On January 20, 2026, Mizuho analyst Anthony Petrone assigned a neutral rating to Exact Sciences Corporation (EXAS), citing cautious optimism in the company’s near-term prospects, with a targeted price of $105. This rating comes at a time when investors are closely scrutinizing the company’s financial health and broader market alignment, thus prompting renewed interest in its stock performance.
Recent Price Action
Exact Sciences has seen a modest fluctuation in its share price, currently trading at $102.35, a slight decrease of $0.08 or 0.08%. The stock remains 0.3% away from its 52-week high and significantly below its 52-week low of $163.71, reflecting greater volatility in the market over the past year. Trading volume has averaged around 3.21 million shares over recent sessions, while the average volume has typically sat at around 5.46 million, indicating fluctuating investor activity. Notably, with a market cap of approximately $19.44 billion and a beta of 1.407, the stock exhibits above-average volatility, suggesting it could react sharply in a fluctuating market environment.
Historical Performance
Examining EXAS’s performance over various periods reveals an interesting landscape. Over the past 30 days, the stock has tracked a modest increase of 0.58%, while quarterly returns have surged significantly by 66.99%. Much of this uptick aligns with broader market trends where biopharmaceutical stocks have bounced back from earlier slumps. The last 12 months paint a particularly favorable picture, showing an impressive 88.84% return, though concerns about its substantial drop from previous highs remain omnipresent among investors. The stock’s weekly volatility stands at 0.28%, while monthly volatility has been tracked at 0.36%, indicating that fluctuations are within a manageable range, yet may add layers of risk for investors.
Earnings Analysis
The latest earnings report revealed a disappointing trend, with Exact Sciences announcing an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.10, falling significantly short of analysts’ expectations, which were set at $0.13. This reflects a surprising downside of approximately 179.64%, which raises flags about the company’s near-term profitability and operational efficiency. By contrast, the previous quarter’s EPS of $0.22 had overachieved relative to an estimate of -$0.02, highlighting the inconsistency in earnings performance. This stark shift may evoke a cautious stance among investors, who prioritize reliable earnings and growth trajectories.
Consensus Ratings
Analyst sentiment surrounding EXAS has recently pivoted towards the neutral end of the spectrum, as depicted by Mizuho’s latest ratings change. With 16 total ratings compiled, the consensus encompasses nine “Buy” and seven “Hold” ratings, with no “Sell” recommendations. The average price target from analysts sits at $91.88, while Mizuho’s own price target aligns at $105, indicating some potential upside yet to be realized. The variation between the high price target of $105 and a low target of $75 signifies divergence in analyst outlooks, reflecting a spectrum of expectations for the company’s future trajectory.
Stocks Telegraph Grading Score
Exact Sciences Corporation holds a Stocks Telegraph grading score of 52. This score encompasses a robust analysis of the company’s fundamental and market standings, indicating a mixed assessment of its underlying health and overall attractiveness as an investment. Such a score does call attention to certain strengths, perhaps stemming from innovation within its testing platforms, while also signaling caution that investors should heed regarding market conditions or internal performance predictions.
Conclusion
Investors in Exact Sciences Corporation (EXAS) face a complex landscape as they weigh recent rating adjustments, stock performance metrics, and earnings disappointments. The stock may appeal to longer-term investors with a penchant for growth opportunities in the healthcare sector, provided they are prepared to navigate potential volatility inherent in its trading history. While the company’s recent performance offers cause for concern, particularly surrounding the latest earnings surprise, the neutral rating paired with analyst forecasts hints at possible upside in the future. As always, potential investors should evaluate the inherent risks and broader market conditions before making commitments. This stock is definitely one to watch, but caution should be exercised amidst the fluctuating tides of the healthcare investment landscape.