Prothena (PRTA) Up 17.6% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

Core Viewpoint - Prothena's recent earnings report indicates significant losses and revenue misses, but the company is focusing on key pipeline developments that could drive future growth [2][12]. Financial Performance - Prothena reported a second-quarter adjusted loss per share of $1.86, which was wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.11 [2]. - Revenues for the quarter totaled $4.4 million, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $21 million, compared to $132 million in the previous year [2]. - Research and development expenses decreased by 29.5% year-over-year to $40.5 million, attributed to lower clinical trial and manufacturing costs [3]. - General and administrative expenses were slightly reduced to $15.9 million from $16.1 million in the prior year [3]. - As of June 30, 2025, Prothena had $372.3 million in cash and equivalents, with no debt [3]. Pipeline Developments - Prothena is collaborating with Roche on prasinezumab for Parkinson's disease, with phase III development expected to start by the end of 2025 [4]. - The company is evaluating PRX012 for Alzheimer's disease, which has received Fast Track designation from the FDA, with initial data from phase I trials expected soon [5]. - Prothena is advancing several early-stage programs in collaboration with Bristol Myers, including BMS-986446 for Alzheimer's disease [6]. - PRX019, a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, is undergoing a phase I clinical trial, expected to complete in 2026 [8]. - The dual Aβ-Tau vaccine, PRX123, has also received Fast Track designation and is being advanced through efficient funding structures [9][10]. Guidance and Estimates - Prothena expects a net cash burn of $170 to $178 million for 2025, with a projected year-end cash balance of approximately $298 million [12]. - The company anticipates a net loss in the range of $240 to $248 million for 2025 [12]. - Since the earnings release, consensus estimates have shifted upward by 29.35% [13]. Market Position - Prothena holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [15]. - The company has an average Growth Score of C, a Momentum Score of A, but a low value score of F, placing it in the bottom 20% for value investors [14].