Ionis Pharmaceuticals Gets Neutral Rating from UBS with $46 Price Target

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) received an updated analyst rating from Esther Rajavelu of UBS, maintaining a 'Neutral' rating with a price target increase from $45.00 to $46.00. Analysts have raised their estimates, with the average target price at $59.09, indicating a 43.77% upside from the current price of $41.10. The estimated GF Value is $35.32, suggesting a downside of 14.06% from the current price.

Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) received an updated analyst rating from Esther Rajavelu of UBS, maintaining a 'Neutral' rating with a price target increase from $45.00 to $46.00. Analysts have raised their estimates, with the average target price at $59.09, indicating a 43.77% upside from the current price of $41.10. The estimated GF Value is $35.32, suggesting a downside of 14.06% from the current price.

The updated rating reflects the recent performance and strategic developments at Ionis. The company has been focused on advancing its portfolio of RNA-targeting therapeutics, with notable progress in clinical trials for zelenectide pevedotin and other candidates [2]. The recent sales of 10,000 shares by Richard S. Geary, EVP, Chief Development Officer, at a weighted average price of $42.8593 per share, totaling $428,593, also suggest a positive outlook from the company's leadership [1].

Key metrics from the second quarter of 2025 highlight the company's operational efficiency and financial health. Revenue (GAAP) for Q2 2025 was $2.92 million, falling sharply short of the $9.43 million analyst estimate. Research and development expenses (GAAP) jumped 77.3% year over year, primarily due to increased clinical program expenses for zelenectide pevedotin development [2]. Despite the increase in R&D expenses, the cash balance remains substantial at $721.5 million as of Q2 2025 (GAAP), though net loss (GAAP) increased to $(1.14) per share from $(0.77) per share in Q2 2024 [2].

Looking ahead, investors may wish to monitor updates on the Duravelo-2 trial for zelenectide pevedotin, with dose selection and possible U.S. FDA pathway clarification expected in Q4 2025. Progress with its BRC radioconjugates and milestones from its ongoing partnerships are also anticipated as events that could generate value or update investors in the next reporting periods [2].

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/tradingview:7a43027da8bc8:0-ionis-pharmaceuticals-officer-sells-shares/
[2] https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/bicycle-bcyc-q2-revenue-falls-69