CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -1.20%) has a major claim to fame. It developed a medicine called Casgevy, which in 2023 became the first approved therapy to use the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene-editing technique. Casgevy is currently CRISPR Therapeutics' only approved medicine, and it shares the rights to it with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX -2.10%). This therapy is important to CRISPR Therapeutics' prospects, but the company arguably has even more critical catalysts on the horizon.
Notably, the mid-cap biotech has several promising candidates in the pipeline that could make significant progress over the next few years. Let's discuss one of them: CTX310. Here's why this investigational medicine is, perhaps, even more important to CRISPR Therapeutics' future.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
A massive potential addressable market
Casgevy was no doubt a breakthrough, but its commercial opportunity is fairly limited. CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals have noted that the medicine currently has an addressable market of roughly 60,000 patients across several countries where it is approved, including the U.S., Canada, and several European and Middle Eastern countries.
But CRISPR Therapeutics' CTX310 -- which also utilizes the CRISPR mechanism -- could have a much larger market. This medicine is being designed to decrease LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), which, at high levels, can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening, cardiovascular and metabolic problems. So, it could reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in eligible patients. There are approved medications to help patients lower TGs and LDL, most of which are taken once or twice daily.
Nothing wrong with that, but a one-time therapy that addresses this problem once and for all could be a significantly more convenient option than current standards of care. That's what CTX310 could be. What's the addressable opportunity for this medicine? According to CRISPR Therapeutics, more than 40 million patients in the U.S. alone have high LDL or TG levels.
$49.39-$0.60 (-1.20%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/23/26
So, this medicine's commercial opportunity could be far larger than Casgevy's for the biotech, especially since CRISPR Therapeutics is developing it alone and won't have to share its profits with another drugmaker, as it does with Casgevy. CTX310 has, so far, posted encouraging results in clinical trials. In August, CRISPR Therapeutics reported data from a Phase 1a clinical trial in patients with high LDL or TG levels associated with certain genetic conditions. The medicine showed a mean TG reduction of 48% and a mean LDL reduction of 53% at the highest dose.
CRISPR Therapeutics will report data from a Phase 1b study in early November. There is still a long way before this therapy can hope to earn approval, but it is important to CRISPR Therapeutics' prospects, so it will be critical to monitor its clinical progress.
Is CRISPR Therapeutics' stock a buy?
CRISPR Therapeutics has underperformed the broader equity market over the past five years. But the company may bounce back in the medium term, provided it can make significant progress in its pipeline. The biotech has other candidates besides CTX310. For instance, it is working on a medicine called CTX611, an investigational, long-acting anticoagulant. Further, over the next five years, CRISPR Therapeutics could also make commercial progress with Casgevy, especially since a recent label expansion in patients as young as two added 5,500 people to its addressable market in the U.S.
Naturally, there is the very real risk of clinical and regulatory setbacks. Also, gene-editing medicines aren't exactly mainstream in the healthcare community yet, and there are some roadblocks to mass adoption, including their typically high prices and the fact that they are often very difficult to administer. All of these are risks worth factoring in. With all that said, is the stock a buy?
My view is that CRISPR Therapeutics is a fairly attractive biotech company, given its deep gene-editing pipeline that features several potential breakthrough medicines, but only for investors comfortable with significant risk and volatility. The stock might soar through 2030 if it can advance key pipeline programs and avoid commercial pitfalls, but certain setbacks might sink the share price. Invest accordingly.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $49.39, moving -1.2% from the previous trading session. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.52%. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 1.24%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.21%.
Shares of the company have depreciated by 10.25% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Medical sector's gain of 3.23%, and the S&P 500's loss of 1.21%.
Market participants will be closely following the financial results of CRISPR Therapeutics AG in its upcoming release. The company's upcoming EPS is projected at -$1.07, signifying a 8.55% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $9.95 million, up 1017.42% from the prior-year quarter.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$4.48 per share and a revenue of $32.45 million, demonstrating changes of +30.76% and +824.53%, respectively, from the preceding year.
Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell). It has a remarkable, outside-audited track record of success, with #1 stocks delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 2.14% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is holding a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell) right now.
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 103, which puts it in the top 42% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Over the past month, shares of this company have returned -10.3%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.2% change. During this period, the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which CRISPR Therapeutics falls in, has lost 2.4%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to post a loss of $1.07 per share, indicating a change of +8.6% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +8.6% over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of -$4.48 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +30.8%. This estimate has changed +2.1% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $3.64 indicates a change of +18.7% from what CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -5.5%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, CRISPR Therapeutics is rated Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of CRISPR Therapeutics, the consensus sales estimate of $9.95 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +1017.4%. The $32.45 million and $141.72 million estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +824.5% and +336.7%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCRISPR Therapeutics reported revenues of $10.18 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +1043.8%. EPS of -$0.94 for the same period compares with -$1.29 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.42 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +37.28%. The EPS surprise was +14.55%.
Over the last four quarters, CRISPR Therapeutics surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
CRISPR Therapeutics is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about CRISPR Therapeutics. However, its Zacks Rank #4 does suggest that it may underperform the broader market in the near term.
When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price, but are they really important?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) .
CRISPR Therapeutics currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 2.00, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 23 brokerage firms. An ABR of 2.00 indicates Buy.
Of the 23 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 11 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 47.8% and 4.4% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CRSP
Check price target & stock forecast for CRISPR Therapeutics here>>>
The ABR suggests buying CRISPR Therapeutics, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations for every "Strong Sell" recommendation.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, which classifies stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), is a reliable indicator of a stock's near-term price performance. So, validating the Zacks Rank with ABR could go a long way in making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRIn spite of the fact that Zacks Rank and ABR both appear on a scale from 1 to 5, they are two completely different measures.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is CRSP Worth Investing In?In terms of earnings estimate revisions for CRISPR Therapeutics, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has declined 0.2% over the past month to -$4.48.
Analysts' growing pessimism over the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates lower, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to plunge in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for CRISPR Therapeutics. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Therefore, it could be wise to take the Buy-equivalent ABR for CRISPR Therapeutics with a grain of salt.
ZUG, Switzerland and BOSTON, Oct. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) today announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Raju Prasad, Ph.D., will be stepping down from the Company to pursue external opportunities, and A.J. Silver, the Company's Senior Vice President of Finance, will succeed Dr. Prasad as Chief Financial Officer. This transition will be effective today.
“Raju has been a trusted partner to me and a wonderful colleague during his time at CRISPR Therapeutics," said Samarth Kulkarni, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CRISPR Therapeutics. "His thoughtful leadership helped build a strong finance organization, strengthen our balance sheet, and deepen our relationships with the investment community. On behalf of everyone at CRISPR Therapeutics, I thank Raju for all he has done and wish him every success in his next role.”
“I am excited for A.J. to assume his new role as CFO,” added Dr. Kulkarni. “Over the past eight years, A.J. has been a key leader across our finance organization, and his deep knowledge of our business combined with his strong operational experience makes him exceptionally well suited to lead us going forward."
"Serving as CFO of CRISPR Therapeutics has been an honor," said Dr. Prasad. "I am grateful to Sam, the Board of Directors of CRISPR Therapeutics, and the Company’s talented team for all we have accomplished together. It has been inspiring to work alongside people so committed to bringing transformative medicines to patients, and I am confident in the Company's future. I have decided this is the right time for me to take the next step in my career, and I look forward to following CRISPR Therapeutics’ continued progress.”
Mr. Silver has served as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Finance since January 2025. Since joining CRISPR Therapeutics in October 2018, he has held roles of increasing responsibility spanning strategic finance, treasury, financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, tax, and financial operations. Before joining the Company, Mr. Silver spent more than 10 years at Ernst & Young LLP, where he became a Certified Public Accountant. He holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and a B.S. from Boston College with concentrations in finance and accounting.
About CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. Founded over a decade ago as an early pioneer in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, the Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. Today, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad, diversified pipeline spanning hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company is also expanding its gene editing toolkit through SyNTase™ editing, its novel, proprietary platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California. To learn more, visit www.crisprtx.com.
CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -4.41%), a gene editing-focused biotech, has made significant clinical and regulatory progress over the past five years. However, over this period, the company has lagged broader equities. CRISPR Therapeutics' shares have declined by about 47% since mid-October 2021, while the S&P 500 has gained almost 73%, as of writing.
Will CRISPR Therapeutics continue its southbound journey through the end of the decade, or does the company have what it takes to bounce back? Let's see where the biotech might be in 2030.
Pipeline progress will be key In 2023 and early 2024, CRISPR Therapeutics earned approval for Casgevy, a gene-editing medicine for transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT) and sickle cell disease (SCD), both of which are blood-related disorders. CRISPR Therapeutics collaborated with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX -1.77%) to develop this therapy. The approval was an important milestone for the company for at least two reasons.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
First, before Casgevy, CRISPR Therapeutics didn't have a single product on the market. This treatment allowed it to transition to a commercial biotech. Second, Casgevy was the first CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy to earn approval. Since most of CRISPR Therapeutics' pipeline candidates are CRISPR-based gene-editing medicines, Casgevy's launch lent more credence to the company's platform. CRISPR Therapeutics hasn't made much significant clinical progress since Casgevy's approval, but the company has several exciting pipeline candidates that investors should keep an eye on.
One of them is CTX310, a medicine being developed to help lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs) in some patients. Why is this important? At high levels, LDL and TGs can cause a range of cardiovascular problems. Treatment options do exist, but they often need to be taken daily. CTX310 could be a one-time option to help some patients reduce LDL and TGs. CRISPR Therapeutics recently reported data from a Phase 1 clinical trial in certain patients with high levels of LDL or TGs, in some cases due to rare genetic disorders. The medicine led to significant decreases in both LDL and TGs.
It's still too early to celebrate, but over the next five years, CRISPR Therapeutics could make significant progress with CTX310 and perhaps earn approval, opening up a potentially highly lucrative opportunity.
$49.25-$2.27 (-4.41%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26
CRISPR Therapeutics could also make meaningful progress with zugo-cel, an investigational medicine for several autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. Another pipeline candidate to keep an eye out for is CTX611, an investigational anticoagulant. CTX611 could be administered just twice a year, unlike today's anticoagulants, which are taken regularly. It is also being developed to reduce the risk of significant bleeding associated with many products in this niche. Perhaps the best-case scenario for CRISPR Therapeutics over the next five years would be to earn approval for all these medicines.
Hedge your bets If CRISPR Therapeutics does launch several of its promising therapies by 2030, the company's financial results will improve significantly, and its share price will likely jump. In the meantime, Casgevy's sales could also ramp up. Earlier this year, the therapy earned a label expansion in treating TDT and SCD patients as young as two, which added about 5,500 patients in the U.S. to its target market. That doesn't sound like a lot, but at a price of $2.2 million per treatment course, that's a meaningful expansion.
However, there are significant risks to consider. CRISPR Therapeutics' leading pipeline candidates could fail in clinical trials. It wouldn't be the first time the company has experienced a clinical setback. Also, many gene-editing medicines -- including some that CRISPR Therapeutics is developing -- are one-and-done treatments that are costly to manufacture and administer. So, the economics of these therapies aren't obviously conducive to profits. CRISPR Therapeutics will have to overcome this challenge.
The biotech is, without question, highly innovative, and it may see its shares soar over the medium term on strong clinical and commercial progress. But there is significant risk, too. Only investors comfortable with that should consider initiating a position in the stock.
Cathie Wood, the founder of Ark Invest, holds $379.1 million worth of shares of CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -4.41%) and on Friday, Oct. 9, and Monday, Oct. 12, went on a CRISPR Therapeutics buying spree, buying $1.1 million worth of the stock and $2.3 million worth of CRISPR stock on back-to-back market days, both in her ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (ARKG -5.16%).
That's a lot of faith in a biotech stock that is down a little more than 25% over the past year.
CRISPR's lab has already demonstrated its CRISPR gene-editing proof of concept when it teamed with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX -1.77%) to produce Casgevy, which, with one intravenous (IV) infusion, has the potential to cure severe sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia (two rare genetic blood diseases) in an individual.
Image source: Getty Images.
The problem is that Casgevy is CRISPR's only approved therapy, and it is prohibitively expensive, at a list price of $2.2 million per patient. It also affects a relatively small pool of SCD patients, about 100,000 in the U.S., and fewer than 3,000 beta-thalassemia patients in the U.S., and CRISPR has to share its Casgevy revenue with Vertex, which gets 60% of the revenue.
Despite that, here are three reasons why Wood might be bullish on the gene-editing stock.
1. Improving finances as Casgevy's reach widens
In the second quarter, CRISPR reported $76 million in Casgevy revenue, a rise of 151% year over year. The company still isn't profitable, but its net loss was $91.2 million, down from $208.5 million in the same period a year ago. The company has $2.36 billion in cash, easily enough to last four years, enough time for the company to develop other therapies.
$49.25-$2.27 (-4.41%)
NASDAQ · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/16/26
Those numbers should continue to improve as Casgevy received the nod from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July for use in patients as young as 2 years old with SCD or beta-thalassemia.
2. The next big thing for CRISPR?
Now, however, the company has another promising therapy with a much wider application, CTX-310. It uses small fat-based particles to deliver its gene-editing mechanism to the liver. Once there, it switches off a gene, angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3). Turning off this gene lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, two lipids associated with heart disease.
In a phase 1a trial, CTX-310 demonstrated strong efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Participants who were injected with CTX-310 showed, after 12 months, an average of a 79% reduction in the ANGPTL3 gene, a 53% drop in LDL, and a 48% decline in triglycerides.
3. Another key readout is on the way
The company is in the midst of a phase 2 trial for CTX611, a blood thinner being compared with the current standard, enoxaparin, in patients undergoing knee replacement. It expects a readout on the trial later this year. The therapy works by editing a patient's small interfering RNA (siRNA) to make less of a protein, Factor XI, which forms blood clots.
CTX611 targets a multi-billion-dollar market opportunity across a wide range of clotting and thromboembolic conditions. Key potential indications include atrial fibrillation (AF), venous thromboembolism (VTE), ischemic stroke, cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), chronic coronary artery disease (CAD), and thrombosis in chronic kidney disease (CKD).
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $49.21, demonstrating a -4.48% change from the preceding day's closing price. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 1.09%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.34%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 2.15%.
Shares of the company have depreciated by 10.13% over the course of the past month, underperforming the Medical sector's gain of 2.68%, and the S&P 500's gain of 2.44%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of CRISPR Therapeutics AG in its upcoming earnings disclosure. In that report, analysts expect CRISPR Therapeutics AG to post earnings of -$1.07 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 8.55%. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $9.95 million, showing a 1017.42% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.
CRSP's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of -$4.48 per share and revenue of $32.45 million. These results would represent year-over-year changes of +30.76% and +824.53%, respectively.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.22% lower within the past month. At present, CRISPR Therapeutics AG boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 93, placing it within the top 38% of over 250 industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
In the latest close session, CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) was down 3.45% at $51.55. The stock's performance was behind the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.06%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.38%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.44%.
Coming into today, shares of the company had gained 3.23% in the past month. In that same time, the Medical sector gained 0.04%, while the S&P 500 gained 2.36%.
Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of CRISPR Therapeutics AG in its upcoming earnings disclosure. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of -$1.06, marking a 9.4% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $9.53 million, reflecting a 971.24% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$4.47 per share and a revenue of $30.59 million, demonstrating changes of +30.91% and +771.54%, respectively, from the preceding year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. Right now, CRISPR Therapeutics AG possesses a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 166, putting it in the bottom 33% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Over the past month, shares of this company have returned +3.2%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.4% change. During this period, the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which CRISPR Therapeutics falls in, has lost 3%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to post a loss of $1.06 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$4.47 points to a change of +30.9% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $3.61 indicates a change of +19.2% from what CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for CRISPR Therapeutics.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
For CRISPR Therapeutics, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $9.53 million indicates a year-over-year change of +971.2%. For the current and next fiscal years, $30.59 million and $120.71 million estimates indicate +771.5% and +294.6% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCRISPR Therapeutics reported revenues of $10.18 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +1043.8%. EPS of -$0.94 for the same period compares with -$1.29 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.42 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +37.28%. The EPS surprise was +14.55%.
Over the last four quarters, CRISPR Therapeutics surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
CRISPR Therapeutics is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
Bottom LineThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about CRISPR Therapeutics. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.
It's been a disappointing past few years for patient shareholders of CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP +4.87%). Despite the company passing multiple major milestones during this stretch, this biopharma/biotechnology stock's gone nowhere since falling back from its early 2021 peak.
Namely, in late 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved CRISPR's Casgevy as a treatment for sickle cell disease, making it one of the nation's very first gene-editing-based therapies approved for any use. Patient uptake began shortly thereafter.
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Analysts aren't deterred though, including Citi's Yigal Nochomovitz, who recently raised his price target on CRSPR from $82 to $88 per share on growing demand for the aforementioned Casgevy. That's 60% above the stock's present price.
The thing is, what needs to happen to pump this stock's price up to that lofty level is certainly possible. Here's a closer look.
It's in the name CRISPR Therapeutics' claim to fame -- as well as its drug pipeline and portfolio -- is rooted in the ability to repair damaged DNA by replacing it with a correct sequence of genetic information -- a discovery for which co-founder Emmanuelle Charpentier was awarded a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
The underlying science is in the name, in fact. CRISPR -- an acronym for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats" -- is a genetic sequence that can be identified and then spliced into by an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease protein called Cas9, allowing for the replacement of faulty genetic code in a strand of DNA.
Although the company's initial target was the relatively low-hanging fruit of sickle cell disease, the idea holds promise as a treatment for any number of genetics-driven disease. To this end, the company is working on several other therapies.
Right now, however, the market's pricing CRSPR shares based on a relatively small but important number of inputs.
Three things that must go right for Citi's CRISPR Therapeutics price target It's not all that matters, to be clear. But, for the time being anyway, investors are expectantly looking at these three factors.
1. Reported Casgevy revenue must be satisfactory CRISPR Therapeutics hasn't reported much Casgevy revenue yet, but it is accruing. It's just going to take time for it to make it to the company's top line in earnest. That's because Casgevy treatments are complex, and it can take a long while to administer and complete a treatment regimen.
Indeed, since each patient's treatment is custom-created from a sample of their own blood, it can take up to a year to deliver the final dosing administered at an authorized treatment center operated by CRISPR Therapeutics' treatment partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX +0.82%). Never even mind the length of time it might take an insurer to authorize the $2.2 million cost per Casgevy treatment. And even beyond that, any payments and insurance reimbursements are first processed by Vertex, which takes a cut.
Meaningful revenue is coming, though. In its second-quarter investor update posted in early August, CRISPR Therapeutics confirmed that the custom-created drug generated $76 million in total revenue over three months, a chunk of which is eventually headed to CRISPR's actual top line.
The exact amounts and time frames are still in question; both are moving targets. For what it's worth, though, the analyst community is looking for this year's collaboration and grant-led top line of $40.8 million to soar to $156.6 million next year, once Casgevy is finally driving real, tangible revenue for the company. Anything that puts the company anywhere on track for anything near that projected 2027 number will be just fine.
2. Encouraging progress from CTX310 Casgevy isn't the only drug under CRISPR's umbrella, even if it's the only one approved and on the market right now. CTX340 is a promising answer to refractory hypertension, for instance, while CTX460 showed efficacy as a potential treatment for problematic liver proteins, a condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, or AATD.
Image source: Getty Images.
Perhaps the one drug currently in the company's developmental pipeline with the potential to really move the needle, though, is CTX310, for the treatment of the cardiovascular disease linked to liver-made proteins that help regulate blood lipid levels. Using the same gene-editing science that helped create Casgevy, CRISPR Therapeutics hopes the treatment will help reduce patients' genetically high cholesterol.
Although no specific update date has been set, CRISPR reported in August that it expects to post an update of CTX310's phase 1 clinical trials currently underway sometime before the end of the year. Given the obvious need for such a treatment (the global lipid-lowering drug market will be worth nearly $50 billion per year by 2035, according to Precedence Research), encouraging developmental progress on this front could help drive shares toward Citi's recently raised price target.
3. Proving a drug like zugo-cel can work Finally, while an update on CTX310's progress could help make or break CRSPR stock in the foreseeable future, it's not the only drug in CRISPR Therapeutics' pipeline with the potential to spark bullish interest in this ticker. A chimeric antigen receptor T-cell-based investigational cancer therapy called zugocabtagene geleucel -- or Zugo-cel, for short (formerly CTX112) -- is a prospective game changer for the company as well. Just not for the reason you might think.
While effective oncology drugs' value is clear, that's not what makes zugo-cel so interesting. Rather, what merits attention here is the fact that this therapy is an allogeneic treatment. That just means while it's technically a gene-editing drug, it doesn't require a patient-specific sample to create a custom-built therapy. It simply needs a healthy starting sample from anyone to turn into a medicine that can be administered to everyone. This simpler process costs dramatically less to utilize than Casgevy's patient-specific treatment approach.
It's not just for cancer either. Although the company's using zugo-cel to address hematologic malignancies, it may hold even more promise as a treatment for a range of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, anemia, and systemic sclerosis.
The resulting upshot for the stock will largely depend on how well the market understands this allogeneic gene therapy approach is more flexible and cost-effective than Casgevy's ex-vivo approach that requires the extraction of a specific patient's stem cells.
ZUG, Switzerland and BOSTON, Oct. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) today announced that clinical data from the Phase 1b trial of CTX310®, its investigational CRISPR/Cas9 in vivo gene editing therapy targeting angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3), in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia will be presented in a late-breaking oral presentation at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2026, taking place November 6 – 9, 2026.
Abstract Title: CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Therapy Targeting ANGPTL3 for Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: Results From Phase 1b Trial
Session Type: Late-Breaking Science (Oral Presentation)
Session Title: LBS.05 New Frontiers in Cardiometabolic Risk Reduction
Session Date and Time: Monday, November 9, 2026, 8:00 a.m. CST
The accepted abstract titles are available online on the AHA website. The data in the abstract and presentation are embargoed until the date and time of presentation. A copy of the presentation will be available at www.crisprtx.com once the presentation concludes.
About In Vivo Liver Editing Programs
CRISPR Therapeutics has established a proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform to enable gene editing in the liver using both CRISPR/Cas9 and its novel, proprietary SyNTase™ editing technology. The Company's in vivo portfolio includes three cardiovascular programs: CTX310, targeting angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3), in development for heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemias, and severe hypertriglyceridemia; CTX340™, targeting angiotensinogen (AGT), in development for refractory hypertension; and CTX321™, targeting LPA, in development for patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. In addition, the Company's disclosed development candidates also include CTX460™, targeting SERPINA1 using SyNTase editing, for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
About CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. Founded over a decade ago as an early pioneer in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, the Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. Today, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad, diversified pipeline spanning hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company is also expanding its gene editing toolkit through SyNTase™ editing, its novel, proprietary platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California. To learn more, visit www.crisprtx.com.
CRISPR THERAPEUTICS® standard character mark and design logo, CTX310®, CTX321™, CTX340™, CTX460™ and SyNTase™ are trademarks and registered trademarks of CRISPR Therapeutics AG. CASGEVY® and the CASGEVY logo are registered trademarks of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CRISPR Therapeutics Forward-Looking Statement
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding any or all of the following: (i) CRISPR Therapeutics preclinical studies, clinical trials and pipeline products and programs, including, without limitation, manufacturing capabilities, status of such studies and trials and expectations regarding data, safety and efficacy generally; (ii) data included in the above-described oral presentation and any associated abstract; and (iii) the therapeutic value, development, and commercial potential of gene editing technologies and therapies, including CRISPR/Cas9, as well as other technologies. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in CRISPR Therapeutics most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in any other subsequent filings made by CRISPR Therapeutics with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, other than to the extent required by law.
In the latest close session, CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) was down 5.82% at $54.00. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily gain of 0.58%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a rise of 0.49%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw an increase of 0.45%.
Shares of the company have appreciated by 2.78% over the course of the past month, outperforming the Medical sector's loss of 4.26%, and the S&P 500's gain of 0.84%.
Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of CRISPR Therapeutics AG in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is predicted to post an EPS of -$1.06, indicating a 9.4% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $9.53 million, reflecting a 971.24% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$4.47 per share and a revenue of $30.59 million, signifying shifts of +30.91% and +771.54%, respectively, from the last year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. As of now, CRISPR Therapeutics AG holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 179, placing it within the bottom 28% of over 250 industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price. Do they really matter, though?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) .
CRISPR Therapeutics currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.95, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 22 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.95 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 22 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 11 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 50% and 4.6% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CRSP
Check price target & stock forecast for CRISPR Therapeutics here>>>
The ABR suggests buying CRISPR Therapeutics, but making an investment decision solely on the basis of this information might not be a good idea. According to several studies, brokerage recommendations have little to no success guiding investors to choose stocks with the most potential for price appreciation.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks RankAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers' vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
Furthermore, the different grades of the Zacks Rank are applied proportionately across all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide earnings estimates for the current year. In other words, at all times, this tool maintains a balance among the five ranks it assigns.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
Is CRSP Worth Investing In?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for CRISPR Therapeutics, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at -$4.47.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for CRISPR Therapeutics. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for CRISPR Therapeutics.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Over the past month, shares of this company have returned -5.1%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1% change. During this period, the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, which CRISPR Therapeutics falls in, has lost 0.5%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to post a loss of $1.06 per share, indicating a change of +9.4% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of -$4.47 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +30.9%. This estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $3.61 indicates a change of +19.2% from what CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, CRISPR Therapeutics is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
In the case of CRISPR Therapeutics, the consensus sales estimate of $9.53 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +971.2%. The $30.59 million and $120.71 million estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +771.5% and +294.6%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCRISPR Therapeutics reported revenues of $10.18 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +1043.8%. EPS of -$0.94 for the same period compares with -$1.29 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.42 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +37.28%. The EPS surprise was +14.55%.
Over the last four quarters, CRISPR Therapeutics surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
CRISPR Therapeutics is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about CRISPR Therapeutics. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
Proving a technology works and proving it can win a share of a crowded market are two different things. CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -0.26%) will soon be put to the test on both.
The biotech expects to report data for two clinical trial readouts in the coming months. For the stock to do well, the market will need to be impressed by the data, not merely have its (high) expectations confirmed. Here's what to expect.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
This RNA drug is aiming at a crowded market The first catalyst on deck for CRISPR Therapeutics stems from its CTX611 program.
CTX611 is a small interfering RNA (siRNA). It prompts a patient's body to make less of a protein called Factor XI (FXI), which is responsible for helping to form blood clots. Many medicines for that purpose exist, but the candidate's edge is that it might only need to be given two times per year, while most blood thinners on the market right now are formulated as daily pills.
An update from its Phase 2 trial is expected before the end of 2026. That study compares three dose levels of CTX611 against enoxaparin, a standard injectable blood thinner, in patients having knee replacement surgery. The precedent to know here is that in a 2021 trial of another FXI-blocking candidate called abelacimab, clots appeared in 4% of knee surgery patients on the top dose, compared to 22% of those treated with enoxaparin.
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So CRISPR's trial is already calibrated to have good odds of one-upping the standard of care, and it won't be the only candidate in development to do so if it manages to clear that bar.
Therefore, to wow the market and create a strong boost in the company's share price from the readout catalyst, CTX611 will likely need to perform better than both the comparator from its trial (enoxaparin) and other programs in development by rival biopharmas with different modalities.
The second catalyst is subject to the same dynamic The second catalyst for CRISPR is another data update due before the end of the year, this time for CTX310, an infusion that edits the genomes of liver cells to disrupt the gene for ANGPTL3.
That gene codes for a protein that reduces the rate at which fat-carrying particles are cleared from the patient's blood. Disabling it aims to decrease both the patient's level of triglycerides and their level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol -- both of which would be highly lucrative.
In a Phase 1a trial of CTX310, one year after treatment, patients who received the maximum tested dose saw their triglycerides fall by an average of 48%, and their LDL by 53%. The data update coming out is centered around people with severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), whose very high triglycerides raise the risk of acute pancreatitis.
But CRISPR might have the same issue with CTX310 as it does with CTX611.
Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals reported that its drug plozasiran, which is given four times per year and is already approved for a rare, inherited form of the disease, reduced patients' median triglycerides by about 80% in two Phase 3 trials. It plans to apply for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in sHTG before the end of 2026.
Different trials with different treatment modalities can't be compared rigorously. Still, a gene editing therapy like CTX310 can't be undone once a patient has been dosed, and the bar for it to clear is a drug that doctors can simply stop prescribing at any time if necessary. That's before even getting into the stark differences in efficacy or potential side effects.
So, is the market underestimating these catalysts? Probably not by much.
If CRISPR ends up publishing some stunning and positive data that there was no hint of in its prior releases, the stock could still go on a tear, but don't hold your breath. The competing candidates appear to be strong, and they might be viewed as less risky for patients too.
Septerna (NASDAQ:SEPN – Get Free Report) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP – Get Free Report) are both healthcare companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, profitability, earnings, valuation, analyst recommendations and dividends.
Earnings and Valuation This table compares Septerna and CRISPR Therapeutics”s top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Septerna $45.95 million 38.37 -$48.88 million ($0.54) -69.94 CRISPR Therapeutics $3.51 million 1,493.87 -$581.60 million ($4.76) -11.39 Septerna has higher revenue and earnings than CRISPR Therapeutics. Septerna is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than CRISPR Therapeutics, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Septerna and CRISPR Therapeutics, as reported by MarketBeat.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Septerna 1 1 8 1 2.82 CRISPR Therapeutics 1 6 9 1 2.59 Septerna presently has a consensus target price of $52.44, indicating a potential upside of 38.85%. CRISPR Therapeutics has a consensus target price of $67.94, indicating a potential upside of 25.28%. Given Septerna’s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts plainly believe Septerna is more favorable than CRISPR Therapeutics.
Profitability This table compares Septerna and CRISPR Therapeutics’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Septerna -24.51% -9.57% -6.28% CRISPR Therapeutics -3,368.72% -24.39% -18.25% Volatility & Risk Septerna has a beta of 2.3, suggesting that its share price is 130% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CRISPR Therapeutics has a beta of 1.76, suggesting that its share price is 76% more volatile than the S&P 500.
