<p>Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) has been analyzed by 4 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.</p>
<p>The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Bullish</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Somewhat Bullish</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Indifferent</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Somewhat Bearish</strong></th>
<th align="right"><strong>Bearish</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total Ratings</strong></td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Last 30D</strong></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>1M Ago</strong></td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2M Ago</strong></td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3M Ago</strong></td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<p>Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $182.0, with a high estimate of $206.00 and a low estimate of $162.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $154.25, the current average has increased by 17.99%.</p>
<p><img src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1756850481_0.png?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" alt="price target chart" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1756850481_0.png"/></p>

<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
<p>In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Ligand Pharmaceuticals. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Robert Wasserman</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Pantginis</td>
<td>HC Wainwright &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$206.00</td>
<td>$157.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Douglas Miehm</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Allred</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$162.00</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Action Taken:</strong> Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Ligand Pharmaceuticals. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li><strong>Rating:</strong> Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Ligand Pharmaceuticals compared to the broader market.</li>
<li><strong>Price Targets:</strong> Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
<p>Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of Ligand Pharmaceuticals's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.</p>
<p>Stay up to date on Ligand Pharmaceuticals analyst ratings.</p>
<h2>Discovering Ligand Pharmaceuticals: A Closer Look</h2>
<p>Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and acquiring technologies that aid in creating medicine. The company has partnerships and license agreements with various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Ligand's business model is based on drug discovery, early-stage drug development, product reformulation, and partnerships. The company's revenue consists of three primary elements: royalties from commercialized products, license and milestone payments, and sale of its trademarked Captisol material.</p>
<h3>Key Indicators: Ligand Pharmaceuticals's Financial Health</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization Analysis:</strong> Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.</p>
<p><strong>Positive Revenue Trend:</strong> Examining Ligand Pharmaceuticals's financials over 3M reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of <strong>14.68%</strong> as of 30 June, 2025, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Health Care sector.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> Ligand Pharmaceuticals's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of <strong>10.18%,</strong> the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of <strong>0.6%,</strong> the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> Ligand Pharmaceuticals's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of <strong>0.52%</strong>, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at <strong>0.01</strong>.</p>
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
<p>Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish &#34;analyst ratings&#34; for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.</p>
<p>Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.</p>
<p><strong>Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?</strong></p>
<p>Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. Click here to stay ahead of the market.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>

LGND

<p>Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:LGND) has received mixed ratings from 4 analysts over the past three months, with an average 12-month price target of $182.00, up 17.99% from the previous target. Recent upgrades include "Buy" ratings from Benchmark and HC Wainwright, with price targets raised to $175.00 and $206.00, respectively. The company shows strong financial health with a net margin of 10.18% and a return on equity of 0.6%. Analysts' evaluations reflect their responses to market dynamics and company performance, providing insights into Ligand's market position.</p>

What Analysts Are Saying About Ligand Pharmaceuticals Stock