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SAGE Therapeutics (SAGE)
NASDAQ:SAGE

SAGE Therapeutics (SAGE) AI Stock Analysis

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SAGE Therapeutics

(NASDAQ:SAGE)

Rating:49Neutral
Price Target:
SAGE Therapeutics is facing considerable financial challenges with declining revenues and persistent losses. Although there are positive developments such as the growth of ZURZUVAE and reduced R&D expenses, the company's financial instability and valuation concerns weigh heavily on its stock score.
Positive Factors
Marketing Strategy
The company completed the expansion of its sales force and increased targeted marketing efforts with direct-to-consumer and social media campaigns, which should have a positive impact.
Revenue Performance
Zurzuvae collaboration revenue exceeded initial estimates, indicating better-than-expected performance.
Sales Growth
Zurzuvae sales grew with sales force expansion, representing a 21% Q/Q increase, and Sage shipped over 3,000 prescriptions, representing a 22% Q/Q increase.
Negative Factors
Buyout Prospects
The resolution of the case related to Biogen's unsolicited offer suggests a near-term buyout is not possible.
Financial Outlook
The full-year 2025 earnings per share forecast has been revised downward from -$2.80 to -$3.63, reflecting challenges in the company's financial outlook.
Strategic Uncertainty
The Board of Directors continues to advance its strategic alternatives, which may suggest uncertainty about the company's future direction.

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

SAGE Therapeutics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSAGE Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel medicines to treat life-altering central nervous system disorders. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, SAGE Therapeutics explores new pathways and mechanisms within the brain to address unmet medical needs, specifically targeting conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, and related neurological disorders. The company's core products include innovative therapies such as ZULRESSO (brexanolone) for the treatment of postpartum depression.
How the Company Makes MoneySAGE Therapeutics generates revenue primarily through the sales of its commercial products, particularly ZULRESSO, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of postpartum depression. The company's revenue streams also include potential milestone payments, licensing fees, and royalties from strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, SAGE Therapeutics invests in research and development to expand its pipeline of candidates, which may lead to future revenue opportunities through new product launches or expanded indications for existing therapies.

SAGE Therapeutics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
SAGE Therapeutics faces significant financial challenges with declining revenues, persistent losses, and negative cash flows. While the balance sheet shows low leverage, the decreasing trend in assets and equity is concerning. The company needs to stabilize and grow its revenue base while improving operational efficiency.
Income Statement
30
Negative
SAGE Therapeutics has experienced a significant decline in revenue from 2020 to TTM 2025, with total revenue decreasing sharply. Gross profit margin remains relatively high, but the company is struggling with negative EBIT and net income, indicating challenges in managing operational costs and achieving profitability. The revenue growth rate is negative, reflecting a contraction in sales, which poses a significant concern for future prospects.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The debt-to-equity ratio is low, indicating low leverage, which is a positive aspect. However, the company’s stockholders' equity has decreased over the years, and total assets have also declined. The equity ratio remains strong, suggesting a good proportion of equity in the asset base, but the decreasing trend in assets and equity is concerning.
Cash Flow
35
Negative
The operating cash flow and free cash flow are both negative and have worsened from 2020 to TTM 2025, highlighting cash flow challenges. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is negative, indicating inefficiencies in converting income into cash. The company has managed its cash position somewhat by reducing capital expenditures and increasing investing cash flow, but the consistent negative free cash flow is a red flag.
Breakdown
TTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
47.40M41.24M86.45M7.69M6.31M1.11B
Gross Profit
38.58M31.80M84.30M6.87M5.75M1.11B
EBIT
-382.15M-432.37M-579.85M-546.99M-460.91M596.23M
EBITDA
-359.86M-409.49M-545.07M-545.87M-456.73M626.60M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-354.40M-400.67M-541.49M-503.27M-450.83M606.07M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
718.35M504.42M753.18M1.27B1.74B2.10B
Total Assets
767.60M547.22M882.28M1.36B1.83B2.16B
Total Debt
3.31M11.84M5.17M12.13M18.43M28.10M
Net Debt
-170.68M-69.19M-65.83M-150.57M-275.80M-1.63B
Total Liabilities
61.80M82.13M82.75M103.85M96.26M86.91M
Stockholders Equity
705.80M465.09M799.53M1.25B1.73B2.07B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-311.09M-267.19M-541.14M-460.97M-378.55M663.93M
Operating Cash Flow
-311.09M-267.19M-540.59M-460.04M-378.18M664.28M
Investing Cash Flow
173.03M266.68M442.91M325.43M-1.00B442.68M
Financing Cash Flow
9.25M10.66M6.03M3.07M13.33M426.76M

SAGE Therapeutics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price6.80
Price Trends
50DMA
7.43
Negative
100DMA
7.19
Negative
200DMA
7.02
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.16
Negative
RSI
44.27
Neutral
STOCH
77.30
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SAGE, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 6.8 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 7.07, below the 50-day MA of 7.43, and below the 200-day MA of 7.02, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.16 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 44.27 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 77.30 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for SAGE.

