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SAGE Therapeutics (SAGE)
NASDAQ:SAGE

SAGE Therapeutics (SAGE) AI Stock Analysis

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SAGE Therapeutics

(NASDAQ:SAGE)

42Neutral
SAGE Therapeutics' overall stock score is primarily affected by its weak financial performance, marked by ongoing losses and negative cash flows, despite a promising product launch. Technical indicators show mixed signals, while valuation remains a concern due to a negative P/E ratio. The positive sentiment from the earnings call, driven by ZURZUVAE's adoption, provides some optimism, yet financial challenges significantly weigh down the score.
Positive Factors
Insurance Coverage
Coverage for Zurzuvae continues to improve, with over 95% of commercial and Medicaid lives covered or having a path to coverage.
Product Demand
The company reported 2,500 scripts were shipped and delivered in 4Q, indicating strong underlying demand.
Strategic Initiatives
Biogen and Sage remain committed to the product and have expanded their sales force teams, planning to increase targeted marketing efforts with DTC and social media campaigns to increase disease awareness and drive growth for Zurzuvae.
Negative Factors
Financial Performance
The earnings per share estimate for the first quarter of 2025 has been lowered from -$0.76 to -$0.99, indicating a less favorable financial performance.
Leadership Changes
The recent departure of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Laura Gault adds further uncertainty to early-stage asset development, potentially impacting R&D and execution.
Product Revenue
Collaboration revenue for the product Zurzuvae has been slightly adjusted downwards based on prescription trends.

SAGE Therapeutics (SAGE) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

SAGE Therapeutics Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSage Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, develops and commercializes medicines to treat central nervous system disorders. Its lead product candidate is ZULRESSO, an intravenous formulation of brexanolone for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in adults. The company's product pipeline also includes zuranolone, a neuroactive steroid, which is in Phase III clinical trials for treating PPD, major depressive disorders, treatment resistant disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, and bipolar depression; and SAGE-324, a compound that is in Phase II clinical trial to treat essential tremors, as well as has completed Phase I clinical trial for epilepsy and Parkinson's diseases. In addition, its product pipeline comprises SAGE-718, an oxysterol-based positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA receptor, which has completed Phase I clinical trial for the treatment of depression, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia, and neuropathic pain. Sage Therapeutics, Inc. has a strategic collaboration with Shionogi & Co., Ltd. for the development and commercialization of zuranolone in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea; and a collaboration and license agreement with Biogen MA Inc. to jointly develop and commercialize SAGE-217 and SAGE-324 products. The company was formerly known as Sterogen Biopharma, Inc. and changed its name to Sage Therapeutics, Inc. in September 2011. Sage Therapeutics, Inc. was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
How the Company Makes MoneySAGE Therapeutics generates revenue primarily through the sales of its commercial products, particularly ZULRESSO, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of postpartum depression. The company's revenue streams also include potential milestone payments, licensing fees, and royalties from strategic partnerships and collaborations with other pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, SAGE Therapeutics invests in research and development to expand its pipeline of candidates, which may lead to future revenue opportunities through new product launches or expanded indications for existing therapies.

SAGE Therapeutics Financial Statement Overview

Summary
SAGE Therapeutics faces significant financial challenges with declining revenue, ongoing losses, and negative cash flows. Although the company maintains low leverage, its ability to generate profits and cash remains a concern, impacting its overall financial health.
Income Statement
15
Very Negative
SAGE Therapeutics shows a significant decline in revenue, with a notable decrease from previous years. The company's net and gross profit margins are negative, indicating ongoing losses. The EBIT and EBITDA margins are also negative, highlighting operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
40
Negative
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is low, suggesting limited leverage, which is positive. However, the return on equity is negative due to ongoing losses, and there's a declining equity ratio, indicating reduced shareholder equity stability.
Cash Flow
20
Very Negative
SAGE Therapeutics has negative free cash flow and operating cash flow, reflecting substantial cash outflows. The ratios of cash flow to net income indicate inefficiencies in converting income to cash, underscoring cash management issues.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
41.24M86.45M7.69M6.31M1.11B
Gross Profit
31.80M84.30M6.87M5.75M1.11B
EBIT
-432.37M-579.85M-546.99M-460.91M596.23M
EBITDA
-409.49M-545.07M-545.87M-456.73M626.60M
Net Income Common Stockholders
-400.67M-541.49M-503.27M-450.83M606.07M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
504.42M753.18M1.27B1.74B2.10B
Total Assets
547.22M882.28M1.36B1.83B2.16B
Total Debt
11.84M5.17M12.13M18.43M28.10M
Net Debt
-69.19M-65.83M-150.57M-275.80M-1.63B
Total Liabilities
82.13M82.75M103.85M96.26M86.91M
Stockholders Equity
465.09M799.53M1.25B1.73B2.07B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
-267.19M-541.14M-460.97M-378.55M663.93M
Operating Cash Flow
-267.19M-540.59M-460.04M-378.18M664.28M
Investing Cash Flow
266.68M442.91M325.43M-1.00B442.68M
Financing Cash Flow
10.66M6.03M3.07M13.33M426.76M

