Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Why Emergent BioSolutions Stock Soared 47% in the First Half of 2020

By Beth McKenna – Jul 4, 2020 at 4:25AM

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

This biotech has emerged as the manufacturing partner of choice for companies developing COVID-19 vaccines.

What happened

Shares of biopharmaceutical company Emergent BioSolutions (EBS 1.24%) gained 46.6% in the first half of 2020 (January to June), according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence. The S&P 500 returned negative 3.1% over the period.

In 2020, the stock is up 55.9% through Thursday, July 2, while the S&P 500 has returned negative 2.1%.

A gloved-hand holding a vial labelled "Vaccine coronavirus."

Image source: Getty Images.

So what

Emergent has quite a few irons in the fire, as it has a portfolio of commercialized products and a solid pipeline. The company specializes in developing and manufacturing vaccines and therapeutics that target infectious diseases and biological and chemical agents.

However, we can attribute Emergent stock's robust first-half 2020 performance to its COVID-19 vaccine contract development and manufacturing deals. A handful of companies that are developing COVID-19 vaccine candidates have signed agreements with Emergent to be their U.S. manufacturing partner.

EBS Chart

Data by YCharts.

Notable among these are pharma giants Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and AstraZeneca (AZN 0.38%), which inked approximately $135 million and $87 million deals, respectively, with Emergent. Biotechs Novavax (NVAX 0.67%) and Vaxart (VXRT 5.31%) have also signed manufacturing agreements with the company. 

The Novavax and Vaxart deals occurred in March, followed by the J&J and AstraZeneca deals in April and June, respectively.

In addition, in March, Emergent began developing two plasma-derived product candidates for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. These candidates are being developed on the company's hyperimmune platform. 

Now what

Emergent BioSolutions isn't profitable. In the first quarter, it recorded a net loss of $12.5 million and an adjusted net loss of $0.3 million.

However, investors who are comfortable with that fact might find it an appealing way to get exposure to the COVID-19 vaccine space. Buying the stock essentially spreads your bet among several companies in the race to develop a vaccine.

Beth McKenna has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Emergent BioSolutions. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Premium Investing Services

Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.