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olivLaw · US equity research

Arbutus Biopharma Corporation ABUS

Pharmaceutical Preparations · SIC 2834 · Vertical: Pharmaceutical Preparations (SIC 2834)

4.06USD+4.64% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

Arbutus Biopharma is a clinical-stage biopharma focused on infectious disease, developing imdusiran for chronic hepatitis B, a finite treatment that could become an alternative to lifelong therapy. The company received a Moderna settlement payment of $950.0 million and plans a capital return of up to $230 million.

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS) stock was 4.06 USD (+4.64% on the day), with market capitalisation 803.3 m USD, P/E 5.2 on diluted EPS of 0.78 USD over the last 12 months, beta 0.94, 52-week range 3.67–5.22 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q2 2026): revenue of 1.0 m USD (−90.6% YoY), net income of -5.1 m USD (−303.8% YoY), diluted EPS -0.03 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
803.3 m USD
shares as of 10 Aug 2026
P/E (TTM)
5.2
Diluted EPS TTM 0.78 · TTM to 30 Jun 2026
E/P (TTM)
19.22%
TTM to 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
unavailable
Beta (2y)
0.94
Volatility (1y) 47%
52-week range
3.675.22

Price history

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Technical reading

RSI (14)
39.1
weak (30–45)
Bollinger (20, 2)
3.97 – 4.40
in the lower half of the band · %B 0.20 · band width 10.2%
SMA 50 / 200
4.65 / 4.49
mixed trend
MACD (12, 26, 9)
-0.15 / -0.15
MACD below signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month−13.1%−2.0%−11.1 pp—
3 months−12.1%−2.2%−10.0 pp—
6 months−8.1%+4.3%−12.4 pp—
Year to date−15.6%+10.6%−26.2 pp—
1 year−9.8%+10.5%−20.2 pp+4.2%
3 years+111.5%+73.7%+37.8 pp+18.3%
5 years+16.7%+61.7%−45.1 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−25.9%
15 Dec 2025 → 05 Feb 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−63.3%
01 Dec 2021 → 23 Oct 2023
Compound annual growth (5y)
+3.1%
S&P 500 +10.1%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q2 2026 · 30 Jun 2026

Revenue
1.0 m USD
−90.6% YoY
Net income
-5.1 m USD
−303.8% YoY
Diluted EPS
-0.03
−400.0% YoY
net / operating
-507.2% / -588.2%

Quarterly margins

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ3 '24Q4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26
Revenue1.3 m1.6 m1.8 m10.7 m529.0 k1.1 m179.1 m1.0 m
Research & development14.3 m8.8 m9.0 m5.5 m5.8 m5.0 m4.1 m2.9 m
Operating income-21.4 m-13.9 m-25.7 m1.5 m-8.7 m-5.3 m168.9 m-6.0 m
Depreciation & amortisation336.0 k ≈—330.0 k11.0 k ≈11.0 k ≈—11.0 k11.0 k ≈
Interest expense29.0 k30.0 k28.0 k28.0 k23.0 k18.0 k17.0 k18.0 k
Income tax——————00 ≈
Net income-19.7 m-12.5 m-24.5 m2.5 m-7.7 m-3.8 m169.7 m-5.1 m
Diluted EPS-0.10-0.07 ≈-0.130.01-0.04-0.02 ≈0.87-0.03
Operating cash flow-20.7 m ≈-10.3 m-13.4 m-15.7 m ≈-5.8 m ≈-4.7 m-8.1 m-6.0 m ≈
Capex0 ≈86.0 k00 ≈0 ≈0——

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 0 percentile of its own 2-quarter history (min 5.5, median 5.8, max 6.2; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue5.9 m6.0 m6.9 m11.0 m39.0 m18.1 m6.2 m14.1 m
Revenue YoY−44.4%+1.1%+15.0%+58.9%+255.1%−53.5%−66.0%+128.2%
Net income-57.1 m-153.7 m-63.7 m-76.2 m-69.5 m-72.8 m-69.9 m-33.5 m
Net income YoYunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Diluted EPS-1.21unavailable-1.00-0.83-0.46-0.44-0.38-0.17
Diluted EPS YoYunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
net %-959.8%-2,557.4%-922.0%-693.9%-178.0%-401.6%-1,133.0%-237.9%
Free cash flow-69.0 m-71.6 m-51.7 m-68.3 m-35.9 m-86.9 m-65.0 m-39.6 m

