Sanofi Set to Take a 4.9% Stake in Novavax for $70 MillionShah Capital has announced the withdrawal of its campaign against the re-election of three directors on Novavax's board following the COVID-19 vaccine maker's licensing deal with Sanofi. The deal, signed on May 10, entails Sanofi taking a 4.9% stake in Novavax for $70 million at a substantial valuation, including an upfront cash payment of $500 million and future payments contingent on specific milestones and royalties. This move comes after Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) struggled to bring its protein-based vaccine to the market in a timely manner. Furthermore, the company has removed a warning notice from February last year, which cast doubt on its ability to continue operations, signaling increased stability after the deal with Sanofi.
Shah Capital, which holds approximately 7.8% stake in Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ),said that the Sanofi agreement represents a "long-awaited step in the right direction." Despite the withdrawal of its campaign, the fund continues to assert that Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) would benefit from the addition of a stockholder representative on its board.
Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) has reaffirmed its commitment to driving long-term value for all shareholders and has welcomed the decision by Shah Capital to end its campaign, deeming it as the right choice for shareholders and the company.
Moreover, Shah Capital remains vigilant, stating its belief that significant additional value remains to be unlocked at Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ).
Technical Outlook
The Maryland-based biotech company's stock rose approximately 8.53% to $14.21 in premarket trading, marking an almost threefold increase in value this year.
Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) stock has a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 79.87 which is quite overbought with the asset trying to maintain the new Resistance Level reached by it.
Additionally, as of April 30, the stock's short interest stood at 32% of publicly available shares, according to analytical Data firm LSEG data.
Novax
Novavax Surge Over 130% On $1.4 Bln Covid Shot Deal with SanofiNovavax shares ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) surged over 130% after a $1.4 billion deal with Sanofi was announced to commercialize its Covid vaccine and develop a new combination shot for protecting against the flu and Covid. The biotech firm announced a licensing agreement with Sanofi to sell Novavax’s Covid vaccine worldwide, with Sanofi paying Novavax $500 million upfront and future payments up to $700 million based on other milestones, in addition to royalties.
Sanofi will receive a sole license to develop and commercialize a combination flu and Covid vaccine containing Novavax’s Covid shot and Sanofi’s flu shot. Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) is also entitled to launch and sales milestones of up to $200 million for any vaccine developed by Sanofi as part of the deal. The company expects to launch a late-stage trial of its own combination vaccine targeting Covid and the flu and a stand-alone flu shot later this year.
The licensing agreement will likely lift Novavax’s “going concern” warning issued last year, after the company said “substantial doubt exists” to continue operating. A significant uptick for Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) shares follows yearslong financial woes for the biotech firm. The company cut its 2024 sales forecast in its first-quarter review, decreasing projections from between $800 million and $1 billion to $400 million to $600 million. Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) also reported a first-quarter net loss of $148 million, compared with a net loss of $294 million during the same period last year.
As part of the deal, Sanofi is also taking a less than 5% equity stake in Novavax, and Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) will receive royalty payments for future sales of its COVID-19 vaccine and the future combination COVID-19 and flu vaccine. The deal will allow Novavax to lift its “going concern” warning, which was issued in early 2023 over concerns that it may not be able to financially survive as demand for COVID-19 vaccines waned.
Alongside the Sanofi deal, Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) also reported first-quarter results that missed analyst estimates. Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) reported revenue for the first quarter of $93.9 million, shy of the $101.3 million analysts expected, and posted a loss of $147.6 million, or $1.05 per share, wider than the loss of $127.4 million, or 90 cents per share, that analysts projected.
For the full fiscal year, Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) lowered its projected revenue to $400 million to $600 million, down from the previous range of $800 million to $1 billion. However, the estimated $570 million the company expects to receive from Sanofi this year pushed its combined revenue and payments projections higher, to $970 million to $1.17 billion.
Technical Outlook
Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) is up 98% as of the time of writing, trading above the 200-day Moving Average (MA). The stock has a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 86.66 which is clearly in an overbought territory. The daily price charts depict an upside or upward gap that occurred as a result of the impending deal.
Novavax Sees 2024 Sales Flat to Lower, Plummeting By 26.4%In a quest to reclaim lost ground and assert its presence in the competitive COVID-19 vaccine market, Novavax (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:NVAX ) charts a strategic course aimed at improving commercial performance and gaining market share from industry giants Pfizer (PFE.N) and Moderna (MRNA.O).
Despite facing headwinds and a larger-than-expected fourth-quarter loss, Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) remains undeterred in its pursuit of market dominance. Chief Executive John Jacobs acknowledges the company's disappointing performance during the recent vaccination campaign, attributing it to delayed market entry and logistical challenges. However, Jacobs remains resolute in his commitment to enhancing Novavax's competitive positioning and expanding its footprint in the burgeoning vaccine landscape.
A key focal point of Novavax's ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) strategy is the pursuit of pre-filled syringes, a format favored by consumers and healthcare providers alike for its convenience and ease of use. Jacobs emphasizes the importance of targeted sales efforts and broad retail availability to drive uptake and accelerate market penetration.
Despite near-term revenue challenges, Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) remains optimistic about its long-term prospects, projecting revenue for 2024 in the range of $800 million to $1 billion. The company's commitment to cost containment and operational efficiency underscores its determination to navigate uncertainties and drive sustainable growth in the years ahead.
Novavax's ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) journey has been marked by highs and lows, from soaring market valuations to regulatory hurdles and manufacturing setbacks. However, the company's resilience and adaptability position it well to overcome obstacles and emerge as a formidable player in the global fight against COVID-19.
While challenges persist, including lingering doubts about the company's financial viability, Novavax remains focused on execution and delivering value to stakeholders. Jacobs's emphasis on operational improvements and leaner processes reflects a renewed commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in the commercial market.
As Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) embarks on this pivotal phase of its journey, investors and industry observers await eagerly to witness the company's ability to translate strategy into tangible results. With determination, perseverance, and a renewed sense of purpose, Novavax ( NASDAQ:NVAX ) seeks to redefine its narrative and carve out a prominent place in the annals of vaccine innovation.
NVAX Analysis - Bulls in ControlSimilarities can be seen in red,yellow,green
The breakabove the fib circle level, which has previously been seen as a strong resistance point is an extremely good sign
along with the possible development of a vaccine for a new variant (if the current vaccine isn't effective)
NVAX looks bullish