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Apellis Pharmaceuticals Inc (APLS)
NASDAQ:APLS

Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) AI Stock Analysis

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Apellis Pharmaceuticals

(NASDAQ:APLS)

50Neutral
Apellis Pharmaceuticals displays robust revenue growth and strategic progress with its product pipeline. However, persistent profitability issues, negative valuation metrics, and bearish technical indicators contribute to a cautious overall stock score. The company's solid cash position and recent board appointment are positive, but challenges such as operational inefficiencies and competitive pressures weigh on the outlook.
Positive Factors
Future Opportunities
Upcoming C3G/IC-MPGN approval and launch for Empaveli in renal are key focus areas, given its positive data and high odds of approval.
Market Position
Syfovre remains the market leader in geographic atrophy with over 60% share, and its share of new patient starts continues to increase.
Product Efficacy
Increasing efficacy of Syfovre over time is resonating well with physicians.
Negative Factors
Competitive Pressure
The biggest potential headwind factor for Syfovre is the full market return of Astellas' Izervay, as they battle for a share of new GA patient starts.
Funding Issues
There is a funding shortage at the co-pay assistance programs, which is unlikely to be resolved soon, potentially increasing the free drug rate and leading to downside for numbers.
Revenue Challenges
Syfovre sales fell short of Street expectations with sales of just $130.2M due to channel draw down and funding storage at co-pay assistance foundations.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionApellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic compounds through the inhibition of the complement system for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The company's lead product candidate is pegcetacoplan that is in Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) in age-related macular degeneration and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) diseases. It also develops EMPAVELI (systemic pegcetacoplan) for the treatment of cold agglutinin disease (CAD), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (HSCT-TMA) in hematology; C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), and immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN) in nephrology; and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in neurology. In addition, the company develops APL-2006, a bispecific C3 and VEGF inhibitor for treating complement-mediated disorders; APL-1030, a C3 inhibitor for the treatment of multiple neurodegenerative diseases; and the combination of EMPAVELI and a small interfering RNA, or siRNA for reducing the production of C3 proteins by the liver. It has a collaboration and license agreement with Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (publ) to co-develop pegcetacoplan; and a research collaboration with Beam Therapeutics Inc. focused on the use of Beam's base editing technology to discover new treatments for complement-driven diseases. Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. was incorporated in 2009 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneyApellis Pharmaceuticals generates revenue primarily through the sale of its pharmaceutical products. The company's flagship product, EMPAVELI (pegcetacoplan), is a targeted C3 therapy used for the treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare blood disorder. Revenue is derived from the direct sales of EMPAVELI to healthcare providers and pharmaceutical distributors. Additionally, Apellis may receive milestone payments, royalties, and licensing fees from strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies. These collaborations often involve joint development and commercialization efforts, allowing Apellis to expand the reach of its therapies and tap into new markets.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Any
Any
Product Revenue by Segment
Product Revenue by Segment
Breaks down revenue by specific product lines, highlighting which treatments or drugs are driving sales and indicating potential growth areas or reliance on particular products.
Chart InsightsSYFOVRE's rapid revenue growth has been a standout, maintaining over 60% market share despite recent revenue shortfalls due to inventory and co-pay assistance issues. EMPAVELI's revenue, however, has declined, impacted by similar inventory dynamics and a slight demand dip. The FDA's Priority Review for EMPAVELI in C3G and IC-MPGN could be a turning point, potentially boosting future revenues. Apellis' financial stability, with substantial cash reserves, supports continued investment in these strategic areas, aiming for profitability despite current challenges.
Data provided by:Main Street Data

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Apellis Pharmaceuticals shows strong revenue growth but faces challenges in profitability. The balance sheet indicates solid liquidity, yet cash flow remains negative, necessitating external financing. Operational inefficiencies are a concern.
Income Statement
55
Neutral
Apellis Pharmaceuticals has shown significant revenue growth from $75 million in 2022 to $709 million in 2024, indicating a strong upward trajectory. However, the company continues to operate at a net loss, with negative EBIT and EBITDA margins, highlighting challenges in achieving profitability. The gross profit margin is robust, but the high net loss reflects ongoing operational inefficiencies.
Balance Sheet
60
Neutral
The company maintains a healthy equity ratio, with stockholders' equity increasing over the years, indicating a solid asset base relative to liabilities. However, the debt-to-equity ratio is moderately high, suggesting reliance on debt financing. The negative net debt indicates strong liquidity, driven by substantial cash reserves.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
Operating cash flow remains negative, pointing to cash consumption in operations without generating positive free cash flow. The free cash flow has improved over the years but remains negative, indicating challenges in cash generation. The company relies heavily on financing activities to support its cash needs.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
781.37M396.59M75.42M66.56M250.65M
Gross Profit
663.64M338.08M69.79M61.36M225.60M
EBIT
-164.98M-517.12M-594.61M-536.28M-213.73M
EBITDA
-154.53M-495.21M-617.39M-731.27M-312.23M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-197.88M-528.63M-652.17M-746.35M-344.87M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
411.29M352.30M551.80M700.55M877.65M
Total Assets
885.05M788.73M760.22M881.76M960.57M
Total Debt
469.78M110.93M112.71M210.22M377.73M
Net Debt
58.49M-240.26M-439.09M-429.97M-188.05M
Total Liabilities
656.51M594.21M590.35M683.10M756.01M
Stockholders Equity
228.54M194.52M169.87M198.66M204.56M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-88.27M-595.51M-515.27M-564.23M-165.91M
Operating Cash Flow
-87.87M-594.74M-513.75M-563.13M-160.49M
Investing Cash Flow
-403.00K-674.00K59.89M247.62M-316.99M
Financing Cash Flow
149.24M394.50M365.66M392.24M692.18M

