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Kura Oncology (KURA)
NASDAQ:KURA

Kura Oncology (KURA) AI Stock Analysis

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KU

Kura Oncology

(NASDAQ:KURA)

49Neutral
Kura Oncology shows potential for growth with its strong cash position and advancements in clinical trials, but it faces challenges with ongoing unprofitability and bearish technical indicators. The earnings call provided positive sentiment and guidance, but the company's valuation is held back by its lack of profitability and dividend yield. The stock's overall score is tempered by these mixed factors, resulting in a moderate assessment.
Positive Factors
Regulatory Progress
Kura submitted an NDA on March 31 and has breakthrough drug status in this indication, suggesting the potential for an accelerated timeline for review.
Strategic Collaboration
Kura announced a global strategic collaboration with Kyowa Kirin to develop and commercialize ziftomenib in acute leukemias.
Trial Success
KURA announced that the trial had succeeded in achieving its primary endpoint, and management suggested ORR fell in the range of 21-29%.
Negative Factors
Cash Burn
The company's annualized cash burn is $247.1 million with approximately 2.5 years of cash remaining.
Conflict of Interest
Wedbush Securities seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports, which may present a conflict of interest.
Drug Inactivity
Management notes that tipifarnib alone is inactive in the PI3KCA-dependent HNSCC setting, and alpelisib has only really ever shown stable disease.

Kura Oncology (KURA) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Kura Oncology Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionKura Oncology, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, develops medicines for the treatment of cancer in the United States. The company's pipeline consists of small molecule product candidates that target cancer. Its lead product candidates are ziftomenib, a small molecule inhibitor of the menin-Lysine K-specific Methyltransferase 2A protein-protein interaction for the treatment of genetically defined subsets of acute leukemias, including acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia; and tipifarnib, an orally bioavailable inhibitor of farnesyl transferase that is in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors and hematologic indications. The company has a clinical collaboration with Novartis to evaluate the combination of tipifarnib and alpelisib in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma whose tumors have HRAS overexpression or PIK3CA mutation and/or amplification. Kura Oncology, Inc. was founded in 2014 and is headquartered in San Diego, California.
How the Company Makes MoneyKura Oncology generates revenue primarily through the development and commercialization of its proprietary drug candidates. The company finances its operations through public offerings, partnerships, and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies. Kura's earnings are significantly influenced by milestone payments and potential royalties from licensing agreements as its drug candidates progress through clinical trials and, if successful, receive regulatory approval. Additionally, the company may engage in strategic partnerships to co-develop or out-license its therapies, which can provide upfront payments and shared revenue streams from eventual product sales.

Kura Oncology Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Kura Oncology shows improved financial performance with significant revenue growth and positive cash flow in 2024. While the strong cash position and improved equity are strengths, persistent operational losses and past negative equity pose risks.
Income Statement
30
Negative
Kura Oncology has shown a significant increase in revenue in 2024, reaching $53.88 million from $0 in previous years, indicating a positive development. However, the company continues to operate at a loss, with negative EBIT and net income margins. The high operating expenses relative to revenue suggest challenges in achieving profitability.
Balance Sheet
45
Neutral
The company's balance sheet shows a healthy cash position with $727.395 million in cash and short-term investments, which is a strength. However, the debt-to-equity ratio is concerning due to negative stockholders' equity in previous years, although it improved to positive equity in 2024. The equity ratio has improved but still indicates potential risk.
Cash Flow
60
Neutral
Kura Oncology has significantly improved its cash flow, with a positive operating cash flow of $134.317 million and free cash flow of $133.845 million in 2024. This reflects effective cash management and potential for future investment. The company has turned around from negative cash flows in prior years, indicating a positive trajectory.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
53.88M0.000.000.000.00
Gross Profit
53.88M-849.00K-759.00K-558.00K-194.00K
EBIT
-193.19M-165.80M-140.62M-131.82M-92.09M
EBITDA
-169.50M-164.96M-139.11M-129.71M-91.70M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-173.98M-152.63M-136.07M-129.91M-89.43M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
727.39M423.96M437.99M517.96M633.32M
Total Assets
760.16M448.94M456.31M534.05M647.21M
Total Debt
16.59M17.20M14.02M6.88M14.98M
Net Debt
-207.87M-20.12M-37.78M-83.80M-310.52M
Total Liabilities
346.52M51.66M36.03M27.44M36.31M
Stockholders Equity
413.64M397.27M-568.81M-432.97M-302.50M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
133.84M-124.99M-110.69M-105.70M-72.00M
Operating Cash Flow
134.32M-124.82M-110.06M-104.55M-69.83M
Investing Cash Flow
-101.59M15.56M32.63M-126.83M-99.94M
Financing Cash Flow
154.42M94.78M38.56M-3.44M469.33M

Kura Oncology Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price6.49
Price Trends
50DMA
6.93
Negative
100DMA
7.78
Negative
200DMA
13.13
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.11
Negative
RSI
52.27
Neutral
STOCH
92.71
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For KURA, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 6.49 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 6.11, below the 50-day MA of 6.93, and below the 200-day MA of 13.13, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -0.11 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 52.27 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 92.71 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for KURA.