Reported results vs expectations

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Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
18.0 m USD
Financial debt
0 USD
Net debt
-18.0 m USD
Equity
76.6 m USD
Total assets
94.6 m USD
Debt / equity
0.00x
Current ratio
15.73x
ROE
-38.5%
ROA
-29.6%
FCF margin
-281.5%

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Margins

Income statement · USD

Revenue
2023
18.1 m
2024
6.2 m
2025
14.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Research & development
2023
73.7 m
2024
54.0 m
2025
25.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Operating income
2023
-78.1 m
2024
-76.3 m
2025
-38.2 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Interest expense
2023
459.0 k
2024
137.0 k
2025
97.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
—
2024
—
2025
—

SEC (XBRL)· 04 Mar 2021verified

Income tax
2023
0
2024
0
2025
0

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Net income
2023
-72.8 m
2024
-69.9 m
2025
-33.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
-0.44
2024
-0.38
2025
-0.17

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Weighted average diluted shares
2023
166.0 m
2024
185.6 m
2025
191.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Cash
2023
26.3 m
2024
36.3 m
2025
18.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Receivables
2023
1.8 m
2024
2.4 m
2025
1.4 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Current assets
2023
132.0 m
2024
127.3 m
2025
94.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Property, plant & equipment, net
2023
4.7 m
2024
3.3 m
2025
32.0 k

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Total assets
2023
144.4 m
2024
131.7 m
2025
94.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Accounts payable
2023
10.3 m
2024
7.6 m
2025
5.5 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Long-term debt
2023
0
2024
0
2025
0

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Current liabilities
2023
22.5 m
2024
15.6 m
2025
6.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Total liabilities
2023
38.4 m
2024
34.3 m
2025
18.0 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Equity
2023
106.0 m †
2024
97.4 m †
2025
76.6 m †

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Operating cash flow
2023
-85.9 m
2024
-64.9 m
2025
-39.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Capex
2023
1.0 m
2024
182.0 k
2025
0

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Free cash flow
2023
-86.9 m ≈
2024
-65.0 m ≈
2025
-39.6 m ≈

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026derived

Investing cash flow
2023
50.8 m
2024
22.9 m
2025
15.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Financing cash flow
2023
30.6 m
2024
52.0 m
2025
5.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 23 Mar 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
128.2%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Revenue CAGR 3Y
-28.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Revenue CAGR 5Y
15.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EBIT growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income CAGR 3Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
Net income CAGR 5Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
EPS growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
EPS CAGR 3Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
EPS CAGR 5Y
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
FCF growth (YoY)
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive

Profitability

Gross margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBITDA margin
unavailable
input data missing
EBIT margin
82.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Net margin
84.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
FCF margin
-13.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Returns

ROE
89.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROA
81.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROIC
87.8%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROCE
55.0%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
unavailable
input data missing
Payout ratio (FCF)
unavailable
input data missing

Balance sheet

Net debt
-19.2 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Net debt / EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
Debt / equity
0.0x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Interest coverage
1,960.5x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Liquidity

Current ratio
81.4x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Quick ratio
unavailable
input data missing
Cash ratio
5.7x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026

Cash

Operating cash flow
-24.6 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Capital expenditure
0 USD
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Free cash flow
-24.6 m USD
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
FCF conversion
-16.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Cash conversion
unavailable
input data missing

Efficiency

Days sales outstanding
1 days
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Days inventory outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Days payables outstanding
unavailable
input data missing
Cash conversion cycle
unavailable
input data missing

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
803.3 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Enterprise value
784.1 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Market cap / net income TTM
5.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
5.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Earnings yield
19.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
3.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/S
4.4x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
EV/EBIT
5.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/Sales
4.3x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/FCF
unavailable
the base of the ratio is not positive
FCF yield
-3.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
unavailable
no dividend in the structured statements; a missing line is not a confirmed zero
Shareholder yield (distributions)
unavailable
input data missing

1 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Neutral profile

Score: 62 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

Closing price

4.06 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 803.3 m USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
803.3 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
5.2x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
3.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
EV/EBITDA
unavailable
input data missing
ROE
89.6%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Net margin
84.2%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Revenue growth (YoY)
128.2%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Dividend yield
unavailable
no dividend in the structured statements; a missing line is not a confirmed zero

Coverage and freshness

24/37 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 30 Jun 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 30 Jun 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 10 Aug 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 12 Aug 2026
verified 1691derived 110

Score by group

  • Balance sheet100
  • Growth0
  • Valuation56
  • Quality72

Estimated value range

Low
10.67
USD per share
Mid
16.79
USD per share
High
29.91
USD per share
Price: 4.06 USD
The price is below the range
Potential to the central value: 313.4% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: 75.8% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: single method · 1 methods used · 1 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 10.67 – 29.91 USD.

