Two Sigma Investments Reduces $7M in Ascendis Pharma A/S ($ASND)
Two Sigma Investments reduced its stake in Ascendis Pharma by 11.1%, reflecting a strategic adjustment.
Key Points
- Two Sigma Investments cut its stake in Ascendis Pharma by 11.1%, selling 27,551 shares to hold 220,341 shares worth $57.6 million.
- Shares of Ascendis Pharma traded near $261.58 on Friday, with a market cap of $17.15 billion and a P/E ratio of 30.31.
- Analysts maintain a strong buy consensus, with Citigroup initiating coverage with a $355 target and Evercore ISI Group maintaining a $329 target.
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Two Sigma Investments reduced its stake in Ascendis Pharma A/S (NasdaqGS: ASND) by 11.1%, according to its latest Form 13F filing with the SEC, reflecting holdings as of the reporting period. The fund sold 27,551 shares, bringing its total to 220,341 shares valued at approximately $57.6 million.
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What Changed in Two Sigma Investments' Ascendis Pharma Position
Two Sigma Investments trimmed its holdings in Ascendis Pharma by 11.1%, reducing its position from 247,892 shares to 220,341 shares. This move decreased its stake by 27,551 shares, with the current value of its holdings standing at $57.6 million.
Other Institutional Activity in Ascendis Pharma
RA Capital Management maintained its position in Ascendis Pharma with 10,281,496 shares valued at about $2.35 billion. T. Rowe Price Investment Management significantly increased its stake by 4,494,417 shares, holding a total of 6,162,042 shares worth roughly $1.41 billion, marking a 269.5% increase. Avaro Capital Advisors slightly reduced its position by 48,611 shares, now holding 5,062,500 shares valued at $1.16 billion. Westfield Capital Management cut its holdings by 372,256 shares, ending with 4,813,440 shares valued at $1.10 billion. FMR LLC also reduced its stake by 276,710 shares, holding 3,876,601 shares worth around $886.7 million.
Ascendis Pharma A/S Stock Up 7.6%
Shares of Ascendis Pharma A/S traded near $261.58 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of approximately $17.15 billion and a P/E ratio of 30.31. Over the past year, the stock has seen a low of $160.86 and a high of $271.89. The 50-day moving average is $231.49, while the 200-day moving average is $218.62. The company's current ratio is 0.996, with a quick ratio of 0.683 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 183.753.
$ASND stock price
Daily closing prices, year to date. Not investment advice.
Recent Earnings
In its latest earnings report, Ascendis Pharma reported revenue of about $865.8 million, with a revenue growth rate of 1.44%. The company's earnings per share (EPS) stood at $8.63, with a net margin of 57.28% and a return on equity (ROE) of 3.33%. The next earnings report is expected on April 30, 2026.
Earnings drift grade
Outlook vs expectations on the last report — not price action.
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Forward outlook
3 target raises vs 1 cuts.
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EPS & revenue
EPS missed estimates by 471.1%. Revenue missed estimates by 9.0%.
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Profit surprise
EBITDA missed by 9 percent. Operating income missed by 8 percent.
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Pre-earnings setup
Bar was high, analysts already very bullish.
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Analyst signal
3 target raises, 1 target cut.
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Earnings quality
Gross margin up 8.7 points. Operating margin up 113.3 points. Negative free cash flow.
Earnings Call Summary
Ascendis reported first quarter revenue of about $251 million, down slightly from the $276 million consensus expected, but beat earnings expectations at $0.32 per share versus $0.21 expected. YORVIPATH contributed $197 million in revenue but was hit by about $15 million in one-time headwinds. YUVIWEL, their new hypochondroplasia treatment approved in February, saw about 60 children prescribed in just four to five weeks after launch, showing strong unmet need. The company is now profitable with a 22 percent non-IFRS operating margin and plans to give full-year guidance after the next quarter.
Guidance Management did not provide full year revenue or earnings guidance. Instead, they said they will give updated 2026 guidance after Q2 results. They expect strong sequential growth in YORVIPATH in Q2 after one-time disruptions reversed. YUVIWEL launch is tracking much stronger than hoped.
Underwhelming report. Mixed results that may lead to slightly lower expectations.
Insider Buying and Selling at Ascendis Pharma A/S
Recent insider activity at Ascendis Pharma includes EVP & CFO Scott Thomas Smith purchasing 100 shares at $219 on June 2, 2026, and 250 shares at $223.32 on May 29, 2026. Jean Jacques Bienaime bought 500 shares at $223.12 on May 29 and 400 shares at $237.81 on May 26. EVP Flemming Steen Jensen sold 19,460 shares at $238.49 on May 11, while CEO Jan Moller Mikkelsen sold 86,860 shares at $211.99 on January 13, in a planned transaction.
Analysts Set New Price Targets
On May 19, 2026, Citigroup initiated coverage of Ascendis Pharma with a 'buy' rating and a price target of $355. Evercore ISI Group maintained its 'buy' rating with a $329 price target on May 15. Barclays also maintained a 'buy' rating with a $345 target on May 11. Overall, the consensus among 18 analysts is a 'strong buy', with an average target price of $290.92.
About Ascendis Pharma A/S
Ascendis Pharma A/S is a biopharmaceutical company based in Hellerup, Denmark. It focuses on developing therapies using its TransCon technology, which addresses unmet medical needs. The company's products include SKYTROFA for pediatric growth hormone deficiency and YORVIPATH for chronic hypoparathyroidism. Ascendis is also developing treatments for rare endocrine diseases and oncology therapeutics. Led by CEO Jan Moller Mikkelsen, the company employs 1,189 people.
Bottom Line
Two Sigma Investments' recent reduction in its stake in Ascendis Pharma reflects a strategic adjustment in its portfolio. Investors closely monitor such filings for insights into institutional sentiment, though it's important to remember that 13F filings are backward-looking and may not represent current positions. Ascendis Pharma continues to attract strong analyst support, with a consensus 'strong buy' rating and several firms setting high price targets.
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