Ligand Pharmaceuticals Stock (NASDAQ: LGND)

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) Stock

Ligand Pharmaceuticals

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated - Common Stock

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc

U.S. stocks traded mostly lower midway through trading, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 450 points on Thursday.
The Dow traded down 1.20% to 39,191.93 while the NASDAQ fell 0.09% to 16,293.14. However, the S&amp;P 500 gained 0.30% to 5,291.42.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/04/44836659/top-3-industrials-stocks-that-may-plunge-this-month">Top 3 Industrials Stocks That May Plunge This Month</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors Energy shares surged by 2.5% on Thursday.
In trading on Thursday, information technology shares fell by 0.9%.
Top Headline
D.R. Horton, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHI#NYSE">DHI</a>) reported worse-than-expected second-quarter results and lowered its FY25 guidance.
Sales fell 15% year-over-year (Y/Y) to $7.73 billion, missing the consensus of $8.03 billion. EPS was $2.58, missing the consensus of $2.67. Net sales orders fell 15% Y/Y to 22,437 homes and decreased 17% Y/Y in value to $8.4 billion.
D.R. Horton revised its FY25 revenue guidance to $33.3 billion-$34.8 billion (from $36.0 billion – $37.5 billion) versus the consensus of $36.4 billion.
Equities Trading UP &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Baijiayun Group Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTC#NASDAQ">RTC</a>) shares shot up 60% to $0.3447 after the company announced it formed a partnership with Xinlantian to combine their AI video and large language model technologies with expertise in autism rehabilitation.</li>
<li>Shares of Adagio Medical Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADGM#NASDAQ">ADGM</a>)got a boost, surging 138% to $2.0792 after the FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the vCLAS cryoablation system.</li>
<li>Channel Therapeutics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHRO#NYSE">CHRO</a>) shares were also up, gaining 52% to $1.9080. Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) and Channel Therapeutics on Thursday signed a definitive merger agreement to combine Ligand's wholly owned subsidiaries, Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. and LNHC, Inc. (collectively Pelthos) with CHRO Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Channel.</li>
</ul>
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) shares dropped 22% to $456.68 after the company reported worse-than-expected first-quarter results and cut its FY25 adjusted EPS guidance below estimates.</li>
<li>Shares of CaliberCos Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CWD#NASDAQ">CWD</a>) were down 29% to $0.3200 as the company announced the pricing of the public offering units.</li>
<li>Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPN#NYSE">GPN</a>) was down, falling 18% to $69.07 after the company announced it bought a stake in Worldpay for $6.6 billion.</li>
</ul>
Commodities In commodity news, oil traded up 1.6% to $63.47 while gold traded down 1.2% at $3,305.90.
Silver traded down 2.4% to $32.200 on Thursday, while copper fell 1.3% to $4.6255.
Euro zone
European shares were lower today. The eurozone's STOXX 600 fell 0.29%, Germany's DAX 40 declined 0.64% and France's CAC 40 dipped 0.76%. Spain's IBEX 35 Index slipped 0.23%, while London's FTSE 100 fell 0.18%.
Asia Pacific Markets
Asian markets closed higher on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 1.35%, China's Shanghai Composite gaining 0.13%, Hong Kong's Gang Seng index gaining 1.61% and India's BSE Sensex gaining 1.96%.
Economics
<ul>
<li>U.S. housing starts dipped 11.4% month-over-month to an annualized rate of 1.324 million in March.</li>
<li>U.S. initial jobless claims declined by 9,000 from the previous week to 215,000 during the second week of April, versus market estimates of 225,000.</li>
<li>The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index fell 39 points to a reading of -26.4 in April, and down from market estimates of 2.</li>
<li>U.S. building permits climbed by 1.6% to an annualized rate of 1.482 million in March.</li>
<li>U.S. natural-gas stocks rose 16 billion cubic feet in the week ending April 11, compared to market estimates of a 24 billion cubic feet gain.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This:
<ul>
<li> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44862443/intuit-to-rally-around-19-here-are-10-top-analyst-forecasts-for-thursday">Intuit To Rally Around 19%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Thursday</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Earnings

