On Thursday, Scotiabank began its coverage on shares of Exact Sciences (NASDAQ:EXAS) Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAS), assigning a Sector Outperform rating and establishing a price target of $70.00. The firm highlighted Exact Sciences' strong portfolio, which includes Cologuard and Oncotype DX, two of the most successful advanced diagnostic products in the market.
Exact Sciences' Cologuard, a non-invasive colon cancer screening test, and Oncotype DX, a test that predicts cancer recurrence, are seen as key assets despite the former facing increased competition and the latter having significant market penetration. Scotiabank believes that the company has considerable potential for growth with its current products and the ability to integrate additional pipeline products into its established commercial channels in oncology and primary care.
The financial outlook for Exact Sciences is also positive, with the company aiming to grow its top line in the low teens, using the 2024 guidance as a baseline, and to achieve an adjusted EBITDA margin of over 20% by 2027. This target margin is considered an industry-leading financial profile, particularly given the company's size.
Scotiabank's analysis suggests that Exact Sciences' shares are trading at a discount when compared with its peer group of advanced diagnostic companies. The firm's assessment indicates that the company's strong product lineup and financial ambitions warrant a premium valuation in the market.
In other recent news, Exact Sciences Corporation has experienced a series of notable developments. The company's Cologuard Plus product is set for a 25% price increase, according to a report by TD Cowen. This development, along with the anticipated launch of the product in 2025, is expected to drive significant growth for the company. However, BTIG has revised its price target for Exact Sciences from $80 to $70, despite maintaining a buy rating. This follows a series of executive departures from the company, including the Chief Commercial Officer, Everett Cunningham.
In governance matters, Exact Sciences' shareholders have elected three nominees to the Board of Directors and ratified the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm for 2024. On the other hand, ARK ETFs, managed by Cathie Wood, have been reducing their holdings in Exact Sciences, indicating a strategic shift in their investment approach.
These developments come in the wake of Exact Sciences' upcoming second-quarter earnings call and the anticipated FDA approval for Cologuard Plus. The company has yet to comment on the potential financial impact of the proposed price increase for Cologuard Plus.
InvestingPro Insights
Scotiabank's optimistic coverage on Exact Sciences Corporation (NASDAQ:EXAS) comes at a time when the company's financial metrics and market performance are of particular interest to investors. According to InvestingPro data, Exact Sciences has a market capitalization of $8.09 billion and has experienced a revenue growth of 15.21% over the last twelve months as of Q1 2024. Despite the positive revenue trajectory, the company's P/E ratio stands at -33.24, reflecting analysts' concerns over profitability in the near term.
InvestingPro Tips suggest caution, as analysts have revised their earnings downwards for the upcoming period and do not anticipate the company to be profitable this year. Moreover, the company has not been profitable over the past twelve months and does not pay a dividend to shareholders, which may influence investment decisions for those seeking immediate returns or income through dividends.
For investors considering a deeper dive into Exact Sciences' financial health and future prospects, InvestingPro offers additional tips. By using the promo code PRONEWS24, investors can get an additional 10% off a yearly or biyearly Pro and Pro+ subscription, providing access to a wealth of analysis and insights that can guide investment choices. With a fair value estimate from analysts at $81 and an InvestingPro Fair Value of $45.2, the current price of $44.16 suggests potential for growth, aligning with Scotiabank's positive outlook.
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