SAGE Therapeutics Risk Analysis

SAGE Therapeutics disclosed 48 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. SAGE Therapeutics 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 3 New Risks
1.
Our plans to explore strategic alternatives and our rejection of an unsolicited, non-binding acquisition proposal from Biogen to acquire all of our outstanding shares not owned by Biogen may have a material adverse effect on our business. Q4, 2024
2.
We or our collaborators may not be able to obtain orphan drug exclusivity for any product candidates we, or they, may develop. Even if we do, that exclusivity may not prevent the FDA or the EMA from approving other competing products. Q4, 2024
3.
We are currently subject to legal actions and proceedings, which could distract our management and could result in substantial costs or large judgments against us. Q4, 2024

SAGE Therapeutics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (53)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
54
Neutral
$588.91M-37.13%-38.14%29.69%
53
Neutral
$5.24B3.07-43.58%2.80%16.87%-0.11%
52
Neutral
$503.24M-75.39%-35.92%-62.11%
49
Neutral
$735.38M91.25%-17.75%-19.17%
49
Neutral
$446.49M-63.53%-47.94%30.94%
OPOPT
39
Underperform
$475.10M
-25.10%-7.06%
35
Underperform
$466.22M-36.57%15.34%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SAGE
SAGE Therapeutics
6.80
-4.52
-39.93%
AKBA
Akebia Therapeutics
2.81
1.72
157.80%
CAPR
Capricor Therapeutics
11.12
5.05
83.20%
BCYC
Bicycle Therapeutics
8.05
-15.43
-65.72%
OPT
Opthea Limited Sponsored ADR
3.20
-0.02
-0.62%
CGEM
Cullinan Management
7.87
-14.78
-65.25%

SAGE Therapeutics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Apr 29, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -10.53%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 05, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a generally positive outlook with strong growth and milestones achieved for ZURZUVAE, a significant reduction in R&D expenses, and a clear focus on pipeline opportunities. However, there remains uncertainty with ongoing strategic alternatives and continued net losses, albeit reduced.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Start for ZURZUVAE in 2025
ZURZUVAE was shipped to over 3,000 women with PPD in Q1 2025, representing a 22% increase from Q4 2024. Collaboration revenue for ZURZUVAE was $13.8 million, a 21% increase from Q4 2024.
Significant Milestone for ZURZUVAE
Since its launch, ZURZUVAE has been shipped to over 10,000 women with PPD, marking a significant milestone in advancing patient care.
R&D Cost Reduction
R&D expenses were significantly reduced by 68% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, and by nearly 40% compared to Q4 2024.
New Pipeline Opportunities
Prioritized clinical pipeline in neuropsychiatry and neurodevelopmental disorders, with potential opportunities for SAGE-319 and NMDA receptor NAM platform.
Financial Stability
Cash runway expected to support operations to mid-2027 with existing cash, equivalents, and marketable securities of $424 million as of March 31, 2025.
Negative Updates
Continued Net Loss
Net loss for Q1 2025 was $62.2 million, although this was an improvement from a net loss of $95.8 million in Q4 2024.
Uncertain Strategic Alternatives Process
The strategic alternatives process by the Board of Directors is ongoing with no set timetable, creating uncertainty about future company directions.
Company Guidance
During Sage Therapeutics' first quarter 2025 financial results conference call, several key metrics were highlighted. The company reported that ZURZUVAE, their oral treatment for postpartum depression (PPD), was shipped to over 3,000 women, marking a 22% increase from the fourth quarter of 2024. ZURZUVAE generated $13.8 million in collaboration revenue, a 21% rise compared to the previous quarter. The company noted that more than 70% of women prescribed ZURZUVAE received it as their first new treatment for PPD, and nearly 80% of prescriptions came from OB/GYNs. Additionally, Sage's R&D expenses decreased by 68% compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a reorganization aimed at cost savings. The company has $424 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of March 31, 2025, expected to support operations through mid-2027.

SAGE Therapeutics Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
SAGE Therapeutics Announces CMO Resignation and Interim Appointment
Neutral
Mar 4, 2025

On March 3, 2025, Sage Therapeutics announced the resignation of its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Laura Gault, effective March 21, 2025, as she pursues a new opportunity. The company has appointed its current Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mike Quirk, to take over key responsibilities on an interim basis, ensuring continuity in strategic guidance for its clinical development programs.

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.