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Esperion (ESPR)
NASDAQ:ESPR
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Esperion (ESPR) AI Stock Analysis

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ESPR

Esperion

(NASDAQ:ESPR)

Rating:60Neutral
Price Target:
$2.00
▼(-6.10% Downside)
Esperion's overall stock score is driven by strong technical momentum and positive earnings call highlights. However, financial performance and valuation challenges, including negative equity and ongoing losses, weigh heavily on the score. Corporate events provide some positive sentiment, but the financial instability remains a significant concern.
Positive Factors
Earnings
Esperion announced financial results that showed a significantly better EPS than both the company's and consensus estimates, indicating strong financial performance.
Product Development
The development of two triple combination products underway in the U.S. provides potential for significant life-cycle extension and patent protection.
Strategic Partnerships
Esperion announced a license and distribution agreement with HLS Therapeutics for the commercialization of NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET in Canada.
Negative Factors
Market Competition
Esperion is making strides to position BDA as the drug of choice over statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, which is expected to drive continued accelerated growth for the company’s commercial drug.
Sales Growth Requirements
≥10%Q/Q Nexletol/Nexlizet sales growth will likely be required to meet current 2025 Street sales consensus of $170MM to provide confidence in the franchise's growth potential and profitability timelines.

Esperion (ESPR) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Esperion Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionEsperion Therapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, develops and commercializes medicines for the treatment of patients with elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Its lead product candidates are NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) and NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets for the treatment of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. The company has a license and collaboration agreement with Daiichi Sankyo Europe GmbH; and Serometrix to in-license its oral, small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor program. Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2008 and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
How the Company Makes MoneyEsperion generates revenue primarily through the sale of its pharmaceutical products, particularly bempedoic acid, which is marketed under the brand name Nexletol. The company earns revenue by selling these products to healthcare providers and pharmacies, which in turn sell them to patients. Additionally, Esperion may receive royalties and milestone payments from partnerships and collaborations with larger pharmaceutical companies that have been established to enhance distribution and marketing efforts. Such partnerships can also facilitate access to broader markets and boost sales. Furthermore, the company may benefit from government and private health insurance reimbursements that cover the cost of its therapies, contributing significantly to its overall revenue.

Esperion Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 11, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: 13.90%|
Next Earnings Date:Nov 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted Esperion's robust financial performance with significant revenue growth and strategic achievements, such as achieving operating income for the first time and strong international partnerships. While there were some concerns about collaboration revenue and milestone payments, the positive aspects of the company's growth and strategic initiatives significantly outweigh the challenges.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue Growth
Esperion reported a 12% year-over-year increase in total revenue for Q2 2025, reaching $82.4 million. U.S. net product sales saw a 42% increase year-over-year to $40.3 million.
First Operating Income
Esperion achieved its first quarter of operating income from ongoing business, amounting to approximately $15 million, signaling a transition towards sustainable profitability by Q1 2026.
Significant Increase in Prescriptions
Esperion reported double-digit sequential growth in prescriptions, with a 10% increase in total retail prescription equivalents from Q1 2025.
Strong International Performance
Royalty revenue from Daiichi Sankyo Europe increased 30% from Q1 2025, and the company surpassed the 500,000 patient mark in Europe.
Successful Marketing Campaigns
The 'Can't take a statin? Make NEXLIZET happen' campaign drove significant brand awareness, with 650,000 visits to the consumer website and 600,000 click-throughs to the physician site.
Intellectual Property Settlements
Esperion reached settlement agreements with three generic manufacturers to delay the marketing of generic NEXLETOL in the U.S. until 2040.
Negative Updates
Collaboration Revenue Decline
Collaboration revenue decreased by 7% compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to a settlement milestone in the prior year, although this was offset by a 105% increase when excluding the milestone.
Uncertainty in Milestone Payments
Concerns were raised regarding the timing and conditions of milestone payments from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals, though management expressed confidence in achieving the full amount.
Company Guidance
During Esperion's Second Quarter 2025 earnings call, the company reported strong financial performance, highlighted by a 42% year-over-year increase in U.S. net product revenue, reaching $40.3 million, and a total revenue growth of 12% year-over-year to $82.4 million. This period marked their first quarter of operating income from ongoing business, approximately $15 million, and a sequential quarterly revenue growth of 15%. Esperion emphasized the robust adoption of their products NEXLETOL and NEXLIZET, driven by effective marketing strategies and favorable reimbursement landscapes, which led to over 80% approval rates among targeted prescribers. The company also noted significant gains in digital engagement, with 38% of prescriptions prompted by digital-only interactions. Their international partnerships contributed to the revenue, with a 30% increase in royalty revenue from Daiichi Sankyo Europe. Looking ahead, Esperion is optimistic about transitioning to sustainable profitability by the first quarter of 2026 and anticipates continued growth fueled by both domestic and international market expansions.

