Newron Pharmaceuticals — Marching into 2017

Newron Pharmaceuticals (SIX: NWRN)

Last close As at 28/03/2024

CHF7.84

0.36 (4.81%)

Market capitalisation

CHF140m

More on this equity

Research: Healthcare

Newron Pharmaceuticals — Marching into 2017

We anticipate that the sales and pipeline progression made by Newron in 2016 will be cemented further in 2017/18. A critical catalyst remains the US Xadago (Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapy) approval which is imminent (revised PDUFA date is 21 March); this will materially impact the share price performance. We anticipate US launch in H217 by sub licensee, US WorldMeds. Data from pipeline assets sarizotan (Rett’s syndrome, RS) and evenamide (schizophrenia) in the upcoming 18 months will highlight Newron’s diverse, innovative CNS-based R&D portfolio. We value the company at CHF530m.

Analyst avatar placeholder

Written by

Healthcare

Newron Pharmaceuticals

Marching into 2017

FY16 results

Pharma & biotech

13 March 2017

Price

CHF27.80

Market cap

CHF439m

€/CHF 1.1

Net cash (€m) at 31 December 2016

46.2

Shares in issue

15.8m

Free float

77%

Code

NWRN

Primary exchange

SIX

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

18.3

49.9

49.1

Rel (local)

15.4

40.0

35.7

52-week high/low

CHF27.8

CHF13.9

Business description

Newron Pharmaceuticals is an Italian CNS-focused biotechnology company. Xadago (safinamide) for Parkinson’s disease has been launched in Europe; Xadago is partnered with Zambon (Europe), Meiji Seika (Japan); US WorldMeds (US) and Sequirus (Australia/New Zealand).

Next events

Xadago US PDUFA date

21 March 2017

Evenamide PIIa detailed data

24-28 March 2017

Sarizotan Phase III STARS data

Mid 2018

Analysts

Dr Susie Jana

+44 (0) 20 3077 5700

Daniel Wilkinson

+44 (0)20 3077 5734

Newron Pharmaceuticals is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

We anticipate that the sales and pipeline progression made by Newron in 2016 will be cemented further in 2017/18. A critical catalyst remains the US Xadago (Parkinson’s disease (PD) therapy) approval which is imminent (revised PDUFA date is 21 March); this will materially impact the share price performance. We anticipate US launch in H217 by sub licensee, US WorldMeds. Data from pipeline assets sarizotan (Rett’s syndrome, RS) and evenamide (schizophrenia) in the upcoming 18 months will highlight Newron’s diverse, innovative CNS-based R&D portfolio. We value the company at CHF530m.

Year end

Revenue (€m)

PBT*
(€m)

EPS*
(c)

DPS
(c)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/15

2.4

(18.3)

(1.17)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/16

6.7

(15.2)

(1.04)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/17e

15.3

(7.2)

(0.46)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/18e

15.6

(3.9)

(0.24)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Xadago sales building; US PDUFA date, 21 March

Newron reported €1.7m in Xadago royalties from commercial partner, Zambon in FY16 and Xadago is now available in 11 European countries. We anticipate US FDA approval on 21 March to trigger a €9m milestone payment to Newron. Zambon has sub-licensed US commercialisation rights to US WorldMeds and we anticipate US launch in H217. We therefore expect FY17 sales to benefit from the ongoing European market rollout by Zambon and the US launch by US WorldMeds.

Evenamide POC schizophrenia data, 24-28 March

Newron has reported encouraging preliminary phase IIa POC evenamide data (good tolerability, safety and preliminary evidence of efficacy) as an add-on to antipsychotics in patients with positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Detailed results from the Phase IIa trial of this novel mechanism of action drug will be presented at the ICOSR on 24-28 March. Newron is planning a potentially pivotal study as next steps; the study could be carried out by Newron or with/by a partner. The announcement of a partnering deal would represent upside to our numbers.

Sarizotan potentially written in the STARS

The pivotal Phase III STARS trial evaluating sarizotan for breathing disorders in Rett syndrome (RS) is underway and top line data are now expected mid-2018. Sarizotan is the first drug for RS granted both in the US and Europe and could become the first drug approved for treatment of patients with Rett syndrome. We forecast potential first approval and launch in late 2018; given the size of the indication, Newron will commercialise in RS alone with a small salesforce.

Valuation: Increased to CHF530m or CHF33.6/share

Our updated Newron valuation is CHF530m (from CHF494m) or CHF33.6/share, reflecting a push back to the Xadago launch timeframe in Japan, phasing in R&D costs, and rolling forward our DCF. Our valuation includes risk-adjusted contributions for Xadago in PD and dyskinesia indications, sarizotan in RS and evenamide in schizophrenia and reflects 2016 year-end net cash of CHF46.2m.

