Why to look at 4 NZX-listed pharma stocks in 2022?

Highlights

• NZ got 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Friday.
• Cannasouth stated that it had finalised the authorisation of its new, sealed greenhouse and processing facility in Waikato.
• Blis Technologies reported a decline in revenue in the US for HY22.

New Zealand received a shipment of 100K doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from Australia on Friday.

Minister for COVID-19 Response, Chris Hipkins, informed that Kiwis would be able to gain access to a second type of COVID-19 vaccine soon. He stated that the doses were adequate for 50K people. The doses will be for the people who cannot have the Pfizer vaccine for medical reasons or those who want to have a vaccine other than Pfizer.

NZ has an advance purchase contract for 7.6 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with AstraZeneca. Anyone aged 18 or above who wishes to have the AstraZeneca vaccine can book a vaccine appointment from 26 November.

On this note, let’s glance through these 4 pharma stocks’ performances.

Image source: © 2021 Kalkine Media, Data source- EODHD/Others

AFT Pharmaceuticals Limited (NZX:AFT)

Pharma products developer and distributor, AFT Pharmaceuticals, made good progress for the H1 ended 30 September 2021. It reported a 14% increase in revenue to $55.5 million for the period despite COVID-19 challenges with growth in International, NZ and Australian markets.

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The Group also saw strong growth in income from out-licensing Maxigesic and has also commercialised its portfolio of Maxigesic pain relief medicines. AFT expects an operating profit between $18 million to $23 million for FY22.

AFT ended the day 1.66% in green to close at $4.91.

Pacific Edge Limited (NZX:PEB)

Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge attended the Bell Potter Healthcare Conference on 10 November. PEB aims to attain a global reach with a comprehensive suite of 4 Cxbladder products.

PEB posted 76% and 52% increases in operating revenue and cash reimbursement, respectively,  in FY21. Cxbladder test volumes and cash receipts witnessed record highs in Q1FY22.

The Group plans to launch its fourth product - Cxbladder Resolve - in the US in FY22. NZ also plans to adopt Cxbladder, accelerating impetus in the U.S. and progression of User Programmes in Singapore and Australia.

PEB ended the day 0.73% in green to close at $1.38.

Cannasouth Limited (NZX:CBD)

Cannabis-related medicines provider announced recently that it had finalised the authorisation of its new, sealed greenhouse and processing facility in Waikato.

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Commissioning involves testing and validation of complicated gear and control systems to ensure that the high-tech cultivation facility operates at the level expected.

SKL ended the day flat to close at $0.38.

Bliss Technologies Limited (NZX:BLT)

Probiotics strains provider, Blis Technologies, posted a 33% drop in its revenue sales (majorly in the US) in H1FY22 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also posted a 51% decline in revenue ingredient sales due to a fall in the US ingredient business.

DO READ: Blis (NZX:BLT): Did the US’ market conditions affect half-year results?

The Company is hopeful for FY23, thanks to new income source; but the impact of the pandemic's reoccurrence on global market conditions may have an influence on its rate of growth.

BLT ended the day 3.7% in red to close at $0.052.

Bottom Line

It remains to be seen how these pharma stocks progress amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

(NOTE: Currency is reported in NZ Dollar unless stated otherwise)