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Denali Therapeutics (DNLI)
NASDAQ:DNLI

Denali Therapeutics (DNLI) AI Stock Analysis

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DNLI

Denali Therapeutics

(NASDAQ:DNLI)

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Neutral 54 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:54Neutral
Price Target:
$23.00
▲(8.08% Upside)
The score is held back primarily by weak financial performance (zero TTM revenue, large losses, and substantial cash burn despite a low-debt balance sheet). Offsetting this are strong technical momentum (price above major moving averages with positive MACD) and supportive corporate developments around financing and a near-term FDA catalyst, while valuation is constrained by negative earnings and no dividend support.
Positive Factors
Strong cash and recent financings
A large cash position combined with a late-2025 equity raise and royalty funding materially extends runway, enabling Denali to advance multiple clinical programs and prepare for potential commercial launch without immediate revenue, reducing near-term financing pressure.
Proprietary BBB delivery technology
Denali's transferrin-receptor enabled BBB delivery platform is a durable competitive advantage for CNS drug development; it can improve target engagement across multiple programs, increases partner interest, and supports a differentiated pipeline strategy with long-term value creation potential.
Non-dilutive funding while retaining rights
The royalty funding deal provides substantial upfront capital linked to a specific asset while preserving global commercialization rights, balancing near-term financing needs with potential upside retention and limiting immediate equity dilution if the contingent approval milestone is met.
Negative Factors
Zero revenue and large recurring losses
A zero-revenue run-rate with nearly half a billion in trailing losses reflects an inability to self-fund operations from product or collaboration sales; persistent operating losses increase reliance on external capital and elevate dilution and execution risk over the medium term.
High cash burn and negative free cash flow
Sustained negative operating and free cash flow erodes reserves and forces repeated financing or contingent deals. This structural cash burn can shift management focus toward liquidity solutions, potentially slowing R&D cadence and increasing financing-related dilution over time.
Eroding equity cushion despite low debt
Although leverage is low, the steady decline in shareholders' equity reduces the capital buffer to absorb future losses. Continued erosion raises the probability of equity raises or asset monetization, increasing dilution risk and constraining strategic flexibility over the medium term.

Denali Therapeutics (DNLI) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Denali Therapeutics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionDenali Therapeutics Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, discovers and develops therapeutic candidates for neurodegenerative diseases in the United States. It offers leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) inhibitor product candidate, including BIIB122/DNL151, a small molecule inhibitor, which is in phase I and phase Ib clinical trials for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The company also develops DNL310 that is in Phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of hunter syndrome; DNL343, which is in phase 1 clinical trial the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); AR443820/DNL788 completed a phase I clinical trial for the treatment of ALS, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer's disease; and SAR443122/DNL758, which is in phase II clinical trial for the treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. It has collaboration agreement with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Genentech, Inc., Sanofi, F-star Gamma Limited, F-star Biotechnologische Forschungs-Und Entwicklungsges M.B.H, F-star Biotechnology Limited, SIRION Biotech GmbH, Genzyme Corporation, Harvard University, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Centogene; and a research and option agreement with Secarna Pharmaceuticals GmbH & Co. KG. to develop antisense therapies in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. The company was formerly known as SPR Pharma Inc. and changed its name to Denali Therapeutics Inc. in March 2015. Denali Therapeutics Inc. was incorporated in 2013 and is headquartered in South San Francisco, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyDenali Therapeutics generates revenue primarily through collaborations and licensing agreements with other pharmaceutical companies. These partnerships often involve milestone payments and royalties from the commercialization of co-developed products. Additionally, Denali may receive funding from research grants and government contracts to support its R&D activities. The company focuses on advancing its drug candidates through clinical trials, aiming for regulatory approval and subsequent market entry to drive future revenue growth. Key partnerships with industry leaders help bolster its financial position and expand its development capabilities.

Denali Therapeutics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Overall fundamentals are weak: revenue is $0 TTM with large ongoing losses (TTM EBIT about -$548M; TTM net income about -$499M) and heavy cash burn (TTM operating cash flow about -$398M; TTM free cash flow about -$411M). The key offset is a relatively strong, low-debt balance sheet (debt-to-equity ~0.05), but continued losses are eroding equity and increase future dilution/financing risk.
Income Statement
18
Very Negative
Results have deteriorated materially since 2020 profitability: TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) revenue is $0 and losses remain large (TTM EBIT about -$548M; TTM net income about -$499M). While revenue scaled in 2022–2023 (to ~$331M in 2023), the company returned to a zero-revenue run-rate in the latest period, and margins are deeply negative across recent years—signaling high ongoing R&D/operating spend without offsetting commercial or collaboration revenue.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
Balance sheet is a relative strength with low leverage: TTM debt is ~$44M against ~$926M of equity (debt-to-equity ~0.05), providing financial flexibility. The key weakness is the ongoing erosion of the equity base as losses persist (equity down from ~$1.23B in 2024 to ~$0.93B TTM) and consistently negative returns on equity, which increases future financing risk if burn rates remain elevated.
Cash Flow
26
Negative
Cash generation is weak and consistently negative: TTM operating cash flow is about -$398M and TTM free cash flow about -$411M, reflecting significant cash burn. A positive near-term sign is that free cash flow improved versus the prior period (TTM free cash flow growth is positive), but the business still relies on cash reserves and/or external funding to sustain operations.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue0.000.00330.53M108.46M48.66M335.66M
Gross Profit0.000.00330.53M108.46M48.66M335.66M
EBITDA-534.17M-492.89M-179.97M-330.36M-287.16M71.25M
Net Income-498.74M-422.77M-145.22M-325.99M-290.58M71.14M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.06B1.37B1.15B1.46B1.40B1.60B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments848.20M832.33M1.03B1.34B865.41M1.47B
Total Debt44.40M48.71M52.24M60.35M64.01M68.86M
Total Liabilities129.42M144.50M122.96M417.81M441.87M453.75M
Stockholders Equity926.20M1.23B1.03B1.04B962.29M1.15B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-410.85M-363.61M-370.93M-262.55M-219.89M413.06M
Operating Cash Flow-397.78M-347.69M-357.99M-244.72M-211.39M416.15M
Investing Cash Flow406.72M-88.76M249.31M-141.39M-21.63M-623.21M
Financing Cash Flow-7.08M484.30M17.82M310.67M19.35M634.75M

