Open Orphan Plc (HVO) AI Stock Analysis

• Market Cap: £68.70M
• Dividend Yield: 2%
• Average Volume (3M): 2.04M
• Price to Earnings (P/E): 6.4
• Beta (1Y): >-0.01
• Revenue Growth: 11.92%
• EPS Growth: -33.76%
• Country: UK
• Employees: 301
• Sector: Healthcare
• Sector Strength: 37
• Industry: Biotechnology
• EPS (TTM): <0.01
• Shares Outstanding: 687,014,100
• 10 Day Avg. Volume: 2,441,822
• 30 Day Avg. Volume: 2,037,458
• PEG Ratio: N/A
• Price to Book (P/B): 0.00
• Price to Sales (P/S): 0.00
• P/FCF Ratio: 0.00
• Enterprise Value/Market Cap: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Revenue: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Gross Profit: N/A
• Enterprise Value/Ebitda: N/A
• 1Y Price Target: £28.00
• Price Target Upside: 180.00% Upside
• Rating Consensus: Moderate Buy
• Number of Analyst Covering: 2

• Rating: 68 Neutral
• Price Target: 11.00p ▲(10.00% Upside)

The overall score reflects strong financial performance and positive corporate events, offset by weak technical indicators. The attractive valuation enhances the investment case, but bearish technicals suggest a cautious approach.

Positive Factors

Acquisitions

The integration of recent acquisitions CRS and Cryostore is progressing as planned, which is expected to positively impact the company's future revenues.

Contract Momentum

The momentum of new contracts continues for hVIVO with the announcement of a £2m model characterisation contract with a new client to finalise hVIVO's human metapneumovirus (hMPV) disease model.

Revenue Guidance

The company has reiterated its £73m guidance for 2025 and highlighted a healthy opportunity pipeline, suggesting confidence in achieving its revenue targets.

Negative Factors

Biotech Funding Environment

The continued tight biotech funding environment was highlighted as the primary headwind, versus wider market concerns.

Revenue Risk

The market remains focused on the need for further conversion of new contracts to build revenue cover as 2025 progresses, indicating a potential risk if not addressed.

Open Orphan Plc Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description

hVIVO plc operates as a pharmaceutical service and contract research company. The company is involved in testing vaccines and antivirals using human challenge clinical trials. It provides services to big pharma, biotech, government, and public health organizations. The company has a portfolio of human challenge study models for conditions, such as RSV, flu, human rhinovirus, asthma, malaria, cough, and COPD, as well as developing COVID-19 human challenge study model. In addition, the company is developing a database of infectious disease progression data that include Disease in Motion platform, which comprises unique datasets, such as clinical, immunological, virological, and digital (wearable) biomarkers. The Disease in Motion platform has various potential applications across a range of end users, including big technology, wearables, pharma, and biotech companies. Further, the company provides pre­clinical and early clinical research services; sales and marketing services; and biometry, data management, and statistics to its various European pharmaceutical clients, as well as drug development consultancy and services, including CMC (chemistry, manufacturing, and controls), and PK and medical writing to a range of European clients. The company was formerly known as Open Orphan Plc and changed its name to hVIVO plc in October 2022. hVIVO plc is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.

How the Company Makes Money

Open Orphan Plc generates revenue primarily through its provision of clinical trial services, focusing on human challenge trials that help pharmaceutical companies test the efficacy of vaccines and antivirals. Key revenue streams include fees from conducting these trials, which involve the deliberate exposure of healthy volunteers to infectious agents under controlled conditions. The company also earns income from its contract research services, offering end-to-end clinical development support. Significant partnerships with pharmaceutical companies are crucial, as these collaborations can lead to repeat business and long-term contracts, thereby contributing to Open Orphan's earnings. Additionally, the company's expansion into data and biobank services provides supplementary revenue channels.

Open Orphan Plc Financial Statement Overview

Summary

Open Orphan Plc demonstrates robust revenue growth and strong profitability, with a high gross profit margin and healthy operating profitability. However, there is room for improvement in cash flow management, which has decreased compared to the previous year.

