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As of September 16, 2026, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IONS) trades at $47.25. CleaRank Financial AI rates it Sell with a fair value of $47.25, in line with the current price. Wall Street's consensus target is $85.00 across 24 analysts. RSI at 8 is in oversold territory, and the price is below its 50-day average of $57.95.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IONS)
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. NASDAQ
$47.25
-4.190 (-8.15%)
At close: Sep 15, 4:00 PM EDT
AI Analyst Consensus
21 / 100
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IONS) is currently trading at $47.25, well below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($57.95 and $72.74), indicating a strong downtrend. The company's revenue growth has declined by 40.7%, and it reported a net loss of $3.48 per share in its most recent fiscal year. Despite these headwinds, Wall Street analysts maintain a consensus 'Buy' rating with a median price target of $85.00, suggesting significant upside potential from current levels. However, a critical factor to consider is the heavy insider selling, with over $190 million in sales versus only $1.5 million in purchases, signaling a lack of confidence from management. This insider activity, coupled with significantly oversold technical indicators, presents a significant risk to the stock's near-term performance.
IONS Price Analysis
Market Metrics
Open
$51.37
Day Range
$46.72 to $51.37
Prev Close
$51.44
Volume
6.81M
52-Week Range
$46.72 to $86.74
Market Cap
$7.85B
Peer Benchmarking
Valuation vs Sector (Healthcare)
Performance vs XLV
Sector Position Analysis
On price-to-sales, the yardstick used here in place of P/E, IONS trades at 9.78x, +164% versus the sector average of 3.70x.
IONS Financial Performance
Revenue vs. Earnings
Annual
Quarterly
Earnings Reality Check
Analysis: In the last 2 quarters, IONS beat estimates 2 times. However, the stock fell 2 times the next day. This suggests positive news is often "priced in" or investors are selling the news.
IONS Analysis
Company's Health
2/5
AI Technical Analysis
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) is trading significantly below its key moving averages, with its price below the 50-day SMA of $57.95 and the 200-day SMA of $72.74, confirming a bearish trend. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at an extremely oversold level of 7.54, suggesting a potential for a short-term bounce, but the overall momentum remains weak as indicated by the MACD at -2.02. Volume has been elevated, with the latest volume at 6.81 million, 66.3% above average, indicating strong selling pressure. The current price action and significantly oversold conditions suggest that while a technical rebound is possible, the underlying trend remains bearish without a clear break above key resistance levels.
ProTips
- Given the heavy insider selling exceeding $190 million, investors should closely monitor any further dispositions and management commentary for insights into the company's strategic direction and confidence.
- The stock is trading at extremely oversold levels (RSI 7.54), suggesting a potential for a short-term technical bounce. However, this should be viewed with caution given the strong bearish trend and fundamental challenges.
- With a high price-to-sales ratio of 9.78 compared to the sector median of 3.7, investors should ensure that future revenue growth significantly outpaces current projections to justify the valuation.
Key Catalysts
Bullish
Strong Revenue Growth Projections for Next Year
Analysts forecast revenue growth of 51.00% for next year, which, if achieved, could significantly improve the company's valuation and profitability metrics.
Source: Wall Street EstimatesBullish
Positive Earnings Surprise in Recent Quarters
Ionis Pharmaceuticals beat EPS estimates in its most recent reported quarters, indicating operational improvements or successful cost management.
Source: Earnings ReportsBearish
Heavy Insider Selling Pressure
Insiders have sold over $190 million worth of stock versus only $1.5 million in purchases, signaling a strong lack of confidence from management and potentially indicating future headwinds.
Source: Insider TransactionsBearish
significantly Oversold Technical Conditions
The stock's RSI is at an extremely low 7.54, and it is trading significantly below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($57.95 and $72.74), indicating strong bearish momentum and potential for further downside.
Source: Technical AnalysisMarket Outlook
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) faces a challenging outlook despite positive analyst sentiment and projected revenue growth. The current price of $47.25 is significantly below the median analyst target price of $85.00, suggesting substantial recovery potential if the company can execute on its growth strategy and address profitability concerns. The projected revenue growth of 51.00% for next year is a key factor that could drive a turnaround. However, the persistent heavy insider selling and significantly oversold technical conditions present immediate headwinds that could delay or derail any recovery, making the near-term trajectory uncertain.
