Ligand Pharmaceuticals Stock (NASDAQ: LGND)

Latest news for Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) Stock

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.

Biotech

Earnings

News

Small Cap

Markets

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

General

ALXO

GILD

LGND

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: GILD) announced upbeat top-line results from an interim analysis of its late-stage study PURPOSE 1.

Gilead Up as Twice-Yearly HIV Shot Prevents Infection

Health Care

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced that the FDA will now decide on the biologics license application (BLA) for the subcutaneous formulation of Opdivo (nivolumab) on Dec 29, 2024.

Bristol Myers Updates Action Date for Subcutaneous Opdivo

ANIP

RHHBY

Roche (OTC: RHHBY) obtained a Breakthrough Therapy Designation for its investigational oral therapy inavolisib for treating adult breast cancer patients in the United States.

Roche Cancer Drug Gets Breakthrough Therapy Designation

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated - Common Stock

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc

Octavio Espinoza, Chief Financial Officer at Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>), reported a large exercise of company stock options on September 19, according to a new SEC filing.
What Happened: Espinoza, Chief Financial Officer at Ligand Pharmaceuticals, made a strategic move by exercising stock options for 1,486 shares of LGND as detailed in a Form 4 filing on Thursday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000886163/000200101124000084//Archives/edgar/data/886163/000200101124000084/0002001011-24-000084-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The transaction value amounted to $36,527.
Currently, Ligand Pharmaceuticals shares are trading down 0.76%, priced at $104.21 during Friday's morning. This values Espinoza's 1,486 shares at $36,527.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind Ligand Pharmaceuticals</h3>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Financial Performance</h3>
Revenue Growth: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 57.52%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Insights into Profitability:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company sets a benchmark with a high gross margin of 93.0%, reflecting superior cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EPS lags behind the industry average, indicating concerns and potential challenges with a current EPS of -2.88.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.01.
Financial Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current P/E ratio of 45.07 is below industry norms, indicating potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: A higher-than-average P/S ratio of 14.14 suggests overvaluation in the eyes of investors, considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EV/EBITDA ratio stands at 19.13, surpassing industry benchmarks. This places the company in a position with a higher-than-average market valuation.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Delving Into the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions are not the sole determinant of investment choices, but they are a factor worth considering.
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Cracking Transaction Codes</h3>
Digging into the details of stock transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> frequently turn their attention to those taking place in the open market, as outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000886163">Check Out The Full List Of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Breaking Update: Octavio Espinoza Engages In Options Exercise At Ligand Pharmaceuticals

On September 18, it was revealed in an SEC filing that Matthew E Korenberg, President &amp; COO at Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) executed a significant exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000886163/000200101124000082//Archives/edgar/data/886163/000200101124000082/0002001011-24-000082-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Wednesday showed that Korenberg, President &amp; COO at Ligand Pharmaceuticals, a company in the Health Care sector, just exercised stock options worth 5,774 shares of LGND stock with an exercise price of $58.49.
Ligand Pharmaceuticals shares are currently trading down by 0.0%, with a current price of $103.68 as of Thursday morning. This brings the total value of Korenberg's 5,774 shares to $260,951.
<h3>Discovering Ligand Pharmaceuticals: A Closer Look</h3>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Breaking Down Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Financial Performance</h3>
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ligand Pharmaceuticals's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 57.52% as of 30 June, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Health Care sector.
Profitability Metrics: Unlocking Value
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company maintains a high gross margin of 93.0%, indicating strong cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EPS reflects a decline, falling below the industry average with a current EPS of -2.88.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.01.
Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The Price to Earnings ratio of 44.5 is lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 13.96 is above industry norms, reflecting an elevated valuation for Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock and potential overvaluation based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EV/EBITDA ratio, surpassing industry averages at 18.86, positions it with an above-average valuation in the market.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Exploring the Significance of Insider Trading</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however, they can be an important factor for an investor to consider.
When discussing legal matters, the term "insider" refers to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. Such insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be completed within two business days of the transaction.
A new purchase by a company insider is a indication that they anticipate the stock will rise.
On the other hand, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Transaction Codes Worth Your Attention</h3>
For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a>, a primary focus lies on transactions occurring in the open market, as indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000886163">Check Out The Full List Of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Matthew E Korenberg At Ligand Pharmaceuticals Executes Options Exercise, Realizing $260K

