:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/GettyImages-1242312422-39b7de9b3e7a4978a79af81f6e56090b.jpg)
Nathan Posner / Anadolu Means via Getty Images
Key Takeaways
- Jefferies initiated a “buy” rating on Rocket Pharmaceuticals based on the biotech firm’s experimental gene group therapies.
- Jefferies also set a price target of $29.
- The analysts said they were especially optimistic about Rocket’s treatment for a rare genetic empathy condition, which they believe could be a $1 billion opportunity for the company.
Shares of Rocket Pharmaceuticals (RCKT) jumped 5.5% intraday Wednesday as Jefferies admitted coverage of the biotech company with a “buy” rating on optimism about the experimental drugs in its pipeline. Jefferies also set a quotation target of $29, more than double its current value.
The analysts wrote in a note to clients that Go through the roof Pharma is testing five or more gene therapy treatments for rare diseases. They were especially centred on RP-A501 (AAV9) for Danon heart disease, a genetic disorder that affects the heart with no current treatment options.
The analysts excused that the medicine “has a high 65-75% chance to succeed in a pivotal Phase II study” next year, and might be a $1 billion opening for the firm. In addition, they believe a positive result could boost the stock price 100%, “implying a favorable chance/reward at $1.3B cap.”
The analysts argued that a discounted cash flow (DCF)-based sum-of-the-parts (SOTP) valuation confirms their $29 price target.
The report is good news for Rocket Pharmaceuticals investors who haven’t had a lot lately. The shares take steadily declined this year, hitting a more than two-year low last week. Even with today’s move onward, the stock has lost nearly 60% of its value in 2024.

TradingView