SAGE Therapeutics Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price7.79
Price Trends
50DMA
7.54
Positive
100DMA
6.92
Positive
200DMA
7.41
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.02
Negative
RSI
56.31
Neutral
STOCH
79.78
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SAGE, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 7.79 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 7.41, above the 50-day MA of 7.54, and above the 200-day MA of 7.41, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.02 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 56.31 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 79.78 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SAGE.

SAGE Therapeutics Risk Analysis

SAGE Therapeutics disclosed 48 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. SAGE Therapeutics reported the most risks in the “Tech & Innovation” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

SAGE Therapeutics Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
51
Neutral
$5.32B3.39-40.26%2.89%17.93%2.48%
49
Neutral
$621.73M91.25%-17.75%-19.17%
49
Neutral
$595.17M-48.16%-11.55%-37.48%
46
Neutral
$581.50M-29.06%30.27%44.12%
42
Neutral
$454.96M-63.37%-52.30%27.13%
42
Neutral
$476.29M-32.06%15.34%
OPOPT
39
Underperform
$473.48M
-25.10%-7.06%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SAGE
SAGE Therapeutics
7.79
-6.39
-45.06%
AKBA
Akebia Therapeutics
2.38
1.06
80.30%
CAPR
Capricor Therapeutics
13.03
7.70
144.47%
BCYC
Bicycle Therapeutics
8.42
-14.99
-64.03%
OPT
Opthea Limited Sponsored ADR
3.20
-0.07
-2.14%
CGEM
Cullinan Management
8.14
-18.98
-69.99%

SAGE Therapeutics Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 11, 2025 | % Change Since: 8.34% | Next Earnings Date: Apr 29, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects positive momentum with the successful launch and strong adoption of ZURZUVAE in the market, supported by effective commercial strategies and comprehensive coverage. However, challenges remain with revenue growth not keeping pace with demand and significant net losses impacting financial health.
Highlights
Successful Launch of ZURZUVAE
ZURZUVAE, the first and only oral treatment for postpartum depression (PPD), surpassed initial expectations with over 6,600 prescriptions shipped in 2024, indicating strong market demand and adoption among healthcare providers.
Commercial Coverage and Access
Greater than 95% of commercial and Medicaid lives are covered, with most having no step edits or complex prior authorizations, reflecting strong payer recognition of ZURZUVAE's value.
Salesforce Expansion and Market Penetration
The salesforce expansion led to a 33% growth in patient shipments in targeted territories, highlighting the market's responsiveness to promotional efforts.
Financial Position and Cash Runway
The company reported a cash runway expected to last until mid-2027, supported by existing cash, anticipated collaboration funding, and projected revenues.
Lowlights
Revenue Growth Lagging Behind Prescription Demand
Despite a 21% increase in prescriptions in Q4 2024, revenue only grew by 4% due to inventory and channel management factors, indicating a disconnect between demand and sales.
Net Loss and Restructuring Expenses
Recorded a net loss of $95.8 million in Q4 2024, with one-time restructuring expenses of $22.5 million highlighting the financial challenges faced.
Company Guidance
During Sage Therapeutics' fourth quarter and full year 2024 financial results conference call, the company outlined its strategic priorities for 2025, emphasizing the commercial success of ZURZUVAE for postpartum depression (PPD). Key metrics included over 6,600 prescriptions shipped in 2024, with a 21% increase in Q4 alone. The company reported $11.4 million in Q4 collaboration revenue from ZURZUVAE sales, contributing to a total of $36.1 million for the year. Notably, OBGYNs accounted for nearly 80% of prescriptions, with 70% of patients receiving ZURZUVAE as their first treatment for PPD. Sage also highlighted its financial position, with cash reserves projected to support operations until mid-2027, and plans to expand its sales force and enhance media investments to drive ZURZUVAE's market penetration further.

SAGE Therapeutics Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
SAGE Therapeutics Announces CMO Resignation and Interim Appointment
Neutral
Mar 4, 2025

On March 3, 2025, Sage Therapeutics announced the resignation of its Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Laura Gault, effective March 21, 2025, as she pursues a new opportunity. The company has appointed its current Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Mike Quirk, to take over key responsibilities on an interim basis, ensuring continuity in strategic guidance for its clinical development programs.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.