Viropharma "buy," estimates raised

03/02/07 - Lazard Capital Markets

NEW YORK, March 2 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Lazard Capital maintain their "buy" rating on Viropharma Incorporated (VPHM), while raising their estimates for the company. The target price is set to $21.

In a research note published yesterday, the analysts mention that the company has reported its 4Q diluted EPS ahead of the estimates on account of lower-than-expected expenses. Future catalysts for Viropharma’s share price include the data from HCV-796 Phase II trial starting in 3Q07, the initiation of the Maribavir Phase III SOT trial in 2Q07, a Maribavir European partnership in 1H07 and a decision on the Vancocin generic drug applications from the OGD/FDA, the analysts say. The GAAP EPS estimate for 2007 has been raised from $1.07 to $1.15.