Institutional and Insider Ownership 69.2% of CRISPR Therapeutics shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.8% of Septerna shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 5.2% of CRISPR Therapeutics shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.
Summary Septerna beats CRISPR Therapeutics on 10 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks.
About Septerna (Get Free Report)
We are a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering a new era of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) oral small molecule drug discovery powered by our proprietary Native Complex Platform™. Our industrial-scale platform aims to unlock the full potential of GPCR therapies and has led to the discovery and development of our deep pipeline of product candidates focused initially on treating patients in three therapeutic areas: endocrinology, immunology and inflammation, and metabolic diseases. GPCRs are the largest and most diverse family of cell membrane receptors and regulate physiological processes in nearly every organ system of the human body. Due to their significant role in human diseases, GPCRs have been the most productive target class in drug discovery history, accounting for approximately one-third of all U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs, representing approximately 500 products with combined global revenue of approximately $125 billion in 2023. Despite the pharmacological and commercial success of GPCR-targeted agents, about 75% of potential GPCR therapeutic targets remain undrugged and, for certain validated GPCRs, novel binding pockets may exist that could offer enhanced therapeutic benefits. Each step in GPCR activation involves subtle conformational changes that have been historically challenging to reproduce outside of a cell. The inability to isolate GPCR proteins in their native functional form outside of a cellular context has prevented scientists from leveraging some of the state-of-the-art technologies that have revolutionized drug discovery in other major target classes over the past decade. This complex challenge has limited GPCR drug discovery, particularly the development of novel oral small molecules, such as agonists (which activate GPCR signaling) for peptide GPCRs and allosteric modulators (which either increase or decrease the degree of GPCR activation by endogenous ligands). Our proprietary Native Complex Platform™ replicates the natural structure, function, and dynamics of GPCRs outside of cells at an industrial scale for, as we believe it, the first time. Our foundational technologies enable us to isolate, purify, and reconstitute full-length, properly folded GPCR proteins within ternary complexes with ligands and transducer proteins in a lipid bilayer that mimics the cell membrane. We then apply state-of-the-art discovery tools and technologies to these defined and tunable protein complexes to structurally design, screen for, and optimize potential product candidates. Leveraging our platform, we conduct GPCR oral small molecule drug discovery using an industrialized and iterative structure-based drug design approach for a diverse collection of GPCR targets. Our Native Complex PlatformTM is designed to enable us to target specific GPCRs, uncover novel binding pockets for validated receptors, and pursue a wide spectrum of pharmacologies, including agonists, antagonists (which inhibit GPCR signaling), and allosteric modulators, to affect GPCR signaling in different ways to achieve desired therapeutic effects. We are advancing a deep portfolio of oral small molecule GPCR-targeted programs with novel mechanistic approaches to treat diseases across multiple therapeutic areas for patients with significant unmet needs. Our wholly-owned pipeline, is focused initially on three therapeutic areas: endocrinology, immunology and inflammation, and metabolic diseases. We intend to evaluate opportunities in other major therapeutic areas, such as neurology, women’s health, cardiovascular, and respiratory disease. — Leveraging our team, scientific and technical advisors, and our proprietary Native Complex Platform™, we aim to be a leader in the development of oral GPCR-targeted medicines for patients with significant unmet needs. We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in December 2019 under the name GPCR NewCo, Inc. and changed our name to Septerna, Inc. in June 2021. Our principal executive offices are located at 250 East Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California.
(Get Free Report)
CRISPR Therapeutics is a gene-editing company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise, directed changes to genomic DNA. CRISPR Therapeutics has established a portfolio of therapeutic programs across a broad range of disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. To accelerate and expand its efforts, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with companies including Bayer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and ViaCyte, Inc. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and business offices in San Francisco, California and London, United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.crisprtx.com.
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CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP – Get Free Report) General Counsel James Kasinger sold 10,400 shares of CRISPR Therapeutics stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.24, for a total transaction of $626,496.00. Following the transaction, the general counsel directly owned 94,784 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $5,709,788.16. This trade represents a 9.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link.
CRSP stock opened at $54.23 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $5.24 billion, a PE ratio of -11.39 and a beta of 1.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 17.85 and a current ratio of 17.85. The firm’s fifty day moving average is $53.76 and its 200 day moving average is $52.76. CRISPR Therapeutics AG has a one year low of $44.12 and a one year high of $78.48.
CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, June 30th. The company reported ($0.94) earnings per share for the quarter. CRISPR Therapeutics had a negative return on equity of 24.39% and a negative net margin of 3,368.72%.The firm had revenue of $10.18 million during the quarter. On average, research analysts forecast that CRISPR Therapeutics AG will post -4.58 EPS for the current year.
Key Stories Impacting CRISPR Therapeutics Here are the key news stories impacting CRISPR Therapeutics this week: Positive Sentiment: Casgevy sales momentum supports the long-term outlook. Second-quarter Casgevy sales reportedly increased 78% sequentially, suggesting improving commercial adoption of the CRISPR-based treatment developed with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. This remains the primary bullish catalyst for CRSP, although the launch has been slower than some investors initially expected. CRISPR Therapeutics: Why AI Giant Anthropic’s Discovery Has Rocked Gene Editing Positive Sentiment: Novartis’ cardiovascular trial setback could benefit competing gene-editing approaches. The failure of pelacarsen to reduce major cardiovascular events, despite lowering lipoprotein(a), may reshape the competitive landscape for companies pursuing Lp(a)-targeting medicines, including CRISPR Therapeutics. However, the implications for CRSP remain longer term and uncertain. Failure of Novartis’ Pelacarsen Could Reshape the Lp(a) Race for CRISPR and Ionis Neutral Sentiment: Analyst views remain mixed but generally constructive. CRSP has a “Moderate Buy” consensus rating and an average price target of $67.94, while individual analysts range from “Sell” to “Strong Buy.” The wide range reflects substantial pipeline upside potential but also significant clinical, commercial and cash-burn risks. CRISPR Therapeutics analyst ratings Negative Sentiment: Valuation and book-value concerns pressured sentiment. A recent analysis questioned whether the stock’s valuation is adequately supported by its book value, particularly after a substantial five-year decline. CRSP remains unprofitable, with analysts expecting a full-year loss and the company reporting a quarterly loss alongside modest revenue. CRISPR Therapeutics Stock Looks Fully Valued As Book Value Questions Linger Negative Sentiment: Insider selling added a modest cautionary signal. General Counsel James Kasinger sold 10,400 shares for approximately $626,496, reducing his holdings by 9.89%. He still retains a substantial position, so the transaction is not conclusive, but it may weigh on near-term investor sentiment. CRISPR Therapeutics General Counsel Sells Shares Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings reiterated a “sell (d-)” rating on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a research report on Friday, July 17th. HC Wainwright restated a “buy” rating on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a research report on Monday, August 31st. Needham & Company LLC reaffirmed a “buy” rating and set a $82.00 target price on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a research note on Monday, August 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a “neutral” rating and set a $55.00 target price on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a research report on Thursday, August 6th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a “market outperform” rating on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a report on Tuesday, August 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, CRISPR Therapeutics has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $67.94.
Get Our Latest Stock Report on CRISPR Therapeutics
Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CRSP. Capital International Investors grew its position in shares of CRISPR Therapeutics by 4.3% in the fourth quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 5,892,745 shares of the company’s stock valued at $309,016,000 after purchasing an additional 243,487 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in CRISPR Therapeutics by 5.0% during the fourth quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,249,223 shares of the company’s stock worth $117,971,000 after buying an additional 108,053 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new position in CRISPR Therapeutics during the fourth quarter worth approximately $25,706,000. Swiss National Bank lifted its position in CRISPR Therapeutics by 5.1% during the first quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 169,700 shares of the company’s stock worth $8,073,000 after buying an additional 8,200 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Affinity Asset Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in CRISPR Therapeutics in the 1st quarter valued at $7,136,000. 69.20% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.
About CRISPR Therapeutics (Get Free Report)
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ: CRSP) is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene-editing medicines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The company’s programs are designed to modify disease-associated genes in human cells, with the goal of treating serious conditions across hematology, oncology, autoimmune disease and regenerative medicine.
Its most advanced product is Casgevy (exa-cel), an autologous cell therapy developed in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Casgevy uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to modify a patient’s blood stem cells and is approved in several markets for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.
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CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) closed at $54.23 in the latest trading session, marking a -2.64% move from the prior day. This change lagged the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.51%. At the same time, the Dow added 0.93%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.48%.
The stock of company has fallen by 6.18% in the past month, lagging the Medical sector's loss of 3.38% and the S&P 500's gain of 0.74%.
The upcoming earnings release of CRISPR Therapeutics AG will be of great interest to investors. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of -$1.13, showcasing a 3.42% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $9.53 million, indicating a 971.24% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$4.58 per share and a revenue of $30.59 million, signifying shifts of +29.21% and +771.54%, respectively, from the last year.
Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the business and profitability.
Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-term stock moves. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 2.42% lower within the past month. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 172, which puts it in the bottom 31% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
SummaryCRISPR Therapeutics AG remains a long-term Buy, anchored by Casgevy's commercial success and management’s execution in ex vivo gene editing.Casgevy’s Q2 sales grew 78% sequentially, reinforcing its blockbuster potential despite market skepticism and slow initial uptake.Anthropic’s AI-driven gene editing discovery introduces potential competitive and funding risks, but clinical impact appears distant.I remain bullish on CRSP’s pipeline and management but acknowledge AI-driven biotech could challenge traditional gene editing’s investment case.Looking for more investing ideas like this one? Get them exclusively at Haggerston BioHealth. Learn More » Alllex/E+ via Getty Images
Investment Overview—Why I've Stayed Long with CRISPR Despite the Stock's Refusal to Break Out I have been covering the Swiss-based gene therapy specialist drug developer CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) in notes for Seeking Alpha
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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CRSP, NTLA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Choosing between the cutting-edge potential of CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -1.23%) and the established commercial success of Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX +1.56%) is a classic debate for biotech investors. Both companies are currently shaping the future of medicine through gene-based therapies.
CRISPR Therapeutics is a younger, research-focused pioneer that recently achieved its first product approval. Vertex is a cash-generating giant that provides the commercial muscle and funding for their shared lead program. Comparing these two reveals very different approaches to the high-stakes world of modern medicine.
The case for CRISPR Therapeutics CRISPR Therapeutics focuses on developing transformative medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing platform. Its primary business strategy involves collaborating with larger partners to bring complex treatments like CASGEVY to patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. This helps the company manage the high costs of biotech stocks that are moving from research to commercialization.
In its latest annual report, filed for FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $3.5 million, which represented a 90% decrease from the prior year. This drop occurred because revenue in earlier periods was driven by large one-time milestone payments from partners rather than recurring sales. Consequently, the company reported a net loss of approximately $581.6 million for the year as it continued to invest heavily in its research pipeline.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was roughly 0.2x. This ratio measures total debt against the value of what shareholders own, suggesting the company maintains a conservative debt level. The current ratio, which shows the ability to pay short-term debts with short-term assets, was roughly 13.3x. Free cash flow, the cash left after paying for operations and equipment, was a negative $345.9 million.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals is the world leader in treating cystic fibrosis, which provides a massive and stable revenue stream for the company. It sells its medicines primarily to specialty pharmacies and distributors globally, as well as major wholesalers in the U.S. This core business allows Vertex to fund ambitious expansions into acute pain, kidney disease, and its gene-editing partnership with CRISPR Therapeutics.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $12.1 billion, representing an increase of roughly 9.6% year-over-year. The company reported a healthy net margin of approximately 32.7%, which measures the percentage of revenue remaining as profit after all expenses are paid. This high profitability highlights the company's ability to generate significant earnings from its specialized portfolio of treatments.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio was approximately 0.2x. This indicates that the company carries very little debt compared to its total shareholder equity. The current ratio was nearly 2.9x, which indicates a strong ability to cover near-term financial obligations. Free cash flow was close to $3.2 billion, providing the company with plenty of cash for potential acquisitions or internal research projects.
Risk profile comparisonCRISPR Therapeutics faces significant ongoing operating losses and there is no guarantee it will achieve future profitability. The company relies heavily on Vertex for the commercial success and manufacturing of CASGEVY, and it may need to raise more capital, which could dilute existing shareholders. Additionally, it is involved in a patent infringement lawsuit initiated by ToolGen in late 2025 regarding its core gene-editing technology.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals deals with substantial revenue concentration, as most of its sales come from its cystic fibrosis medicines. The company also faces pressure from global drug pricing and cost-containment initiatives, such as state-level affordability boards in the U.S. It also manages complex manufacturing requirements for its new cell therapies and faces potential royalty disputes. To diversify, it maintains strategic collaborations with partners like Zai Lab (ZLAB -6.11%) for Asian markets.
Valuation comparisonVertex Pharmaceuticals appears more established with a lower sales multiple, while CRISPR Therapeutics shows a lower price relative to its future earnings estimates.
MetricCRISPR TherapeuticsVertex PharmaceuticalsForward P/EN/A39.9xP/S ratio402.6x10.7xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Which stock would I buy in 2026?I'd go with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The breadth of its execution across multiple programs simultaneously is rare in biotech, and its cystic fibrosis treatments have become the standard of care for most patients living with the condition. A new pain drug is also gaining commercial traction while CASGEVY is expanding its patient reach. And a recently completed acquisition adds a kidney disease drug awaiting an imminent FDA approval decision, which could open up an entirely new growth chapter.
CRISPR Therapeutics has built something remarkable, with a gene-editing therapy that is approved, commercially successful, and expanding to younger patients. The pipeline is pushing into cardiovascular disease and other areas that could add meaningful new growth engines over time. But CRISPR is still losing a substantial amount of money every quarter, and the investment case depends on continued execution across a pipeline that is still proving itself.
Vertex has already done the hard work of turning a scientific breakthrough into a durable, growing business. CRISPR is earlier in that journey, and the distance between them is still substantial.
CRISPR Therapeutics owns the only approved gene therapy of its kind, yet the stock sits far below where Wall Street thinks it belongs. One analyst sees a path to gains that would embarrass the broader market, but the numbers tell…
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CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP | CRSP Price Prediction) trades at $59.03, while the average Wall Street price target sits at $87.56. That leaves the stock roughly 48% below where analyst consensus thinks it belongs.
The Swiss-domiciled biotech co-developed CASGEVY with Vertex (NASDAQ:VRTX), the first CRISPR-based gene therapy ever cleared for commercial use. It treats sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia and is now approved in 39 countries. Partner-reported CASGEVY revenue jumped 151% year over year in Q2 to $76M.
Commercial progress has not translated to the stock. One Piper Sandler analyst carries a Street-high $110 target, implying roughly 86% upside from here.
Twelve Months of Sideways Grinding on Weak Revenue CRSP is down 4.94% over the past year while the S&P 500 climbed 15.98%. The damage came from steady drift rather than any single blowup. Full-year 2025 revenue was $3.51M, and Q4 2025 revenue collapsed 97.5% year over year to $864K as Vertex’s cost-deferral arrangement lapsed and collaboration expense spiked to $53.7M. Q1 2026 revenue then missed by 65.73%.
