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Heron Therapeutics (HRTX)
NASDAQ:HRTX

Heron Therapeutics (HRTX) AI Stock Analysis

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HRTX

Heron Therapeutics

(NASDAQ:HRTX)

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Neutral 48 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:48Neutral
Price Target:
$1.50
▲(16.28% Upside)
Heron Therapeutics faces significant financial challenges, including high leverage and negative profitability, which weigh heavily on its overall stock score. While there are positive developments in product growth and strategic initiatives, these are offset by valuation concerns and technical indicators suggesting potential short-term volatility. The recent board appointment is a positive step but has a limited impact on the overall score.
Positive Factors
Product Growth
Strong growth in ZYNRELEF and APONVIE sales indicates robust demand and successful market penetration, supporting long-term revenue expansion.
Regulatory Inclusion
Inclusion in guidelines enhances APONVIE's credibility and adoption in clinical settings, potentially boosting sales and market position.
Corporate Governance
Cusack's appointment strengthens governance and strategic oversight, potentially improving decision-making and long-term strategic execution.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
Significant leverage poses financial risk, limiting flexibility and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns, impacting long-term stability.
Profitability Challenges
Ongoing profitability issues highlight operational inefficiencies, which could hinder sustainable growth and investor confidence over time.
Gross Margin Decline
Declining gross margins reflect cost pressures and operational challenges, potentially affecting future profitability and competitive positioning.

Heron Therapeutics (HRTX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Heron Therapeutics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionHeron Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company, engages in developing treatments to address unmet patient needs. The company's product candidates utilize its proprietary Biochronomer, a drug delivery technology, which delivers therapeutic levels of a range of short-acting pharmacological agents over a period from days to weeks with a single administration. It offers SUSTOL (granisetron), an extended-release injection for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic chemotherapy, or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide combination chemotherapy regimens; and CINVANTI, an intravenous formulation of aprepitant, a substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy, as well as nausea and vomiting associated with moderately emetogenic cancer chemotherapy. The company is also developing ZYNRELEF, a dual-acting local anesthetic that delivers a fixed-dose combination of the local anesthetic bupivacaine and a low dose of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam; HTX-019, an investigational agent for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting; and HTX-034 for postoperative pain management, as well as is in Phase Ib/II clinical study in patients undergoing bunionectomy. The company was formerly known as A.P. Pharma, Inc. and changed its name to Heron Therapeutics, Inc. in January 2014. Heron Therapeutics, Inc. was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyHeron Therapeutics generates revenue primarily through the sales of its pharmaceutical products, particularly its branded medications. The company has established a revenue model that includes direct sales to healthcare providers and institutions, as well as distribution partnerships with wholesalers. Key revenue streams include sales from its flagship products, which are marketed directly to hospitals and clinics. Additionally, Heron may receive milestone payments and royalties from collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies as part of strategic partnerships aimed at co-developing or commercializing new therapies. The company also benefits from reimbursement agreements with insurance providers, which facilitate access to its products for patients.

Heron Therapeutics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 04, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Mar 04, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call highlighted strong growth in key product lines such as ZYNRELEF and APONVIE, successful completion of financing, and the positive impact of new initiatives. However, challenges remain with declining SUSTOL sales, a decrease in gross margin, and a reported net loss due to debt extinguishment. Overall, the company appears to be on a positive trajectory but faces some financial challenges.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Successful Financing Completion
The company successfully completed its financing, resolving a significant overhang and allowing management to focus on commercial execution and product growth.
Revenue and Growth Metrics
Total net revenues for the quarter were $38.2 million, and $114.3 million year-to-date, with adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 million for the quarter and $9.5 million year-to-date.
Growth in ZYNRELEF and APONVIE Sales
ZYNRELEF net sales grew 49% year-over-year for Q3, while APONVIE net sales grew 173% in the same period.
Permanent J-Code for ZYNRELEF
The introduction of a permanent J-code for ZYNRELEF on October 1 is expected to streamline reimbursement and support broader adoption.
Positive Trends in Acute Care Portfolio
New initiatives, including CrossLink Ignite and the VAN, have resulted in increased demand and are expected to continue positively impacting sales.
Negative Updates
SUSTOL Sales Decline
SUSTOL net sales decreased by 32% year-over-year, and there is an expectation of continued pressure due to market competition.
Gross Margin Decrease
Gross margin decreased to 68.8% from previous quarters due to an increase in inventory reserves and write-offs.
Net Loss
The company incurred a net loss of $17.5 million for the quarter, primarily due to an $11.3 million loss on debt extinguishment.
Company Guidance
During the Heron Therapeutics Q3 2025 earnings call, the company reaffirmed its guidance for the fiscal year, projecting net revenue between $153 million and $163 million, with adjusted EBITDA anticipated to range from $9 million to $13 million. For the third quarter, Heron reported total net revenues of $38.2 million, contributing to a year-to-date total of $114.3 million. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 million for Q3 and $9.5 million year-to-date. Gross margin for the quarter was 68.8%, impacted by a one-time write-off of SUSTOL polymer inventory. Key product performances included a 49% year-over-year increase in ZYNRELEF net sales and a 173% growth in APONVIE net sales. The oncology franchise remained stable, with CINVANTI net sales at approximately $24 million, marking a 6% year-over-year increase. The call also highlighted strategic initiatives such as the CrossLink Ignite program and the launch of a dedicated sales force, aimed at bolstering product growth and market penetration.