Xadago commercial and approval progress

Newron reported €1.7m in Xadago (salfinamide) royalties in FY16 from commercial partner, Zambon. Xadago is now available in 11 European countries as an add-on therapy to Levodopa in mid-to-late Parkinson’s disease; given we assume a 12% royalty rate, this implies net sales of c €14.2m for the full year across the available territories in Europe. Zambon launched Xadago in 2015, but the drug was only commercialised in Germany for seven months. During the course of 2016 Xadago was rolled out to 10 additional countries in Europe; we anticipate a further uplift in the sales trajectory in 2017 given a full 12 months of product availability for the year. Importantly Xadago royalties are ramping up despite the Italian Medicines Agency’s (AIFA’s) imposed ceiling on 2016 and 2017 sales. Exhibit 1 highlights the increase in royalties reported by Newron and the impact of the AIFA cap in Q216 (in grey). A critical catalyst remains the US Xadago approval which is imminent (revised PDUFA date is 21 March); this will materially impact the share price performance. Zambon has sub licensed its US commercialisation rights to US WorldMeds and we anticipate US launch in H217. We forecast that the US FDA approval in late March will trigger a €9m milestone payment to Newron in 2017. FY17 sales will benefit from the ongoing European market roll-out by Zambon (including France by the end of 2017), plus an undisclosed territory ex Europe and the US launch by US WorldMeds.

Exhibit 1: Xadago royalty ramp up

Source: Edison Investment research, Newron presentations

Xadago’s global development plan will benefit sales in the longer term, Japan partner Meiji has initiated the long term Phase III studies (we expect launch in 2020) and newly announced partner Seqirus is to submit an NDA to the Australia/New Zealand authorities. In January 2017, Seqirus and Zambon entered into a partnership for Xadago in Australia and New Zealand; Seqirus will be responsible for the registration and commercialisation of the drug and Zambon will supply the product. We expect Newron to receive a share of royalties and milestones on approval and commercial sales milestones.

We forecast global peak sales of €450m for Xadago in Parkinson’s disease, which comprises ex-US peak sales of €200m based on use only in mid- to late-stage PD patients, a group which represents 75-80% of the PD market. In the US, our peak sales are €250m where we continue to include both early and mid- to late-stage patients. Our royalty rate forecasts are around 12-13%. We also risk-adjusted the contribution for safinamide in dyskinesia associated with PD, assuming peak sales of €390m; further studies evaluating safinamide’s impact on dyskinesia will depend on what partner Zambon and sub-licenser US WorldMeds intend for its development. See our outlook note dated 21 July 2016 Back on Track for more details on our Xadago assumptions for PD and potential dyskinesia label expansion.

R&D catalysts to mid-2018

Evenamide detailed POC data, 24-28 March at ICSR

Evenamide (NW-3509) is an internally-developed asset that originates from Newron’s ion channel discovery platform. It is a novel, new generation, oral, antipsychotic drug in development for schizophrenia that acts through pathways (sodium channel modulator, which regulates the hyperexcitability of neurons) that are not targeted by available antipsychotic drugs. Newron has reported encouraging preliminary Phase IIa proof of concept (POC) evenamide data (good tolerability, safety and preliminary evidence of efficacy) as an add-on to antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. This Phase II study addressed the drug’s ability in reducing positive symptoms and psychotic worsening in patients with schizophrenia experiencing breakthrough symptoms while on adequate doses of risperidone or aripiprazole. This is a double-blind, placebo controlled, four-week in/outpatient study evaluating 15-25mg of evenamide (twice daily) in a minimum of 90 patients across study centres based in the US and India. Detailed results of this novel mechanism of action drug will be presented at the 16th International congress on Schizophrenia research on March 24th to 28th 2017.

We forecast conservative evenamide peak sales of €380m and Newron estimates that the antipsychotic market is worth around $23bn (source: FiercePharma 2011), suggesting that evenamide could have significant potential. However, until full proof-of-concept data are available, estimating the potential market opportunity for evenamide is not straightforward given its potential would be dependent on the breadth of clinical trials conducted. Although we have limited visibility on the timing and terms of any potential out-licensing, we continue to assume standard terms including a double-digit royalty on sales, commensurate with an asset out-licensed with proof-of-concept data.

Evenamide will eventually be a partnering candidate, given the potential size of the indication and scope of development and its differentiating mode of action. Newron is planning an adequately designed, well-controlled, and placebo-controlled, well-powered (potentially pivotal) study to provide compelling evidence of the efficacy and safety of Evenamide. The study could be performed on the company or with/by a partner. The announcement of a partnering deal would represent upside to our numbers.