Cash burn was heavy, with a 2025 net loss of $581.6M. Even after Q2’s 37% revenue beat, the market has treated CRSP as a story stock in limbo.
Piper Sandler’s $110 Anchors the Bull Case The most aggressive published call belongs to Edward Tenthoff at Piper Sandler, who reiterated Overweight and lifted his target to $110 after CRISPR closed a $600 million convertible note offering that pushed pro forma cash to roughly $2.56 billion. That balance sheet fully funds R&D for years without dilutive equity raises.
Tenthoff models 2026 CASGEVY revenue around $300 million on roughly 150 patient starts, with FDA clearance for children ages 5-11 opening a fresh cohort via priority review vouchers. Consensus is nowhere near that bullish; the Street’s 2026 revenue estimate sits at just $40.83M, climbing to $156.58M in 2027. Any acceleration in uptake could trigger sharp revisions.
The wholly-owned pipeline is the wild card, with CTX310 Phase 1b durability data due at the ESC Congress and zugo-cel autoimmune and B-cell lymphoma readouts pending.
EPS revisions have skewed upward, with 12 upward revisions in the trailing 30 days versus 3 down for FY2026.
Every Gene-Editing Name Sits at a Steep Discount The whole cohort is dislocated, and CRISPR is actually the least discounted of the group. Intellia Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NTLA) trades at $12.69 versus a $24.00 consensus target for about 89% implied upside, though shares are down 26.48% over the past year.
Beam Therapeutics (NASDAQ:BEAM) sits at $25.93 against a $52.15 average target, roughly 101% upside, with analysts almost unanimously Buy-rated (13 of 15). Editas Medicine (NASDAQ:EDIT) is a $2.92 stub with a $6.00 target for roughly 105% implied upside, though 2 Strong Sells against 6 Buys signal real skepticism.
Analyst targets are not guarantees anywhere in this space. While EDIT shows the largest implied gap on paper, CRSP is the only name in this group with an approved commercial product generating partner-reported revenue.
Consensus Says 48%, Piper Says 86% CRSP trades at $59.03 with a $5.71B market cap. The consensus $87.56 target across 22 covering analysts implies about 48% upside; Piper Sandler’s Street-high $110 implies roughly 86%.
Shares are up 13.89% on the week, up 12.57% year to date, and down 4.94% over the past year. The S&P 500 is up 13.41% YTD and 15.98% over the past year.
Where I Land on CRISPR CRISPR Therapeutics looks compelling here if you believe CASGEVY’s commercial ramp is inevitable and the $2.36B cash cushion gives the in vivo pipeline time to prove itself. But the setup weakens if consensus 2026 revenue of $40.83M already feels generous and you expect pipeline readouts to disappoint.
Bull path: CASGEVY accelerates via pediatric expansion, CTX310 delivers durable Lp(a) reductions, and the Street revises upward toward Piper’s number. Bear path: partner-recognized revenue stays lumpy, gene editing remains out of favor, and cash-burning biotechs stay in the penalty box.
I lean cautiously constructive. CRSP is the only company in this peer group with an approved product on the market, and it trades at less than half of the Street-high target. That risk-reward looks favorable to me, provided you can stomach the volatility.
Contact [email protected] for any questions or corrections.
It's been a disappointing couple of years for shareholders of biotechnology outfit CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -1.33%). This stock's barely up since the end of 2022, lagging the broad market's gains. It's not the performance that investors keeping tabs on this company were expecting, given its potential.
Don't be discouraged, though. While still speculative like most young biotech names, CRISPR Therapeutics remains a compelling prospect for investors who can stomach the risk and its inevitable volatility. Here's why.
On the off-chance you're reading this and aren't already familiar with the company, CRISPR Therapeutics is a drug developer that specializes in gene editing.
Image source: Getty Images.
It's probably an area you've heard a great deal about. No gene-editing drugs were actually on the market in the United States until CRISPR Therapeutics' Casgevy was approved by the FDA as a treatment for sickle cell disease in late 2023. Any and all gene therapies currently on the market followed this pioneer's foray. Being first is a well-deserved accolade for the company, too, which was co-founded by Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier, who was one of the co-discoverers of the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing mechanism that makes Casgevy work.
CRISPR -- short for "clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats" -- is a specific sequence on a strand of DNA that can be spliced into with a protein called Cas9, allowing it to be replaced with a genetically correct sequence. Charpentier's work, along with Jennifer Doudna's, was so pivotal that the duo won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020. CRISPR Therapeutics had already done a great deal of developmental work by then, however, recognizing the potential of being able to "fix" damaged genetic code, treating many diseases at the root of their problem.
And at times, this stock performed as brilliantly as you might expect it to ... particularly when the company's co-founder won a Nobel Prize for her work. Other times (and since then), not so much, including this year's lethargic performance.
Just don't give up hope yet. The best is yet to come.
3 reasons CRSP stock is still a buy There's still risk here to be sure. That's just the nature of all biotech stocks, and pre-profit, pre-revenue companies in particular.
There are also reasons to be cautiously bullish, though, three of which stand out from the rest.
1. Revenue is coming Despite the drug being approved all the way back in 2023, it's hard to ignore that CRISPR Therapeutics hasn't officially reported any Casgevy revenue. Don't misunderstand, though. The sickle cell treatment is being administered and accruing revenue. The company just can't book any of it yet.
The holdup is the time required to complete a treatment regimen. Since each treatment is custom-created for that particular patient, the entire process can take up to a year to complete. That's when revenue finally gets officially booked.
It's coming, though. As the company's second-quarter report points out, the drug technically accrued $76 million worth of revenue in Q2, up 78% year over year. Even after treatment partner Vertex Pharmaceutical (VRTX -1.55%) takes its cut, analysts expect CRISPR Therapeutics to report sales of $156 million next year, well up from this year's $41 million in (mostly grant and developmental) revenue, en route to a top line of more than $600 million in 2028.
Even just a hint of this progress could spark some bullishness from this stock.
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2. Its pipeline is underappreciated Largely lost in all the hullabaloo surrounding Casgvey is the fact that CRISPR Therapeutics is working on so much more. Its research and development pipeline currently includes clinical trials of oncology drugs, cardiovascular disease treatments, and others. For instance, its CTX310 is particularly promising as a means of lowering cholesterol. Although still only in phase 1 clinical trials, the in-vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing therapy targeting ANGPTL3 (the liver-made Angiopoietin-like protein 3) that stifles fat-reducing enzymes showed reductions of between 50% and 80% of this protein, depending on the dose.
And another drug, only known as CTX611, is demonstrating strong efficacy as a treatment for thromboembolic and cardiovascular indications, with pivotal phase 2 trial updates anticipated before the end of this year, along with a handful of other developmental updates.
These updates could rekindle bullish sentiment simply by reminding investors that the company is working on profit centers other than Casgevy.
3. It's a drug development platform with enormous potential Finally, look beyond Casgevy, CTX310, and CTX611 at the underlying biotechnology itself. CRISPR Therapeutics' well-patented CRISPR/Cas9 approach to editing genetic code has nearly unlimited possibilities as a drug development platform. It's just a matter of determining which opportunities are most promising and putting its $2.3 billion worth of accessible liquidity to work.
To this end, Precedence Research believes the global CRISPR-based gene-editing drug market is poised to grow at an average annual rate of 12.9% through 2035, reaching nearly $15 billion. Given that the company was co-founded by the geneticist who won a Nobel Prize for this very science, CRISPR Therapeutics is obviously well-positioned to capture at least its fair share of this growth.
It could also be an acquisition target, though that alone is never a sufficient reason to buy or hold a speculative stock. In this instance, there are more than enough other reasons.
Technically sophisticated gene-editing biotechs like CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP +9.80%) could become dramatically more capable over the next 10 years if their most ambitious plans come to fruition. If that happens, it'd likely make those who invest today much wealthier.
But where exactly will CRISPR Therapeutics be in 2036, given what it's doing today and what it wants to do tomorrow?
Image source: Getty Images.
What the company is building toward Today, CRISPR has one approved medicine, Casgevy, for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. The biotech's collaboration partner, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, sells the medicine and takes 60% of the profit.
Its second-quarter 2026 revenue came to $10.2 million against a net loss of $91.2 million, driven mostly by research spending. The therapy is still a heavy lift to give someone, requiring cell collection, editing in a lab, chemical treatment to clear the bone marrow, and reinfusion at a transplant center. That burden is what the company is trying to engineer away.
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The company's answer is to do the gene-editing process inside the patient's body instead, turning a logistically complicated workflow into an infusion of a standardized therapeutic product. The company assesses that change would expand the pool of addressable patients worldwide from 150,000 to 400,000.
Another technical bet, SyNTase editing, seeks to solve a different issue entirely by correcting a mutation in a living organism instead of switching a dysfunctional gene off. Many inherited diseases need a broken protein restored rather than simply deactivated, so having a tool that does gene sequence correction would substantially widen the universe of potentially treatable diseases.
The pipeline program using this form of editing, CTX460, which is intended to treat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), entered its phase 1 trial this year. Phase 1 assets that eventually reach approval take an average of 10.5 years to get there, so by 2036, it should be fairly clear whether this tech will work as desired.
If it succeeds, it'll be a landmark for the entire discipline of gene editing and make CRISPR the owner of several different proven technologies, all of which could be used to develop more medicines, potentially including combination therapies utilizing multiple gene-editing approaches at the same time for superior effect.
How things could play out Let's now turn to three possible scenarios for CRISPR's position in 2036, assuming that its ambitions regarding gene editing are largely fulfilled.
In the least positive scenario, some of CRISPR's programs end up hitting the same problem that the big pharma company Novartis just recently ran into with one of its own lipid-lowering candidates.
In short, it's possible for a gene-editing therapy to succeed in its editing capacity, causing a patient's biomarkers to show a commensurate improvement, and then for the desired therapeutic outcome, like preventing heart attacks in Novartis' case, to never materialize. Worse, given the nature of CRISPR's line of business, developing gene-editing therapies, it could have that same problem multiple times in different disease contexts. This scenario would still see the stock priced higher than it is today, as the underlying technology would have multiple new proofs of its effectiveness, and the business would still likely have at least one or two new therapies approved for sale, but its growth trajectory might be a bit underwhelming overall.
The base case for the biotech would see two or three new approvals, like perhaps with its CTX310 program for severe hypertriglyceridemia, which is in phase 1b. The program's addressable population runs above 1 million U.S. patients, counting severe hypertriglyceridemia alongside refractory cholesterol disorders, and that sum might be even higher in 10 years. If a few new approvals happen, the stock will probably be worth a few multiples of what it's worth today.
The most bullish scenario would occur if the business were able to develop precise stem cell editing techniques to work in living people. This is where the promise of gene editing as conveyed in science fiction would start to look potentially attainable, and it's also where it's the hardest to predict exactly where the upside for investors would end. Though this scenario would require the company to make significant progress in its early pipeline over the next seven years or so, it's entirely possible.
So, given these possibilities and understanding that the reality might be a lot more mundane, is this stock worth buying?
If you're willing to hold it for the next decade or so, it's certainly worth a shot; CRISPR Therapeutics has a high potential to aim for the moon, fall short, and end up among the stars.
Investors often turn to recommendations made by Wall Street analysts before making a Buy, Sell, or Hold decision about a stock. While media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm employed (or sell-side) analysts often affect a stock's price, do they really matter?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let's see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) .
CRISPR Therapeutics currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.95, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 22 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.95 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 22 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 11 are Strong Buy and one is Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 50% and 4.6% of all recommendations.
Brokerage Recommendation Trends for CRSP
Check price target & stock forecast for CRISPR Therapeutics here>>>
While the ABR calls for buying CRISPR Therapeutics, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Are you wondering why? The vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover often results in a strong positive bias of their analysts in rating it. Our research shows that for every "Strong Sell" recommendation, brokerage firms assign five "Strong Buy" recommendations.
This means that the interests of these institutions are not always aligned with those of retail investors, giving little insight into the direction of a stock's future price movement. It would therefore be best to use this information to validate your own analysis or a tool that has proven to be highly effective at predicting stock price movements.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock's price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
Zacks Rank Should Not Be Confused With ABRAlthough both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1--5, they are different measures altogether.
Broker recommendations are the sole basis for calculating the ABR, which is typically displayed in decimals (such as 1.28). The Zacks Rank, on the other hand, is a quantitative model designed to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
Analysts employed by brokerage firms have been and continue to be overly optimistic with their recommendations. Since the ratings issued by these analysts are more favorable than their research would support because of the vested interest of their employers, they mislead investors far more often than they guide.
On the other hand, earnings estimate revisions are at the core of the Zacks Rank. And empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
Another key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank is freshness. The ABR is not necessarily up-to-date when you look at it. But, since brokerage analysts keep revising their earnings estimates to account for a company's changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in indicating future price movements.
Is CRSP Worth Investing In?Looking at the earnings estimate revisions for CRISPR Therapeutics, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at -$4.47.
Analysts' steady views regarding the company's earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for CRISPR Therapeutics. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for CRISPR Therapeutics.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $51.80, moving -2.19% from the previous trading session. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.45%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a drop of 0.63%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.78%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the company had lost 2.43% lagged the Medical sector's gain of 0.57% and the S&P 500's loss of 1.99%.
The upcoming earnings release of CRISPR Therapeutics AG will be of great interest to investors. The company is predicted to post an EPS of -$1.06, indicating a 9.4% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $9.53 million, up 971.24% from the year-ago period.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$4.47 per share and a revenue of $30.59 million, signifying shifts of +30.91% and +771.54%, respectively, from the last year.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the business outlook.
Our research shows that these estimate changes are directly correlated with near-term stock prices. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 1.25% higher. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 169, finds itself in the bottom 32% echelons of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Make sure to utilize Zacks.com to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and more, in the coming trading sessions.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Shares of this company have returned -2.4% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -2% change. The Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, to which CRISPR Therapeutics belongs, has gained 2.9% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to post a loss of $1.06 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
The consensus earnings estimate of -$4.47 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +30.9%. This estimate has changed +1.3% over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $3.61 indicates a change of +19.2% from what CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -0.6%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, CRISPR Therapeutics is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of CRISPR Therapeutics, the consensus sales estimate of $9.53 million for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +971.2%. The $30.59 million and $120.71 million estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +771.5% and +294.6%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCRISPR Therapeutics reported revenues of $10.18 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +1043.8%. EPS of -$0.94 for the same period compares with -$1.29 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7.42 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +37.28%. The EPS surprise was +14.55%.
Over the last four quarters, CRISPR Therapeutics surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates just once over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
CRISPR Therapeutics is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about CRISPR Therapeutics. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
3 Biotech Stocks That Could Benefit from the Patent CliffCRISPR Therapeutics NASDAQ: CRSP CEO Sam Kulkarni outlined the company’s commercial and clinical priorities during a Morgan Stanley discussion, highlighting continued adoption of CASGEVY and expected data updates across several pipeline programs by the end of 2026.
