett Syndrome could also drive substantial gains. Rett Syndrome is a primarily female congenital neuro-developmental CNS disorder affecting cognition and sensorimotor function. Given that the drug demonstrated statistically significant results in a Phase 2 study as well as its potential to treat Fragile X Syndrome or traumatic brain injuries, Baral kept the recommendation as Outperform. Based on the $66 price target, she sees 46% upside potential in store. (To watch Baral’s track record, click here)
In general, Wall Street likes what it’s seeing. 11 Buys and 2 Holds received in the last three months add up to a Strong Buy analyst consensus. At the $56 average price target, shares could surge 23% in the next twelve months. (See ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock analysis on TipRanks)
Pegasystems Inc. (PEGA)
Pegasystems offers cloud-based software for customer engagement and other operational needs, with its low-code application development platform allowing organizations to quickly build apps to meet their customer and employee requirements. Considering the noteworthy 62% jump year-to-date, one analyst is betting that PEGA will come out on top in the long-run.
Wedbush analyst Steven Koenig was impressed by PEGA’s third quarter results. Despite the fact that investments in cloud infrastructure and government certifications weighed on EPS, annual contract value growth of 20% year-over-year and a 7% revenue gain landed right in-line with consensus estimates. While PEGA may be impacted by the shift to a cloud-first model, the analyst expects this change to pay off long-term, deeming the software company a “Wedbush Best Idea”.
“Investments in sales talent and capacity should drive better penetration of large accounts, perhaps the key to lifting underlying growth rates beyond the 20% level. With shares trading at 5.6x EV/FY20E revenue and key metrics inflecting positively, we see PEGA as a top pick into FY20 for GARP-oriented software investors,” he wrote in a note to clients.
Bearing this in mind, Koenig tells investors his conclusion that PEGA will ultimately outperform remains unchanged. Along with the recommendation, the five-star analyst kept the price target at $95. This conveys his confidence in PEGA’s ability to rise 22% in the coming twelve months. (To watch Koenig’s track record, click here)
Looking at the consensus breakdown, it has been relatively quiet in terms of analyst activity. In the previous three months, PEGA racked up 1 Buy rating, giving it a Moderate Buy consensus. Additionally, the average price target of $95 implies 22% upside potential. (See Pegasystems stock analysis on TipRanks)
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | “Overall, we view these results to have little impact on ACAD shares due to the earlier stage of this program and the smaller market size of schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms relative to pimavanserin's new opportunity in Dementia-related psychosis (DRP),” she explained. (See GDS Holdings stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACAD) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals wants to help patients battling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. On November 25, ACAD released topline results from the ADVANCE Phase 2 trial of its pimavanserin drug in schizophrenia patients. | (See GDS Holdings stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACAD) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals wants to help patients battling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. (See ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock analysis on TipRanks) Pegasystems Inc. (PEGA) Pegasystems offers cloud-based software for customer engagement and other operational needs, with its low-code application development platform allowing organizations to quickly build apps to meet their customer and employee requirements. On November 25, ACAD released topline results from the ADVANCE Phase 2 trial of its pimavanserin drug in schizophrenia patients. | (See GDS Holdings stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACAD) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals wants to help patients battling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. (See ACADIA Pharmaceuticals stock analysis on TipRanks) Pegasystems Inc. (PEGA) Pegasystems offers cloud-based software for customer engagement and other operational needs, with its low-code application development platform allowing organizations to quickly build apps to meet their customer and employee requirements. On November 25, ACAD released topline results from the ADVANCE Phase 2 trial of its pimavanserin drug in schizophrenia patients. | (See GDS Holdings stock analysis on TipRanks) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ACAD) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals wants to help patients battling central nervous system (CNS) disorders. On November 25, ACAD released topline results from the ADVANCE Phase 2 trial of its pimavanserin drug in schizophrenia patients. “Overall, we view these results to have little impact on ACAD shares due to the earlier stage of this program and the smaller market size of schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms relative to pimavanserin's new opportunity in Dementia-related psychosis (DRP),” she explained. |
35898.0 | 2019-11-20 00:00:00 UTC | Notable Wednesday Option Activity: ACAD, SPWR, ZS | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/notable-wednesday-option-activity%3A-acad-spwr-zs-2019-11-20 | nan | nan | Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 7,402 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 740,200 underlying shares. That amounts to about 59.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 1.2 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $50 strike call option expiring December 20, 2019, with 2,032 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 203,200 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50 strike highlighted in orange:
SunPower Corp (Symbol: SPWR) options are showing a volume of 23,739 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.4 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 58.1% of SPWR's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 4.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $8.50 strike put option expiring November 22, 2019, with 4,773 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 477,300 underlying shares of SPWR. Below is a chart showing SPWR's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $8.50 strike highlighted in orange:
And Zscaler Inc (Symbol: ZS) options are showing a volume of 11,381 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 1.1 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 57.3% of ZS's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.0 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $45 strike call option expiring December 20, 2019, with 1,331 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 133,100 underlying shares of ZS. Below is a chart showing ZS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $45 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ACAD options, SPWR options, or ZS options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Particularly high volume was seen for the $50 strike call option expiring December 20, 2019, with 2,032 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 203,200 underlying shares of ACAD. Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 7,402 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 740,200 underlying shares. That amounts to about 59.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 1.2 million shares. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $50 strike highlighted in orange: SunPower Corp (Symbol: SPWR) options are showing a volume of 23,739 contracts thus far today. Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 7,402 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 740,200 underlying shares. That amounts to about 59.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 1.2 million shares. | Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 7,402 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 740,200 underlying shares. That amounts to about 59.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 1.2 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $50 strike call option expiring December 20, 2019, with 2,032 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 203,200 underlying shares of ACAD. | Particularly high volume was seen for the $50 strike call option expiring December 20, 2019, with 2,032 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 203,200 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ZS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $45 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for ACAD options, SPWR options, or ZS options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com. Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 7,402 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 740,200 underlying shares. |
35899.0 | 2019-11-08 00:00:00 UTC | IYH's Holdings Imply 12% Gain Potential | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/iyhs-holdings-imply-12-gain-potential-2019-11-08 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the iShares U.S. Healthcare ETF (Symbol: IYH), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $221.63 per unit.
With IYH trading at a recent price near $197.99 per unit, that means that analysts see 11.94% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of IYH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Avanos Medical Inc (Symbol: AVNS), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and LivaNova PLC (Symbol: LIVN). Although AVNS has traded at a recent price of $33.93/share, the average analyst target is 39.50% higher at $47.33/share. Similarly, ACAD has 28.08% upside from the recent share price of $41.20 if the average analyst target price of $52.77/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting LIVN to reach a target price of $92.60/share, which is 26.23% above the recent price of $73.36. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of AVNS, ACAD, and LIVN:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
10 ETFs With Most Upside To Analyst Targets »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of AVNS, ACAD, and LIVN: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of IYH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Avanos Medical Inc (Symbol: AVNS), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and LivaNova PLC (Symbol: LIVN). Similarly, ACAD has 28.08% upside from the recent share price of $41.20 if the average analyst target price of $52.77/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting LIVN to reach a target price of $92.60/share, which is 26.23% above the recent price of $73.36. | Three of IYH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Avanos Medical Inc (Symbol: AVNS), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and LivaNova PLC (Symbol: LIVN). Similarly, ACAD has 28.08% upside from the recent share price of $41.20 if the average analyst target price of $52.77/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting LIVN to reach a target price of $92.60/share, which is 26.23% above the recent price of $73.36. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of AVNS, ACAD, and LIVN: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? | Similarly, ACAD has 28.08% upside from the recent share price of $41.20 if the average analyst target price of $52.77/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting LIVN to reach a target price of $92.60/share, which is 26.23% above the recent price of $73.36. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of AVNS, ACAD, and LIVN: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of IYH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Avanos Medical Inc (Symbol: AVNS), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and LivaNova PLC (Symbol: LIVN). | Three of IYH's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Avanos Medical Inc (Symbol: AVNS), Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), and LivaNova PLC (Symbol: LIVN). Similarly, ACAD has 28.08% upside from the recent share price of $41.20 if the average analyst target price of $52.77/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting LIVN to reach a target price of $92.60/share, which is 26.23% above the recent price of $73.36. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of AVNS, ACAD, and LIVN: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? |
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