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Pacira Pharmaceuticals (PCRX)
NASDAQ:PCRX

Pacira Pharmaceuticals (PCRX) AI Stock Analysis

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PCRX

Pacira Pharmaceuticals

(NASDAQ:PCRX)

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Neutral 67 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:67Neutral
Price Target:
$23.00
▲(4.07% Upside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/03/26
The score is driven primarily by solid underlying financial quality—especially the sharply improved leverage profile and strong, consistent cash generation—tempered by earnings volatility. Technicals are a notable drag given the stock trading below major moving averages, and valuation is also a headwind due to the very high P/E. The latest earnings call is supportive with upbeat guidance and operational/market-access progress, but elevated spending and near-term margin pressures cap upside.
Positive Factors
Balance sheet strength
A very low debt-to-equity ratio materially reduces financial risk and preserves strategic optionality. Durable low leverage improves the company’s ability to fund R&D, absorb reimbursements volatility, pursue partnerships or M&A, and sustain buybacks without relying on external financing.
Consistent cash generation
Consistent positive operating and free cash flow underpin long-term financial resilience. Reliable cash generation funds investment in commercial expansion, clinical programs, and share repurchases while insulating the business from short-term revenue swings and working-capital shocks.
Expanded market access & partnerships
Broad payer coverage and strategic partnerships (LG Chem, J&J MedTech) create durable commercial tailwinds. Expanded access increases addressable volume, while partnerships and planned ex-US commercialization diversify revenue streams and reduce single‑market concentration over multi-year horizons.
Negative Factors
Profitability volatility
Earnings have been inconsistent, with a sizable loss in 2024 and only a thin net margin in 2025. Persistent margin volatility undermines predictability of free cash flow, complicates funding plans for R&D and commercialization, and raises execution risk if revenue growth slows.
Rising operating expenses
Substantially higher R&D and SG&A spending increases fixed-cost burden and pressures margins unless revenue accelerates. If elevated spend persists, it could erode cash margins, limit flexibility for other investments, and require sustained top-line improvement to justify the stepped-up expense base.
Pipeline de-risking timeline
Key clinical programs are early stage and not powered for definitive efficacy, so near-term data will be exploratory. Meaningful de-risking and commercial impact will likely require larger Part B/registrational studies, delaying potential revenue contributions and keeping R&D spend as a downside.

Pacira Pharmaceuticals (PCRX) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionPacira BioSciences, Inc. provides non-opioid pain management and regenerative health solutions for healthcare practitioners and their patients in the United States. The company offers EXPAREL, a bupivacaine liposome injectable suspension; ZILRETTA, a triamcinolone acetonide extended-release injectable suspension; and iovera system, a non-opioid handheld cryoanalgesia device used to produce controlled doses of cold temperature only to targeted nerves. It also develops proprietary multivesicular liposome, a drug delivery technology that encapsulates drugs without altering their molecular structure. The company was formerly known as Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and changed its name to Pacira BioSciences, Inc. in April 2019. Pacira BioSciences, Inc. was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
How the Company Makes MoneyPacira Pharmaceuticals generates revenue primarily through the sales of its flagship product, EXPAREL, which is marketed to hospitals, surgical centers, and healthcare providers. The company also earns revenue from collaborations and partnerships with other pharmaceutical firms, which may include licensing agreements or co-development arrangements for its pipeline products. Additionally, Pacira may benefit from government reimbursements and healthcare insurance payments for its products, which are crucial for driving sales and expanding market access. The company has strategically focused on building relationships with healthcare professionals and institutions to promote the adoption of non-opioid pain management solutions, contributing to its overall revenue growth.