FDA approves expanded indication making FILSPARI available to patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) at risk of progression; updated label includes data showing long-term durable benefit on proteinuria and kidney function preservation that accrued over two years
Conversion to full approval based on results from the PROTECT Study, where FILSPARI delivered superior long-term kidney function preservation compared to the active comparator irbesartan in the only Phase 3 head-to-head trial conducted in IgAN
As an oral, non-immunosuppressive and dual acting, once-daily medicine with superior long-term results vs. irbesartan, FILSPARI has the potential to become foundational care in IgAN
Ligand is entitled to a 9% royalty on worldwide net sales of FILSPARI

Legal

Ligand Partner Travere Therapeutics Receives Full FDA Approval for FILSPARI

Matthew E Korenberg, President &amp; COO at Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>), executed a substantial insider sell on August 27, according to an SEC filing.
What Happened: A Form 4 filing from the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000886163/000200101124000078//Archives/edgar/data/886163/000200101124000078/0002001011-24-000078-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Tuesday showed that Korenberg sold 18,858 shares of Ligand Pharmaceuticals. The total transaction amounted to $1,986,420. 
Tracking the Tuesday's morning session, Ligand Pharmaceuticals shares are trading at $105.2, showing a down of 0.0%.
<h3>Get to Know Ligand Pharmaceuticals Better</h3>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Finances</h3>
Revenue Growth: Ligand Pharmaceuticals displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 June, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 57.52%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Health Care sector.
Key Insights into Profitability Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company sets a benchmark with a high gross margin of 93.0%, reflecting superior cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EPS is below the industry average, signaling challenges in bottom-line performance with a current EPS of -2.88.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.01, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
Valuation Metrics: A Closer Look
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The P/E ratio of 45.24 is lower than the industry average, implying a discounted valuation for Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 14.19 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Boasting an EV/EBITDA ratio of 19.21, Ligand Pharmaceuticals demonstrates a robust market valuation, outperforming industry benchmarks.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Reflecting a smaller scale, the company's market capitalization is positioned below industry averages. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
<a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC">Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</a>
<h3>Why Insider Transactions Are Important</h3>
Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, considering insider transactions is valuable, but it's crucial to evaluate them in conjunction with other investment factors.
Considering the legal perspective, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, according to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Pointing towards optimism, a company insider's new purchase signals their positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
Nevertheless, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Understanding Crucial Transaction Codes</h3>
In the domain of transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> frequently turn their focus to those taking place in the open market, as meticulously outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000886163">Check Out The Full List Of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Insider Trades.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Transaction: Matthew E Korenberg Sells $1.99M Worth Of Ligand Pharmaceuticals Shares

Ligand Pharmaceuticals's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NYSE">LGND</a>) short percent of float has fallen 14.7% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 960 thousand shares sold short, which is 7.37% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 7.89 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Ligand Pharmaceuticals Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1723813218_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ligand Pharmaceuticals has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Ligand Pharmaceuticals's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 17.47%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Looking Into Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Recent Short Interest

Benchmark analyst Robert Wasserman maintains Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $95 to $110.

Price Target

Benchmark Maintains Buy on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Raises Price Target to $110

RBC Capital analyst Douglas Miehm reiterates Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $130 price target.

Reiteration

RBC Capital Reiterates Outperform on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Maintains $130 Price Target

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Joseph Pantginis reiterates Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy and maintains $144 price target.