Sarizotan the first orphan drug for RS

Sarizotan is a highly selective serotonin (5-HT1a) and dopamine (D2) antagonist that in preclinical studies demonstrated activity in normalising the abnormal breathing patterns in animal models of Rett syndrome, a rare, genetic neurodevelopmental disorder that generally affects girls. This severe brain disorder arises from a non-inherited genetic mutation (X-linked methyl CpG-binding protein 2). The mutation causes severe disability and a reduction in life expectancy. There is no curative treatment for RS and current treatment is therefore more symptomatic. Sarizotan is not being developed to address the underlying cause of RS but as a potential treatment for these life-threatening breathing disorders

In July 2015 the FDA designated orphan drug status to sarizotan for the treatment of RS; Newron received sarizotan’s IND approval by FDA in May 2016. STARS (Sarizostan Treatment of Apneas in Rett syndrome), a potentially pivotal clinical study to evaluate breathing disorders associated with RS has now begun; the first US study centre initiated is the Rush Medical Center, Chicago. STARS is a global study that will recruit around 129 RS patients (three groups of 43) aged 13 and over; the primary endpoint of the study is the reduction in the number of clinically significant apnoea (>10seconds) episodes at 24 weeks. Newron has sought advice from both regulators and key opinion leaders in the design of this study. Data from STARS is expected mid-2018. Newron is planning to apply for a global filing and approval strategy once the STARS data are through.

A c 750 patient, c 210 caregiver burden of disease study is ongoing which the company believes will aid in the pricing reimbursement discussions once the approval process has been initiated.

Our forecasts assume first approval in the US during H218, with launch shortly thereafter, with sarizotan potentially eligible for accelerated review given the unmet medical need. Given the small size of the indication (20,000–30,000 patients), Newron will commercialise sarizotan alone in key markets, including the US and major European countries. Our €260m peak sales forecast is based on pricing of €60,000 a year, reflecting the ultra-orphan indication and assumes a 40% penetration of the targeted patients (which we assume is a quarter of the overall market). Pricing and penetration will ultimately depend on sarizotan’s magnitude of benefit; if it can command pricing of €80,000 a year with 70% penetration of our assumed target market (one quarter of RS patients), this would suggest peak sales of around €600m.

Valuation

Following the FY16 results we have pushed out our assumption for a safinamide launch in Japan to 2020 from 2019. We have not made any other changes to our underlying product assumptions, which include €450m of Xadago peak sales in Parkinson’s disease, in addition to risk-adjusted contributions for Xadago in dyskinesia and the pipeline of orphan opportunities: sarizotan in Rett syndrome and evenamide in schizophrenia, which Newron is planning to partner. We have, however, increased our R&D expense forecasts in 2017 and 2018 to reflect phasing of R&D costs for sarizotan and evenamide (NW-3509). Our valuation has been rolled forward in time and updated for net cash (which comprises last reported gross cash of €46.5m, and last reported total debt of €0.3m, equating to €46.2m. Our revised valuation is CHF530m (previously CHF504m), or CHF33.6 per share.

Exhibit 2: Newron sum-of-the-parts valuation

Product

Indication

Launch

Peak sales (€m)

Value (€m)

Value (CHFm)

Probability

(%)

rNPV (€m)

rNPV (CHFm)

NPV/share (CHF/share)

Xadago

Parkinson's disease

2015

450

259.6

347.3

90-100

247.4

330.9

20.9

Dyskinesia

2020

390

82.8

110.8

40

33.1

44.3

2.8

Sarizotan

Rett syndrome

2018

260

229.1

306.5

30

64.3

86.0

5.4

NW-3509

Schizophrenia

2019

380

80.1

107.2

20

13.8

18.5

1.2

Net cash/(debt) at December 2016

46.2

50.6

100

46.1

50.6

3.2

Valuation

 

 

 

1,025.2

922.4

 

404.7

530.3

33.6

Source: Edison Investment Research

Exhibit 3: Key news flow in the next 18 months

News

Period

Comments

Xadago EU next launches

2017

Pricing and uptake rates

Xadago/safinamide US approval

21 March 2017

PDUFA date is 21 March 2017; potential launch in H217 by US WorldMeds

Evenamide Phase II data (detailed)

24–28 March 2017

Will provide first proof of concept data

Evenamide partnering

2017

Alternatively a partnering deal could come after the availability of Phase II data

Sarizotan PII/III potential pivotal data

Mid 2018

Sarizotan approval and launch

H218

Source: Edison Investment Research, Newron

Financials

At the FY16 results, Newron reported the receipt of Xadago-related royalties (from partner Zambon on sales in 11 European countries) of €1.7m to end December 2016. Based on our assumed 12% royalty rate (we assume a tiered royalty starting at 12% with a step-up to 18%), this suggests sales of c €14m in the year; we highlight a staggered launch in Europe such that the product has not been available across all territories for the full year. Newron reported total revenues of €6.7m in 2016, which aside from the Xadago royalties received includes a €3.0m milestone payment from Zambon related to the granting of pricing approval in certain European countries and identification of the US partner.