Heron Therapeutics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Heron Therapeutics is experiencing modest revenue growth but faces significant profitability and cash flow challenges. The high leverage and negative net profit margins highlight financial risks. While there are some positive signs in cash flow growth, the company needs to focus on improving operational efficiency and managing debt to enhance financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
Heron Therapeutics shows a modest revenue growth rate of 3.61% TTM, indicating some positive momentum. However, the company is struggling with profitability, as evidenced by a negative net profit margin of -0.62% TTM. The gross profit margin is relatively healthy at 74.61% TTM, but the EBIT and EBITDA margins are low at 3.32% and 4.63% TTM, respectively, suggesting operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
30
Negative
The balance sheet reveals significant financial leverage with a high debt-to-equity ratio of -6.48 TTM, indicating potential risk. The return on equity is positive at 2.88% TTM, but the equity ratio is low, reflecting limited equity financing. The company needs to manage its debt levels to improve financial stability.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Heron Therapeutics has shown a slight improvement in free cash flow growth at 5.45% TTM. However, the operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating cash flow challenges. The free cash flow to net income ratio is above 1, suggesting that free cash flow is covering net losses, but overall cash flow management remains a concern.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue155.10M144.28M127.04M107.67M86.35M88.64M
Gross Profit111.17M105.64M61.94M52.80M40.33M52.45M
EBITDA-2.57M-5.06M-103.79M-176.66M-215.25M-222.53M
Net Income-13.58M-13.58M-110.56M-182.02M-220.68M-227.28M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets248.95M233.15M222.51M250.95M305.71M353.56M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments55.49M59.28M80.41M84.85M157.58M208.49M
Total Debt140.44M177.76M179.63M157.48M159.50M24.61M
Total Liabilities234.06M266.80M256.48M237.38M228.14M117.06M
Stockholders Equity14.88M-33.65M-33.97M13.57M77.57M236.49M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-31.14M-24.23M-60.33M-148.74M-206.38M-191.63M
Operating Cash Flow-30.19M-22.53M-58.79M-146.91M-203.35M-184.82M
Investing Cash Flow32.88M18.71M18.00M-3.32M32.73M208.96M
Financing Cash Flow14.63M940.00K54.11M75.06M156.03M9.11M

Heron Therapeutics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price1.29
Price Trends
50DMA
1.21
Positive
100DMA
1.29
Negative
200DMA
1.69
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.05
Negative
RSI
53.84
Neutral
STOCH
56.92
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For HRTX, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 1.29 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 1.25, above the 50-day MA of 1.21, and below the 200-day MA of 1.69, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.05 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 53.84 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 56.92 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for HRTX.

Heron Therapeutics Risk Analysis

Heron Therapeutics disclosed 55 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Heron Therapeutics 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

Heron 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
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
48
Neutral
$232.87M-15.9512.60%58.23%
47
Neutral
$365.37M-11.32-43.71%80.95%
46
Neutral
$440.37M-6.65-289.93%14.26%-23.34%
44
Neutral
$194.38M-3.33-39.78%-38.23%
35
Underperform
$1.43B-6.40-207.92%-12.93%
33
Underperform
$295.75M-1.18-104.35%20.71%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
HRTX
Heron Therapeutics
1.29
-0.29
-18.35%
OCGN
Ocugen
1.44
0.67
87.01%
BNTC
Benitec Biopharma
11.38
-0.03
-0.26%
KOD
Kodiak Sciences
26.38
17.73
204.97%
SGMT
Sagimet Biosciences, Inc. Class A
5.96
1.01
20.40%
NMRA
Neumora Therapeutics, Inc.
1.72
-9.13
-84.15%

Heron Therapeutics Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Heron Therapeutics Appoints Thomas Cusack to Board
Positive
Oct 29, 2025

On October 27, 2025, Heron Therapeutics appointed Thomas Cusack to its Board of Directors, following a Cooperation Agreement with Rubric Capital Management LP. With over 20 years of experience in investment management and corporate finance, Cusack’s expertise is expected to contribute significantly to Heron’s growth and corporate governance efforts.

Private Placements and FinancingShareholder Meetings
Heron Therapeutics Approves Stock Issuance Proposals
Neutral
Oct 15, 2025

On October 13, 2025, Heron Therapeutics held a Special Stockholders’ Meeting where stockholders approved two proposals related to the issuance of common stock. The approvals, in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(d), allow for the issuance of shares exceeding 19.99% of the company’s outstanding stock under certain future circumstances, linked to the conversion of convertible senior unsecured promissory notes and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.

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: Dec 09, 2025