HC Wainwright & Co. Reiterates Buy on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Maintains $144 Price Target

Guidance

Ligand Sees 2024 Core Adj. EPS $5.00-$5.50 vs $5.16 Est., Sees Total Revenue $140M-$157M vs $147.17M Est.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.40 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.06 by 32.08 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $41.531 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $32.865 million by 26.37 percent. This is a 57.52 percent increase over sales of $26.366 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Q2 2024 Adj. EPS $1.40 Beats $1.06 Estimate, Sales $41.531M Beat $32.865M Estimate

In the preceding three months, 6 analysts have released ratings for Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>), presenting a wide array of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
In the assessment of 12-month price targets, analysts unveil insights for Ligand Pharmaceuticals, presenting an average target of $132.83, a high estimate of $144.00, and a low estimate of $95.00. This current average reflects an increase of 0.32% from the previous average price target of $132.40. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1722340867_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Breaking Down Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Examination</h2>
The perception of Ligand Pharmaceuticals by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Douglas Miehm</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matt Hewitt</td>
<td>Craig-Hallum</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Wasserman</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Ligand Pharmaceuticals. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Ligand Pharmaceuticals compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LGND/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ligand Pharmaceuticals analyst ratings.</a>
If you are interested in following small-cap stock news and performance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap">you can start by tracking it here</a>.
<h2>Discovering Ligand Pharmaceuticals: A Closer Look</h2>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Breaking Down Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining Ligand Pharmaceuticals's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 31 March, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -29.56% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Health Care sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 278.07%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 11.43% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 10.13%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.01, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Ligand Pharmaceuticals: Insights From 6 Financial Analysts

RBC Capital analyst Douglas Miehm initiates coverage on Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Outperform rating and announces Price Target of $130.

Initiation

RBC Capital Initiates Coverage On Ligand Pharmaceuticals with Outperform Rating, Announces Price Target of $130

Craig-Hallum analyst Matt Hewitt maintains Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $135 to $140.

Craig-Hallum Maintains Buy on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Raises Price Target to $140

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire APEIRON Biologics AG, which holds royalty rights to QARZIBA&reg;&nbsp;(dinutuximab beta) for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma, for&nbsp;$100 million&nbsp;in cash. In addition, Ligand will pay APEIRON shareholders additional consideration based on future commercial and regulatory events, including up to&nbsp;$28 million&nbsp;if QARZIBA royalties exceed certain predetermined thresholds by either 2030 or 2034, respectively.
APEIRON is a private biopharmaceutical company based in Vienna, Austria. The company co-developed QARZIBA for the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma in patients aged 12 months and above. QARZIBA was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2017 and is commercially available today in more than 35 countries. APEIRON receives an undisclosed royalty on net sales of QARZIBA outside of mainland China from Recordati S.p.A, a leading global pharmaceutical company with a presence in over 150 countries and sales of more than&nbsp;$2.2 billion,2&nbsp;and on net sales of QARZIBA within mainland China from BeiGene, Ltd.
&quot;The addition of QARZIBAto our commercial royalty portfolio further supports our growth strategy to invest in high-value medicines that deliver significant clinical value and generate predictable and long-term revenue streams for our investors,&quot; said Todd Davis, CEO of Ligand. &quot;QARZIBA is the only immunotherapy for high-risk neuroblastoma marketed across Europe and in other parts of the world. We believe this drug will be a meaningful contributor to our royalty revenue, which is now driven by a diversified portfolio of 12 key commercial-stage products.&quot;
Peter Llewellyn-Davies, CEO of APEIRON commented, &quot;This transaction is an important milestone for our company and shareholders. We have spent more than 20 years translating academic research into therapeutic products for diseases with high unmet needs. Our team was honored to help bring QARZIBA to the young patients who need it. We appreciate that Ligand recognizes the long-term potential of this critical drug for a rare pediatric cancer.&quot;
Transaction Terms
Under the terms of the agreement, which has been unanimously approved by both theBoard of Directors at Ligand and APEIRON&#39;s Supervisory Board, Ligand will acquire all the outstanding shares ofAPEIRON for&nbsp;$100 million&nbsp;in cash at closing. Ligand will also pay APEIRON shareholders additional consideration based on future commercial and regulatory events, including up to&nbsp;$28 million&nbsp;if QARZIBA royalties exceed certain predetermined thresholds by either 2030 or 2034, respectively. The transaction is subject to a 30-day shareholder objection period and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in July 2024.
Concurrently, Ligand is also entering into a stock purchase agreement whereby it has committed to investing up to&nbsp;$4 million&nbsp;in invIOs Holding AG, a privately held spin-off of APEIRON. The proceeds will help finance the research and development of three innovative early-stage immuno-oncology assets. APEIRON is entitled to royalties and milestone payments on these assets which will further expand Ligand&#39;s development stage portfolio. This transaction is expected to close in July 2024.
Financial&nbsp;Guidance&nbsp;Update
The APEIRON acquisition will be immediately accretive to Ligand&#39;s earnings per share (EPS) by approximately&nbsp;$1.00&nbsp;on an annualized basis. Ligand is increasing its 2024 revenue&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;to be in the range of&nbsp;$140 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$157 million&nbsp;(previously&nbsp;$130 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$142 million) and is raising core adjusted EPS&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;to&nbsp;$5.00&nbsp;to&nbsp;$5.50&nbsp;(previously&nbsp;$4.25&nbsp;to&nbsp;$4.75). Royalties are now expected to range from&nbsp;$100 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$105 million&nbsp;(previously&nbsp;$90 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$95 million).&nbsp;Guidance&nbsp;for sales of Captisol&reg; is unchanged at&nbsp;$25 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$27 million&nbsp;and contract revenue is now expected to range from&nbsp;$15 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$25 million&nbsp;(previously&nbsp;$15 million&nbsp;to&nbsp;$20 million).