Key Statistics
| Market Cap | 7.85B |
|---|---|
| P/E Ratio | N/A (Negative EPS) |
| EPS (TTM) | -3.48 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% |
| 52 Week High | 86.74 |
| 52 Week Low | 46.72 |
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) exhibits a concerning fundamental picture, with a negative EPS of -$3.48 and a net profit margin of -64.66%, indicating significant losses. The company's price-to-sales ratio stands at 9.78, which is considerably higher than the sector median of 3.7, suggesting the stock is overvalued relative to its sales. While the company's debt-to-equity ratio of 4.98 is high, it is within the context of the sector's average. The negative return on equity of -105.50% further confirms profitability challenges. Despite the weak fundamentals, Wall Street's revenue estimates show a projected 51.00% growth for next year, which, if realized, could begin to improve the valuation metrics.
Earnings & Growth Analysis
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) has shown mixed results in its recent earnings reports. In the quarter to March 2026, the company reported an EPS of -$0.30, beating the estimate of -$0.77 by 61.04%, though the stock price declined by 0.09%. Prior to that, in the quarter to March 2026, EPS was $0.65 against an estimate of $0.42, a 54.76% surprise, but the stock fell 0.91%. This pattern of earnings beats not translating into positive stock performance, coupled with the overall negative EPS trend, suggests that market sentiment is heavily influenced by factors beyond short-term earnings beats.
Key Risks
The primary risk for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) is the significant insider selling, with over $190 million in dispositions versus minimal purchases, indicating a lack of management confidence. Technically, the stock is significantly oversold with its price far below key moving averages, suggesting continued downward pressure despite potential short-term bounces. Also, the company's current valuation appears stretched relative to its sales and profitability, with a high price-to-sales ratio and negative profit margins, presenting a fundamental risk if revenue growth projections are not met.
Technical Indicators
| RSI (14) | 7.54 |
|---|---|
| MACD | -2.02 |
| SMA 50 | 57.95 |
| SMA 200 | 72.74 |
RSI
Oversold
SMA Cross
Bearish
Price vs SMA
Bearish
MACD
Bearish
Moving averages show a lagging Death Cross (50-day: $57.95, 200-day: $72.74), price is trading below the 50-day SMA, RSI at 7.5 suggests oversold conditions; potential bounce setup.
Market Correlations
How this stock moves relative to other assets
Based on 1 year of daily price data. Correlations may vary over different time periods.
S&P 500 (SPY)
+0.23
Weak correlation
Nasdaq 100 (QQQ)
+0.19
Weak correlation
Bitcoin (BTC)
-0.02
Weak correlation
Gold (XAU)
+0.12
Weak correlation
Check Custom Correlation
How does any other asset move with IONS? One year of daily closes, Pearson correlation.
Try
IONS Trade Plans
Specific entry, exit, and risk management levels
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative
2%
Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: Enter portfolio size →
Short entry pick an entry style
Conservative
$48.20
2% above current price
Lower risk, wait for rally
Aggressive
$47.25
Short at current price
Higher risk, chasing the move
Risk Management
STOP LOSS
$56.11
MAX LOSS
-16.4%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on RSI (7.5) and current market volatility
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative Entry)
TARGET 1
$45.79
-5% (Conservative)
-3.1% (Aggressive)
TARGET 2
$43.38
-10% (Conservative)
-8.2% (Aggressive)
TARGET 3
$40.97
-15% (Conservative)
-13.3% (Aggressive)
Consider scaling out: Take 50% profit at Target 1, 30% at Target 2, let 20% run to Target 3
Calculate Your Trade
Disclaimer
This AI-generated trade plan for IONS is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The analysis is based on historical data patterns and technical indicators which may not predict future results. Stock trading involves risk of loss. Verify all data independently and consult a qualified financial advisor. Generated on September 16, 2026.Growth of $10,000
A $10,000 investment in IONS in September 2016 would be worth about $14,882 today, compared with about $35,497 for the same investment in the S&P 500 benchmark.
Compare with Another Ticker
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
CleaRank's 10-year Monte Carlo simulation projects that a $10,000 investment in IONS today could grow to about $17,075 by 2036 in the base case, with a bull case near $108,982 and a bear case around $2,675. Projections are statistical simulations, not guarantees.
