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Aptose Biosciences (TSE:APS)
TSX:APS

Aptose Biosciences (APS) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:APS

Aptose Biosciences

(TSX:APS)

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Neutral 51 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:51Neutral
Price Target:
C$2.50
▲(13.64% Upside)
Action:UpgradedDate:12/30/25
The score is held back primarily by very weak financial performance (no revenue, ongoing cash burn, negative equity and rising debt). Positive corporate catalysts (promising trial results and a pending acquisition) provide meaningful offset, while technical indicators are mixed-to-weak and valuation metrics are not supportive due to negative earnings and no dividend.
Positive Factors
Clinical progress & acquisition
Reported strong clinical response and safety for lead asset tuspetinib plus a pending Hanmi acquisition are structural positives. The deal and clinical validation can supply capital, commercialization resources and external validation, materially de-risking development and accelerating late-stage plans.
Improving loss and cash burn trend
Progressive narrowing of net losses and materially smaller operating cash outflows indicate improved cost control and operational efficiency. Sustained reduction in burn extends runway and lowers near-term funding dependency, improving odds of advancing clinical milestones without immediate dilutive financing.
Focused, specialized R&D model
A narrowly focused small-molecule oncology franchise and a very lean team suggest capital-efficient R&D and deep domain focus. This specialization can concentrate expertise on hematologic targets, improve trial execution speed, and make strategic partnerships or licensing easier to integrate long-term.
Negative Factors
No revenue base
Absence of revenue means the business must rely entirely on financing to fund operations and development. Without product sales or recurring income, long-term sustainability depends on external capital and successful clinical outcomes, raising structural execution and funding risk.
Materially stressed balance sheet
Negative equity, rising debt and shrinking assets create persistent solvency pressure. This structural imbalance limits financial flexibility, elevates creditor risk, and can constrict strategic options like partnering or additional R&D investment without costly refinancing or equity dilution.
High financing and dilution risk
Consistently negative free cash flow and ongoing heavy burn create persistent need for external funding. Over 2-6 months this raises the likelihood of shareholder dilution or expensive debt, constraining strategic choices and increasing execution risk for clinical programs absent deal financing.

Aptose Biosciences (APS) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Aptose Biosciences Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAptose Biosciences Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, discovers and develops personalized therapies addressing unmet medical needs in oncology primarily in the United States. Its clinical programs include APTO-253, which is in Phase 1a/b clinical trial for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory blood cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR MDS); and HM43239 that is in Phase 1/2 clinical trial to treat patients with relapsed or refractory AML. The company also develops luxeptinib, which is in Phase 1a/b clinical trial for treating patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and various non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, as well as AML and HR MDS; and APL-581, a dual bromodomain and extra-terminal domain motif protein and kinase inhibitor program. It has agreements with CrystalGenomics, Inc. and OHM Oncology. The company was formerly known as Lorus Therapeutics Inc. and changed its name to Aptose Biosciences Inc. in August 2014. Aptose Biosciences Inc. was incorporated in 1986 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyAptose Biosciences generates revenue primarily through the development and potential commercialization of its proprietary drug candidates. The company seeks to monetize its innovations through strategic partnerships with larger pharmaceutical companies, licensing agreements, and eventual sales of approved therapeutics. Revenue streams may include upfront payments, milestone payments, royalties on product sales, and research and development funding from partners. As a clinical-stage company, Aptose's financial performance heavily depends on the successful clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of its drug candidates.