Income Statement

The company shows strong revenue growth, with a significant increase from 2023 to 2024. The gross profit margin is very high as cost of goods sold is minimal or zero. The net profit margin is robust, reflecting effective cost management, although it has slightly decreased from the previous year. The EBIT and EBITDA margins show healthy operating profitability, indicating improved operational efficiency.

Balance Sheet

The balance sheet reflects a strong equity position with a solid equity ratio. The debt-to-equity ratio remains low, indicating a conservative leverage stance. Return on equity is positive, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds, although there is room for improvement in leveraging equity to generate higher returns.

Cash Flow

Operating cash flow is positive, but has decreased compared to the previous year. The free cash flow to net income ratio suggests efficient cash generation relative to net income, although free cash flow has declined. The company needs to focus on maintaining healthy cash flow to support operations and growth.

Breakdown	Dec 2024	Dec 2023	Dec 2022	Dec 2021	Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue	62.73M	56.04M	48.48M	36.86M	20.60M
Gross Profit	62.73M	10.41M	4.00M	35.90M	19.88M
EBITDA	17.80M	14.02M	9.77M	3.07M	-8.55M
Net Income	10.65M	16.11M	-776.00K	-74.00K	-10.79M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets	88.89M	83.23M	51.38M	42.27M	48.55M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments	44.18M	36.97M	28.44M	15.69M	19.20M
Total Debt	12.90M	12.53M	1.56M	3.15M	4.80M
Total Liabilities	44.22M	48.90M	31.16M	21.59M	26.25M
Stockholders Equity	44.67M	34.33M	20.22M	20.68M	22.30M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow	7.88M	12.06M	14.62M	-2.30M	3.08M
Operating Cash Flow	10.34M	17.24M	15.98M	-1.56M	4.17M
Investing Cash Flow	-660.00K	-5.18M	-1.36M	-739.00K	1.18M
Financing Cash Flow	-2.40M	-4.70M	-1.83M	-1.20M	13.04M

Open Orphan Plc Technical Analysis

• Technical Analysis Sentiment: Neutral
• Last Price: 10.00
• 50DMA: Negative
• 100DMA: Negative
• 200DMA: Negative
• MACD: Negative
• RSI: Neutral
• STOCH: Neutral

Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:HVO, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 10 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 10.04, below the 50-day MA of 10.45, and below the 200-day MA of 16.87, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.23 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 47.86 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.06 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for GB:HVO.

Open Orphan Plc Peers Comparison

Name	Overall Rating	Market Cap	P/E Ratio	ROE	Dividend Yield	Revenue Growth	EPS Growth
HVO	68 Neutral	£68.70M	6.37	26.97%	2.00%	11.92%	-33.76%
Sector *	51 Neutral	$7.39B	0.36	-62.86%	2.37%	15.48%	-2.68%
AVCT	48 Neutral	£214.82M	―	-73.02%	―	―	―
SCLP	46 Neutral	£120.38M	―	167.16%	―	-100.00%	-23.91%
SBTX	40 Underperform	£43.02M	―	-63.28%	―	1557.07%	24.70%
4BB	39 Underperform	£154.85M	―	-95.28%	―	84.39%	-41.02%

Open Orphan Plc Corporate Events

hVIVO Appoints Shaun Chilton as Non-Executive Chair

hVIVO plc has announced the proposed appointment of Shaun Chilton as Non-Executive Chair, pending customary due diligence. Chilton brings over 30 years of experience in leading both private and public businesses, with a strong track record in sales growth and enterprise value. His appointment is expected to enhance hVIVO’s board with his extensive sector-relevant expertise, potentially impacting the company’s strategic direction and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Reports H1 2025 Financials and Strategic Progress

