Analysts Are Bullish on Top Healthcare Stocks: Marinus (MRNS), Immunomedics (IMMU)


There’s a lot to be optimistic about in the Healthcare sector as 3 analysts just weighed in on Marinus (MRNS), Immunomedics (IMMU) and Arena Pharma (ARNA) with bullish sentiments.

Marinus (MRNS)

In a report released today, Michael Higgins from Ladenburg maintained a Buy rating on Marinus, with a price target of $22. The company’s shares opened today at $3.72, close to its 52-week low of $2.36.

Higgins commented:

“We are buyers on weakness in Marinus shares. In our view, shares have pulled back this week following the news that the CEO is resigning his position. From our conversations with management, we believe the departure is a signal from the board that Marinus holds great promise and it will leave nothing to chance in unlocking the future value of its neurosteroid allopregnanolone franchise as it seeks the next CEO to take Marinus to the next level. The departing CEO, Chris Cashman, has been the leader of Marinus since 2011 when there were just four employees. Since then the company has raised ~$180M of equity, completed an IPO in 2014, completed clinical trials in ~1,600 patients and is on the precipice of potentially landmark data in the field of depression.”

According to TipRanks.com, Higgins is currently ranked with no stars on a 0-5 star ranking scale, with an average return of -6.3% and a 32.7% success rate. Higgins covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Melinta Therapeutics Inc, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, and Zynerba Pharmaceuticals.

Marinus has an analyst consensus of Strong Buy, with a price target consensus of $16.33, representing a 339.0% upside. In a report issued on February 25, Leerink Partners also maintained a Buy rating on the stock.

See today’s analyst top recommended stocks >>

Immunomedics (IMMU)

B.Riley FBR analyst Harshita Polishetty reiterated a Buy rating on Immunomedics yesterday and set a price target of $28. The company’s shares opened today at $16.19.

Polishetty said:

“Yesterday evening (02/25/19), Immunomedics reported earnings results for the transition period ended December 31, 2018. More importantly, the company noted that the current CEO has stepped down from his role due to personal reasons. However, the company announced other senior leadership changes, including the appointment of Dr. Behzad Aghazadeh to executive chairman; Scott Canute, current member of the board, to executive director; Usama Malik from interim CFO to CFO; and the addition of Dr. Charles Baum, president and CEO of the company’s board of directors.”

According to TipRanks.com, Polishetty is a 1-star analyst with an average return of -1.9% and a 62.5% success rate. Polishetty covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as Syndax Pharmaceuticals Inc, Karyopharm Therapeutics, and Mirati Therapeutics.

The word on The Street in general, suggests a Moderate Buy analyst consensus rating for Immunomedics with a $23.20 average price target, representing a 43.3% upside. In a report issued on February 25, Piper Jaffray also maintained a Buy rating on the stock with a $20 price target.

Arena Pharma (ARNA)

In a report released today, Alan Carr from Needham maintained a Buy rating on Arena Pharma, with a price target of $60. The company’s shares opened today at $50.20, close to its 52-week high of $51.44.

Carr wrote:

“Arena mgmt hosted a conference call yesterday to provide a quarterly corporate update. Ralinipag transaction w/ United closed in Jan 2019, resulting in an $800M cash payment to Arena. Mgmt reiterated plans for initiation of etrasimod 3 trials later this yr in Atopic Dermatitis. We estimate top-line results from these trials will be available in 2020-2021. Olorinab Phase 2b trial in IBS pain expected to start 2H19. Mgmt guided for APD418 IND submission in Heart Failure in 2H19. BUY. We believe stock is undervalued, acknowledging key etrasimod milestones are not expected until 2020+.”

According to TipRanks.com, Carr is a 4-star analyst with an average return of 3.0% and a 42.5% success rate. Carr covers the Healthcare sector, focusing on stocks such as ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc, and Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

Currently, the analyst consensus on Arena Pharma is a Moderate Buy with an average price target of $62, which is a 23.5% upside from current levels. In a report released yesterday, Cantor Fitzgerald also reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $62 price target.

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