Kulkarni said the company’s strategy rests on several layers of potential value: the commercial launch of CASGEVY, three later-stage assets that could be positioned for pivotal studies next year, early clinical programs, and research efforts in areas including in vivo cell editing.
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CASGEVY launch and pediatric expansion CRISPR Therapeutics Gains After Earnings as Pipeline Hope GrowsCASGEVY, which CRISPR Therapeutics markets with Vertex Pharmaceuticals for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, recently received an FDA label expansion for patients ages 2 years and older. Kulkarni described the pediatric indication as a “great tailwind,” citing Vertex’s most recently disclosed quarterly CASGEVY revenue of approximately $76 million and more than 100 patient initiations per quarter.
He said the pediatric population could support additional treatment starts because more children’s hospitals have experience with the required procedures and because earlier intervention may help patients avoid disease-related organ damage.
CRSPR Stock Could Be Ready to Deliver on Its Massive PromiseAccording to Kulkarni, many initial launch bottlenecks—including reimbursement processes, hospital contracting and manufacturing capacity—have largely been addressed. However, the treatment journey can still take six to nine months or longer from initiation to treatment. He said delays are not primarily related to manufacturing, but can reflect exchange transfusions before cell collection and patient scheduling needs.
Kulkarni also pointed to potential gentler conditioning regimens as a future growth driver. He said a regimen that could reduce hospital stays to roughly three days or less, compared with two or three weeks, could broaden access among more moderate patients. He added that CRISPR Therapeutics is pursuing in vivo hematopoietic stem cell editing, which he said could ultimately expand treatment beyond the current markets in the U.S. and Western Europe.
CTX310 data expected in severe hypertriglyceridemia The company expects to report Phase 1b data for CTX310 in severe hypertriglyceridemia by year-end. CTX310 is designed as a one-time CRISPR-Cas9 treatment targeting ANGPTL3, a protein associated with lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk.
Kulkarni said data presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting showed reductions of up to 80% in ANGPTL3 at higher dose levels, along with reductions of nearly 50% in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in a mixed Phase 1a population. He said the company observed that ANGPTL3 reductions remained at approximately 80% one year after treatment in the data presented.
The Phase 1b study is evaluating more defined patient populations, including severe hypertriglyceridemia, mixed dyslipidemia and refractory hypercholesterolemia. Kulkarni said the immediate focus is severe hypertriglyceridemia, where CRISPR Therapeutics aims to assess triglyceride reduction and additional biomarkers such as LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C and hepatic fat fraction.
He also said ANGPTL3 may be complementary to PCSK9 therapies, citing Phase 1a patients who were already receiving PCSK9 treatment and experienced additional LDL reductions. The company plans to use the Phase 1b results to discuss potential pivotal trial designs with regulators.
Factor XI and autoimmune programs CRISPR Therapeutics also expects year-end top-line Phase 2 data for CTX611, an siRNA therapy targeting Factor XI that is being developed with Sirius Therapeutics. The ongoing study is in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty and compares CTX611 with enoxaparin.
Kulkarni said the program seeks to provide anticoagulation with less bleeding risk than existing direct oral anticoagulants. He said prior Phase 1 studies showed up to 95% reduction in Factor XI. The company expects the Phase 2 update to include high-level comparisons of venous thromboembolism rates between treatment arms, while more detailed bleeding information is expected later.
Potential future settings discussed included secondary stroke prevention, atrial fibrillation patients unable to use direct oral anticoagulants, cancer-associated thrombosis and surgical applications. CRISPR Therapeutics is responsible for Phase 3 development and potential commercialization of CTX611, according to Kulkarni.
For zugo-cel, its allogeneic CAR-T program, the company is prioritizing B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases. Kulkarni said CRISPR Therapeutics is conducting a basket trial across indications that include systemic sclerosis and myositis, with additional data expected by year-end. The company expects those results to help determine whether one or more indications could advance toward pivotal development.
Earlier pipeline and technology priorities Kulkarni said clinical data from the company’s alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency program and CTX340 for refractory hypertension are expected in 2027. CTX340 targets angiotensinogen, and Kulkarni said changes in blood pressure could potentially be observed within days after gene editing.
Beyond individual programs, he said CRISPR Therapeutics is working to broaden delivery beyond the liver to areas such as the hematopoietic and immune systems, kidneys, central nervous system and muscle. The company is also pursuing more advanced editing approaches, including whole-gene insertion.
Kulkarni said the company is increasingly using artificial intelligence in regulatory writing, operational activities and product design. He said AI tools are helping the company evaluate mutations, optimize editing strategies and potentially accelerate advancement of programs into the clinic.
About CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP)CRISPR Therapeutics AG NASDAQ: CRSP is a biotechnology company focused on developing gene-editing medicines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The company's programs are designed to modify disease-associated genes in human cells, with the goal of treating serious conditions across hematology, oncology, autoimmune disease and regenerative medicine.
Its most advanced product is Casgevy (exa-cel), an autologous cell therapy developed in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Casgevy uses CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to modify a patient's blood stem cells and is approved in several markets for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia.
This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].
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CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) Morgan Stanley 24th Annual Global Healthcare Conference September 14, 2026 1:05 PM EDT
Company Participants
Samarth Kulkarni - CEO & Chairman
Conference Call Participants
Maxwell Skor - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Presentation
Maxwell Skor
Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Hello, everyone. I'm Max Skor, biotech analyst with Morgan Stanley. And before we get started, for important disclosures, please see the Morgan Stanley research disclosure website at www.morganstanley.com/researchdisclosures.
And with that, I'd like to welcome Sam Kulkarni, CEO of CRISPR Therapeutics. Thank you very much for joining us today.
Samarth Kulkarni
CEO & Chairman
Thank you for having us.
Question-and-Answer Session
Maxwell Skor
Morgan Stanley, Research Division
So maybe just to start off, Sam, you can kind of set the stage for us, walk us through CRISPR Therapeutics' key priorities, milestones through year-end and where the portfolio stands overall.
Samarth Kulkarni
CEO & Chairman
Yes, happy to. And '26 has been a great year for us so far as we move to the next phase of the company. But what we have are several layers of value. One is CASGEVY, which is our commercial product for sickle cell and thalassemia, which we are partnered with Vertex On, and that's showing a very nice trajectory from a revenue standpoint, and we expect that to be a multibillion-dollar opportunity.
The second is 3 assets that could potentially be ready for Phase III next year or pivotals next year. And these are namely CTX310, which targets ANGPTL3. This is for a 1-shot reduction of cardiovascular risk by using CRISPR/Cas9 to reduce the ANGPTL3. We have zugo-cel, which is an allogeneic CAR-T, which is off the shelf, very convenient, and it could do a onetime immune reset for various B-cell-driven autoimmune diseases.
And the third being CTX611, which is our siRNA, which we're partnered
Choosing between a mature pharmaceutical giant and a speculative gene-editing pioneer requires a clear understanding of your personal risk tolerance. Do you prefer AbbVie (ABBV +1.54%) or CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP +0.60%) in 2026?
AbbVie is a diversified pharmaceutical company that provides stable cash flows through its established drug portfolio. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm focused on the high-reward potential of gene therapy. These companies represent two ends of the healthcare spectrum, making them a fascinating pair for investors to compare.
The case for AbbVieMany investors view the choice between these two as a classic biotech vs pharma comparison, where established stability meets high-stakes innovation. AbbVie focuses on discovering and commercializing medicines for complex health issues, with a strong emphasis on its immunology and aesthetics segments. The company distributes its products primarily through large wholesalers, including McKesson (MCK +1.78%), Cardinal Health (CAH -0.16%), and Cencora (COR +0.69%). Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business, as these three distributors handle nearly all of its pharmaceutical products in the United States.
In FY 2025, revenue reached close to $61.2 billion, indicating growth of approximately 8.6% compared to the previous year. This revenue performance supported a net income of roughly $4.2 billion for the same period. While the net margin decreased slightly from previous years to 6.9%, the company maintains a massive global footprint with products serving patients in over 175 countries. The growth in newer products like Skyrizi and Rinvoq helps offset the impact of competition for older medications.
AbbVie carries a debt-to-equity ratio of -21.1x according to its December 2025 balance sheet. This figure means total liabilities exceed shareholder equity. The current ratio, which measures a company's ability to cover its short-term obligations with its current assets, is approximately 0.7x. Despite these balance sheet metrics, the company remains a cash-generating engine, producing free cash flow of nearly $17.8 billion in FY 2025. Free cash flow is the cash left over after a company pays for its operating activities and capital expenditures.
The case for CRISPR TherapeuticsCRISPR Therapeutics operates at the frontier of genomic medicine, developing therapies that aim to cure diseases by editing the human genome. The company is highly dependent on Vertex (VERX +6.20%) for the development and commercialization of its lead program, CASGEVY. Currently, the company does not generate revenue from the direct sale of its own products, instead receiving 40% of the net profits or losses from its collaborative programs. This business model relies heavily on the long-term success of its partners and the adoption of its novel technology.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $3.5 million, which represents a 90% decline from the prior year when milestone payments were higher. The company reported a net loss of approximately $581.6 million for the fiscal year. This loss is characteristic of biotechnology firms that invest heavily in research and development before their products reach full commercial scale. Because the company is still in its growth phase, its income statement is often defined by these high levels of spending relative to current revenue.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the company maintains a very conservative capital structure with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.2x. This ratio measures total debt against shareholder equity and suggests that the company is not heavily burdened by debt. The current ratio is an impressive 13.3x, indicating a strong ability to meet short-term financial needs. However, the company is still burning cash, with free cash flow for FY 2025 resulting in a loss of close to $345.9 million.
Risk profile comparisonAbbVie faces significant revenue concentration risks, as a large portion of its sales comes from just a few key immunology drugs. This leaves the company vulnerable to competitive pressures and the loss of patent protection. Additionally, government-mandated pricing controls under the Inflation Reduction Act impact the net revenue of several major products. Intense competition from biosimilars, particularly those targeting Humira, continues to be a primary concern for the business. Legal challenges and patent litigation regarding product exclusivity also create ongoing uncertainty for shareholders.
CRISPR Therapeutics faces risks related to its financial viability, as the company expects to incur significant losses for the foreseeable future. There is a high dependence on Vertex for the commercial success of its primary programs, and the company lacks control over many essential activities. The gene-editing technology itself is novel and largely unproven over long periods, leading to regulatory and clinical uncertainty. Furthermore, the company is navigating a complex legal landscape regarding its patents and is involved in litigation with ToolGen that could impact its future operations.
Valuation comparisonAbbVie offers a more traditional valuation based on its massive cash flow, while CRISPR Therapeutics appears expensive on a sales basis.
MetricAbbVieCRISPR TherapeuticsForward P/E18.3xN/AP/S ratio7.4x373.4xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
Investors use the Forward P/E to compare the stock price to future earnings estimates, while the P/S ratio compares the company value to its annual revenue.
I'd go with AbbVie. Its immunology franchise is operating at a level that is difficult to find anywhere else in pharma right now. Skyrizi and Rinvoq are each growing at a pace that keeps pushing management to raise its full-year outlook and the period of painful revenue loss from Humira losing its patent protection is mostly over. The neuroscience portfolio is adding a second major growth engine to an already profitable business, and a growing dividend makes the wait more comfortable.
CRISPR Therapeutics, to its credit, is doing something that very few biotech companies have ever managed. Its Casgevy is an approved, commercially successful gene-editing therapy. Revenue is accelerating, and a recent FDA approval for children as young as two dramatically expanded the eligible patient population.
But CRISPR is still losing a substantial amount of money every quarter, and the entire investment case depends on continued execution over many years. For a long-term investor who wants biotech exposure without betting everything on clinical outcomes, AbbVie is the more comfortable place to put your money.
The healthcare sector is evolving as traditional drug development meets revolutionary gene editing. Investors are now choosing between Axsome Therapeutics (AXSM +5.49%) and CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -0.10%) for their medical portfolios.
Axsome focuses on commercializing treatments for central nervous system disorders, while CRISPR is a leader in gene-based medicines using its flagship platform. Both companies are at critical stages of their development. They offer different risk and reward profiles for investors interested in the future of medicine and the biotech industry.
The case for Axsome TherapeuticsAxsome Therapeutics develops therapies for central nervous system (CNS) conditions including depression, migraine, and narcolepsy. It currently markets medicines such as AUVELITY and SUNOSI in the United States, with SUNOSI also reaching international markets. In June 2026, the company settled patent litigation for SUNOSI, which helps clear the path for its continued commercial focus among biotech stocks.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $638.5 million, representing a significant increase from the previous year. This growth of approximately 65.5% was driven by the strong commercial uptake of its leading CNS products. Despite this rising revenue, the company reported a net margin of negative 28.7%, resulting in a net loss of roughly $183.2 million for the period.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is 2.7x, which measures total debt against the value of shareholder equity. The current ratio is roughly 1.6x, indicating the company's ability to cover short-term debts with its current assets. Free cash flow for the year was negative $93.9 million, representing the cash used in operations and the expansion of its product pipeline.
The case for CRISPR TherapeuticsCRISPR Therapeutics focuses on creating gene-based medicines using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. Its most notable success is CASGEVY, an approved therapy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. The company relies heavily on its partnership with Vertex (VERX -1.22%), as Vertex holds the primary responsibility for the global commercialization of this pioneering treatment.
In FY 2025, revenue reached roughly $3.5 million, which represents a decrease of nearly 90% compared to the prior year. This decline reflects a shift away from large one-time collaboration payments toward the early, more gradual stages of product commercialization. For the fiscal year, the company reported a net margin of negative 16,569.8% and a net loss of approximately $581.6 million.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is roughly 0.2x, which indicates a low level of debt relative to shareholder equity. The current ratio is approximately 13.3x, showing a very high level of liquidity and short-term financial flexibility. Free cash flow was negative $345.9 million, as the company continues to invest heavily in its research and clinical programs.
Risk profile comparisonAxsome Therapeutics faces risks related to its ongoing losses and high capital requirements for its various pipeline candidates. The company depends on the continued commercial success of a limited number of products like AUVELITY and SUNOSI. It also faces intense competition in the CNS disorder market from major players like Pfizer (PFE -0.34%), alongside potential impacts from evolving trade policies and regulatory environments.
CRISPR Therapeutics is highly dependent on the success of CASGEVY and its strategic partnership with Vertex. The pioneering nature of gene editing involves long-term safety questions and high manufacturing complexity that could affect future growth. Furthermore, the company must navigate a contested patent landscape and the need for additional capital to fund its extensive research and development without a guarantee of profitability.
Valuation comparisonAxsome features a lower P/S ratio relative to sales, while CRISPR offers a lower Forward P/E relative to future earnings estimates.
MetricAxsome TherapeuticsCRISPR TherapeuticsForward P/E35.0x12.6xP/S ratio13.8x450.5xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
I'd go with CRISPR Therapeutics, though Axsome makes this closer than it might seem. Axsome has drugs on the market and growing revenue, and a new FDA approval for Alzheimer's agitation adds a new indication to its commercial portfolio. For investors who prefer owning a company already generating revenue at scale, it has a credible story.