Equities

News

Eurozone

Commodities

Intraday Update

Markets

Trading Ideas

ADGM

CHRO

LGND

Gold Falls Over 1%; D.R. Horton Posts Downbeat Earnings

U.S. stocks traded mixed this morning, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 1% on Thursday.
Following the market opening Thursday, the Dow traded down 1.22% to 39,187.35 while the NASDAQ gained 0.28% to 16,352.96. The S&amp;P 500 also rose, gaining, 0.11% to 5,281.74.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/25/04/44836659/top-3-industrials-stocks-that-may-plunge-this-month">Top 3 Industrials Stocks That May Plunge This Month</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors Energy shares surged by 2.2% on Thursday.
In trading on Thursday, health care shares fell by 0.3%.
Top Headline
U.S. initial jobless claims declined by 9,000 from the previous week to 215,000 during the second week of April, versus market estimates of 225,000.
Equities Trading UP &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Baijiayun Group Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTC#NASDAQ">RTC</a>) shares shot up 109% to $0.4484 after the company announced it formed a partnership with Xinlantian to combine their AI video and large language model technologies with expertise in autism rehabilitation.</li>
<li>Shares of Adagio Medical Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADGM#NASDAQ">ADGM</a>)got a boost, surging 58% to $1.3820 after the FDA granted Breakthrough Device Designation for the vCLAS cryoablation system.</li>
<li>Channel Therapeutics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHRO#NYSE">CHRO</a>) shares were also up, gaining 59% to $1.9950. Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) and Channel Therapeutics on Thursday signed a definitive merger agreement to combine Ligand's wholly owned subsidiaries, Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. and LNHC, Inc. (collectively Pelthos) with CHRO Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Channel.</li>
</ul>
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>Click Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLIK#NASDAQ">CLIK</a>) shares dropped 39% to $0.4157.</li>
<li>Shares of CaliberCos Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CWD#NASDAQ">CWD</a>) were down 33% to $0.3020 as the company announced the pricing of the public offering units.</li>
<li>iOThree Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IOTR#NASDAQ">IOTR</a>) was down, falling 35% to $1.20.</li>
</ul>
Commodities In commodity news, oil traded up 1.1% to $63.14 while gold traded down 0.1% at $3,344.80.
Silver traded down 1.1% to $32.610 on Thursday, while copper fell 1% to $4.6380.
Euro zone
European shares were lower today. The eurozone's STOXX 600 fell 0.4%, Germany's DAX 40 declined 0.6% and France's CAC 40 dipped 0.7%. Spain's IBEX 35 Index slipped 0.5%, while London's FTSE 100 fell 0.5%.
Asia Pacific Markets
Asian markets closed higher on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 1.35%, China's Shanghai Composite gaining 0.13%, Hong Kong's Gang Seng index gaining 1.61% and India's BSE Sensex gaining 1.96%.
Economics
<ul>
<li>U.S. housing starts dipped 11.4% month-over-month to an annualized rate of 1.324 million in March.</li>
<li>U.S. initial jobless claims declined by 9,000 from the previous week to 215,000 during the second week of April, versus market estimates of 225,000.</li>
<li>The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index fell 39 points to a reading of -26.4 in April, and down from market estimates of 2.</li>
<li>U.S. building permits climbed by 1.6% to an annualized rate of 1.482 million in March.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44862443/intuit-to-rally-around-19-here-are-10-top-analyst-forecasts-for-thursday">Intuit To Rally Around 19%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Thursday</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