Esperion Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Esperion demonstrates strong revenue growth but faces significant challenges with profitability and financial stability. Negative equity and high leverage are concerning, alongside persistent negative cash flow despite some improvements.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Esperion has shown significant revenue growth from 2023 to 2024, with a Revenue Growth Rate of 185.6%. However, the company is still facing challenges with profitability as indicated by the negative Net Profit Margin of -15.6% in 2024. The Gross Profit Margin improved to 79.3%, but the negative EBIT and EBITDA margins reflect ongoing operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
30
Negative
The balance sheet reveals a concerning negative Stockholders' Equity of -$388.7 million, indicating financial instability. The Debt-to-Equity Ratio is not calculable due to negative equity, highlighting high leverage. The Equity Ratio is also negative, suggesting that liabilities exceed assets, which poses a significant risk.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Esperion's cash flow situation is challenging, with a negative Free Cash Flow of -$23.97 million in 2024. The Operating Cash Flow to Net Income Ratio is negative, indicating cash flow issues relative to net losses. However, the company has managed to reduce its negative Free Cash Flow compared to previous years, showing some improvement.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue259.57M332.31M116.33M75.47M78.45M227.55M
Gross Profit169.51M263.71M73.07M48.51M64.23M225.16M
EBITDA-88.47M7.57M-150.11M-176.35M-222.14M-120.33M
Net Income-153.22M-51.74M-209.25M-287.82M-318.82M-166.19M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets324.03M343.82M205.80M247.94M381.59M353.26M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments114.63M144.76M82.25M124.78M208.89M304.96M
Total Debt297.78M591.21M540.95M260.95M260.20M185.41M
Total Liabilities750.24M732.54M660.79M571.72M578.53M449.39M
Stockholders Equity-426.21M-388.72M-454.99M-1.34B-1.11B-838.82M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-100.35M-23.97M-135.49M-174.83M-263.81M-98.55M
Operating Cash Flow-100.11M-23.65M-135.49M-174.83M-263.81M-85.18M
Investing Cash Flow-244.00K-317.00K42.50M8.10M-50.48M21.36M
Financing Cash Flow-11.62M86.48M50.46M32.61M268.22M201.72M

Esperion Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price2.13
Price Trends
50DMA
1.40
Positive
100DMA
1.19
Positive
200DMA
1.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.22
Negative
RSI
72.34
Negative
STOCH
76.64
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For ESPR, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 2.13 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.78, above the 50-day MA of 1.40, and above the 200-day MA of 1.66, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.22 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 72.34 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 76.64 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for ESPR.

Esperion Risk Analysis

Esperion disclosed 69 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Esperion 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

Esperion Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (57)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
67
Neutral
$490.30M3.7730.24%-22.74%
60
Neutral
$411.31M23.44%-3.48%36.57%
57
Neutral
£5.42B4.88-44.55%2.27%28.89%-10.08%
55
Neutral
$172.35M-57.22%-27.40%-475.41%
54
Neutral
$465.75M77.48%-24.38%-94.72%
50
Neutral
$271.21M-76.41%0.47%-430.88%
46
Neutral
$173.80M85.74-8.02%-22.98%-173.28%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
ESPR
Esperion
2.13
0.36
20.34%
EBS
Emergent Biosolutions
9.32
-0.21
-2.20%
IRWD
Ironwood Pharma
1.18
-3.80
-76.31%
LFCR
Lifecore Biomedical
7.22
1.22
20.33%
AQST
Aquestive Therapeutics
3.91
-0.55
-12.33%
DERM
Journey Medical Corp
7.08
2.25
46.58%

Esperion Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Esperion Expands Board with New Appointment
Positive
Jul 1, 2025

On July 1, 2025, Esperion announced the appointment of Craig Thompson, CEO of Cerevance, to its Board of Directors, expanding the board to eight members. Thompson’s extensive experience in biopharmaceutical leadership is expected to enhance Esperion’s strategic direction as it continues to innovate in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic drug development, potentially impacting its market position and stakeholder interests.

Shareholder MeetingsBusiness Operations and Strategy
Esperion Gains Strong Shareholder Support at Annual Meeting
Positive
Jun 2, 2025

On May 29, 2025, Esperion held its Annual Meeting where stockholders voted on several key proposals. These included the election of two Class III director nominees, approval of executive compensation, ratification of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent accounting firm for 2025, and an amendment to increase shares under the 2022 Plan. All proposals were approved, indicating strong shareholder support for the company’s strategic decisions.

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: Aug 19, 2025