But CRISPR is doing remarkable work that very few biotech companies have ever done. It has turned a gene-editing platform into an approved, commercially successful therapy. CASGEVY, its treatment for sickle cell disease and a related blood disorder, just received FDA approval for children as young as two years old, dramatically expanding the pool of eligible patients. Revenue is accelerating, losses are narrowing, and the company has enough cash to fund operations for years without raising more money.
The pipeline beyond CASGEVY is expanding into cardiovascular disease and other areas, adding long-term optionality that Axsome simply can't match right now. For a long-term investor comfortable with biotech risk, CRISPR is the stronger pick.
Investors often face a choice between the stability of established giants and the high-stakes potential of clinical-stage innovators. Deciding between Amgen (AMGN -0.71%) and CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -0.10%) requires balancing immediate dividends against long-term scientific breakthroughs.
Amgen is a global leader in traditional drug manufacturing with a vast portfolio of approved therapies. In contrast, CRISPR Therapeutics is a pioneer in gene-editing technology, recently launching its first commercial product. This comparison explores which approach offers a more compelling opportunity for your portfolio in 2026.
The case for AmgenAmgen develops medicines for heart disease, obesity, and rare diseases among healthcare stocks. Its portfolio includes treatments for inflammatory conditions and various cancers, serving patients in more than 100 countries. The company distributes products primarily through three wholesalers: McKesson (MCK -0.10%), Cencora (COR -0.59%), and Cardinal Health (CAH -1.06%). These three companies accounted for nearly 77% of worldwide gross revenues in 2025. Customer concentration like this adds a layer of risk to the business.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $36.7 billion, representing a growth of approximately 9.9% over the previous year. The company reported a net income of close to $7.7 billion for the same period, indicating a net margin of roughly 21%, an improvement over the 12.2% seen in 2024. These figures reflect the steady demand for its core products despite a shifting regulatory landscape.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is nearly 6.3x. This ratio shows how much debt a company uses relative to shareholder equity. The current ratio, which compares short-term assets to liabilities, is roughly 1.1x. Free cash flow, or the cash left after paying for capital expenditures, was nearly $8.1 billion in FY 2025.
The case for CRISPR TherapeuticsCRISPR Therapeutics AG focuses on revolutionary gene-editing therapies, most notably CASGEVY, which treats sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. This therapy has already gained approval in multiple regions, including the U.S., the U.K., and the EU. The company relies heavily on a collaboration with Vertex (VERX -1.22%), which manages global development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Under this agreement, CRISPR Therapeutics AG receives roughly 40% of the revenue while Vertex retains 60% of the proceeds.
In FY 2025, revenue reached nearly $3.5 million, a decrease of approximately 90% compared to the prior year. This resulted in a net loss of close to $581.6 million. The company reported a net margin of roughly -16,569.8%, reflecting the high costs of bringing new gene therapies to market and the early stage of its commercial rollout.
As of its December 2025 balance sheet, the debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.2x. The current ratio is nearly 13.3x, suggesting the company has significant short-term liquidity to fund its research. Free cash flow was roughly negative $345.9 million in FY 2025, meaning the company spent more on operations and equipment than it brought in during the year.
Risk profile comparisonAmgen faces pressure from government policies like the Inflation Reduction Act, which has already led to price setting for drugs like ENBREL and Otezla. The company also deals with significant litigation risks, including tax disputes with the IRS and class action lawsuits following data breaches. Furthermore, intense competition from biosimilars following the loss of exclusivity for Prolia and XGEVA threatens its future revenue. Manufacturing is also highly concentrated in Puerto Rico, making the supply chain vulnerable to natural disasters.
CRISPR Therapeutics remains unprofitable and expects to continue incurring significant operating losses while requiring additional funding for its clinical programs. Because Vertex exercises substantial control over the CASGEVY program, CRISPR Therapeutics has limited ability to influence global marketing or pricing strategies. Additionally, the CRISPR/Cas9 technology is relatively unproven, carrying risks of unintended genomic consequences or adverse reactions. Ongoing intellectual property disputes with the Broad Institute and other parties also create uncertainty regarding the company's freedom to operate.
Valuation comparisonCRISPR Therapeutics AG carries a lower Forward P/E based on future earnings estimates, but its P/S ratio is much higher than that of Amgen.
MetricAmgenCRISPR TherapeuticsForward P/E19.1x23.4xP/S ratio6.5x450.5xValuation metrics sourced from Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) and may differ from other data providers.
I'd go with Amgen, though recent developments at CRISPR make this a more interesting call than it would have been a year ago. CASGEVY's momentum keeps building and revenue is accelerating at a pace that keeps surprising analysts. Losses are narrowing as the commercial infrastructure scales. The pipeline beyond CASGEVY is expanding into cardiovascular disease and other areas, adding long-term optionality that is starting to look like an exciting second act for the company.
But CRISPR is still losing a substantial amount of money every quarter, and the entire investment case rests on continued commercial execution and pipeline success. For most investors, that is a lot of uncertainty to carry.
Amgen is the steadier, more predictable business. Multiple brands are growing at a double-digit rate, the full-year outlook has been raised, and the dividend keeps compounding year after year. Cheaper versions of some of its older drugs are entering the market, but Amgen has enough other growth drivers to absorb that pressure, and new drugs in development could add to the story down the road.
For a long-term investor who wants biotech exposure without betting everything on clinical outcomes, Amgen is the more comfortable place to put your money right now.
Pioneering gene-editing company CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -1.81%) was a well-performing biotech stock in August. Its shares were hot in the hot month, zooming almost 19% higher thanks to a solid quarterly earnings report and business update.
A welcome update CRISPR released its second-quarter financials and business update early in the month, on Aug. 3, to be exact. It quoted CEO Samarth Kulkarni as saying that this "reflected strong execution across CRISPR Therapeutics' portfolio and platform" -- and he was not wrong.
Image source: Getty Images.
The biotech's one approved product, the blood disorder treatment Casgevy (developed and marketed in partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals), saw a 78% quarter-over-quarter jump in sales to $76 million. Better, during the period, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Casgevy's label expansion to cover pediatric patients aged 2 and older.
While financial figures aren't as meaningful for biotechs, with their typically feast-or-famine business models, CRISPR's have been looking good lately.
Second-quarter revenue was boosted significantly by a $10 million upfront payment from a license and collaboration deal from a business partner that hasn't been identified. With that, the company's total top line expanded to nearly $10.2 million from the year-ago tally of $892,000.
I should note here that, under the CRISPR/Vertex partnership agreement, CRISPR does not recognize its share of Casgevy sales as revenue. Rather, its net share is bundled with its proportion of costs in the "collaboration expense, net" line item of its profit and loss statement.
As for CRISPR's bottom line, a steep decline in in-process research and development expenses, plus that $10 million infusion, narrowed the net loss considerably. It was just under $91.5 million ($0.94 per share) for the period compared to the second quarter of 2025's nearly $209 million deficit.
Analysts tracking the stock were modeling revenue of less than $7.5 million and a net loss of $1.20 per share.
CRISPR is a busy company that continues to use its proprietary gene-editing platform to develop new medications. In its pipeline are treatments targeting disorders like hypertension (high blood pressure) and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic condition that can threaten the lungs and liver.
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Bright future Since we're still near the start of the gene-editing revolution in healthcare, it's likely to be some time before medicines developed with the technology become commonly available. While there are now numerous gene-editing businesses on the scene, CRISPR is a rare bird that has helped bring an actual product to market.
With that, I think it's always going to be in the mix with this future-forward technology, and I'd fully expect more products from its lab to reach pharmacy shelves. This remains a high-potential stock, I believe, but investors need to be patient with it.
Creative Medical Technology (NASDAQ:CELZ – Get Free Report) and CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP – Get Free Report) are both healthcare companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, institutional ownership, dividends and earnings.
Institutional and Insider Ownership 1.4% of Creative Medical Technology shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 69.2% of CRISPR Therapeutics shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Creative Medical Technology shares are owned by insiders. Comparatively, 5.2% of CRISPR Therapeutics shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth.
Profitability This table compares Creative Medical Technology and CRISPR Therapeutics’ net margins, return on equity and return on assets.
Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Creative Medical Technology N/A -86.52% -81.96% CRISPR Therapeutics -3,368.72% -24.39% -18.25% Volatility and Risk Creative Medical Technology has a beta of 2.04, indicating that its stock price is 104% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, CRISPR Therapeutics has a beta of 1.76, indicating that its stock price is 76% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Creative Medical Technology and CRISPR Therapeutics”s revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.
Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Creative Medical Technology $10,000.00 731.49 -$5.99 million ($2.07) -0.54 CRISPR Therapeutics $3.51 million 1,536.85 -$581.60 million ($4.76) -11.72 Creative Medical Technology has higher earnings, but lower revenue than CRISPR Therapeutics. CRISPR Therapeutics is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Creative Medical Technology, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.
Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Creative Medical Technology and CRISPR Therapeutics, as provided by MarketBeat.
Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Creative Medical Technology 1 0 1 0 2.00 CRISPR Therapeutics 1 6 10 1 2.61 CRISPR Therapeutics has a consensus target price of $68.06, indicating a potential upside of 21.99%. Given CRISPR Therapeutics’ stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe CRISPR Therapeutics is more favorable than Creative Medical Technology.
Summary CRISPR Therapeutics beats Creative Medical Technology on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks.
(Get Free Report)
Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc., a commercial stage biotechnology company, focuses on novel biological therapeutics in the fields of immunotherapy, endocrinology, urology, neurology, and orthopedics in the United States. The company offers CaverStem to treat erectile dysfunction; FemCelz for the treatment of loss of genital sensitivity and dryness; and StemSpine, a regenerative stem cell procedure to treat degenerative disc disease. It also develops ImmCelz, an immunotherapy platform for multiple diseases; OvaStem for treatment of female infertility; CELZ-201 to treat Type 1 diabetes; AlloStemSpine for the treatment of chronic lower back pain; and Alova to treat infertility as a result of premature ovarian failure. In addition, the company develops products and services for various indications, including preventing the rejection of transplanted organs, kidney failure, liver failure, heart attack, and Parkinson's disease. Creative Medical Technology Holdings, Inc. is based in Phoenix, Arizona.
About CRISPR Therapeutics (Get Free Report)
CRISPR Therapeutics is a gene-editing company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious diseases using its proprietary CRISPR/Cas9 platform. CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise, directed changes to genomic DNA. CRISPR Therapeutics has established a portfolio of therapeutic programs across a broad range of disease areas including hemoglobinopathies, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. To accelerate and expand its efforts, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with companies including Bayer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals and ViaCyte, Inc. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and business offices in San Francisco, California and London, United Kingdom. For more information, please visit www.crisprtx.com.
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ZUG, Switzerland and BOSTON, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) today announced that members of its senior management team will present at the Morgan Stanley 24th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 1:05 p.m. EST.
A live webcast of the fireside chat will be available on the "Events & Presentations" page in the Investors section of the Company's website at https://crisprtx.gcs-web.com/events. A replay of the webcast will be archived on the Company's website for 14 days following the presentation.
About CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. Founded over a decade ago as an early pioneer in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, the Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. Today, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad, diversified pipeline spanning hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company is also expanding its gene editing toolkit through SyNTase™ editing, its novel, proprietary platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California. To learn more, visit www.crisprtx.com.
CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP -1.88%) has already accomplished something most gene-editing companies are still trying to do: get a CRISPR-based medicine approved and onto the market. Now it has to prove it can build a business around the technology.
That starts with Casgevy, the gene-edited treatment for sickle cell disease developed with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX -3.21%). Casgevy generated $76 million in Q2 2026 revenue, up 78% sequentially and 151% year over year. It's now approved in 39 countries, and the FDA recently expanded its U.S. label to children as young as 2.
CRISPR Therapeutics receives 40% of Casgevy's profits and costs, while Vertex handles commercialization and manufacturing. That's a good foundation. But five years from now, I suspect Casgevy won't be the primary reason you'll want to own the stock.
The pipeline could become much more important The program I'm watching most closely is CTX310, which uses CRISPR to edit a gene called ANGPTL3 inside the body. If you're unfamiliar, ANGPTL3 helps regulate cholesterol and triglycerides, two major contributors to cardiovascular disease. And unlike Casgevy, which requires doctors to remove a patient's cells, edit them outside the body, and return them after intensive conditioning, CTX310 is delivered through a single intravenous infusion.
Image source: Getty Images.
The results have been impressive. At the highest dose tested in a phase 1 study, CTX310 produced average reductions of 53% in LDL cholesterol and 48% in triglycerides. Those effects were sustained through one year following a single treatment.
The numbers are encouraging, but this is still early-stage clinical research. CRISPR is currently evaluating CTX310 in phase 1b trials targeting severe hypertriglyceridemia and refractory hypercholesterolemia (two types of high blood fat levels). If those studies eventually show that one treatment can safely produce durable reductions in cholesterol and triglycerides, CTX310 could address a much larger population than Casgevy. And that's where this company starts getting really interesting.
There's more than one shot on goal CRISPR Therapeutics isn't betting everything on cardiovascular disease. Take Zugo-cel, formerly CTX112, an off-the-shelf CAR-T therapy being tested across autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. The company has trials underway in diseases including lupus, systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and several other autoimmune disorders.
Earlier results have provided some reason for optimism. In a small group of lymphoma patients receiving the 600-million-cell dose, Zugo-cel produced a 90% overall response rate and 70% complete response rate.
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Then there's CTX340 for difficult-to-control high blood pressure, CTX460 for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (a disorder that increases the risk of developing lung and liver disease), CTX611 for preventing blood clots, and CTX213, an experimental cell-replacement treatment for type 1 diabetes.
To be sure, not all of these programs will work. But they don't have to. If just two or three eventually become commercially successful medicines, CRISPR Therapeutics could look dramatically different by 2031.
The balance sheet buys plenty of time Biotech companies can have great pipelines and still destroy shareholders if they continually need to raise money. CRISPR Therapeutics is in a much better financial position.
The company finished June with approximately $2.36 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities. That cash gives management plenty of room to advance multiple programs without immediately returning to shareholders for more capital.
CRISPR Therapeutics currently has a market capitalization of roughly $5.4 billion. With more than $2 billion in cash and one commercial product already on the market, you aren't paying an outrageous valuation for the pipeline. But you are paying for some success.
Where could the stock be in 2031? Predicting an exact share price for CRISPR Therapeutics five years out doesn't make much sense. There are just too many clinical trials between now and then. But the potential upside is substantial.
If Casgevy continues to gain adoption while CTX310 progresses into late-stage development and Zugo-cel demonstrates convincing efficacy in autoimmune disease, CRISPR Therapeutics could easily become a $10 billion to $15 billion company by 2031.
From today's roughly $5.4 billion valuation, that implies the potential for the stock to roughly double or even triple, although future dilution could reduce the per-share return. Indeed, the potential downside is not trivial. A major safety issue with in vivo gene editing or failures across CTX310 and Zugo-cel could erase a significant portion of the company's current valuation. That's why you shouldn't treat CRISPR Therapeutics like a conventional growth stock.
That said, Casgevy has already demonstrated that CRISPR can move from a laboratory concept to an FDA-approved medicine. The next five years will determine whether CRISPR Therapeutics could repeat that success across cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and other major diseases. If it can, today's $5.4 billion valuation could eventually look surprisingly cheap.
