Education
About Us
Working with TipRanks
Follow Us
Bluebird bio Inc (BLUE)
NASDAQ:BLUE
Top Page
Bluebird Bio
(NASDAQ:BLUE)
Rating:51Neutral
Price Target:
$5.00
▲(0.60%Upside)
Positive Factors
Earnings Potential
The company's portfolio is expected to reach over $600 million in annual sales, triggering a potential cash value right.
Price Target Increase
The price target increased significantly to $40 from $2 based on a sum-of-the-parts probability-adjusted discount cash flows.
Privatization
The announced privatization of the company is expected to be completed within the first half of 2025.
Negative Factors
Conflict of Interest
There is a potential conflict of interest as the firm may have business dealings with the company covered in the report.
Downgrade in Rating
The company has been moved to a Neutral rating from Underweight, indicating less confidence in outperforming the market.
Sales Estimates
Sales estimates for Lyfgenia are reduced due to slower-than-expected uptake in sickle-cell disease.
Bluebird Bio (BLUE) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
Market Cap
$48.67M
Dividend YieldN/A
Average Volume (3M)735.57K
Price to Earnings (P/E)―
Beta (1Y)1.01
Revenue Growth127.51%
EPS Growth56.94%
CountryUS
Employees248
SectorHealthcare
Sector Strength42
IndustryBiotechnology
Share Statistics
EPS (TTM)-2.98
Shares Outstanding55,331,000
10 Day Avg. Volume608,098
30 Day Avg. Volume735,567
Financial Highlights & Ratios
PEG Ratio<0.01
Price to Book (P/B)-0.84
Price to Sales (P/S)0.00
P/FCF Ratio-0.21
Enterprise Value/Market Cap1.75
Enterprise Value/Revenue0.29
Enterprise Value/Gross Profit3.03
Enterprise Value/Ebitda-0.14
Forecast
1Y Price Target
$8.00Price Target Upside60.97% Upside
Rating ConsensusModerate Buy
Number of Analyst Covering1
Bluebird Bio Business Overview & Revenue Model
Company DescriptionBluebird Bio, Inc. (BLUE) is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of gene therapies for severe genetic diseases and cancer. The company focuses on developing therapies that address the underlying genetic causes of these conditions, primarily through the use of lentiviral-based gene therapies. Bluebird Bio's core products are designed to treat conditions such as beta-thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy.
How the Company Makes MoneyBluebird Bio makes money through the development and commercialization of its gene therapy products. Revenue streams primarily include sales from its approved gene therapies and collaborative agreements with other biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. The company generates income by selling its therapies to healthcare providers and through milestone payments and royalties from partnerships with other organizations focused on developing and commercializing gene therapy solutions. Significant factors contributing to its earnings include regulatory approvals, successful clinical trial outcomes, and the establishment of strategic partnerships to expand the reach and application of its therapies.
Bluebird Bio Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q3-2024)
| % Change Since: 29.43%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 12, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong patient start growth, successful cost reduction efforts, and promising reimbursement pathways. However, these positives were countered by a decrease in quarterly revenue, cash resource challenges, and pending shareholder approvals, creating a balanced outlook.Q3-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Significant Increase in Patient Starts
Patient starts have more than doubled from 27 to 57 since Q2 2024, with 74 patient starts completed or scheduled for 2024 and 30 more scheduled for 2025.
Successful Reduction in Cash Operating Expenses
Implemented steps to reduce cash operating expenses by 20% in Q3 2025.
Strong Manufacturing Capacity and Future Expansion Plans
Current manufacturing capacity is adequate to meet projections with plans to double LYFGENIA capacity in 2026.
Encouraging Reimbursement and Access Pathways
Over half of U.S. states have affirmed coverage for LYFGENIA, and no ultimate denials have been recorded across Medicaid and commercial payers.
Negative Updates
Decrease in Quarterly Revenue
Q3 2024 revenue was $10.6 million, down from $16.1 million in Q2, attributed to variations in manufacturing timelines.