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 26, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:May 06, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveys a broadly positive outlook: Pacira reported record gross margins, reinvigorated EXPAREL volume growth (~7% in Q4), expanded payer coverage (102M lives outside the bundle), strengthened IP (21 patents) and secured strategic partnerships (LG Chem, J&J). The company is investing in a promising pipeline (PCRX-201, PCRX-2002) and returned capital via buybacks while maintaining a healthy cash position ($238M). Offsetting items include rising R&D and SG&A (notably +56% R&D and +30% SG&A in Q4), revenue headwinds from buy-mix/discounting tied to a GPO, flat ZILRETTA sales, and near-term margin/inventory pressures. Overall, the positives (top-line momentum, margin expansion, IP runway, partnerships, and pipeline progress) outweigh the near-term cost and execution risks.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Record Revenue and Improved Margins
Fiscal 2025 total revenue of $726,000,000 and fourth-quarter consolidated non-GAAP gross margin improved to 80% (vs. 79% a year ago). Company reported highest gross margins in its history and is targeting a five-percentage-point margin improvement vs. 2024 (76% non-GAAP) by 2030.
EXPAREL Q4 Sales and Volume Growth
Fourth-quarter EXPAREL sales of $155.8M vs. $147.7M in Q4 2024 (~+5.5% revenue), with volume growth of approximately +7% year-over-year in Q4 driven by broader payer coverage and commercial initiatives.
Expanded Payer Coverage and Market Access
Ended 2025 with 102,000,000 lives covered for EXPAREL outside the surgical bundle (management noted this climbed to ~110,000,000 in early 2026), highlighting major commercial payer wins (Aetna, Cigna, TRICARE, Humana) and Medicare ASP+6% outpatient reimbursement.
Strategic Partnerships and Ex-U.S. Expansion
Signed major partnerships: LG Chem to commercialize EXPAREL in select Asia Pacific countries (South Korea, Thailand) with regulatory filings anticipated in 2026 and revenue expected to begin in 2027; J&J MedTech partnership now fully trained and expanding ZILRETTA reach in the U.S.
Strengthened IP and Litigation Outcome
Secured a volume-limited settlement with Fresenius providing EXPAREL runway visibility through 2039 and expanded IP estate to 21 patents across two families (up from a single patent at first Paragraph IV filing).
Progress on Pipeline with Near-Term Milestones
Advancing a data-rich phase: Phase II ASCEND Part A (PCRX-201) 52-week data expected end of year (49 patients enrolled); Part B to enroll ~90 patients starting midyear; interim analyses and top-line readouts for ZILRETTA shoulder OA and ioverao spasticity planned in 2026.
Cash Position and Shareholder Returns
Exited Q4 with $238,000,000 in cash and investments. Executed share repurchases (management referenced $150,000,000 of repurchases year-to-date, including $50,000,000 in Q4), retired ~2,000,000 shares and reduced outstanding shares to ~41,000,000; $150,000,000 remaining on buyback authorization.
Operational Manufacturing Improvements
Better-than-expected yields from new 200-liter EXPAREL facilities lowered per-unit costs and improved margins; management is adjusting production to hit inventory targets and expects steady margin increases via continuous improvement initiatives.
Negative Updates
Rising Operating Expenses — R&D and SG&A
Fourth-quarter non-GAAP R&D increased to $34.4M from $22.0M (+~56%), driven by a $5.0M upfront in-license payment and advancing clinical programs. Q4 non-GAAP SG&A rose to $91.9M from $70.6M (+~30%), impacted by business development due diligence and litigation costs.
Revenue Growth Partially Offset by Buy-Mix and Discounts
Although EXPAREL volumes rose ~7% in Q4, revenue gains were partially offset by a shift in buy mix and discounting associated with a third GPO going live, limiting the full revenue benefit of volume gains.
ZILRETTA Performance Essentially Flat
ZILRETTA fourth-quarter sales were $33.0M, essentially flat versus 2024, reflecting prior reorganization and the need for partner-led commercialization momentum to drive growth.
Near-Term Margin Pressure and Inventory Effects
Guidance notes first-quarter 2026 EXPAREL contribution may be ~1 percentage point lower due to winter storms; fourth-quarter margins expected below full-year range due to sale of higher-cost inventory and shutdown-related costs.
Pipeline Uncertainties — Early-Stage Data and Powering
Key programs like PCRX-201 are promising but Phase II ASCEND Part A is not powered for efficacy (primary objective is safety), so efficacy signals will be exploratory and may limit near-term de-risking until larger Part B/registrational data are available.
Increased Near-Term Spending and One-Off Costs
Management flagged unanticipated business development and litigation costs in SG&A and higher near-term R&D investment (guidance R&D $105M–$115M) — these one-off and stepped-up investments may pressure near-term profitability metrics.
Company Guidance
Pacira guided 2026 to total revenue of $745–$770M, including EXPAREL sales of $600–$620M (plus ~$7M from an EXPAREL veterinary license), with ZILRETTA and ioverao assumed roughly flat to 2025; non‑GAAP gross margin of 77–79% (Q1–Q3 aided by lower‑cost inventory, Q4 expected below the range), non‑GAAP R&D $105–$115M, non‑GAAP SG&A $320–$340M, stock‑based comp $54–$62M and depreciation of ~$30M for adjusted EBITDA modelers. Management noted 2025 results of $726M revenue, Q4 EXPAREL sales of $155.8M (volumes ≈+7%), Q4 ZILRETTA $33M and ioverao $7M, consolidated Q4 non‑GAAP gross margin of 80% (vs 79% prior year), year‑end cash/investments of $238M, repurchases of $150M in stock (including $50M in Q4) retiring ~2M shares to ~41M outstanding with $150M remaining authorization as of 12/31, 102M lives covered outside the surgical bundle (≈110M early 2026), and operational cadence expectations (Q1 ~1 percentage point lower contribution to EXPAREL sales due to storms, Q2–Q3 balanced, Q4 the largest).

