Apellis Pharmaceuticals: Analyst Ratings and Market Performance

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:APLS) has recently received a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from nineteen brokerages that cover the company, according to MarketBeat Ratings. This rating indicates a mix of perspectives from analysts, where eight have recommended holding the stock, while ten analysts suggest buying and one has issued a strong buy recommendation. The average target price among these brokerages for the stock over the next twelve months is set at $46.71.

Recent Analyst Reports

Several brokerages have provided updates on their outlook for Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a "sector perform" rating with a price target of $26.00 as of January 29th. Scotiabank revised their price target downward from $35.00 to $30.00, maintaining a "sector perform" recommendation on November 6th. Similarly, Citigroup decreased their price target from $63.00 to $51.00 and maintained a buy rating on the same day. On the same date, Oppenheimer reduced their target from $65.00 to $40.00, also issuing an "outperform" rating. Lastly, Needham & Company LLC lowered their target price from $85.00 to $60.00 while keeping a buy rating.

Insider Trading Activities

In terms of insider trading, notable transactions occurred recently. On January 6th, Caroline Baumal, an insider, sold 2,816 shares at an average price of $33.81, garnering around $95,208.96 in total. Post-sale, Baumal retains 55,560 shares worth approximately $1,878,483.60, reflecting a decrease in ownership of about 4.82%. Additionally, CEO Cedric Francois sold 6,247 shares on January 13th at an average price of $28.70, worth a total of $179,288.90. This sale reduces his stake by approximately 1.99%. Insiders have sold a total of 60,002 shares amounting to $1,800,119 in the past ninety days, with insiders collectively owning 6.80% of the company’s stock.

Institutional Investor Activity

Institutional investments in Apellis Pharmaceuticals have seen some activity as well. KBC Group NV increased its position by 34.8% during the third quarter, purchasing an additional 679 shares, bringing their ownership to 2,632 shares valued at $76,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. also increased its stake by 21.6%, owning now 4,404 shares after acquiring 781 more shares during the same period, with a total value of $130,000. Other investors, including Wolverine Asset Management LLC and True Wealth Design LLC, made new stakes worth about $27,000 each. Toronto Dominion Bank also raised its position by 4.2%, now owning 25,622 shares valued at $739,000. Overall, institutional investors hold 96.29% of the company's stocks.

Stock Performance Overview

As of Friday, the stock opened at $29.39. The company's financial metrics reveal a quick ratio of 3.73 and a current ratio of 4.36, indicating strong short-term financial health. The debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.91. Over the past year, Apellis Pharmaceuticals has seen a stock price ranging between $24.34 and $71.90. The company’s market capitalization is currently at $3.66 billion, with a PE ratio of -14.48 and a beta of 0.96. Its 50-day and 200-day moving averages are $31.82 and $32.55, respectively.

Company Overview

Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical firm focused on discovering, developing, and marketing therapeutic compounds that inhibit the complement system, targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its notable products include EMPAVELI, used for treating several rare blood disorders, and SYFOVRE, aimed at patients with geographic atrophy related to age-related macular degeneration.

Conclusion

As Apellis Pharmaceuticals moves further into 2023, analysts generally suggest a positive outlook, marked by a mixed range of recommendations and active investment movement reflecting growing interest in its innovative therapies. Investors are encouraged to monitor the company's developments as it continues to navigate the complex biopharmaceutical market.

Pharmaceuticals, Finance, Investors, Stocks, Analysis