Verona Pharma plc (NASDAQ:VRNA) is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for respiratory diseases. The company is primarily engaged in the research and development of treatments for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. In the competitive landscape, Verona Pharma’s peers include companies like Immuron Limited, Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Milestone Pharmaceuticals, Akero Therapeutics, and Mersana Therapeutics.
In evaluating Verona Pharma’s financial efficiency, the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is a critical metric. Verona Pharma’s ROIC stands at -37.67%, which is significantly lower than its Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of 5.93%. This results in a ROIC to WACC ratio of -6.35, indicating that the company is not generating sufficient returns to cover its cost of capital.
Comparatively, Immuron Limited (IMRN) shows a ROIC of -46.07% against a WACC of 10.83%, resulting in a ROIC to WACC ratio of -4.26. Despite having a negative ROIC, Immuron is relatively more efficient than Verona Pharma in generating returns compared to its cost of capital. This suggests that Immuron is managing its investments more effectively in the current market environment.
Rhythm Pharmaceuticals (RYTM) and Milestone Pharmaceuticals (MIST) also exhibit negative ROIC values of -96.06% and -55.81%, respectively. Their WACC figures are 15.48% and 9.62%, leading to ROIC to WACC ratios of -6.20 and -5.80. While these ratios are negative, they highlight the challenges these companies face in achieving profitability, similar to Verona Pharma.
Akero Therapeutics (AKRO) and Mersana Therapeutics (MRSN) have ROIC to WACC ratios of -7.32 and -4.27, respectively. Akero’s ROIC of -36.27% against a WACC of 4.95% suggests a struggle in generating returns, while Mersana’s ROIC of -60.07% and WACC of 14.05% indicate similar challenges. These comparisons underscore the broader industry trend of high costs relative to returns, affecting Verona Pharma and its peers.
