Celyad — Novartis says yes to allogeneic technology

Celyad — Novartis says yes to allogeneic technology

Novartis has taken a non-exclusive license to Celyad’s granted allogeneic US patent for $96m (an upfront fee, we assume $12m, and milestones) plus single-digit royalties. Novartis, a leading player in the hematological CAR T-cell cancer area, presumably aims to expand out of the limited autologous ALL indication where it has a filed BLA. The $96m deal sends a clear signal to other CAR T-cell companies to license quickly or risk being locked out of any allogeneic mass market until 2031. Celyad already has an allogeneic deal with ONO in Japan and Asia. Our indicative value has moved to $58.0 per share, formerly $50.

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Written by

Celyad

THINK, SHRINK and LINK

FY16 results and trial plans

Pharma & biotech

03 April 2017

ADR research

Price

$28.5

Market cap

$271m

ADR/Ord conversion ratio 1:1

Net cash ($m) at 31 December 2016

81.5m

ADRs in issue

9.52m

ADR code

CYAD

ADR exchange

NASDAQ

Underlying exchange

Euronext Brussels

Depository

CITI

ADR share price performance

52-week high/low

$58.7

$16.7

Business description

Celyad is developing an innovative CAR T-cell (NKR-2) immuno-oncology technology. The THINK Phase Ib study is underway in hematological and five sold tumor types. Celyad is seeking a strategic partner for C-Cure, an autologous stem cell therapy for chronic heart disease.

Next events

Start of SHRINK

Q217

Start of LINK

Q317

H117 results

Q317

THINK final dose data

Q417

Analysts

John Savin PhD

+44 (0)20 3077 5735

Lala Gregorek

+44 (0)20 3681 2527

Celyad is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Celyad has provided an update on its trial plans and announced 2016 preliminary results. The THINK Phase Ib trial is a major expansion of CAR therapy with five solid tumors plus AML and MM being explored. The THINK dose escalation results are expected in Q417 with six-month efficacy results possible from H218. The colorectal, SHRINK trial starting in Q2 will explore combining NKR-2 therapy with chemotherapy. The Q3 LINK trial will explore direct delivery of NKR-2 cells to metastatic liver tumors. The move into solid tumors puts Celyad in a leading position. Our interim indicative value remains at $50 per share. Cash remains strong at $91.7m.

Year end

Revenue ($m)

PTP*
($m)

EPADR
($)

DPADR
($)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

12/15

0.0

(30.9)

(3.55)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/16

9.5

(25.3)

(2.32)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/17e

0.0

(39.4)

(4.14)

0.0

N/A

N/A

12/18e

10.0

(28.0)

(2.94)

0.0

N/A

N/A

Note: Converted at €0.89/US$1.*PBT and EPS are normalized, excluding amortization of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

NKR-2 moving through dose escalation

Celyad is now running both Belgian and US arms of the immuno-oncology autologous NKR-2 trials (THINK). The first dose cohorts have been recruited. Data on the final dose (up to 3bn (3 x 109) cells is expected in Q417. One arm has two hematological cancers: AML and MM. The other has five solid tumors: colorectal, triple negative breast, pancreatic, bladder and ovarian. At the highest dose, each tumor type then moves into a 14-patient efficacy phase. Data (six-month) are possible from H218. Tumor types showing efficacy could then move directly into expanded studies allowing BLA filings, perhaps from 2019-20. Other CAR companies are in the congested CD19 area with few trials in solid tumors.

Shrinking and linking with two new programmes

Two new NKR-2 projects are being planned. SHRINK will take colorectal patients receiving a standard chemotherapy regime (FOLFOX) given every two weeks and administer a few days after each chemotherapy course. The chemotherapy should generate more tumor cell NKR-2 target ligands, which may improve efficacy by better targeting; there is a possible risk of increased side effects on normal cells. LINK will recruit colorectal cancer patients with metastatic liver tumors. The NKR-2 cells will be infused using a catheter into the liver near to the metastases. This should give more NKR-2 cells in the tumor sites.

Valuation: Unchanged at $50 per share

Our valuation focuses on NKR-2 indications and includes five solid tumors plus the AML and multiple myeloma (MM). Celyad is planning to spend between $39m and $44m in 2017 and 2018, which gives cash into 2019. We assume a possible ONO allogeneic deal milestone of $13m (less 25% royalty) in 2018. The indicative value is unchanged at $50 per share. The C-Cure cardiac project is being outsourced to a partner; this process is ongoing.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

US$'000s

2015

2016

2017e

2018e

Year end 31 December

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

PROFIT & LOSS

Revenue

 

 

0

9,461

0

9,990

Cost of Sales

(1)

(59)

0

0

Gross Profit

(1)

9,402

0

9,990

EBITDA

 

 

(31,179)

(26,712)

(38,850)

(27,417)

Operating Profit (before amort and except)

 

 

(31,482)

(27,556)

(39,694)

(28,261)