Cash Resource Challenges
Existing cash and cash equivalents are expected to fund operations only into Q1 2025, necessitating additional financing.
Pending Shareholder Approval for Reverse Stock Split
Adjourned shareholder meeting to obtain approval for a reverse stock split to comply with NASDAQ requirements and increase share authorization.
Company Guidance
During bluebird bio's third-quarter 2024 earnings call, the company provided optimistic guidance, highlighting a doubling of patient starts from 27 to 57 since the previous quarter and a total of 74 starts for the year. They emphasized plans to reduce cash operating expenses by 20% starting in Q3 2025, paving the way for financial stability and cash flow breakeven in the second half of the year. The company reported $10.6 million in Q3 revenue, down from $16.1 million in Q2, but projected a rebound to at least $25 million in Q4. Manufacturing capacity is deemed sufficient to meet the goal of 40 drug product deliveries per quarter by late 2025, supported by a robust Qualified Treatment Center (QTC) network. As of September 30, 2024, bluebird bio held $118.7 million in cash, including $48 million in restricted cash, and is focusing on extending its runway through additional financing and cost-saving initiatives.Bluebird Bio Financial Statement Overview
Summary
Bluebird Bio faces significant financial challenges with unprofitable operations, negative equity, and continuous cash burn. Although revenue has seen a recent uptick, the company must address its operational inefficiencies and improve cash flow management to stabilize its financial position.Income Statement
Bluebird Bio's revenue has shown significant volatility, with a recent increase to $103.9 million TTM. However, the company remains unprofitable with a net loss of $199.98 million TTM. The gross profit margin is positive but narrow at 27.1%, while the EBIT and EBITDA margins are heavily negative, indicating operational challenges.25
Negative
Balance Sheet
The company's balance sheet is concerning, with negative stockholders' equity at -$57.87 million TTM, leading to a negative equity ratio. The debt-to-equity ratio cannot be calculated due to negative equity, highlighting financial instability. Total assets have been declining, indicating asset shrinkage.15
Very Negative
Cash Flow
Operating cash flow remains deeply negative at -$228.79 million TTM. While free cash flow improved slightly, it is still negative, reflecting ongoing cash burn. The ratios of operating cash flow and free cash flow to net income are unhelpful due to negative figures, signaling cash flow management issues.20
Very Negative
| Breakdown | |||||
| TTM | Dec 2024 | Dec 2023 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2021 | Dec 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Statement | Total Revenue | ||||
| 103.95M | 83.81M | 29.50M | 3.60M | 3.66M | 250.73M |
| Gross Profit | |||||
| 28.19M | -5.57M | -4.03M | -6.48M | -35.20M | 245.34M |
| EBIT | |||||
| -216.38M | -270.46M | -244.26M | -287.09M | -590.91M | -629.51M |
| EBITDA | |||||
| -132.74M | -156.82M | -167.16M | -215.56M | -556.93M | -553.63M |
| Net Income Common Stockholders | |||||
| -199.98M | -240.72M | -211.91M | -266.58M | -562.64M | -618.70M |
| Balance Sheet | Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments | ||||
| 78.74M | 62.30M | 221.75M | 181.74M | 396.62M | 1.27B |
| Total Assets | |||||
| 295.96M | 460.23M | 619.16M | 554.90M | 593.79M | 1.78B |
| Total Debt | |||||
| 115.46M | 358.24M | 330.33M | 281.39M | 89.58M | 193.02M |
| Net Debt | |||||
| 36.71M | 295.93M | 108.57M | 168.38M | -71.58M | -124.68M |
| Total Liabilities | |||||
| 353.82M | 491.77M | 424.62M | 358.56M | 219.52M | 426.20M |
| Stockholders Equity | |||||
| -57.87M | -31.53M | 194.54M | 196.34M | 374.28M | 1.36B |
| Cash Flow | Free Cash Flow | ||||
| -230.47M | -262.62M | -244.10M | -366.16M | -658.64M | -499.34M |
| Operating Cash Flow | |||||
| -228.79M | -260.02M | -235.05M | -352.95M | -635.64M | -470.35M |
| Investing Cash Flow | |||||
| 7.65M | 3.90M | 154.95M | 250.45M | 562.56M | -84.34M |
| Financing Cash Flow | |||||
| 49.53M | 87.47M | 196.25M | 54.25M | -93.95M | 546.72M |
Bluebird Bio Technical Analysis
Negative
4.97
Price Trends
4.47
Positive
5.18
Negative
7.40
Negative
Market Momentum
0.20
Negative
62.84
Neutral
90.48
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BLUE, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 4.97 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.61, above the 50-day MA of 4.47, and below the 200-day MA of 7.40, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.20 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 62.84 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 90.48 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for BLUE.
