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Ascendis Pharma (ASND)
NASDAQ:ASND
US Market

Ascendis Pharma (ASND) AI Stock Analysis

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Ascendis Pharma

(NASDAQ:ASND)

Rating:51Neutral
Price Target:
Ascendis Pharma's stock reflects a mix of strong revenue growth and innovative product development, offset by significant operational losses and financial instability. The technical analysis shows strong momentum, but valuation remains challenging with negative earnings. The earnings call further underscores the duality of growth potential and financial constraints.
Positive Factors
Drug Launch and Market Adoption
Investors are focused on the strong US launch of Yorvipath and its peak sales potential, especially given its early commercial performance exceeding expectations and positive feedback from physicians.
Regulatory Progress
The New Drug Application for TransCon CNP in achondroplasia is under priority review at the FDA, with no advisory panel planned.
Technology Platform
Ascendis Pharma's TransCon technology platform focuses on developing long-acting prodrug therapies, enhancing efficacy and improving patient convenience.
Negative Factors
Appreciation Challenges
Despite forward regulatory progress and differentiating data, Ascendis Pharma's CNP program remains underappreciated and is a strong source of potential growth.
Safety and Efficacy Comparisons
Long-term data is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of TransCon CNP compared to emerging therapies like infigratinib, which may become dominant due to its convenient oral dosing.

Ascendis Pharma (ASND) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Ascendis Pharma Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAscendis Pharma A/S, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing therapeutics for unmet medical needs. The company offers SKYTROFA for treating patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It also develops TransCon Growth Hormone (hGH) for pediatric GHD in Japan; TransCon hGH for adults with GHD; TransCon parathyroid hormone for adult hypoparathyroidism; and TransCon CNP for pediatric achondroplasia. In addition, the company develops TransCon toll like receptors 7/8 agonist for intratumoral delivery; and TransCon IL-2 ß/g for systemic delivery. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Hellerup, Denmark.
How the Company Makes MoneyAscendis Pharma generates revenue primarily through the development and commercialization of its proprietary drug products. The company utilizes its TransCon technology platform to create long-acting prodrugs, which are designed to improve efficacy and reduce dosing frequency. Revenue streams include product sales, milestone payments, and royalties from commercialized products. Additionally, Ascendis engages in strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies, which can provide upfront payments and ongoing funding to support research and development activities. The company's financial performance is significantly influenced by the successful clinical development and regulatory approval of its pipeline products.

Ascendis Pharma Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
External Customers Revenue by Type
External Customers Revenue by Type
Analyzes revenue streams from different customer segments, highlighting which areas drive sales and indicating potential growth opportunities or risks based on customer diversification.
Chart InsightsAscendis Pharma's revenue from Research and Development has shown a strong upward trend, reflecting increased investment in innovation. License revenue experienced a significant spike in Q4 2023 and Q4 2024, likely due to strategic licensing deals. Milestone revenue remains volatile, indicating dependency on achieving specific project goals. The earnings call highlights robust growth for YORVIPATH and SKYTROFA, but rising R&D and SG&A expenses pose challenges. The company's strategic focus on expanding market access in Europe and advancing its pipeline could drive future revenue, despite current reimbursement hurdles.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Ascendis Pharma Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 01, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: 5.08%|
Next Earnings Date:Sep 09, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlights Ascendis Pharma's strong launch and revenue growth for YORVIPATH, alongside significant advances in their product pipeline. However, this success is tempered by increased operating expenses and ongoing challenges in securing insurance reimbursements. Overall, the sentiment is balanced with significant achievements and operational challenges.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful Launch of YORVIPATH
YORVIPATH, the first and only FDA approved treatment for hypoparathyroidism in adults, was prescribed by over 1,000 unique prescribers for more than 1,750 patients in the U.S. in its first quarter since launch.
Strong Revenue Growth
Total global YORVIPATH revenue grew to €45 million in Q1 2025 from €40 million in Q4 2024. SKYTROFA revenues reached €51 million, capturing 7% of the total U.S. growth hormone market.
Advancement of Pipeline Products
The company submitted an NDA to the FDA for TransCon CNP in March and is planning to file an MAA with EMEA in Q3 2025. TransCon CNP has shown promise in treating achondroplasia.
Positive Financial Position
As of March 31, 2025, Ascendis Pharma had cash and cash equivalents totaling €518 million, supporting continued growth and development.
Negative Updates
Increased Operating Expenses
R&D costs increased to €86.6 million from €70.7 million, and SG&A expenses rose to €101 million from €66.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2024, primarily due to global commercial expansion.
Challenges with Insurance Reimbursement
There is uncertainty regarding the proportion of patients who will ultimately receive reimbursement for YORVIPATH, indicating potential hurdles in insurance negotiations.
Company Guidance
During the Ascendis Pharma First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, the company provided guidance on several key metrics and strategic initiatives. For the first quarter ending March 31, 2025, YORVIPATH generated €45 million in revenue, up from €40 million in the previous quarter, with more than 1,750 patients in the U.S. receiving prescriptions from over 1,000 unique prescribers. SKYTROFA, another key product, achieved €51 million in revenue, capturing around 7% of the total U.S. growth hormone market and 43% of the long-acting segment. Ascendis anticipates YORVIPATH will significantly impact its 2025 financial profile, projecting revenue growth as market access expands in Europe. The company is also advancing its TransCon CNP pipeline, with an NDA submission to the FDA in March and an MAA filing expected with EMEA in Q3 2025. Ascendis aims to continue building on its U.S. and European market successes, with strategic plans for clinical trial expansions and regulatory filings to support its growth trajectory.

