NRx Pharmaceuticals to Post Q4 Earnings: How to Play the Stock?

Core Viewpoint - NRx Pharmaceuticals is expected to report a loss per share of 20 cents for the fourth quarter of 2024, with no revenues anticipated due to the absence of marketed products [1][2]. Financial Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NRx Pharmaceuticals' 2024 loss per share has remained constant at $1.75, while the 2025 forecast is at 8 cents [2]. - NRx Pharmaceuticals has shown encouraging performance over the last three quarters, with an average earnings surprise of 39.15%, including a notable 81.48% surprise in the last reported quarter [3][4]. Earnings Expectations - The company currently has an Earnings ESP of -0.20% and a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating that the odds of an earnings beat are not favorable this time [5]. - The upcoming earnings call is expected to provide updates on the clinical-stage pipeline programs, particularly focusing on novel candidates for central nervous system disorders [6][10]. Drug Development Pipeline - NRx Pharmaceuticals is developing two lead drug candidates: NRX-101 for suicidal bipolar depression, chronic pain, and PTSD, and NRX-100 (IV ketamine) for suicidal depression [8]. - The company submitted an initial section of the NDA for NRX-100 to the FDA in December 2024, with the final efficacy data expected in the first quarter of 2025 [9]. Market Performance - NRx Pharmaceuticals' stock has increased by 86.1% over the past three months, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500, which saw a decline of 5.4% [11][12]. Competitive Landscape - The company faces competition in the market for treatments for schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, with notable products like J&J's Spravato and Alkermes' Lybalvi already approved [16][17].