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • DCF (discounted cash flow)unavailable · the base of the ratio is not positive
  • Peers: EV/EBITDAunavailable · input data missing
  • Peers: P/E10.67 – 29.91 (Mid 16.79)
    16 companies used · median multiple 21.5x · quartiles 13.7x – 38.3x
    ABBV, ABT, ALNY, BMY, COLL, HRMY, JNJ, KMDA, LLY, OMER, PFE, REGN, RPRX, UTHR, VRTX, ZTS
  • Dividend discount (DDM)unavailable · the company pays no dividend: a dividend model needs an explicit initiation assumption
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Pharmaceutical Preparations (SIC 2834)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Neutral profile · Score 62/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROIC · Quality87.8%100 (vs peers)17%
Net margin · Quality84.2%97 (vs peers)10%
FCF conversion · Quality-16.1%0 (on a fixed band)10%
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growth-28.8%0 (on a fixed band)14%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growthunavailableunavailable—
Net debt / EBITDA · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Interest coverage · Balance sheet1,960.5x100 (on a fixed band)10%
Current ratio · Balance sheet81.4x100 (on a fixed band)7%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation5.2x100 (vs peers)17%
EV/EBITDA · Valuationunavailableunavailable—
FCF yield · Valuation-3.1%0 (on a fixed band)14%
Shareholder yield (distributions) · Returnsunavailableunavailable—
Payout ratio (FCF) · Returnsunavailableunavailable—

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet100/100 · 2/3 factors with a value
  • Growth· partial0/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
  • Quality72/100 · 3/3 factors with a value
  • Returns· partialunavailable · 0/2 factors with a value
  • Valuation56/100 · 2/3 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

Arbutus Biopharma Corp (ABUS). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-06-30.

Figures computed from the financial statements: revenue 14.1 m USD in 2025; YoY growth 128.2%; net margin 84.2%; ROE 89.6%.

The estimated value range is 10.67–29.91 USD per share (median of 1 methods, agreement: single method); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 16.79 USD, the price of 4.06 USD leaves a potential of 313.4% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of 75.8% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 62/100, methodological classification: neutral profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Groups assessed only in part: growth, returns. Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

  • ROIC: 87.8%
  • Net margin: 84.2%
  • Interest coverage: 1,960.5x
  • Current ratio: 81.4x
  • P/E (TTM): 5.2x
  • The price is below the estimated value range

What contradicts it

  • FCF conversion: -16.1%
  • Revenue CAGR 3Y: -28.8%
  • FCF yield: -3.1%

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): EPS CAGR 3Y, Net debt / EBITDA, EV/EBITDA, Shareholder yield (distributions), Payout ratio (FCF).

Versus the vertical median

Pharmaceutical Preparations (SIC 2834) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 39 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
5.2x
vertical median 32.4x
below median (−83.9%)
EV/EBITDA
—
vertical median 20.2x
P/S
4.4x
vertical median 5.4x
below median (−17.6%)
P/B
3.1x
vertical median 4.0x
below median (−23.0%)
ROE
89.6%
vertical median -6.2%
above median
Net margin
84.2%
vertical median 10.7%
above median (+687.3%)
EBIT margin
82.0%
vertical median 10.2%
above median (+701.0%)
Revenue YoY
128.2%
vertical median 5.4%
above median (+2,289.3%)
Net debt/EBITDA
—
vertical median -0.2x
Dividend yield
—
vertical median 2.3%

