Blue-Chip

Time to Book Profits on This NASDAQ-Listed BioTech Play – VRTX

January 19, 2022 | Team Kalkine
Time to Book Profits on This NASDAQ-Listed BioTech Play – VRTX

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated

VRTX Details

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX) is a multinational biotechnology firm focused on discovering and developing small-molecule medicines to treat acute diseases. Its primary medications for cystic fibrosis are Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko, and Trikafta/Kaftrio, and Vertex therapies remain the standard of treatment globally.

Why should Investors Sell?

  • High Cash Cycle Days: The company has 123 cash conversion days in Q3FY2021, higher than the industry median of 75 days.
  • Business Risk: The company is exposed to business and financial risk, which might impact the revenue part and slow down the margins.
  • COVID 19 Restrictions: From the global perspective, the company is still risky because of covid restrictions, and it will put disruptions in demand and supply, which will adversely impact financials.
  • Technical Bearish Indicators: The company's current market price is USD 234.06, trailing above 50 and 200 DMA and leaning towards its 52 Weeks high of USD 242.99. Furthermore, the 14-days RSI of ~82.23 approaches overbought territory and indicates a correction in the stock price.

Valuation Methodology: EV/EBITDA Multiple Based Relative Valuation

(Analysis by Kalkine Group)

VRTX Daily Technical Chart (Source: REFINITIV)

Stock Recommendation:

VRTX's stock price has surged 24.48% in the past three months and is currently leaning towards the higher-band of the 52-week range of USD 176.36 to USD 242.99. The stock is currently trading above its 50 and 200 DMA levels, and its RSI Index is 82.23, indicating an overbought zone. We have valued the stock using the EV/EBITDA multiple-based relative valuation methodology and arrived at a target price of USD 205.03.

Considering the risk of disruption in the supply chain, current valuation, and bearish technical indicators, we believe the decent business fundamentals are adequately reflected at current trading levels. Hence, we recommend a "Sell" rating on the stock at the closing price of USD 234.06, down 1.39%, as of January 14, 2022.

* The reference data in this report has been partly sourced from REFINITIV.

* All forecasted figures and industry information have been taken from REFINITIV.


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