Verrica Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRCA) Downgraded by Zacks Research to Hold

Verrica Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRCA) was downgraded by stock analysts at Zacks Research from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Brookline Capital Acquisition upgraded shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating and set a $17.00 target price for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 18th. TD Cowen reiterated a “buy” rating on shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals in a research note on Wednesday, January 7th. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Saturday, February 7th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $17.00 price objective on shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $17.00.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Trading Up 5.3%

VRCA opened at $5.98 on Monday. Verrica Pharmaceuticals has a 1-year low of $3.28 and a 1-year high of $9.82. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $6.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $5.86. The stock has a market cap of $95.62 million, a PE ratio of -1.75 and a beta of 1.47.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Verrica Pharmaceuticals

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of VRCA. Affinity Asset Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in Verrica Pharmaceuticals in the 4th quarter worth about $5,878,000. Armistice Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals by 75.1% during the fourth quarter. Armistice Capital LLC now owns 1,118,925 shares of the company’s stock worth $9,298,000 after purchasing an additional 479,732 shares during the period. Velan Capital Investment Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $3,919,000. Boothbay Fund Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Verrica Pharmaceuticals in the third quarter valued at approximately $1,210,000. Finally, Kalehua Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Verrica Pharmaceuticals during the fourth quarter worth approximately $1,959,000. 42.45% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Company Profile

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc is a clinical‐stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of topical therapies for dermatological conditions. Its lead investigational product, VP-102, is a standardized formulation of cantharidin in a pre-measured applicator designed to treat molluscum contagiosum and common warts. Verrica’s approach emphasizes consistency of dosing and patient convenience, aiming to improve upon off‐label use of existing treatments.

Beyond VP-102, Verrica is advancing VP-103, a next‐generation topical candidate intended to optimize tolerability while maintaining efficacy against viral skin lesions.