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Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS)
NASDAQ:ACRS

Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS) AI Stock Analysis

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Aclaris Therapeutics

(NASDAQ:ACRS)

Rating:46Neutral
Price Target:
Aclaris Therapeutics is currently facing significant challenges, with a primary focus on its financial performance. The company's lack of profitability and reliance on external financing are major concerns. The technical analysis further underscores negative momentum, although oversold indicators might suggest a potential short-term rebound. Valuation is unattractive due to negative earnings, and no significant earnings call data or corporate events are available to offset these issues.
Positive Factors
Clinical Trials
The company confirmed that clinical trial activities for the Phase 2b trial of bosakitug in atopic dermatitis have been initiated.
Financial Backing
An $80 million private placement was announced to support the company's newly bolstered pipeline and operational efforts, showing strong investor interest and financial backing.
Pipeline Development
The company has strengthened its immunology-focused pipeline with two in-licensed biologics, signaling further growth and innovation.
Negative Factors
Clinical Trial Design
The lack of a placebo control in the open-label Ph2a trial for '045 requires caution, even though investors see the data as promising.
Market Competition
Even though '045 and '052 demonstrated superior potency, shorter dissociation curves, and longer residence times compared to TSLP competitors, there remains a need to establish clear market differentiation.

Aclaris Therapeutics (ACRS) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Aclaris Therapeutics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAclaris Therapeutics, Inc. operates a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, develops novel drug candidates for immune-inflammatory diseases in the United States. It operates through two segments: Therapeutics and Contract Research. The Therapeutics segment is involved in identifying and developing innovative therapies to address significant unmet needs for immuno-inflammatory diseases. The Contract Research segment engages in the provision of laboratory services. The company also develops Zunsemetinib, an MK2 inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid and Psoriatic arthritis, and Hidradenitis suppurativa; and ATI-1777, a soft JAK 1/3 inhibitor for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. In addition, it develops ATI-2138, an ITK/TXK/JAK3 inhibitor as a potential treatment for T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases; Gut-Biased Program for inflammatory bowel disease; and ATI-2231, an MK2 inhibitor treatment for pancreatic and metastatic breast cancer. The company was incorporated in 2012 and is headquartered in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
How the Company Makes MoneyAclaris Therapeutics makes money primarily through the development and potential commercialization of its proprietary drug candidates. The company's revenue model includes milestones and royalty payments from partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies that collaborate on the development and commercialization of Aclaris's therapies. Additionally, Aclaris may earn revenue from out-licensing its technologies and intellectual property, as well as from any approved products sold directly to the market. The company's earnings are significantly influenced by the successful advancement of its drug candidates through clinical trials and regulatory approvals, as well as strategic partnerships that provide funding for development activities.

Aclaris Therapeutics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Aclaris Therapeutics faces significant challenges in achieving profitability and positive cash flow, despite a strong balance sheet with no debt and substantial cash reserves. Revenue growth is inconsistent, and ongoing losses suggest a need for strategic changes to improve operational efficiency. The company's ability to maintain financial health is contingent on continued access to external financing and cost management improvements.
Income Statement
40
Negative
Aclaris Therapeutics has experienced fluctuating revenue growth, with a decline from 2023 to 2024. The company struggles with profitability, indicated by substantial negative EBIT, EBITDA, and net income margins. Gross profit margin is relatively high, suggesting effective cost management at the gross level, but significant operating losses highlight challenges in controlling other expenses.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The balance sheet displays a strong equity position with zero debt in 2024, leading to a healthy equity ratio. However, consistent losses have eroded equity over time. The company maintains significant cash reserves which provide a buffer against operational losses, but the lack of profitability poses a long-term risk.
Cash Flow
50
Neutral
Cash flow analysis reveals negative operating cash flow, indicating a reliance on external financing to sustain operations. Free cash flow remains negative, although there is a slight improvement in cash flow stability compared to previous years. The company is capable of raising capital, as evidenced by positive financing cash flows.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
18.72M31.25M29.75M6.76M6.48M
Gross Profit
15.93M13.17M17.79M2.05M1.35M
EBIT
-141.93M-97.36M-85.15M-65.38M-50.91M
EBITDA
-51.72M-117.56M-84.36M-65.06M-48.20M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-132.06M-88.48M-88.66M-114.28M-51.15M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
113.59M119.11M229.81M225.66M54.13M
Total Assets
220.33M197.41M254.60M251.21M70.78M
Total Debt
0.00426.00K684.00K693.00K11.26M
Net Debt
-24.57M-39.45M-44.59M-26.66M-42.88M
Total Liabilities
64.77M40.23M56.98M53.87M33.13M
Stockholders Equity
155.55M157.18M197.62M197.34M37.65M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-20.20M-79.63M-68.17M-52.44M-39.09M
Operating Cash Flow
-20.07M-78.33M-67.57M-52.13M-38.63M
Investing Cash Flow
-69.77M46.22M12.63M-167.63M6.39M
Financing Cash Flow
74.54M26.71M72.87M225.05M18.37M

Aclaris Therapeutics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.26
Price Trends
50DMA
1.35
Negative
100DMA
1.81
Negative
200DMA
1.90
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.02
Negative
RSI
46.02
Neutral
STOCH
50.00
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ACRS, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1.26 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.30, below the 50-day MA of 1.35, and below the 200-day MA of 1.90, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.02 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 46.02 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 50.00 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for ACRS.