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
LLYEli Lilly And Company1,325.9 bn45.786.1%31.9%+44.7%+31% / +138%
JNJJohnson & Johnson640.8 bn40.420.0%16.2%+6.0%+29% / +72%
ONCBeone Medicines Ltd.524.7 bn817.514.7%10.7%+40.2%+4% / +90%
ABBVAbbVie Inc.505.5 bn49.2—15.7%+8.6%+26% / +101%
MRKMerck & Co., Inc.356.9 bn115.67.0%4.8%+1.3%+38% / +41%
ABTAbbott Laboratories190.6 bn30.612.4%13.9%+5.7%−15% / +5%
PFEPfizer Inc171.0 bn42.74.4%6.3%−1.6%+17% / −2%
VRTXVertex Pharmaceuticals Inc134.6 bn34.220.8%30.7%+8.9%+22% / +50%
BMYBristol-Myers Squibb Company126.1 bn13.744.1%18.5%−0.2%+25% / +25%
TEVATeva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited48.9 bn97.66.6%3.6%+4.3%+56% / +327%
ZTSZoetis Inc.34.3 bn13.764.4%27.5%+2.3%−35% / −53%
ROIVRoivant Sciences Ltd.26.0 bn—-6.2%-3,535.0%−71.6%+73% / +277%
UTHRUnited Therapeutics Corporation25.8 bn21.519.3%41.6%+10.6%+24% / +151%
RPRXRoyalty Pharma plc25.8 bn37.68.5%32.1%+5.1%+66% / +145%
INSMInsmed Inc22.9 bn—-72.5%-39.9%+66.7%−50% / +317%
VTRSViatris Inc.21.7 bn—-23.6%-23.9%−3.0%+77% / +106%
ALNYAlnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.21.4 bn8.1126.6%52.8%+65.2%−65% / −5%
ORKAOruka Therapeutics, Inc.6.7 bn—-18.2%—unavailable+237% / +364%
HRMYHarmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc.2.0 bn11.120.5%18.9%+21.5%−2% / +18%
OMEROmeros Corp1.3 bn10.5——−34.0%+88% / +730%
VSTMVerastem, Inc.892.0 m—-471.2%-231.6%+209.1%−7% / +43%
ABUSArbutus Biopharma Corp803.3 m5.289.6%84.2%+128.2%−10% / +111%
COLLCollegium Pharmaceutical, Inc.770.6 m19.117.6%5.9%+23.6%−49% / −8%
IBOImpact BioMedical, INC.442.1 m560.3371.3%2,254.3%unavailable−27% / unavailable
KMDAKamada Ltd428.0 m21.27.6%11.2%+12.1%+11% / +57%

1- and 3-year price returns: for ABUS from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Illustrative: not forecasts and without probabilities. Each case is one coherent set of assumptions, computed on today's figures.

Bear
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Base
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Bull
Allowed range: -50 … 50%
Allowed range: -100 … 100%
Allowed range: 0 … 100
Allowed range: -10 … 20%
Allowed range: 0 … 100%
Nothing is saved.

Estimated price (USD)

Estimated priceBearBaseBull
1 years
2.15
Total return -47% · Per year -47%
3.82
Total return -6% · Per year -6%
5.78
Total return 42% · Per year 42%
3 years
1.71
Total return -58% · Per year -25%
3.45
Total return -15% · Per year -5%
5.78
Total return 42% · Per year 13%
5 years
1.36
Total return -67% · Per year -20%
3.11
Total return -23% · Per year -5%
5.78
Total return 42% · Per year 7%
What moves the 3-year price the most
  • Exit P/E± 0.86
  • Net margin± 0.60
  • Annual revenue growth± 0.55
  • Annual dilution± 0.05

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

In brief

Arbutus Biopharma is a clinical-stage biopharma focused on infectious disease, developing imdusiran for chronic hepatitis B, a finite treatment that could become an alternative to lifelong therapy. The company received a Moderna settlement payment of $950.0 million 1 and plans a capital return of up to $230 million 3.

SWOT

Strengths

  • The company holds a valuable LNP patent portfolio and has already received a settlement payment, which strengthens its financial position 23.
  • Imdusiran has achieved functional cure in several patients and holds Fast Track designation 3.
  • Costs were cut significantly through restructuring, which could extend financial runway 1.

Weaknesses

  • The company has no product revenue and has recorded losses in nearly every year since inception 1.
  • Internal cash is limited relative to development needs, so development depends on outside funding 1.
  • The Phase 2a patient numbers are small and results are not yet broadly validated 1.

Opportunities

  • A finite treatment for chronic hepatitis B could open a large unmet market 1.
  • If Moderna's appeal fails, the contingent payment could bring significant additional resources 12.
  • Strategic partnerships for the cHBV programmes could accelerate development 1.

Threats

  • Litigation outcomes are uncertain and can take years, and a loss could reduce the value of the patents 1.
  • Competition from large pharmaceutical companies and existing therapies could limit adoption 1.
  • If raising capital proves difficult, the company could be forced to cut programmes or sell assets 1.

Risks

  • Contingent Moderna paymenthigh

    The contingent payment may not be received in full or at all, and amounts already received may have to be returned if the outcome is reversed 1.