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials are anchored by a much stronger 2025 balance sheet (very low debt-to-equity near 0.01) and consistently positive operating/free cash flow with improved 2025 FCF. Offsetting this, profitability has been volatile (notably a 2024 net loss and thin ~3.7% net margin in 2025), keeping the score below the top tier.
Income Statement
64
Positive
Revenue has grown steadily over time, including strong growth in 2025 (annual revenue up meaningfully versus 2024). Profitability, however, has been volatile: 2024 swung to a sizable net loss after solid profitability in 2021–2023, and 2025 returned to a modest profit with a low net margin (~3.7%). Overall, the top-line trajectory is positive, but inconsistent earnings and margin variability keep the score in the middle range.
Balance Sheet
86
Very Positive
The balance sheet materially strengthened in 2025, with debt dropping to a very low level versus equity (debt-to-equity near 0.01), reducing financial risk and improving flexibility. Equity remains substantial, and returns on equity are positive again in 2025 after turning negative in 2024. The key watch-out is that this improvement follows a period of meaningfully higher leverage in prior years, so investors should confirm the durability of the lower-debt profile.
Cash Flow
78
Positive
Cash generation is a clear strength: operating cash flow and free cash flow have been consistently positive across the years provided, with 2025 free cash flow up strongly versus 2024. Cash flow quality is generally solid, with free cash flow tracking well relative to reported earnings in most years. A weakness is that cash flow coverage of reported profits has not been consistently strong (and was weaker in 2024), indicating periodic working-capital or non-cash impacts.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue726.41M700.97M674.98M666.82M541.53M
Gross Profit519.37M530.54M490.31M467.53M401.28M
EBITDA125.34M29.12M154.59M140.38M113.95M
Net Income26.71M-99.56M41.95M15.91M41.98M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets1.26B1.55B1.57B1.68B2.08B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments158.54M484.62M278.58M288.65M656.41M
Total Debt9.84M638.85M586.04M763.39M1.13B
Total Liabilities571.81M775.17M704.26M906.19M1.34B
Stockholders Equity693.11M778.35M870.13M775.01M730.41M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow136.66M178.75M139.49M115.20M79.85M
Operating Cash Flow151.99M189.39M154.65M145.27M125.72M
Investing Cash Flow99.48M-83.28M77.54M-225.19M-20.79M
Financing Cash Flow-369.63M17.36M-183.03M-401.53M380.69M

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price22.10
Price Trends
50DMA
22.80
Negative
100DMA
23.02
Negative
200DMA
23.90
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.11
Negative
RSI
41.93
Neutral
STOCH
37.42
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For PCRX, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 22.1 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 21.97, below the 50-day MA of 22.80, and below the 200-day MA of 23.90, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of 0.11 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 41.93 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 37.42 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for PCRX.

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Risk Analysis

Pacira Pharmaceuticals disclosed 69 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Pacira Pharmaceuticals 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

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
67
Neutral
$861.62M135.460.96%3.14%
67
Neutral
$1.69B22.4415.11%48.87%
62
Neutral
$1.32B24.2323.70%26.34%-32.79%
60
Neutral
$3.16B-80.55-3.68%4.54%-130.59%
60
Neutral
$953.23M10.3312.90%-0.03%-27.66%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
PCRX
Pacira Pharmaceuticals
22.10
-1.43
-6.08%
SUPN
Supernus Pharmaceuticals
54.56
22.91
72.39%
ANIP
ANI Pharmaceuticals
76.10
16.97
28.70%
AMPH
Amphastar Pharmaceuticals
19.83
-7.79
-28.20%
COLL
Collegium Pharmaceutical
39.99
11.95
42.62%

Pacira Pharmaceuticals Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Pacira BioSciences adds seasoned leader to board
Positive
Jan 28, 2026

On January 27, 2026, Pacira BioSciences expanded its Board of Directors from nine to 10 members and appointed veteran biopharmaceutical executive Samit Hirawat, M.D., as a Class III director and member of the Science and Technology Committee, with the appointment announced publicly on January 28, 2026. The addition of Hirawat, an independent director with more than 25 years of clinical development and leadership experience at Bristol Myers Squibb and Novartis, underscores Pacira’s efforts to strengthen its governance and scientific oversight as it seeks to accelerate growth of its non-opioid pain portfolio and advance its pipeline, including next-generation gene therapies, potentially bolstering its competitive position in the non-opioid pain management market.

The most recent analyst rating on (PCRX) stock is a Buy with a $38.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Pacira Pharmaceuticals stock, see the PCRX 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: Mar 03, 2026