Aclaris Therapeutics Risk Analysis

Aclaris Therapeutics disclosed 71 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Aclaris Therapeutics reported the most risks in the “Tech & Innovation” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 3 New Risks
1.
We are a "smaller reporting company" and, as a result of the reduced disclosure and governance requirements applicable to smaller reporting companies, our common stock may be less attractive to investors. Q4, 2024
2.
Our holders of 5% or more of our capital stock collectively own a significant percentage of our outstanding common stock and have the ability to exert significant control over matters subject to stockholder approval. Q4, 2024
3.
Certain estimates of market opportunity and forecasts may prove to be smaller than we believe. Q4, 2024

Aclaris Therapeutics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (53)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
53
Neutral
$204.84M-160.99%-75.67%-552.37%
53
Neutral
$5.14B3.03-43.89%2.83%16.75%-0.06%
51
Neutral
$210.38M271.41%85.03%53.73%
47
Neutral
$164.90M-40.40%-67.23%4.11%
46
Neutral
$136.43M-91.03%-40.09%-18.67%
44
Neutral
$166.77M-32.97%
39
Underperform
$120.76M-41.88%32.58%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ACRS
Aclaris Therapeutics
1.26
0.15
13.51%
TARA
Protara Therapeutics
3.13
0.33
11.79%
IPHA
Innate Pharma
2.16
-0.74
-25.52%
FDMT
4D Molecular Therapeutics
3.49
-21.66
-86.12%
TLSI
TriSalus Life Sciences
5.56
-2.00
-26.46%
MOLN
Molecular Partners
4.04
0.24
6.32%

Aclaris Therapeutics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 08, 2025
(Q1-2024)
|
% Change Since: 0.80%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 06, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlights Aclaris' strong financial position and promising advancement of ATI-2138, despite some challenges in cash reserves and competitive landscape considerations. The company is making strategic moves in its drug development with a focus on efficiency and differentiation.
Q1-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Financial Position
Aclaris ended the first quarter with $161 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities, with no outstanding debt. This positions the company well financially for upcoming initiatives.
Advancement of ATI-2138
Decision to move ATI-2138 forward in a proof-of-concept study for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, showing promising preclinical and Phase I results.
Cost Containment Success
Cost containment initiatives are on track, with significant reductions in cash expenditures expected for the remainder of the year.
Potential Best-in-Class Treatment
ATI-2138 shows potential as a best-in-class dual inhibitor of ITK and JAK3, designed to treat autoimmune diseases with a favorable safety profile.
Negative Updates
Decreased Cash Reserves
Cash reserves decreased from $182 million at year-end to $161 million at the end of Q1, partly due to nonrecurring payments related to discontinued programs and severance.
Indication Reevaluation Required
Reevaluation of indication selection for ATI-2138 was necessary, indicating potential prior misalignment in strategy.
Competitive Landscape Challenges
The competitive landscape in atopic dermatitis is evolving, with a need to differentiate ATI-2138 from existing treatments, such as upadacitinib and biologics like dupilumab.
Company Guidance
During the Aclaris Therapeutics Q1 2024 earnings call, several key metrics and strategic updates were provided. The company ended the first quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities totaling $161 million, down from $182 million at the end of the previous year. Approximately $14 million of the expenditures in the first quarter were related to nonrecurring payments. Aclaris has decided to advance ATI-2138, their oral small molecule ITK JAK3 inhibitor, into a Phase II proof-of-concept study targeting atopic dermatitis. The study is designed as an open-label trial involving 15 patients over 12 weeks, with a focus on safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and early efficacy signals. Joseph Monahan highlighted that ATI-2138 is 44.4 times more potent than ritlecitinib in blocking ITK-dependent cytokine production and 5.4 times more potent in JAK3-dependent readouts. Financially, Aclaris is committed to maintaining a strong balance sheet with ongoing cost containment initiatives and exploring business development opportunities to source nondilutive capital.

Aclaris Therapeutics Corporate Events

Product-Related AnnouncementsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Aclaris Therapeutics Highlights Drug Progress and Financial Strength
Positive
Jan 13, 2025

Aclaris Therapeutics has updated its corporate overview presentation, highlighting the progress and potential of its drug candidates, including ATI-045, ATI-052, and ATI-2138. The company is well-positioned financially, with a strong cash runway expected to support operations into 2028, and is leveraging its expertise in small and large molecule discovery to advance its pipeline. This update suggests a solid trajectory for Aclaris in its market, potentially enhancing its position in the biotechnology industry and providing significant opportunities for stakeholders.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.