Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS)
For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat ANAK, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) trades at $4.83 with AI Score 84/100 (Grade A+). Arbutus Biopharma Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. Market cap: $953.12M, Sector: Healthcare.
Price live · AI analysis from May 9, 2026Analyst Coverage for ABUS: ABUS does not currently have published analyst price targets in our coverage universe. This is common for smaller-cap names with limited Wall Street coverage. In the absence of analyst consensus, our AI model evaluates ABUS against Healthcare peers across nine fundamental dimensions and assigns a relatively strong fundamental profile based on the underlying data.
ABUS: 1/1 perspectives are bullish.
How is this calculated? →Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) Healthcare & Pipeline Overview
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation develops novel therapeutics for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. Its HBV product pipeline includes AB-729 and AB-836. The company has strategic alliances with multiple firms to advance its research and development programs, positioning it as a key player in the biotechnology sector.
What Is the Investment Thesis for ABUS?
Arbutus Biopharma presents a compelling investment thesis centered on its innovative HBV therapeutic pipeline, particularly AB-729, which leverages RNAi technology to target HBV replication. The company's strategic collaborations and licensing agreements enhance its research and development capabilities. With a market capitalization of $953.12M, Arbutus operates in a high-growth sector driven by the need for effective HBV treatments. Key value drivers include successful clinical trial outcomes for AB-729 and AB-836, potential regulatory approvals, and expansion of its coronavirus antiviral programs. However, the company's negative profit margin of -237.9% and reliance on clinical trial success pose significant risks. Upcoming clinical trial results and potential partnerships represent near-term catalysts. The company's beta of 0.74 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market.
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
ABUS Key Highlights
- Market Cap of $953.12M reflects investor valuation of Arbutus's pipeline and potential.
- Gross Margin of 36.2% indicates the profitability of Arbutus's revenue streams.
- Profit Margin of -237.9% highlights ongoing R&D investments and lack of product revenue.
- Beta of 0.74 suggests lower volatility compared to the broader market.
- Focus on HBV therapeutics addresses a significant unmet medical need with a large patient population.
Who Are ABUS's Competitors?
ABUS is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.
| Company | Price | Change | Market Cap | AI Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNGX Tango Therapeutics, Inc. | $29.52 | +0.21% | $3.67B | — |
| SNDX Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $22.11 | +1.33% | $1.96B | 79 |
| ANAB AnaptysBio, Inc. | $63.69 | +0.43% | $2.75B | 79 |
| CGEN Compugen Ltd. | $2.37 | +3.73% | $223.62M | 76 |
| XFOR X4 Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | $4.09 | -0.86% | $386.20M | 76 |
| ABCL AbCellera Biologics Inc. | $7.87 | -2.96% | $2.40B | 76 |
| ABVX Abivax S.A. | $145.38 | +0.51% | $9.53B | 76 |
| KRRO Korro Bio, Inc. | $14.08 | +0.57% | $140.14M | 75 |
AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance
What Are ABUS's Key Strengths?
- Proprietary RNAi technology platform.
- Strong intellectual property portfolio.
- Strategic alliances and collaborations.
- Experienced management team.
What Are ABUS's Weaknesses?
- High dependence on clinical trial success.
- Negative profit margin.
- Limited product revenue.
- Small number of employees.
What Could Drive ABUS Stock Higher?
- Clinical trial results for AB-729 in chronic HBV infection.
- Potential partnerships and licensing agreements for HBV and coronavirus therapeutics.
- Advancement of AB-836 and other pipeline candidates through preclinical and clinical development.
- Expansion of research and development efforts into new therapeutic areas.
- Regulatory approvals for HBV and coronavirus therapeutics.
What Are the Key Risks for ABUS?
- Clinical trial failures for AB-729 and other pipeline candidates.
- Competition from other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
- Regulatory hurdles and delays.
- High dependence on clinical trial success.
- Negative profit margin and limited product revenue.
What Are the Growth Opportunities for ABUS?