CLIK

IOTR

Dow Falls Over 1%; US Initial Jobless Claims Decline

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) and Channel Therapeutics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHRO#NYSE">CHRO</a>) on Thursday signed a definitive merger agreement to combine Ligand&#8217;s wholly owned subsidiaries, Pelthos Therapeutics Inc. and LNHC, Inc. (collectively Pelthos) with CHRO Merger Sub Inc., a wholly <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">owned subsidiary of Channel</a>.
The merger will be supported by $50 million in capital raised from a group of strategic investors led by Murchinson.
Under the merger agreement, Channel will acquire 100% of Pelthos&#8217; issued and outstanding equity interests, change its name to Pelthos Therapeutics, and trade on the NYSE American exchange under the ticker PTHS.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44750854/analyst-sees-big-upside-in-ligands-capital-efficient-biotech-strategy" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analyst Sees Big Upside In Ligand&#8217;s Capital-Efficient Biotech Strategy</a>
In connection with the transaction, Ligand has agreed to invest $18 million in the combined company, and the Investor Group has agreed to invest $32 million in a total of $50 million.
Upon completing the transaction, Scott Plesha, CEO of Pelthos, will become CEO of the combined company, and Frank Knuettel II, CEO of Channel Therapeutics, will become CFO. The transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2025.
The combined company will initially focus on accelerating the commercialization of Pelthos&#8217; Zelsuvmi (berdazimer) topical gel, 10.3%, for Molluscum contagiosum infections in adults and pediatric patients one year and older.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zelsuvmi in 2024. It is the first and only prescription therapy for molluscum infections approved for use at home by patients, parents, and caregivers.
Ligand is entitled to a 13% royalty on worldwide sales of Zelsuvmi.
The combined company will also retain Channel&#8217;s existing NaV 1.7 development programs for various types of chronic pain, acute and chronic eye pain, and post-surgical nerve blocks.
In December 2024, Channel Therapeutics announced that it achieved its endpoints in two pre-clinical in vivo models of the company&#8217;s nerve block formulations for acute pain, showing material improvement in efficacy and duration over the existing standard <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42552299/channel-therapeutics-announces-positive-efficacy-data-for-a-depot-formulation-of-a-nav1-7-inhibito" rel="noreferrer noopener">of care, bupivacaine</a>.
An update on the Channel&#8217;s animal efficacy study for its eye pain program will be forthcoming.
&#8220;This transaction presents a compelling opportunity to launch a commercial-ready product, with significant financial backing from Murchinson, that has the potential to deliver both near and long-term value to our shareholders,&#8221; said Todd Davis, CEO of Ligand.
Frank Knuettel II, CEO of Channel Therapeutics, commented, &#8220;We have performed extensive due diligence on the Zelsuvmi market opportunity and their team and operations, and we believe this is an extraordinary opportunity for current Channel shareholders. Strategically, it provides the potential for near-term revenue generation from an FDA-approved drug, the opportunity to advance Channel&#8217;s existing NaV 1.7 programs, and expanded capitalization from strong, long-standing investors.&#8221;
Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus and one of the most common skin infections, afflicting an estimated 16.7 million people in the U.S.
Price Action: LGND stock is up 2.08% at $106.80 during the premarket session at the last check Thursday, and CHRO stock closed at $1.26 on Wednesday.
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</ul>

Health Care

Asset Sales

Market-Moving Exclusives

Exclusives

General

EXCLUSIVE: Ligand Subsidiary Pelthos Therapeutics To Combine with Channel Therapeutics Creating Pain Medicines Focused Entity

EXCLUSIVE: Ligand Pharmaceuticals Tells Benzinga 'Transaction is expected to close in the summer of 2025'

EXCLUSIVE: Ligand Pharmaceuticals Tells Benzinga 'Ligand is entitled to a 13% royalty on worldwide sales of ZELSUVMI'

EXCLUSIVE: Ligand Pharmaceuticals Tells Benzinga 'Proposed transaction will raise $50 million in equity capital and enhance a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on launching Pelthos' ZELSUVMI'

EXCLUSIVE: Ligand Pharmaceuticals Tells Benzinga Co's Subsidiary Pelthos Therapeutics Today Announced The Signing Of Definitive Merger Agreement To Combine With Channel Therapeutics

