Attention: Biotech takeovers, after MorphoSys, now Bayer, Vidac Pharma, BioNTech and Pfizer are on the radar

Bayer - Glyphosate and no end in sight

There are big question marks on the faces of Bayer analysts, who have had to constantly revise their share price targets downward for months. Most recently, there was a "shock lawsuit" in the US for USD 2 billion concerning glyphosate-related illnesses. At the beginning of the year, Bayer also had to report a decline in profits in the pharmaceuticals division, and most recently, the dividend of EUR 2.40, which was considered a certainty, was slashed to just 11 cents.

Investors are eagerly awaiting the approaching Annual General Meeting of the Leverkusen-based company on April 26. Before then, there may be some indications of how the first quarter really went. The current share price movement towards EUR 27, on the other hand, indicates trouble, as there has been another glyphosate ruling from the US. Bayer is now to pay only USD 611 million instead of USD 1.56 billion to three plaintiffs in the US. The plaintiffs were able to credibly demonstrate to the court that the glyphosate-based product RoundUp had caused cancer in them, and a jury in the US state of Missouri had already imposed a penalty payment of billions of dollars on the German company. Even though Bayer is appealing again, it seems that the wave of negative judgments has not yet reached its peak. Since the USD 62 billion Monsanto takeover in 2016, EUR 100 billion in market value has now been stamped out.

On the Refinitiv Eikon platform, only 4 out of 24 analysts now have the confidence to issue a "Buy" recommendation, while the 12-month price expectation has fallen from just under EUR 80 in mid-2023 to currently EUR 34.20. Whether there is a bottom at EUR 27 remains doubtful.

Vidac Pharma plc - Cancer treatment in the clinical phase

Vidac Pharma plc, based in the UK and Israel, has only cancer research in common with Bayer. Vidac is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class oncology and oncodermatology therapies. Its breakthrough new technology, which corrects a common feature of all cancer cells, holds the promise of a fundamentally new approach to treating cancer and is becoming a routine part of oncology combination therapies. Founded in 2012, the Company is led by CEO Dr. Max Herzberg, one of the founding fathers of the Israeli biotech industry. Vidac Pharma develops drugs with the aim of reversing the abnormal metabolism of cancer cells and thus stopping the proliferation of cancer cells. The Company has a strong leadership team with decades of experience in science and management, supported by an international group of senior scientific advisors.

With a strong IP portfolio, Vidac's lead asset is undergoing clinical trials for two indications, while a powerful new drug candidate with a potential broad application in solid tumors is entering preclinical testing. Vidac's lead product VDA-1102, currently in clinical development as an ointment for patients with actinic keratosis, addresses an early form of skin cancer and is being tested in a separate study for a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) indication. A second molecule, VDA-1275, which could be used for a wide range of solid tumors, has already proven to be a powerful candidate in ongoing preclinical studies.

Vidac Pharma has been listed on the Hamburg and Stuttgart stock exchanges since mid-2023 and trades partially very liquid with over 100,000 shares a day. A recent company valuation put the enterprise value at a good EUR 80 million or EUR 1.15 per share. German coverage has now also been commissioned. It is expected that analysts will arrive at a similar conclusion, indicating a significant undervaluation. The promising share price is currently fluctuating between EUR 0.22 and EUR 0.35. Speculative investors should take a limited approach to benefit from the Company's promising pipeline in the medium term. The risk/reward ratio is good, as Big Pharma, in particular, is actively seeking successful clinical drug candidates.

BioNTech and Pfizer - The dip after the pandemic

Many investors are asking themselves why BioNTech and Pfizer are not budging at all. Both companies have a promising research pipeline and enough cash from the proceeds of the Corona pandemic. One possible explanation could be emerging lawsuits in connection with the controversial vaccinations, as these have not yet really come to the table. From an analytical perspective, it can be seen that after the strong sales growth in 2021 and 2022, there was a natural dip last year. This is weighing on the valuation and investor sentiment, which is now likely only preparing for significantly lower growth rates in 2024.

Only 50% of the experts on the Refinitiv Eikon platform are positive on BioNTech and give it a "Buy" recommendation with an average price expectation of EUR 106. As many as 10 analysts are warming to Pfizer shares, while 16 others remain on the sidelines for the time being. For those interested in turnaround opportunities, BioNTech offers a market capitalization of EUR 19.8 billion and a substantial cash position of EUR 17 billion. Pfizer is also analytically favorable, with a dividend of 6.8% on the current price of EUR 24.5 and a low 2024 P/E ratio of only 12.5. Both stocks seem to be exploring the lower end of their valuation range in the long term.

The biotech sector has faded into obscurity compared to artificial intelligence and defense. Valuations are still struggling with waning investor capital. Nevertheless, a positive, cyclical stock market phase could soon begin again for BioNTech, Bayer and Pfizer. Vidac Pharma has a promising pipeline and could become a speculative top pick through clinical trial successes.