Denali Therapeutics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price21.28
Price Trends
50DMA
18.51
Positive
100DMA
16.97
Positive
200DMA
15.75
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.18
Negative
RSI
60.91
Neutral
STOCH
67.03
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For DNLI, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 21.28 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 19.57, above the 50-day MA of 18.51, and above the 200-day MA of 15.75, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 1.18 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 60.91 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 67.03 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for DNLI.

Denali Therapeutics Risk Analysis

Denali Therapeutics disclosed 75 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Denali 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 0 New Risks

Denali Therapeutics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
63
Neutral
$2.92B-17.12-14.15%5376.27%20.97%
60
Neutral
$3.19B-73.54-28.17%129.21%80.35%
56
Neutral
$4.98B-28.40-122.04%-40.75%
54
Neutral
$3.32B-6.88-44.44%-5.30%
53
Neutral
$2.73B-5.58-47.19%-84.07%-157.71%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
49
Neutral
$1.62B-3.82-27.57%36.26%-158.98%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
DNLI
Denali Therapeutics
20.02
-2.51
-11.14%
AGIO
Agios Pharma
27.70
-6.72
-19.52%
CELC
Celcuity
104.28
91.69
728.28%
IDYA
IDEAYA Biosciences
31.77
7.81
32.60%
ARQT
Arcutis Biotherapeutics
26.07
13.65
109.90%
BEAM
Beam Therapeutics
24.73
-2.92
-10.56%

Denali Therapeutics Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and FinancingProduct-Related Announcements
Denali Therapeutics Sets 2026 Priorities Ahead of Tividenofusp Decision
Positive
Jan 6, 2026

On January 6, 2026, Denali Therapeutics outlined its key priorities and expected milestones for 2026, positioning the year as a pivotal period as it prepares for a potential U.S. accelerated approval and commercial launch of tividenofusp alfa for Hunter syndrome, with an FDA decision due by April 5, 2026 and confirmatory data expected from the ongoing global Phase 2/3 COMPASS trial. The company also highlighted an anticipated wave of clinical readouts across its portfolio, including initial Phase 1/2 data for DNL126 in Sanfilippo syndrome Type A, patient data from the TAK-594/DNL593 frontotemporal dementia program, Phase 2b LUMA results for the LRRK2 Parkinson’s candidate BIIB122, and Phase 2 data for Sanofi-licensed eclitasertib in ulcerative colitis, alongside the initiation of first-in-human trials for multiple TV-enabled Alzheimer’s and Pompe disease therapies. Supported by roughly $873 million in cash and securities as of September 30, 2025, plus proceeds from a late-2025 equity raise and a royalty funding deal tied to future tividenofusp alfa sales, Denali signaled it has the capital to advance its clinical and commercial ambitions while reinforcing its strategy to establish leadership in transferrin receptor-enabled, blood-brain-barrier-crossing therapeutics.

The most recent analyst rating on (DNLI) stock is a Hold with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Denali Therapeutics stock, see the DNLI Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Denali Therapeutics Announces $200M Public Offering
Positive
Dec 10, 2025

On December 9, 2025, Denali Therapeutics entered into an underwriting agreement with major financial institutions for a public offering of its common stock and pre-funded warrants, aiming to raise approximately $200 million, potentially increasing to $230 million if additional shares are purchased. The offering is set to close on December 11, 2025, and is expected to strengthen Denali’s financial position, enhancing its ability to advance its therapeutic candidates and potentially impacting its market positioning in the biotechnology industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (DNLI) stock is a Buy with a $31.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Denali Therapeutics stock, see the DNLI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and Financing
Denali Therapeutics Secures $275M Royalty Funding Deal
Positive
Dec 4, 2025

On December 4, 2025, Denali Therapeutics entered into a $275 million synthetic royalty funding agreement with Royalty Pharma, which is contingent upon FDA approval of Denali’s investigational therapy, tividenofusp alfa, for Hunter syndrome. This agreement allows Denali to retain worldwide development and commercialization rights while providing Royalty Pharma a 9.25% royalty on future net sales, positioning Denali to advance its development programs and potentially transform treatment for Hunter syndrome.

The most recent analyst rating on (DNLI) stock is a Buy with a $32.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Denali Therapeutics stock, see the DNLI Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyProduct-Related Announcements
Denali Therapeutics Hosts Investor Day, Updates Pipeline
Neutral
Dec 4, 2025

On December 4, 2025, Denali Therapeutics held its Investor Day, updating stakeholders on its development programs and future milestones. Key highlights include the ongoing FDA review of tividenofusp alfa for Hunter Syndrome, expected to conclude by April 2026, and the progression of other pipeline projects like DNL126 for Sanfilippo Syndrome and TAK-594 for Frontotemporal Dementia. The company anticipates minimal delays in its Pompe Disease program due to FDA requests for protocol amendments. These developments underscore Denali’s strategic focus on advancing its pipeline and preparing for potential commercial launches in 2026 and 2027.

The most recent analyst rating on (DNLI) stock is a Buy with a $32.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Denali Therapeutics stock, see the DNLI Stock Forecast page.

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: Feb 04, 2026