Russell Investments Group Ltd. has reportedly increased its stake in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. during the first quarter of this year, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The investment firm now owns 172,165 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock, after acquiring an additional 21,172 shares. This represents a 14.0% growth in their position. At the end of the reporting period, Russell Investments Group Ltd.’s ownership accounted for approximately 0.09% of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals’ total worth, amounting to $1,436,000.
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals recently announced its quarterly earnings results on August 3rd. The company reported an EPS (earnings per share) of ($0.24) for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimates by $0.01. Despite slightly missing on revenue expectations with $81.01 million instead of the forecasted $81.42 million, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals demonstrated a noteworthy increase in quarterly revenue by 24.2% compared to the same period last year. In the previous year’s corresponding quarter, they had recorded an EPS of ($0.32).
Market research analysts anticipate that BioCryst Pharmaceuticals will post -0.96 EPS for the current fiscal year as a whole.
On another note related to BioCryst Pharmaceuticals’ recent activities, Director Machelle Sanders sold 4,000 shares of the company’s stock on June 15th at an average price of $7.98 per share, amounting to a total value of $31,920. As a result of this transaction, Sanders now holds 25,611 shares directly in the company valued at approximately $204,375.
The sale was disclosed through a filing submitted to the SEC and can be accessed via their website for further details on this matter.
Presently, insiders own about 4.40% of BioCryst Pharmaceuticals’ stock.
Institutional Investors Increase Holdings in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals as Interest Grows
In recent months, there have been significant changes to the positions held by institutional investors in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals (BCRX). Notably, Commerce Bank has seen a notable increase of 39.4% in their holdings during the first quarter. The bank now owns 20,365 shares of the biotechnology company’s stock valued at $170,000, having purchased an additional 5,760 shares in the previous quarter. This surge in ownership highlights the growing interest among investors in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals.
Another major investor that has raised its holdings is Artisan Partners Limited Partnership. They now possess 2,878,427 shares of the company’s stock, with a value of $33,044,000. This increase of 8.6% demonstrates Artisan Partners’ confidence in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals and its potential for growth.
Swiss National Bank has also made adjustments to its holdings in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals. The bank now owns 448,968 shares valued at $5,154,000 after acquiring an additional 8,800 shares in the last quarter. These actions highlight Swiss National Bank’s belief in the future prospects of the biotechnology company.
In addition to these institutional investors, First Trust Advisors LP increased its holdings by an impressive 62.8% during the fourth quarter. They now own 203,634 shares worth $2,338.000 after purchasing an additional 78,566 shares recently. This move suggests that First Trust Advisors LP sees great potential in BioCryst Pharmaceuticals.
Furthermore, Jump Financial LLC recently entered into a new stake with BioCryst Pharmaceuticals during the first quarter for approximately $2,615.000. With hedge funds and other institutional investors accounting for a substantial portion (91.46%) of ownership within the company’s stock market composition.
As trading opened on Wednesday market activity saw BioCryst Pharmaceutical stocks opening at $7.09 per share on August 30, 2023. With its one-year low at $6.62 and a one-year high of $14.50, the company’s stock has showcased fluctuations throughout the year.
Throughout these developments, several analysts have commented on BioCryst Pharmaceuticals. HC Wainwright reaffirmed their “buy” rating and established a price target of $30.00 in their report on August 4th. StockNews.com initiated coverage on BioCryst Pharmaceuticals with a “hold” rating later in August. Royal Bank of Canada raised its price objective from $8.00 to $9.00 and issued a “sector perform” rating on August 4th.
Bank of America upgraded BioCryst Pharmaceuticals from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating with a price objective of $10.00 in July. Similarly, Jefferies Financial Group upgraded the company from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating, setting a price objective of $11.00 in early August.
Overall, Bloomberg.com’s analysis indicates that the average rating for BioCryst Pharmaceuticals is characterized as a “Moderate Buy,” with an average price target of $13.50 as of recent evaluations.
As investors continue to adjust their positions and analysts offer various perspectives on the biotechnology company, it remains crucial for market participants to closely monitor these developments and stay informed about potential opportunities within BioCryst Pharmaceuticals’ stock market performance.
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