SummaryCRISPR Therapeutics transitioned from speculative biotech to commercial stage with FDA approval of CASGEVY, validating its CRISPR/Cas9 platform.CRSP's pipeline targets multi-billion-dollar markets in cardiovascular, autoimmune, oncology, and diabetes, supported by a robust IP portfolio and major pharma partnerships.Current $5.6B market cap and $1.78B net cash position offer acquisition appeal, but most pipeline assets remain early stage and execution risks persist.I view CRSP as a speculative opportunity, with greater interest below $52 where valuation aligns better with balance sheet and pipeline potential. laddawan punna/iStock via Getty Images
Overview CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) gene editing is one of the most important advances in modern biotechnology, allowing scientists to alter specific sections of DNA instead of just treating the downstream symptoms of a
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Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CRSP either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
I own 100 shares of CRSP with a $39 cost basis.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Should you invest in CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP +0.18%) before the end of the year? The company's shares have slightly underperformed the broader market to date, but the biotech may see several catalysts that could send its share price jumping over the next four months. Here are two reasons why investors might want to consider loading up on CRISPR Therapeutics right now.
1. Casgevy's progress could be a welcome surprise Unlike most of its similarly sized peers that specialize in gene editing, CRISPR Therapeutics has launched a product, Casgevy, which earned approval in 2023. Casgevy treats two rare blood diseases: transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia (TDT) and sickle-cell disease (SCD). CRISPR Therapeutics collaborated with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX +1.66%) to develop it. Though the medicine was a breakthrough, it hasn't generated much sales yet. Here are two reasons why.
Image source: The Motley Fool.
First, ex vivo gene-editing therapies are challenging to administer. The process involves collecting patient cells, editing them, and reinserting them into the patient. It takes months to go through all these steps. Casgevy is also expensive. A single treatment course goes for $2.2 million in the U.S. Second, Casgevy's initial indication was fairly narrow. It was approved to treat patients with SCD and TDT aged 12 and older. CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex just made progress with one of those issues.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded Casgevy's label to include patients as young as two. This will allow CRISPR Therapeutics to target patients before TDT and SCD have caused them significant health problems. We shouldn't expect Casgevy's sales to soar later this year. But if CRISPR Therapeutics sees increased demand for the medicine and expands third-party coverage following the recent label expansion, that could meaningfully move the stock price.
2. Important clinical trial data readouts It's critical to keep an eye on Casgevy's progress, but CRISPR Therapeutics clinical work will be an even more important catalyst. The company should release data from several ongoing clinical trials by year-end. For instance, CRISPR Therapeutics is developing CTX611, a potential anticoagulant. CTX611 is one of the few candidates in CRISPR Therapeutics' portfolio that isn't a gene editing product.
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CTX611 is an RNA-silencing medicine. Therapies of this kind work by "switching off" the instructions for making certain proteins involved in some conditions. In this case, CTX611 targets the Factor XI protein involved in blood clotting. Here's why it could be a breakthrough.
Whereas most anticoagulants are taken daily and carry a risk of severe bleeding, CTX611 is being developed to be administered twice a year and could also reduce the main side effects of its competitors. CRISPR Therapeutics is currently testing CTX611 in phase 2 clinical trials in patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty, a procedure that can lead to blood clots.
The company plans to release data from this study before the end of the year. Strong results could send CRISPR Therapeutics' share price soaring.
Mind your risk tolerance Strong progress with Casgevy and across CRISPR Therapeutics' pipeline could jolt the stock. However, there are significant risks. Clinical setbacks will obviously have the opposite impact. Still, my view is that CRISPR Therapeutics' prospects look somewhat attractive. The company has a reasonably deep pipeline for a biotech company of its size even beyond CTX611. It has already shown it can launch a gene-editing medicine, something that has proven challenging for others despite significant progress in the field.
Over the next few years, we could see CRISPR Therapeutics rack up enough clinical wins to expand its approved portfolio, and even the occasional setback -- which every biotech company experiences -- might not be too damaging, considering its deep pipeline. The stock should appeal to investors with above-average risk tolerance, who should consider initiating a position before the end of the year.
It has been about a month since the last earnings report for CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) . Shares have added about 7.1% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is CRISPR Therapeutics due for a pullback? Well, first let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the recent drivers for CRISPR Therapeutics AG before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late.
Q2 Earnings & Sales Beat EstimatesCRISPR incurred a second-quarter 2026 loss of 94 cents per share, which was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.10. The company had incurred a loss of $2.40 in the year-ago quarter.
Total revenues were $10.2 million in the second quarter (comprising $10 million in collaboration revenue and the remainder from grant revenue), beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7 million. In the year-ago period, CRISPR Therapeutics had recorded total revenues of $0.9 million, which comprised only grant revenues.
Vertex recorded Casgevy sales of $76 million in the second quarter of 2026. Sales increased 78% sequentially and 151% year over year, reflecting continued commercial uptake.
Controls Quarterly CostsResearch and development expenses were $67.2 million in the second quarter, down 3.9% year over year. The decline primarily reflected lower employee and facility-related expenses, partly offset by higher license fees.
General and administrative expenses declined 6.9% to $17.6 million, mainly due to lower employee-related costs, including stock-based compensation.
Collaboration expense, net, fell 10.8% to $40.3 million, due to an increase in CRISPR Therapeutics’ share of Casgevy revenues under the Vertex collaboration economics.
Acquired in-process research and development expenses were $2.5 million compared with $96.3 million in the year-ago quarter. The prior-year amount reflected costs related to the company’s agreement with Sirius Therapeutics.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?Since the earnings release, investors have witnessed a upward trend in estimates revision.
The consensus estimate has shifted 10.46% due to these changes.
VGM ScoresAt this time, CRISPR Therapeutics has a poor Growth Score of F, however its Momentum Score is doing a lot better with an A. However, the stock has a grade of F on the value side, putting it in the fifth quintile for value investors.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of F. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending upward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions looks promising. Interestingly, CRISPR Therapeutics has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.
Performance of an Industry PlayerCRISPR Therapeutics belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry. Another stock from the same industry, Illumina (ILMN - Free Report) , has gained 2% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended June 2026.
Illumina reported revenues of $1.16 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +9.4%. EPS of $1.31 for the same period compares with $1.19 a year ago.
For the current quarter, Illumina is expected to post earnings of $1.38 per share, indicating a change of +3% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +1.9% over the last 30 days.
The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Illumina. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of C.
-Data presented in a late-breaking presentation at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026-
-Phase 1a clinical data for CTX310® continued to demonstrate robust, dose-dependent reductions in circulating ANGPTL3 with a mean reduction from baseline of 79% (maximum 89%), a mean reduction in triglycerides (TG) of 48% (maximum 78%), and a mean reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 53% (maximum 84%) at the highest dose-
-CTX310 was well tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events, no ≥Grade 3 changes in liver transaminases, and no additional treatment-related adverse events since the previous update-
-Findings simultaneously published in The New England Journal of Medicine entitled “Durability of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Targeting ANGPTL3 with CTX310”-
ZUG, Switzerland and BOSTON, Aug. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) today presented durability data from its Phase 1a clinical trial evaluating CTX310®, an investigational, in vivo CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing therapy targeting ANGPTL3. A single-course treatment with CTX310 produced deep and durable reductions in circulating ANGPTL3, triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that were sustained through one year of follow-up. At the highest dose, mean reductions from baseline were 79% (maximum 89%) for ANGPTL3, 48% (maximum 78%) for TG, and 53% (maximum 84%) for LDL. These extended follow-up data demonstrate the durability of CTX310's effect and support its potential to deliver long-lasting lipid lowering after a single intravenous (IV) infusion.
These data were presented today during a late breaking session at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2026 and extend the Phase 1 results previously presented. The data were also published today in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) in a peer reviewed article entitled "Durability of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Targeting ANGPTL3 with CTX310." CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing CTX310 in a Phase 1b clinical trial, with U.S. and ex-U.S. trials ongoing, and expects to provide an additional update on the CTX310 program in the second half of 2026.
"These durability data mark an important next step for the CTX310 program and for the field of in vivo gene editing," said Naimish Patel, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, CRISPR Therapeutics. "Evidence that a single dose can produce lasting lipid lowering is central to our goal of developing one-time treatments for cardiometabolic diseases. These results provide strong support for continued advancement of CTX310 and our broader cardiovascular gene editing portfolio, and we look forward to sharing new data from the severe hypertriglyceridemia cohort of the CTX310 Phase 1b trial in the second half of this year."
"For patients at high cardiovascular risk, the biggest challenge is often not starting therapy but staying on it, since daily medications require lifelong adherence that many patients are unable to maintain," said Luke Laffin, M.D., principal investigator and Medical Director of the Cleveland Clinic Coordinating Center for Clinical Research. "A single infusion producing durable reductions at one-year is an encouraging signal that a one-time approach could help close that adherence gap."
"What is compelling about this update is that the reductions in ANGPTL3, triglycerides, and LDL from a single infusion have persisted out to one-year, suggesting a sustained biological effect," said Steven E. Nissen, M.D., senior author of the study and Chief Academic Officer at the Cleveland Clinic Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute. "A one-time treatment with this degree of durability could represent a meaningful advance in how we manage lifelong lipid disorders."
Phase 1a Clinical Trial Design
The Phase 1a portion of the study was an open label, dose-escalation trial evaluating single-course IV doses of CTX310 ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 mg/kg (lean body weight) targeting ANGPTL3 in four patient groups: homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), or mixed dyslipidemias (elevated TG and LDL). Eligible participants had uncontrolled TG levels >150 mg/dL and/or LDL cholesterol >100 mg/dL (or >70 mg/dL for those with established ASCVD) despite background standard of care per local guidelines.
The majority of participants were receiving statins and/or ezetimibe, while 40% were taking PCSK9 inhibitors. The trial was designed to evaluate safety and tolerability as primary endpoints, with changes in circulating ANGPTL3 protein, TG, and LDL as secondary endpoints.
Safety and Tolerability
Single-course ascending doses of CTX310 were administered to 15 participants across sequential cohorts, and all participants completed at least one-year of follow-up as of the data cutoff. CTX310 was generally well tolerated, and no dose-limiting toxicities or serious adverse events related to treatment. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate.
As previously reported in Laffin et al. (2025), one participant experienced an allergic reaction that resolved the following day with supportive care. Infusion-related reactions occurred in three participants (two at 0.6 mg/kg and one at 0.8 mg/kg dose), all Grade 2. All events resolved, and all participants completed their infusions. Beyond the transient aminotransferases elevation previously reported in one participant shortly after treatment, there were no liver function test elevations throughout the remainder of the trial.
The safety events described above were previously reported in Laffin et al. (New England Journal of Medicine, 2025) and reflect the initial treatment period of the Phase 1a clinical trial. No new treatment-related safety events were observed during extended follow-up.
Efficacy Highlights
These new results build upon previously disclosed clinical data from 15 participants across four sequential cohorts, corresponding to lean body weight-based doses of DL1 [0.1 mg/kg], DL2 [0.3 mg/kg], DL3 [0.6 mg/kg], DL3.5 [0.7 mg/kg] and DL4 [0.8 mg/kg]. All participants had at least one-year of follow-up.
Dose dependent reductions in circulating ANGPTL3 protein were sustained through one-year following CTX310 infusion.Among participants treated at 0.8 mg/kg, ANGPTL3 reductions of up to 89% were observed, with a mean reduction of 79% at one-year following CTX310 infusion. Next Steps
The Phase 1b portion of the trial examines a fixed flat dose regimen of CTX310 equivalent to the most efficacious dose in Phase 1a (0.8mg/kg). CRISPR Therapeutics continues to anticipate sharing an update from the CTX310 Phase 1b clinical trial in the second half of 2026, focused on severe hypertriglyceridemia patients.
About In Vivo Liver Editing Programs
CRISPR Therapeutics has established a proprietary lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform to enable gene editing in the liver using both CRISPR/Cas9 and its novel, proprietary SyNTase™ editing technology. The Company's in vivo portfolio includes three cardiovascular programs: CTX310, targeting angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3), in development for heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemias, and severe hypertriglyceridemia; CTX340™, targeting angiotensinogen (AGT), in development for refractory hypertension; and CTX321™, targeting LPA, in development for patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. In addition, the Company's disclosed development candidates also include CTX460™, targeting SERPINA1 using SyNTase editing, for the treatment of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD).
About CRISPR Therapeutics
CRISPR Therapeutics is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative gene-based medicines for serious human diseases. Founded over a decade ago as an early pioneer in CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, the Company has evolved from a pioneering research-stage organization into an industry leader, marking a historic milestone with the approval of CASGEVY® (exagamglogene autotemcel [exa-cel]), the world’s first CRISPR-based therapy, for eligible patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia. Today, CRISPR Therapeutics is advancing a broad, diversified pipeline spanning hemoglobinopathies, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disease, oncology, regenerative medicine and rare diseases. The Company is also expanding its gene editing toolkit through SyNTase™ editing, its novel, proprietary platform designed to enable precise, efficient, and scalable gene correction. To accelerate its impact, CRISPR Therapeutics has established strategic collaborations with leading biopharmaceutical partners, including Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CRISPR Therapeutics AG is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, CRISPR Therapeutics, Inc., and R&D operations based in Boston, Massachusetts and San Francisco, California. To learn more, visit www.crisprtx.com.
CRISPR THERAPEUTICS® standard character mark and design logo, CTX310®, CTX321™, CTX340™, CTX460™ and SyNTase™ are trademarks and registered trademarks of CRISPR Therapeutics AG. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Reference
Laffin L, et al. Phase 1 Trial of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Targeting ANGPTL3. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2025.
CRISPR Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding any or all of the following: (i) CRISPR Therapeutics preclinical studies, clinical trials and pipeline products and programs, including, without limitation, manufacturing capabilities, status of such studies and trials, potential expansion into new indications and expectations regarding data, safety and efficacy generally; (ii) data included in the above-described oral presentation and any associated abstracts or posters, data included in the above-described article in The New England Journal of Medicine, as well as the ability to use data from ongoing and planned clinical trials for the design and initiation of further clinical trials; and (iii) the therapeutic value, development, and commercial potential of gene editing technologies and therapies, including CRISPR/Cas9 and SyNTase, as well as other technologies. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the risks and uncertainties discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in CRISPR Therapeutics most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in any other subsequent filings made by CRISPR Therapeutics with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, other than to the extent required by law.
Bank of America Corp DE lowered its position in shares of CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP – Free Report) by 10.4% during the first quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 983,072 shares of the company’s stock after selling 113,815 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE owned approximately 1.02% of CRISPR Therapeutics worth $46,765,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.
Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in CRISPR Therapeutics by 7.7% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 2,524,144 shares of the company’s stock worth $132,366,000 after purchasing an additional 180,580 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of CRISPR Therapeutics during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,706,000. Leonteq Securities AG purchased a new stake in shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $1,155,000. Canal Insurance CO purchased a new stake in shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,670,000. Finally, Wealth Enhancement Trust Services Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $2,032,000. 69.20% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
CRISPR Therapeutics Trading Down 0.1% Shares of CRISPR Therapeutics stock opened at $53.99 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $52.43 and a 200 day moving average of $52.26. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 17.85 and a current ratio of 17.85. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.34 and a beta of 1.74. CRISPR Therapeutics AG has a fifty-two week low of $44.12 and a fifty-two week high of $78.48.
