Alert: JPMorgan Just Started Akorn, Inc At Overweight

In a report published Wednesday, JP Morgan analysts initiated coverage of

with a price target of $61. "Akorn is a niche generic manufacturer with capabilities in attractive, high barrier-to-entry markets (injectables, ophthalmology, etc) that we believe position the company for sustainable long-term growth," the analysts explained. JP Morgan expects the company is likely to report EPS CAGR in the mid-teens, driven by its mature ANDA pipeline. The analysts believe that the company is well positioned "for sustainable, long term growth," with upside potential for its shares in the longer term. According to the analysts, "Longer term, we forecast mid-single-digit topline/double-digit EPS growth for Akorn, well above our projected rates for peers. Business development represents a core upside driver." The recent acquisitions of VersaPharm and HiTech have help broaden the company's portfolio "with two highly complementary niche generic businesses."