Intangible Amortisation

(844)

(839)

(839)

(839)

Other income and charges

0

(578)

0

0

Share-based payments

(882)

547

0

0

Operating Profit

(33,208)

(28,426)

(40,533)

(29,100)

Net Interest

619

2,217

278

278

PTP (norm)

 

 

(30,863)

(25,339)

(39,416)

(27,983)

PTP (FRS 3)

 

 

(32,589)

(26,209)

(40,255)

(28,822)

Tax

0

7

0

0

PAT (norm)

(30,863)

(21,625)

(39,416)

(27,983)

PAT (FRS 3)

(32,589)

(26,203)

(40,255)

(28,822)

Average number of ADRs outstanding (m)

8.7

9.3

9.5

9.5

EPADR - normalised ($)

 

 

(3.55)

(2.32)

(4.14)

(2.94)

EPADR - (IFRS) ($)

 

 

(3.75)

(2.82)

(4.23)

(3.03)

Dividend per ADR ($)

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Gross Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

EBITDA Margin (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Operating Margin (before GW and except) (%)

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets

 

 

55,617

59,318

57,802

56,286

Intangible Assets

54,156

55,018

54,179

53,340

Tangible Assets

1,261

3,955

3,278

2,601

Investments

200

345

345

345

Current Assets

 

 

121,456

94,756

54,785

26,243

Stocks

0

0

0

0

Debtors

609

1,508

1,508

1,508

Cash

119,339

91,672

51,700

23,159

Other

1,507

1,576

1,576

1,576

Current Liabilities

 

 

(12,754)

(12,515)

(12,229)

(11,640)

Creditors

(11,757)

(11,056)

(11,056)

(11,056)

Deferred revenue

0

0

0

0

Walloon loans for cash payment

(997)

(1,460)

(1,173)

(585)

Long Term Liabilities

 

 

(40,583)

(40,677)

(39,734)

(38,790)

Walloon loans (non-current)

(11,637)

(8,731)

(7,788)

(6,844)

Other long term liabilities

(28,945)

(31,946)

(31,946)

(31,946)

Net Assets

 

 

123,736

100,882

60,625

32,099

CASH FLOW

Operating Cash Flow

 

 

(30,927)

(29,625)

(39,374)

(27,282)

Net Interest

619

2,217

956

293

Tax

0

0

0

0

Capex

(930)

(1,978)

(167)

(167)

Acquisitions/disposals

(5,756)

(1,733)

0

0

Financing

121,162

0

0

0

Dividends

0

0

0

0

Other

(3,649)

3,451

(1,386)

(1,386)

Net Cash Flow

80,519

(27,668)

(39,971)

(28,541)

Opening net debt/(cash)

 

 

(17,847)

(106,705)

(81,481)

(42,739)

HP finance leases initiated

0

0

0

0

Walloon loan recognition (non-cash)

8,339

2,443

1,230

1,532

Closing net debt/(cash)

 

 

(106,705)

(81,481)

(42,739)

(15,730)

Source: Edison Investment Research estimates, Celyad reports and announcements

Edison, the investment intelligence firm, is the future of investor interaction with corporates. Our team of over 100 analysts and investment professionals work with leading companies, fund managers and investment banks worldwide to support their capital markets activity. We provide services to more than 400 retained corporate and investor clients from our offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Sydney and Wellington. 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 Celyad 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.
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New Zealand

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 9258 1161

Level 25, Aurora Place

88 Phillip St, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Wellington +64 (0)48 948 555

Level 15, 171 Featherston St

Wellington 6011

New Zealand

Edison, the investment intelligence firm, is the future of investor interaction with corporates. Our team of over 100 analysts and investment professionals work with leading companies, fund managers and investment banks worldwide to support their capital markets activity. We provide services to more than 400 retained corporate and investor clients from our offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Sydney and Wellington. 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 Celyad 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 9258 1161

Level 25, Aurora Place

88 Phillip St, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Wellington +64 (0)48 948 555

Level 15, 171 Featherston St

Wellington 6011

New Zealand

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 9258 1161

Level 25, Aurora Place

88 Phillip St, Sydney

NSW 2000, Australia

Wellington +64 (0)48 948 555

Level 15, 171 Featherston St

Wellington 6011

New Zealand

National Grid — Growth, stability, returns

National Grid’s high visibility revenues, underwritten by regulatory returns across the UK and US, offer equity holders an attractive combination of asset growth and a 4.3% dividend yield. Both the UK and US businesses are well run. The UK business has predictability of revenues until the end of the current regulatory period in 2021 and is delivering returns ahead of OFGEM’s expected ‘base returns’. In the US, a rate filing programme is underway, which will result in enhanced returns in the years ahead. Now that the sale of the UK Gas Distribution is complete, management can continue to focus on delivering shareholder returns across its business units. Management targets 5-7% asset growth, and our fair value per share of 1,120p offers 11.2% upside versus current prices.

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