CRISPR Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CRSP – Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, June 30th. The company reported ($0.94) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $10.18 million during the quarter. CRISPR Therapeutics had a negative net margin of 3,368.72% and a negative return on equity of 24.39%. As a group, research analysts predict that CRISPR Therapeutics AG will post -4.53 earnings per share for the current year.
Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have weighed in on CRSP. Citigroup boosted their price objective on CRISPR Therapeutics from $82.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 4th. Evercore reaffirmed an “outperform” rating and issued a $76.00 target price on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a research note on Monday, May 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their price target on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics from $50.00 to $56.00 and gave the company a “market perform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 13th. Morgan Stanley set a $60.00 price objective on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a report on Thursday, June 11th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a “neutral” rating and set a $55.00 price objective on shares of CRISPR Therapeutics in a research report on Thursday, August 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, ten have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $68.06.
Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on CRISPR Therapeutics
Insider Transactions at CRISPR Therapeutics In other CRISPR Therapeutics news, insider Naimish Patel sold 3,786 shares of the company’s stock in a transaction dated Friday, May 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.62, for a total value of $210,577.32. Following the transaction, the insider owned 19,357 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,076,636.34. This represents a 16.36% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. The sale was made to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of equity awards. Company insiders own 5.20% of the company’s stock.
CRISPR Therapeutics Profile (Free Report)
CRISPR Therapeutics AG is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of gene-editing therapies based on the CRISPR/Cas9 platform. The company applies its proprietary technology to modify genes in human cells, aiming to create durable treatments for a range of serious diseases. Its research and development efforts focus on both ex vivo and in vivo applications, enabling targeted correction or disruption of disease-causing genes.
Among its lead programs is CTX001, an ex vivo edited cell therapy designed to treat sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia in collaboration with Vertex Pharmaceuticals.
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Antwerp, Belgium, August 10, 2026 - Agomab Therapeutics NV (Nasdaq: AGMB) ("Agomab" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on fibro-inflammatory diseases, today announced that its Board of Directors has proposed the appointments of Marino Garcia and Naimish Patel, M.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Key Takeaways CRSP's Q2 loss of 94 cents per share was narrower than estimated. Revenues too topped expectations.CRSP benefits from rising Casgevy uptake as Vertex posted 78% sequential sales growth in Q2 2026.CRSP ended June with $2.36 billion in cash supporting pipeline expansion and multiple updates for H2 2026. CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP - Free Report) incurred second-quarter 2026 loss of 94 cents per share, which was narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.10. The company had incurred a loss of $2.40 in the year-ago quarter.
Total revenues were $10.2 million in the second quarter (comprising $10 million in collaboration revenue and the rest from grant revenues), which also beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $7 million. In the year-ago period, CRSP had recorded total revenues of $0.89 million, which comprised only grant revenues.
Year to date, shares of CRISPR Therapeutics have lost 5.4% while the industry has risen 2.8%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
CRSP Boasts Robust Casgevy Sales MomentumCRISPR Therapeutics and partner Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ (VRTX - Free Report) CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy, Casgevy, is approved across the United States and Europe for two blood disorder indications — sickle cell disease (SCD) and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia (TDT). Per the deal terms, Vertex leads global development, manufacturing and commercialization of Casgevy and splits program costs and profits worldwide with CRISPR Therapeutics in a 60:40 ratio.
The FDA recently approved Casgevy for use in children aged two years and older with SCD or TDT. Regulatory filings were also completed in Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom for children aged five to 11 years. In May, Vertex secured reimbursement in Germany for eligible patients aged 12 years and older.
Vertex recorded Casgevy sales of $76 million in the second quarter of 2026. Sales increased 78% sequentially and 151% year over year, reflecting continued commercial uptake.
CRISPR Therapeutics Controls Quarterly CostsResearch and development expenses were $67.2 million in the second quarter, down 3.9% year over year. The decline primarily reflected lower employee and facility-related expenses, partly offset by higher license fees.
General and administrative expenses declined 6.9% to $17.6 million, mainly due to lower employee-related costs, including stock-based compensation. Collaboration expense, net, fell 10.8% to $40.3 million, driven by an increase in CRSP’s share of Casgevy revenues under the Vertex collaboration economics.
Acquired in-process research and development expenses were $2.5 million compared with $96.3 million in the year-ago quarter. The prior-year amount reflected costs related to the company’s agreement with Sirius Therapeutics.
CRSP exited June with $2.36 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities, down from $2.44 billion at the end of March 2026. The sizeable cash position provides CRISPR Therapeutics with resources to support commercialization activities and advance its diversified clinical pipeline. Multiple clinical updates are expected during the second half of 2026.
CRSP’s Pipeline UpdatesCRISPR Therapeutics continues to prioritize CTX310, an investigational gene-editing therapy targeting ANGPTL3. The candidate is advancing in a phase Ib study for severe hypertriglyceridemia and refractory hypercholesterolemia, with U.S. studies initiated and ex-U.S. studies ongoing. An update on this study is expected in the second half of 2026.
CRSP initiated a phase I study of CTX340 in patients with refractory hypertension after receiving FDA clearance. It also started a phase I study of CTX460 for treating alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
The preclinical CTX321 program, which targets elevated lipoprotein(a), is progressing through investigational new drug and clinical trial application-enabling studies. An update is expected later in 2026.
Zugo-cel, CRSP’s allogeneic CAR-T candidate, is being evaluated across autoimmune diseases and blood cancers. Two ongoing phase I autoimmune basket studies cover rheumatology indications and hematologic disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, inflammatory myositis, immune thrombocytopenic purpura and warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
A third phase I study has begun targeting various autoimmune neurologic diseases. Enrollment continues across the broader autoimmune program, with additional updates expected in the second half of 2026.
In immuno-oncology, the phase I/II study of zugo-cel in B-cell malignancies remains underway. CRSP is also evaluating zugo-cel with Eli Lilly’s Jaypirca (pirtobrutinib) in aggressive B-cell lymphomas. Several updates are expected in the second half of 2026.
The company’s siRNA candidate, CTX611, is advancing in a phase II study for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). CRSP expects to provide an update in the second half of 2026.
CRSP’s Zacks Rank & Stocks to ConsiderCRISPR Therapeutics currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Repligen (RGEN - Free Report) and Liquidia Corporation (LQDA - Free Report) , each currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Repligen’s 2026 earnings per share have risen from $1.99 to $2.06, while estimates for 2027 have increased from $2.57 to $2.62 during the same time. RGEN shares have declined 10.2% year to date.
Repligen’s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 16.80%.
Over the past 60 days, estimates for Liquidia’s 2026 earnings per share have risen from $2.97 to $3.02, while estimates for 2027 have increased from $4.81 to $5.31 during the same time. LQDA shares have surged 143.1% year to date.
Liquidia’s earnings beat estimates in three of the trailing four quarters, while missing the same on the remaining occasion, with the average surprise being 54.40%.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.94 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.1. This compares to a loss of $1.29 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +14.55%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post a loss of $1.14 per share when it actually produced a loss of $1.28, delivering a surprise of -12.28%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.
CRISPR Therapeutics, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $10.18 million for the quarter ended June 2026, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 37.28%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $0.89 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates just once over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
CRISPR Therapeutics shares have lost about 8.5% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 9.4%.
What's Next for CRISPR Therapeutics?While CRISPR Therapeutics has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for CRISPR Therapeutics was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and the current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$1.19 on $7.93 million in revenues for the coming quarter and -$4.90 on $28.88 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - Biomedical and Genetics is currently in the top 37% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
One other stock from the same industry, CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation (CAMP - Free Report) , is yet to report results for the quarter ended June 2026.
This company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.24 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +61.3%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
CAMP4 Therapeutics Corporation's revenues are expected to be $1.35 million, down 10% from the year-ago quarter.
ZUG, Switzerland and BOSTON, Aug. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CRISPR Therapeutics (Nasdaq: CRSP) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $48.44, demonstrating a +1.68% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.66%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 1.19%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 2.78%.
The company's shares have seen a decrease of 14.35% over the last month, not keeping up with the Medical sector's gain of 0.54% and the S&P 500's loss of 1.49%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of CRISPR Therapeutics AG in its upcoming earnings disclosure. In that report, analysts expect CRISPR Therapeutics AG to post earnings of -$1.1 per share. This would mark year-over-year growth of 14.73%. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $7.42 million, indicating a 733.26% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$4.9 per share and a revenue of $28.88 million, signifying shifts of +24.27% and +722.82%, respectively, from the last year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for CRISPR Therapeutics AG. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.
Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been a 0.26% fall in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. CRISPR Therapeutics AG currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
The Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry is part of the Medical sector. With its current Zacks Industry Rank of 91, this industry ranks in the top 37% of all industries, numbering over 250.
The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our individual industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
To follow CRSP in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.
Are you hoping for a better performance from your portfolio in the latter half of this year than you achieved during the first half? It may require a slightly different selection of stocks.
Here's a closer look at three of the market's better-known names with more near-term upside than most other tickers. Namely, each of these stocks is currently priced well below analysts' consensus, although there's far more working in their favor than just this relative discount.
CRISPR Therapeutics Shares of gene-editing drug specialist CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP +1.68%) have been stuck in neutral since 2022. Although its first-ever approved drug Casgevy works well enough as a therapy for sickle cell disease, since each patient's treatment is custom-built, it can take several months -- even up to a year -- to complete the process.
The treatment's seven-figure price tag may also be slowing things down. That's why the company hasn't actually reported any real product revenue yet, despite the drug's late-2023 approval.
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It's coming. though. As of the first quarter, over 500 people have begun the Casgevy treatment process, prompting analysts to expect $40 million worth of revenue this year, en route to over $160 million in sales next year. Simply moving in the right direction could get buyers off the sidelines and into the stock.
Analysts collectively say this ticker is worth $83.53 per share, up 75% from its present price.
Microsoft It's been a miserable past 12 months for Microsoft (MSFT +15.51%) shareholders. The stock's down 25% from last August's peak, mostly due to worries over the company's slowing cloud computing (and AI) business.
Image source: Getty Images.
All this trouble, however, is arguably already priced into this stock (and then some), at a point when CEO Satya Nadella finally appears willing to acknowledge it, and then do something about it. The company announced in early July that it would be laying off nearly 5,000 employees, with a big piece of that reduced headcount coming from its soon-to-be-overhauled Xbox unit. Look for similar evolutions going forward, too.
Analysts seem to be expecting them, anyway, with a turnaround from the stock to soon follow. Their 12-month consensus price target of $554.77 is more than 40% above Microsoft shares' price right now.
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Recursion Pharmaceuticals Finally, add Recursion Pharmaceuticals (RXRX +2.36%) to your list of stocks with a great deal of near-term upside. Analysts say it's worth an average of $7.25 per share, or over 100% more than the ticker's current price.
It's not a pharmaceutical company in the traditional sense. Rather, it's a technology company that's built an artificial intelligence platform to virtually test how a particular drug molecule might perform as a treatment for a particular disease. It doesn't replace clinical testing, but it does help determine what's worth pursuing, and what isn't.
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So far, its business has been modest -- mostly upfront or milestone payments, and grants. Some of its drug developments are within sight of late stages, like the cancer drugs it helped Sanofi figure out. Meanwhile, look for updates on its own polyp-fighting REC-4881 and oncology drug REC-1245 later this year and/or early next year.
With the proverbial endzone in sight, investors soon might start taking interest in this stock again.
CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP +1.68%) has had a terrible year, with the stock down 11% as of writing, while the S&P 500 is up 7%. However, the biotech has several catalysts on the horizon, and some analysts are taking notice. Terence Flynn, a Morgan Stanley (MS +3.41%) analyst, recently raised his CRISPR Therapeutics price target to $60, up from $33, and upgraded his rating to "hold." This new target implies the stock could rise by 26% from its current levels. That said, is now a good time to buy CRISPR Therapeutics' shares?
Image source: The Motley Fool.
What the future may hold CRISPR Therapeutics is a gene-editing specialist. The company has an approved medicine, Casgevy, that it developed with Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX -0.34%). Casgevy treats two rare blood disorders: Transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia and sickle-cell disease. Earlier this year, CRISPR Therapeutics and Vertex announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had expanded the label for Casgevy. It is now indicated to treat patients as young as two. The medicine hasn't generated significant sales since its 2023 approval because it is expensive and difficult to administer. But with growing third-party coverage and an important label expansion, Casgevy's sales should ramp up over the next few quarters.
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That said, CRISPR Therapeutics' performance over the next two years will likely depend much more on clinical progress with some of its leading candidates. The company expects important data readouts by the end of the year, including for CTX310, a medicine being developed to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs), both of which are linked to various cardiovascular conditions at high levels. The beauty of CTX310 is that it could be a one-and-done therapy for certain patients with high LDL or TGs. Many current options need to be taken regularly over long periods, so CTX310 might be a game changer.
We could say the same about the company's CTX611, an investigational anticoagulant that could be administered twice a year, whereas current options are taken much more frequently. CTX611 is also being developed to address one of the most important side effects of today's anticoagulants: Bleeding risk. Positive data from ongoing clinical trials for these therapies will jolt the stock. Of course, CRISPR Therapeutics has other products beyond those that may also complete studies within the next couple of years. There is the very real risk of clinical setbacks that could sink its share price, and investors should keep that in mind.
But considering CRISPR Therapeutics has already shown it can earn approval for a gene-editing medicine -- most other biotech companies that specialize in this field haven't done so -- its deep pipeline, as well as revenue from Casgevy that should ramp up over the next year, CRISPR Therapeutics looks like an attractive stock right now.
Prosper Junior Bakiny has positions in Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vertex Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool recommends CRISPR Therapeutics. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Shares of this company have returned -17.1% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +1.7% change. The Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, to which CRISPR Therapeutics belongs, has lost 3% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to post a loss of $1.10 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +14.7%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.8%.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$4.9 points to a change of +24.3% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has changed -0.3%.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $4.18 indicates a change of +14.7% from what CRISPR Therapeutics is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed +6.4%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, CRISPR Therapeutics is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthEven though a company's earnings growth is arguably the best indicator of its financial health, nothing much happens if it cannot raise its revenues. It's almost impossible for a company to grow its earnings without growing its revenue for long periods. Therefore, knowing a company's potential revenue growth is crucial.
For CRISPR Therapeutics, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $7.42 million indicates a year-over-year change of +733.3%. For the current and next fiscal years, $28.88 million and $135.51 million estimates indicate +722.8% and +369.2% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryCRISPR Therapeutics reported revenues of $1.46 million in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +67.8%. EPS of -$1.28 for the same period compares with -$1.58 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $8.39 million, the reported revenues represent a surprise of -82.62%. The EPS surprise was -12.28%.
Over the last four quarters, CRISPR Therapeutics surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates times over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
CRISPR Therapeutics is graded F on this front, indicating that it is trading at a premium to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about CRISPR Therapeutics. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.