- Expansion of AB-729 Clinical Trials: Arbutus has the opportunity to expand the clinical trials for AB-729, its RNA interference therapeutic, into larger patient cohorts and different geographical regions. Positive results from these trials could lead to accelerated regulatory approval and market adoption. The global market for HBV therapeutics is substantial, with projections estimating continued growth due to the high prevalence of chronic HBV infection. Successful trials and subsequent commercialization could generate significant revenue streams for Arbutus.
- Advancement of AB-836 and Other Pipeline Candidates: Arbutus can drive growth by advancing its other pipeline candidates, such as AB-836, an oral capsid inhibitor, and AB-161, an oral HBV RNA destabilizer, through preclinical and clinical development. These programs target different mechanisms of action, potentially offering synergistic effects when combined with AB-729. The market for oral HBV therapies is expanding, driven by patient preference and ease of administration. Successful development and commercialization of these candidates could diversify Arbutus's revenue streams and enhance its market position.
- Strategic Collaborations and Licensing Agreements: Arbutus can leverage strategic collaborations and licensing agreements to expand its research and development capabilities and access new technologies. Collaborations with companies like Gritstone Oncology and Vaccitech provide access to complementary expertise and resources, accelerating the development of combination therapies. The market for collaborative drug development is growing, driven by the increasing complexity of drug discovery and development. Strategic partnerships can provide Arbutus with access to new markets and revenue streams.
- Development of Coronavirus Antiviral Medicines: Arbutus has the opportunity to develop small molecule antiviral medicines to treat coronaviruses, including COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for effective antiviral therapies. Arbutus's research and development programs in this area could lead to the discovery of novel antiviral agents with broad-spectrum activity. The market for antiviral drugs is substantial, with significant growth potential due to emerging infectious diseases. Successful development and commercialization of coronavirus antiviral medicines could generate significant revenue streams for Arbutus.
- Expansion into New Therapeutic Areas: Arbutus can explore opportunities to expand its research and development efforts into new therapeutic areas beyond HBV and coronaviruses. The company's expertise in RNA interference and antiviral drug development could be applied to other infectious diseases or chronic conditions. The market for novel therapeutics is constantly evolving, with new opportunities emerging as scientific understanding advances. Diversifying its therapeutic focus could reduce Arbutus's reliance on HBV and coronavirus markets and enhance its long-term growth prospects.
What Opportunities Does ABUS Have?
- Expansion of AB-729 clinical trials.
- Advancement of AB-836 and other pipeline candidates.
- Development of coronavirus antiviral medicines.
- Expansion into new therapeutic areas.
What Threats Does ABUS Face?
- Competition from other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
- Regulatory hurdles and delays.
- Clinical trial failures.
- Patent challenges.
What Are ABUS's Competitive Advantages?
- Proprietary RNA interference (RNAi) technology platform for targeting hepatocytes.
- Strong intellectual property portfolio protecting its therapeutic candidates and technologies.
- Strategic alliances and collaborations with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
- Expertise in HBV and coronavirus drug development.
What Does ABUS Do?
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation, founded as Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation and rebranded in July 2015, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing novel therapeutics for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. Headquartered in Warminster, Pennsylvania, Arbutus is focused on addressing the unmet needs of patients with chronic HBV infection. The company's HBV product pipeline features AB-729, a subcutaneously delivered RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic candidate designed to target hepatocytes, inhibit viral replication, and reduce HBV antigens using N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) delivery technology. AB-729 is currently in Phase Ia/Ib clinical trials. Another key asset is AB-836, an oral capsid inhibitor that suppresses HBV DNA replication. Arbutus's research and development programs also include AB-161, an oral HBV RNA destabilizer aimed at reducing HBsAg and other viral proteins, and AB-101, an oral PD-L1 inhibitor intended to reawaken patients' HBV-specific immune response. Additionally, the company is developing small molecule antiviral medicines to treat coronaviruses, including COVID-19. Arbutus has established strategic alliances, licensing agreements, and research collaborations with companies such as Talon Therapeutics, Inc., Gritstone Oncology, Inc., Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Qilu Pharmaceuticals Co, Ltd., Assembly Biosciences, Inc., Acuitas Therapeutics, Inc., and Antios Therapeutics, Inc. The company also has a clinical collaboration agreement with Vaccitech plc to evaluate a triple combination therapy including AB-729 for chronic HBV infection.