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price17.67
Price Trends
50DMA
20.56
Negative
100DMA
24.92
Negative
200DMA
28.76
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.91
Negative
RSI
42.41
Neutral
STOCH
29.21
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For APLS, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 17.67 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 18.04, below the 50-day MA of 20.56, and below the 200-day MA of 28.76, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.91 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 42.41 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 29.21 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for APLS.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Risk Analysis

Apellis Pharmaceuticals disclosed 74 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Apellis Pharmaceuticals reported the most risks in the “Tech & Innovation” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (52)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$3.68B16.0137.24%22.42%
52
Neutral
$5.19B3.04-44.64%2.82%16.45%-0.53%
50
Neutral
$2.22B-103.82%48.04%48.16%
50
Neutral
$2.86B-106.71%-22.34%
46
Neutral
$2.93B-30.84%-1.20%
45
Neutral
$2.50B-74.17%-43.10%
41
Neutral
$2.88B-58.66%42.77%-51.27%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
APLS
Apellis Pharmaceuticals
17.67
-24.89
-58.48%
ACAD
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals
21.99
6.72
44.01%
MRUS
Merus
41.36
-2.36
-5.40%
SRRK
Scholar Rock Holding
30.16
17.89
145.80%
CRNX
Crinetics Pharmaceuticals
30.95
-18.55
-37.47%
IMVT
Immunovant
14.70
-15.60
-51.49%

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:May 07, 2025
(Q1-2025)
|
% Change Since: -7.58%|
Next Earnings Date:Aug 11, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a mixed picture with notable achievements such as FDA Priority Review for EMPAVELI and maintaining market leadership with SYFOVRE. However, revenue challenges due to inventory dynamics and funding shortages for co-pay assistance programs were significant concerns.
Q1-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
EMPAVELI Priority Review and Phase 3 Success
EMPAVELI received Priority Review designation from the FDA for C3G and IC-MPGN with a PDUFA date of July 28. The Phase 3 VALIANT results showed a 68% reduction in proteinuria, stabilization of kidney function, and substantial clearing of C3c staining.
SYFOVRE Market Leadership
SYFOVRE maintains over 60% market share in geographic atrophy with new patient starts exceeding 50% in Q1 2025 and reaching 55% by late April.
Financial Stability
Apellis has $358 million in cash and cash equivalents, expecting this to be sufficient to fund the business to profitability.
EMPAVELI Blockbuster Potential
U.S. launch of EMPAVELI in C3G and IC-MPGN expected to represent Apellis' third new product launch in four years, expanding presence in rare nephrology indications.
Negative Updates
SYFOVRE Revenue Decline
SYFOVRE net product revenue was $130 million in Q1 2025, impacted by inventory drawdowns and funding shortages at third-party co-pay assistance programs, resulting in increased sample usage.
Challenges with Co-Pay Assistance
Funding shortages at third-party co-pay assistance organizations led to increased sample usage, impacting revenue by approximately $10 million.
EMPAVELI Revenue Decline
Net product revenue for EMPAVELI in PNH was $20 million in Q1 2025, showing a decline due to inventory and pricing dynamics and a small decrease in demand.
Company Guidance
During the Q1 2025 earnings call for Apellis Pharmaceuticals, the company provided several key metrics and guidance. SYFOVRE injection demand grew by 4% quarter-over-quarter, with approximately 92,000 doses delivered, including 82,000 commercial doses and 10,000 samples. Despite this growth, SYFOVRE revenue fell short of expectations, coming in at $130 million, primarily due to inventory drawdown and a co-pay assistance funding shortage, which impacted revenue by approximately $10 million. SYFOVRE maintains over 60% market share, with new patient starts surpassing 50%, reaching 55% by late April. For EMPAVELI, the FDA granted Priority Review for C3G and IC-MPGN, with a PDUFA date set for July 28, 2025. The Phase 3 VALIANT study showed significant results, including a 68% reduction in proteinuria. Apellis expects operating expenses in 2025 to remain in line with 2024 levels, with $358 million in cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1, providing confidence in funding the business to profitability.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
Apellis Pharmaceuticals Elects Craig Wheeler to Board
Positive
Apr 21, 2025

On April 17, 2025, Apellis Pharmaceuticals elected Craig A. Wheeler to its Board of Directors as a Class III director, with his term lasting until the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Wheeler, who has an extensive background in the biotechnology sector, will also serve on the Audit Committee starting May 1, 2025. His appointment is expected to bring valuable expertise to the company, potentially impacting its strategic direction and strengthening its industry position.

Spark’s Take on APLS Stock

According to Spark, TipRanks’ AI Analyst, APLS is a Neutral.

Apellis Pharmaceuticals shows strong revenue growth and strategic advancement, particularly in its pipeline and market position. However, ongoing profitability challenges, negative valuation metrics, and bearish technical indicators weigh down the stock’s overall score. The company’s solid cash position and focus on strategic initiatives are positive factors, but the market remains cautious due to competitive pressures and operational inefficiencies.

To see Spark’s full report on APLS stock, click here.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.