Our FY17 revenue forecast of €15.3m is based on royalty income related to Xadago sales in Europe and the US of € 6.3m plus €9m milestone-related income (if Xadago is approved in the US, we believe Newron will be eligible to receive a milestone payment from Zambon).

Reported R&D expenses (gross) in FY16 were €19.2m, compared to €18.4m FY15 which was affected by a one-off €6.725m impairment charge relating to termination of the sNN0029 and sNN0031 development programmes in 2015. We allocate the impairment charge (and similar €2.125m R&D impairment charge in FY14) to exceptional items. As such, our R&D expenses in the P&L reflect net expenses, which in FY16 were €12.4m (compared to €11.7m in FY15). Our net R&D forecasts for FY17 have increased to €13.3m, from €12m, mainly related to the completed Phase IIa Evenamide (NW-3509) study and additional work in schizophrenia and the ongoing pivotal sarizotan PII/III trial, which could conclude in Q218. Any delays to the pipeline development in 2016 could result in a phasing of R&D costs from 2017 to 2018. In addition, if the regulatory bodies request further clinical trials for sarizotan or if Newron decide to progress NW-3509 alone (beyond the ongoing phase II), then our 2017 R&D forecasts will need to be materially upgraded.

G&A expenses in FY16 were €9.1m (FY15 €8.3m), the rise accounted for by an increase in staff costs, costs relating to the issuance of new shares, plus other expenses relating to charitable donations to Rett’s syndrome organisations.

Newron reported cash and equivalents of €46.5m at end December 2016 (following one private placement of new shares in FY16 and the exercise of one 2015 option raising net proceeds of €26.8m) and has modest debt of €0.3m. We continue to expect that current cash resources should be sufficient to fund operations for the foreseeable future.

Exhibit 4: Financial summary

€000s

2014

2015

2016

2017e

2018e

2019e

Year end December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

1,557

2,380

6,726

15,293

15,560

25,107

Cost of Sales

0

0

0

0

0

0

Gross Profit

1,557

2,380

6,726

15,293

15,560

25,107

Research and development (net)

(3,892)

(11,724)

(12,398)

(13,300)

(9,960)

(10,152)

EBITDA

 

 

(9,057)

(17,604)

(15,290)

(7,611)

(4,484)

4,369

Operating Profit (before amort. and except.)

 

 

(9,077)

(17,668)

(15,318)

(7,633)

(4,506)

4,345

Intangible Amortisation

(13)

(7)

(7)

(24)

(24)

(24)

Exceptionals

(2,125)

(6,725)

0

0

0

0

Other

0

0

0

0

0

0

Operating Profit

(11,215)

(24,400)

(15,325)

(7,657)

(4,530)

4,322

Net Interest

492

(583)

121

401

648

1,305

Profit Before Tax (norm)

 

 

(8,585)

(18,251)

(15,197)

(7,232)

(3,858)

5,650

Profit Before Tax (reported)

 

 

(10,723)

(24,983)

(15,204)

(7,256)

(3,882)

5,626

Tax

628

2,167

(33)

0

0

0

Profit After Tax (norm)

(7,957)

(16,084)

(15,230)

(7,232)

(3,858)

5,650

Profit After Tax (reported)

(10,095)

(22,816)

(15,237)

(7,256)

(3,882)

5,626

Average Number of Shares Outstanding (m)

12.7

13.7

14.7

15.8

15.8

15.8

EPS - normalised (€)

 

 

(0.63)

(1.17)

(1.04)

(0.46)

(0.24)

0.36

EPS - (reported) (€)

 

 

(0.80)

(1.66)

(1.04)

(0.46)

(0.25)

0.36

Dividend per share

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross Margin (%)

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

100.0

EBITDA Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

17.4

Operating Margin (before GW and except.) (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

17.3

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

7,686

406

451

478

504

529

Intangible Assets

6,993

265

261

240

219

198

Tangible Assets

67

79

120

168

215

261

Investments

626

62

70

70

70

70

Current Assets

 

 