What Products and Services Does ABUS Offer?
- Develops novel therapeutics for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Develops antiviral medicines to treat SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses.
- Utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) technology to target hepatocytes and inhibit viral replication.
- Develops oral capsid inhibitors to suppress HBV DNA replication.
- Develops oral HBV RNA destabilizers to reduce HBsAg and other viral proteins.
- Develops oral PD-L1 inhibitors to reawaken patients' HBV-specific immune response.
- Engages in strategic alliances, licensing, and research collaborations with other companies.
- Conducts clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of its therapeutic candidates.
How Does ABUS Make Money?
- Develops and patents novel therapeutic candidates for HBV and coronaviruses.
- Out-licenses its technologies and therapeutic candidates to other companies for further development and commercialization.
- Generates revenue through research and development collaborations with other companies.
- Seeks regulatory approval for its therapeutic candidates and commercializes them directly or through partners.
What Industry Does ABUS Operate In?
Arbutus Biopharma operates within the competitive biotechnology industry, focusing on developing therapeutics for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and coronaviruses. The HBV market is driven by the need for more effective treatments, as current therapies often fail to achieve complete viral suppression. The global HBV therapeutics market is expected to grow, driven by increasing prevalence and improved diagnostics. Arbutus competes with companies developing antiviral therapies and immunomodulatory approaches. Key trends include the development of RNAi-based therapeutics and combination therapies. Arbutus's strategic collaborations and focus on novel mechanisms of action position it to capitalize on these trends.
Who Are ABUS's Key Customers?
- Pharmaceutical companies seeking to license or acquire novel HBV and coronavirus therapeutics.
- Patients with chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Healthcare providers who treat patients with HBV and coronaviruses.
- Government agencies and non-profit organizations involved in public health initiatives.
FY2026 estForward Outlook
Wall Street analysts project Arbutus Biopharma Corporation revenue of about $181.2M for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $0.75.
Quarterly Financial Performance: Arbutus Biopharma Corporation
Revenue for Arbutus Biopharma Corporation came in at $179.1M during Q1 2026, a 16943.4% improvement versus the preceding quarter. The company recorded net income of $169.7M, with diluted EPS of $0.87. Revenue has increased across the last three reported quarters, suggesting sustained momentum for this small-cap Healthcare company. Across the four most recent quarters, ABUS averaged $0.21 in diluted EPS.
ABUS Valuation & Market Position
With a $953.12M market cap, Arbutus Biopharma Corporation sits in the small-cap segment of the market. Relative to its peer group, ABUS's quantitative score of 84/100 is roughly in line with the peer average of 78/100.
ROE 129%Key Financial Metrics
Return on equity for Arbutus Biopharma Corporation stands at 129.3%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is 58.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. ABUS trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 5.32, below the Healthcare sector average of ~23x. Its free cash flow yield is -3.9%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 54.26 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is 18.8%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.
F-Score 6/9Financial Health
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation's Piotroski F-Score is 6/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 31.65 places it in the safe zone, indicating low near-term bankruptcy risk.
Company Profile
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation operates in the Biotechnology industry within the Healthcare sector. It is headquartered in Warminster, US. The company is led by CEO Lindsay Androski. ABUS has traded publicly since 2007.
ABUS Financials
Fundamental Snapshot
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis · FY 2025
Bull Case vs Bear Case
Bull Case
- Arbutus has been buzzing in the community lately, with a noticeable uptick in positive sentiment surrounding their ongoing clinical trials. It feels like traders are anticipating some good news from the pipeline.
- There's a growing sense that Arbutus is becoming a more attractive acquisition target, especially as larger players look to bolster their portfolios in the HBV space. The strategic value is definitely on people's minds.
