UCB

Jefferies raises UCB from 'underweight' to 'hold' and lifts the price target from €212 to €220, saying the share-price decline after the H1 results already prices in risks for Bimzelx. Bimzelx missed adjusted expectations and remains under pricing pressure, while Briviact and Cimzia support group growth. Jefferies increased revenue and EBITDA estimates for 2026/2027 but models lower peak sales for Bimzelx than the consensus and gives an upside target of €340 and a downside target of €138. Short-term upside depends on prescribing trends, with downside risks from upcoming competitive studies in immunology. » More on de.investing.com

UCB reported H1 2026 revenue of €4.27bn and adjusted EBITDA of €1.74bn, both above consensus, yet the stock lost 8.1%. The strong EBITDA was largely supported by a one‑off gross‑to‑net adjustment, raising doubts about the sustainability of profitability. Management comments pointed to volume‑driven growth of Bimzelx and pressure on net prices in the US; Briviact loses exclusivity in the US and faces expiry of the EU patent in August 2026. Declining net revenues from Cimzia have heightened concerns about earnings quality and prompted profit‑taking. » More on de.investing.com

UCB has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Candid Therapeutics: $2 billion payable up front plus up to $200 million in milestones. Candid’s lead candidate, cizutamig, is a bispecific antibody targeting BCMA and CD3 in multiple phase‑1 studies for multiple myeloma and autoimmune diseases and is not yet approved. The deal is expected to close by the end of Q2 or early Q3 2026, subject to antitrust approvals. Lazard is advising UCB; Jefferies and Goldman Sachs are advising Candid. UCB has a market capitalization of $4.01 billion and reported revenue of €7.7 billion in 2025. » More on de.investing.com