IONS Stock Price Prediction: 2030
CleaRank's simulation projects a price near $58.53 for IONS by 2030 in the base case, from $47.25 today (1.2x over 4 years). The downside path ends near $18.12. These are outcomes of a Monte Carlo simulation run on IONS's historical return distribution, not price targets, and they assume no dividends are reinvested.
| Year | Downside (10th pct) | Base case | Upside (90th pct) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $27.74 | $49.85 | $89.58 |
| 2028 | $22.95 | $52.59 | $120 |
| 2029 | $20.10 | $55.48 | $153 |
| 2030 | $18.12 | $58.53 | $189 |
| 2031 | $16.65 | $61.74 | $229 |
| 2032 | $15.50 | $65.14 | $274 |
| 2033 | $14.57 | $68.72 | $324 |
| 2034 | $13.81 | $72.49 | $380 |
| 2035 | $13.18 | $76.48 | $444 |
| 2036 | $12.64 | $80.68 | $515 |
Method: 10,000 simulated price paths using IONS's historical volatility and drift, re-run daily. The base case is the median path; the two outer columns are the 10th and 90th percentile outcomes, which widen with time because uncertainty compounds. Simulations are not guarantees, and past volatility does not predict future returns. This is analysis, not investment advice.
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IONS Insider Trading Analysis
Bought
$1.5M
2 Transactions
Sold
$190.1M
110 Transactions
Insiders
21
Active Traders
Avg Transaction
$1.7M
Large trades
| Date | Insider | Type | Shares | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 17, 2026 | HOUGEN ELIZABETH L
Chief Financial Officer
|
Sell | 225.2K | $16.3M |
| Sep 3, 2025 | MONIA BRETT P
Chief Executive Officer
|
Sell | 203.8K | $12.3M |
| Mar 10, 2026 | MONIA BRETT P
Chief Executive Officer
|
Sell | 160.8K | $12.1M |
| Feb 2, 2026 | BENNETT C FRANK
Officer
|
Sell | 85.1K | $7.1M |
| Nov 3, 2025 | GEARY RICHARD S
Officer
|
Sell | 90.9K | $6.8M |
| Jun 26, 2026 | MONIA BRETT P
Chief Executive Officer
|
Sell | 85.6K | $6.8M |
| Mar 3, 2026 | BENNETT C FRANK
Officer
|
Sell | 85.1K | $6.7M |
| Dec 28, 2023 | PARSHALL B LYNNE
Director
|
Sell | 117.6K | $5.9M |
| May 4, 2026 | LOSCALZO JOSEPH
Director
|
Sell | 77.3K | $5.8M |
| Sep 3, 2025 | O'NEIL PATRICK R
General Counsel
|
Sell | 89.9K | $5.4M |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) stock a buy right now?
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) is currently trading at $47.25. While Wall Street analysts have a consensus 'Buy' rating and a median price target of $85.00, significant insider selling and significantly oversold technical conditions present considerable risks. The stock's current price is far below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages ($57.95 and $72.74), and its RSI is at an extremely low 7.54.
What is the outlook for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) stock?
The outlook for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) is mixed. Analysts project strong revenue growth of 51.00% for next year, which could improve its valuation. However, persistent insider selling and negative profitability metrics pose significant challenges to achieving this growth and reversing the current bearish trend.
What are the key risks facing Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS)?
The primary risks for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) include heavy insider selling totaling over $190 million, significantly oversold technical indicators, and a high price-to-sales ratio of 9.78 compared to the sector median of 3.7. The company also continues to report negative EPS and profit margins.
How does Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) compare to its sector peers?
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) operates in the Healthcare sector, with a price-to-sales ratio of 9.78, significantly higher than the sector median of 3.7. Its revenue growth is negative at -40.7%, contrasting with the sector median of 8.1%. The company's return on equity is also significantly negative at -105.50%, while the sector median is 6.9%.
What is Ionis Pharmaceuticals' (IONS) stock price forecast for 2030?
Based on Monte Carlo simulations, Ionis Pharmaceuticals' (IONS) stock price forecast for 2030 shows a base case of $58.53, a downside of $18.12, and an upside of $189. These are statistical outcomes, not guaranteed price targets.
What is the consensus analyst rating for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS)?
The consensus analyst rating for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) is 'Buy', with 24 analysts covering the stock. Nine rate it 'Strong Buy', ten rate it 'Buy', and five rate it 'Hold'. The median price target is $85.00, implying an upside of 79.9% from the current price.
What recent news impacts Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS)?
Recent earnings reports for Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) have shown EPS beats in the first quarter of 2026, but these positive results have not translated into stock price gains, indicating broader market concerns may be overshadowing individual earnings performance.