- Recent insider buying activity, while not massive, has definitely caught the attention of the community. It's seen as a vote of confidence from those who know the company best.
- The overall market perception of HBV treatments is improving, with increased awareness and focus on finding a functional cure. This rising tide could lift all boats, including Arbutus.
Bear Case
- Despite the optimism, some traders are concerned about potential setbacks in the clinical trial process. The path to approval is never guaranteed, and any negative data could trigger a sell-off.
- There's a lingering worry about the competitive landscape, with several other companies also vying for dominance in the HBV market. Arbutus needs to stand out to capture significant market share.
- The community is also mindful of past disappointments and setbacks. Some traders are hesitant to get too excited, remembering previous instances where promising leads didn't pan out.
- Some are pointing out that even with positive trial results, the path to commercialization and profitability can be long and challenging. The market may be overestimating the near-term impact of any good news.
AI-generated arguments based on insider flow, news sentiment and technicals — not financial advice · March 2026
Recent Quarterly Results
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 2026 | $179M | $170M | $0.87 |
| Q4 2025 | $1M | -$4M | -$0.02 |
| Q3 2025 | $529,000 | -$8M | -$0.04 |
| Q2 2025 | $11M | $3M | $0.01 |
Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis
ABUS Latest News
No recent news available for ABUS.
ABUS Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for ABUS.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for ABUS.
ABUS MoonshotScore
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates ABUS's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Leadership: Lindsay Androski
Unknown
Information about Lindsay Androski's background is not available in the provided context. Therefore, her career history, education, previous roles, and credentials are Unknown.
Track Record: Information about Lindsay Androski's track record is not available in the provided context. Therefore, key achievements, strategic decisions, and company milestones under her leadership are Unknown.
What Investors Ask About Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) — Healthcare
What does Arbutus Biopharma Corporation do?
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel therapeutics for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronaviruses. The company's HBV product pipeline includes AB-729, a subcutaneously delivered RNA interference product candidate, and AB-836, an oral capsid inhibitor. Arbutus also has research and development programs targeting HBV RNA and immune response, as well as small molecule antiviral medicines to treat coronaviruses. The company collaborates with other firms to advance its research and development programs.
What do analysts say about ABUS stock?
Analyst consensus on Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) is Unknown, as specific analyst ratings and price targets are not provided in the given data. Key valuation metrics to consider include the company's market capitalization of $953.12M and its negative profit margin of -237.9%. Growth considerations center on the successful development and commercialization of its HBV and coronavirus therapeutics, particularly AB-729. Investors should monitor clinical trial results, regulatory approvals, and potential partnerships to assess the company's future prospects.
What are the main risks for ABUS?
The main risks for Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) include the potential for clinical trial failures, competition from other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and regulatory hurdles and delays. The company's high dependence on clinical trial success and negative profit margin also pose significant risks. Additionally, patent challenges and the need to secure additional funding for research and development could impact the company's future prospects. Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing in ABUS.
What are the key factors to evaluate for ABUS?
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) holds an AI score of 84/100 (high). Not financial advice.
How frequently does ABUS data refresh on this page?
ABUS prices update in real time during U.S. market hours. Fundamentals refresh after quarterly filings; analyst ratings and AI insights update daily; news is aggregated continuously.
What has driven ABUS's recent stock price performance?
Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) moves on earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Proprietary RNAi technology platform. See the News tab for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.
Should investors consider ABUS overvalued or undervalued right now?
Valuing Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) requires multiple metrics. Compare P/E, P/S, and EV/EBITDA against sector peers for a full view.
What research should beginners do before buying ABUS?
Before investing in Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS), research these four areas: (1) the company's revenue model and competitive position (see Company Overview), (2) financial health through revenue growth, margins, and cash flow (see MoonshotScore), (3) what Wall Street analysts recommend and their price targets (see Analyst tab), and (4) specific risk factors that could impact the stock (see Risk Factors section).
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Official Resources
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Information is based on the provided sources and may not be exhaustive.
- CEO information is incomplete due to lack of data in the source.