Nektar (NKTR) Reports Narrower-than-Expected Q1 Loss

Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) reported a loss of 14 cents per share in the first quarter of 2015, narrower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 20 cents. In the first quarter of 2015, the company had posted earnings of 26 cents.

Quarterly revenues plunged 45.9% to $58.9 million. The top line included $28 million received from AstraZeneca plc (NYSE:AZN) in April for sublicensing Moventig to ProStrakan in Europe. Revenues were, however, above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $45 million.

Quarter in Detail

Total revenue comprised net product sales, royalty revenues, non-cash royalty revenues, license, collaboration and other revenues.

Product sales surged 76.8% to almost $14.1 million.

License, collaboration and other revenues plummeted 64.7% to $34.2 million. Nektar has a license agreement with AstraZeneca for Movantik (EU trade name: Moventig) and a collaboration agreement with Baxalta Inc. (NYSE:BXLT) for Adynovate.

Research and development (R&D) expenses were $49.3 million primarily due to phase III studies on NKTR-181 and initiation of a phase I/II study on NKTR-214.

General and administrative (G&A) expenses were down 0.7% to $10.2 million.

2016 Outlook

Nektar reiterated its financial guidance for 2016. The company continues to expect total revenue in the range of $155–$165 million. Upfront and other milestone payments under the license agreement with AstraZeneca are projected to be approximately $40 million.

It expects royalty revenues from Movantik’s sale of roughly $22 million, while non-cash royalty revenues are anticipated to be around $24 million.

Pipeline Update

Nektar is currently enrolling patients in the phase III SUMMIT-07 efficacy study on NKTR-181 for chronic low back pain. Top-line data from the study are expected in the first quarter of 2017.

In addition, the company is evaluating NKTR-214 in a phase I/II study for the treatment of solid tumors. Top-line data from the study are expected in the second half of 2016.

Our Take

Nektar’s first-quarter results were impressive, with the company reporting a narrower-than-expected loss and revenues surpassing expectations. We are further encouraged by Nektar’s collaboration and license agreements, which should continue to drive top-line growth at the company.

Going ahead, we expect investor focus to remain on further pipeline updates by the company.

Nektar currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:OMED) , with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), is a better-ranked stock in the health care sector.