  • Patent litigationhigh

    Suits against Pfizer/BioNTech and the United States have uncertain outcomes and high long-term costs 1.

  • Clinical developmenthigh

    The company has no approved treatment, and a Phase 2b study could fail or require further data 13.

  • Financing and dilutionmedium

    If capital cannot be raised on acceptable terms, programmes could be scaled back and share issuance could dilute shareholders 1.

  • Capital returnmedium

    The planned capital return could reduce resources for development and is not assured to occur in Q3 2026 3.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • If the Moderna payment and Genevant dividend are confirmed, the company could have solid resources for the imdusiran programme and a capital return 23.
  • Fast Track designation and FDA alignment could accelerate a finite treatment for chronic hepatitis B 3.
  • A strong LNP patent portfolio could generate further licensing and litigation income 1.

What would break the thesis

  • The company has no product revenue and could keep recording losses if development takes longer than planned 1.
  • The Moderna contingent payment is uncertain, and if the appeal fails, the expected income could disappear 12.
  • Clinical results rest on small patient groups, and a Phase 2b study could fail to confirm the observed effects 13.

What to watch

  • Moderna contingent payment and the §1498 appeal ruling2027
  • Completion of the capital return to shareholdersQ3 2026
  • Start of the imdusiran Phase 2b trial2027
  • Outcomes of the Pfizer/BioNTech litigationnext 10-K

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

The business

In 2025 the company cut costs sharply through workforce reductions and an end to in-house research, and exited its Warminster headquarters; in Q2 2026 it reported revenue of $1.0 million and a net loss of $5.1 million 3. Cash, equivalents and marketable securities were $92.6 million at June 30, 2026 3. In July 2026 it received $178.4 million from the Moderna payment 3.

The FDA granted imdusiran Fast Track designation in April 2026 and in May 2026 the company reached alignment with the FDA on a Phase 2b design 3. Ten patients have achieved functional cure to date, and in July 2026 three international lawsuits were filed against Pfizer/BioNTech 3.

Segments

LNP technology and licences

The LNP technology, exclusively licensed to Genevant, generates income from litigation, the Moderna payment and the Genevant dividend, separate from clinical research 12.

Market context

The World Health Organization estimates that over 250 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis B, and about 1.1 million die each year from complications 1. Only a small share of patients are diagnosed and treated, which makes the market attractive for a finite cure 1.

Current treatments, interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, rarely lead to functional cure, and most patients must take daily therapy for life 1. A finite curative regimen could raise diagnosis and treatment rates, but clinical validation remains necessary 1.

Trends

  • Moderna settlementtailwind

    The $950.0 million payment and the potential $1.3 billion contingent payment could fund the company and a capital return 13.

  • LNP patent litigationmixed

    Suits against Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna's limited appeal can take long and have uncertain outcomes, which could hurt liquidity if payments are delayed 12.

  • Regulatory supporttailwind

    Fast Track designation and FDA alignment on a Phase 2b study could speed imdusiran development 3.

  • Dilution and financing riskheadwind

    The company has no product sales and could need additional capital, which could dilute existing shareholders 1.

Competitive position

The company competes with existing chronic hepatitis B therapies, interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, which are the standard of care and well established 1. A new finite treatment would need to show a clear advantage to win share 1.

In LNP technology the company faces large mRNA vaccine makers with greater financial resources, which defend their positions through litigation 12.

  • Alnylam PharmaceuticalsALNY

    Licensee of the LNP technology and royalty payer for ONPATTRO 1.

  • ModernaMRNA

    Party to the LNP litigation that reached a settlement with the company 1.

  • Pfizer and BioNTechPFE

    Sued over use of the LNP technology in mRNA vaccines 13.

News & filings

In the press

No news in our archive over the last 180 days.

SEC filings

  • Current report22 Oct 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report21 Aug 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report12 Aug 2026
  • Current report12 Aug 2026
    Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report16 Jul 2026
    Termination of a material agreement · Departure or appointment of officers · Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report27 May 2026
    Departure or appointment of officers · Shareholder vote · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Quarterly report13 May 2026
  • Current report13 May 2026
    Results of operations · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Current report15 Apr 2026
    Other events · Financial statements and exhibits
  • Proxy statement14 Apr 2026

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / Arbutus Biopharma Corporation · 23 Mar 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / Arbutus Biopharma Corporation · 12 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / Arbutus Biopharma Corporation · 12 Aug 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.