Aptose Biosciences Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Very weak fundamentals: no revenue, persistent sizable losses and cash burn, and a materially stressed balance sheet with negative equity, rising debt, and shrinking assets. Improvements in loss and operating cash burn versus 2023 help, but financing/dilution risk remains high.
Income Statement
12
Very Negative
The company has generated no revenue across the available periods, while losses remain substantial. Profitability is consistently negative, though the loss profile has improved versus 2023 and 2021 (net loss narrowed from about -$51.2M in 2023 to about -$25.4M in 2024 and about -$19.3M in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months)). The key weakness is the lack of a revenue base to absorb operating expenses, making results highly dependent on funding and cost control rather than operating leverage.
Balance Sheet
8
Very Negative
The balance sheet shows meaningful stress: stockholders’ equity is negative in 2023, 2024, and TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months), which is a major solvency red flag. Debt has increased sharply (from about $1.0M in 2023 to about $10.6M in 2024 and about $19.0M in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months)) while total assets have declined (about $12.99M in 2023 to about $10.13M in 2024 and about $6.34M in TTM). While leverage ratios are distorted by negative equity, the directionally higher debt load alongside shrinking assets increases financing risk.
Cash Flow
14
Very Negative
Cash burn remains heavy, with operating cash flow and free cash flow negative in every period. There is some improvement in cash usage versus 2023 (operating cash flow improved from about -$44.6M in 2023 to about -$36.0M in 2024 and about -$24.2M in TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months)), but TTM (Trailing-Twelve-Months) free cash flow declined versus the prior period (free cash flow growth is negative). A modest positive is that free cash flow tracks closely with net loss, suggesting limited non-cash distortion—but the core issue remains persistent cash outflows requiring external capital.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue0.000.000.000.000.000.00
Gross Profit0.000.00-474.55K-507.08K-616.53K-646.43K
EBITDA-18.04M-26.23M-52.27M-42.48M-65.30M-55.12M
Net Income-19.29M-25.43M-51.21M-41.82M-65.35M-55.24M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets6.34M10.13M12.99M51.03M82.53M126.26M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments613.00K6.15M9.25M46.96M79.13M122.39M
Total Debt19.02M10.64M1.01M1.30M574.00K1.07M
Total Liabilities25.79M14.67M15.89M13.29M8.29M7.35M
Stockholders Equity-19.45M-4.54M-2.90M37.74M74.24M118.92M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-24.21M-35.98M-44.62M-32.35M-43.52M-33.97M
Operating Cash Flow-24.21M-35.98M-44.59M-32.32M-43.30M-33.89M
Investing Cash Flow0.0018.00K9.96M30.07M-35.21M12.63M
Financing Cash Flow17.88M33.41M6.91M116.00K226.00K58.81M

Aptose Biosciences Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price2.20
Price Trends
50DMA
2.19
Positive
100DMA
2.07
Positive
200DMA
1.99
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
<0.01
Positive
RSI
47.54
Neutral
STOCH
20.83
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:APS, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 2.2 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 2.24, above the 50-day MA of 2.19, and above the 200-day MA of 1.99, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of <0.01 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 47.54 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 20.83 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for TSE:APS.

Aptose Biosciences Risk Analysis

Aptose Biosciences disclosed 49 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Aptose Biosciences 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

Aptose Biosciences 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%
51
Neutral
C$5.62M-0.1990.81%
46
Neutral
C$3.41M-0.74-96.61%-1939.32%
43
Neutral
C$7.59M-3.7662.43%
41
Neutral
C$7.26M-3.28
29
Underperform
C$4.08M-0.6325.09%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:APS
Aptose Biosciences
2.20
-2.75
-55.56%
TSE:XRTX
XORTX Therapeutics Inc
0.49
-0.71
-59.17%
TSE:KNE
Kane Biotech
0.04
-0.04
-50.00%
TSE:QPT
Quest Pharmatech
0.03
<0.01
50.00%
TSE:BETR
BetterLife Pharma
0.05
-0.06
-54.55%
TSE:BIOV
BioVaxys Technology
0.14
-0.46
-76.63%

Aptose Biosciences Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyProduct-Related Announcements
Aptose’s Tuspetinib Shows Promising Results in AML Treatment
Positive
Dec 7, 2025

Aptose Biosciences announced promising results from its TUSCANY trial, showcasing the efficacy and safety of its lead compound, tuspetinib, in combination with venetoclax and azacitidine for treating newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The triple drug therapy demonstrated high clinical response rates, particularly at higher doses, and was effective across diverse genetic mutations, positioning Aptose as a significant player in addressing AML’s unmet needs.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:APS) stock is a Hold with a C$2.41 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Aptose Biosciences stock, see the TSE:APS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
Aptose Biosciences to be Acquired by Hanmi Pharmaceutical
Positive
Nov 19, 2025

Aptose Biosciences has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Hanmi Pharmaceutical, with minority shareholders receiving C$2.41 per share in cash. This acquisition will allow Aptose to continue the development of its promising AML treatment, tuspetinib, and marks Hanmi’s strategic entry into the North American market, potentially expanding its clinical and partnership opportunities.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:APS) stock is a Buy with a C$6.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Aptose Biosciences stock, see the TSE:APS Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyProduct-Related Announcements
Aptose Biosciences Reports Promising Results in AML Therapy Trials
Positive
Nov 13, 2025

Aptose Biosciences announced promising results from its TUSCANY clinical trial, where the tuspetinib-based therapy showed excellent safety and complete responses in AML patients at increased dose levels. The company is now administering a 160 mg dose of tuspetinib, with previous doses achieving a 100% complete response rate, surpassing expectations. The data supports the use of tuspetinib with standard care across diverse AML populations, including those with adverse mutations, and has been accepted for presentation at the upcoming American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:APS) stock is a Buy with a C$6.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Aptose Biosciences stock, see the TSE:APS 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: Dec 30, 2025