Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ:BNTC) Given Sell (D-) Rating at Weiss Ratings

Key Points

• Benitec Biopharma's stock was given a "sell (D-)" rating by Weiss Ratings, reiterating concerns about the company's performance.
• The company's shares recently experienced a 4.5% increase, reaching $16.52, despite reporting a $0.42 loss per share in its last earnings announcement.
• While one analyst rated the stock as a Strong Buy, the consensus among multiple reports indicates a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average target price of $24.80.

Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ:BNTC - Get Free Report)'s stock had its "sell (d-)" rating reiterated by analysts at Weiss Ratings in a research note issued on Friday,Weiss Ratings reports.

BNTC has been the topic of a number of other reports. JMP Securities reaffirmed a "market outperform" rating and issued a $20.00 target price on shares of Benitec Biopharma in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Oppenheimer reaffirmed an "outperform" rating and issued a $29.00 target price (down from $35.00) on shares of Benitec Biopharma in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Zacks Research cut shares of Benitec Biopharma from a "hold" rating to a "strong sell" rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. TD Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Benitec Biopharma in a report on Monday, July 7th. They issued a "buy" rating on the stock. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Benitec Biopharma from a "hold" rating to a "sell" rating in a report on Friday, September 26th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Benitec Biopharma presently has a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $24.80.

Benitec Biopharma Stock Up 4.5%

Shares of NASDAQ:BNTC traded up $0.71 during trading on Friday, hitting $16.52. 72,267 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 65,970. The stock has a market capitalization of $433.65 million, a P/E ratio of -11.24 and a beta of 0.41. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 54.67 and a quick ratio of 54.67. Benitec Biopharma has a 12-month low of $9.10 and a 12-month high of $17.15. The firm's 50 day moving average price is $13.96 and its 200-day moving average price is $13.57.

Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ:BNTC - Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, September 25th. The biotechnology company reported ($0.42) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of ($0.24) by ($0.18). On average, research analysts predict that Benitec Biopharma will post -1.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. purchased a new position in Benitec Biopharma in the 1st quarter valued at about $597,000. Infinitum Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Benitec Biopharma by 435.7% in the 1st quarter. Infinitum Asset Management LLC now owns 1,125,000 shares of the biotechnology company's stock valued at $14,636,000 after purchasing an additional 915,000 shares in the last quarter. MYDA Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Benitec Biopharma by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. MYDA Advisors LLC now owns 52,000 shares of the biotechnology company's stock valued at $677,000 after purchasing an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. Informed Momentum Co LLC purchased a new position in Benitec Biopharma in the 1st quarter valued at about $512,000. Finally, AWM Investment Company Inc. lifted its holdings in Benitec Biopharma by 35.2% in the 1st quarter. AWM Investment Company Inc. now owns 137,977 shares of the biotechnology company's stock valued at $1,795,000 after purchasing an additional 35,950 shares in the last quarter. 52.19% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Benitec Biopharma Company Profile

Benitec Biopharma Inc, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, focuses on the development of novel genetic medicines. The company develops DNA-directed RNA interference-based therapeutics for chronic and life-threatening human conditions. It is developing BB-301, an adeno-associated virus based gene therapy agent for treating oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy.

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