Stifel initiated coverage on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) on Wednesday, noting that Ligand has uniquely positioned itself <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech">as a strategic partner.</a>
The company&#8217;s business model involves funding programs in mid-to late-stage drug development in return for economic rights, purchasing royalty rights in the development stage or commercial biopharmaceutical <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care" rel="noreferrer noopener">products, and licensing technology</a>.
Stifel analyst Annabel Samimy writes, &#8220;In an inconsistent financing environment, LGND stands as an important source of differentiated capital through royalty-financing deals to mid– to late-stage biopharma companies looking for non-dilutive funding.&#8221;
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44741889/tempest-weighs-ma-analyst-sees-a-broken-story-despite-phase-2-liver-cancer-study-success" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tempest Weighs M&amp;A, Analyst Sees A &#8220;Broken Story&#8221; Despite Phase 2 Liver Cancer Study Success</a>
The analyst says, &#8220;LGND has emerged as an aggregator of highly differentiated biopharmaceutical royalty assets with the unique ability to identify, acquire, and develop under-valued assets through its operational expertise.&#8221;
Stifel initiated with a Buy rating and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LGND/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target of $43</a>.
Analyst Samimy says Ligand mainly works with early-stage biotech companies that constantly need funding and often use it inefficiently. On the technology side, Ligand focuses on proven, scalable platforms. Its key asset is the Captisol platform, which over 100 biotech and pharma companies have licensed.
Ligand Pharmaceuticals reported fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.27, beating the consensus of $1.19, and sales of $42.81 million, beating the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $39.02 million</a>.
Ligand reaffirmed its fiscal 2025 outlook of adjusted EPS of $6.00-$6.25 vs. $6.15 consensus and sales of $180 million-$200 million versus <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/g44002307/ligand-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $187.75 million</a>.
This strategy puts Ligand in a market with constant demand for capital, while building a fast-growing portfolio that avoids the high risk usually seen in early-stage biotech.
Since restructuring in 2022–2023, Ligand has achieved over 20% revenue growth and more than 35% earnings-per-share growth. It aims to continue this trend with a lean cost structure.
Price Action: LGND stock was down 2.46% at $101.29 on Thursday.
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Biotech

Initiation

Analyst Ratings

Analyst Sees Big Upside In Ligand's Capital-Efficient Biotech Strategy

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Joshua Dennerlein initiated coverage on MSCI Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSCI#NYSE">MSCI</a>) with a Neutral rating and announced a price target of $585. MSCI shares closed at $549.33 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSCI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Mizuho initiated coverage on MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNKD#NASDAQ">MNKD</a>) with an Outperform rating and announced a price target of $12. MannKind shares closed at $4.69 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MNKD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Jefferies analyst Kelly Shi initiated coverage on Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSTM#NASDAQ">VSTM</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $15. Verastem shares closed at $5.28 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VSTM/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Tami Zakaria initiated coverage on Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAB#NYSE">WAB</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $175. Westinghouse Air Brake shares closed at $175.82 on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WAB/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Stifel analyst Annabel Samimy initiated coverage on Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $143. Ligand Pharmaceuticals shares closed at $103.85 on Wednesday.  <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LGND/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying LGND stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="642" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10085936/image-67-1024x642.png" alt="" class="wp-image-865923" style="width:490px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10085936/image-67-1024x642.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10085936/image-67-300x188.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10085936/image-67-768x482.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/10085936/image-67.png 1087w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Photo via Shutterstock

Pre-Market Outlook

MNKD

MSCI

VSTM

This Ligand Pharmaceuticals Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 5 Initiations For Thursday

Stifel analyst Annabel Samimy initiates coverage on Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy rating and announces Price Target of $143.

Price Target

Stifel Initiates Coverage On Ligand Pharmaceuticals with Buy Rating, Announces Price Target of $143

WIIM

Ligand Pharmaceuticals shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q4 financial results.

2025 Financial Guidance
Ligand is reaffirming the 2025 financial guidance introduced at its Investor Day on December 10, 2024. The Company continues to expect 2025 royalty revenue ranging from $135 million to $140 million, revenue from sales of Captisol ranging from $35 million to $40 million and contract revenue ranging from $10 million to $20 million. These revenue components result in a total revenue forecast of $180 million to $200 million. Ligand notes that with total revenue of $180 million to $200 million, adjusted earnings per diluted share2 are anticipated to range from approximately $6.00 to $6.25.

Guidance

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Reaffirms FY2025 Outlook: Adj EPS of $6.00-$6.25 vs $6.15 Estimate; Sales of $180.00M-$200.00M vs $187.75M Estimate

Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.27 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.19 by 6.72 percent. This is a 7.97 percent decrease over earnings of $1.38 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $42.81 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $39.02 million by 9.71 percent. This is a 52.35 percent increase over sales of $28.10 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Q4 2024 Adj EPS $1.27 Beats $1.19 Estimate, Sales $42.81M Beat $39.02M Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For February 27, 2025

Ligand originated, structured, and invested $50 million and led a syndicate of co-investors who invested $25 million in exchange for a high-single digit royalty on worldwide sales of D-Fi. The syndicate includes existing Castle Creek investors Paragon Biosciences and Valor Equity Partners and new investor XOMA Royalty Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOMA#NASDAQ">XOMA</a>).