Bluebird Bio Risk Analysis
Bluebird Bio disclosed 66 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Bluebird Bio 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 3 New Risks
1.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the continued listing standards of Nasdaq. Q4, 2023
2.
We have identified a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting and may identify additional material weaknesses in the future or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls. Q4, 2023
3.
The restatement of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the quarterly periods in the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 has subjected us to a number of additional risks and uncertainties, including increased possibility of legal proceedings. Q4, 2023
Bluebird Bio Peers Comparison
Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (54)
Financial Indicators
Name | Overall Rating | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | ROE | Dividend Yield | Revenue Growth | EPS Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
54 Neutral | $5.31B | 3.28 | -45.10% | 2.80% | 16.76% | 0.02% | |
53 Neutral | $63.05M | ― | -71.64% | ― | -98.90% | -177.17% | |
53 Neutral | $60.87M | 2.40 | -50.81% | ― | -11.11% | 79.74% | |
51 Neutral | $48.67M | ― | -546.55% | ― | 127.51% | 56.94% | |
41 Neutral | $68.53M | ― | -30.49% | ― | -100.00% | 37.59% | |
27 Underperform | $62.64M | ― | -55.83% | ― | ― | 59.75% | |
27 Underperform | $76.65M | ― | -102.48% | ― | ― | -7.78% |
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
BLUE
Bluebird Bio
4.97
-13.68
-73.35%
ACET
Adicet Bio
0.76
-0.55
-41.98%
DTIL
Precision BioSciences
5.49
-6.71
-55.00%
RPTX
Repare Therapeutics
1.47
-2.53
-63.25%
IKNA
Ikena Oncology
1.42
-0.35
-19.77%
IMRX
Immuneering
2.13
0.64
42.95%
Bluebird Bio Corporate Events
Delistings and Listing ChangesM&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Bluebird Bio Completes Acquisition by Carlyle and SK Capital
Positive
Jun 2, 2025
On June 2, 2025, Bluebird Bio announced the completion of its acquisition by Carlyle and SK Capital, marking a significant shift in its operational and strategic direction. The acquisition, which involved a tender offer and merger, resulted in Bluebird Bio’s delisting from Nasdaq and becoming an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle and SK Capital. The new management team, led by CEO David Meek, is focused on expanding manufacturing capacity and improving access to Bluebird’s gene therapies. This acquisition provides Bluebird with substantial capital to enhance its commercial delivery of gene therapies, aiming to meet rising demand and drive operational excellence.
The most recent analyst rating on (BLUE) stock is a Hold with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bluebird Bio stock, see the BLUE Stock Forecast page.
M&A Transactions
Bluebird Bio Amends Merger Agreement with Carlyle
Neutral
May 14, 2025
On May 13, 2025, bluebird bio, Inc. amended its merger agreement with Carlyle and SK Capital Partners, offering stockholders a choice between $3.00 per share plus a contingent value right (CVR) of $6.84 or a revised offer of $5.00 per share. The bluebird board of directors recommends stockholders tender their shares to avoid potential financial risks, including defaulting on loan agreements with Hercules Capital. The tender offer deadline has been extended to May 29, 2025, with approximately 2,281,724 shares already tendered.
The most recent analyst rating on (BLUE) stock is a Hold with a $10.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bluebird Bio stock, see the BLUE Stock Forecast page.
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.