How will PEPG's Q1 2025 forecast impact its EPS trends?

**PEPG's Q1 2025 forecast is expected to show a decline in EPS compared to the previous quarter.** Here's a detailed analysis:

1. **Analyst Forecasts**: Analysts have predicted an EPS of ($0.75) for Q1 2025, which is slightly higher than the previous quarter's EPS of ($0.68) when adjusted for the expected improvement to ($0.76). However, when compared to the full-year consensus estimate of ($2.73) per share, the Q1 forecast indicates a significant drop in EPS.

2. **Trend Analysis**: The predicted EPS decline in Q1 2025 could be indicative of a challenging period for PepGen, as the EPS is expected to fall below the recent past. This trend could be influenced by various factors, including operational challenges, market conditions, or regulatory developments.
3. **Market Performance and Analyst Ratings**: Despite the EPS decline forecast, PepGen's stock has seen a surge in retail interest and has been named one of the fastest-growing biotech stocks by retail engagement. However, the stock's performance is mixed, with a recent downgrade from Bank of America, which shifted its rating from "neutral" to "underperform".
4. **Financial Position**: PepGen's financial position remains robust, with a cash reserve of $120.2 million as of December 31, 2024, anticipated to fund operations into 2026. This financial stability could provide a cushion against the expected EPS decline, allowing the company to navigate through challenging periods.

In conclusion, while PepGen is facing a forecasted EPS decline in Q1 2025, the company's strong financial position and recent positive developments in its clinical trials could mitigate the impact of this decline on the stock and the company's long-term prospects.