Ligand Pharma to Acquire APEIRON Biologics AG for $100M, Expects 2024 Revenue of $140M-$157M (Prior $130M-$142M) Vs $137.79M Est, 2024 Adj EPS of $5.00-$5.50 (Prior $4.25-$4.75) Vs $4.64 Est

4 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $119.5, with a high estimate of $144.00 and a low estimate of $95.00. This current average has decreased by 6.4% from the previous average price target of $127.67. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1719601271_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
The standing of Ligand Pharmaceuticals among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Robert Wasserman</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Wasserman</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Ligand Pharmaceuticals. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Ligand Pharmaceuticals compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LGND/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ligand Pharmaceuticals analyst ratings.</a>
If you are interested in following small-cap stock news and performance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap">you can start by tracking it here</a>.
<h2>Get to Know Ligand Pharmaceuticals Better</h2>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Understanding the Numbers: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Finances</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, Ligand Pharmaceuticals faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -29.56% in revenue growth as of 31 March, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Health Care sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 278.07%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 11.43%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 10.13%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, Ligand Pharmaceuticals adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</h2>
Analysts are specialists within banking and financial systems that typically report for specific stocks or within defined sectors. These people research company financial statements, sit in conference calls and meetings, and speak with relevant insiders to determine what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts will rate each stock once a quarter. 
Analysts may supplement their ratings with predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, offering investors a more comprehensive outlook. However, investors should be mindful that analysts, like any human, can have subjective perspectives influencing their forecasts.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

What 4 Analyst Ratings Have To Say About Ligand Pharmaceuticals

Benchmark analyst Robert Wasserman reiterates Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy and maintains $95 price target.

Benchmark Reiterates Buy on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Maintains $95 Price Target

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Approval of Ohtuvayre, Increasing Commercial Stage Portfolio to 11 Products; Earns $5.8M Milestone Payment and Anticipates $13.8M Upon Commercial Launch; Entitled to Low Single-Digit Royalty on Global Sales of COPD Treatment

Get Our Top Trade Ideas Delivered Daily - 65% Off Now

Get Our Top Trade Ideas Delivered Daily - 65% Off Now

Comments

Ligand Pharmaceuticals

News

Latest news for Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) Stock

People Also Watch