Financing

XOMA

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Closed A Royalty Financing Agreement With Castle Creek Biosciences, Inc. To Support The Phase 3 Study Of D-Fi (FCX-007), Castle Creek's Lead Candidate, In Patients With Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Octavio Espinoza, Chief Financial Officer at Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>), reported an insider sell on December 27, according to a new SEC filing. 
What Happened: Espinoza's decision to sell 2,104 shares of Ligand Pharmaceuticals was revealed in a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000886163/000200101124000107//Archives/edgar/data/886163/000200101124000107/0002001011-24-000107-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Friday. The total value of the sale is $244,850.
Tracking the Friday's morning session, Ligand Pharmaceuticals shares are trading at $113.7, showing a down of 0.48%.
<h3>Delving into Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Background</h3>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Financial Performance</h3>
Revenue Growth: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's remarkable performance in 3 months is evident. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved an impressive revenue growth rate of 57.64%. This signifies a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Health Care sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Evaluating Earnings Performance:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company sets a benchmark with a high gross margin of 95.27%, reflecting superior cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EPS is below the industry average. The company faced challenges with a current EPS of -0.39. This suggests a potential decline in earnings.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.01.
Financial Valuation Breakdown:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/E ratio of 45.88, Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 13.75 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's EV/EBITDA ratio stands at 20.33, surpassing industry benchmarks. This places the company in a position with a higher-than-average market valuation.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
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<h3>Delving Into the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
In the complex landscape of investment decisions, investors should approach insider transactions as part of a comprehensive analysis, considering various elements.
Considering the legal perspective, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, according to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Pointing towards optimism, a company insider's new purchase signals their positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
Nevertheless, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Navigating the World of Insider Transaction Codes</h3>
Delving into transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> typically prioritize those unfolding in the open market, as precisely outlined in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000886163">Check Out The Full List Of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Insider Trades.</a>
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Octavio Espinoza Executes Sell Order: Offloads $244K In Ligand Pharmaceuticals Stock

Benchmark analyst Robert Wasserman reiterates Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Buy and maintains $135 price target.

Reiteration

Benchmark Reiterates Buy on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Maintains $135 Price Target

Barclays analyst Balaji Prasad maintains Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $150 to $160.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Raises Price Target to $160

In the latest quarter, 10 analysts provided ratings for Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>), showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">6</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $144.6, a high estimate of $157.00, and a low estimate of $125.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $134.33, the current average has increased by 7.65%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1733940064_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
The standing of Ligand Pharmaceuticals among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Douglas Miehm</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$143.00</td>
<td>$141.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Douglas Miehm</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Wasserman</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Balaji Prasad</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leland Gershell</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$147.00</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Balaji Prasad</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
<td>$144.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leland Gershell</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Ligand Pharmaceuticals. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Ligand Pharmaceuticals compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Navigating through these analyst evaluations alongside other financial indicators can contribute to a holistic understanding of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's market standing. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LGND/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Ligand Pharmaceuticals analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About Ligand Pharmaceuticals</h2>
Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.
<h3>Key Indicators: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Financial Health</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Ligand Pharmaceuticals's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 57.64% as of 30 September, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Health Care sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.
Net Margin: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of -13.84%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of -0.89%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): Ligand Pharmaceuticals's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of -0.79%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.01.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Demystifying Ligand Pharmaceuticals: Insights From 10 Analyst Reviews

RBC Capital analyst Douglas Miehm maintains Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LGND#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $141 to $143.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Raises Price Target to $143

Press Releases

Ligand Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Raises 2024 Guidance

Ligand to Present at Stifel 2024 Healthcare Conference

Ligand Hosts 2024 Investor and Analyst Day and Introduces 2025 Guidance

Ligand to Present at the Oppenheimer 35th Annual Healthcare Life Sciences Conference

Ligand to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results on February 27, 2025

Ligand Leads $75 Million Royalty Financing in Castle Creek Biosciences

Ligand Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Ligand to Participate in March Investor Conferences

Palvella Therapeutics Reports Full Year 2024 Financial Results and Provides Corporate Update

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