29,388

43,974

56,140

49,916

48,302

57,646

Stocks

102

38

5

98

98

98

Debtors

3,320

3,005

9,667

3,883

3,883

3,883

Cash

25,702

40,931

46,468

45,935

44,321

53,665

Other

264

0

0

0

0

0

Current Liabilities

 

 

(4,489)

(6,513)

(6,645)

(5,426)

(5,434)

(6,891)

Creditors

(4,131)

(6,151)

(6,281)

(5,413)

(5,434)

(6,891)

Short term borrowings

(358)

(362)

(364)

(13)

0

0

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(3,324)

(755)

(199)

(199)

(199)

(199)

Long term borrowings

(729)

(364)

0

0

0

0

Other long term liabilities

(2,595)

(391)

(199)

(199)

(199)

(199)

Net Assets

 

 

29,261

37,112

49,747

44,770

43,173

51,084

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(9,370)

(10,695)

(19,616)

(495)

(2,178)

8,111

Net Interest

107

121

102

401

648

1,305

Tax

(628)

(2,167)

33

(8)

0

0

Capex

(22)

(60)

(69)

(69)

(69)

(69)

Acquisitions/disposals

0

0

0

0

0

0

Financing

17,547

28,392

25,448

0

0

0

Other

0

(4)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

Dividends

0

0

0

0

0

0

Net Cash Flow

7,634

15,587

5,895

(175)

(1,601)

9,344

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(16,981)

(24,615)

(40,205)

(46,104)

(45,922)

(44,321)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

0

0

Other

0

3

4

(7)

0

0

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(24,615)

(40,205)

(46,104)

(45,922)

(44,321)

(53,665)

Source: Edison Investment Research, Newron

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Newron Pharmaceuticals and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2017. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison Investment Research (NZ) Limited (Edison NZ) is the New Zealand subsidiary of Edison. Edison NZ is registered on the New Zealand Financial Service Providers Register (FSP number 247505) and is registered to provide wholesale and/or generic financial adviser services only. Edison Investment Research Inc (Edison US) is the US subsidiary of Edison and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison Aus) [46085869] is the Australian subsidiary of Edison and is not regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission. Edison Germany is a branch entity of Edison Investment Research Limited [4794244]. www.edisongroup.com

DISCLAIMER
Copyright 2017 Edison Investment Research Limited. All rights reserved. This report has been commissioned by Newron Pharmaceuticals and prepared and issued by Edison for publication globally. All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. The securities described in the Investment Research may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors. This research is issued in Australia by Edison Aus and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. The Investment Research is distributed in the United States by Edison US to major US institutional investors only. Edison US is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Edison US relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personalised advice. We publish information about companies in which we believe our readers may be interested and this information reflects our sincere opinions. The information that we provide or that is derived from our website is not intended to be, and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, our website and the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. This document is provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.
Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report. Edison or its affiliates may perform services or solicit business from any of the companies mentioned in this report. The value of securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise and are subject to large and sudden swings. In addition it may be difficult or not possible to buy, sell or obtain accurate information about the value of securities mentioned in this report. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (ie without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Edison, its affiliates and contractors, and their respective directors, officers and employees will not be liable for any loss or damage arising as a result of reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this report and do not guarantee the returns on investments in the products discussed in this publication. FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”) © FTSE 2017. “FTSE®” is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE International Limited under license. All rights in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings vest in FTSE and/or its licensors. Neither FTSE nor its licensors accept any liability for any errors or omissions in the FTSE indices and/or FTSE ratings or underlying data. No further distribution of FTSE Data is permitted without FTSE’s express written consent.

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Frankfurt +49 (0)69 78 8076 960

Schumannstrasse 34b

60325 Frankfurt

Germany

London +44 (0)20 3077 5700

280 High Holborn

London, WC1V 7EE

United Kingdom

New York +1 646 653 7026

245 Park Avenue, 39th Floor

10167, New York

US

Sydney +61 (0)2 8249 8342

Level 12, Office 1205

95 Pitt Street, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

More on Newron Pharmaceuticals

View All

Latest from the Healthcare sector

View All Healthcare content

Research: Consumer

bet-at-home — Marketing investment pays off

bet-at-home is a long-established sports betting brand with positive online growth drivers. An aggressive 2016 marketing campaign has boosted customer numbers and strong EBITDA growth is expected to continue into 2017. A high cash balance of €91.8m, together with a remaining €29m shareholder loan, supports the special dividend in May 2017. At 15.9x 2017e EV/EBITDA, the shares have traded well, helped by inclusion on the SDAX, as well as an attractive 7.1% 2016 dividend yield.

Continue Reading

Subscribe to Edison

Get access to the very latest content matched to your personal investment style.

Sign up for free