Ascendis Pharma Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Ascendis Pharma is experiencing robust revenue growth, yet it faces challenges with profitability and financial stability. The reliance on debt and negative equity pose potential risks, while cash flow constraints suggest a need for sustainable financing solutions. Continued innovation and successful product commercialization are key to future financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Ascendis Pharma shows significant revenue growth with a Revenue Growth Rate of 36.3% from 2023 to 2024. However, the company continues to operate at a loss, with negative Gross Profit Margin and Net Profit Margin due to substantial R&D expenses typical in biotechnology. EBIT and EBITDA margins remain negative, indicating ongoing operating losses.
Balance Sheet
30
Negative
The company's financial structure is concerning, with negative Stockholders' Equity indicating accumulated losses. The Debt-to-Equity Ratio is not calculable due to negative equity, highlighting potential financial instability. The Equity Ratio is also negative, reflecting the company's reliance on debt financing.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Operating Cash Flow remains negative, reflecting cash outflows from operations. However, Free Cash Flow improved slightly year-over-year, though it remains negative. The Free Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is not favorable. There is a reliance on financing activities to support cash needs.
BreakdownDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue363.64M266.72M51.17M7.78M6.95M
Gross Profit319.38M222.32M39.04M4.25M6.95M
EBITDA-290.02M-411.17M-556.04M-423.67M-328.88M
Net Income-378.08M-481.45M-583.19M-383.58M-418.95M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.18B825.59M1.09B1.08B979.79M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments559.54M399.44M735.46M682.06M718.79M
Total Debt856.62M644.26M508.38M104.96M91.97M
Total Liabilities1.29B971.28M826.39M201.29M141.08M
Stockholders Equity-105.71M-145.70M263.35M883.63M838.71M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-307.62M-469.80M-510.19M-441.88M-293.10M
Operating Cash Flow-306.20M-467.36M-495.70M-417.65M-271.55M
Investing Cash Flow6.88M286.47M61.73M-110.58M-291.20M
Financing Cash Flow443.93M134.29M396.77M351.39M602.65M

Ascendis Pharma Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price175.98
Price Trends
50DMA
167.54
Positive
100DMA
159.89
Positive
200DMA
146.29
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
2.03
Positive
RSI
57.57
Neutral
STOCH
54.38
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ASND, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 175.98 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 173.56, above the 50-day MA of 167.54, and above the 200-day MA of 146.29, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 2.03 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 57.57 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 54.38 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ASND.

Ascendis Pharma Risk Analysis

Ascendis Pharma disclosed 90 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Ascendis Pharma reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Ascendis Pharma Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (52)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
83
Outperform
$12.59B20.9430.22%24.49%244.87%
79
Outperform
$6.68B14.39147.06%25.65%57.10%
68
Neutral
$7.16B58.6321.52%30.93%11.78%
56
Neutral
$6.64B-50.16%21.83%
52
Neutral
$7.45B0.30-61.93%2.28%16.62%1.04%
51
Neutral
$10.52B357.68%10.69%34.71%
47
Neutral
$11.79B-29.34%-38.25%44.29%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ASND
Ascendis Pharma
175.98
39.53
28.97%
CORT
Corcept Therapeutics
67.54
37.64
125.89%
EXEL
Exelixis
44.16
22.01
99.37%
HALO
Halozyme
54.22
1.34
2.53%
MDGL
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals
289.17
-3.79
-1.29%
MRNA
Moderna
29.90
-86.17
-74.24%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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.Date of analysis: May 03, 2025