International Paper, ImmunityBio, Agenus, Akebia, Apple: Trending by Analysts

Analysts are intrested in these 5 stocks: ( (IP) ), ( (IBRX) ), ( (AGEN) ), ( (AKBA) ) and ( (AAPL) ). Here is a breakdown of their recent ratings and the rationale behind them.

International Paper Co. is catching the attention of analysts with a promising outlook. Anojja Shah from UBS has initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a price target of $60, suggesting a 27% upside. The company’s new management, led by CEO Andrew Silvernail, is expected to drive significant operational improvements. With a focus on self-help opportunities and cost savings, IP is poised for substantial EBITDA growth from 2025 to 2027. Analysts are optimistic about the company’s ability to close the performance gap with industry leaders, making it a top pick in the paper packaging sector.

ImmunityBio is making waves with its innovative approach to treating lymphopenia. Analyst Andres Y. Maldonado has initiated coverage with a Buy rating and an $8 price target. The company’s Cancer BioShield platform, featuring ANKTIVA, has received regulatory milestones that highlight its potential in addressing immune collapse in hard-to-treat cancers. The platform’s dual mechanism of in-vivo stimulation and ex-vivo cell-based cytotoxicity is showing promising results in clinical trials, positioning ImmunityBio as a leader in immunorestorative therapies.

Agenus is gaining momentum with a strategic collaboration with Zydus Lifesciences. Analyst Emily Bodnar has upgraded the stock to Buy with a $25 price target. The sale of CMC facilities to Zydus and an equity investment are set to provide the capital needed to advance key clinical trials. This partnership is expected to accelerate the development of botensilimab and balstilimab, with a Phase 3 trial planned for 2H25. The collaboration reflects strengthening US-India trade relations and positions Agenus for future growth in the biopharma sector.

Akebia Therapeutics is on the rise with its VAFSEO oral therapy for CKD anemia. Analyst Matthew Caufield has initiated coverage with a Buy rating and an $8 price target. VAFSEO is gaining traction among dialysis organizations, and the company is well-positioned for near-term success. With contracts covering nearly 100% of US dialysis patients, Akebia is poised to capitalize on the billion-dollar market for CKD anemia treatments. The company’s innovative approach and strong market presence make it a compelling investment opportunity.

Apple is facing challenges, leading to a downgrade by analyst Laura Martin to Hold. Concerns about near-term revenue and EPS risks, coupled with increased competition from Big Tech rivals, are weighing on the stock. Despite trading at a high P/E ratio, analysts are cautious about Apple’s growth prospects without a catalyst like an iPhone replacement cycle. While the stock remains a strong player in the tech sector, investors may find better opportunities in competitors like Google and Amazon.