Kura Oncology Risk Analysis

Kura Oncology disclosed 73 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Kura Oncology 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

Kura Oncology Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (52)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
52
Neutral
$5.38B3.59-41.63%2.87%17.72%1.87%
49
Neutral
$524.25M-42.91%2.90%
48
Neutral
$568.44M-37.28%24.51%47.32%
46
Neutral
$559.08M-143.48%137.42%-34.13%
44
Neutral
$607.75M62.033.73%188.64%
39
Underperform
$320.72M-27.83%13.91%15.46%
35
Underperform
$764.25M-106.27%-551.08%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
KURA
Kura Oncology
6.49
-14.10
-68.48%
MGTX
Meiragtx Holdings
7.26
2.27
45.49%
IMTX
Immatics
5.01
-5.88
-53.99%
BFLY
Butterfly Network
2.34
1.42
154.35%
NNOX
Nano-X Imaging
4.99
-4.25
-46.00%
NUVB
Nuvation Bio
2.27
-1.00
-30.58%

Kura Oncology Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 01, 2025
(Q4-2024)
|
% Change Since: 0.00%|
Next Earnings Date:Jul 31, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call reflects a positive sentiment, driven by significant advancements in clinical trials, regulatory progress, and a strong financial position, despite increased expenses and ongoing net losses.
Q4-2024 Updates
Positive Updates
Positive Top-Line Results from KOMET-001
The Phase 2 registration-directed trial of ziftomenib in patients with relapsed/refractory NPM1-mutant AML achieved its primary endpoint, consistent with a targeted 20% to 30% CR/CRh rate, and the safety profile was consistent with prior reports.
Regulatory Progress for Ziftomenib
Alignment with FDA and EMA on potential pathways for accelerated approval in the US and Europe for ziftomenib in frontline AML, with plans for NDA submission in Q2 2025.
Strong Financial Position
Cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $727.4 million as of December 31, 2024, expected to fund operations into 2027.
Collaboration Revenue Boost
Collaboration revenue from Kyowa Kirin partnership was $53.9 million for Q4 2024, compared to none in the corresponding quarter of 2023.
Future Prospects in Diabetes
Plans to nominate a next-generation menin inhibitor development candidate for use in diabetes in mid-2025, based on promising preclinical data.
Negative Updates
Increased Operating Expenses
Research and development expenses increased to $52.3 million in Q4 2024 from $32.5 million in Q4 2023, and general and administrative expenses increased to $24.1 million from $14.2 million in the same period.
Net Loss Despite Revenue Increase
Net loss for Q4 2024 was $19.2 million, down from $42.8 million in Q4 2023, indicating that despite increased revenue, the company is still not profitable.
Long Timeline for Key Results
Top-line results for the MRD-negative CR accelerated endpoint in the intensive chemotherapy setting for KOMET-017 are not anticipated until 2028.
Company Guidance
During the Kura Oncology Q4 2024 Financial Results Conference Call, the company provided guidance on several key metrics and milestones for its ziftomenib program. Kura plans to submit its first New Drug Application (NDA) for ziftomenib in Q2 2025, targeting relapsed/refractory NPM1-mutant Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The company is preparing for the commercial launch of ziftomenib, expecting it to be a leading menin inhibitor in this market. Kura has aligned with both the U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency on pathways for accelerated approval of ziftomenib in frontline AML. Top-line results for the MRD-negative CR accelerated endpoint in intensive chemotherapy settings are anticipated in 2028. Financially, Kura ended 2024 with $727.4 million in cash, bolstered by a $330 million upfront payment from its Kyowa Kirin partnership, which will support their ziftomenib AML program through commercialization in the U.S. frontline setting. The company also achieved a net loss of $19.2 million in Q4 2024, an improvement from the $42.8 million loss in the same quarter of 2023.

Kura Oncology Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesBusiness Operations and Strategy
Kura Oncology Announces Leadership Changes and Appointments
Neutral
Jan 6, 2025

Stephen Dale, M.D. resigned as Chief Medical Officer of Kura Oncology to focus on personal health, leading to a settlement agreement entitling him to compensation and extended stock option exercise periods. Following his resignation, Kura Oncology appointed Mollie Leoni, M.D. as Chief Medical Officer and Francis Burrows, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer, indicating a strategic leadership change.

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.