hVIVO plc reported a revenue of £24.2 million for the first half of 2025, with a projected full-year revenue of £47 million. The company’s acquisitions of CRS and Cryostore have broadened its service offerings and customer base, contributing £5.5 million to the Group’s revenue. Despite sector-specific challenges, hVIVO maintains a strong sales pipeline and is well-positioned for growth, with a focus on diversifying its revenue streams and expanding its clinical services.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Announces Board Changes Amid Leadership Restructuring

hVIVO plc announced the resignation of Tracey James as Non-Executive Director, clarifying that her departure is not related to the company’s financial performance. The company is actively seeking a new independent Non-Executive Director and Chair, with announcements to follow. This change in the board is part of hVIVO’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership team, potentially impacting its strategic direction and stakeholder confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £30.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO to Release Mid-Year Trading Update and Host Investor Presentation

hVIVO plc announced it will release a trading update for the first half of 2025 on July 22, 2025. The company will host a live investor presentation on the same day, led by CEO Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan and CFO Stephen Pinkerton, to discuss the update. This announcement highlights hVIVO’s commitment to transparency and engagement with its stakeholders, potentially impacting investor confidence and market positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO PLC Announces Change in Major Holdings

hVIVO PLC, a UK-based company, has announced a change in its major holdings. Rathbones Investment Management Ltd has reduced its voting rights in the company from 12.9117% to 11.9621% as of June 30, 2025. This adjustment in holdings reflects a slight decrease in their influence over company decisions, which could have implications for the company’s future governance and strategic direction.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Reports Successful Phase 2b Study Results for Influenza Prevention

hVIVO plc announced positive topline results from a Phase 2b field study conducted for Cidara Therapeutics, focusing on the efficacy of CD388, a non-vaccine preventative for seasonal influenza. hVIVO was responsible for recruiting participants and conducting virology and immunology laboratory services. The study, which met its primary and secondary endpoints with statistical significance, involved 817 participants and demonstrated a significant reduction in influenza-like illness among those administered CD388. The success of this trial underscores hVIVO’s capability in managing large-scale field studies and highlights its role in advancing novel preventative treatments for influenza.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Leadership Buys Shares, Signals Confidence in Growth

hVIVO plc announced that its CEO, Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan, and CFO, Stephen Pinkerton, purchased shares in the company, signaling their confidence in its growth prospects despite recent shareholder concerns. The company boasts its largest ever sales pipeline and is excited about new revenue streams from its hLAB services and CRS’s early-phase clinical trial services, indicating a strong future outlook.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Faces Contract Cancellations Amid Industry Volatility but Remains Optimistic

hVIVO plc announced the cancellation and postponement of significant human challenge trial contracts, attributed to uncertainties in the pharmaceutical industry and a depressed biotech financing market. Despite these setbacks, the company maintains a strong sales pipeline with high-value opportunities and expects further contract wins in FY25. The integration of CRS Mannheim and Kiel, along with Cryostore, is progressing well, and hVIVO remains financially robust with a strong cash position, aiming to diversify its revenue streams and expand its CRO services.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Appoints Tracey James as Independent Non-Executive Director

hVIVO plc has appointed Tracey James as an Independent Non-Executive Director, effective from June 1, 2025. With extensive experience in audit and risk management, particularly with AIM-listed companies, Tracey is expected to strengthen the board’s expertise as hVIVO continues to integrate its diverse revenue streams and deliver progress for clients and shareholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:HVO) stock is a Buy with a £35.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Open Orphan Plc stock, see the GB:HVO Stock Forecast page.

hVIVO Announces Annual Report and Directorate Changes

hVIVO plc has announced the release of its Annual Report and Accounts for 2024, along with the Notice of its upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). The company also disclosed a directorate change, with Non-Executive Director Martin Gouldstone stepping down to focus on other business interests, and Cathal Friel, the co-founder and Chair, not seeking re-election. Dr. Elaine Sullivan will serve as Interim Chair until a permanent successor is appointed. These changes are expected to bring new expertise and leadership to hVIVO as it continues to execute its strategic objectives.